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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2017.

Registration No. 333-[ ]

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

 

 

England and Wales   2111   98-0207762

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Paul McCrory,

Company Secretary

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London WC2R 2PG

United Kingdom

+44 (0) 20 7845 1000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Puglisi & Associates

850 Library Avenue

Suite 204

Newark, DE 19711

(302) 738-6680

Attention: Service of Process Department

(Name, address, including zip code and telephone number including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copy to:

 

Philip A. Gelston, Esq.

Alyssa K. Caples, Esq.

David J. Perkins, Esq.

Ting S. Chen, Esq.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

Worldwide Plaza

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, New York 10019

(212) 474-1000

 

McDara P. Folan, III, Esq.

Senior Vice President,

Deputy General Counsel and Secretary

Reynolds American Inc.

401 North Main Street

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

(336) 741-2000

 

Randi C. Lesnick, Esq.

Timothy J. Melton, Esq.

Jones Day

250 Vesey Street

New York, New York 10281

(212) 326-3939

   Michael J. Aiello, Esq.

Matthew J. Gilroy, Esq.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

767 Fifth Avenue

New York, New York 10153

(212) 310-8000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As promptly as practicable after the date this Registration Statement becomes effective and upon the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions to completion of the transactions described herein.

 

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

 

 

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)  ☐

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)  ☐

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of

securities to be registered

  Amount
to be
registered
  Proposed
maximum
offering price
per share
  Proposed
maximum
aggregate
offering price
  Amount of
registration fee

BAT ordinary shares, nominal value 25 pence per share (1)(2)

  435,735,236 (3)   Not applicable   $53,700,640,078 (4)   $3,397,344.38 (5)

 

 

(1) Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of additional ordinary shares, nominal value 25 pence per share (“BAT ordinary shares”), of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (“BAT”) as may be issuable as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(2) The BAT ordinary shares will initially be represented by American depositary shares, each of which represents one ordinary share of the Registrant and may be represented by American depositary receipts (“BAT ADSs”). The BAT ADSs have been or will be registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6.
(3) Represents the maximum number of the BAT ordinary shares estimated to be issued in connection with the merger described in the enclosed proxy statement/prospectus.
(4) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee required by Section 6(b) of the Securities Act and computed pursuant to Rule 457(f)(1) and (f)(3) and 457(c) of the Securities Act. The market value of shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“RAI common stock”), of Reynolds American Inc. (“RAI”) (the securities to be canceled in connection with the merger) was calculated as (1) the product of (a) 828,393,985 shares of RAI common stock (being the maximum possible number of shares of RAI common stock that may be canceled and exchanged in the merger, including the total number of shares of RAI common stock issuable under outstanding RAI equity awards that are expected to be settled for BAT ADSs in connection with the merger) and (b) $64.825, the average of the high and low prices per share of RAI common stock, as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on May 5, 2017, minus (2) $24,387,918,918, the estimated aggregate amount of cash to be paid by the Registrant in exchange for such maximum possible number of shares of RAI common stock.
(5) Calculated at a rate equal to $115.90 per $1,000,000 multiplied by the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this proxy statement/prospectus is subject to completion and amendment. The registration statement relating to the securities described in this proxy statement/prospectus has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This proxy statement/prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

 

PRELIMINARY—SUBJECT TO COMPLETION—DATED MAY 12, 2017

 

LOGO

[●], 2017

MERGER PROPOSAL—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Dear Reynolds American Inc. Shareholders:

British American Tobacco p.l.c., referred to as BAT, and Reynolds American Inc., referred to as RAI, have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017, as it and the plan of merger contained therein may be amended from time to time, referred to as the merger agreement, under which an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT will be merged with and into RAI, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as the merger. If the merger is completed, RAI shareholders (other than BAT and its subsidiaries and excluded holders, as defined in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus) will receive, in exchange for each share of RAI common stock owned immediately prior to the merger, (1) a number of BAT American Depositary Shares, referred to as BAT ADSs, representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest, collectively referred to as the merger consideration. Based on the number of shares of RAI common stock outstanding as of May 5, 2017, the number of BAT ordinary shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) as of May 9, 2017 and the total number of shares of RAI common stock issuable under outstanding RAI equity awards that are expected to be settled for BAT ADSs in connection with the merger, former RAI shareholders (other than BAT and its subsidiaries) will own approximately 19% of BAT’s share capital. The currently outstanding BAT ADSs have unlisted trading privileges on the New York Stock Exchange MKT, referred to as the NYSE MKT, where they trade under the trading symbol “BTI” (but, at or prior to the completion of the merger, all BAT ADSs will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, referred to as the NYSE, for trading under the symbol “BTI”), and the shares of RAI common stock are currently listed on the NYSE, under the trading symbol “RAI.”

RAI will hold a special meeting of its shareholders to vote on certain matters in connection with the merger. Attendance at the special meeting will be limited as more fully described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. Admittance tickets will be required for the special meeting.

RAI shareholders are cordially invited to attend the special meeting of RAI shareholders. The special meeting will be held at [●] (Eastern Time), on [●], 2017, in the Reynolds American Plaza Building Auditorium at RAI’s corporate offices, 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101. At the special meeting, RAI shareholders will be asked to vote on the approval of the merger agreement, including the plan of merger contained therein. In addition, RAI shareholders will be asked to vote on the approval of, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation payments that will or may be paid by RAI or BAT to RAI’s named executive officers and that are based on or otherwise relate to the merger and the agreements and understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, referred to as the transaction-related named executive officer compensation, and to vote on the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

The exchange of the merger consideration for RAI common stock in the merger generally will be a taxable transaction to U.S. holders (as defined in “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and may also be taxable under state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws. We encourage RAI shareholders to carefully review the information under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ” beginning on page [●] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for a description of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger.

BAT currently holds approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as B&W, and Louisville Securities Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as Louisville. Under the SEC rules governing “going private” transactions, each of BAT, Louisville, B&W, BATUS Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, and Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, may be deemed to be an affiliate of RAI for purposes of such rules. However, BAT does not believe it controls RAI, for purposes of North Carolina corporate law or otherwise.

We cannot complete the merger without the approval of the merger agreement by RAI shareholders, including approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting that are not owned by BAT or its subsidiaries or RAI’s subsidiaries. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote. It is important that your shares of RAI common stock be represented and voted regardless of the size of your holdings. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, we urge you to submit a proxy to have your shares of RAI common stock voted in advance of the special meeting by using one of the methods described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI, BAT and B&W are parties to a governance agreement pursuant to which entry into the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, requires the approval of a majority of the independent directors of RAI other than directors designated for nomination by B&W. In furtherance of this requirement, on October 28, 2016, the RAI board of directors appointed a transaction committee, consisting of all of the independent directors of RAI at that time other than directors designated for nomination by B&W, referred to as the Transaction Committee, to review and evaluate the merger and RAI’s other available strategic alternatives. Following extensive arm’s-length negotiations with BAT, the Transaction Committee unanimously approved, adopted and authorized the merger agreement and determined that the merger is fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates) and recommended that the RAI board of directors approve, adopt and authorize the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby.

The RAI board of directors recommends that RAI shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the merger agreement, “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “FOR” the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus provides important information regarding the special meeting and a detailed description of the merger agreement, the merger and the matters to be presented at the special meeting. We urge you to read the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including all documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, and its annexes carefully and in their entirety. Please pay particular attention to “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page [ ] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

We hope to see you at the special meeting and look forward to the successful completion of the merger.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 
  Susan M. Cameron  
  Chairman of the Board  
 

Reynolds American Inc.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the merger or the securities to be issued in connection with the merger as described in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, passed upon the merits or fairness of the merger or determined that the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus is dated [●], 2017, and is first being mailed to RAI shareholders on or about [●], 2017.


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LOGO

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

401 North Main Street

P.O. Box 2990

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990

 

 

Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders

To Be Held on [ ], 2017

 

 

[●], 2017

To the shareholders of Reynolds American Inc.:

A special meeting of shareholders of Reynolds American Inc., a North Carolina corporation, referred to as RAI, will be held at [●] (Eastern Time), on [●], 2017, in the Reynolds American Plaza Building Auditorium at RAI’s corporate offices, 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101. At the special meeting, shareholders will be asked to take action:

 

    to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017, as it and the plan of merger contained therein may be amended from time to time, referred to as the merger agreement (a copy of which is attached as Annex A to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus), by and among RAI, British American Tobacco p.l.c., a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, referred to as BAT, BATUS Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, and Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as Merger Sub, pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into RAI, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, which transaction is referred to as the merger;

 

    to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation payments that will or may be paid by RAI or BAT to RAI’s named executive officers and that are based on or otherwise relate to the merger and the agreements and understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable, referred to as the transaction-related named executive officer compensation; and

 

    to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

RAI will transact no other business at the special meeting except such business as may properly be brought before the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please refer to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for further information with respect to the business to be transacted at the special meeting.

The RAI board of directors has fixed 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017 as the record date for the special meeting, referred to as the RAI record date. Only holders of RAI common stock as of the RAI record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Attendance at the special meeting will be limited to holders of RAI common stock as of the RAI record date and to pre-approved guests of RAI, as more fully described under “ Special Meeting—Date, Time and Location ” beginning on page [●] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. You may confirm receipt of your pre-registration request by calling (336) 741-1657. Admittance tickets will be required. If you are a holder of RAI common stock and plan to attend, you MUST pre-register for the special meeting and request an admittance


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ticket no later than [●], 2017, by writing to the Office of the Secretary, Reynolds American Inc., P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990. If your shares of RAI common stock are not registered in your own name, evidence of your stock ownership as of [●], 2017, must accompany your letter. You can obtain this evidence from your broker, bank, trust company or other nominee or intermediary, referred to as a nominee or intermediary, typically in the form of your most recent monthly statement. An admittance ticket will be held in your name at the registration desk, not mailed to you in advance of the special meeting. Proper identification will be required to obtain your admittance ticket at the special meeting.

We anticipate that a large number of shareholders may attend the special meeting. Seating is limited, so we suggest that you arrive early. The auditorium will open at [●] (Eastern Time).

Under North Carolina law, approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote. In addition, pursuant to a provision of the merger agreement that cannot be waived, approval of the merger agreement also requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting that are not owned by BAT or any of its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the BAT Group, or any of RAI’s subsidiaries. The approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation, and the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement, require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting on such proposal at the special meeting.

Under North Carolina law, holders of shares of RAI common stock on the RAI record date are entitled to statutory appraisal rights in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. This means that if you are such a holder and you comply with the requirements of Article 13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act, you are entitled to the “fair value” (as determined pursuant to Article 13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) of your shares of RAI common stock (which amount may be more than, less than or the same as the merger consideration) and to receive payment thereof instead of receiving the merger consideration, as defined in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. This right is explained more fully in the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. The procedures required to assert and perfect your statutory appraisal rights are summarized under “ Appraisal Rights ” beginning on page [●] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, the text of the applicable provisions of North Carolina law is attached as Annex E to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. Failure to strictly comply with these provisions will result in a loss of the right of appraisal, and we encourage you to read the statute carefully and to consult with legal counsel if you desire to assert your appraisal rights. Copies of RAI’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 (together with the report of RAI’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding such statements) contained in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and RAI’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, are attached as Annex G and Annex H , respectively, to the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI, BAT and Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as B&W, are parties to a governance agreement pursuant to which entry into the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, requires the approval of a majority of the independent directors of RAI other than directors designated for nomination by B&W. In furtherance of this requirement, on October 28, 2016, the RAI board of directors appointed a transaction committee, consisting of all of the independent directors of RAI at that time other than directors designated for nomination by B&W, referred to as the Transaction Committee, to review and evaluate the merger and RAI’s other available strategic alternatives. Following extensive arm’s-length negotiations with BAT, the Transaction Committee unanimously approved, adopted and authorized the merger agreement, determined that the merger is fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates) and recommended that the RAI board of directors approve, adopt and authorize the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.


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After consideration and consultation with its advisors and having received the unanimous approval and recommendation of the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors (other than Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who recused themselves from all discussion and consideration of the merger) (1) adopted the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (2) determined that the terms of the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (3) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (4) declared that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable.

The RAI board of directors recommends that RAI shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the merger agreement, “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “FOR” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. The approval of the merger agreement by RAI shareholders, including approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting that are not owned by the BAT Group or RAI’s subsidiaries, is a condition to the obligations of BAT and RAI to complete the merger. The approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is not a condition to the obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger. The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement also is not a condition to the obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger.

Your vote is very important. Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, we urge you to submit a proxy as promptly as possible by (1) accessing the Internet website specified on your proxy card, (2) calling the toll-free number specified on the enclosed proxy card or (3) marking, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, so that your shares may be represented and voted at the special meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a nominee or intermediary, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the record holder. For participants in RAI’s benefit plans, the proxy card will serve as voting instructions for the trustee or custodian of the relevant benefit plan.

We urge you to read the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, including all documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, and its annexes carefully and in their entirety. In particular, see “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page [●] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. If you have any questions concerning the merger, the merger agreement, the non-binding, advisory vote on the transaction-related named executive officer compensation, the vote to adjourn the special meeting if necessary or appropriate, the special meeting or the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, or if you would like additional copies of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus (at no charge) or need help submitting a proxy to have your shares of RAI common stock voted, please contact RAI’s proxy solicitor:

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.

105 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Telephone Toll-Free: (800) 322-2885

Telephone Call Collect: (212) 929-5500

Email: proxy@mackenziepartners.com

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,
   
  McDara P. Folan, III
  Secretary


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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The accompanying proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about RAI from documents that are not included in or delivered with the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus. This information is available to you without charge upon your written or oral request. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference into the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus (other than certain exhibits or schedules to these documents) by requesting them in writing, or by email or telephone, from RAI at the following addresses and telephone number:

 

Reynolds American Inc.

P.O. Box 2990

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990

Attention: Investor Relations

Email: raiinvestorrelations@reynoldsamerican.com

Telephone: (336) 741-2000

In addition, if you have any questions concerning the merger, the merger agreement, the non-binding, advisory vote on the transaction-related named executive officer compensation, the vote to adjourn the special meeting if necessary or appropriate, the special meeting or the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, or if you would like additional copies of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus (at no charge) or need help submitting a proxy to have your shares of RAI common stock voted, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc., RAI’s proxy solicitor, toll-free at (800) 322-2885 or collect at (212) 929-5500. You will not be charged for any of these documents.

If you would like to request documents, please do so no later than five business days before the date of the special meeting of shareholders (which is [ ], 2017) to receive them before the special meeting.

See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus for further information.


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ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

This proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of the registration statement on Form F-4 filed by BAT with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, constitutes a prospectus of BAT under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the BAT ordinary shares (which will be represented by BAT ADSs) to be issued to RAI shareholders as the stock portion of the merger consideration. This proxy statement/prospectus also constitutes a proxy statement for RAI under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition, it constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the special meeting of RAI shareholders.

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this proxy statement/prospectus. This proxy statement/prospectus is dated [●], 2017. You should not assume that the information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than that date. You should not assume that the information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of such information. The mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus to RAI shareholders shall not create any implication to the contrary.

This proxy statement/prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation. Information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus regarding BAT has been provided by BAT and information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus regarding RAI has been provided by RAI.

This proxy statement/prospectus is not a prospectus published in accordance with the Prospectus Rules made under Part VI of the United Kingdom Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as set out in the Financial Conduct Authority Handbook), referred to as the UK Prospectus Rules. BAT intends to publish a prospectus as required by the UK Prospectus Rules, in connection with its proposed issue of BAT ordinary shares, and application for admission to list such shares on the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE. A copy of such prospectus may be obtained at BAT’s website ( www.bat.com ) following approval by the UKLA. BAT also intends to mail to BAT shareholders a shareholder circular relating to the general meeting of BAT’s shareholders to be held for the purpose of obtaining the approval of holders of BAT ordinary shares of the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated thereby, and authorization for directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration. The web address of BAT has been included as an inactive textual reference only. The BAT prospectus, circular and website are not incorporated by reference into, and do not form a part of, this proxy statement/prospectus.

Unless otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires, all references in this proxy statement/prospectus to:

 

    “acquisition facility” refer to the term loan facilities agreement, dated as of January 16, 2017, among B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, as original borrowers, BAT, as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent and the lenders and financial institutions party thereto, providing for unsecured and unsubordinated term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of up to $25.0 billion for the purpose of financing the merger, paying related taxes, fees, costs and expenses and refinancing an existing revolving credit facility of RAI;

 

    “ADRs” refer to American depositary receipts that evidence ADSs;

 

    “ADSs” refer to American depositary shares;

 

    “Amended and Restated Omnibus Plan” refer to the Reynolds American Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan;


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    “B&W” refer to Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc., f/k/a Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, a Delaware corporation and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT;

 

    “B&W business combination” refer to the combination of the U.S. assets, liabilities and operations, other than certain specified assets and liabilities, of BAT’s wholly owned subsidiary, B&W, with RJR Tobacco Company in July 2004;

 

    “BAT” refer to British American Tobacco p.l.c., a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales;

 

    “BAT ADSs” refer to BAT’s American depositary shares, each of which represents one BAT ordinary share and may be evidenced by ADRs;

 

    “BAT ADS ratio change” refer to the change from each BAT ADS representing two BAT ordinary shares to each BAT ADS representing one BAT ordinary share as of February 14, 2017;

 

    “BAT board of directors” refer to the board of directors of BAT;

 

    “BAT circular” refer to the shareholder circular relating to the general meeting of BAT’s shareholders to be held for the purpose of obtaining the approval of holders of BAT ordinary shares of the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated thereby, and authorization for directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration, in each case on a poll by the holders of not less than a majority of BAT ordinary shares, present in person or by proxy who are entitled to vote at such BAT general meeting;

 

    “BATGET” refer to the BAT Group Employee Trust;

 

    “BAT Group” refer collectively to BAT and its subsidiaries;

 

    “BAT Group management board” refer to the members of the management board of the BAT Group as described in “ Business of BAT—Directors and Management Board—BAT Group Management Board ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    “BAT ordinary shares” refer to ordinary shares, nominal value 25 pence per share, of BAT;

 

    “BAT parties” refer to BAT, Louisville, B&W, BATUS and Merger Sub;

 

    “BAT pension fund” refer to the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Pension Fund;

 

    “BAT prospectus” refer to the BAT prospectus relating to the admission of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE;

 

    “BAT shareholder approval” refer to the approval of holders of BAT ordinary shares of the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated thereby as a Class 1 transaction and authorization for directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration, in each case, on a poll by the holders of not less than a majority of BAT ordinary shares, present in person or by proxy who are entitled to vote at the BAT shareholders’ meeting;

 

    “BATUS” refer to BATUS Holdings Inc.;

 

    “cash-out RSU” refer to each RAI RSU and each RAI performance share, in each case, that was granted prior to the date of the merger agreement, other than RAI retention RSUs;

 

   

“cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs” refer to the cash payment that holders of RAI common stock are entitled to receive in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs. Under the terms of the merger agreement such cash payment equals the product obtained by multiplying (1) the amount of the net proceeds (less any commissions, transfer taxes and out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the exchange agent) from the sale on the NYSE of the excess of (a) the aggregate number of BAT ADSs (rounded up to the nearest whole number) to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration over (b) the aggregate whole number of BAT ADSs to be distributed to holders of shares of RAI common stock by (2) a fraction, the


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numerator of which is the amount of the fractional BAT ADSs to which such holder of shares of RAI common stock is entitled (after taking into account all shares of RAI common stock exchanged by such holder) and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of fractional BAT ADSs to which all applicable holders of RAI common stock are entitled;

 

    “Centerview” refer to Centerview Partners UK LLP;

 

    “Class 1 transaction” refer to a transaction for a listed company, the size of which results in a 25% threshold being reached under any one of the class tests set out in the UK Listing Rules;

 

    “Code” refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

 

    “combined company” refer to the BAT Group after the completion of the merger;

 

    “completion date” refer to the completion date of the merger;

 

    “continuing employee” refer to employees of the RAI Group that remain as employees of the BAT Group (including RAI and its subsidiaries) following the completion of the merger;

 

    “DCP” refer to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc.;

 

    “depositary bank” refer to Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank for the BAT ADSs;

 

    “deposit agreement” refer to the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, and amended as of February 14, 2017, and as further amended from time to time, among BAT, Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, and all holders and beneficial owners from time to time of BAT ADSs issued thereunder;

 

    “Deutsche Bank” refer to Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch;

 

    “Divestiture” refer to the acquisition by a wholly owned subsidiary, n/k/a ITG Brands, LLC, of Imperial Brands, PLC, f/k/a Imperial Tobacco Group, PLC, on June 12, 2015, of certain assets (1) owned by certain RAI subsidiaries or affiliates relating to the cigarette brands WINSTON, KOOL and SALEM, and (2) owned by certain Lorillard subsidiaries or affiliates relating to the cigarette brand MAVERICK and the “e-vapor” brand BLU (including SKYCIG), as well as Lorillard’s owned and leased real property, and certain transferred employees, together with associated liabilities;

 

    “DOJ” refer to the U.S. Department of Justice;

 

    “DSBS” refer to the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme;

 

    “EIAP” refer to the Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc.;

 

    “ESP” refer to the Reynolds American Inc. Executive Severance Plan;

 

    “EURIBOR” refer to Euro Interbank Offered Rate;

 

    “EV” refer to enterprise value;

 

    “Exchange Act” refer to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

 

    “exchange agent” refer to Citibank, N.A., as exchange agent for the merger;

 

    “excluded holders” refer to holders of shares of RAI common stock who have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of RAI common stock in favor of the approval of the merger agreement at the special meeting and who have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) their rights of appraisal in accordance with Article 13 of NCBCA (however, in the case of the RAI Savings Plan and the Puerto Rico SIP, the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan and the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP shall be treated as excluded holders with respect to shares of RAI common stock as to which such trustee or custodian has exercised appraisal rights even though such trustee or custodian may have voted other shares in the applicable plan in favor of approval of the merger agreement);

 

    “FCA” refer to the UK Financial Conduct Authority;

 

    “FDA” refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration;


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    “FII GLO” refer to Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order;

 

    “foreign private issuer” refer to a foreign company that qualifies as a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 3b-4(c) of the Exchange Act and Rule 405 of the Securities Act—a company ceases to be a “foreign private issuer” at such time as more than 50% of its outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly held of record by U.S. residents and any of the following circumstances applies: (1) the majority of its executive officers or directors are U.S. citizens or residents, (2) more than 50% of its assets are located in the United States or (3) its business is administered principally in the United States;

 

    “FSMA” refer to the UK Financial Services Market Act 2000;

 

    “FTC” refer to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission;

 

    “FTSE” refer to Financial Times Stock Exchange;

 

    “global drive brands” refer to DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS, collectively;

 

    “governance agreement” refer to the governance agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, as amended, among RAI, BAT and B&W;

 

    “Goldman Sachs” refer to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, f/k/a Goldman, Sachs & Co.;

 

    “HSR Act” refer to the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended;

 

    “HM Revenue & Customs” refer to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs of the United Kingdom;

 

    “IEIS” refer to the British American Tobacco p.l.c. International Executive Incentive Scheme;

 

    “IFRS” refer to International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board;

 

    “IFRS (EU)” refer to International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union;

 

    “J.P. Morgan” refer to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC;

 

    “JSE” refer to Johannesburg Stock Exchange;

 

    “Lazard” refer to Lazard Frères & Co. LLC;

 

    “LIBOR” refer to London Interbank Offered Rate;

 

    “Lorillard” refer to Lorillard, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, f/k/a Lorillard, Inc., a Delaware corporation;

 

    “Lorillard merger” refer to the acquisition by RAI of Lorillard on June 12, 2015, in a cash and stock transaction;

 

    “Louisville” refer to Louisville Securities Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT;

 

    “LSE” refer to London Stock Exchange plc;

 

    “LTIP” refer to the applicable British American Tobacco p.l.c. Long-Term Incentive Plan;

 

    “Key Markets” refer to Americas, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia and Asia-Pacific;

 

    “key strategic brands” refer to STATE EXPRESS 555 and SHUANG XI;

 

    “menthol regulatory action” refer to any law, judgment or action enacted, promulgated, proposed or threatened by the FDA or any other governmental entity that could have the effect of banning or materially restricting the use of menthol in any product sold or distributed by RAI or BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries;


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    “merger” refer to the merger of Merger Sub with and into RAI; as a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. Upon the completion of the merger, all of the title to all real estate and other property owned by each of RAI and Merger Sub will vest in RAI as the surviving corporation, and all liabilities of RAI and Merger Sub will become the liabilities of RAI as the surviving corporation;

 

    “merger agreement” refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017, as it and the plan of merger contained therein may be amended from time to time, among BAT, BATUS, RAI and Merger Sub, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    “merger consideration” refer to the consideration, per share of RAI common stock, to be received in the merger by RAI shareholders (other than the BAT Group and excluded holders), consisting of:

 

    a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share (the “stock portion of the merger consideration”), plus

 

    $29.44 in cash, without interest (the “cash portion of the merger consideration”);

 

    “Merger Sub” refer to Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT;

 

    “MSA” refer to the Master Settlement Agreement, dated as of November 23, 1998, among 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories listed on the signature pages thereto, Philip Morris Incorporated, RJR Tobacco Company, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco Company, LLC, f/k/a Lorillard Tobacco Company, and various subsequent participating manufacturers listed on the National Association of Attorneys General’s list of “Participating Manufacturers,” as amended, supplemented or replaced;

 

    “NCBCA” refer to the North Carolina Business Corporation Act;

 

    “next generation products” refer, in relation to BAT’s view of such products, to any tobacco or nicotine product developed to offer adult tobacco consumers potentially less risky alternatives to smoking conventional cigarettes and include (1) vapor products (such as e-cigarettes), which are battery powered electronic devices which heat a solution to create a vapor which can be inhaled, and (2) tobacco heating products, which are battery powered electronic devices that operate with specifically designed consumables containing tobacco, to deliver a real tobacco taste and aroma, and, in relation to RAI’s view of such products, to the above-mentioned products as well as (a) any device that employs a chemical reaction or combustible, carbonaceous fuel source for heat generation to produce an aerosol from a physically separate source and (b) products that contain nicotine for therapeutic purposes (such as products characterized as gums, lozenges and inhalers that are intended to be nicotine replacement therapy, referred to as NRT, products, and products characterized as devices that are intended to be used for NRT purposes);

 

    “NYSE” refer to the New York Stock Exchange;

 

    “NYSE MKT” refer to the NYSE MKT;

 

    “Other Directors” refer to the independent directors, as defined in the governance agreement, of RAI (other than any independent directors designated for nomination by B&W), and references to Other Directors comprising the Transaction Committee refer to such independent directors of RAI as of October 28, 2016 and cease to include Thomas C. Wajnert following his retirement from the RAI board of directors effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016;

 

    “PCAOB” refer to the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;

 

    “plan of merger” refer to the plan of merger contained in the merger agreement;

 

    “Puerto Rico SIP” refer to the Puerto Rico Savings & Investment Plan sponsored by RAI;

 

    “RAI” refer to Reynolds American Inc., a North Carolina corporation;


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    “RAI-Lorillard merger agreement” refer to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2014, among Lorillard, RAI and Lantern Acquisition Co., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of RAI;

 

    “RAI articles of incorporation” refer to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of RAI, effective as of May 5, 2016;

 

    “RAI board of directors” refer to the board of directors of RAI;

 

    “RAI bylaws” refer to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Reynolds American Inc., dated December 1, 2016;

 

    “RAI change in control” refer to a “change in control” or “change of control” (or other similar phrase) within the meaning of the RAI severance and equity incentive arrangements;

 

    “RAI common stock” refer to RAI common stock, par value $0.0001 per share;

 

    “RAI DSU” refer to each RAI deferred stock unit that is payable in shares of RAI common stock or the value of which is determined with reference to the value of shares of RAI common stock;

 

    “RAI governance committee” refer to the RAI board of directors’ Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee;

 

    “RAI Group” refer collectively to RAI and its subsidiaries;

 

    “RAI’s financial advisors” refer to J.P. Morgan and Lazard;

 

    “RAI performance share” refer to any RAI performance share award subject to performance-based vesting, payable in shares of RAI common stock;

 

    “RAI record date” refer to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017;

 

    “RAI retention RSU” refer to three RAI RSU grants that were made prior to the date of the merger agreement that will be assumed, and will not vest and settle upon the completion of the merger;

 

    “RAI RSU” refer to any RAI restricted stock unit award subject solely to time-based vesting and not performance-based vesting (other than performance-based vesting only for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code), payable in shares of RAI common stock;

 

    “RAI Savings Plan” refer to the RAI 401k Savings Plan;

 

    “RAI shareholder approvals” refer to (1) the approval of the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and (2) the unaffiliated shareholder approval;

 

    “Remuneration Committee” refer to the Remuneration Committee of the BAT board of directors;

 

    “Remuneration Policy” refer to the forward-looking remuneration policy for BAT directors and former directors, as approved at the 2016 annual general meeting of BAT;

 

    “RJR Tobacco Company” refer to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a North Carolina corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of RAI;

 

    “rollover RSU” refer to each RAI RSU or RAI performance share that, in either case, is not a cash-out RSU;

 

    “RSU exchange ratio” refer to the sum of (1) 0.5260 plus (2) the quotient of (a) $29.44 over (b) the closing price of one BAT ADS on the last trading date preceding the completion date as reported on the NYSE MKT;

 

    “SEC” refer to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;

 

    “Securities Act” refer to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 

    “SFNTC” refer to Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc.;


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    “share issuance” refer to the issuance of BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs to holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group or excluded holders) as the stock portion of the merger consideration;

 

    “share repurchase agreement” refer to the Share Repurchase Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2016, as it may be amended from time to time, among B&W, Louisville and RAI;

 

    “Sharesave Scheme” refer to the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Sharesave Scheme;

 

    “SIP” refer to the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Employee Share Ownership Plan;

 

    “special meeting” refer to the special meeting that RAI will hold for its shareholders to vote on certain matters in connection with the merger, and is the meeting to which this proxy statement/prospectus relates;

 

    “State Settlement Agreements” refer to the MSA, together with settlement agreements with the states of Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota;

 

    “tobacco litigation” refer to United States v. Philip Morris, et al. , No. 99-02496 (D.D.C.), and any other actions or judgments regarding any health or other impacts or alleged health or other impacts, including impacts cognizable under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, from the development, manufacture, distribution, sale, advertising, marketing and/or use of any tobacco product (including products that are derived from tobacco, such as products containing tobacco-derived nicotine), including for the avoidance of doubt any and all actions or judgments regarding the presence of or exposure to smoke from any tobacco product;

 

    “Transaction Committee” refer to the special committee formed by the RAI board of directors, initially formed to review and evaluate BAT’s initial October 20, 2016 proposal, the merger and RAI’s other available strategic alternatives consisting of all of the Other Directors as of October 28, 2016, but which ceased to include Thomas C. Wajnert following his retirement from the RAI board of directors effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2016;

 

    “transaction-related named executive officer compensation” refer to the compensation payments that will or may be paid by RAI or BAT to RAI’s named executive officers and that are based on or otherwise relate to the merger and the agreements and understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable;

 

    “Transaction Committee’s financial advisor” refer to Goldman Sachs;

 

    “Treasury” refer to the U.S. Department of the Treasury;

 

    “UBS” refer to UBS Limited;

 

    “UKLA” refer to the FCA acting in its capacity as the competent authority for the purposes of Part VI of FSMA;

 

    “unaffiliated shareholder approval” refer to the approval of the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting and that are not owned by the BAT Group or any of RAI’s subsidiaries;

 

    “Unaffiliated Shareholders” refer to the holders of RAI capital stock other than the BAT Group or RAI’s subsidiaries;

 

    “UK Regulations” refer to the Large and Medium-size Companies and Group (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013;

 

    “U.S. GAAP” refer to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; and

 

    “UURBS” refer to the unfunded approved retirement benefit scheme sponsored by BAT.


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All brands, unless otherwise noted, referred to herein are trademarks owned or licensed by the BAT Group or the RAI Group, as applicable.

When used in describing aspects of the BAT Group’s business, reference to volume is an unaudited operating measure and is calculated as the total global cigarette volume of the BAT Group’s brands sold by its subsidiaries.

References to the price of the BAT ADSs prior to February 14, 2017 are adjusted to give effect to the BAT ADS ratio change unless otherwise indicated.

References to “ton” refer to metric tonnes.

Presentation of Financial Information

This proxy statement/prospectus contains or is accompanied by:

 

    the unaudited consolidated financial statements of BAT for the year ended December 31, 2014, prepared on the basis of IFRS;

 

    the audited consolidated financial statements of BAT as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2016, prepared on the basis of IFRS (together with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of BAT for the year ended December 31, 2014, referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements);

 

    the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of RAI as of March 31, 2017, and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, prepared on the basis of U.S. GAAP (referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements); and

 

    the audited consolidated financial statements of RAI as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, prepared on the basis of U.S. GAAP (referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements).

Unless indicated otherwise, financial data presented in this proxy statement/prospectus has been taken from the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements, the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in and attached to, respectively, this proxy statement/prospectus.

BAT’s financial statements for 2014, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS (EU), are included on BAT’s website and can be found at http://www.bat.com/bat2014financials . These financial statements start on page 121 and the audit report can be found on page 120. These financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with IFRS (EU), are the same as those that would be prepared using IFRS (IASB). They were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, referred to as PwC, in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). PwC issued its report on those statements on February 25, 2015. At the time its report was issued, PwC was independent under the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standards and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics. PwC is no longer independent under such standards. Accordingly, PwC could neither issue nor consent to the issuance of an audit report on the financial statements of BAT for 2014. These financial statements and the audit report thereon, included on BAT’s website, are not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus and should not be considered to be part of this proxy statement/prospectus.

This proxy statement/prospectus also contains the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information of BAT as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 after giving effect to the merger, referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as Pro Forma Financial Information. See “ BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.


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The financial information set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus has been rounded for ease of presentation. Accordingly, in certain cases, the sum of the numbers in a column in a table may not conform to the total figure given for that column.

For additional information on the presentation of financial information in this proxy statement/prospectus, see the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page FIN-1 of this proxy statement/prospectus and the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, attached as Annex G and Annex H to this proxy statement/prospectus, respectively.

Exchange Rates

BAT publishes its consolidated financial statements in pounds sterling, while RAI publishes its consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars. In this proxy statement/prospectus, references to “$,” “U.S. dollars” or “USD” are to the lawful currency of the United States of America, references to “£,” “pounds sterling,” “pence” or “GBP” are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom, references to “Cdn$” and “Canadian dollars” are to the lawful currency of Canada, references to “€” or “euro” are to the single currency adopted by participating member states of the European Union, referred to as the EU, relating to Economic and Monetary Union, references to “Swiss franc” and “CHF” are to the lawful currency of Switzerland, references to “R$” and “Brazilian real” are to the lawful currency of Brazil, references to “South African rand” are to the lawful currency of South Africa and references to “Korean Won” are to the lawful currency of South Korea.

References to the “Sterling-Dollar exchange rate” refer to the pound sterling—U.S. dollar exchange rate as quoted by the Bloomberg Composite Rate on such date at the time of LSE market close, except (1) in relation to October 20, 2016 where it refers to the pound sterling—U.S. dollar exchange rate as quoted by the Bloomberg Composite Rate on such date at 9:00 p.m. UK time and (2) where another time is specified, in which case it refers to the pound sterling—U.S. dollar exchange rate as quoted by the Bloomberg Composite Rate on such date at such specified time.

The following table sets forth the high and low noon buying rates of each month of the last six months, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the pound sterling expressed in U.S. dollars per pound sterling.

 

Period

   High      Low  

November 2016

     1.2546        1.2218  

December 2016

     1.2708        1.2222  

January 2017

     1.2620        1.2118  

February 2017

     1.2643        1.2427  

March 2017

     1.2583        1.2152  

April 2017

     1.2938        1.2398  

The following table sets forth for each year the average of the noon buying rates on the last business day of each month of that year, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for the pound sterling expressed in U.S. dollars per pound sterling for each of the five most recent fiscal years.

 

Period

   Average  

Year ended December 31, 2012

     1.5924  

Year ended December 31, 2013

     1.5668  

Year ended December 31, 2014

     1.6461  

Year ended December 31, 2015

     1.5250  

Year ended December 31, 2016

     1.3444  


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On May 5, 2017, the latest practicable date prior to this filing, the noon buying rate was £1.00 = $1.2950.

The rates presented above may differ from the actual rates used in preparation of financial information appearing in this proxy statement/prospectus. The presentation of such rates is not meant to suggest that the U.S. dollar amounts actually represent the pound sterling amounts or that such amounts could have been converted to U.S. dollars at any particular rate.

Industry Data

References to market share are the BAT Group’s estimates based on the latest available data from a number of internal and external sources.

U.S. industry shipment volume and retail market share data that appear in this proxy statement/prospectus have been obtained from Management Science Associates, Inc., referred to as MSAi. This information is included in this proxy statement/prospectus because it is used primarily as an indicator of the relative performance of industry participants, brands and market trends. All U.S. market share results that appear, except as noted otherwise, in this document are based on U.S. cigarette (or smokeless tobacco products, as applicable) shipments to retail outlets, referred to as STR data, based on information submitted by wholesale locations and processed and managed by MSAi. However, you should not rely on the STR data reported by MSAi as being a precise measurement of actual market share as the shipments to retail outlets do not reflect actual consumer sales and do not track all volume and trade channels. Accordingly, the STR data of the U.S. tobacco industry as reported by MSAi may overstate or understate actual market share. Moreover, you should be aware that in a product market experiencing overall declining consumption, a particular product can experience increasing market share relative to competing products, yet still be subject to declining consumption volumes.


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CAUTIONARY INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in this proxy statement/prospectus and in documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus regarding the merger, the expected timetable for the merger, the benefits and synergies of the merger, future opportunities for the combined company and any other statements regarding BAT’s, RAI’s or the combined company’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual future financial condition, performance and results to differ materially from the plans, goals, expectations and results expressed in the forward-looking statements and other financial and/or statistical data within this proxy statement/prospectus. Among the key factors that could cause the failure of the merger to be completed or, if completed, that could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of the combined company and any anticipated benefits of the merger, and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, are:

 

    the conditions to the completion of the merger, including the failure to obtain necessary shareholder approvals from BAT and RAI shareholders;

 

    the obligation to complete the merger whether or not financing is available or on terms acceptable to BAT;

 

    the obligation to complete the merger despite any tobacco litigation;

 

    the obligation to complete the merger despite any menthol regulatory action;

 

    the outcome of pending or potential litigation, including tobacco litigation and litigation relating to the merger;

 

    the uncertainty of the value of the merger consideration that RAI shareholders will receive in the merger due to a fixed exchange ratio and fluctuations in the price of BAT ADSs;

 

    RAI’s directors and executive officers having interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of RAI shareholders generally;

 

    the effect of restrictions placed on BAT’s or RAI’s business activities, including RAI’s ability to pursue alternatives to the merger;

 

    disruption resulting from the merger, including the diversion of BAT’s and RAI’s management’s attention from ongoing business concerns;

 

    the indebtedness the BAT Group will incur in connection with the merger, which may result in a reduction of the BAT Group’s credit rating;

 

    the possibility that actual results of operations, cash flows and financial position of the combined company will materially differ from the Pro Forma Financial Information;

 

    the failure of BAT to successfully integrate RAI into its business and to realize projected synergies and other benefits from the merger;

 

    the incurrence of significant pre- and post-transaction costs in connection with the merger;

 

    increases in pension and postretirement expense;

 

    fluctuation in the market price of RAI common stock, BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares;

 

    changes in the foreign exchange rates;

 

    risks relating to government regulations or actions adversely affecting BAT’s or RAI’s business, including BAT becoming subject to substantial and increasing U.S. regulations, in particular in relation to the use of menthol in tobacco products, including by virtue of BAT’s increased ownership in RAI;


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    competitive actions and pricing pressures in the marketplace, including competition from illicit sources;

 

    limitations on advertising and marketing of tobacco products;

 

    changes in tax laws and regulations or the interpretation of such tax laws and regulations by governmental authorities;

 

    economic, regulatory and geopolitical risks inherent in BAT’s global operations;

 

    the continuing decline in U.S. cigarette consumption, or the overall consumption of legitimate tobacco products or the transition of adult tobacco consumers away from premium cigarette brands;

 

    potentially significant costs in the event of breaches of, or liabilities arising under, health and safety and environmental laws;

 

    liquidity, interest rate and counterparty risks;

 

    the possibility of not being able to develop, produce or market new products profitably;

 

    disruptions in information technology systems;

 

    the potential difficulty retaining key employees and maintaining business relationships;

 

    termination of licenses to use certain brands and trademarks;

 

    intellectual property infringements;

 

    fluctuations in the availability, quality and price of raw materials and commodities, including tobacco leaf;

 

    interruptions in service from suppliers;

 

    the loss of customers;

 

    weather conditions and other disasters that affect manufacturing and other facilities of the combined company’s operating subsidiaries;

 

    indemnification obligations; and

 

    the significant monetary obligations imposed under the State Settlement Agreements.

For a further discussion of these and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties applicable to BAT and RAI, see “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus and the discussion in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and in RAI’s other filings with the SEC incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus .

Due to these risks, contingencies and other uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or the date of a document incorporated by reference, as applicable. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to BAT or RAI or any person acting on its or their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus. BAT and RAI are not required to and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements or other data or statements contained within this proxy statement/prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable federal securities law.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Questions and Answers

     1  

Summary

     18  

The Companies

     18  

Special Meeting

     20  

The Merger and the Merger Agreement

     22  

What RAI Shareholders Will Receive in the Merger

     22  

BAT’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger

     23  

RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors

     23  

Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor

     23  

Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors

     24  

Financing of the Merger

     26  

Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers

     26  

Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger

     28  

Regulatory Approvals for the Merger

     28  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

     29  

Material UK Tax Consequences

     29  

Accounting Treatment

     29  

Treatment of RAI Equity Awards

     29  

Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock

     30  

Merger Fees and Expenses

     32  

Certain Effects of the Merger

     32  

No Solicitation of Alternative Proposals

     32  

Completion of the Merger Is Subject to Certain Conditions

     34  

Termination of the Merger Agreement

     36  

Expenses and Termination Fees Under the Merger Agreement

     37  

Comparison of Shareholder Rights

     38  

Appraisal Rights

     38  

Organizational Structure of the BAT Group Following Completion of the Merger

     39  

Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement

     40  

General

     40  

Background of the Merger

     40  

BAT’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger

     52  

Position of BAT and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger

     56  

RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors

     60  

Position of RAI as to the Fairness of the Merger

     66  

Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor

     67  

Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors

     76  

Materials of BAT’s Financial Advisors

     100  

RAI Unaudited Prospective Financial Information

     101  

Financing of the Merger

     105  

Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers

     107  

Certain Relationships between BAT and RAI

     121  

Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger

     125  

Directors and Executive Officers of RAI Following the Merger

     125  

Regulatory Approvals for the Merger

     125  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

     127  

Material UK Tax Consequences

     132  

 

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Accounting Treatment

     134  

Exchange of Shares in the Merger

     135  

Treatment of RAI Equity Awards

     136  

Dividends and Share Repurchases

     137  

Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock

     137  

Appraisal Rights

     139  

Combined Company Headquarters

     139  

Certain Effects of the Merger

     140  

Plans for RAI After the Merger

     142  

Merger Fees and Expenses

     142  

Risk Factors

     144  

Risk Factors Relating to the Merger

     144  

Risk Factors Relating to BAT Following the Merger

     152  

Risk Factors Relating to the BAT Group and the Tobacco Industry

     160  

Risks Relating to RAI

     172  

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT

     173  

Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of RAI

     177  

Selected BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data

     179  

Comparative Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Per Share Data

     181  

Comparative Per Share Market Price and Dividend Information

     183  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     187  

The Companies

     188  

Special Meeting

     190  

Date, Time and Location

     190  

Purpose

     191  

Recommendations of the RAI Board of Directors

     191  

RAI Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

     191  

Quorum

     192  

Required Vote

     192  

Share Ownership of and Voting by RAI Directors and Executive Officers

     193  

Voting of Shares

     193  

Revocability of Proxies; Changing Your Vote

     195  

Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses of Solicitation

     195  

Adjournment; Postponement

     195  

Tabulation of Votes; Results

     196  

Confidentiality

     196  

Other Information

     196  

Assistance

     196  

The Merger Agreement

     197  

Terms of the Merger

     197  

Closing of the Merger

     197  

Merger Consideration

     198  

Fractional ADSs

     198  

Representations and Warranties

     199  

Material Adverse Effect

     200  

Conduct of Business

     202  

No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals

     206  

Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors and the Transaction Committee

     210  

Recommendation of the BAT Board of Directors

     211  

Efforts to Obtain Required Shareholder Votes

     212  

Efforts to Complete the Merger

     213  

 

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Indemnification and Insurance

     214  

Financing

     215  

Employee Benefit Matters

     215  

Equity-Based Compensation

     216  

Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger

     217  

Other Covenants and Agreements

     217  

Conditions to the Merger

     217  

Termination of the Merger Agreement

     219  

Expenses and Termination Fees

     220  

Amendments, Extensions and Waivers

     221  

No Third Party Beneficiaries

     221  

Enforcement

     221  

Governing Law

     222  

The Governance Agreement

     223  

The Share Repurchase Agreement

     228  

Business of BAT

     230  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT

     310  

Overview

     310  

Key Factors Affecting Results of Operations

     310  

Discussion of Principal Income Statement Items

     313  

Key Non-IFRS Measures

     314  

Consolidated Results of Operations for the BAT Group

     316  

Volume by Brand and Other Measures

     317  

2016 Compared with 2015

     317  

2015 Compared with 2014 (unaudited)

     320  

Results of Operations by Geographic Region

     322  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     330  

Litigation and Settlements

     336  

Governmental Activity

     336  

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Commitments

     336  

Dividends and Dividend Policy

     337  

Critical Accounting Estimates

     337  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     338  

RAI Proposal II: Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation

     339  

RAI Proposal III: Adjournment of Special Meeting

     340  

BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

     341  

Description of BAT Ordinary Shares

     359  

BAT Articles of Association

     359  

Share Capital

     359  

Voting Rights

     362  

Variation of Rights

     364  

General Meetings

     366  

Description of BAT American Depositary Shares

     369  

Comparison of Shareholder Rights

     381  

Appraisal Rights

     406  

Other Important Information Regarding the Parties

     411  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     414  

Legal Matters

     430  

Provisions for Unaffiliated Shareholders

     431  

Householding of Proxy Statement/Prospectus

     432  

Experts

     433  

 

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Service of Process and Enforceability of Civil Liabilities

     434  

Future Shareholder Proposals

     435  

Where You Can Find More Information

     436  

Index to the Financial Statements of BAT and Subsidiaries

     FIN-1  

ANNEXES

  

Annex A: Merger Agreement

     A-1  

Annex B: Opinion of Goldman Sachs

     B-1  

Annex C: Opinion of J.P. Morgan

     C-1  

Annex D: Opinion of Lazard

     D-1  

Annex E: North Carolina Business Corporation Act Article 13

     E-1  

Annex F: Articles of Association of British American Tobacco p.l.c.

     F-1  

Annex G: Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Reynolds American Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for Each of the Years in the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 2016

     G-1  

Annex H: First Quarter Fiscal 2017 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Reynolds American Inc.

     H-1  

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following questions and answers are intended to address briefly some commonly asked questions regarding the merger and matters to be addressed at the special meeting. These questions and answers may not address all questions that may be important to RAI shareholders. To better understand these matters, and for a description of the legal terms governing the merger, you should carefully read this entire proxy statement/prospectus, including the attached annexes, as well as the documents that have been incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: Why am I receiving this proxy statement/prospectus?

 

A: BAT and RAI have agreed to a merger, pursuant to which RAI will become an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT and will no longer be an independent, U.S. publicly traded corporation. If the merger is completed, each share of RAI common stock (other than shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) automatically will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest.

 

     RAI is holding a special meeting of its shareholders to obtain the shareholder approval necessary to approve the merger agreement. In addition, RAI shareholders will also be asked to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. RAI’s named executive officers are identified under Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

     This proxy statement/prospectus serves as both a proxy statement of RAI and a prospectus of BAT in connection with the merger.

 

     It is important that your shares of RAI common stock be represented and voted regardless of the size of your holdings. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, we urge you to submit a proxy to have your shares of RAI common stock voted in advance of the special meeting by using one of the methods described in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What will RAI shareholders receive in the merger?

 

A: If the merger is completed, each share of RAI common stock (other than shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) automatically will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest. No fractional BAT ADSs will be issued in the merger, and RAI shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs.

 

    

Based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £47.63 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2056, in each case, on January 16, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT ordinary shares before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represented approximately $59.64 in value per share of RAI common stock. Based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £53.39 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2880, in each case, on May 11, 2017, the most recent practicable trading day prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the merger consideration represented approximately $65.61 in value for each share of RAI common stock. Because the merger agreement provides for a fixed number of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares underlying those BAT ADSs to be issued as part of the consideration payable in exchange for each share of RAI common stock, the

 

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  value of the merger consideration that RAI shareholders will receive will depend on the market price of BAT ordinary shares underlying such BAT ADSs and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate at the time the merger is completed. As a result, the value of the merger consideration that RAI shareholders will receive upon the completion of the merger could be greater than, less than or the same as the value of the merger consideration on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or at the time of the special meeting.

 

Q: Do any of the directors or executive officers of RAI have interests in the merger that may be different from or in addition to the interests of other RAI shareholders?

 

A: Certain RAI directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of RAI shareholders generally. These interests include:

 

    Treatment of Equity Awards for RAI Executive Officers . RAI executive officers have been granted RAI RSUs and RAI performance shares. Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, (1) each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right of the holder to receive the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject thereto, subject to applicable proration, plus any accrued dividend equivalents, in each case, less any required withholding taxes; and (2) each outstanding rollover RSU will continue to be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the completion of the merger and will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (a) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (b) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution.

 

    Treatment of Equity Awards for RAI Directors . Certain RAI directors hold RAI DSUs. Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, (1) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections, (2) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (a) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (b) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (c) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes, and (3) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes.

 

    RAI Change in Control and Termination Benefits . Upon certain terminations of employment, RAI executive officers would have the right to receive severance payments and benefits and pro-rated 2017 annual bonus payments based on actual performance.

 

    Indemnification and Insurance . RAI’s directors and executive officers are entitled to continued indemnification and, for a period of six years following the completion of the merger, insurance coverage through a “tail” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy purchased by RAI or BAT.

 

     For a more detailed discussion of these interests, see “Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What is an American depositary share?

 

A:

An American depositary share, or ADS, represents a specified number of securities of a non-U.S. company deposited with a custodian bank. Each BAT ADS represents one BAT ordinary share. BAT ADSs are issued

 

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  in book-entry form or are issued in certificated form, in which case they are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs. The BAT ADSs are issued pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement.

 

Q: What are the important differences between a BAT ordinary share and a BAT ADS?

 

A: While each BAT ADS represents one BAT ordinary share, there are some differences between these two securities. These differences include:

 

    BAT ADSs trade in U.S. dollars, while BAT ordinary shares trade in the pound sterling on the LSE (BAT ordinary shares also trade in South African rand on the JSE);

 

    dividends paid in respect of BAT ADSs will be paid in U.S. dollars following conversion from pounds sterling by the depositary bank, while dividends paid in respect of BAT ordinary shares listed on the LSE will be paid in the pound sterling and dividends in respect of BAT ordinary shares listed on the JSE will be paid in South African rand, and as a result certain dividends will be subject to currency fluctuations;

 

    dividends paid in respect of BAT ADSs have a payment date which is three business days after that of the payment date of the BAT ordinary shares;

 

    cash dividends paid in respect of BAT ADSs will be subject to a fee of up to $0.02 per BAT ADS per year (a fee of $0.01 per dividend based on the distribution of an interim and a final cash dividend per year or a fee of $0.005 per dividend based on the distribution of four quarterly cash dividends per year), which may not be varied by the depositary bank without the consent of BAT, while no such fee is payable by holders of BAT ordinary shares;

 

    prior to or at completion of the merger, all BAT ADSs will be listed on the NYSE (the currently outstanding BAT ADSs have unlisted trading privileges on the NYSE MKT) while BAT ordinary shares are listed on the LSE (with a secondary listing on the JSE);

 

    holders of BAT ADSs vote the underlying BAT ordinary shares by instructing the depositary bank how to vote the corresponding BAT ordinary shares, while holders of BAT ordinary shares vote directly at any general meetings;

 

    certain shareholders’ rights, such as the right to propose resolutions or the right to convene a general meeting, may not be exercised by BAT ADS holders unless they first convert their BAT ADSs into BAT ordinary shares; and

 

    holders of BAT ordinary shares are entitled to receive mailed copies of proxy materials and documents from BAT, while, in lieu of distributing such materials, the depositary bank may distribute to holders of BAT ADSs instructions on how to retrieve such materials upon request.

 

     A holder of a BAT ADS may at any time exchange such holder’s BAT ADS for BAT ordinary shares, subject to certain limitations. See “— Can I elect to receive BAT ordinary shares instead of BAT ADSs ?”

 

     For a more detailed discussion about BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs, see “ Description of BAT Ordinary Shares ” and “ Description of BAT American Depositary Shares ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: Can I sell the BAT ADSs that I receive in the merger?

 

A:

Yes, so long as there is sufficient market demand for the BAT ADSs. The BAT ADSs being issued in the merger are transferable (subject to applicable restrictions under the U.S. securities laws) and are being registered with the SEC. The currently outstanding BAT ADSs have unlisted trading privileges on the NYSE MKT. However, it is a condition to completion of the merger that the BAT ADSs being issued in the

 

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  merger be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. Following completion of the merger, there can be no assurance that the BAT ADSs will continue to satisfy the listing requirements of the NYSE or that a trading market in the BAT ADSs will develop or exist at any time. Further, no prediction can be made regarding the liquidity of any such market or the prices at which the BAT ADSs may trade at any point in time.

 

Q. Can I elect to receive BAT ordinary shares instead of BAT ADSs?

 

A. No. The merger consideration only consists of cash and BAT ADSs. In connection with the completion of the merger, all holders of RAI common stock will only be entitled to receive cash and BAT ADSs and may not elect to receive BAT ordinary shares in lieu of BAT ADSs. However, once BAT ADSs are issued to you, you will have the right to convert those BAT ADSs into BAT ordinary shares, subject to the payment of any fees charged by the depositary bank relating to such conversion of BAT ADSs into BAT ordinary shares. Once you hold BAT ordinary shares, you may continue to hold BAT ordinary shares or you may sell those shares on the LSE or the JSE.

 

     For a more detailed discussion about the conversion of BAT ADSs into BAT ordinary shares and the fees and charges that may be charged by the depositary bank in relation to the BAT ADSs, see “ Description of BAT American Depositary Shares—Withdrawal of Deposited Securities upon Cancellation of BAT ADSs ” and “ Description of BAT American Depositary Shares Fees and Charges ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What happens if the merger is not completed?

 

A: If the merger is not completed for any reason, RAI shareholders will not receive any consideration for their shares of RAI common stock, RAI will remain an independent public company with RAI common stock being listed on the NYSE and BAT will remain a 42% beneficial owner of RAI subject to the terms of the governance agreement.

 

Q: If I am an RAI shareholder, how will I receive the merger consideration to which I am entitled?

 

A: After receiving any requisite documentation from you, following the completion of the merger, the exchange agent will mail to you (1) a statement reflecting the whole number of BAT ADSs you have the right to receive as merger consideration and (2) a check for the cash portion of the merger consideration and any cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs to which you are entitled. If you hold your shares of RAI common stock in certificated form, you will need to surrender your certificates for such shares to the exchange agent to receive the merger consideration which you are entitled to receive. For additional information about the exchange of shares of RAI common stock for the merger consideration, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Exchange of Shares in the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: When and where will the special meeting be held?

 

A: The special meeting will be held at [●] (Eastern Time), on [●], 2017, in the Reynolds American Plaza Building Auditorium at RAI’s corporate offices, 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101.

 

Q: Who is entitled to vote at the special meeting?

 

A: Only record holders of RAI common stock as of the RAI record date, 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017, are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournment thereof. As of the RAI record date, there were [●] shares of RAI common stock outstanding. Each outstanding share of RAI common stock is entitled to one vote.

 

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Q: Who may attend the special meeting?

 

A: Attendance at the special meeting will be limited to RAI shareholders as of the RAI record date and to pre-approved guests of RAI. All shareholder guests must be pre-approved by RAI and will be limited to spouses, persons required for medical assistance and properly authorized representatives of RAI shareholders as of the RAI record date . You may confirm receipt of your pre-registration request by calling (336) 741-1657. Admittance tickets will be required to attend the special meeting. If you are a shareholder and plan to attend, you MUST pre-register and request an admittance ticket for you (and any guest for whom you are requesting pre-approval) no later than [●], 2017, by writing to the Office of the Secretary, Reynolds American Inc., P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990.

 

     If your shares of RAI common stock are not registered in your own name, evidence of your stock ownership as of the RAI record date must accompany your letter. You can obtain this evidence from your broker, bank, trust company or other nominee or intermediary, referred to as a nominee or intermediary, typically in the form of your most recent monthly statement. An admittance ticket will be held in your name at the registration desk—not mailed to you in advance of the special meeting. Proper identification will be required to obtain your admittance ticket at the special meeting.

 

     The special meeting is a private business meeting. In accordance with the RAI bylaws and North Carolina law, any officer entitled to preside at or to act as secretary at the special meeting has the right and authority to postpone the special meeting and to determine and maintain the rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of the special meeting, including, but not limited to, maintaining order and the safety of those in attendance, dismissing business not properly submitted, opening and closing the polls for voting and limiting time allowed for discussion of the business at the special meeting. Failure to abide by the special meeting rules will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the special meeting. A copy of the special meeting rules will be provided to all properly pre-registered holders of RAI common stock and guests with their admittance ticket. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the special meeting.

 

     RAI anticipates that a large number of holders of RAI common stock may attend the special meeting. Seating is limited, so RAI suggests you arrive early. The auditorium will open at [●] (Eastern Time).

 

     If you have a disability, RAI can provide reasonable assistance to help you participate in the special meeting. If you plan to attend the special meeting and require assistance, please write or call RAI’s Office of the Secretary no later than [●], 2017, at P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990, telephone number (336) 741-2000.

 

Q: What are RAI shareholders being asked to vote on?

 

A: Holders of RAI common stock are being asked to vote on the following proposals:

 

    to approve the merger agreement, pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into RAI; as a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT;

 

    to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation; and

 

    to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

 

    

The approval of the merger agreement by RAI shareholders, including the unaffiliated shareholder approval, is a condition to the obligations of BAT and RAI to complete the merger. The approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is not a condition to the

 

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  obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger. The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement also is not a condition to the obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger.

 

Q: Are there any important risks about the merger or BAT’s business of which I should be aware?

 

A: Yes, there are important risks involved. Before making any decision on whether and how to vote, you are urged to read carefully and in its entirety “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What uncertainties and risks did the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors consider in connection with the merger?

 

A: The Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors carefully considered certain uncertainties and risks in its deliberations concerning the merger, including:

 

    the challenges inherent in the merger of two businesses of the size and geographical diversity and scope of RAI and BAT, including the risk that integration costs may be greater than anticipated and the possible diversion of management attention for an extended period of time;

 

    the lack of opportunity for RAI shareholders to participate in RAI’s potential upside as a stand-alone company, other than indirectly as part of the combined company through the stock portion of the merger consideration, after completion of the merger;

 

    the potential decrease of the implied value of the merger consideration that would result from a decrease in the trading price of BAT ADSs without a corresponding decrease in the trading price of shares of RAI common stock because the stock portion of the merger consideration is based on a fixed exchange ratio and the merger agreement does not provide RAI with a price-based termination right or adjustment for fluctuations in the trading price of BAT ADSs;

 

    BAT’s right to respond to and negotiate with respect to unsolicited alternative proposals from third parties in certain circumstances;

 

    the restrictions in the merger agreement on the conduct of the RAI Group’s business during the period between execution of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger;

 

    the execution risks associated with the implementation of the combined company’s long-term business plan and strategy, which may be different from the execution risks related only to the RAI Group’s business;

 

    the risk that the combined company may not be able to successfully integrate the businesses of the RAI Group and the BAT Group and therefore may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger;

 

    that the merger requires the approval by holders of BAT ordinary shares of the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated thereby as a Class 1 transaction and authorization for directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration, in each case on a poll by the holders of not less than a majority of BAT ordinary shares, present in person or by proxy who are entitled to vote at the BAT general meeting (held for the purpose of such vote);

 

    the risk that the merger might not be completed on a timely basis or at all despite the parties’ efforts, and, if the merger is not completed, the materially adverse impact such event could have on RAI’s financial or business condition, results of operations or stock price;

 

    the risk that the pendency of the merger or announcement of its completion could adversely affect the RAI Group’s relationships with its customers, suppliers and any other persons with whom the RAI Group has a business relationship;

 

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    the risk that, despite the efforts of RAI and BAT prior to the completion of the merger, RAI and BAT may have difficulties in attracting and retaining key employees, and the potential resulting negative effects on RAI’s and, ultimately, BAT’s businesses;

 

    that the merger agreement prohibits RAI from soliciting or engaging in discussions regarding alternative transactions during the pendency of the merger, subject to limited exceptions;

 

    the requirement that RAI pay BAT a $1 billion termination fee if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances and the inability of RAI to terminate the merger agreement in connection with a change of recommendation by the Transaction Committee or the RAI board of directors, and the risk that such restrictions and termination fee may discourage third parties that might otherwise have an interest in a business combination with, or acquisition of, RAI from making alternative proposals;

 

    that some of RAI’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of RAI shareholders generally, as more fully described under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the expectation that the receipt of BAT ADSs and cash in exchange for RAI common stock in the merger will generally be taxable to RAI shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as more fully described under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences —Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the risks inherent in requesting regulatory approvals from certain government agencies both in and outside of the United States, that the required regulatory approvals will not be obtained or that obtaining the required regulatory approvals will significantly delay the completion of the merger; and

 

    the risks of the type and nature described under “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page [●] and the matters described under “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

     For a more detailed discussion of the factors, including the negative factors, that each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors considered in their respective deliberations concerning the merger, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What was the role of the Transaction Committee?

 

A: RAI, BAT and B&W are parties to the governance agreement, pursuant to which entry into the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the merger, requires the approval of a majority of the Other Directors. In furtherance of this requirement, the RAI board of directors formed the Transaction Committee to review and evaluate BAT’s initial October 20, 2016 proposal, the merger and RAI’s other available strategic alternatives, to negotiate with BAT if appropriate and to recommend to the RAI board of directors a transaction with BAT if the Transaction Committee determined that such a transaction is fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates). The Transaction Committee had no obligation to recommend the approval of the merger or any other transaction and BAT pledged not to proceed with its proposed transaction without the approval of the Transaction Committee. The RAI board of directors could not independently consider and approve the merger agreement without the prior approval of the merger agreement by the Transaction Committee.

 

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Q: What is the recommendation of the Transaction Committee?

 

A: The Transaction Committee unanimously (1) determined that entering into the merger agreement and completing the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (2) approved, adopted and authorized the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (3) recommended to the RAI board of directors that the RAI board of directors approve, adopt and authorize the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (4) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (5) declared the merger agreement and the merger advisable.

 

Q: How does the RAI board of directors recommend that RAI shareholders vote?

 

A: The RAI board of directors (other than Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who recused themselves from all discussion and consideration of the merger), having received the unanimous approval and recommendation of the Transaction Committee, (1) adopted the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (2) determined that the terms of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (3) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby and (4) declared that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable.

 

     The RAI board of directors recommends that RAI shareholders vote “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement, “ FOR ” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “ FOR ” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors ,” “ RAI Proposal II: Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation ” and “ RAI Proposal III: Adjournment of Special Meeting ” beginning on pages [●], [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: How do I vote?

 

A: If you are an RAI shareholder as of the RAI record date, you may vote in person at the special meeting or you may designate another person—your proxy—to vote your shares of RAI common stock. The written document used to designate someone as your proxy also is called a proxy or proxy card. We urge you to submit a proxy to have your shares of RAI common stock voted even if you plan to attend the special meeting. You can always change your vote at the special meeting.

 

     If you are a record shareholder of RAI common stock as of the RAI record date, then you can have your shares voted at the special meeting in person or by submitting a proxy over the Internet, by mail or by telephone by following the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. The deadline for voting by proxy over the Internet or by telephone for the special meeting is 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017. Proxies that are mailed must be received prior to the special meeting.

 

     If you are a beneficial owner and hold your shares of RAI common stock in street name, or through a nominee or intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you will receive separate instructions from such nominee or intermediary describing how to vote your shares. The availability of Internet or telephonic voting will depend on the intermediary’s voting process. Please check with your nominee or intermediary and follow the voting instructions provided by your nominee or intermediary with these materials.

 

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Q: What if I participate in the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP?

 

A: If you participate in the RAI Savings Plan or in the Puerto Rico SIP, then your proxy card will serve as voting instructions for the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP for shares of RAI common stock that are considered allocated to your account under the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable. Shares of RAI common stock for which no instructions are received will be voted by the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan and the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP in the same proportion as the shares for which instructions are received by each of them. You will receive information telling you how to instruct the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, and the time by which you must provide such instruction.

 

Q: What is a “broker non-vote”?

 

A A “broker non-vote” occurs on an item when a nominee or intermediary is not permitted to vote without instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares and the beneficial owner fails to provide the nominee or intermediary with such instructions.

 

Q: What RAI shareholder vote is required for the approval of the merger agreement, and what happens if I abstain?

 

A: Under North Carolina law, approval of the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote. Accordingly, an abstention or a broker non-vote will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the approval of the merger agreement.

 

     Pursuant to a provision of the merger agreement that cannot be waived, completion of the merger also requires the unaffiliated shareholder approval. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will have any effect on whether the unaffiliated shareholder approval is obtained.

 

Q: What RAI shareholder vote is required to approve the other matters to be considered at the special meeting, and what happens if I abstain?

 

A: The following are the vote requirements for the other matters to be considered at the special meeting:

 

    Non-Binding, Advisory Approval of Compensation Payments : The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting is required to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will have any effect on the proposal.

 

    Adjournment of Special Meeting : The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting is required to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. Neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will have any effect on the proposal.

 

Q: Will shares of RAI common stock held by the BAT Group be considered in the RAI shareholder vote?

 

A: As of May 5, 2017, 601,368,171 shares of RAI common stock, or approximately 42% of the total shares of RAI common stock outstanding, were held by the BAT Group. Like all other shareholders of RAI, the BAT Group will have the right to vote the shares of RAI common stock held by them as of the RAI record date on each of the proposals to be considered at the special meeting.

 

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     Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, BAT has agreed to cause all shares of RAI common stock held by the BAT Group to be voted in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the other proposals to be considered at the special meeting. However, while the shares of RAI common stock held by the BAT Group will be included for purposes of determining whether, as required by law, a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date have approved the merger agreement, completion of the merger also requires obtaining the unaffiliated shareholder approval. See “— What RAI shareholder vote is required for the approval of the merger agreement, and what happens if I abstain ?”

 

Q: What constitutes a quorum for the special meeting?

 

A: A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The record holders, present in person or by proxy at the special meeting, of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted in determining the existence of a quorum. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment of that meeting unless a new record date is or must be set for that adjourned meeting (which must be done if the new meeting date is more than 120 days after the date of the original meeting). Subject to the provisions of the NCBCA, at any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting if a quorum exists with respect to the matter proposed.

 

Q: If my shares of RAI common stock are held in street name, will my nominee or intermediary automatically vote my shares for me?

 

A: No. If your shares of RAI common stock are held in street name, you must instruct your nominee or intermediary how to vote your shares. Your nominee or intermediary will vote your shares only if you provide instructions on how to vote by filling out the voting instruction form sent to you by your nominee or intermediary with this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What will happen if I return my proxy card without indicating how to vote?

 

A: If you return your signed and dated proxy card without indicating how to vote your shares on any particular proposal, the RAI common stock represented by your proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the RAI board of directors. However, if you participate in the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, shares of RAI common stock for which no instructions are received will be voted by the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan and the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP in the same proportion as the shares for which instructions are received by each of them.

 

Q: Is my vote important?

 

A: Yes, your vote is very important. The merger cannot be completed without (1) the approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and (2) the unaffiliated shareholder approval. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote.

 

     Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, we urge you to submit a proxy as promptly as possible by (1) accessing the Internet website specified on the enclosed proxy card, (2) calling the toll-free number specified on the enclosed proxy card or (3) marking, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, so that your shares may be represented and voted at the special meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a nominee or intermediary, please follow the instructions on the voting instruction card furnished by the record holder. For participants in RAI’s benefit plans, the proxy card will serve as voting instructions for the trustee or custodian of the relevant benefit plan.

 

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     The RAI board of directors recommends that RAI shareholders vote “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement; “ FOR ” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “ FOR ” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors ,” “ RAI Proposal II: Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation ” and “ RAI Proposal III: Adjournment of Special Meeting ” beginning on pages [●], [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q. Can I revoke my proxy or change my voting instructions?

 

A: Yes. You may revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time before your shares of RAI common stock are voted at the special meeting.

 

     If you are a record holder of RAI common stock as of the RAI record date, you can revoke your proxy or change your vote by

 

    sending a signed, written notice stating that you revoke your proxy or change your voting instructions to the Office of the Secretary, at Reynolds American Inc., P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990, that bears a date later than the date of your proxy and is received by the RAI Office of the Secretary prior to the special meeting;

 

    submitting a valid, later-dated proxy via the Internet or by telephone before 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017, or by mailing a later-dated, new proxy card that is received by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. prior to the special meeting; or

 

    attending the special meeting (or, if the special meeting is adjourned or postponed, attending the adjourned or postponed meeting) and voting in person, which will automatically cancel any proxy previously given, or revoking your proxy in person, but your attendance alone will not constitute a vote or revoke any proxy previously given.

 

     If you hold your shares of RAI common stock in street name, you must contact your nominee or intermediary to change your vote or obtain a legal proxy to vote your shares if you wish to cast your vote in person at the special meeting.

 

Q: What happens if I transfer my shares of RAI common stock before the special meeting?

 

A: The RAI record date is earlier than the date of the special meeting and the date that the merger is expected to be completed. If you transfer your shares of RAI common stock after the RAI record date but before the special meeting, you will retain your right to vote at the special meeting. However, you will have transferred the right to receive the merger consideration in the merger. In order to receive the merger consideration, you must hold your shares of RAI common stock through the completion of the merger.

 

Q: What do I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

 

A: You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this proxy statement/prospectus, the proxy card or the voting instruction form. This can occur if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, if you hold shares directly as a record holder and also in street name, or otherwise through another record holder, and in certain other circumstances. If you receive more than one set of voting materials, please vote or return each set separately in order to ensure that all of your shares are voted.

 

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Q: How do I obtain the voting results from the special meeting?

 

A: Preliminary voting results will be announced at the special meeting, and will be set forth in a press release that RAI intends to issue after its special meeting. The press release will be available on RAI’s website at www.reynoldsamerican.com . Final voting results for the special meeting are expected to be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days after the special meeting. A copy of this Current Report on Form 8-K will be available on RAI’s website after its filing with the SEC. The web address of RAI has been included as an inactive textual reference only. RAI’s website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: What will happen if all of the proposals to be considered at the special meeting are not approved?

 

A: As a condition to completion of the merger, (1) the merger agreement must be approved by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and (2) the unaffiliated shareholder approval must be obtained. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote.

 

     Completion of the merger is not conditioned or dependent upon the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation, or the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

 

Q: Are RAI shareholders entitled to seek appraisal rights if they do not vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement?

 

A:

Yes. Under North Carolina law, holders of shares of RAI common stock on the RAI record date are entitled to statutory appraisal rights in connection with the merger if they assert and perfect such rights in accordance with North Carolina law. Among other things, Article 13 of the NCBCA requires that holders of RAI common stock intending to assert appraisal rights (1) not vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, (2) properly deliver notice of their intent to demand payment for their shares of RAI common stock and (3) otherwise comply with the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA. If you are such a holder and you comply with the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA, you are entitled to seek appraisal for and obtain payment in cash for the “fair value” of your shares of RAI common stock (plus interest) in lieu of receiving the merger consideration if the merger is completed. A shareholder who properly asserts appraisal rights has no assurance that such holder will receive an amount more than the merger consideration and, in fact, may receive an amount the same as or even less than the merger consideration. A record holder, such as a broker, who holds shares of RAI common stock as a nominee for others, may assert appraisal rights with respect to the shares held by all or less than all beneficial owners of shares as to which such person is the record holder, provided such record holder asserts appraisal rights with respect to all shares beneficially owned by any particular beneficial owner. A beneficial owner may assert appraisal rights only if such beneficial owner also submits to RAI the record holder’s written consent to such assertion not later than the date by which RAI must receive the appraisal form from the shareholder, which may not be less than 40 nor more than 60 days after the date the appraisal notice and form are sent to shareholders, referred to as the Demand Deadline, and may assert appraisal rights only with respect to all shares of RAI common stock of which it is the beneficial owner. If you hold your shares in “street name” through an account with a bank, broker, or other nominee and wish to assert your appraisal rights, you are urged to consult with your bank, broker, or other nominee to determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a demand for appraisal. The procedures required to assert and perfect your statutory appraisal rights are summarized under “ Appraisal Rights ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, the text of the applicable provisions of North Carolina law is attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus. Failure to strictly comply with these provisions will result in a loss of the right of

 

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  appraisal. Copies of the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (together with the report of RAI’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding such statements) contained in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in RAI’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, are attached as Annex G and Annex H , respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

     In compliance with Article 13 of the NCBCA, special procedures as to appraisal rights will apply in the case of a participant in the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, who instructs the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to not vote the shares of RAI common stock that are considered allocated to such participant’s account in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

 

Q: Why are RAI shareholders being asked to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation?

 

A: The SEC has adopted rules that require RAI to seek a non-binding, advisory vote on the transaction-related named executive officer compensation.

 

Q: What happens if the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is not approved?

 

A: Approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is not a condition to completion of the merger. The vote is a non-binding, advisory vote. If the merger is completed, RAI or BAT will be obligated to pay all or a portion of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation to RAI’s named executive officers in connection with the completion of the merger or certain terminations of employment following the merger, even if RAI shareholders fail to approve this proposal.

 

Q: Is the transaction expected to be taxable to RAI shareholders?

 

A: The exchange of the merger consideration for RAI common stock in the merger generally will be a taxable transaction to U.S. holders (as defined in “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and may also be taxable under state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws. Please carefully review the information under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a description of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders. The tax consequences to you will depend on your own situation. We urge you to consult your tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to you of the merger and your receipt of the merger consideration, including the applicability and effect of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. income and other tax laws in light of your particular circumstances.

 

Q: Is the obligation of each of BAT and RAI to complete the merger subject to any conditions?

 

A: Yes. The obligation of each of BAT and RAI to complete the merger remains subject to a number of closing conditions, including:

 

    the approval of the merger agreement by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date (the Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote);

 

    receipt of the unaffiliated shareholder approval;

 

    receipt of the BAT shareholder approval;

 

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    the approval for listing of the BAT ADSs issuable as the stock portion of the merger consideration on the NYSE (subject to official notice of issuance);

 

    the approval for admission of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration on the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE subject only to the issue of such BAT ordinary shares upon the completion of the merger;

 

    the absence of any legal restraints that prevent, make illegal or prohibit the completion of the merger or the issuance of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration;

 

    declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of the registration statement filed on Form F-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part and of the registration statement on Form F-6 relating to the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration (and the absence of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statements or any proceedings seeking such a stop order);

 

    the filing of the BAT prospectus and BAT circular with the UKLA, the approval of the BAT prospectus and the BAT circular by the UKLA and the mailing of the BAT circular and the publishing of the BAT prospectus, in each case, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations;

 

    accuracy of the representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by the other party, subject to certain exceptions based on a material adverse change standard; and

 

    the other party having performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement that are required to be performed on or prior to completion of the merger.

 

     BAT’s obligation to complete the merger is further subject to the condition that no legal restraint issued by a governmental entity under any antitrust laws be in effect that would result, directly or indirectly, in (1) any prohibition or limitation on the ownership or operation by RAI, BAT or their respective subsidiaries of any portion of the business, properties or assets of RAI, BAT or their respective subsidiaries, (2) RAI, BAT or their respective subsidiaries being compelled to dispose of or hold separate any portion of the business, properties or assets of RAI, BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries, (3) any prohibition or limitation on the ability of BAT to acquire or hold, or exercise full right of ownership of, any shares of the capital stock of the RAI Group, including the right to vote such shares, or (4) any prohibition or limitation on BAT effectively controlling the business or operations of the RAI Group.

 

     For a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied (or, to the extent legally permissible, waived) prior to completion of the merger, see “ The Merger Agreement—Conditions to the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: How will the merger be financed?

 

A: BAT currently intends to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration, which is estimated to be $24.4 billion, and related fees and expenses with drawings under the acquisition facility. It is currently expected that the funded acquisition facility will be refinanced by bond issuances in due course. There is no guarantee that replacement or supplemental financing in lieu of drawings under the acquisition facility will be available to BAT at all or on acceptable terms. BAT’s ability to obtain additional financing to replace, supplement or refinance the acquisition facility will be subject to various factors, including market conditions, operating performance and the BAT Group’s credit rating. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Financing of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Q: Is the completion of the merger subject to a financing condition?

 

A: No. The receipt of financing by BAT is not a condition to completion of the merger and, accordingly, BAT will be required to complete the merger (assuming that all of the conditions to its obligations to complete the merger under the merger agreement are satisfied or, to the extent legally permissible, have been waived) whether or not debt financing or other financing is available at all or on acceptable terms.

 

Q: Is the merger conditioned on the absence of adverse developments with respect to menthol products?

 

A: No. Under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT and RAI expressly agreed that any menthol regulatory action would not be considered in determining whether a material adverse effect (as defined in the merger agreement) had occurred with respect to either party.

 

Q: Is the merger conditioned on the absence of adverse developments with respect to tobacco litigation?

 

A: Under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT and RAI expressly agreed that tobacco litigation commenced prior to the date of the merger agreement and tobacco litigation commenced at or after the date of the merger agreement other than by a governmental entity would not be considered in determining whether a material adverse effect had occurred with respect to either party. In addition, tobacco litigation commenced at or after the date of the merger agreement by or on behalf of a governmental entity, to the extent such litigation is a part of or an extension or expansion of any tobacco litigation commenced prior to the date of the merger agreement, would also not be considered in determining whether such a material adverse effect had occurred.

 

Q: Will the BAT ADSs issued to RAI shareholders at the time of completion of the merger be listed on an exchange?

 

A: Yes. It is a condition to the completion of the merger that the BAT ADSs to be issued to RAI shareholders in the merger be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. It is also a condition to the completion of the merger that the BAT ordinary shares underlying such BAT ADSs be approved for admission to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE, subject only to the issuance of such BAT ordinary shares upon the completion of the merger.

 

Q: What will happen to outstanding RAI equity awards in the merger?

 

A:

Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject thereto, subject to applicable proration, plus any accrued dividend equivalents, in each case, less any required withholding taxes. Each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections. Each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (1) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (2) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (3) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes. Each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes. Each outstanding rollover RSU will be converted into a corresponding restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs with a value equal to the merger

 

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  consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject thereto. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Treatment of RAI Equity Awards ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Q: When do you expect to complete the merger?

 

A: As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, it is not possible to accurately estimate the completion date because the merger is subject to the satisfaction (or, to the extent legally permissible, waiver) of the conditions to BAT’s and RAI’s obligations to complete the merger; however, BAT and RAI expect the merger to close in the third quarter of 2017. Due to the conditions to the merger, no assurance can be given as to when, or if, the merger will be completed. An end date of December 31, 2017 has been set for the completion of the merger, subject to a brief extension under certain circumstances as detailed in the merger agreement.

 

Q: What do I need to do now?

 

A: After carefully reading and considering the information contained in and incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including its annexes, please submit your proxy as promptly as possible, so that your shares of RAI common stock may be represented and voted at the special meeting. To vote your shares of RAI common stock:

 

    sign, date, mark and return the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying postage-paid return envelope;

 

    submit your proxy via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions included on your proxy card; or

 

    attend the special meeting and vote by ballot in person.

 

   The deadline for voting by proxy over the Internet or by telephone for the special meeting is 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017. Proxies that are mailed must be received prior to the special meeting. If you hold shares of RAI common stock in street name, please instruct your nominee or intermediary to vote your shares by following the instructions that the nominee or intermediary provides to you with these materials. Your nominee or intermediary will vote your shares of RAI common stock for you only if you provide instructions to it on how to vote. Please refer to the voting instruction card used by your nominee or intermediary to see if you may submit voting instructions using the telephone or Internet.

 

Q: Should I send in my RAI stock certificates now?

 

A: No. If you hold your shares of RAI common stock in certificated form, you should not send in your stock certificates at this time. After completion of the merger, the exchange agent will send you a letter of transmittal and instructions for exchanging your shares of RAI common stock for the merger consideration. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Exchange of Shares in the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Q: Whom should I call with questions?

 

A: If you have any questions about the merger or the special meeting, or desire additional copies of this proxy statement/prospectus, proxy cards or voting instruction forms, you should contact:

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.

105 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Telephone Toll-Free: (800) 322-2885

Telephone Call Collect: (212) 929-5500

Email: proxy@mackenziepartners.com

or

Reynolds American Inc.

Attention: Investor Relations

P.O. Box 2990

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990

Telephone: (336) 741-2000

 

Q: Where can I find more information about BAT and RAI?

 

A: You can find more information about BAT and RAI from the various sources described under “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this proxy statement/prospectus. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You are urged to read this entire proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents referred to or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus in order to fully understand the merger and the merger agreement. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Each item in this summary refers to the beginning page of this proxy statement/prospectus on which that subject is discussed in more detail.

The Companies (See page [ ])

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

BAT is the parent holding company of the BAT Group, a global tobacco and next generation products group with brands sold in over 200 markets. According to the BAT Group’s internal estimates, the BAT Group is a market leader in more than 55 countries by volume, producing the cigarette chosen by one in eight of the world’s one billion smokers. The BAT Group, excluding the BAT Group’s associated undertakings, is organized into four regions: Asia-Pacific, Americas, Western Europe and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, referred to as EEMEA.

The BAT Group manufactures and sells traditional tobacco products, which are composed of cigarettes, fine cut (roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco), Swedish-style snus and cigars, alongside next generation products, including vapor products and tobacco heating products. The BAT Group’s five global drive brands are DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS. The BAT Group’s cigarette portfolio also includes other international and local brands, such as VOGUE, VICEROY, KOOL, PETER STUYVESANT, CRAVEN A, BENSON & HEDGES, JOHN PLAYER GOLD LEAF, STATE EXPRESS 555 and SHUANG XI.

BAT has had a significant global presence in the tobacco industry for over 100 years. The British-American Tobacco Company Ltd., referred to as BAT Ltd., was incorporated in 1902, when the Imperial Tobacco Company and the American Tobacco Company agreed to form a joint venture company. BAT Ltd. inherited companies and quickly expanded into major markets, including India and Ceylon, Egypt, Malaya, Northern Europe and East Africa. In 1927, BAT Ltd. expanded into the U.S. market through its acquisition of B&W. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the BAT Group diversified its business under the umbrella of B.A.T Industries p.l.c., with acquisitions in the paper, cosmetics, retail and financial services industries, among others. Various business reorganizations followed as the business was eventually refocused on the BAT Group’s core cigarette, cigars and tobacco products businesses with British American Tobacco p.l.c. becoming a separately listed entity on the LSE in 1998.

In July 2004, the U.S. assets, liabilities and operations, other than certain specified assets and liabilities, of BAT’s wholly owned subsidiary, B&W, were combined with RJR Tobacco Company. RAI was previously formed as a new holding company for these combined businesses. In connection with the B&W business combination, B&W acquired beneficial ownership of approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock. In June 2015, in connection with the Lorillard merger, the BAT Group invested $4.7 billion to maintain its approximate 42% equity position in RAI following the Lorillard merger.

BAT’s ordinary shares are listed on the LSE under the trading symbol “BATS” and are classified as a premium listing. BAT ordinary shares also have a secondary listing on the JSE under the abbreviated name “BATS” and the trading symbol “BTI.”

 



 

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BAT ordinary shares trade in the form of BAT ADSs in the United States. The currently outstanding BAT ADSs have unlisted trading privileges on the NYSE MKT where they trade under the trading symbol “BTI.” None of BAT’s securities are currently listed on any U.S. securities exchange or registered pursuant to the securities laws of the United States.

BAT’s principal executive offices are located at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom, and its telephone number is +44 (0) 207 845 1000. BAT’s website address is www.bat.com . The web address of BAT has been included as an inactive textual reference only. BAT’s website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus.

Flight Acquisition Corporation

Flight Acquisition Corporation, referred to as Merger Sub, is a North Carolina corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. Merger Sub was incorporated on January 12, 2017, solely for the purpose of effecting the merger. It has not carried on any activities to date, except for activities incidental to its formation and activities undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Merger Sub’s principal executive offices are located at Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Suite 2300, 150 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, and its telephone number is (919) 821-6731.

Reynolds American Inc.

RAI, the parent company of the RAI Group, is a holding company whose wholly owned operating subsidiaries include the second largest tobacco company in the United States, RJR Tobacco Company; SFNTC, the manufacturer and marketer of the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand of cigarettes and other tobacco products in the United States; the second largest smokeless tobacco products manufacturer in the United States, American Snuff Company, LLC; R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, referred to as RJR Vapor, a marketer of digital vapor cigarettes in the United States; Niconovum USA, Inc. and Niconovum AB, marketers of nicotine replacement therapy products in the United States and Sweden, respectively; and until their sale on January 13, 2016, SFR Tobacco International GmbH, referred to as SFRTI, and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI, distributors and marketers of the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand of cigarettes and other tobacco products outside the United States.

RAI’s reportable operating segments include the RJR Tobacco segment, the Santa Fe segment and the American Snuff segment:

 

    The RJR Tobacco segment consists of the primary operations of RJR Tobacco Company and includes three of the top four best-selling cigarettes in the United States: NEWPORT, CAMEL and PALL MALL. These brands, and RJR Tobacco’s other brands, including DORAL, MISTY and CAPRI, are manufactured in a variety of styles and marketed in the United States. As part of its total tobacco strategy, RJR Tobacco offers a smokeless tobacco product, CAMEL Snus. RJR Tobacco manages contract manufacturing of cigarettes and tobacco products through arrangements with BAT affiliates, and manages the export of tobacco products to U.S. territories, U.S. duty-free shops and U.S. overseas military bases. In the United States, RJR Tobacco also manages the premium cigarette brands DUNHILL, which RJR Tobacco Company licenses from the BAT Group, and STATE EXPRESS 555, which RJR Tobacco Company licenses from CTBAT International Co. Ltd., referred to as CTBAT, a joint venture between the BAT Group and China National Tobacco Corporation, referred to as CNTC.

 

    The Santa Fe segment consists of the primary operations of SFNTC and includes the manufacturing and marketing of premium cigarettes and other tobacco products under the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand in the United States.

 

   

The American Snuff segment consists of the primary operations of American Snuff Company, LLC. American Snuff is the second largest smokeless tobacco products manufacturer in the United States,

 



 

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and offers adult tobacco consumers a range of differentiated smokeless tobacco products, primarily moist snuff. The moist snuff category is divided into premium, price-value and popular-price brands. American Snuff’s primary brands include its largest selling moist snuff brands, GRIZZLY, in the price-value category, and KODIAK, in the premium category.

Included in All Other, among other RAI subsidiaries, are RJR Vapor, Niconovum USA, Inc., Niconovum AB, and until their sale on January 13, 2016, SFRTI and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI.

RAI was incorporated in the State of North Carolina on January 2, 2004, and its common stock is listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “RAI.” RAI’s headquarters are located at 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, and its telephone number is (336) 741-2000. RAI’s website address is www.reynoldsamerican.com . The web address of RAI has been included as an inactive textual reference only. RAI’s website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus.

Special Meeting (See page [ ])

General

The special meeting will be held at [●] (Eastern Time), on [●], in the Reynolds American Plaza Building Auditorium at RAI’s corporate offices, 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101. At the special meeting, RAI shareholders will be asked to vote on the approval of the merger agreement. In addition, RAI shareholders will be asked to vote on the approval of, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and to vote on the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

The approval of the merger agreement by RAI shareholders, including the unaffiliated shareholder approval, is a condition to the obligations of BAT and RAI to complete the merger. The approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is not a condition to the obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger. The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement also is not a condition to the obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger.

Record Date

The RAI board of directors has fixed 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017, as the RAI record date, for determination of the RAI shareholders entitled to vote at the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only RAI record holders on the RAI record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

As of the RAI record date, there were [●] shares of RAI common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, held by approximately [●] record holders. As of the RAI record date, there were [●] shares of Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI and are not entitled to vote. Of the [●] shares of RAI common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, [●] shares are not owned, directly or indirectly, by the BAT Group or any of RAI’s subsidiaries. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, BAT has agreed to cause all shares of RAI common stock held by the BAT Group to be voted in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the other proposals to be considered at the special meeting. However, while the shares of RAI common stock held by the BAT Group will be included for purposes of determining whether, as required by law, a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock have approved the merger agreement, completion of the merger also requires receipt of the unaffiliated shareholder approval. Each outstanding share of RAI common stock is entitled to one vote. The number of shares you own is reflected on your proxy card.

 



 

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Quorum

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The record holders, present in person or by proxy at the special meeting, of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted in determining the existence of a quorum.

Required Vote

 

Item

       

Vote Necessary*

RAI Proposal I

   Approval of the Merger Agreement   

Approval requires the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote.

 

Approval also requires obtaining the unaffiliated shareholder approval, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting that are not owned by the BAT Group or any of RAI’s subsidiaries.

RAI Proposal II

   Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation    Approval requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting.

RAI Proposal III

   Adjournment of Special Meeting    Approval requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting.

 

* Under the rules of the NYSE, if you hold your shares of RAI common stock in street name, your nominee or intermediary may not vote your shares without instructions from you. Without your voting instructions, a broker non-vote will occur on RAI Proposal I, RAI Proposal II and RAI Proposal III. Abstentions from voting and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote “ AGAINST ” approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date; however, abstentions from voting and broker non-votes will have no effect on determining whether the unaffiliated shareholder approval is obtained. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on RAI Proposal II or RAI Proposal III.

Share Ownership of and Voting by RAI Directors and Executive Officers

At the RAI record date, RAI’s directors and executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned and had the right to vote [●] shares of RAI common stock at the special meeting, which represents less than [●]% of the shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

 



 

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RAI’s directors and executive officers intend to vote their shares “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement, “ FOR ” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “ FOR ” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

The Merger and the Merger Agreement (See pages [ ] and [ ])

The merger agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions in the merger agreement, and in accordance with the NCBCA, upon the completion of the merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into RAI. As a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. The merger will not be completed without the approval of the merger agreement by RAI shareholders, including the unaffiliated shareholder approval.

A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to read the merger agreement in its entirety because it is the legal document that governs the merger. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement ” and “ The Merger Agreement ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, it is not possible to accurately estimate the completion date because the merger is subject to the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, waiver) of the conditions to BAT’s and RAI’s obligations to complete the merger; however, BAT and RAI expect the merger to close in the third quarter of 2017. Due to the required approvals and other conditions to the merger, no assurance can be given as to when, or if, the merger will be completed. An end date of December 31, 2017, after which the parties may terminate the merger agreement, has been set for the completion of the merger, subject to an extension of five business days if, on December 31, 2017, BAT has not completed all or any portion of the financing it needs to fund the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Financing, however, is not a condition to the completion of the merger.

What RAI Shareholders Will Receive in the Merger (See page [ ])

If the merger is completed, each share of RAI common stock (other than shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) automatically will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest. No fractional BAT ADSs will be issued in the merger, and RAI shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs.

Based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £47.63 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2056, in each case, on January 16, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT ordinary shares before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represented approximately $59.64 in value per share of RAI common stock. Based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £53.39 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2880, in each case, on May 11, 2017, the most recent practicable trading day prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the merger consideration represented approximately $65.61 in value for each share of RAI common stock. Because the merger agreement provides for a fixed number of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares underlying those BAT ADSs to be issued as part of the consideration payable in exchange for each share of RAI common stock, the value of the merger consideration that RAI shareholders will receive will depend on the market price of BAT ordinary shares underlying such BAT ADSs and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate at the time the merger is completed. As a result, the value of the merger consideration that RAI shareholders will receive upon the completion of the merger could be greater than, less than or the same as the value of the merger consideration on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus or at the time of the special meeting.

 



 

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BAT’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger (See page [ ])

For the factors considered by the BAT board of directors in approving the merger agreement, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—BAT’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors (See page [ ])

The Transaction Committee, after extensive negotiations with BAT, unanimously (1) determined that entering into the merger agreement and completing the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (2) approved, adopted and authorized the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (3) recommended to the RAI board of directors that the RAI board of directors approve, adopt and authorize the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (4) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (5) declared the merger agreement and the merger advisable.

The RAI board of directors (other than Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who recused themselves from all discussion and consideration of the merger), having received the unanimous approval and recommendation of the Transaction Committee, (1) adopted the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (2) determined that the terms of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (3) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (4) declared that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable.

The RAI board of directors recommends that RAI shareholders vote “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement. For the factors considered by the RAI board of directors in reaching this decision, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

In addition, the RAI board of directors recommends that RAI shareholders vote “ FOR ” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “ FOR ” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. See “ RAI Proposal II: Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation ” and “ RAI Proposal III: Adjournment of Special Meeting ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus for a more detailed discussion of the recommendation.

Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor (See page [ ])

The Transaction Committee retained Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor in connection with the merger. In connection with this engagement, the Transaction Committee requested that Goldman Sachs deliver the opinion described below.

Opinion of Goldman Sachs

On January 16, 2017, Goldman Sachs rendered its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, to the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee that, as of January 16, 2017, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the consideration, consisting of (1) a number of

 



 

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BAT ADSs (each BAT ADS representing, as of the date of the opinion, two BAT ordinary shares and currently representing one BAT ordinary share) equal to 0.5260 divided by the ADS Ratio (as defined in the merger agreement), plus (2) $29.44 in cash, to be paid to the holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders, the amounts in (1) and (2) collectively referred to as the merger consideration throughout this section and in other instances where the opinion of Goldman Sachs is referenced.

The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated January 16, 2017, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus. The summary of the Goldman Sachs opinion provided in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Goldman Sachs’ written opinion. Goldman Sachs’ advisory services were provided for the information and assistance of the Transaction Committee and Goldman Sachs’ opinion was provided for the information and assistance of the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee, in each case in connection with their consideration of the merger. The Goldman Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of shares of RAI common stock should vote with respect to the merger or any other matter.

The full text of Goldman Sachs’ written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, should be read carefully and in its entirety for a description of the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and limitations on the opinion and the review undertaken by Goldman Sachs in connection with rendering its opinion.

For a summary of the opinion, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor—Opinion of Goldman Sachs ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Goldman Sachs’ written opinion.

Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors (See page [ ])

RAI retained J.P. Morgan and Lazard as financial advisors to the RAI board of directors in connection with the merger. In connection with this engagement, the RAI board of directors requested that RAI’s financial advisors deliver the opinions described below.

Opinion of J.P. Morgan

On January 16, 2017, at the meeting of the RAI board of directors at which the merger agreement was approved, J.P. Morgan rendered to the RAI board of directors an oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by delivery to the RAI board of directors of a written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors, procedures, qualifications, assumptions and any limitations set forth in its written opinion, the consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share as of the effective time of the proposed merger plus (2) $29.44 in cash, taken together, to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (the consideration described in (1) and (2) is being collectively referred to as the merger consideration throughout this section).

The full text of J.P. Morgan’s written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The full text of the opinion contains a discussion of, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and any limitations on the opinion and the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in connection with rendering its

 



 

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opinion. The summary of the opinion of J.P. Morgan set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion. RAI shareholders are urged to read J.P. Morgan’s opinion attached as Annex C and the summary beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in their entirety. J.P. Morgan’s opinion was addressed to the RAI board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the merger, was directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the merger and did not address any other aspect of the merger. J.P. Morgan was not authorized to and did not solicit any expressions of interest from any other parties with respect to the sale of all or any part of RAI or any other alternative transaction. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration to be paid in connection with the merger to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of RAI or as to the underlying decision by RAI to engage in the merger. The issuance of J.P. Morgan’s opinion was approved by a fairness committee of J.P. Morgan. The opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of RAI as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the merger or any other matter. The full text of J.P. Morgan’s written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, should be read carefully and in its entirety for a description of the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and any limitations on the opinion and the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in connection with rendering its opinion.

For a summary of the opinion, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors—Opinion of J.P. Morgan ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of J.P. Morgan’s written opinion.

Opinion of Lazard

On January 16, 2017, at a meeting of the RAI board of directors held to evaluate the merger, Lazard rendered to the RAI board of directors an oral opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the matters described in its opinion, the merger consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash to be paid to holders of shares of RAI common stock, other than the BAT Group and holders of shares of RAI common stock who have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of RAI common stock in favor of the adoption of the plan of merger, as defined in the merger agreement, at the special meeting and who have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) their rights of appraisal in accordance with Article 13 of the NCBCA, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

The full text of Lazard’s written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, to the RAI board of directors which sets forth, among other things, the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the scope of review undertaken, is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex D and is incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The summary of Lazard’s opinion set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Lazard’s written opinion attached as Annex D . You are encouraged to read Lazard’s opinion and this section carefully and in their entirety. Lazard’s opinion was for the benefit of the RAI board of directors (in its capacity as such) and Lazard’s opinion was rendered to the RAI board of directors in connection with its evaluation of the merger. Lazard’s opinion was not intended to and does not constitute a recommendation to any RAI shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act with respect to the merger or any matter relating thereto.

The full text of Lazard’s written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, should be read carefully and in its entirety for a description of the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the scope of the review undertaken by Lazard in connection with its opinion.

 



 

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For a summary of the opinion, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors—Opinion of Lazard ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Lazard’s written opinion.

Financing of the Merger (See page [ ])

BAT currently intends to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration, which is estimated to be $24.4 billion, and related fees and expenses with drawings under the acquisition facility.

On January 16, 2017, B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, each a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, as original borrowers, and BAT, as guarantor, entered into an acquisition facility with HSBC Bank plc, as agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent, and the financial institutions party thereto, as mandated lead arrangers and banks. Under the acquisition facility, the lenders are providing unsecured and unsubordinated term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of up to $25.0 billion, available for the purpose of financing the merger, paying related taxes, fees, costs and expenses and refinancing an existing revolving credit facility of RAI.

The acquisition facility consists of four credit facilities: (1) a $15.0 billion bridge facility which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 12 months after the earlier of (a) the date that the merger is completed and (b) the business day falling six months after January 16, 2017 (the earlier of (a) and (b) being referred to as the start date), (2) a $5.0 billion bridge facility which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 24 months after the start date, (3) a $2.5 billion term loan which matures on the date falling 36 months after the start date and (4) a $2.5 billion term loan which matures on the date falling 60 months after January 16, 2017. It is currently expected that the funded acquisition facility will be refinanced by bond issuances in due course. As an alternative to drawing on the acquisition facility, BAT may issue new bonds to finance a portion of the cash portion of the merger consideration. BAT has not entered into any definitive documentation with respect to any such bond issuances. There can be no assurance that any replacement, supplemental or refinance financing will be available at all or on acceptable terms.

See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Financing of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers (See page [ ])

When considering the recommendation of the RAI board of directors that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement, you should be aware that certain RAI directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of RAI shareholders generally. These interests may present such directors and executive officers with actual or potential conflicts of interest. The RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee were aware of these interests during their deliberations on the merits of the merger and in deciding to recommend that RAI shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement at the special meeting.

These interests include:

 

   

Treatment of Equity Awards for RAI Executive Officers . RAI’s executive officers have been granted RAI RSUs and RAI performance shares. Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, (1) each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right of the holder to receive the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSU, subject to applicable proration, plus any accrued dividend equivalents earned in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case, less any required withholding taxes; and (2) each outstanding rollover RSU will continue to be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the completion of the merger and will be converted into a

 



 

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restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (a) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (b) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution.

 

    Treatment of Equity Awards for RAI Directors . Certain RAI directors hold RAI DSUs. Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, (1) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections, (2) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (a) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (b) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (c) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes, and (3) each outstanding RAI DSUs attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes.

 

    Treatment of Bonuses under Annual Incentive Award Program . RAI’s executive officers are eligible to receive bonuses under the annual incentive award program. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the 2017 annual bonuses will be calculated and paid in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. In the event the completion of the merger occurs prior to December 31, 2017, BAT and RAI will work together in good faith to specify the process for determining the achievement of performance goals with respect to the 2017 annual bonuses. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the 2017 annual bonuses will not vest or pay out upon the completion of the merger; however, if an executive officer experiences an involuntary termination of employment in 2017 where such executive officer is eligible for and accepts severance benefits, the executive officer would be entitled to receive a pro-rated 2017 annual bonus payment based on actual performance, with such proration based on the number of months, rounded up to the nearest whole month, that have elapsed in fiscal year 2017 through the termination date.

 

    RAI Change in Control and Termination Benefits . RAI maintains two types of severance arrangements with its executive officers that provide severance benefits upon certain terminations of employment: (1) a standard form of severance agreement between certain executive officers and RAI, referred to as a severance agreement, and (2) the ESP. The severance agreements provide an executive officer party to such an agreement with severance and other benefits following any such executive officer’s termination of employment without cause or a termination of employment during the 24-month period following an RAI change in control for “change of control good reason,” estimated at a total of $33,945,664 for all executive officers who are party to a severance agreement as a group, assuming the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 (the latest practicable date, determined pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K) and all such executive officers were terminated without cause on such date. The ESP provides a participating executive officer with severance and other benefits following such executive officer’s termination of employment without cause or with “change in control good reason” within the 24 months following an RAI change in control, or a termination without cause during the 12-month period prior to an RAI change in control, estimated at a total of $17,769,886 for all executive officers who are participants in the ESP as a group, assuming the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 and all such executive officers were terminated without cause on such date.

 



 

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    Indemnification and Insurance . RAI’s directors and executive officers are entitled to continued indemnification and, for a period of six years following the completion of the merger, insurance coverage through a “tail” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy purchased by RAI or BAT.

Assuming the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 and all of RAI’s executive officers experienced a vesting termination and a qualifying termination (each as defined below in “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ”) on such date, (1) RAI’s named executive officers would potentially be entitled to payments and other benefits with the following values: Susan M. Cameron - $0 (with respect to her service as a named executive officer of RAI); Debra A. Crew - $25,270,154; Andrew D. Gilchrist - $18,976,625; Martin L. Holton III - $10,287,500; Joseph P. Fragnito - $6,117,219; and Jeffery S. Gentry - $2,498,272; and (2) RAI’s other executive officers as a group would potentially be entitled to payments and other benefits with an aggregate value equal to $52,943,229. Assuming the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 and a complete payment under the DCP occurred at such time, RAI’s non-employee directors would be entitled to payment of the following amounts with respect to RAI DSUs: Jerome B. Abelman - $0; John A. Boehner - $853,478; Susan M. Cameron - $297,469 (with respect to her service on the RAI board of directors in 2013 and 2014 prior to her re-reappointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of RAI); Martin D. Feinstein - $9,025,127; Luc Jobin - $1,352,017; Murray S. Kessler - $89,867; Holly Keller Koeppel - $8,176,385; Robert Lerwill - $0; Jean-Marc Lévy - $22,930; Nana Mensah - $3,490,767; Lionel L. Nowell, III - $11,230,609; Ricardo Oberlander - $0; Ronald S. Rolfe - $689,349; Thomas C. Wajnert - $0; and John J. Zillmer - $1,615,969.

These interests may cause the directors and executive officers of RAI to view the proposals relating to the merger differently and more favorably than RAI shareholders generally may view them. For more information on the interests of RAI’s directors and executive officers in the merger, including the individual components of and the assumptions underlying such payments and benefits, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger (See page [ ])

Pursuant to the merger agreement, BAT will take all actions necessary to cause three directors serving on the RAI board of directors (other than directors designated for nomination by B&W) immediately prior to completion of the merger to be appointed as members of the BAT board of directors upon completion of the merger. Such directors will be selected by BAT prior to the completion of the merger after consultation with the Transaction Committee. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger ” on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Regulatory Approvals for the Merger (See page [ ])

Completion of the merger is conditioned upon the expiration or termination of the waiting period relating to the merger under the HSR Act and the earlier of the expiration of the waiting period required by the Japanese merger control regulations and the receipt of clearance from the Japan Fair Trade Commission.

Pursuant to the requirements of the HSR Act, BAT and RAI filed Notification and Report Forms with respect to the merger with the FTC and DOJ on February 6, 2017 and requested early termination of the HSR Act waiting period. The applicable HSR Act waiting period for the merger expired on March 8, 2017.

On March 23, 2017, BAT and RAI filed notifications for the merger with the Japan Fair Trade Commission. Approval from the Japan Fair Trade Commission was received on April 4, 2017. As a result of the foregoing, the conditions related to antitrust approvals required as part of the closing conditions to the merger have now been satisfied.

 



 

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There can be no assurances as to the absence of any litigation challenging regulatory approvals received.

See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Regulatory Approvals for the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences (See page [ ])

The receipt of BAT ADSs and cash in exchange for RAI common stock in the merger generally will be a taxable transaction to U.S. holders (as defined in “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. holder of RAI common stock that receives BAT ADSs and cash in the merger generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between (1) the sum of the fair market value of BAT ADSs and cash, including any cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs, received in the merger, and (2) such holder’s adjusted tax basis in such holder’s RAI common stock exchanged therefor. The determination of the actual tax consequences of the merger to a holder of RAI common stock will depend on the holder’s specific situation. Holders of RAI common stock should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the merger in their particular circumstances, including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local, foreign or other tax laws and of changes in those laws. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Material UK Tax Consequences (See page [ ])

The receipt of BAT ADSs and cash in exchange for RAI common stock in the merger generally will be a taxable transaction for UK tax purposes. A UK holder of RAI common stock who receives BAT ADSs and cash in the merger generally will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between (1) the sum of the fair market value of BAT ADSs and cash, including any cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs, received in the merger, and (2) such holder’s base cost for UK tax purposes in such holder’s RAI common stock exchanged thereunder. The determination of the actual tax consequences of the merger for a UK holder of RAI common stock will depend on the holder’s specific situation. Holders of RAI common stock should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the merger in their particular circumstances, including the applicability and effect of any UK and foreign tax laws and of changes in those laws. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material UK Tax Consequences ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Accounting Treatment (See page [ ])

The merger will be accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with IFRS under IFRS 3, Business Combinations, which requires that one of the two companies in the merger be designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes based on the evidence available. BAT will be treated as the accounting acquirer, and accordingly, will record assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed from RAI at their respective fair values at the date of completion of the merger. Any excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of such assets and liabilities will be recorded as goodwill. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Accounting Treatment ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Treatment of RAI Equity Awards (See page [ ])

Cash-Out RSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive (1) the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSU,

 



 

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subject to applicable proration, and (2) cash for any accrued dividend equivalent right in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case, less any required withholding taxes. If a cash-out RSU is also an RAI performance share, the number of shares of RAI common stock deemed subject to such cash-out RSU will be determined by the RAI board of directors (or a committee of the RAI board of directors) prior to the completion of the merger in accordance with the applicable award agreement and after reasonable consultation with BAT.

RAI DSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections. Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (1) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (2) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (3) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes. Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes.

Rollover RSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding rollover RSU will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (1) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (2) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution (each referred to as an adjusted RSU). Each adjusted RSU will be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions applicable to the related rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger, except that the form of payment upon vesting and settlement will be in BAT ADSs. If the rollover RSU was subject to performance-based vesting prior to the completion of the merger, then the adjusted RSU will continue to provide for performance-based vesting following the completion of the merger based on performance metrics agreed upon by BAT and RAI.

Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock (See page [ ])

Under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT is required to use its reasonable best efforts to cause (1) the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration to be approved for admission to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE, subject only to the issue of such BAT ordinary shares upon completion of the merger, and (2) the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, each prior to the completion of the merger. It is a condition to both parties’ obligations to complete the merger that such approvals are obtained. Accordingly, application will be made to have the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration approved for listing by the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities on the LSE and for the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration approved for listing on the NYSE. Application will also be made to have BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration to be listed on the JSE.

 



 

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As a result of the registration of BAT’s ordinary shares with the SEC pursuant to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, BAT will become subject to the periodic reporting requirements under the Exchange Act and BAT’s ADR program, including the existing BAT ADSs issued as part of that program, will be automatically converted to a Level 3 ADR program upon completion of the merger with no action required by the holders of existing BAT ADSs. Following the completion of the merger, existing BAT ADSs will be fungible with the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration.

If the merger is completed, there will no longer be any publicly held shares of RAI common stock. Accordingly, RAI common stock will be delisted from the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act as soon as practicable following the completion of the merger, and RAI will no longer be required to file periodic reports with the SEC in respect of RAI common stock.

Periodic Reporting under United States Securities Laws

Under the Exchange Act, for so long as BAT continues to qualify as a foreign private issuer, BAT will be required to publicly file with the SEC an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of the financial year covered by the report. As a foreign private issuer, BAT will also be required to publicly furnish to the SEC current reports on Form 6-K promptly after the occurrence of specified significant events, including material information that it makes or is required to make public pursuant to English law, files or is required to file with any stock exchange on which BAT ordinary shares trade and which was made public by that exchange, or is otherwise distributed or required to be distributed to shareholders of BAT. As a foreign private issuer listed on the NYSE, BAT will also be required to submit semi-annual financial statements on Form 6-K to the SEC within six months of the end of the relevant second quarter.

If BAT no longer qualified as a foreign private issuer, BAT would be required to publicly file with the SEC an annual report on Form 10-K within 90, 75 or 60 days of the end of the financial year covered by the report, with the time period determined based on BAT’s aggregate worldwide market value, the period of time for which it has been subject to SEC reporting requirements and certain other factors. In addition, BAT would be required to publicly file with the SEC quarterly reports on Form 10-Q within 45 or 40 days (depending on the same factors) of the end of the applicable financial quarter. BAT would also be required to publicly file with the SEC current reports on Form 8-K typically within four business days after the occurrence of specified significant events, and under Regulation FD, BAT would be required to simultaneously or promptly make public disclosure of any material nonpublic information shared with securities market professionals or shareholders of BAT who are reasonably likely to trade on the basis of the information. Further, BAT would be subject to certain disclosure and procedural requirements applicable to proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and members of the BAT board of directors, the BAT Group management board and principal shareholders of BAT would be subject to the disclosure and other requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of their ownership of, and transactions in, BAT securities.

NYSE Rules

For so long as the BAT ADSs will be listed on the NYSE, BAT will be required to meet certain requirements relating to ongoing communication and disclosure to holders of BAT ADSs, including a requirement to make any annual report filed with the SEC simultaneously available on or through BAT’s website and to comply with the timely alert policy of the NYSE with respect to earnings and dividend announcements, combination transactions, tender offers, stock splits, major management changes and any substantive items of an unusual or non-recurrent nature. Subject to certain exceptions, the rules of the NYSE permit a foreign private issuer to follow its home country practice in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including, for example, certain board, committee and director independence requirements. Foreign private issuers are, however, required to comply with the audit committee independence requirements imposed by Section 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. BAT will be required to disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance

 



 

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practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies under NYSE listing standards in its annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC or on its website.

Merger Fees and Expenses (See page [ ])

Generally, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be paid by the party incurring such fees and expenses, whether or not the merger is completed. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Merger Fees and Expenses ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. In certain circumstances, BAT or RAI may be required to pay a termination fee to the other party.

Certain Effects of the Merger (See page [ ])

If the conditions to the completion of the merger are either satisfied or, to the extent legally permissible, waived, Merger Sub will be merged with and into RAI. As a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. Upon the completion of the merger, each share of RAI common stock (other than shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) will be automatically converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest. No fractional BAT ADSs will be issued in the merger, and RAI shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs. Following completion of the merger, RAI common stock will no longer be publicly traded, and shareholders will cease to have any ownership interest in RAI.

No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals (See page [ ])

RAI has agreed, except as otherwise provided in the merger agreement, not to, and not to authorize or permit any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees or representatives to, directly or indirectly:

 

    solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, induce or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of, any “company takeover proposal,” as defined under “ The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a company takeover proposal;

 

    enter into any agreement with respect to any company takeover proposal (except certain confidentiality agreements in accordance with the merger agreement); or

 

    enter into, participate in or continue any discussions or negotiations with any person (other than its representatives) regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person any non-public information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with any person (whether or not a person making a company takeover proposal) with respect to, any company takeover proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a company takeover proposal.

Additionally, RAI has agreed to (1) immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions or negotiations with any person conducted prior to the date of the merger agreement with respect to a company takeover proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a company takeover proposal, (2) promptly request each person, if any, that has executed a confidentiality agreement in the last 12 months in respect of a company takeover proposal to return or destroy all information RAI or its subsidiaries or representatives have furnished to such person or its representatives and (3) reasonably promptly terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any such person or its representatives.

 



 

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Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that at any time prior to obtaining the RAI shareholder approvals, RAI and its representatives may, in response to a written company takeover proposal that the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) is bona fide and constitutes, or is reasonably expected to result in or lead to, a “superior proposal,” as defined under “ The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, and which was unsolicited, was made after the date of the merger agreement and did not otherwise result from a breach of the non-solicitation obligations described above, subject to compliance with the provisions of the merger agreement described in the following paragraph, take the following actions:

 

    furnish information to the person making such company takeover proposal and its representatives (provided that all such information has been or is provided to BAT prior to or substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to such person) pursuant to a confidentiality agreement that meets certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement; and

 

    participate in discussions regarding the terms of such company takeover proposal and the negotiation of such terms with, and only with, the person or group of persons making such company takeover proposal and its representatives,

in each case, if and so long as the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee, as applicable, determines in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel that providing such information or engaging in such negotiations or discussions is reasonably likely to be required for the directors to comply with their fiduciary duties under applicable law.

The merger agreement also requires RAI to (1) promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, advise BAT in writing of any company takeover proposal or any request for non-public information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to result in, lead to or that contemplates a company takeover proposal, the identity of the person making such company takeover proposal, request or inquiry and the material terms of such company takeover proposal, request or inquiry, (2) keep BAT informed in all material respects on a reasonably current basis of the status, including any change to the material terms of such company takeover proposal, and (3) provide BAT copies of any draft definitive agreements or term sheets sent or provided to or by RAI from or to any third party in connection with a company takeover proposal as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery of the same.

BAT has agreed, except as otherwise provided in the merger agreement, not to, and not to authorize or permit any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees or representatives to, directly or indirectly:

 

    solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, induce or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of, an “alternative proposal,” as defined under “ The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to an alternative proposal;

 

    enter into any agreement with respect to any alternative proposal (except certain confidentiality agreements in accordance with the merger agreement); or

 

    enter into, participate in or continue any discussions or negotiations with any person (other than its representatives) regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person any non-public information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with any person (whether or not a person making an alternative proposal) with respect to, any alternative proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to an alternative proposal.

Additionally, BAT has agreed to (1) immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions or negotiations with any person conducted prior to the date of the merger agreement with respect to an alternative

 



 

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proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to an alternative proposal, (2) promptly request each person, if any, that has executed a confidentiality agreement in the last 12 months in respect of an alternative proposal to return or destroy all information BAT or its subsidiaries or representatives have furnished to such person or its representatives and (3) reasonably promptly terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any such person or its representatives.

Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that at any time prior to obtaining the BAT shareholder approval, BAT and its representatives may, in response to a written alternative proposal that the BAT board of directors determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) is bona fide and constitutes, or is reasonably expected to result in or lead to, a “superior alternative proposal,” as defined under “ The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, and which was unsolicited, was made after the date of the merger agreement and did not otherwise result from a breach of the non-solicitation obligations described above, subject to compliance with the provisions of the merger agreement described in the following paragraph, take the following actions:

 

    furnish information to the person making such alternative proposal and its representatives (provided that all such information has been or is provided to RAI prior to or substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to such person) pursuant to a confidentiality agreement that meets certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement; and

 

    participate in discussions regarding the terms of such alternative proposal and the negotiation of such terms with, and only with, the person or group of persons making such alternative proposal and its representatives,

in each case, if and so long as the BAT board of directors determines in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel that providing such information or engaging in such negotiations or discussions is reasonably likely to be required for the directors to comply with their fiduciary duties under applicable law.

The merger agreement also requires BAT to (1) promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, advise RAI in writing of any alternative proposal or any request for non-public information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to or that contemplates an alternative proposal, the identity of the person making such alternative proposal, request or inquiry and the material terms of such alternative proposal, request or inquiry, (2) keep RAI informed in all material respects on a reasonably current basis of the status, including any change to the material terms of such alternative proposal, and (3) provide RAI copies of any draft definitive agreements or term sheets sent or provided to or by such party from or to any third party in connection with an alternative proposal as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery of the same.

Completion of the Merger is Subject to Certain Conditions (See page [ ])

The obligations of each of BAT and RAI to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent legally permissible (and except with respect to the condition described in the second bullet below, which shall not be waivable) waiver on or prior to the completion date of the following conditions:

 

    the approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of RAI entitled to vote as of the RAI record date (the Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote);

 

    receipt of the unaffiliated shareholder approval;

 

    receipt of the BAT shareholder approval;

 

    the approval for listing of the BAT ADSs issuable as the stock portion of the merger consideration on the NYSE (subject to official notice of issuance);

 



 

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    the approval for admission of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration on the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE subject only to the issue of such BAT ordinary shares upon the completion of the merger;

 

    the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act and the earlier of the expiration of the waiting period required by the Japanese merger control regulations and the receipt of clearance from the Japan Fair Trade Commission;

 

    the absence of any legal restraints that prevent, make illegal or prohibit the completion of the merger or the issuance of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration;

 

    declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of the registration statement filed on Form F-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part and of the registration statement on Form F-6 relating to the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration (and the absence of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statements or any proceedings seeking such a stop order);

 

    the filing of the BAT prospectus and BAT circular with the UKLA, the approval of such prospectus and circular by the UKLA and the mailing of the BAT circular and the publishing of the BAT prospectus, in each case, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations;

 

    the other party having performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement that are required to be performed on or prior to the completion date and each party having received a certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or the finance director of the other party, as applicable, certifying that such condition has been satisfied;

 

    the representations and warranties of the other party relating to organization, standing and power, capital structure, authority, execution and delivery, enforceability, and, in the case of RAI, the representations and warranties relating to brokers, schedules of fees and expenses and opinions of financial advisors being true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case, as of such earlier date);

 

    the representation and warranty of the other party relating to the absence of a material adverse effect on the other party being true and correct in all respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date;

 

    each other representation and warranty of the other party being true and correct (ignoring any “materiality” or “material adverse effect” qualifiers) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case, as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually and in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect; and

 

    receipt of an officer’s certificate executed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or the finance director of the other party certifying that the three preceding conditions have been satisfied.

In addition, the obligations of BAT and Merger Sub to complete the merger are conditioned on the absence of any antitrust restriction, as defined under “ The Merger Agreement—Efforts to Complete the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 



 

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Termination of the Merger Agreement (See page [ ])

The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the completion of the merger, whether before or after receipt of the RAI shareholder approvals or the BAT shareholder approval, under the following circumstances:

 

    by mutual written consent of BAT and RAI (in the case of RAI, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee); or

 

    by either BAT or RAI (in the case of RAI, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee) in the event that:

 

    the merger is not completed by the end date, except that no party may terminate the merger agreement if the merger is not completed by the end date if such party has breached a representation, warranty or covenant in the merger agreement and such breach has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement to be completed on or before the end date (and, in the event all conditions to the completion of the merger have been satisfied but the end date, by its terms, would occur before the expiration of the five business days contemplated in the merger agreement (related to the completion of the financing of the merger), the end date will be extended by the number of days necessary to provide BAT with such five business day period);

 

    a legal restraint that prevents, makes illegal or prohibits the completion of the merger or the issuance of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration has become final and nonappealable, as long as the terminating party has complied in all material respects with its obligations to use its reasonable best efforts to complete the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as promptly as practicable (as described in “ The Merger Agreement Efforts to Complete the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus);

 

    the RAI shareholders vote on and fail to approve the merger agreement at the special meeting;

 

    BAT shareholders vote on and fail to approve the merger agreement or to authorize the BAT directors to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration at the general meeting;

 

    the other party breaches or fails to perform any of its covenants or agreements in the merger agreement, or if the other party’s representations or warranties fail to be true and correct, in either case, such that the applicable conditions to the terminating party’s obligations to complete the merger would not then be satisfied and such breach is not capable of being cured by the end date or has not been cured within 30 days after giving written notice to the other party of such breach, except that no party may terminate the merger agreement for this reason if such party is then in material breach of any covenant or agreement in the merger agreement or if such party’s representations or warranties are not true and correct such that the applicable conditions to the other party’s obligations to complete the merger would not then be satisfied; or

 

   

prior to obtaining the approval of the other party’s shareholders required to complete the merger, the board of directors of the other party (or any committee thereof) (1) withholds, withdraws, modifies or qualifies (in a manner adverse to the terminating party) or proposes publicly to withhold, withdraw, modify or qualify (in a manner adverse to the terminating party), its recommendation to its shareholders to vote in favor of approving the merger agreement and in the case of BAT, the share issuance, or (2) approves, recommends or declares advisable or proposes publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable an alternative proposal, as defined under “ The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, in the case of BAT, or a company takeover proposal,

 



 

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as defined under “ The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, in the case of RAI.

If the merger agreement is terminated, the merger agreement will become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of any party, except in the case of a willful and material breach of the merger agreement and except that certain provisions of the merger agreement, including those relating to confidentiality, the indemnification obligations of BAT in connection with the financing, fees and expenses (including termination fees), effect of termination and certain other general provisions, will survive termination of the merger agreement. If either party receives any payments for damages from another party as a result of a breach of the merger agreement and also receives a termination fee, the amount of such payments for damages made by the applicable party as a result of any such breaches will be reduced by the amount of such termination fee.

Expenses and Termination Fees Under the Merger Agreement (See pages [ ])

Except as described below, each party will pay all fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

If the merger agreement is terminated, BAT will be entitled to receive a termination fee of $1.0 billion from RAI in the event that:

 

    the RAI board of directors or any committee thereof changes its recommendation and either (1) the merger agreement is terminated because the RAI shareholder approvals are not obtained at the special meeting or no special meeting is held prior to the end date or (2) BAT terminates the merger agreement as a result of such change in recommendation; or

 

    (1) the merger agreement is terminated (or in certain circumstances could have been terminated) because the merger has not occurred by the end date (and at such time all antitrust approvals have been obtained and no legal restraint preventing the completion of the merger is in effect), the RAI shareholder approvals are not obtained at the special meeting or RAI breached its obligations under the merger agreement, (2) prior to such termination, shareholder vote or breach, as applicable, and after the date of the merger agreement, a company takeover proposal that contemplates acquiring a majority of the capital stock or assets of RAI was made or made known to RAI or its shareholders and (3) within 12 months after such termination, RAI or any of its subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or completes, such company takeover proposal.

If the merger agreement is terminated, RAI will be entitled to receive a termination fee of $1.0 billion from BAT in the event that:

 

    the BAT board of directors or any committee thereof changes its recommendation and either (1) the merger agreement is terminated because the BAT shareholder approval is not obtained at the general meeting or no general meeting is held prior to the end date or (2) RAI terminates the merger agreement as a result of such change in recommendation; or

 

    (1) the merger agreement is terminated (or in certain circumstances could have been terminated) because the merger has not occurred by the end date (and at such time all antitrust approvals have been obtained, no legal restraint preventing the completion of the merger is in effect and no antitrust restriction is in effect), the BAT shareholder approval is not obtained at the general meeting or BAT breached its obligations under the merger agreement, (2) prior to such termination, shareholder vote or breach, as applicable, and after the date of the merger agreement, an alternative proposal that contemplates acquiring a majority of the capital stock or assets of BAT is publicly proposed or announced and (3) within 12 months after such termination, BAT enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or completes, such alternative proposal.

 



 

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In addition, the merger agreement provides that RAI will be entitled to receive a termination fee of $500.0 million from BAT in the event that the merger agreement is terminated because the merger has not occurred by the end date and at the time of termination (1) all antitrust approvals that are conditions to completion of the merger have not been obtained, a legal restraint attributable to an antitrust law is in effect that prevents the completion of the merger or an antitrust restriction is in effect and (2) all other conditions to completion of the merger have been satisfied (or, in the case of any condition that by its nature is to be satisfied at completion, would be satisfied if the completion were to occur on the date of such termination). The conditions related to antitrust approvals required as part of the conditions to completion of the merger have been satisfied. RAI will also be entitled to receive a termination fee of $500.0 million from BAT in the event that the merger agreement is terminated because a legal restraint attributable to an antitrust law that prevents the completion of the merger has become final and nonappealable. BAT will not be required to pay the termination fees described in this paragraph if RAI has not complied with its obligation to use reasonable best efforts to complete the merger as promptly as practicable. See “The Merger Agreement—Efforts to Complete the Merger” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for details on the efforts RAI is required to use to complete the merger.

Comparison of Shareholder Rights (See page [ ])

RAI shareholders will have different rights once they become BAT shareholders due to differences between the organizational documents of BAT and RAI and differences between North Carolina law, where RAI is incorporated, and the laws of England and Wales, where BAT is incorporated. See “ Comparison of Shareholder Rights ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Appraisal Rights (See page [ ] and Annex E )

Under North Carolina law, holders of shares of RAI common stock on the RAI record date who (1) are entitled to vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement, (2) do not vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, (3) properly deliver notice of their intent to demand payment for their shares of RAI common stock and (4) who otherwise comply with the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA will be entitled to seek appraisal for, and obtain payment in cash for the “fair value” of, their shares of RAI common stock (plus interest) in lieu of receiving the merger consideration if the merger is completed. These rights are occasionally referred to as appraisal rights in this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, a participant in the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, who instructs the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to not vote the shares of RAI common stock that are considered allocated to such participant’s account in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement may further instruct the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to exercise appraisal rights in connection with the merger under Article 13 of the NCBCA. The relevant provisions of the NCBCA are attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus. You are encouraged to read these provisions carefully and in their entirety.

A shareholder who properly asserts appraisal rights has no assurance that such holder will receive an amount more than the merger consideration and, in fact, may receive an amount the same as or even less than the merger consideration. This also applies to a participant in the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, who instructs the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to exercise appraisal rights in connection with the merger under Article 13 of the NCBCA. A beneficial owner may assert appraisal rights only if such beneficial owner also submits to RAI the record holder’s written consent to such assertion not later than the “Demand Deadline” and may assert appraisal rights only with respect to all shares of RAI common stock of which it is the beneficial owner.

To assist you in your determination of whether to assert your appraisal rights, copies of the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (together with the report of RAI’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding such statements) contained in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended

 



 

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December 31, 2016, and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in RAI’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, are attached as Annex G and Annex H , respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Multiple steps must be taken to properly assert and perfect appraisal rights. Moreover, due to the complexity of the procedures for asserting the right to seek appraisal, shareholders who are considering asserting such rights are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel. Failure to comply strictly with these provisions may result in loss of the right of appraisal. Voting against or abstaining from voting on the proposal to approve the merger agreement is not enough to satisfy the requirements of the NCBCA. A shareholder must also comply with all of the conditions relating to the separate written notice of intent to assert appraisal rights with respect to the merger and the other requirements set forth in Article 13 of the NCBCA.

Organizational Structure of the BAT Group Following Completion of the Merger

The following is a simplified organizational chart depicting the expected organizational structure of the BAT Group immediately following completion of the merger.

 

LOGO

 

 



 

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SPECIAL FACTORS RELATING TO RAI PROPOSAL I: APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT

General

This proxy statement/prospectus is being provided to RAI shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the RAI board of directors to be voted at the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. At the special meeting, RAI will ask its shareholders to vote on the approval of the merger agreement, including the plan of merger contained therein. Approval of the merger agreement is a condition to the obligations of RAI and BAT to complete the merger and requires (1) the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and (2) obtaining the unaffiliated shareholder approval. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote.

The merger agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions in the merger agreement, and in accordance with the NCBCA, upon the completion of the merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into RAI. As a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to read the merger agreement in its entirety because it is the legal document that governs the merger. For a summary of the merger agreement, see “ The Merger Agreement ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

If the merger is completed, each share of RAI common stock (other than shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) automatically will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest. No fractional BAT ADSs will be issued in the merger, and RAI shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs.

Based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £47.63 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2056, in each case, on January 16, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT ordinary shares before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represented approximately $59.64 in value per share of RAI common stock. Based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £53.39 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2880, in each case, on May 11, 2017, the most recent practicable trading day prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the merger consideration represented approximately $65.61 in value for each share of RAI common stock. Based on the number of shares of RAI common stock outstanding as of May 5, 2017, the number of BAT ordinary shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) as of May 9, 2017 and the total number of shares of RAI common stock issuable under outstanding RAI equity awards that are expected to be settled for BAT ADSs in connection with the merger, former RAI shareholders (other than the BAT Group) will own approximately 19% of BAT’s share capital.

Background of the Merger

BAT has been a significant shareholder of RAI since the B&W business combination was completed on July 30, 2004. In connection with the B&W business combination, RAI, B&W and BAT entered into the governance agreement, which contains several limitations that preclude the BAT parties from exercising control over RAI and sets forth, among other things, B&W’s right to designate for nomination five (but not more than five) directors to the RAI board of directors, which since the B&W business combination has been composed of at least thirteen directors but, since the Lorillard merger, has been temporarily increased to fourteen directors. Pursuant to the terms of the governance agreement, three of the five RAI directors designated by B&W are required to be independent of RAI and BAT under applicable NYSE listing standards. The other two designees may be executive officers of BAT or any of its subsidiaries. Further, the governance agreement included a 10-year standstill period that, prior to its expiration by its terms in 2014, prohibited the BAT Group from acquiring, or making a disclosable proposal to acquire, beneficial ownership of additional shares of RAI common stock during the standstill period.

 

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In June 2015, in connection with the issuance of newly issued shares of RAI common stock in the Lorillard merger, the BAT Group invested approximately $4.7 billion and acquired a number of newly issued shares of RAI common stock sufficient for the BAT Group to maintain its approximate 42% beneficial ownership in RAI.

Since the B&W business combination, members of each of the RAI Group and the BAT Group have entered into a variety of commercial transactions, including a vapor collaboration agreement and contract manufacturing agreements. See “— Certain Relationships between BAT and RAI ” beginning at page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a summary of those transactions. However, the parties have not engaged in any substantive discussions regarding a combination of the two companies during the standstill period or thereafter other than as described below.

The RAI board of directors, together with RAI’s management, periodically reviews and considers RAI’s long-term strategic plan and potential strategic alternatives and business plans for RAI as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen RAI’s overall business and continue to deliver value to RAI shareholders.

The BAT board of directors, together with BAT’s senior management, regularly reviews strategic opportunities to enhance value for the BAT shareholders, including through acquisitions of and investments in other companies including RAI. Since the B&W business combination, as part of this regular review, senior management of BAT and the BAT board of directors (in consultation with outside legal and financial advisors) have periodically evaluated the feasibility and attractiveness of, among other things, acquiring the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group. As part of these regular reviews, in the fall of 2015, senior management of BAT initiated discussions with representatives from Centerview and Deutsche Bank to evaluate, and review with the BAT board of directors, various alternatives for acquiring the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group, including the feasibility and attractiveness of pursuing a merger of equals transaction with RAI. This evaluation ended without BAT making any proposal for a transaction to RAI.

In September 2016, in connection with a regular review of strategic opportunities, BAT’s senior management consulted with its outside legal counsel, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, referred to as Cravath, and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, and initiated discussions with representatives from Centerview and Deutsche Bank regarding a potential acquisition of the shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group. BAT’s senior management retained the services of Centerview and Deutsche Bank in light of each firm’s respective qualifications and experience with the tobacco industry generally, public mergers in the United States and in the UK and advising companies in connection with going private transactions similar to the proposed transaction, and after determining each firm’s prior engagements by BAT and its affiliates over the past two years, including the nature of such work and the fees received. On October 20, 2016, BAT entered into formal engagement letters with each of Centerview, Deutsche Bank and UBS, in each case to act as BAT’s financial advisor with respect to the merger. On the same day, BAT entered into an engagement letter with Deutsche Bank and UBS to act as joint sponsors in relation to the merger.

In furtherance of this review, in September 2016, senior management of BAT formed an informal working group, composed of Nicandro Durante, the Chief Executive of BAT, Ben Stevens, the Finance Director of BAT, Tadeu Marroco, then Director Business Development of BAT (until his appointment as Regional Director, Western Europe of BAT in October 2016), James Barrett, Group Head of M&A of BAT, Robert Casey, Assistant General Counsel—Corporate of BAT, and Craig Harris, Head of Legal—M&A of BAT, referred to as the BAT steering committee, to further evaluate a potential acquisition of the shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group. The BAT steering committee conducted a preliminary review of a potential transaction with RAI throughout September 2016.

On October 5, 2016, the BAT steering committee held a meeting at which they reviewed materials prepared by Centerview and Deutsche Bank regarding, among other things, an illustrative analysis of the total consideration that could be payable in a potential transaction to acquire the shares of RAI common stock not

 

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owned by the BAT Group based on various offer premiums, including calculations of various financial metrics at these premium levels. Also at the meeting, the BAT steering committee discussed (1) various timelines for making a proposal to RAI regarding such a transaction and for completing a potential transaction, (2) the risks that leaks of a potential transaction could pose to BAT’s business and (3) the need for a strategic communications plan to address any such leaks. Based on its preliminary review, the BAT steering committee determined at the conclusion of the meeting that a transaction with RAI could be feasible at that time and that the BAT steering committee would undertake a formal review of the potential transaction.

On October 10, 2016, representatives of Centerview and Deutsche Bank met with Mr. Stevens to discuss the financial prospects of the combined company including considerations related to, among other things, (1) the strategic rationale for the acquisition of the shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group, including those factors described under the heading “ BAT’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger—Strategic Factors Considered by the BAT Board of Directors ” on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, (2) certain preliminary estimates of synergies that may be achievable from a potential transaction and an analysis of the illustrative total value of a potential transaction to BAT and RAI shareholders, (3) an updated analysis of the total consideration that could be payable in a potential transaction based on various offer premiums, including calculations of various financial metrics at these premium levels and the impact of the total consideration at these premium levels on certain operational metrics and (4) a review of select consumer goods and tobacco precedent transactions, including an analysis of premiums paid and historical trading multiples.

On October 12, 2016, the BAT steering committee discussed its ongoing review and evaluation of a potential transaction with RAI and concluded that it was advisable to continue to evaluate a potential transaction and to provide an update to the BAT board of directors. At a meeting on October 13, 2016, members of the BAT steering committee and other senior management of BAT, together with representatives of Centerview and Deutsche Bank, updated the BAT board of directors regarding their ongoing assessment of the feasibility and attractiveness of a potential transaction with RAI. Among other things, the representatives of Centerview and Deutsche Bank and members of the BAT steering committee and other senior management of BAT discussed with the BAT board of directors various financial and valuation analyses relating to a potential acquisition of the shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group, including (1) a review of RAI’s and BAT’s historical share price performance and price to earnings ratios, (2) a review of select consumer goods and tobacco precedent transactions and (3) an analysis of the total consideration that could be payable in a potential transaction based on various offer premiums, including calculations of various financial metrics at these premium levels and the impact of the total consideration at these premium levels on certain operational metrics. Also discussed were key financing and structuring considerations for a potential transaction with RAI. At the conclusion of this meeting, the BAT board of directors directed the BAT steering committee and other senior management of BAT to continue to evaluate the potential transaction.

From October 13, 2016 to October 19, 2016, the BAT steering committee worked to complete its evaluation of the attractiveness and feasibility of a transaction pursuant to which BAT would acquire the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group. On October 20, 2016, the BAT steering committee held a meeting at which it agreed that it would submit for the BAT board of directors’ consideration the terms of a non-binding proposal for BAT to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.5502 of a BAT ordinary share and $24.13 in cash and request approval from the BAT board of directors to present this non-binding proposal to the RAI board of directors. At a meeting held on October 20, 2016, the BAT board of directors approved the terms of the proposal presented by senior management of BAT for BAT to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group. The BAT board of directors decided to pursue the transaction at this time after considering, among other factors, the expected impact of a transaction on various financial and operational metrics of BAT and various other financial analyses, the tobacco industry and competitive environment, BAT’s ability to access attractive long-term funding rates and the largely complete integration of Lorillard into the RAI Group.

 

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On October 20, 2016, following the close of trading of shares of RAI common stock on the NYSE, Susan Cameron, then President and Chief Executive Officer of RAI and member of the RAI board of directors, received a telephone call from Mr. Durante informing her that BAT would be sending RAI a written, non-binding proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group. Mr. Durante also informed Ms. Cameron that due to BAT’s legal obligations under U.S. securities laws, BAT would be publicly disclosing its proposal the next day.

At approximately the same time, Thomas Wajnert, then Chairman of the RAI board of directors, received a voicemail from Richard Burrows, Chairman of the BAT board of directors, providing a similar message.

Later that evening, Mr. Wajnert and Ms. Cameron received a letter, referred to as the October 20 Proposal, addressed to the RAI board of directors from Mr. Durante, setting forth a non-binding proposal for BAT to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.5502 of a BAT ordinary share and $24.13 in cash. The purchase price reflected in the October 20 Proposal represented $56.50 per share of RAI common stock based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £48.03 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2250, in each case, on October 20, 2016. The October 20 Proposal (1) included an acknowledgement that, consistent with the governance agreement, the proposed transaction between BAT and RAI would require the approval of a majority of the Other Directors, (2) provided that BAT would not pursue the proposed transaction without the approval of a majority of the then-current Other Directors and (3) provided that BAT expected that any definitive merger agreement in connection with the proposed transaction would include a non-waivable condition requiring the approval by a majority of the votes cast on the proposed transaction by the holders of shares of RAI common stock other than the BAT Group. Following receipt of the October 20 Proposal, the October 20 Proposal was disseminated to all members of the RAI board of directors and to both Jones Day, legal counsel to RAI, and Moore & Van Allen PLLC, legal counsel to the Other Directors, referred to as MVA.

On October 21, 2016, before the BAT ordinary shares began trading on the LSE, BAT issued a press release and filed an amendment to BAT’s Schedule 13D relating to its ownership interest in RAI, each of which disclosed the October 20 Proposal. On the same day, before shares of RAI common stock began trading on the NYSE, RAI issued a press release acknowledging receipt of the October 20 Proposal. The RAI press release also stated that the RAI board of directors would evaluate the October 20 Proposal and respond accordingly.

On October 24, 2016, the RAI board of directors held a meeting to discuss the October 20 Proposal. Prior to such meeting, both Jerome Abelman and Ricardo Oberlander, who are the two members of the RAI board of directors designated by B&W and who also are executive officers of BAT or one of its subsidiaries, voluntarily recused themselves from this meeting and notice of and participation in any other future meetings of the RAI board of directors at which the proposed transaction involving BAT or any potential alternative strategic transaction would be discussed or considered. Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander also did not participate in any discussion or consideration of a potential transaction with the BAT board of directors or any BAT employees including the BAT steering committee. All references in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus to “RAI board of directors,” including references to actions taken unanimously by the RAI board of directors, refer to the RAI board of directors excluding Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander. References to “senior management of BAT” do not include Mr. Abelman or Mr. Oberlander unless specifically indicated.

Also participating in the October 24, 2016 meeting were representatives of RAI management, Jones Day and MVA. Representatives of Jones Day reviewed with the RAI board of directors the principal terms of the October 20 Proposal, the relevant requirements under the governance agreement and the directors’ fiduciary duties in connection with considering the October 20 Proposal. Thereafter, the Other Directors met in executive session with representatives of MVA to discuss the principal terms of the October 20 Proposal, the governance agreement, the Other Directors’ fiduciary duties and next steps for the Other Directors. After discussion, the RAI board of directors determined that, in light of the requirements of the governance agreement, the Other Directors would have primary responsibility for considering and evaluating the October 20 Proposal and that only if the

 

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Other Directors approved the October 20 Proposal would the RAI board of directors consider and evaluate any such transaction. The Other Directors also determined to identify and engage independent legal counsel (in addition to MVA) and a financial advisor to assist them in connection with their consideration and evaluation of the October 20 Proposal and any potential alternative strategic transaction. Following this meeting, Mr. Wajnert, Mr. Nowell, and Mr. Zillmer, with representatives of MVA present, interviewed potential legal advisors, each of whom had provided materials in advance of the interview. On October 25, 2016, the Other Directors met to discuss the interviews of the potential legal advisors. At that meeting, the Other Directors determined to retain Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, referred to as Weil, as additional legal counsel.

On October 28, 2016, the RAI board of directors held a meeting at which representatives of RAI management, Jones Day, Weil and MVA also participated. At this meeting, the RAI board of directors established the Transaction Committee, which was composed solely of all of the Other Directors at that time—Speaker Boehner, Mr. Jobin, Ms. Koeppel, Mr. Mensah, Mr. Nowell, Mr. Wajnert and Mr. Zillmer. The RAI board of directors delegated to the Transaction Committee the power and authority to, among other things, evaluate, discuss and negotiate the terms and conditions of, approve, recommend and/or reject (1) the October 20 Proposal (and any subsequent revision thereto), (2) any other potential transaction with BAT and (3) any potential alternative strategic transaction. Further, the RAI board of directors provided that, to the extent the Transaction Committee rejected the October 20 Proposal (or any subsequent revision thereto), such rejection would be on behalf of the RAI board of directors and RAI and would be final and binding on the RAI board of directors and RAI. RAI issued a press release on October 31, 2016 announcing that the Transaction Committee had been formed to evaluate the October 20 Proposal.

Immediately following the meeting of the RAI board of directors on October 28, 2016, the Transaction Committee held a meeting and confirmed the engagement of Weil and MVA as legal counsel to the Transaction Committee. Also at that meeting, the Transaction Committee, with representatives of Weil and MVA in attendance, discussed, among other things, the October 20 Proposal and potential next steps, including the engagement of a financial advisor. As part of the meeting, the Transaction Committee interviewed several investment banks to serve as its financial advisor, each of whom had provided materials in advance of the meeting. The Transaction Committee reviewed and considered such materials with representatives of Weil and MVA and determined that the contacts and relationships (including prior fees) of each financial advisor did not create conflicts that would preclude the Transaction Committee from engaging any of such financial advisors. The Transaction Committee ultimately determined to engage Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor on the basis of Goldman Sachs’ experience in the tobacco industry and in other similar transactions of this size, nature and complexity, its reputation in the investment banking community and its familiarity with RAI and its business. The Transaction Committee also considered the fact that Goldman Sachs had not been engaged to provide any M&A financial advisory services to the BAT Group over the prior two years for which it had received compensation and had no other material relationships with BAT or any of its affiliates that, in the Transaction Committee’s view, would reasonably be expected to impair its ability to perform its financial advisory services to the Transaction Committee. The Transaction Committee and Goldman Sachs entered into an engagement letter dated November 21, 2016.

RAI determined to engage each of J.P. Morgan and Lazard as financial advisors to the RAI board of directors, on the basis of each of J.P. Morgan’s and Lazard’s knowledge, familiarity and transactional history with RAI, their experience in the tobacco industry generally and in other similar transactions of this size, nature and complexity and their general reputation in the investment banking community. RAI also considered that neither J.P. Morgan nor Lazard had provided any M&A financial advisory services to the BAT Group over the prior two years and had no other material relationships with BAT or any of its affiliates that, in RAI’s and the RAI board of directors’ view, would reasonably be expected to impair its ability to perform its financial advisory services to RAI and the RAI board of directors. RAI entered into an engagement letter with J.P. Morgan on November 22, 2016 (effective October 30, 2016), and with Lazard on November 23, 2016.

On November 4, 2016, the Transaction Committee held a meeting at which representatives of RAI management, Goldman Sachs, Weil, MVA and Jones Day also participated. As part of the meeting,

 

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representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed with the Transaction Committee Goldman Sachs’ preliminary views of the October 20 Proposal and the proposed transaction, including its initial observations regarding the financial implications for BAT. Representatives of Goldman Sachs also discussed with the Transaction Committee the likelihood of a third party emerging with an alternate proposal to acquire RAI. In particular, representatives of Goldman Sachs expressed their views that for various reasons, including BAT’s existing ownership interest in RAI, regulatory concerns, the relative sizes of competitors to RAI and the potential overlap of operations with certain competitors who might otherwise be large enough to consider acquiring RAI, it was unlikely that such a third party would emerge to make a proposal to acquire RAI. The representatives of Goldman Sachs also indicated that for similar reasons, including general concerns as to the regulatory scheme related to the tobacco industry and the size of RAI, it was unlikely that a private equity fund, hedge fund or other potential financial acquirer would seek to make a proposal to acquire RAI.

On November 8, 2016, the RAI board of directors held a meeting at which representatives of RAI management, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Jones Day, Weil and MVA participated. As part of the meeting, representatives of RAI management reviewed for the RAI board of directors its financial forecast of RAI and the assumptions and sensitivities management had utilized in such forecast, and representatives of each of J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs discussed with the RAI board of directors their respective preliminary financial analyses of the October 20 Proposal and other matters relevant to evaluating the October 20 Proposal.

Also on November 8, 2016, the Transaction Committee held a meeting at which representatives of RAI management, Goldman Sachs, Weil and MVA participated. During the meeting, the representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed with the Transaction Committee a preliminary financial analysis of (1) the October 20 Proposal, including potential synergies that could result from a transaction between RAI and BAT, and (2) RAI on a standalone basis. During an executive session of the Transaction Committee and its advisors, representatives of Goldman Sachs and Weil then reviewed and discussed with the members of the Transaction Committee RAI’s potential strategic alternatives, as well as potential responses to the October 20 Proposal and related considerations, including BAT’s ability to pay a higher purchase price for RAI. Following discussion among the members of the Transaction Committee, the Transaction Committee unanimously determined that the October 20 Proposal did not adequately reflect RAI’s value and that the Transaction Committee would not make a counterproposal to BAT. The Transaction Committee then authorized Goldman Sachs to communicate to BAT’s financial advisors, Centerview and Deutsche Bank, the Transaction Committee’s rejection of the October 20 Proposal as inadequate. The RAI board of directors reconvened, and the Transaction Committee’s action was reported to the RAI board of directors.

On November 10, 2016, the Transaction Committee held a meeting, at which representatives of Goldman Sachs, Weil and MVA participated, to discuss the potential impact of the U.S. election result on a potential transaction with BAT.

On November 11, 2016, representatives of Centerview and Deutsche Bank provided a draft document to Mr. Stevens that reviewed the terms of, and the strategic and financial rationale for, the October 20 Proposal, including certain timing considerations, and discussed potential reactions from, and responses to, RAI relating to the October 20 Proposal. The draft document also reviewed, among other things (1) RAI’s historical share price performance and price to earnings ratios, (2) market reactions to the October 20 Proposal and (3) various metrics from select precedent tobacco transactions.

On November 11, 2016, at the direction of the Transaction Committee, a representative of Goldman Sachs communicated to representatives of Centerview and Deutsche Bank the Transaction Committee’s rejection of the October 20 Proposal as inadequate.

On November 15, 2016, at the direction of the Transaction Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs met with representatives of BAT, Centerview and Deutsche Bank to discuss the Transaction Committee’s determination regarding the October 20 Proposal. During the meeting, at the Transaction Committee’s

 

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direction, representatives of Goldman Sachs shared the Transaction Committee’s view and representatives of BAT, Centerview and Deutsche Bank shared their views of potential synergies, tax benefits and other potential upsides from a transaction with BAT. At the direction of the Transaction Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs also shared the Transaction Committee’s rationale for rejecting the October 20 Proposal and the conclusion of the Transaction Committee that BAT could potentially pay a higher purchase price.

On November 21, 2016, representatives of BAT, Centerview and Deutsche Bank met with representatives of Goldman Sachs to discuss BAT’s and RAI’s perspectives on the October 20 Proposal and potential limitations with respect to BAT’s ability to offer RAI a higher purchase price. During the meeting, representatives of BAT, Centerview and Deutsche Bank expressed BAT’s views regarding, among other things, the compelling value the October 20 Proposal represented to RAI shareholders in respect of both the standalone value and the effects from the potential transaction that RAI shareholders would enjoy as holders of a significant equity stake in the combined company, as well as various considerations relating to synergies and tax structuring. Representatives of Goldman Sachs shared the Transaction Committee’s view of potential synergies, tax benefits and other potential upsides from a transaction with BAT and reiterated RAI’s perspective that BAT could potentially pay a higher purchase price.

On November 23, 2016, representatives of BAT, Centerview and Deutsche Bank had a follow-up telephonic meeting with representatives of Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan (whose representatives participated at the request of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors) to discuss each party’s preliminary perspectives on the financial implications of a transaction between RAI and BAT.

On November 23, 2016, the Transaction Committee received a telephonic update from representatives of Goldman Sachs regarding their meeting and subsequent communications among representatives of Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, BAT, Centerview and Deutsche Bank regarding a potential transaction between RAI and BAT. It was agreed among the members of the Transaction Committee and representatives of Goldman Sachs that Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan should continue their discussions with BAT and its financial advisors.

As a further follow-up to the initial telephonic call on November 23, 2016, at the request of the Transaction Committee, representatives of BAT, Centerview and Deutsche Bank had a telephonic meeting with representatives of Goldman Sachs and, at the request of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors, J.P. Morgan on November 29, 2016 to discuss BAT’s contemplated financing structure and the potential tax implications thereof in connection with a potential transaction between RAI and BAT.

On December 1, 2016, the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee held a meeting, at which representatives of RAI management, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Jones Day and Weil participated, to discuss the most recent discussions among BAT and the parties’ respective financial advisors with respect to a potential transaction between RAI and BAT.

At a meeting held on December 5, 2016, the BAT board of directors received an update from senior management of BAT regarding the market reaction to the October 20 Proposal and the rejection received from the Transaction Committee. At this meeting, the BAT board of directors discussed various offer price ranges and various financial metrics at such offer prices and authorized senior management of BAT to continue to engage with the Transaction Committee and its advisors consistent with those discussions.

On December 5, 2016, Mr. Durante called Mr. Wajnert and presented him with a revised non-binding proposal, referred to as the December 5 Proposal, for BAT to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.4923 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash, which purchase price represented $56.60 per share of RAI common stock based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £43.43 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2703, in each case, on December 5, 2016. Immediately following that conversation, Mr. Durante sent Mr. Wajnert a letter setting forth the December 5 Proposal, and a representative of Centerview called a representative of Goldman Sachs to discuss the December 5 Proposal.

 

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On December 7, 2016, the Transaction Committee held a meeting, at which certain other members of the RAI board of directors, representatives of RAI management, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Weil, MVA and Jones Day participated, to discuss and evaluate the December 5 Proposal. Representatives of Goldman Sachs discussed with the Transaction Committee the terms of the December 5 Proposal. Representatives of Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan then discussed with the members of the RAI board of directors participating at the meeting their respective preliminary financial analyses of the December 5 Proposal and other matters relevant to evaluating the December 5 Proposal. As part of this discussion, a representative of Goldman Sachs informed the Transaction Committee that a representative of Centerview had suggested that the December 5 Proposal represented the maximum cash amount that BAT could offer based on BAT’s capital structure. During an executive session of the Transaction Committee, the members of the Transaction Committee further discussed the December 5 Proposal with representatives of Goldman Sachs, Weil and MVA, including, among other things, the value of the December 5 Proposal relative to the implied value of RAI on a standalone basis, the per share implied value of the December 5 Proposal as compared to the October 20 Proposal, and the potential execution risk and timing of a transaction with BAT. Following such discussion, a consensus emerged among the members of the Transaction Committee that the December 5 Proposal did not adequately reflect RAI’s value, and that the Transaction Committee would reject the December 5 Proposal without making a counterproposal to BAT.

Immediately following the determination of the Transaction Committee, Mr. Wajnert called Mr. Durante and informed him that the Transaction Committee had determined to reject the December 5 Proposal as inadequate but that the Transaction Committee believed there may be a strategic basis for a transaction between the parties at the right value. Mr. Durante expressed his view that a business combination between RAI and BAT continued to have strategic merit for both parties, but that BAT had offered the highest price it believed would be acceptable to BAT shareholders based on the information then available to BAT. Accordingly, Mr. Durante stated that BAT was not prepared to make any improvements to the December 5 Proposal at that time.

On December 8, 2016, at the direction of the Transaction Committee, a representative of Goldman Sachs had a telephonic discussion with a representative of Centerview regarding the status of discussions between the parties in connection with a potential transaction and proposed next steps. During the discussion, the representative of Centerview suggested that BAT could potentially be in a position to make an improved proposal to acquire RAI if BAT were permitted to undertake a limited due diligence review of RAI to identify the size and scope of potential synergies. In furtherance of that suggestion, the representative of Centerview then proposed that management of BAT and RAI should meet.

On December 9, 2016, representatives of Goldman Sachs conveyed to the Transaction Committee Centerview’s suggestion that BAT be permitted to undertake a limited due diligence review of RAI. Following discussion among the members of the Transaction Committee, a consensus emerged that the Transaction Committee should permit BAT to undertake a limited due diligence review of RAI so as to potentially enable BAT to make an improved proposal to acquire RAI, and that management of RAI and BAT should meet.

On December 12, 2016, at the direction of the Transaction Committee, representatives of Goldman Sachs spoke with representatives of Centerview and Deutsche Bank to agree on the agenda for due diligence sessions to begin on December 14, 2016 with respect to potential synergies. Further, on December 13, 2016, representatives of BAT management and RAI management spoke to confirm the topics to be covered during these sessions.

On December 14, 2016, RAI and BAT entered into a mutual non-disclosure agreement, which, in the case of BAT, supplemented its existing obligations under the governance agreement.

From December 14, 2016 through December 16, 2016, members of BAT management and BAT’s legal and financial advisors and, at the direction of the Transaction Committee, members of RAI management and RAI’s legal and financial advisors engaged in a series of meetings and exchanged information (including via an electronic dataroom) for the purpose of identifying and validating potential synergies that could result from a transaction between the parties.

 

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Following those discussions, on December 20, 2016, Mr. Durante called Mr. Wajnert and presented him with a further revised non-binding proposal, referred to as the December 20 Proposal, for BAT to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.5105 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash, which purchase price represented $58.30 per share of RAI common stock based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £45.52 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2421, in each case, on December 19, 2016. Mr. Durante indicated that the December 20 Proposal was BAT’s final offer. Shortly following that call, Mr. Durante sent Mr. Wajnert a letter setting forth the December 20 Proposal, and a representative of Centerview called a representative of Goldman Sachs to discuss the December 20 Proposal. The letter stated that BAT believed the parties could move quickly to conduct confirmatory due diligence and finalize a merger agreement within the first two weeks of January 2017.

Later on December 20, 2016, the Transaction Committee held a meeting, at which additional members of the RAI board of directors and representatives of RAI management, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Weil, MVA and Jones Day participated. Representatives of Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan discussed with the members of the RAI board of directors who participated in the meeting their respective preliminary financial analyses of the December 20 Proposal and other matters relevant to evaluating the December 20 Proposal. During an executive session of the Transaction Committee, the members of the Transaction Committee discussed with representatives of Goldman Sachs, Weil and MVA the December 20 Proposal. Following discussion, a consensus emerged among the members of the Transaction Committee that the December 20 Proposal was inadequate, and that the Transaction Committee would reject the December 20 Proposal on its current terms, but that the Transaction Committee would make a counterproposal to BAT. The members of the Transaction Committee and its advisors then discussed what the Transaction Committee should propose as a counteroffer to BAT, including risks and strategy associated with various counterproposals and what price the Transaction Committee viewed as adequately reflecting the intrinsic value of RAI. Following discussion among the members of the Transaction Committee, a consensus emerged for a counterproposal, referred to as the December 20 Counterproposal, for BAT to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.535 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash, which purchase price represented $59.69 per share of RAI common stock based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £45.52 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2421, in each case, on December 19, 2016.

Shortly following the Transaction Committee meeting, Mr. Wajnert called Mr. Durante to inform him of the Transaction Committee’s determination to reject the December 20 Proposal and of the Transaction Committee’s December 20 Counterproposal. Mr. Durante rejected RAI’s December 20 Counterproposal and stated that BAT’s December 20 Proposal was BAT’s maximum proposal. Mr. Durante further stated that BAT’s December 20 Proposal would remain open for the next three weeks if RAI determined to revisit a potential transaction in January.

On December 21, 2016, the Transaction Committee and RAI board of directors and their respective advisors held teleconferences to review the discussion that had taken place the prior day between Mr. Wajnert and Mr. Durante. Following discussion, each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors agreed that it would be in the best interests of RAI to conduct due diligence on the differences in BAT’s and RAI’s respective financial models in order to gain clarity with respect to their differing perspectives in relation to valuation. They also authorized representatives of RAI management to convey that view to representatives of BAT, which they did later that day, and the representatives of BAT agreed.

Over the course of the following two weeks, representatives of RAI management and BAT management and the parties’ respective financial advisors engaged in due diligence discussions regarding each of the parties’ financial models. On December 27, 2017 and December 30, 2017, representatives of RAI management and BAT management and the parties’ respective financial advisors had calls to discuss the parties’ respective financial models. At the conclusion of these discussions, the parties determined to meet on January 3, 2017 to continue the due diligence on those financial models.

 

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On December 28, 2016, the Transaction Committee and RAI board of directors and their respective advisors held teleconferences to review and discuss the due diligence meetings that had taken place the prior week. The members of the Transaction Committee and RAI board of directors agreed that the parties should continue their discussions on January 3, 2017. Also, as part of the discussion of the Transaction Committee, the members of the Transaction Committee agreed that Mr. Nowell would be assuming the lead, on behalf of the Transaction Committee, in any future discussions with Mr. Durante in light of Mr. Wajnert’s impending retirement from the RAI board of directors effective December 31, 2016, which had been previously announced.

On January 3, 2017, representatives of RAI and BAT management and the parties’ respective financial and legal advisors met to continue their due diligence meetings regarding the parties’ respective financial models. Following the conclusion of the meetings, representatives of BAT communicated to representatives of RAI that BAT was interested in arranging a meeting between Mr. Nowell and Mr. Durante, in which Mr. Durante intended to discuss with Mr. Nowell the implications of the synergy analysis and due diligence work completed by BAT.

On January 5, 2017, the Transaction Committee held a meeting, at which representatives of RAI management, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Weil, MVA and Jones Day participated. The members of the Transaction Committee discussed the possibility of continuing negotiations with BAT regarding a potential transaction, as well as the parameters of a proposal that they might be willing to accept. A consensus was reached among the members of the Transaction Committee that Mr. Nowell should meet with Mr. Durante to continue negotiations.

Following general discussions over dinner, the next morning on January 10, 2017, Mr. Durante presented Mr. Nowell with a further revised non-binding proposal for BAT to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.5250 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash, which purchase price represented $59.15 per share of RAI common stock based on the price of a BAT ordinary share of £46.58 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2148, in each case, at or around 8:00 AM EST on January 10, 2017. Mr. Nowell responded that if BAT increased the exchange ratio portion of the proposal to 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share, he believed (based on conversations he had had with certain members of the RAI board of directors) that the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors would accept the proposal. Mr. Durante advised Mr. Nowell that he would need to discuss Mr. Nowell’s suggestion with other BAT directors before making any further proposal.

Following the meeting of Mr. Durante and Mr. Nowell on January 10, 2017, each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors held a meeting, at which their respective advisors and RAI management participated, to discuss and evaluate the potential transaction. During the meetings, representatives of Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan each discussed preliminary perspectives regarding a potential transaction if BAT were willing to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash. Also during those meetings, RAI management presented its view of the potential synergies that could result from a transaction between RAI and BAT. While those meetings were ongoing, Mr. Durante contacted Mr. Nowell to confirm that BAT would be willing to increase its non-binding proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group for a purchase price per share of RAI common stock consisting of 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash, referred to as the January 10 Proposal, which purchase price represented $59.20 per share of RAI common stock based on the price per BAT ordinary share of £46.58 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2148, in each case, at or around 8:00 AM EST on January 10, 2017. After deliberation and discussion, including a review of the process undertaken by the Transaction Committee to date, individual members of the RAI board of directors not serving on the Transaction Committee expressed to the Transaction Committee that they believed that the January 10 Proposal represented the maximum value that would be offered from BAT. During its executive session, following deliberation and discussion, the Transaction Committee reached a unanimous consensus that the January 10 Proposal represented the maximum value that would be offered from BAT and was attractive compared to the other alternatives available to RAI and that, therefore, it was the recommendation of the Transaction Committee that negotiating a

 

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potential transaction with BAT on the terms of the January 10 Proposal was in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates).

Following the meetings of the Transaction Committee and RAI board of directors, Mr. Nowell communicated to Mr. Durante the Transaction Committee’s and RAI board of directors’ determination to proceed with negotiating a transaction with BAT on the terms of the January 10 Proposal. Shortly thereafter, representatives of Cravath sent to Weil an initial draft of the merger agreement in connection with the proposed transaction.

From January 12, 2017 through and including January 16, 2017, RAI, BAT, and their respective legal advisors exchanged drafts of and negotiated the terms of the merger agreement and related transaction documents. Also during this period, the parties and their advisors continued to conduct their respective due diligence reviews.

In the morning of January 14, 2017, the Transaction Committee held a telephonic meeting, a portion of which was held jointly with a meeting of the RAI board of directors, at which representatives of RAI management, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Lazard, Weil, Jones Day and MVA participated. During the meeting, representatives of Weil, MVA and Jones Day reviewed with the directors the fiduciary duties of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors. Representatives of Weil and Jones Day then discussed in detail the terms of the draft merger agreement, including the remaining issues to be resolved, and a description of the potential resolution of each issue. A representative of Jones Day provided the members of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors with an update regarding the mutual due diligence that had been undertaken to date. Representatives of Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan then each discussed with the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors, respectively, their individual preliminary financial analyses of the January 10 Proposal. During an executive session of the Transaction Committee and its advisors, the members of the Transaction Committee continued to discuss the terms of the proposed transaction, the potential resolutions of remaining issues with respect thereto and related legal and financial matters.

On January 16, 2017, the BAT board of directors held a meeting attended by members of BAT’s senior management and representatives of Cravath, Centerview, Deutsche Bank and UBS. Members of BAT’s senior management reviewed with the BAT board of directors the legal and financial terms of the proposed transaction, and the principal risks and benefits of the proposed transaction. For a discussion of the BAT board of directors’ reasons for supporting the proposed transaction, see “— BAT’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Following review and discussion among the members of the BAT board of directors, the BAT board of directors adopted resolutions (1) resolving that the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby are advisable and would promote the success of BAT for the benefit of BAT shareholders as a whole, (2) approving and adopting the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and (3) resolving to recommend that BAT shareholders approve the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as a Class 1 transaction and authorize the directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration.

In the evening of January 16, 2017, the Transaction Committee held a meeting, at which representatives of RAI management, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Lazard, Weil, MVA and Jones Day participated, to review and consider the proposed transaction. Representatives of Weil and MVA reviewed and discussed with the members of the Transaction Committee their fiduciary duties, and representatives of Weil and Jones Day provided the members of the Transaction Committee with an update regarding the terms of the merger agreement. A representative of Jones Day then provided the Transaction Committee with an update regarding the mutual due diligence reviews and confirmed that due diligence had been completed to the satisfaction of each party. Mr. Nowell and Ms. Cameron then led the Transaction Committee in a discussion of the key strategic considerations and other reasons in favor of, and against, completing the proposed transaction with BAT. Those

 

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factors discussed by the Transaction Committee are described in detail below in the section entitled “ —RAI’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors ” beginning at page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. During an executive session of the Transaction Committee and its advisors, Mr. Nowell reviewed with the members of the Transaction Committee certain additional terms of the proposed transaction that had been discussed with Mr. Durante, including with respect to retention of RAI employees and that BAT would select three members of the RAI board of directors, other than those designated by B&W for nomination to the RAI board of directors, to serve on the BAT board of directors. Representatives of Goldman Sachs then reviewed and discussed with the Transaction Committee Goldman Sachs’ financial analyses of the proposed transaction. Representatives of Goldman Sachs then rendered an oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the Transaction Committee, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. A summary of Goldman Sachs’ opinion is provided below in the section entitled “ —Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor ” beginning at page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Following further discussion among the members of the Transaction Committee, the Transaction Committee unanimously (1) determined that entering into the merger agreement and completing the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (2) approved, adopted and authorized the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (3) recommended to the RAI board of directors that the RAI board of directors approve, adopt and authorize the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (4) recommended that the RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (5) declared the merger agreement and the merger advisable.

Later in the evening of January 16, 2017, following the meeting of the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors held a meeting, at which representatives of RAI management, J.P. Morgan, Lazard, Goldman Sachs, Jones Day, Weil and MVA participated, to review and consider the proposed transaction. A member of the Transaction Committee presented to the RAI board of directors the recommendation of the Transaction Committee that the RAI board of directors approve the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby. Representatives of Jones Day reviewed and discussed with the members of the RAI board of directors their fiduciary duties, and representatives of Weil and Jones Day provided the members of the RAI board of directors with an update regarding the terms of the merger agreement. A representative of Jones Day then provided the RAI board of directors with an update regarding the mutual due diligence reviews and confirmed that due diligence had been completed to the satisfaction of each party. Representatives of Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Lazard each reviewed and discussed with the RAI board of directors their respective financial analyses of the proposed transaction. Representatives of J.P. Morgan then rendered an oral opinion to the RAI board of directors, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery to the RAI board of directors of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors, procedures, qualifications, assumptions and any limitations set forth in its written opinion, the merger consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share as of the effective time of the proposed merger plus (2) $29.44 in cash, taken together, to be paid to the holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Representatives of Lazard then rendered to the RAI board of directors an oral opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the matters described in its opinion, the merger consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, to be paid to holders of shares of RAI common stock, other than the BAT Group and holders of shares of RAI common stock who have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of RAI common stock in favor of the adoption of the plan of merger, as defined in the merger agreement, at the special meeting and who have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) their rights of appraisal in accordance with Article 13 of the NCBCA, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Representatives of Goldman Sachs then rendered an oral opinion, which

 

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was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Summaries of the opinions of each of J.P. Morgan and Lazard are provided in the section entitled “ —Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, and a summary of Goldman Sachs’ opinion is provided in the section entitled “ —Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Following further discussion among the members of the RAI board of directors (other than Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who recused themselves from all discussion and consideration of the merger), the RAI board of directors unanimously (1) adopted the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (2) determined that the terms of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (3) recommended that the RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (4) declared that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable.

Shortly following the meetings of the Transaction Committee and RAI board of directors, in the evening of January 16, 2017, RAI and BAT finalized and entered into the merger agreement and related transaction documents. Before the opening of trading on the LSE and the NYSE on January  17, 2017, each of BAT and RAI, respectively, issued press releases announcing the proposed transaction.

BAT’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger

As described below in “ —Position of BAT and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger ” on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, BAT does not believe it controls RAI, for purposes of North Carolina corporate law or otherwise. Under the SEC rules governing “going private” transactions, each of the BAT parties may be deemed to be an affiliate of RAI and engaged in a “going private” transaction (as this term is defined by the SEC) and, therefore, may be required to express its purposes and reasons for the merger to the Unaffiliated Shareholders. The BAT parties are making certain statements included in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus solely for purposes of complying with the requirements of Rule 13e-3 and related rules and regulations under the Exchange Act. The views of the BAT parties as to the purposes and reasons for the merger should not be construed as a recommendation to any RAI shareholder as to how that shareholder should vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

If the merger is completed, RAI will become an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, and RAI common stock will cease to be publicly traded. For the BAT parties, the purpose of the merger is to enable BAT to acquire directly or indirectly all of the outstanding RAI common stock that the BAT Group does not already own and, as a result, for BAT and its shareholders to bear the rewards and risks of such full ownership of the RAI Group business.

In evaluating the merger agreement, the plan of merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the BAT board of directors spent considerable time and diligence in consulting with BAT’s senior management, financial advisors and outside legal counsel. Before reaching its decision at its meeting on January 16, 2017, to approve and adopt the merger agreement, the plan of merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to recommend that BAT’s shareholders approve the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as a Class 1 transaction, the BAT board of directors considered a variety of factors with respect to the merger, including the following (not necessarily in order of relative importance):

Strategic Factors Considered by the BAT Board of Directors:

 

    Enhanced Geographic Coverage : The BAT board of directors considered the enhanced geographic coverage across emerging and developed markets expected to result from the merger.

 

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BAT has a significant presence in emerging markets across South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Over the last five years, revenue per pack in these markets has grown at more than twice the rate compared to developed markets. With generally low cigarette pack prices and expectations of continued growth in consumer disposable income over the long term, the future profit growth opportunity remains strong.

While the United States is characterized as a developed market, direct access to the U.S. market strengthens BAT’s opportunity for long-term profitable growth. The United States is the world’s largest tobacco profit pool (excluding China) and over the last five years has grown revenue per pack at a faster rate than other developed markets. Long-term growth prospects are underpinned by affordable pack prices, relatively high disposable incomes and a growing market for next generation products.

The BAT board of directors believes that, after completion of the merger, the BAT Group will be a larger, broader, more geographically diversified business with continued exposure to high-growth emerging markets, direct access to the opportunity in the U.S. market and a broad presence in key developed markets. The BAT board of directors also considered BAT’s manufacturing footprint, which is expected to be enhanced as a result of the inclusion of the RAI Group’s high-quality production facilities in North Carolina and Tennessee.

 

    Combined Portfolio of Global Brands: The BAT board of directors considered the combined portfolio of strong, growing global brands of both the BAT Group and the RAI Group, bringing together ownership of NEWPORT, KENT and PALL MALL, and in particular that the unified ownership of these brands would allow BAT to leverage consistent global positioning and shared resources. The BAT board of directors also considered the fact that the RAI Group is well positioned with the second largest cigarette market share in the U.S. market, with three out of the four top-selling cigarette brands and the benefits from the Lorillard merger already evident. In 2016, the RAI Group accounted for approximately 34% of the U.S. cigarette market share, with NEWPORT the leading brand in menthol, PALL MALL the leading value brand and the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand, which is a top ten best-selling cigarette brand in the United States. For the year ended December 31, 2016, American Snuff Company, LLC, an RAI subsidiary, also had a 33% share of the U.S. moist snuff category, led by its GRIZZLY brand. U.S. moist snuff retail volume grew approximately 3.6% in 2016.

 

    Global Next Generation Product Business: The BAT board of directors considered the potential of the combined business as a global company in the fast growing next generation product category, with an opportunity to leverage scale and insights across the largest and fastest growing next generation product markets and categories. The BAT Group is one of the largest international companies in the vapor market outside of the United States and China, having successfully launched a portfolio of products in the five largest vapor markets in Europe and established significant market share in the United Kingdom and Poland, based on the BAT Group’s internal estimates. In December 2016, GLO, an innovative tobacco heating product, was launched in Japan with encouraging early results. In addition, the RAI Group’s VUSE is one of the leading vapor brands sold in the U.S. vapor retail market. The BAT board of directors believes that the merger will benefit from the best of the BAT Group’s and the RAI Group’s talented research and development and next generation product organizations and allow such next generation product capabilities to be shared more broadly. In particular, the BAT board of directors believes that the merger will increase BAT’s exposure to the U.S. vapor market and, subject to applicable approvals from the FDA and compliance with other U.S. rules, may permit further leverage of BAT’s pipeline of next generation products.

 

   

Cost Savings and Synergies: The BAT board of directors considered the future shareholder value expected to be created by the merger through cost synergies. The BAT board of directors anticipates realizing at least $400 million in annualized cost savings by the end of the third full year following completion of the merger. These synergies are expected to be primarily achieved by leveraging the scale of the combined business, integrating corporate functions and eliminating redundant spending using BAT’s target operating model principles and policies and delivering other efficiencies in

 

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manufacturing and supply chain. Cost synergies exist in the following main areas—procurement, manufacturing, product development and corporate costs of the combined company. Although BAT expects that cost savings will result from the merger, there can be no assurance that any particular amount of such savings or synergies will be achieved following completion of the merger or that they will be achieved in the expected time frame. The one-off costs of delivering these synergies are expected to total approximately $325 to $350 million. The BAT board of directors confirms that the annual cost synergies and anticipated one-off expenditure reflect both the beneficial elements and the relevant costs of achieving those synergies. See “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” and “ Risk Factors ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

    Growth Prospects: BAT has a successful track record of developing strong brands and growing market share through a consistent focus on consumer insights, product quality and innovation, enabling it to build on RAI’s existing share growth momentum. The BAT board of directors believes that ownership of RAI and access to the U.S. market will further support BAT’s commitment to long-term profitable growth through consistent revenue growth. Further, the BAT board of directors believes that the merger will give BAT ownership of what will be a significant proportion of the BAT Group cash flows and provide more balanced exposure to foreign exchange.

Other Factors Considered by the BAT Board of Directors:

 

    Business Climate: The BAT board of directors considered the current and prospective business climate in the tobacco industry, including the regulatory and litigation environment.

 

    Earnings Impact : The BAT board of directors considered the impact the merger is expected to have on BAT’s earnings following the completion of the merger.

 

    Dividends Impact: The BAT board of directors considered its intention to maintain its dividend policy of a minimum 65% payout ratio post-merger.

 

    Merger Agreement: The BAT board of directors considered the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including the limited conditionality on the obligations of BAT and RAI to complete the merger.

 

    Due Diligence: The BAT board of directors considered the results of the due diligence review of the RAI Group and its businesses conducted by BAT and its financial advisors and outside legal counsel.

 

    Financing Certainty : The BAT board of directors considered that the BAT parties had entered into the acquisition facility to provide financing certainty in advance of execution of the merger agreement.

 

    Credit Rating: The BAT board of directors considered its commitment to maintaining a solid investment grade credit rating for the BAT Group and its intent to delever.

 

    Alternatives Available : The BAT board of directors considered the alternatives in respect of RAI reasonably available to BAT instead of the merger, including maintaining a non-controlling share in RAI. The BAT board of directors considered that the BAT Group would continue to be subject to the restrictions and limitations contained in the governance agreement, including a limit on the number of directors BAT is permitted to designate for nomination to the RAI board of directors, unless BAT acquired 100% of RAI’s equity. The BAT board of directors ultimately determined that the merger is preferable to maintaining its current non-controlling share in RAI because it would allow BAT to acquire 100% of RAI’s outstanding equity, would result in the termination of the governance agreement, would maximize the opportunities for synergies through the combination of the businesses of RAI and BAT and would minimize dilution to BAT’s existing shareholders. In addition, the BAT board of directors considered the views of its advisors that the Transaction Committee would likely prefer a transaction offering an acquisition premium with a significant cash component.

 

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The BAT board of directors also considered a number of uncertainties and risks in its deliberations concerning the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the following (not necessarily in order of relative importance):

 

    the merger agreement provides for a fixed exchange ratio and that no adjustment will be made with respect to the merger consideration to be received by holders of shares of RAI common stock in the event of an increase in the trading price of the BAT ordinary shares or the BAT ADSs following the announcement of the entry into the merger agreement, while noting that the significant cash portion of the merger consideration will reduce the impact of any increase in the trading price of the BAT ordinary shares or the BAT ADSs on the value of the merger consideration;

 

    the merger might not be completed in a timely manner or that the completion of the merger might not occur despite the companies’ efforts, including by reason of a failure to obtain the approval of either BAT or RAI shareholders, including the unaffiliated shareholder approval, the failure of the parties to obtain antitrust approvals in the United States and Japan, the failure to register BAT ordinary shares with the SEC, or the failure to obtain approval for admission of the BAT ordinary shares on the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE or the failure to obtain approval for listing the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration on the NYSE (subject to official notice of issuance);

 

    BAT will incur substantial additional indebtedness in connection with the merger that could adversely affect BAT and its financial position and may result in a reduction of the BAT Group’s credit rating;

 

    any action could be taken by the FDA or other governmental authority that could have the effect of banning or materially restricting the use of menthol in tobacco products or imposing other restrictions and that any such action could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT but would not give rise to a right to terminate the merger agreement;

 

    tobacco litigation commenced prior to the signing of the merger agreement and tobacco litigation commenced after the signing of the merger agreement other than tobacco litigation by or on behalf of a governmental entity to the extent such litigation is not a part of or an extension or expansion of any tobacco litigation commenced prior to the date of the merger agreement could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT but would not give rise to a right to terminate the merger agreement;

 

    shareholder litigation related to the merger may be commenced;

 

    the potential length of the regulatory approval process, the SEC registration process, the shareholder approval process and the related period of time during which BAT will be subject to the restrictions in the merger agreement;

 

    regulatory or governmental authorities might seek to impose requirements, limitations, costs or restrictions on the conduct of BAT’s business in connection with granting approval or clearance of the merger or may otherwise seek to prevent or delay the merger;

 

    the scope of BAT’s commitments to take certain actions to obtain required regulatory approvals, and the fact that if the merger is not completed as a result of the failure to obtain certain antitrust approvals on an unconditional basis, BAT will be obligated to pay a reverse termination fee;

 

    diverting management focus and resources from other strategic opportunities and operational matters, and potential disruption of management of the BAT Group associated with the merger and integrating the companies;

 

    the merger agreement places certain restrictions on the conduct of the businesses of the BAT Group prior to completion of the merger, which may prevent BAT from making certain acquisitions or otherwise pursuing certain business opportunities;

 

    the potential impact of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement on the dividends expected to be paid to BAT shareholders in the future; and

 

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    various other risks associated with the merger and the businesses of BAT, RAI, their respective subsidiaries and the combined company described under “ Risk Factors ,” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT board of directors determined that the benefits expected to be achieved for BAT shareholders as a result of the merger outweighed these potential risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, the BAT board of directors determined that the merger agreement, the plan of merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement were advisable and will promote the success of BAT for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole. The BAT board of directors decided to undertake the merger at this time after considering, among other factors, BAT’s financial criteria for the merger, the alignment of valuations of tobacco companies, BAT’s ability to access attractive long-term funding rates and the fact that RAI’s integration of Lorillard is largely complete. The BAT board of directors realized that there can be no assurance about future results, including results considered or expected as disclosed in the foregoing reasons.

The above discussion of the material factors considered by the BAT board of directors in its consideration of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement is not intended to be exhaustive, but does set forth the principal factors considered by the BAT board of directors. In light of the number and wide variety of factors considered in connection with the evaluation of the merger, the BAT board of directors did not consider it practicable to, and did not attempt to, quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it considered in reaching its final decision. The BAT board of directors viewed its position as being based on all of the information available to it and the factors presented to and considered by it. However, some directors may individually have given different weight to different factors. The factors, potential risks and uncertainties contained in this explanation of BAT’s reasons for the merger and other information presented in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus contain information that is forward-looking in nature and, therefore, should be read in light of the factors discussed in “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Position of BAT and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger

As described below, BAT does not believe it controls RAI, for purposes of North Carolina corporate law or otherwise. Under the SEC rules governing “going private” transactions, each of the BAT parties may be deemed to be an affiliate of RAI and engaged in a “going private” transaction (as this term is defined by the SEC) and, therefore, may be required to express its beliefs as to the fairness of the merger to the Unaffiliated Shareholders. The BAT parties are making certain statements included in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus solely for purposes of complying with the requirements of Rule 13e-3 and related rules and regulations under the Exchange Act. The views of the BAT parties as to the fairness of the merger should not be construed as a recommendation to any RAI shareholder as to how that shareholder should vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement.

The BAT parties did not undertake any independent evaluation of the fairness of the merger to the Unaffiliated Shareholders or engage a financial advisor for such purpose. The Transaction Committee, which consists of all of the Other Directors, are not employees of RAI or any of its affiliates and have no financial interest in the merger different from, or in addition to, the interests of the Unaffiliated Shareholders other than their interests described under “ —Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Both BAT’s preexisting obligations under the governance agreement and the explicit conditions of BAT’s proposal to RAI regarding a potential merger required the approval of the Other Directors.

None of the BAT parties participated in the deliberations of the Transaction Committee or the RAI board of directors regarding, or received advice from the legal advisors or financial advisors for the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee as to, the fairness of the merger. The BAT parties did not expressly rely on or adopt the analysis of the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee in determining the fairness of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement to the Unaffiliated Shareholders.

 

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The BAT parties believe that the merger is procedurally fair to the Unaffiliated Shareholders because the BAT parties do not exercise control over RAI, the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee, for purposes of North Carolina corporate law or otherwise. The governance agreement, which is described in detail under the “ The Governance Agreement ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, contains several limitations that preclude the BAT parties from exercising control. Although B&W has the right to designate for nomination five (but not more than five) directors to the RAI board of directors, which since the B&W business combination has been composed of at least thirteen directors but, since the Lorillard merger, has temporarily been increased to fourteen directors, the number of directors of RAI designated for nomination by B&W will always be a minority, and of that minority all but two must be independent of both BAT and RAI. Under the governance agreement, the BAT parties have granted RAI a proxy to vote their shares of RAI common stock in favor of the RAI board of directors’ slate of nominees (and against the removal of any director elected as one of the RAI board of directors’ slate of nominees). Therefore, the BAT parties did not have and cannot obtain any corporate power to cause or compel the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee to pursue or endorse the merger. In addition, the governance agreement requires that any material contract or transaction between the RAI Group, on the one hand, and the BAT Group, on the other hand, be approved by a majority of the Other Directors. Because (1) the BAT parties do not control RAI, the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee, for purposes of North Carolina corporate law or otherwise, (2) the terms of the merger were vigorously negotiated on behalf of the Unaffiliated Shareholders by the Transaction Committee and its advisors and (3) the merger was approved unanimously by the Transaction Committee, the BAT parties believe that the merger is procedurally fair to the Unaffiliated Shareholders.

Furthermore, the BAT parties believe that the merger is procedurally fair to the Unaffiliated Shareholders based upon, among other things, the following factors:

 

    BAT’s proposal always contemplated that it would be subject to approval by both the Other Directors and the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting that are not owned by the BAT Group or any of RAI’s subsidiaries;

 

    the RAI board of directors delegated to the Transaction Committee the power and authority to evaluate, discuss and negotiate the terms and conditions of, approve, and recommend or reject BAT’s proposal to acquire the shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group, any other potential transaction with BAT and any potential alternative strategic transaction;

 

    prior to the October 24, 2016 RAI board of directors’ meeting (which was the first RAI board of directors meeting following BAT’s submission of a written proposal for an acquisition of RAI), both Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who are the two members of the RAI board of directors designated by B&W and who also are members of the BAT Group management board, voluntarily recused themselves from all discussion and consideration by the RAI board of directors with respect to a proposed transaction involving BAT or any potential alternative strategic transaction;

 

    the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors were aware of the existing relationships among the BAT parties and the RAI Group and could take such relationships into account when conducting the Transaction Committee process and in considering whether to enter into the merger on the contemplated terms, or at all;

 

    the Transaction Committee met on several occasions to consider BAT’s proposals and retained and received advice from Goldman Sachs, as financial advisor, and Weil and MVA, as legal advisors, each of which has extensive experience in transactions similar to the merger;

 

   

the RAI board of directors, after considering the unanimous approval and recommendation of the Transaction Committee, by unanimous vote of all members of the RAI board of directors (other than Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who recused themselves from all discussion and consideration of the merger), (1) adopted the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (2) determined that the terms of the merger and the other transactions

 

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contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (3) recommended that the RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (4) declared that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable;

 

    the merger consideration, which consists of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest, and the other terms and conditions of the merger agreement resulted from extensive arm’s-length negotiations between BAT and its advisors, on the one hand, and the Transaction Committee and its advisors, on the other hand;

 

    notwithstanding the fact that the BAT parties were not entitled to, and did not rely on such opinion, the Transaction Committee requested and received from Goldman Sachs an oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, dated January 16, 2017, that, as of the date of the opinion, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders, which opinion was also requested by and delivered to the RAI board of directors;

 

    notwithstanding the fact that the BAT parties were not entitled to, and did not rely on such opinions, the RAI board of directors requested and received on January 16, 2017 (1) an oral opinion from J.P. Morgan, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery to the RAI board of directors of a written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to, among other things, the assumptions, qualifications and any limitations set forth therein, the consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (a) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share as of the effective time of the proposed merger plus (b) $29.44 in cash, taken together, to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders and (2) an oral opinion from Lazard, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the matters described in its opinion, the merger consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (a) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (b) $29.44 in cash to be paid to holders of shares of RAI common stock, other than the BAT Group and holders of shares of RAI common stock who have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of RAI common stock in favor of the adoption of the plan of merger, as defined in the merger agreement, at the special meeting and who have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) their rights of appraisal in accordance with Article 13 of the NCBCA, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders;

 

    RAI’s ability, under certain circumstances as set out in the merger agreement, to provide information to, or participate in discussions or negotiations with, third parties regarding alternative proposals; and

 

    the availability of appraisal rights under North Carolina law to holders of shares of RAI common stock on the RAI record date who do not vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and comply with all of the required procedures under North Carolina law, which provides those eligible shareholders with an opportunity to have a North Carolina court determine the fair value of their shares, which may be more than, less than, or the same as the amount such holders of shares of RAI common stock would have received under the merger agreement.

The BAT parties believe that the merger is substantively fair to the Unaffiliated Shareholders because the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors determined that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of the Unaffiliated Shareholders. In addition, the BAT parties considered the following:

 

   

the current and historical market prices of RAI common stock, including the market performance of RAI common stock relative to those of other participants in the tobacco industry and general market indices, the fact that, based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £47.63 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2056, in each case, on January 16, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT

 

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ordinary shares before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration implied a total value of $59.64 per share of RAI common stock, which represented a premium of approximately 26% to the closing price of RAI common stock on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, and the fact that this implied value of merger consideration represents a premium over recent historical market prices of RAI common stock;

 

    in addition to receiving the cash portion of the merger consideration, holders of shares of RAI common stock will be able to participate and share in the potential future revenues of the combined company through their receipt of BAT ADSs;

 

    certain members of the BAT Group have entered into a $25.0 billion acquisition facility with a syndicate of banks to provide financing certainty; and

 

    the requirements or conditions to the merger are in alignment with current market practice and the merger is not conditioned on any financing being obtained by BAT, which increases the likelihood that the merger will be completed and that the consideration to be paid to holders of shares of RAI common stock in the merger will be received.

The BAT parties also considered a variety of risks and other countervailing factors related to the substantive and procedural fairness of the merger, including:

 

    holders of shares of RAI common stock will only participate in the revenues or growth of RAI’s business to the extent of such shareholders’ ownership of BAT ADSs and will otherwise not benefit from any potential appreciation in RAI’s value in the future;

 

    the exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted in the event of any change in the market price of BAT ADSs, BAT ordinary shares or RAI common stock;

 

    the merger might not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the merger will not occur if the necessary antitrust approvals are not received;

 

    the restrictions on RAI’s business activities prior to the completion of the merger, which may prevent RAI from pursuing attractive business opportunities that arise prior to the completion of the merger and otherwise have an adverse effect on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position;

 

    the potential negative effect that the pendency of the merger, or a failure to complete the merger, could have on the RAI Group’s business relationships and its ability to retain key employees;

 

    that RAI is restricted from soliciting, and, subject to certain exceptions, entering into discussions relating to, alternatives to the merger;

 

    that RAI is required to submit the approval of the merger to its shareholders even if the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee withdraws or qualifies its recommendation that RAI shareholders vote in favor of approval of the merger agreement;

 

    the possibility that a termination fee of $1.0 billion may be payable by RAI upon the termination of the merger agreement, which could discourage other potential acquirers from making a competing bid to acquire RAI; and

 

    the receipt of the merger consideration in exchange for RAI common stock would generally be a taxable transaction to RAI shareholders that are U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as more fully described under “ —Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT parties did not consider net book value, which is an accounting concept, for purposes of determining the fairness of the per share merger consideration to the Unaffiliated Shareholders because they believe that net book value is not a material indicator of the value of RAI as a going concern, but rather is

 

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indicative of historical costs and because net book value does not take into account the prospects of RAI, market conditions, trends in the tobacco industry or the business risks inherent in that industry. In addition, the BAT parties did not consider the liquidation value of RAI because they consider RAI to be a viable, going concern and because the combined company will continue to operate the businesses of RAI following the merger. Other than as described on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, the BAT parties did not specifically consider the purchase price paid in the transactions described under “— Transactions in RAI Common Stock ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus but note that the consideration to be received by the Unaffiliated Shareholders represents a premium over such price. The BAT parties did not seek to determine a pre-merger going concern value for RAI to determine the fairness of the merger consideration to the Unaffiliated Shareholders because following the merger, RAI may have a different capital structure, cost profile and/or operating strategy, among other things. The BAT parties believe that the trading price of RAI common stock at any given time represents the best available indicator of RAI’s going concern value at that time so long as the trading price at that time is not impacted by speculation regarding the likelihood of a potential transaction. To the extent the pre-merger going concern value was reflected in the per share price of RAI common stock prior to the announcement of BAT’s proposal to merge with RAI, the implied value of the merger consideration based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate as at market close on January 16, 2017, represented a premium to the going concern value of RAI. The BAT parties are not aware of any firm offer for a merger, sale of all or a substantial part of RAI’s assets, or a purchase of a controlling amount of RAI securities having been received by RAI from anyone other than a BAT Party in the two years preceding the signing of the merger agreement.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered and given weight by the BAT parties in connection with the fairness of the merger is not intended to be exhaustive but is believed to include all material factors considered by the BAT parties. The BAT parties did not find it practicable to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attach relative weights to the foregoing factors in reaching their conclusion as to the fairness of the merger. Rather, the BAT parties reached their position as to the fairness of the merger after considering all of the foregoing as a whole. The BAT parties believe these factors provide a reasonable basis upon which to form their position regarding the fairness of the merger to the Unaffiliated Shareholders. This position should not, however, be construed as a recommendation to any holder of shares of RAI common stock to approve the merger agreement. The BAT parties make no recommendation as to how holders of shares of RAI common stock should vote their shares of common stock relating to the merger.

The explanation of the reasoning of the BAT board of directors and certain information presented in this section are forward-looking in nature and, therefore, the information should be read in light of the factors discussed in the section entitled “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors

As described above, the RAI board of directors established the Transaction Committee to, among other things, evaluate, discuss and negotiate the terms and conditions of, approve, recommend and/or reject (1) BAT’s proposal of October 20, 2016 to merge with RAI, referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the October 20 Proposal (and any subsequent revision thereto), (2) any other potential transaction with BAT and (3) any potential alternative strategic transaction. Further, the RAI board of directors provided that, to the extent the Transaction Committee rejected the October 20 Proposal (or any subsequent revision thereto), such rejection would be on behalf of the RAI board of directors and RAI and would be final and binding on the RAI board of directors and RAI. RAI issued a press release on October 31, 2016 announcing that the Transaction Committee had been formed to evaluate the October 20 Proposal.

Each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors evaluated, with the assistance of their respective legal and financial advisors, the merger agreement and the merger and, at their respective meetings on

 

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January 16, 2017, (1) the Transaction Committee unanimously (a) determined that entering into the merger agreement and completing the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (b) approved, adopted and authorized the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (c) recommended to the RAI board of directors that the RAI board of directors approve, adopt and authorize the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (d) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (e) declared the merger agreement and the merger advisable and (2) the RAI board of directors (a) adopted the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (b) determined that the terms of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (c) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (d) declared that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable.

The RAI board of directors recommends that the RAI shareholders vote “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement, “ FOR ” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “ FOR ” the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

Throughout the process of considering the merger, in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, and in forming its recommendation to the RAI board of directors and RAI shareholders, as applicable, that RAI shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement, each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors engaged its own legal and financial advisors and considered a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the strategic and other factors outlined below:

Strategic Considerations. Each of the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee considered that the merger is expected to provide a number of significant strategic opportunities, including the following:

 

    the merger would create a leading integrated global tobacco and next generation products company with strong, focused businesses and with enhanced scale, differentiated technologies, and a diversified revenue mix across segments, geographies and customers resulting in improved opportunities for growth, cost savings and innovation relative to what the RAI Group could achieve on a standalone basis;

 

    the RAI Group’s and the BAT Group’s complementary next generation product development and research and development capabilities would create a world-class pipeline of vapor and tobacco-heating products, delivering an array of new product options for adult tobacco consumers, resulting in diversified sources of profit growth for RAI shareholders;

 

    the combined company would maintain a presence in both the highly profitable developed and the high-growth emerging markets while bringing together a compelling global portfolio of strong brands, resulting in improved opportunities for growth in both the United States and globally relative to what the RAI Group could achieve on a standalone basis;

 

    the combined company is expected to generate significant run-rate cost synergies and growth synergies, which is expected to result in the combined company having greater potential to achieve further earnings growth and generate more substantial cash flow and bottom-line impact than either the RAI Group or the BAT Group could achieve on a standalone basis;

 

    following the merger, BAT would become the world’s largest listed tobacco company by net revenue and operating profit, resulting in improved access to global capital markets and unique opportunities for growth relative to what the RAI Group could achieve on a standalone basis;

 

   

the merger would enable the BAT Group to integrate the skill sets and capabilities of each of the RAI Group’s and the BAT Group’s management teams to share global best practices across the combined global company under the leadership and oversight of one board of directors, and take

 

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advantage of the RAI Group’s and the BAT Group’s highly complementary cultures and shared commitment to innovation to deliver value to RAI shareholders; and

 

    the RAI Group and the BAT Group have largely complementary operations, including complementary strengths across product offerings, allowing the combined business to offer superior solutions and expanded choices to its customers in each business segment.

Other Factors Considered by the Transaction Committee and the RAI Board of Directors. In addition to considering the strategic factors described above, each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors considered the following additional factors, all of which it viewed as supporting its decision to approve the merger agreement:

 

    the current and historical market prices of RAI common stock, including the market performance of RAI common stock relative to those of other participants in the tobacco industry and general market indices;

 

    that, based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate, in each case, as at market close on January 16, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT ordinary shares before the public announcement of the merger agreement, BAT’s offer represents a compelling premium to shareholders particularly for a deal of this size, nature and industry, of approximately 26.4% to the closing price of RAI common stock on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, and a premium of approximately 9.5% to the all-time high RAI share price on July 5, 2016;

 

    the merger consideration, comprising a combination of cash and stock, provides immediate value to RAI shareholders and also provides RAI shareholders with the opportunity to participate in the future value that each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors believes would be created as a result of the merger;

 

    the alternatives reasonably available to RAI, including remaining a standalone entity, and pursuing other strategic alternatives, including potential transactions with other industry operators or a sale of RAI’s assets, each of which the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors evaluated with the assistance of their respective financial and legal advisors, and the Transaction Committee’s and RAI board of directors’ belief that the merger with BAT creates the best reasonably available opportunity to maximize value for the RAI shareholders given the potential risks, rewards and uncertainties associated with each alternative, including anticipated tax treatment, execution and regulatory risk and achievement of anticipated synergies, and without limiting strategic alternatives that BAT could pursue in the future;

 

    that receipt of the unaffiliated shareholder approval is a condition to completion of the merger;

 

    the projected financial results of RAI as a standalone company and the fit of the transaction with RAI’s previously established strategic goals;

 

    the recommendation of RAI’s senior management in favor of the merger;

 

    that following completion, BAT will take all actions necessary to cause three directors serving on the RAI board of directors (other than directors designated for nomination by B&W) immediately prior to completion of the merger to be appointed as members of the BAT board of directors upon completion of the merger;

 

    the oral opinion of Goldman Sachs, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, dated January 16, 2017, to the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors to the effect that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders, as more fully described below under the section entitled “— Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

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    consideration by the RAI board of directors of (1) an oral opinion from J.P. Morgan rendered to the RAI board of directors on January 16, 2017, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery to the RAI board of directors of a written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to, among other things, the assumptions, qualifications and any limitations set forth therein, the consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (a) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share as of the effective time of the proposed merger plus (b) $29.44 in cash, taken together, to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders and (2) an oral opinion from Lazard, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the matters described in its opinion, the merger consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (a) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (b) $29.44 in cash to be paid to holders of shares of RAI common stock, other than the BAT Group and holders of shares of RAI common stock who have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of RAI common stock in favor of the adoption of the plan of merger, as defined in the merger agreement, at the special meeting and who have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) their rights of appraisal in accordance with Article 13 of the NCBCA, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders, in each case, as more fully described below under the section entitled “— Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    that, based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate, in each case, as at market close on January 16, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT ordinary shares before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represents a premium over the average price paid by RAI to repurchase shares of RAI common stock in 2015 and 2016 (which repurchases are more fully described under “— Transactions in RAI Common Stock ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus);

 

    in the case of the RAI board of directors, the fact that the Transaction Committee, after extensive negotiations with BAT, unanimously (1) determined that entering into the merger agreement and completing the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (2) approved, adopted and authorized the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (3) recommended to the RAI board of directors that the RAI board of directors approve, adopt and authorize the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (4) recommended that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (5) declared the merger agreement and the merger advisable;

 

    the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, including the strong commitments by both RAI and BAT to complete the merger;

 

    each of the Transaction Committee’s and RAI board of directors’ view, after consultation with its respective legal counsel, concerning the likelihood that regulatory approvals and clearances necessary to complete the merger would be obtained;

 

    that the merger agreement provides for a fixed exchange ratio that is expected to result in RAI shareholders owning approximately 19% of BAT immediately following the completion of the merger, and that no adjustment will be made to the consideration to be received by RAI shareholders in the merger as a result of possible increases or decreases in the trading price of the shares of RAI common stock and/or BAT ADSs following the announcement of the merger;

 

    the anticipated customer, supplier and stakeholder reaction to the merger, which the RAI board of directors anticipated would be favorable based upon enhanced product offerings, more efficient and expansive businesses and the anticipated synergies to be achieved, in each case, as a result of the merger;

 

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    that BAT has entered into the acquisition facility which provides debt financing in an amount necessary to pay the aggregate cash portion of the merger consideration, and the fact that the merger is not conditioned on BAT obtaining any debt financing;

 

    each of the Transaction Committee’s and RAI board of directors’ right to withhold, withdraw or change its recommendation to the RAI shareholders to vote “ FOR ” approval of the merger agreement if a superior proposal is available, subject to RAI being obligated to pay BAT a termination fee of $1 billion (1) in the event BAT terminates the merger agreement prior to the RAI shareholders’ vote on the merger proposal or because RAI shareholders do not approve the merger agreement (including failure to obtain the unaffiliated shareholder approval) or (2) in certain other circumstances in which RAI enters into an agreement with respect to an alternative transaction within 12 months after the termination of the merger agreement; and

 

    the inability of BAT to terminate the merger agreement in connection with the BAT board of directors withholding, withdrawing or changing its recommendation to the BAT shareholders to approve the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as a Class 1 transaction and authorize the share issuance, and the ability of RAI to terminate the merger agreement prior to the BAT shareholders meeting in the event of any such change of recommendation and RAI’s collection of a termination fee of $1 billion if such change of recommendation occurs and RAI terminates the merger agreement.

In reaching its determination and making its recommendation, each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors did not consider the liquidation value of RAI to be a relevant valuation method because it considered RAI to be a viable going concern. Furthermore, each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors did not consider net book value to be a useful indicator of RAI’s value because the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors each believed that net book value is primarily indicative of historical costs but is not a material indicator of the value of RAI as a going concern. The Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors did not seek to determine a pre-merger going concern value for RAI to determine the fairness of the merger consideration to the Unaffiliated Shareholders because following the merger, RAI may have a different capital structure, cost profile and/or operating strategy, among other things. The Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors believe that the trading price of RAI common stock at any given time represents the best available indicator of RAI’s going concern value at that time so long as the trading price at that time is not impacted by speculation regarding the likelihood of a potential transaction. To the extent the pre-merger going concern value was reflected in the per share price of RAI common stock on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to the announcement of BAT’s proposal to merge with RAI, the implied value of the merger consideration based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate as at market close on January 16, 2017, represented a premium to the going concern value of RAI. In addition to the consideration of historical market prices discussed in the first and second bullets on page [●], the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors considered the historical market prices of RAI common stock included in the financial analyses provided by the financial advisers to the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors (as described in “— Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor ” and “—Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus). In addition, each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors did not consider firm offers made by unaffiliated persons during the last two years, as no such offers were made during that time.

Each of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors weighed these advantages and opportunities against a number of other factors identified in its deliberations as weighing negatively against the merger, including:

 

    the challenges inherent in the merger of two businesses of the size and geographical diversity and scope of RAI and BAT, including the risk that integration costs may be greater than anticipated and the possible diversion of management attention for an extended period of time;

 

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    the lack of opportunity for RAI shareholders to participate in RAI’s potential upside as a standalone company, other than indirectly as part of the combined company through the stock portion of the merger consideration, after completion of the merger;

 

    the potential decrease of the implied value of the merger consideration that would result from a decrease in the trading price of BAT ADSs without a corresponding decrease in the trading price of shares of RAI common stock because the stock portion of the merger consideration is based on a fixed exchange ratio and the merger agreement does not provide RAI with a price-based termination right or adjustment for fluctuations in the trading price of BAT ADSs;

 

    BAT’s right to respond to and negotiate with respect to unsolicited alternative proposals from third parties in certain circumstances;

 

    the restrictions in the merger agreement on the conduct of the RAI Group’s business during the period between execution of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger;

 

    the execution risks associated with the implementation of the combined company’s long-term business plan and strategy, which may be different from the execution risks related only to the RAI Group’s business;

 

    the risk that the combined company may not be able to successfully integrate the businesses of the RAI Group and the BAT Group and therefore may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger;

 

    that the merger requires the approval by holders of BAT ordinary shares of the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated thereby as a Class 1 transaction and authorization for directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration, in each case on a poll by the holders of not less than a majority of BAT ordinary shares, present in person or by proxy who are entitled to vote at the BAT general meeting (held for the purpose of such vote);

 

    the risk that the merger might not be completed on a timely basis or at all despite the parties’ efforts, and, if the merger is not completed, the materially adverse impact such event could have on RAI’s financial or business condition, results of operations or stock price;

 

    the risk that the pendency of the merger or announcement of its completion could adversely affect the RAI Group’s relationships with its customers, suppliers and any other persons with whom the RAI Group has a business relationship;

 

    the risk that, despite the efforts of RAI and BAT prior to the completion of the merger, RAI and BAT may have difficulties in attracting and retaining key employees, and the potential resulting negative effects on RAI’s and, ultimately, BAT’s businesses;

 

    that the merger agreement prohibits RAI from soliciting or engaging in discussions regarding alternative transactions during the pendency of the merger, subject to limited exceptions;

 

    the requirement that RAI pay BAT a $1 billion termination fee if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances and the inability of RAI to terminate the merger agreement in connection with a change of recommendation by the Transaction Committee or the RAI board of directors, and the risk that such restrictions and termination fee may discourage third parties that might otherwise have an interest in a business combination with, or acquisition of, RAI from making alternative proposals;

 

    that some of RAI’s directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of RAI shareholders generally, as more fully described under “ —Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

   

the expectation that the receipt of BAT ADSs and cash in exchange for RAI common stock in the merger will generally be taxable to RAI shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as more

 

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fully described under “ —Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the risks inherent in requesting regulatory approvals from certain government agencies both in and outside the United States, that the required regulatory approvals will not be obtained or that obtaining the required regulatory approvals will significantly delay the completion of the merger; and

 

    the risks of the type and nature described under “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page [●] and the matters described under “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

In the judgment of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors, however, these potential risks were significantly offset by the potential benefits of the merger discussed above.

The foregoing discussion is not intended to be exhaustive and is not presented in any order of priority, but RAI believes it addresses the material information and principal factors considered by the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors in connection with their evaluation of the merger, including factors that may support the merger, as well as factors that may weigh against it. In view of the variety of factors and the amount of information considered, neither the Transaction Committee nor the RAI board of directors found it practicable to quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to, and neither made specific assessments of, the factors considered in reaching its determination, and individual members of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors may have given different weights to different factors. Neither the Transaction Committee nor the RAI board of directors reached any specific conclusion with respect to any of the factors or reasons considered.

The explanation of the reasoning of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors and certain information presented in this section are forward-looking in nature and, therefore, the information should be read in light of the factors discussed in the section entitled “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Position of RAI as to the Fairness of the Merger

As discussed below, RAI believes that the merger is substantively and procedurally fair to the Unaffiliated Shareholders. In reaching its determination as to the substantive fairness of the merger, the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors considered the factors described in “— RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. In determining that sufficient procedural safeguards were present to ensure the fairness of the merger, the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors also considered the following additional factors:

 

    the BAT Group is a minority, non-controlling shareholder whose ability to influence RAI’s business is limited by the terms of the governance agreement, as described in “ The Governance Agreement ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    both Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who are the two members of the RAI board of directors designated for nomination to the RAI board of directors by B&W and who also are members of the BAT Group management board, voluntarily recused themselves from the October 24, 2016 meeting at which the RAI board of directors considered the initial BAT proposal and from notice of and participation in any other subsequent meetings of the RAI board of directors at which any transaction involving BAT or any potential alternative strategic transaction would be discussed or considered;

 

   

the RAI board of directors, in compliance with the governance agreement, formed the Transaction Committee out of all of the Other Directors, which directors have no interest in the merger different from that of the Unaffiliated Shareholders, except such directors’ interests in certain equity-based

 

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awards held by such directors, as described in “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, and the fact that BAT is obligated to cause three members of the RAI board of directors (other than directors designated for nomination by B&W) immediately prior to completion of the merger to be appointed as members of the BAT board of directors upon completion of the merger;

 

    the RAI board of directors granted the authority to recommend or reject any potential transaction involving BAT, to negotiate the terms of the merger agreement, and to explore alternative transactions, to the Transaction Committee;

 

    the governance agreement requires, and each of BAT’s initial and subsequent offers required, the approval of the merger by the Other Directors;

 

    each of BAT’s initial and subsequent offers required, and the merger agreement contains a non-waivable condition that requires, approval of the merger by a majority of the Unaffiliated Shareholders that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present in person or by proxy at the special meeting and voting at the special meeting;

 

    the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors each retained its own legal and financial advisors, preserving the independence of the advice provided to the Transaction Committee, and received separate opinions as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration, in each case, the analyses and conclusions of which the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors, as applicable, expressly adopted, as described in “— Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor ” and “— Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the process undertaken by the Transaction Committee and its advisors in connection with evaluating the merger, as described above in “ —Background of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus; and

 

    the availability of appraisal rights under North Carolina law to holders of shares of RAI common stock on the RAI record date who do not vote in favor of the approval of the merger agreement and comply with all of the required procedures under North Carolina law, which provides those eligible shareholders with an opportunity to have a North Carolina court determine the fair value of their shares, which may be more than, less than, or the same as the amount such holders of shares of RAI common stock would have received under the merger agreement.

The foregoing discussion is not intended to be exhaustive and is not presented in any order of priority, but RAI believes it addresses the material information and principal factors considered by the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors in connection with their evaluation of the fairness of the merger to the Unaffiliated Shareholders. In view of the variety of factors and the amount of information considered, neither the Transaction Committee nor the RAI board of directors found it practicable to quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to, nor make specific assessments of, the factors considered in reaching its determination, and individual members of the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors may have given different weights to different factors. Neither the Transaction Committee nor the RAI board of directors reached any specific conclusion with respect to any of the particular factors or reasons considered and instead made their respective determinations after considering all of the foregoing factors as a whole.

Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor

The Transaction Committee retained Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor in connection with the merger. In connection with this engagement, the Transaction Committee requested that Goldman Sachs deliver the opinion described below.

 

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Opinion of Goldman Sachs

On January 16, 2017, Goldman Sachs rendered its oral opinion, which was subsequently confirmed in writing, to the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee that, as of January 16, 2017, and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs (each BAT ADS representing, as of the date of the opinion, two BAT ordinary shares and currently representing one BAT ordinary share) equal to 0.5260 divided by the ADS Ratio (as defined in the merger agreement), plus (2) $29.44 in cash, to be paid to the holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders, the amounts in (1) and (2) collectively referred to as the merger consideration throughout this section and in other instances where the opinion of Goldman Sachs is referenced.

The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated January 16, 2017, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus. The summary of the Goldman Sachs opinion provided in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Goldman Sachs’ written opinion. Goldman Sachs’ advisory services were provided for the information and assistance of the Transaction Committee and Goldman Sachs’ opinion was provided for the information and assistance of the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee, in each case in connection with their consideration of the merger. The Goldman Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of shares of RAI common stock should vote with respect to the merger or any other matter.

In connection with rendering the opinion described above and performing its related financial analyses, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other things:

 

    the merger agreement;

 

    the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, by and among BAT, the depositary and the holders and beneficial owners of the BAT ADSs issued thereunder;

 

    annual reports to RAI shareholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of RAI for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, and annual reports to shareholders of BAT for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2015;

 

    certain interim reports to RAI shareholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of RAI, and certain interim reports to shareholders of BAT;

 

    certain other communications from RAI and BAT to their respective shareholders;

 

    certain publicly available research analyst reports for RAI and BAT;

 

    certain financial information for BAT prepared by its management; and

 

    certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for RAI and BAT prepared by RAI management, in each case, as approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by RAI (which are referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the Forecasts and, in the case of the RAI Forecasts, which are described below in the section entitled “ RAI Unaudited Prospective Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus), including certain operating synergies projected by RAI management to result from the merger, as approved for Goldman Sachs’ use by RAI (referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the Synergies).

Goldman Sachs also held discussions with members of the senior managements of RAI and BAT regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the merger and the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of RAI and BAT; reviewed the reported price and trading activity for the shares of RAI common stock, the BAT ordinary shares and the BAT ADSs; compared

 

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certain financial and stock market information for RAI and BAT with similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded; reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the tobacco industry and in other industries; and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as Goldman Sachs deemed appropriate.

For purposes of rendering its opinion described above, Goldman Sachs, with the consent of RAI, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal, regulatory, tax, accounting and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by Goldman Sachs, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. In that regard, Goldman Sachs assumed, with the consent of RAI, that the Forecasts, including the Synergies, were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best available estimates and judgments of the management of RAI as of the date that Goldman Sachs rendered its opinion. Goldman Sachs did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of RAI or BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor was any such evaluation or appraisal furnished to Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger will be obtained without any adverse effect on RAI or BAT or on the expected benefits of the merger in any way meaningful to its analysis. Goldman Sachs has also assumed that the merger will be consummated on the terms set forth in the merger agreement, without the waiver or modification of any term or condition the effect of which would be in any way meaningful to its analysis.

Goldman Sachs’ opinion does not address the underlying business decision of RAI to engage in the merger, or the relative merits of the merger as compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to RAI; nor does it address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. Goldman Sachs was not requested to solicit, and did not solicit, interest from other parties with respect to an acquisition of, or other business combination with, RAI or any other alternative transaction. Goldman Sachs’ opinion addresses only the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders (other than the BAT Group) of shares of RAI common stock, as of the date of the opinion, of the consideration to be paid to such holders pursuant to the merger agreement. Goldman Sachs opinion does not express any view on, and does not address, any other term or aspect of the merger agreement or the merger or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the merger agreement or entered into or amended in connection with the merger, including the fairness of the merger to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, the holders of any other class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of RAI; nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of RAI, or class of such persons, in connection with the merger, whether relative to the consideration to be paid to the holders (other than the BAT Group) of shares of RAI common stock pursuant to the merger agreement or otherwise. Goldman Sachs does not express any opinion as to the prices at which the BAT ADSs or the BAT ordinary shares will trade at any time or as to the impact of the merger on the solvency or viability of RAI or BAT or the ability of RAI or BAT to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Goldman Sachs’ opinion was necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Goldman Sachs as of, the date of the opinion and Goldman Sachs assumed no responsibility for updating, revising or reaffirming its opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date of its opinion. Goldman Sachs’ advisory services were provided for the information and assistance of the Transaction Committee and Goldman Sachs’ opinion was provided for the information and assistance of the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee, in each case in connection with their consideration of the merger, and Goldman Sachs’ opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of shares of RAI common stock should vote with respect to the merger or any other matter. Goldman Sachs’ opinion was approved by a fairness committee of Goldman Sachs.

Summary of Financial Analyses

The following is a summary of the material financial analyses delivered by Goldman Sachs to the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee in connection with rendering the opinion described above. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed

 

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by Goldman Sachs, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Goldman Sachs. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables must be read together with the full text of each summary and are alone not a complete description of Goldman Sachs’ financial analyses. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before January 16, 2017 and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

Summary of the Merger Consideration . To calculate the implied value of the BAT ADSs to be issued as part of the consideration to be paid to the holders (other than the BAT Group) of shares of RAI common stock pursuant to the merger agreement, Goldman Sachs used a BAT ADS to BAT ordinary share exchange ratio of 0.2630 (calculated by dividing the ordinary share exchange ratio of 0.5260 by 2.0 since each BAT ADS represented two BAT ordinary shares as of the date of the merger agreement, which was prior to the effective date of the BAT ADS ratio change) and the closing price per BAT ADS on January 13, 2017 of $115.21 (before giving effect to the BAT ADS ratio change). Goldman Sachs then calculated (1) the implied consideration; (2) the premium represented by such implied consideration as compared to the closing price per share of RAI common stock as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI; and (3) the total illustrative equity value and EV implied by such implied consideration, calculated using the number of fully diluted outstanding shares of RAI common stock, as per the merger agreement, and the net debt of RAI as of December 31, 2016, as provided by RAI management. The following table presents a summary of these calculations:

 

Cash Consideration

   $ 29.44  

Ordinary Share Exchange Ratio

     0.5260x  

ADS Exchange Ratio (1)

     0.2630x  

Implied Stock Consideration as of January 13, 2017

   $ 30.30  

Implied Merger Consideration as of January 13, 2017

   $ 59.74  

Implied Premium to October 20, 2016

     26.6

Illustrative Implied Equity Value

   $   85,608 million  

Illustrative Implied EV

   $ 96,507 million  

 

(1) Calculated by dividing the ordinary share exchange ratio of 0.5260 by 2.0 since each BAT ADS represented two BAT ordinary shares as of the date of the merger agreement, which was prior to the effective date of the BAT ADS ratio change.

Illustrative Public Market Present Value of Future Share Price Analysis . Goldman Sachs performed an illustrative analysis of the implied present value of the potential future value per share of RAI common stock at the year-end of each of calendar years 2017 through 2020. Goldman Sachs multiplied the one-year forward estimated earnings per share estimates for calendar years 2018 through 2021, respectively, as set forth in the Forecasts, by forward price to earnings per share multiples ranging from 16.5x to 20.2x. The calculation was adjusted for the present value of shares of RAI common stock repurchased and estimated dividends per share of common stock paid, as per the RAI Forecasts. Goldman Sachs then discounted these values for calendar years 2017 through 2020 back to December 31, 2016 using a discount rate of 6.5%, reflecting an estimate of RAI’s cost of equity. The following table presents the results of Goldman Sachs’ analysis:

 

     Illustrative Present Value
of Future Share Price

Dec-2017

   $45.03 – $54.69

Dec-2018

   $47.34 – $57.09

Dec-2019

   $51.20 – $61.38

Dec-2020

   $54.72 – $65.24

Illustrative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis . Using the Forecasts, Goldman Sachs performed an illustrative discounted cash flow analysis on RAI. Utilizing illustrative discount rates ranging from 5.0% to 6.5%, reflecting

 

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estimates of RAI’s weighted average cost of capital, Goldman Sachs, using mid-year convention, discounted to present value as of December 31, 2016 (1) estimates of the projected cash flows of RAI for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2021, as per the RAI Forecasts, and (2) a range of illustrative terminal values for RAI as of December 31, 2021, which were calculated by applying perpetuity growth rates ranging from (0.5)% to 0.5% to a terminal year estimate of the projected cash flows of RAI, as reflected in the Forecasts. Goldman Sachs then derived ranges of illustrative enterprise values for RAI by adding together the ranges of present values it derived above. Goldman Sachs then subtracted from such range of illustrative enterprise values the net debt of RAI as of December 31, 2016 of $10,899 million, as provided by RAI management, to derive a range of implied equity values for RAI. Goldman Sachs then divided the range of implied equity values it derived by the number of fully diluted outstanding shares of RAI common stock, as per the merger agreement, to derive a range of implied equity values per share of RAI common stock of $45.16 to $72.17.

Selected Transactions Analysis. Goldman Sachs analyzed certain information relating to the following selected transactions in the tobacco industry from 2005 through 2015 that, in the experience and professional judgment of Goldman Sachs, involve companies that are engaged in businesses analogous to RAI’s and BAT’s businesses.

 

Date of Announcement

  

Acquirer

  

Target

   EV / LTM EBITDA

June 2015

   BAT    TDR d.o.o.    12.5x

March 2015

   BAT    Souza Cruz S.A.    16.0x

July 2014

   RAI    Lorillard, Inc.    13.9x

May 2012

   Japan Tobacco Inc.    Gryson NV    12.3x

May 2011

   BAT    Productora Tabacalera de Colombia, S.A.S. (Protabaco)    11.3x

June 2009

   BAT    PT Bentoel Internasional Investama Tbk    14.0x

September 2008

   Altria Group, Inc.    UST Inc.    12.0x

February 2008

   BAT    Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S    11.2x

February 2008

   BAT    Tekel    11.4x

November 2007

   Altria Group, Inc.    John Middleton, Inc.    15.0x

July 2007

   Imperial Brands PLC    Altadis S.A.    14.2x

February 2007

   Imperial Brands PLC    Commonwealth Brands, Inc.    10.9x

December 2006

   Japan Tobacco Inc.    Gallaher Group PLC    13.0x

April 2006

   RAI    Conwood Company, LP, Conwood Sales Co., LP, Rosswil LLC and Scott Tobacco LLC    13.6x

While none of the companies (other than RAI) that participated in the selected transactions is directly comparable to RAI, the companies that participated in the selected transactions are companies with operations that, for purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain aspects of the RAI Group’s results, market size and product profile.

For each of the selected transactions, Goldman Sachs calculated and compared the EV of the target at the applicable offer price as a multiple of the target’s publicly disclosed last twelve months (referred to in this section as LTM) EBITDA at the time of announcement. The calculation of the median value excluded the multiple applicable to the acquisition of Lorillard, Inc. by RAI announced in July 2014, which represented an EV / LTM EBITDA multiple of 13.9x, which was referenced for information purposes, but the multiple for this transaction was excluded from the calculation of the median, as such transaction involved significant geographic

 

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overlap and was not deemed to be comparable to the proposed transaction. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

Selected Transactions

   EV / LTM EBITDA

High

   16.0x

Median

   12.5x

Low

   10.9x

Goldman Sachs applied the range of EV / LTM EBITDA ratios of 10.9x to 16.0x in respect of the selected transactions to the estimated EBITDA of RAI for fiscal year 2016 as per the Forecasts. After dividing by the number of fully diluted shares of RAI common stock outstanding, as per the merger agreement, Goldman Sachs calculated a range of implied equity values per share of RAI common stock of $38.12 to $59.51.

Selected Historical Premia Analysis . Goldman Sachs reviewed and analyzed the acquisition premia for the selected transactions in the tobacco industry described above. Although none of the companies (other than RAI) that participated in the selected transactions is directly comparable to RAI, the companies that participated in the selected transactions are companies with operations that, for purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain aspects of the RAI Group’s results, market size and product profile. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

     Premium

High (1)

   29%

Median (1)

   22%

Low

   15%

 

  (1) Does not include RAI’s acquisition of Lorillard, Inc.

Goldman Sachs also reviewed and analyzed the acquisition premia for all announced transactions greater than $250 million from 2004 through 2016 and which involved the acquisition of a U.S.-based target, using information obtained from Thomson Reuters as of December 31, 2016. Announced premia were calculated relative to the target’s closing share price one day prior to announcement. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

Year (No. of Deals)

  Median 1-Day
Premia on Cash-Stock

Transactions
  Median 1-Day
Premia on All
Transactions

2004 (37 cash-stock; 122 total)

  15.1%   19.6%

2005 (47 cash-stock; 155 total)

  16.9%   21.6%

2006 (36 cash-stock; 211 total)

  16.3%   20.6%

2007 (47 cash-stock; 229 total)

  22.2%   21.2%

2008 (21 cash-stock; 88 total)

  11.7%   28.6%

2009 (18 cash-stock; 65 total)

  32.5%   31.5%

2010 (22 cash-stock; 129 total)

  34.4%   33.4%

2011 (27 cash-stock; 123 total)

  31.1%   32.3%

2012 (19 cash-stock; 101 total)

  33.4%   31.1%

2013 (23 cash-stock; 109 total)

  17.9%   24.5%

2014 (40 cash-stock; 129 total)

  26.0%   26.3%

2015 (53 cash-stock; 153 total)

  27.3%   25.3%

2016 (46 cash-stock; 168 total)

  31.6%   28.1%

Precedent Transactions Median (for all years)

  26.0%   26.3%

Finally, Goldman Sachs reviewed and analyzed the acquisition premia for all announced transactions greater than $1.0 billion from 2005 through 2016 and which involved the acquisition of a U.S.-based target by an

 

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existing significant shareholder, using information obtained from Deal Point Data. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 

     Premium

Median

   29.4%

Average

   30.1%

Using a range of premia on the selected precedent tobacco transactions described above of 15% to 29%, the median premia on cash-stock transactions described above of 26.0%, and the average of premia on transactions involving significant shareholders described above of 30.1%, Goldman Sachs applied a range of 15% to 30% acquisition premia to the closing price per share of RAI common stock as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, to calculate a range of implied equity values per share of RAI common stock of $54.25 to $61.32.

Implied Value of the Consideration Based on Present Value of Pro Forma Future Share Price . Goldman Sachs also performed an illustrative analysis of the implied present value of the consideration to be paid to the holders (other than the BAT Group) of shares of RAI common stock pursuant to the merger agreement based on the cash portion of the consideration and the present value of the potential future value of the BAT ADSs to be issued as part of the consideration at December 31, 2020. Goldman Sachs multiplied the one-year forward estimated earnings per share for the pro forma combined company for the calendar year 2021, as set forth in the Forecasts, including the Synergies, by forward price to earnings per share multiples ranging from 15.6x to 18.8x. The calculation was adjusted for the present value of estimated dividends per share paid during calendar years 2017 through 2020, as per the Forecasts. Goldman Sachs then discounted these values back to December 31, 2016 using discount rates ranging from 6.5% to 8.5%, reflecting an estimate of the pro forma combined company’s cost of equity. This analysis resulted in a range of implied present values of the consideration to be paid to the holders (other than the BAT Group) of shares of RAI common stock pursuant to the merger agreement ranging from $61.80 to $70.62.

General

The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying Goldman Sachs’ opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, Goldman Sachs considered the results of all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather, Goldman Sachs made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses. No company (other than RAI) or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to RAI or BAT or the merger.

Goldman Sachs prepared these analyses for purposes of Goldman Sachs providing its opinion to the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee as to the fairness from a financial point of view of the consideration to be paid to the holders (other than the BAT Group) of RAI common stock pursuant to the merger agreement. These analyses do not purport to be appraisals nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Because these analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of RAI, BAT, Goldman Sachs or any other person assumes responsibility if future results are materially different from those forecast.

The consideration to be paid to the holders (other than the BAT Group) of RAI common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was determined through arm’s-length negotiations between the Transaction Committee and BAT and was approved by the RAI board of directors, after recommendation and approval by the

 

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Transaction Committee. Goldman Sachs provided advice to the Transaction Committee during these negotiations. Goldman Sachs did not, however, recommend any specific consideration to RAI, the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee or that any specific consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the merger.

As described above, Goldman Sachs’ opinion to the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee was one of many factors taken into consideration by the Transaction Committee in making its recommendation to the RAI board of directors to approve the merger agreement and by the RAI board of directors in making its determination to approve the merger agreement. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs in connection with the fairness opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached as Annex B to this proxy statement/prospectus.

Goldman Sachs and its affiliates are engaged in advisory, underwriting and financing, principal investing, sales and trading, research, investment management and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and entities. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities they manage or in which they invest or have other economic interests or with which they co-invest, may at any time purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of RAI, BAT, any of their respective affiliates and third parties, or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the merger. Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisor to the Transaction Committee in connection with, and participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the merger. Goldman Sachs has provided certain financial advisory and/or underwriting services to RAI and/or its affiliates from time to time for which the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs has received, and may receive, compensation, including having acted as a joint book-running manager with respect to a public offering of RAI’s 2.300% Senior Notes due 2018 (aggregate principal amount $1,250,000,000), 3.250% Senior Notes due 2020 (aggregate principal amount $1,250,000,000), 4.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (aggregate principal amount $1,000,000,000), 4.450% Senior Notes due 2025 (aggregate principal amount $2,500,000,000), 5.700% Senior Notes due 2035 (aggregate principal amount $750,000,000) and 5.850% Senior Notes due 2045 (aggregate principal amount $2,250,000,000) in June 2015; as a lead dealer manager in connection with a tender offer for RAI’s 4.750% Senior Notes due 2042, 3.250% Senior Notes due 2022, 3.750% Senior Notes due 2023, 3.250% Senior Notes due 2020, 4.000% Senior Notes due 2022, 4.450% Senior Notes due 2025 and 4.850% Senior Notes due 2023 (aggregate principal amount $7,873,689,000) in February 2016; and as a participant in RAI’s 364-day senior unsecured term loan bridge facility (aggregate principal amount $9,000,000,000) in September 2014. During the two-year period ended January 16, 2017, Goldman Sachs has received compensation for financial advisory and/or underwriting services provided by its Investment Banking Division to RAI and/or its affiliates of approximately $11 million. During the two-year period ended January 16, 2017, Goldman Sachs has not been engaged by BAT to provide financial advisory and/or underwriting services for which it has received compensation. Goldman Sachs may also in the future provide financial advisory and/or underwriting services to RAI, BAT and their respective affiliates for which the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs may receive compensation.

The Transaction Committee selected Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because Goldman Sachs is an internationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger. Pursuant to a letter agreement dated November 21, 2016, the Transaction Committee engaged Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor in connection with the possible sale of all or a portion of the stock or assets of RAI. Pursuant to the terms of this engagement letter, RAI has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a transaction fee of 0.085% of the merger consideration, that is estimated, based on the information available as of the date of announcement of the merger agreement, at approximately $42 million, approximately $4 million of which has been paid and the remainder of which is contingent upon consummation of the merger. In addition, RAI has agreed to reimburse Goldman Sachs for certain of its expenses, including attorneys’ fees and disbursements, and to indemnify Goldman Sachs and related persons various liabilities, including certain liabilities under the federal securities law.

 

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Other Presentations by Goldman Sachs

In addition to the presentation made to the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee on January 16, 2017 described under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor —Opinion of Goldman Sachs ,” Goldman Sachs also made written and oral preliminary presentations to the Transaction Committee, and, in some cases, the RAI board of directors, on October 28, 2016, November 4, 2016, November 8, 2016, November 23, 2016, December 7, 2016, December 20, 2016, January 5, 2017, January 10, 2017 and January 14, 2017. Copies of these written materials have been attached as exhibits to the Schedules 13E-3 filed with the SEC in connection with the merger. These written presentations will be available to any interested shareholder of RAI (or any representative of a shareholder who has been so designated in writing) to inspect and copy at RAI’s principal executive offices during regular business hours.

None of these other written and oral preliminary presentations by Goldman Sachs, alone or together, constitute, or form the basis of, an opinion of Goldman Sachs with respect to the merger consideration. Information contained in these other written and oral preliminary presentations is substantially similar to the information provided in Goldman Sachs’ written presentation to the RAI board of directors and to the Transaction Committee on January 16, 2017, as described under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor .” A summary of these other preliminary presentations is provided below.

 

    The October 28, 2016 materials presented to the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors contained, among other information, a review of BAT’s October 20 proposal and preliminary process considerations.

 

    The November 4, 2016 materials presented to the Transaction Committee included, among other information, an updated review of BAT’s October 20 proposal, a summary of preliminary financial projections, including Synergies, provided by RAI management, and a review of process considerations.

 

    The November 8, 2016 materials presented to the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors included, among other information, an updated review of BAT’s October 20 proposal, a summary of preliminary financial projections, including Synergies, provided by RAI management, and preliminary financial analyses.

 

    The November 23, 2016 materials presented to the Transaction Committee included, among other information, an updated review of BAT’s October 20 proposal and a summary of selected news and commentary relating to the transaction.

 

    The December 7, 2016 materials presented to the Transaction Committee included, among other information, an updated review of BAT’s October 20 and December 5 proposals, a summary of selected news and commentary relating to the Transaction, a summary of preliminary financial projections, including Synergies, provided by RAI management, preliminary financial analyses, and a review of process considerations.

 

    The December 20, 2016 materials presented to the Transaction Committee included, among other information, an updated review of BAT’s October 20, December 5 and December 20 proposals.

 

    The January 5, 2017 materials presented to the Transaction Committee included, among other information, an updated review of BAT’s October 20, December 5 and December 20 proposals and the Transaction Committee’s December 20 counterproposal, an overview of accretion and dilution modeling assumptions and a summary of preliminary financial projections, including Synergies, provided by RAI management.

 

    The January 10, 2017 materials presented to the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors included, among other information, an illustrative analysis of the effect of different exchange ratios based on the cash portion of the merger consideration.

 

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    The January 14, 2017 materials presented to the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors included, among other information, an updated review of BAT’s October 20 and January 10 proposals.

These other written and oral preliminary presentations by Goldman Sachs contained, among other things, the following types of preliminary financial analyses:

 

    illustrative public market present value of future share price analyses;

 

    discounted cash flow analyses;

 

    selected transactions analyses; and

 

    precedent premia analyses.

Not all of the other written and oral preliminary presentations contained all of the financial analyses listed above. The preliminary financial analyses in these other written and oral preliminary presentations were based on market, economic and other conditions as they existed as of the dates of the respective presentations as well as other information that was available at those times. Accordingly, the results of the financial analyses differed due to changes in those conditions. Among other things, the results of certain analyses changed as RAI’s financial results changed as well as projections made by management of RAI were revised or adjusted. Finally, Goldman Sachs continued to refine various aspects of its financial analyses with respect to RAI and BAT over time.

Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors

RAI retained J.P. Morgan and Lazard as financial advisors to the RAI board of directors in connection with the merger. In connection with this engagement, the RAI board of directors requested that RAI’s financial advisors deliver the opinions described below.

Opinion of J.P. Morgan

On January 16, 2017, at the meeting of the RAI board of directors at which the merger agreement was approved, J.P. Morgan rendered to the RAI board of directors an oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by delivery to the RAI board of directors of a written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors, procedures, qualifications, assumptions and any limitations set forth in its written opinion, the consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share as of the effective time of the proposed merger plus (2) $29.44 in cash, taken together, to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the proposed merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders (the consideration described in (1) and (2) is being collectively referred to as the merger consideration throughout this section, “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors—Opinion of J.P. Morgan ”).

The full text of J.P. Morgan’s written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, which sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and qualifications and any limitations on the opinion and the review undertaken by J.P. Morgan in connection with rendering its opinion, is attached as Annex C to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the opinion of J.P. Morgan set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion, and RAI shareholders are urged to read J.P. Morgan’s opinion attached as Annex C carefully and in its entirety . J.P. Morgan’s opinion was addressed to the RAI board of directors (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the merger, was directed only to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the merger and did not address any other aspect of the merger. J.P. Morgan was not authorized to and did not solicit any expressions of interest from any other parties with respect to the sale of all or any part of RAI or any other alternative transaction. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the fairness of any

 

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consideration to be paid in connection with the merger to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of RAI or as to the underlying decision by RAI to engage in the merger. The issuance of J.P. Morgan’s opinion was approved by a fairness committee of J.P. Morgan. The opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of RAI as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the merger or any other matter.

In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan, among other things:

 

    reviewed a draft dated January 16, 2017 of the merger agreement;

 

    reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning RAI and BAT and the industries in which they operate;

 

    compared the proposed financial terms of the merger with the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies J.P. Morgan deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies;

 

    compared the financial and operating performance of RAI and BAT with publicly available information concerning certain other companies J.P. Morgan deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies;

 

    reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the management of RAI relating to the businesses of each of RAI (referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the RAI projections) and BAT (which, in the case of the forecasts for BAT, were based in part on certain financial information for BAT prepared by the management of BAT and provided to RAI, and which are referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the RAI projections for BAT), as well as the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies expected to result from the merger (referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the synergies); and

 

    performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as J.P. Morgan deemed appropriate for the purposes of its opinion.

In addition, J.P. Morgan held discussions with certain members of the management of RAI and BAT with respect to certain aspects of the merger, and the past and current business operations of RAI and BAT, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of RAI and BAT, the effects of the merger on the financial condition and future prospects of RAI and BAT, and certain other matters J.P. Morgan believed necessary or appropriate to its inquiry.

In giving its opinion, J.P. Morgan relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed with J.P. Morgan by RAI and BAT or otherwise reviewed by or for J.P. Morgan, and J.P. Morgan did not independently verify (and, pursuant to its engagement letter with RAI, did not assume any obligation to undertake any such independent verification) any such information or its accuracy or completeness. J.P. Morgan did not conduct and was not provided with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor did J.P. Morgan evaluate the solvency, of RAI or BAT, BATUS or Merger Sub under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to J.P. Morgan or derived therefrom, including the synergies, J.P. Morgan assumed that they had been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of RAI and BAT to which such analyses or forecasts relate. J.P. Morgan expressed no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. J.P. Morgan also assumed that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement would have the tax consequences described in discussions with, and materials furnished to J.P. Morgan by, representatives of RAI, and would be consummated as described in the draft merger agreement, and that the definitive merger agreement

 

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would not differ in any material respects from the draft thereof furnished to J.P. Morgan. J.P. Morgan also assumed that the representations and warranties made by RAI and BAT, BATUS and Merger Sub in the merger agreement and the related agreements were and would be true and correct in all respects material to J.P. Morgan’s analysis. J.P. Morgan is not a legal, regulatory or tax expert and relied on the assessments made by advisors to RAI with respect to such issues. J.P. Morgan further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger would be obtained without any adverse effect on RAI or BAT or on the contemplated benefits of the merger.

J.P. Morgan’s opinion was necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to J.P. Morgan as of, the date of such opinion. J.P. Morgan’s opinion noted that subsequent developments may affect J.P. Morgan’s opinion, and that J.P. Morgan does not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm such opinion. J.P. Morgan’s opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the proposed merger, and J.P. Morgan has expressed no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration to be paid in connection with the merger to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of RAI or as to the underlying decision by RAI to engage in the merger. Furthermore, J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors, or employees of any party to the merger, or any class of such persons relative to the merger consideration to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the merger or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation . J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the price at which the RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs will trade at any future time.

The terms of the merger agreement, including the merger consideration, were determined through arm’s-length negotiations between the Transaction Committee and BAT, and the decision to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of the BAT board of directors and the RAI board of directors, and, in the case of the decision of the RAI board of directors, based upon the approval and recommendation of the Transaction Committee. J.P. Morgan’s opinion and financial analyses were only one of the many factors considered by the RAI board of directors in its evaluation of the merger and should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the RAI board of directors or management with respect to the merger or the merger consideration.

In accordance with customary investment banking practice, J.P. Morgan employed generally accepted valuation methodologies in rendering its opinion to the RAI board of directors on January 16, 2017. The following is a summary of the material financial analyses utilized by J.P. Morgan and contained in the presentation delivered to the RAI board of directors on such date in connection with the rendering of such opinion. It does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by J.P. Morgan. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables are not intended to stand alone, and in order to more fully understand the financial analyses used by J.P. Morgan, the tables must be read together with the full text of each summary. Considering the data set forth below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of J.P. Morgan’s analyses.

Analysis of RAI

Public Trading Multiples Analysis

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan compared selected financial data of RAI with similar data for selected publicly traded companies engaged in businesses which J.P. Morgan judged to be similar in certain respects to RAI’s business or aspects thereof. The companies selected by J.P. Morgan were as follows:

 

    Altria Group Inc.;

 

    British American Tobacco p.l.c.;

 

    Imperial Brands p.l.c.;

 

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    Japan Tobacco Inc.;

 

    Philip Morris International Inc.; and

 

    Swedish Match AB.

These companies were selected, among other reasons, because they are publicly traded companies with operations and businesses that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis, may be considered similar in certain respects to those of RAI based on business sector participation, financial metrics and form of operations, including product mix, end markets, customers and size, of such companies. However, none of the selected companies reviewed is identical to RAI, and certain of these companies may have characteristics that are materially different from those of RAI. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies differently than they would affect RAI.

For each company listed above, J.P. Morgan calculated and compared various financial multiples and ratios based on publicly available information as of January 13, 2017, and in all instances multiples were based on closing share prices on January 13, 2017. For purposes of this analysis, J.P. Morgan obtained the amounts of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization estimated for calendar year 2017 (referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as 2017E EBITDA) and earnings per share estimated for calendar year 2017, in the case of BAT, from publicly available research analysts’ consensus estimates and, in the case of the other selected companies, from FactSet Research Systems. Other financial data used for purposes of this analysis, including the market value of equity and stock price information for each selected company, were based on public filings and other publicly available information. Among other calculations, the information J.P. Morgan calculated for each of the selected companies included:

 

    the multiple of implied firm value, referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as FV (calculated as the market value of equity plus total debt and other adjustments, including minority interests, net of cash and cash equivalents) to 2017E EBITDA, referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as FV/2017E EBITDA; and

 

    the multiple of stock price of its common equity to estimated earnings per share for calendar year 2017, referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as P/E 2017E.

Results of the analysis were presented for the selected companies, as indicated in the following table:

Trading Multiples

 

     FV
(in billions)
     FV/2017E
EBITDA
     P/E 2017E  

Altria Group Inc.

   $ 124.5        12.7x        20.3x  

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

   $ 135.4        11.7x        17.1x  

British American Tobacco p.l.c.*

   $ 93.9        11.6x        17.1x  

Imperial Brands p.l.c.

   $ 57.1        11.4x        13.0x  

Japan Tobacco Inc.

   $ 64.1        10.1x        16.5x  

Philip Morris International Inc.

   $ 166.7        13.5x        18.8x  

Swedish Match AB

   $ 6.2        12.0x        17.3x  

 

* Excludes BAT’s proportionate ownership in RAI and ITC Limited.

For the selected companies, J.P. Morgan’s analysis resulted in a range of FV/2017E EBITDA multiples of 10.1x to 13.5x, an average FV/2017E EBITDA multiple of 11.9x and a median FV/2017E EBITDA multiple of 12.0x. J.P. Morgan’s analysis also resulted in a range of P/E 2017E multiples of 13.0x to 20.3x, an average P/E 2017E multiple of 17.2x and a median P/E 2017E multiple of 17.3x for the selected companies.

 

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Based on the results of this analysis of selected publicly traded companies and J.P. Morgan’s professional judgment, J.P. Morgan derived a multiple reference range of 10.0x-13.5x for FV/2017E EBITDA and a multiple reference range of 13.0x-20.5x for P/E 2017E. After applying such ranges to 2017E EBITDA and estimated earnings per share for calendar year 2017 of RAI, in each case, as set forth in the RAI projections, the analysis indicated the following ranges of implied equity value per share for RAI common stock, rounded to the nearest $0.25:

RAI Implied Equity Value Per Share

 

     Low      High  

FV/2017E EBITDA

   $     36.50      $     51.75  

P/E 2017E

   $ 32.50      $ 51.25  

The ranges of implied equity value per share for RAI common stock were compared to (1) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $47.17 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, (2) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $55.97 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, and (3) the implied value of the merger consideration on January 13, 2017 of $59.74 per share (which was determined by valuing the BAT ADSs included in the merger consideration based on the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5260 and the closing price per BAT ADS of $115.21 on January 13, 2017 divided by two (which was the number of BAT ordinary shares then represented by one BAT ADS and which calculation resulted in an implied hypothetical price per BAT ordinary share of $57.61)).

Selected Transaction Multiples Analysis

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan examined selected transactions since 2001 involving businesses which, based on J.P. Morgan’s experience and familiarity with RAI’s industry, J.P. Morgan judged to be similar in certain respects to RAI’s business or aspects thereof, considering, among other reasons, business sector participation, financial metrics and form of operations, including product mix, end markets, customers and size, of such businesses.

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan calculated, for each of the selected transactions, the multiple of the target company’s FV implied by the consideration paid in such transaction to the target company’s EBITDA for the twelve-month period prior to the announcement date of the applicable transaction, referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as LTM EBITDA.

 

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The selected transactions, the month and year each such transaction was announced and the results of the analysis for each such transaction are as indicated in the following table:

 

Announcement Date

  

Target

  

Acquirer

   FV
(in millions)
     FV / LTM
EBITDA

June 2015

   TDR d.o.o.    BAT    $ 599      12.5x

February 2015

   Souza Cruz SA    BAT    $ 14,185      16.0x

July 2014

   Lorillard, Inc.    RAI    $ 27,949      13.8x

July 2014

   Lorillard, Inc. and RAI assets    Imperial Tobacco Group p.l.c.    $ 7,056      8.8x

May 2011

   Productora Tabacalera de Colombia, S.A.S. (Protabaco)    BAT    $ 452      11.3x

June 2009

   PT Bentoel Internasional Investama Tbk    BAT    $ 744      14.0x

September 2008

   UST Inc.    Altria Group Inc.    $ 11,681      12.0x

July 2008

   Rothmans Inc.    Philip Morris International Inc.    $ 1,934      9.7x

February 2008

   Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni    BAT    $ 4,141      11.2x

February 2008

   Tekel    BAT    $ 1,720      11.4x

November 2007

   John Middleton Co.    Philip Morris USA    $ 2,900      15.8x

July 2007

   Altadis SA    Imperial Tobacco Group p.l.c.    $     22,619      14.1x

February 2007

   Commonwealth Brands Inc.    Imperial Tobacco Group p.l.c.    $ 1,900      10.9x

January 2007

   Lakson Tobacco Co. Ltd.    Philip Morris International Inc.    $ 675      14.8x

December 2006

   Gallaher Group plc    Japan Tobacco Inc.    $ 18,938      13.0x

April 2006

   Conwood LP    RAI    $ 3,500      13.6x

March 2005

   PT HM Sampoerna Tbk    Philip Morris International Inc.    $ 5,082      13.9x

March 2002

   Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH    Imperial Tobacco Group p.l.c.    $ 5,103      13.4x

June 2001

   Austria Tabak AG    Gallaher Group plc    $ 1,871      7.4x

J.P. Morgan’s analysis resulted in a range of implied FV to LTM EBITDA multiples of 7.4x to 16.0x for the selected transactions, a mean implied FV to LTM EBITDA multiple of 12.5x for the selected transactions and a median implied FV to LTM EBITDA multiple of 13.0x for the selected transactions.

Based on the results of this analysis and J.P. Morgan’s professional judgment, J.P. Morgan derived a multiple reference range of 12.0x-16.0x for implied FV to LTM EBITDA. After applying such range to the appropriate metric for RAI (which, in the case of LTM EBITDA of RAI, was adjusted for certain cost synergies related to RAI’s acquisition of Lorillard at the direction of the management of RAI) as set forth in the RAI projections, the analysis indicated the following range of implied equity value per share for RAI common stock, rounded to the nearest $0.25:

RAI Implied Equity Value Per Share

 

     Low      High  

Implied FV/LTM Adjusted EBITDA

   $     43.00      $     60.00  

For reference only and not as a component of its fairness analysis, J.P. Morgan also applied the 12.0x-16.0x multiple reference range to the appropriate metric of RAI (without, in the case of LTM EBITDA of RAI, giving effect to the adjustment described above) as set forth in the RAI projections, and the analysis indicated the following range of implied equity value per share for RAI common stock, rounded to the nearest $0.25.

RAI Implied Equity Value Per Share

 

     Low      High  

Implied FV/LTM EBITDA

   $     42.00      $     58.75  

 

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The ranges of implied equity value per share for RAI common stock were compared to (1) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $47.17 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, (2) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $55.97 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, and (3) the implied value of the merger consideration on January 13, 2017 of $59.74 per share (which was determined by valuing the BAT ADSs included in the merger consideration based on the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5260 and the closing price per BAT ADS of $115.21 on January 13, 2017 divided by two (which was the number of BAT ordinary shares then represented by one BAT ADS and which calculation resulted in an implied hypothetical price per BAT ordinary share of $57.61)).

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

J.P. Morgan conducted a discounted cash flow analysis for the purpose of determining an implied equity value per share for RAI common stock. A discounted cash flow analysis is a method of evaluating an asset using estimates of the future unlevered free cash flows generated by the asset, and taking into consideration the time value of money with respect to those future cash flows by calculating their “present value.” The “unlevered free cash flows” refer to a calculation of the future cash flows generated by an asset without including in such calculation any debt servicing costs. “Present value” refers to the current value of the cash flows generated by the asset and is obtained by discounting those cash flows back to the present using a discount rate that takes into account macro-economic assumptions and estimates of risk, the opportunity cost of capital and other appropriate factors. “Terminal value” refers to the present value of all future cash flows generated by the asset for periods beyond the projections period. The discounted cash flow analysis conducted by J.P. Morgan treated stock-based compensation as a cash expense.

J.P. Morgan calculated the present value of unlevered free cash flows that RAI is expected to generate during the period from calendar year 2017 through the end of 2021 using the RAI projections. J.P. Morgan also calculated a range of terminal values for RAI at December 31, 2021 by applying a terminal growth rate ranging from 0.0% to 1.0% to the RAI projections during 2021 to derive terminal period unlevered free cash flows for RAI. The unlevered free cash flows and the range of terminal values were then discounted to present values using a range of discount rates from 5.75% to 6.75%, which range was chosen by J.P. Morgan based upon an analysis of the weighted average cost of capital of RAI, which included J.P. Morgan’s analysis of the selected companies listed under “— Public Trading Multiples Analysis ” described above.

This analysis indicated the following range of implied equity value per share for RAI common stock, rounded to the nearest $0.25.

RAI Implied Equity Value Per Share

 

     Low      High  

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

   $     47.50      $     68.75  

The range of implied equity value per share for RAI common stock was compared to (1) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $47.17 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, (2) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $55.97 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, and (3) the implied value of the merger consideration on January 13, 2017 of $59.74 per share (which was determined by valuing the BAT ADSs included in the merger consideration based on the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5260 and the closing price per BAT ADS of $115.21 on January 13, 2017 divided by two (which was the number of BAT ordinary shares then represented by one BAT ADS and which calculation resulted in an implied hypothetical price per BAT ordinary share of $57.61)).

 

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Other Information

Historical Trading Range. For reference only and not as a component of its fairness analysis, J.P. Morgan reviewed the trading range of RAI common stock for the 52-week period ended October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, which was $43.50 per share to $54.50 per share (with a volume weighted average price per share of $48.71 for the three months ended October 20, 2016), and compared that to (1) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $47.17 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, (2) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $55.97 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, and (3) the implied value of the merger consideration on January 13, 2017 of $59.74 per share (which was determined by valuing the BAT ADSs included in the merger consideration based on the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5260 and the closing price per BAT ADS of $115.21 on January 13, 2017 divided by two (which was the number of BAT ordinary shares then represented by one BAT ADS and which calculation resulted in an implied hypothetical price per BAT ordinary share of $57.61)).

Analyst Price Targets. For reference only and not as a component of its fairness analysis, J.P. Morgan also reviewed certain publicly available equity research analyst share price targets for RAI common stock as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, and noted that the range of such price targets was $47.00 per share to $62.00 per share, and compared that to (1) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $47.17 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, (2) the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $55.97 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, and (3) the implied value of the merger consideration on January 13, 2017 of $59.74 per share (which was determined by valuing the BAT ADSs included in the merger consideration based on the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5260 and the closing price per BAT ADS of $115.21 on January 13, 2017 divided by two (which was the number of BAT ordinary shares then represented by one BAT ADS and which calculation resulted in an implied hypothetical price per BAT ordinary share of $57.61)).

J.P. Morgan noted that the analyses described above under “— Analysis of RAI ” were hypothetical, illustrative analyses only and were not a prediction as to future share trading.

Analysis of BAT

Public Trading Multiples Analysis

Using publicly available information, J.P. Morgan compared selected financial data of BAT with similar data for publicly traded companies engaged in businesses which J.P. Morgan judged to be similar in certain respects to BAT’s business or aspects thereof. The companies selected by J.P. Morgan were the same companies listed under “— Analysis of RAI—Public Trading Multiples Analysis ” above.

These companies were selected, among other reasons, because they are publicly traded companies with operations and businesses that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis, may be considered similar in certain respects to those of BAT based on business sector participation, financial metrics and form of operations. However, none of the selected companies reviewed is identical to BAT and certain of these companies may have characteristics that are materially different from those of BAT. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies differently than they would affect BAT.

Based on the results of the analysis described under “ —Analysis of RAI—Public Trading Multiples Analysis ” and J.P. Morgan’s professional judgment, J.P. Morgan derived a multiple reference range of 10.0x-13.5x for FV/2017E EBITDA and a multiple reference range of 13.0x-20.5x for P/E 2017E. After applying such ranges to 2017E EBITDA of BAT (adjusted to include BAT’s proportionate ownership in RAI and ITC Limited,

 

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converted at unaffected exchange rates) and estimated earnings per share for calendar year 2017 of BAT, in each case, as set forth in the RAI projections for BAT, the analysis indicated the following ranges of implied equity value per BAT ordinary share, rounded to the nearest £0.25:

BAT Implied Equity Value Per Share

 

     Low      High  

FV/2017E EBITDA

   £     39.25      £     56.25  

P/E 2017E

   £ 36.50      £ 57.50  

The ranges of implied equity value per BAT ordinary share were compared to (1) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £48.03 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI and (2) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £47.30 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

J.P. Morgan conducted a discounted cash flow analysis for the purpose of determining an implied equity value per BAT ordinary share, using the same methodology as described under “—Analysis of RAI—Discounted Cash Flow Analysis ,” except as noted below.

J.P. Morgan calculated the present value of unlevered free cash flows that BAT is expected to generate during the period from calendar year 2017 through the end of 2021 using the RAI projections for BAT. J.P. Morgan also calculated a range of terminal values for BAT at December 31, 2021 by applying a terminal growth rate ranging from 0.0% to 1.0% to the RAI projections for BAT during 2021 to derive terminal period unlevered free cash flows for BAT. The unlevered free cash flows and the range of terminal values were then discounted to present values using a range of discount rates from 6.75% to 8.0%, which range was chosen by J.P. Morgan based upon an analysis of the weighted average cost of capital of BAT, which included J.P. Morgan’s analysis of RAI and the selected companies listed under “ —Public Trading Multiples Analysis ” described above.

This analysis indicated the following range of implied equity value per BAT ordinary share (which includes the implied values of BAT’s minority interests and BAT’s proportionate ownership in RAI and ITC Limited, applying, in the case of BAT’s proportionate ownership in RAI, a GBP-U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.2186 as of January 13, 2017), rounded to the nearest £0.25.

BAT Implied Equity Value Per Share

 

     Low      High  

Discounted Cash Flow

   £     41.75      £     58.75  

The range of implied equity value per BAT ordinary share was compared to (1) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £48.03 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI and (2) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £47.30 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017.

Other Information

Historical Trading Range. For reference only and not as a component of its fairness analysis, J.P. Morgan reviewed the trading range of BAT ordinary shares for the 52-week period ended October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, which was £35.75 per share to £50.50 per share (with a volume weighted average price per BAT ordinary share of £48.32 for the three months ended October 20, 2016), and compared that to (1) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £48.03 on

 

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October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI and (2) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £47.30 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017.

Analyst Price Targets. For reference only and not as a component of its fairness analysis, J.P. Morgan also reviewed certain publicly available equity research analyst share price targets for BAT ordinary shares as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, and noted that the range of such price targets was £43.00 per share to £58.00 per share, and compared that to (1) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £48.03 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, and (2) the closing price per BAT ordinary share of £47.30 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017.

J.P. Morgan noted that the analyses described above under “— Analysis of BAT ” were hypothetical, illustrative analyses only and were not a prediction as to future share trading.

Other Analyses

Illustrative Value Creation Analyses

Illustrative Market-Based Value Creation Analysis . For reference only and not as a component of its fairness analysis, J.P. Morgan reviewed certain market-based analyses of the potential illustrative value created by the merger for the existing holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) that compared the estimated implied equity value per share of RAI common stock on a standalone basis based on the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $47.17 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI to the sum of (1) the implied equity value per share of the ownership of RAI shareholders (other than the BAT Group) in the pro forma combined company and (2) the $29.44 cash per share included in the merger consideration.

J.P. Morgan determined the pro forma combined company implied equity value by calculating: (1) the sum of (a) the implied equity value of BAT using an implied hypothetical price per BAT ordinary share of $57.61 on January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement, which was calculated based on a GBP-U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.2186 as of January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, and a closing price per BAT ADS of $115.21 divided by two (which was the number of BAT ordinary shares then represented by one BAT ADS and which calculation resulted in such implied hypothetical price per BAT ordinary share of $57.61), (b) the implied equity value of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group, using the closing price per share of RAI common stock of $47.17 on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, (c) $500 million annual run-rate synergies estimated by the managements of RAI and BAT, capitalized by applying a blended implied FV/EBITDA multiple of 12.5x, and (d) the present value of $140 million annual tax efficiencies estimated by the management of RAI based in part on information provided by the management of BAT, using a discount rate of 5.0% and a growth rate of 0.0%, less (2) the sum of (a) the estimated transaction fees and expenses relating to the merger provided to J.P. Morgan by the management of RAI, and (b) the aggregate amount of cash to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the merger.

These analyses indicated that the merger would result in illustrative market-based value creation of 25.8% for the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) above the standalone implied equity value of RAI. There can be no assurance, however, that the synergies, tax efficiencies, estimated transaction-related expenses and other impacts will not be substantially greater or less than those estimated by the managements of RAI and BAT, as applicable, and described above.

 

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J.P. Morgan noted that the market-based value creation analysis was a hypothetical, illustrative analysis only and was not a prediction of future share trading.

Illustrative Intrinsic Value Creation Analysis . J.P. Morgan reviewed certain intrinsic analyses of the potential illustrative value created by the merger for the existing holders of shares of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) that compared the estimated implied equity value per share of RAI common stock on a standalone basis based on the midpoint value determined by J.P. Morgan’s discounted cash flow analysis described above under “— Analysis of RAI—Discounted Cash Flow Analysis ” to the sum of (1) the implied equity value per share of the ownership of RAI shareholders (other than the BAT Group) in the pro forma combined company and (2) the $29.44 cash per share included in the merger consideration.

J.P. Morgan determined the pro forma combined company implied equity value by calculating: (1) the sum of (a) the implied equity value of BAT, using the midpoint value determined in J.P. Morgan’s discounted cash flow analysis for BAT described above under “— Analysis of BAT—Discounted Cash Flow Analysis ” and a GBP-U.S. dollar exchange rate of 1.2186 as of January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, (b) the implied equity value of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group using the midpoint value determined in J.P. Morgan’s discounted cash flow analysis for RAI described above under “— Analysis of RAI—Discounted Cash Flow Analysis ,” calculated by using a 6.25% discount rate and a terminal growth rate of 0.5%, (c) the present value of $500 million annual run-rate synergies estimated by the managements of RAI and BAT, using a 6.25% discount rate and a growth rate of 0.0%, and (d) the present value of $140 million annual tax efficiencies estimated by the management of RAI based in part on information provided by the management of BAT, using a discount rate of 5.0% and a growth rate of 0.0%, less (2) the sum of (a) the estimated transaction fees and expenses relating to the merger provided to J.P. Morgan by the management of RAI, and (b) the aggregate amount of the cash to be paid to the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the merger.

These analyses indicated that the merger would result in illustrative intrinsic value creation of 9.6% for the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) above the standalone implied equity value of RAI. There can be no assurance, however, that the synergies, tax efficiencies, estimated transaction-related expenses and other impacts will not be substantially greater or less than those estimated by the managements of RAI and BAT, as applicable, and described above.

J.P. Morgan noted that the intrinsic value creation analysis was a hypothetical, illustrative analysis only and was not a prediction of future share trading.

Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis

For reference only and not as a component of its fairness analysis, J.P. Morgan reviewed the per share daily closing market prices of RAI common stock and BAT ordinary shares from July 14, 2014, the day prior to the announcement of the Lorillard merger, to January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017, and J.P. Morgan calculated the implied historical exchange ratios for the periods specified below, including the implied historical exchange ratios after adjusting the closing market prices of RAI common stock for the $29.44 cash per share included in the merger consideration (referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the cash adjusted exchange ratio). Specifically, for each trading day, J.P. Morgan divided the daily closing price per share of RAI common stock (in case of the cash adjusted exchange ratio, after adjustment for the $29.44 cash per share included in the merger consideration) by the closing price per BAT ordinary share. J.P. Morgan calculated the average of the implied historical exchange ratios (including the cash adjusted exchange ratio) for the one-month, six-month and one-year periods ended October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI, and the average for the period from June 11, 2015, the date the Lorillard merger was completed, until October 20, 2016. J.P. Morgan also calculated the average of the implied historical exchange ratios (including the cash adjusted exchange ratio) for the period from October 21, 2016 until January 13, 2017, the last trading day of

 

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the RAI common stock prior to the announcement of the merger agreement on January 17, 2017. The analysis resulted in the following implied exchange ratios for the dates and periods indicated, all as compared to the exchange ratio in the merger of 0.5260x:

 

     Cash Adjusted
Exchange Ratio
   Implied Historical
Exchange Ratio

1-Month Average Ended October 20, 2016

   0.2897x    0.7680x

6-Month Average Ended October 20, 2016

   0.3298x    0.8046x

1-year Average Ended October 20, 2016

   0.3299x    0.8287x

Average for Period from June 11, 2015 to October 20, 2016

   0.3001x    0.8071x

Average for Period from October 21, 2016 to January 13, 2017

   0.4582x    0.9864x

J.P. Morgan also noted that the highest cash adjusted exchange ratio and the highest implied historical exchange ratio for the period from June 11, 2015 to October 20, 2016 were 0.4027x and 0.9538x, respectively.

Miscellaneous

The foregoing summary of certain material financial analyses does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or data presented by J.P. Morgan. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. J.P. Morgan believes that the foregoing summary and its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of the foregoing summary and these analyses, without considering all of its analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying the analyses and its opinion. As a result, the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis or combination of analyses described above were merely utilized to create points of reference for analytical purposes and should not be taken to be the view of J.P. Morgan with respect to the actual value of RAI or BAT. The order of analyses described does not represent the relative importance or weight given to those analyses by J.P. Morgan. In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan did not attribute any particular weight to any analyses or factors considered by it and did not form an opinion as to whether any individual analysis or factor (positive or negative), considered in isolation, supported or failed to support its opinion. Rather, J.P. Morgan considered the totality of the factors and analyses performed in determining its opinion.

Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are inherently uncertain, as they are subject to numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties and their advisors. Accordingly, forecasts and analyses used or performed by J.P. Morgan are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by those analyses. Moreover, J.P. Morgan’s analyses are not and do not purport to be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the prices at which businesses actually could be acquired or sold. None of the selected companies reviewed as described in the above summary is identical to RAI or BAT, and none of the selected transactions reviewed was identical to the merger. However, the companies selected were chosen, among other reasons, because they are publicly traded companies with operations and businesses that, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis, may be considered similar in certain respects to those of RAI or BAT. The transactions selected were similarly chosen because their participants, size and other factors, for purposes of J.P. Morgan’s analysis, may be considered similar in certain respects to the merger. The analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operational characteristics of the companies involved and other factors that could affect the companies compared to RAI or BAT and the transactions compared to the merger.

As a part of its investment banking business, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates are continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive and control purposes, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements, and valuations for corporate and other purposes. J.P. Morgan was selected to advise RAI with respect to the merger and deliver an opinion to the RAI board of directors with respect to the merger on the basis of, among other things, such experience and its qualifications and reputation in connection with such matters and its familiarity with RAI, BAT and the industries in which they operate.

 

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For services rendered in connection with the merger (including the delivery of its opinion), RAI has agreed to pay J.P. Morgan a fee of 0.07% of the total consideration payable in the merger, which includes the merger consideration to be paid to holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) and equity awards at the closing of the merger, the value of any equity awards of RAI to be assumed by BAT, any dividends or other distributions declared by RAI with respect to its capital stock following October 30, 2016 (other than normal recurring cash dividends in amounts not materially greater than then-currently paid) and amounts paid by RAI to repurchase any securities of RAI outstanding on November 22, 2016 (other than in the ordinary course of business). Based on the closing price per BAT ADS on May 11, 2017, J.P. Morgan’s fee would be approximately $38.2 million of which $1.0 million was payable upon the execution of the engagement letter with J.P. Morgan on November 22, 2016, $2.0 million was payable upon the delivery by J.P. Morgan of its opinion and $1.0 million was payable on January 30, 2017 (and additional $1.0 million installments which will subsequently become payable on each three-month anniversary of January 30, 2017 until October 30, 2017 if the merger has not been completed before that date), and the remainder of which will be due upon the completion of the merger. In addition, RAI may, in its sole discretion, based on its assessment of J.P. Morgan’s performance of its services, pay J.P. Morgan an additional fee of up to 0.01% of the total consideration payable in the merger described above. Based on the closing price per BAT ADS on May 11, 2017, the maximum amount of such additional fee would be approximately $5.5 million. In addition, RAI has agreed to indemnify J.P. Morgan for certain liabilities arising out of J.P. Morgan’s engagement.

During the two years preceding the date of J.P. Morgan’s opinion, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates have had commercial or investment banking relationships with RAI and BAT, for which J.P. Morgan and such affiliates have received customary compensation. Such services during such period have included acting as sole arranger and bookrunner on an amendment and extension of RAI’s revolving credit facility in October 2015 and on an extension of such facility in November 2016; as lead left arranger and bookrunner on RAI’s syndicated facility in June 2015; as bookrunner on an offering of debt securities by RAI in June 2015; as M&A financial advisor to RAI on its sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks outside the United States in January 2016; as joint bookrunner on an offering of debt securities by BAT in June 2015 and as joint bookrunner on an offering of debt securities by BAT in September 2016. During such period, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates have provided treasury and asset management services to RAI and asset management services to BAT, in each case for customary compensation. In addition, J.P. Morgan’s commercial banking affiliate is an agent bank and a lender under the outstanding revolving credit facility of RAI, for which it receives customary compensation or other financial benefits. During such two year period, the aggregate fees received by J.P. Morgan from RAI and BAT for such services were approximately $54.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively. In addition, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates hold, on a proprietary basis, less than 1% of the outstanding RAI common stock and BAT ordinary shares (including BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs). In the ordinary course of their businesses, J.P. Morgan and its affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities or financial instruments (including derivatives, bank loans or other obligations) of RAI or BAT for their own account or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, J.P. Morgan may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities or other financial instruments.

Preliminary Financial Analyses by J.P. Morgan

In addition to the financial analyses utilized by J.P. Morgan and contained in its presentation delivered to the RAI board of directors on January 16, 2017 in connection with the rendering of its opinion, J.P. Morgan, in its capacity as financial advisor to the RAI board of directors, conducted a series of preliminary financial analyses. J.P. Morgan discussed these preliminary financial analyses with the RAI board of directors on November 8, 2016, December 7, 2016, December 20, 2016, January 10, 2017 and January 14, 2017 (such preliminary financial analyses are collectively referred to in this section of the proxy statement/prospectus as the J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses). Copies of the written materials containing the J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses have been attached as exhibits to the Schedule 13E-3 filed by RAI and the Schedule 13E-3 filed by BAT with the SEC. These written presentations will be available to any interested

 

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shareholder of RAI (or any representative of a shareholder who has been so designated in writing) to inspect and copy at RAI’s principal executive offices during regular business hours.

The J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses consisted of various summary data, illustrative analyses and other information that J.P. Morgan utilized in formulating its preliminary perspectives regarding the proposed merger, were prepared for discussion purposes only and did not present any findings, make any recommendations or constitute, or form the basis or part of, its fairness analysis or J.P. Morgan’s opinion dated January 16, 2017 with respect to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be paid to holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group) in the proposed merger. The J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses are substantially similar to, and use substantially the same methodologies as, the financial analyses described above and contained in the presentation delivered to the RAI board of directors on January 16, 2017 in connection with the rendering of J.P. Morgan’s opinion. The J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses primarily addressed the continuing negotiations of the proposed merger, including summaries of the various proposals submitted by BAT and described above under “— Background of the Merger .” A summary of the written materials and the J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses is provided below.

 

    the November 8, 2016 materials discussed with the RAI board of directors included, among other information, a summary of BAT’s October 20 Proposal, a summary of selected news and commentary regarding a potential transaction between RAI and BAT, a summary of certain financial forecasts for RAI prepared by the management of RAI, a summary of certain financial forecasts for BAT based on publicly available equity analysts’ consensus estimates and extrapolations approved by the management of RAI, a discussion of the potential synergies and tax efficiencies to be achieved in a potential transaction as estimated by BAT and RAI and the implications thereof for a potential transaction, an overview of certain considerations relating to the financing of the cash portion of the proposed transaction consideration and a discussion of potential strategic alternatives for RAI;

 

    the December 7, 2016 materials discussed with the RAI board of directors included, among other information, a summary of BAT’s October 20 Proposal and December 5 Proposal, a summary of certain financial forecasts for RAI prepared by the management of RAI, a summary of certain financial forecasts for BAT based on publicly available equity analysts’ consensus estimates and extrapolations approved by the management of RAI and a discussion of potential synergies and tax efficiencies to be achieved in a potential transaction as estimated by RAI and BAT and the implications thereof for a potential transaction;

 

    the December 20, 2016 materials discussed with the RAI board of directors included, among other information, a summary of BAT’s October 20 Proposal, December 5 Proposal and December 20 Proposal, an illustrative discussion of the effect of an increase in the stock portion of the proposed transaction consideration to be paid by BAT on the implied offer price per share of RAI common stock and an illustrative overview of the effect of different share prices for BAT on the implied offer price per share of RAI common stock;

 

    the January 10, 2017 materials discussed with the RAI board of directors included, among other information, a summary of BAT’s October 20 Proposal, December 5 Proposal and December 20 Proposal and an illustrative overview of the effect of different exchange ratios on the implied offer price per share of RAI common stock; and

 

    the January 14, 2017 materials discussed with the RAI board of directors included, among other information, a summary of BAT’s October 20 Proposal and January 10 Proposal.

These materials of J.P. Morgan also contained, among others, the following types of preliminary financial analyses:

 

    public trading multiples analyses;

 

    selected transaction multiples analyses;

 

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    discounted cash flow analyses;

 

    historical trading ranges and analyst price targets;

 

    illustrative value creation analyses;

 

    historical exchange ratio analyses;

 

    analyses of historical premia paid by shareholders acquiring companies in which such shareholders already own a significant portion of the stock; and

 

    illustrative accretion/dilution analyses that compared certain financial metrics for BAT on a standalone basis to the corresponding financial metrics implied for the pro forma combined company.

Not all of the materials of J.P. Morgan contained all of the preliminary financial analyses listed above. Each of the J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses was subsequently updated and refined by J.P. Morgan. Each of the J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses was based on market, economic and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to J.P. Morgan as of, the dates on which J.P. Morgan performed such analyses. Accordingly, the results of the J.P. Morgan preliminary financial analyses and other information differed due to changes in those conditions. Among other things, the results of certain financial analyses changed as the management of RAI revised or adjusted its financial forecasts for RAI and as the management of RAI provided J.P. Morgan certain financial forecasts for BAT, which were based in part on certain financial information for BAT prepared by the management of BAT and provided to RAI.

Opinion of Lazard

On January 16, 2017, at a meeting of the RAI board of directors held to evaluate the merger, Lazard rendered to the RAI board of directors an oral opinion, which was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated January 16, 2017, to the effect that, as of that date and based upon and subject to the matters described in its opinion, the merger consideration per share of RAI common stock, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash to be paid to holders of shares of RAI common stock, other than the BAT Group and excluded holders, was fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. For purposes of this section, excluded holders means holders of shares of RAI common stock who have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of RAI common stock in favor of the adoption of the plan of merger, as defined in the merger agreement, at the special meeting and who have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) their rights of appraisal in accordance with Article 13 of the NCBCA.

The full text of Lazard’s written opinion, dated January 16, 2017, to the RAI board of directors which sets forth, among other things, the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered and limitations on the scope of review undertaken, is attached to this proxy statement/prospectus as Annex D and is incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The summary of Lazard’s opinion set forth in this proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Lazard’s written opinion attached as Annex D . You are encouraged to read Lazard’s opinion and this section carefully and in their entirety. Lazard’s opinion was for the benefit of the RAI board of directors (in its capacity as such) and Lazard’s opinion was rendered to the RAI board of directors in connection with its evaluation of the merger. Lazard’s opinion was not intended to and does not constitute a recommendation to any RAI shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or act with respect to the merger or any matter relating thereto.

In connection with its opinion, Lazard:

 

    reviewed the financial terms and conditions of the merger agreement, dated as of January 16, 2017;

 

    reviewed certain publicly available historical business and financial information relating to RAI and BAT;

 

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    reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the management of RAI relating to the business of each of RAI and BAT (which, in the case of the forecasts for BAT, were based in part on certain financial information for BAT prepared by the management of BAT and provided to RAI), and the projected synergies and other benefits, including the amount and timing thereof, anticipated by the management of RAI to be realized from the merger;

 

    held discussions with members of the senior management of RAI with respect to the businesses and prospects of RAI and BAT, respectively, and the projected synergies and other benefits anticipated by the management of RAI to be realized from the merger;

 

    reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies in lines of business Lazard believed to be generally relevant in evaluating the businesses of RAI and BAT, respectively;

 

    reviewed the financial terms of certain business combinations involving companies in lines of business Lazard believed to be generally relevant in evaluating the businesses of RAI and BAT, respectively;

 

    reviewed historical stock prices and trading volumes of RAI common stock and BAT ordinary shares;

 

    reviewed the potential pro forma financial impact of the merger on BAT based on the financial forecasts referred to above relating to RAI and BAT; and

 

    conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as Lazard deemed appropriate.

Lazard assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing information, without independent verification of such information. Lazard did not conduct any independent valuation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of RAI or BAT or concerning the solvency or fair value of RAI or BAT, and Lazard was not furnished with any such valuation or appraisal. At the direction of the RAI board of directors, for purposes of its analysis, Lazard utilized forecasts with respect to BAT and the synergies and other benefits anticipated to result from the merger that were prepared by management of RAI and were based, in part, on financial information provided by BAT to RAI and, as the RAI board of directors knew, Lazard did not have discussions with management of BAT in connection with the merger. With respect to the financial forecasts utilized in Lazard’s analyses, including those related to projected synergies and other benefits anticipated by the management of RAI to be realized from the merger, Lazard assumed, with the consent of RAI, that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments as to the future financial performance of RAI and BAT, respectively, and such synergies and other benefits. Lazard expressed no view as to any such forecasts or the assumptions on which they are based.

Further, Lazard’s opinion was necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Lazard as of, the date of the opinion. Lazard assumed no responsibility for updating or revising its opinion based on circumstances or events occurring after the date thereof. Lazard did not express any opinion as to the prices at which shares of RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs may trade at any time subsequent to the announcement of the merger. In connection with Lazard’s engagement, Lazard was not authorized to, and Lazard did not, solicit indications of interest from third parties regarding a potential transaction with RAI. In addition, Lazard’s opinion did not address the relative merits of the merger as compared to any other transaction or business strategy in which RAI might engage or the merits of the underlying decision by RAI to engage in the merger.

In rendering its opinion, Lazard assumed, with the consent of RAI, that the merger would be completed on the terms described in the merger agreement, without any waiver or modification of any material terms or conditions. Lazard also assumed, with the consent of RAI, that obtaining the necessary governmental, regulatory or third-party approvals and consents for the merger would not have an adverse effect on RAI, BAT or the merger. Lazard did not express any opinion as to any tax or other consequences that might result from the merger, nor did its opinion address any legal, tax, regulatory or accounting matters, as to which Lazard understood that RAI obtained such advice as it deemed necessary from qualified professionals. Lazard expressed no view or opinion as to any terms or other aspects (other than the merger consideration to the extent expressly

 

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specified in the opinion) of the merger, including, without limitation, the form or structure of the merger or any agreements or arrangements entered into in connection with, or contemplated by, the merger. In addition, Lazard expressed no view or opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of, or any other aspects relating to, the compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any parties to the merger, or class of such persons, relative to the merger consideration or otherwise. The issuance of Lazard’s opinion was approved by the Opinion Committee of Lazard.

In preparing its opinion to the RAI board of directors, Lazard performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses. The following is a brief summary of the material financial and comparative analyses that Lazard deemed to be appropriate for this type of transaction and that were reviewed with the RAI board of directors by Lazard in connection with rendering its opinion. The summary of Lazard’s analyses described below is not a complete description of the analyses underlying Lazard’s opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytical process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, is not readily susceptible to partial or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, Lazard considered the results of all of the analyses undertaken by it and assessed as a whole and did not draw, in isolation, conclusions from or with regard to any one factor or method of analysis considered by it. Rather, Lazard made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of the analyses. Accordingly, Lazard believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on information presented in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the narrative description of the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying its analyses and opinion.

In its analyses, Lazard considered industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of RAI or BAT. No company or business used in Lazard’s analyses is identical to RAI or BAT, and such analyses may not necessarily utilize all companies or businesses that could be deemed comparable to RAI or BAT. Accordingly, an evaluation of the results of those analyses is not entirely mathematical. Rather, the analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning financial and operating characteristics and other factors that could affect the public trading or other values of the companies analyzed. The estimates contained in Lazard’s analyses and the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis are not necessarily indicative of actual values or predictive of future results or values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by the analyses. In addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold. Accordingly, the estimates used in, and the results derived from, Lazard’s analyses are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty.

The merger consideration was determined through negotiations between the Transaction Committee and BAT and was approved by the RAI board of directors, after unanimous recommendation and approval by the Transaction Committee. Lazard was not requested to, and it did not, recommend the specific merger consideration payable in the merger or that any given merger consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the merger. The decision to enter into the merger agreement was solely that of the RAI board of directors and the opinion of Lazard was only one of many factors taken into consideration by the RAI board of directors in its evaluation of the merger. Consequently, the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the views of the RAI board of directors, the Transaction Committee or RAI’s management with respect to the merger or the merger consideration.

The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand Lazard’s financial analyses, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses. Considering the data in the tables below without considering the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of Lazard’s financial analyses. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative

 

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information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before January 13, 2017, the last trading day for RAI common stock and BAT ADSs before the public announcement of the merger, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

Introduction

As more fully described below, Lazard performed (1) with respect to each of RAI and BAT, discounted cash flow analyses on a stand-alone basis and selected comparable company analyses, (2) with respect to RAI, selected precedent transactions analyses and (3) “has-gets” analyses from the perspective of the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group and excluded holders).

The merger consideration to be paid by BAT in the merger consists of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash. Based on the closing price of BAT ADSs of $115.21 (each BAT ADS then representing two BAT ordinary shares) on January 13, 2017 ($57.61 after giving effect to the BAT ADS ratio change), the last trading day of the BAT ADSs before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represented approximately $59.74 in value per share of RAI common stock. For purposes of these analyses, Lazard assumed a Sterling-Dollar exchange rate as of January 13, 2017 of 1.2186 $/£.

Discounted Cash Flow Analyses

Lazard performed the following discounted cash flow analyses with respect to each of RAI and BAT. Financial forecasts and other data for RAI and BAT on a stand-alone basis were provided by RAI. See “— RAI Unaudited Prospective Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Lazard performed a discounted cash flow analysis to calculate the estimated present value, as of December 31, 2016, of the unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that each of RAI and BAT, on a stand-alone basis, were forecasted to generate during the calendar years 2017 to 2021, based on an estimated range of weighted average cost of capital of 5.0% to 6.0% for RAI and 6.0% to 7.0% for BAT. The unlevered, after-tax free cash flows were calculated by taking the net operating profit after tax (representing earnings before interest after tax), then adding depreciation and amortization, subtracting capital expenditures and adjusting for changes in working capital and other cash flow items. Lazard then calculated the estimated present value of the terminal values of RAI and BAT, respectively, as of December 31, 2016, by selecting, based on its judgment and experience, a range of perpetuity growth rates of (0.5)% to 0.5% (which implied exit EBITDA multiples ranging from 9.7x to 14.1x for RAI and 7.9x to 10.9x for BAT) and an estimated range of weighted average cost of capital of 5.0% to 6.0% for RAI and 6.0% to 7.0% for BAT. The weighted average cost of capital was derived by application of the Capital Asset Pricing Model, taking into account certain metrics including target capital structure, the cost of long-term Treasury debt, tax rates, unlevered and levered betas for the selected comparable tobacco companies discussed below, including RAI and BAT as appropriate, as well as certain financial metrics for the U.S. financial markets generally. Lazard then calculated a range of implied per share values of RAI common stock and BAT ordinary shares by subtracting the net debt of each of RAI and BAT as of December 31, 2016, from the estimated enterprise value using the discounted cash flow method and dividing such amount by the fully diluted number of outstanding shares of RAI common stock and BAT ordinary shares, respectively. This analysis resulted in the following range of implied per share values of RAI common stock and BAT ordinary shares, respectively:

 

Implied per share values
of RAI common stock
on a stand-alone basis

   Implied per share values
of BAT ordinary shares

on a stand-alone basis

$50.03 – $73.38

   £44.09 – £54.72

($53.73 – $66.68)

 

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Lazard also calculated an implied exchange ratio reference range based on the discounted cash flow analysis described above by dividing (1) the low end of the per share value range of RAI resulting from the discounted cash flow analysis described above (less the $29.44 per share of merger consideration to be paid in cash) by the high end of the per share value range of BAT resulting from the discounted cash flow analysis described above and (2) the high end of the per share value range of RAI resulting from the discounted cash flow analysis described above (less the $29.44 per share of merger consideration to be paid in cash) by the low end of the per share value range of BAT resulting from the discounted cash flow analysis described above. This analysis resulted in an implied exchange ratio of 0.3088x to 0.8178x and an implied pro forma ownership range for the holders of RAI common stock of 12.1% to 26.6%. The exchange ratio provided for in the merger agreement is 0.5260x resulting in a pro forma ownership for the holders of RAI common stock of 18.9%.

Selected Comparable Company Analyses

Lazard reviewed and analyzed certain financial information, valuation multiples and market trading data related to selected publicly traded tobacco companies whose business and operations Lazard believed, based on its judgment and experience, including with companies in the tobacco industry, to be similar to each of RAI’s and BAT’s business and operations for purposes of these analyses, considering, among other factors, business sector participation, financial metrics and form of operations, including product mix, end markets, customers and size, of such companies.

The selected companies used in these analyses, which are referred to in this proxy statement/prospectus as the selected comparable tobacco companies, were divided into two categories as follows:

Global Majors

 

    Philip Morris International;

 

    BAT;

 

    Japan Tobacco Inc.; and

 

    Imperial Brands.

US/European

 

    Altria Group;

 

    RAI;

 

    Swedish Match; and

 

    Scandinavian Tobacco.

Although none of the selected comparable tobacco companies (other than RAI and BAT) included in the selected comparable company analyses is identical or directly comparable to RAI or BAT, the selected comparable tobacco companies included were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with certain operations, results, business mixes or product profiles that, for the purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain operations, results, business mixes or product profiles of the RAI Group and the BAT Group.

Lazard calculated and compared various financial multiples and ratios of each of the selected comparable tobacco companies, including among other things, the ratio of each comparable tobacco company’s (1) enterprise value as a multiple of 2017 calendar year estimated EBITDA and (2) share price as a multiple of 2017 calendar year estimated earnings per share, referred to as a P/E ratio. The earnings per share and EBITDA estimates for each of the selected comparable companies listed above and used by Lazard in its analysis were based on information from FactSet Research Systems, which represents publicly available consensus estimates, and other

 

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public sources. All of these calculations were based on publicly available financial data and closing share prices as of January 13, 2017. The results of this analysis are summarized in the following table:

 

    Share Price
(as of 01/13/17)
     EV
($ in billions)
     2017E
EBITDA
Multiple
     2017E
P/E Ratio
 

Global Majors

          

Philip Morris International

    $90.40        $167        13.5x        18.9x  

BAT

    £47.30        $86        10.8x        16.7x  

Japan Tobacco Inc.

    JPY3,870        $65        10.1x        16.4x  

Imperial Brands

    £35.90        $57        11.4x        13.1x  

High

 

     13.5x        18.9x  

Median

 

     11.1x        16.6x  

Mean

 

     11.5x        16.3x  

Low

 

     10.1x        13.1x  

US/European

          

Altria Group

    $67.58        $124        12.6x        20.2x  

RAI

    $55.97        $91        14.2x        21.9x  

Swedish Match

    SEK285.10        $6        11.6x        17.2x  

Scandinavian Tobacco

    DKK121.50        $2        10.0x        12.2x  

High

 

     14.2x        21.9x  

Median

 

     12.1x        18.7x  

Mean

 

     12.1x        17.9x  

Low

 

     10.0x        12.2x  

Based on its professional judgment after taking into account, among other things, such observed multiples, Lazard selected a range of 2017E EBITDA multiples of 11.0x to 13.0x and a range of 2017E P/E ratios of 17.0x to 20.0x for RAI and a range of 2017E EBITDA multiples of 10.0x to 13.0x and a range of 2017E P/E ratios of 16.0x to 19.0x for BAT. This analysis resulted, when applied to corresponding information of RAI and BAT, in the following range of implied per share values of RAI common stock and BAT ordinary shares, respectively:

 

Valuation Methodology

   Implied per share
values of RAI
common stock
     Implied per share
values of BAT
ordinary shares
 

EBITDA Multiple-Based

   $ 40.86 – $49.67       

£41.79 – £52.04

($50.92 – $63.42)

 

 

P/E Ratio-Based

   $ 43.08 – $50.68       

£44.74 – £53.13

($54.52 – $64.74)

 

 

Lazard also calculated an implied exchange ratio reference range based on the selected comparable company analyses described above by dividing (1) the low end of the implied RAI per share value range resulting from the selected comparable company analyses described above (less the $29.44 per share of merger consideration to be paid in cash) by the high end of the implied BAT per share value range resulting from the selected comparable company analyses described above and (2) the high end of the implied RAI per share value range resulting from the selected comparable company analyses described above (less the $29.44 per share of merger consideration to be paid in cash) by the low end of the implied BAT per share value range resulting from the selected comparable company analyses described above. This analysis indicated, on the one hand, an EBITDA multiple-based implied exchange ratio of 0.1800x to 0.3972x and an implied pro forma ownership range for the holders of RAI common stock of 7.4% to 15.0%; and, on the other hand, a P/E ratio-based implied exchange ratio of 0.2106x to 0.3896x and an implied pro forma ownership range for the holders of RAI common stock of 8.5% to 14.7%. The exchange ratio provided for in the merger agreement is 0.5260x resulting in a pro forma ownership for the holders of RAI common stock of 18.9%.

 

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Selected Precedent Transactions Analyses

Lazard performed selected precedent transactions analyses with respect to RAI on a stand-alone basis by reviewing selected transactions involving the acquisition of a tobacco company announced since March 2005 and for which financial information was publicly available, and which Lazard viewed, based on its judgment and experience, including with companies in the tobacco industry, as generally relevant for purposes of these analyses.

Although none of the selected transactions included in the selected precedent transactions analyses is identical or directly comparable to the merger, the selected transactions included were chosen because they involve companies with certain operations, results, business mixes or product profiles that, for the purposes of analysis, may be considered similar to certain operations, results, business mixes or product profiles of the RAI Group.

For each of the selected transactions, Lazard reviewed, based on publicly available information, the enterprise value, implied by each transaction purchase price, as a multiple of EBITDA (measured as the most recently available or disclosed LTM EBITDA at the time of the announcement of the relevant transaction), for each target company. The results of this analysis are summarized in the following table:

 

Announcement Date

   Acquirer    Target      Enterprise Value
(dollars in millions)
     EBITDA Multiple  

June 2015

   BAT      TDR      $ 603        12.5x  

February 2015

   BAT      Souza Cruz (24.7%)      $         13,741        15.1x  

July 2014

   Imperial Brands      RAI      $ 7,100        8.8x  

July 2014

   RAI      Lorillard      $ 27,387        13.1x  

May 2012

   Japan Tobacco Inc.      Gryson      $ 598        12.3x  

July 2011

   Japan Tobacco Inc.     
Haggar Cigarette &
Tobacco Factory
 
 
   $ 450        9.9x  

May 2011

   BAT      Protabaco      $ 452        11.3x  

June 2009

   BAT     

PT Bentoel
Internasional
Investama


 
   $ 744        14.0x  

September 2008

   Altria Group      UST      $ 11,655        12.2x  

July 2008

   Philip Morris
International
     Rothmans      $ 1,966        9.6x  

February 2008

   BAT     
Tekel (Cigarette
business)
 
 
   $ 1,720        11.4x  

February 2008

   BAT     
Skandinavisk
Tobakskompagni

 
   $ 4,089        11.2x  

November 2007

   Altria Group      John Middleton      $ 2,900        15.7x  

July 2007

   Imperial Brands      Altadis      $ 22,370        14.2x  

February 2007

   Imperial Brands     
Commonwealth
Brands

 
   $ 1,899        10.9x  

January 2007

   Philip Morris
International
     Larkson Tobacco      $ 675        14.6x  

December 2006

   Japan Tobacco Inc.      Gallaher Group      $ 19,036        12.8x  

April 2006

   RAI      Conwood Company      $ 3,500        13.5x  

March 2005

   Philip Morris
International
     PT HM Sampoerna      $ 5,120        14.0x  
           

 

 

 
              —    
        High           15.7x  
        Median           12.5x  
        Mean           12.5x  
        Low           8.8x  

 

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Based on its professional judgment after taking into account, among other things, such observed multiples, Lazard then applied a selected range of EBITDA multiples of 12.0x to 15.0x to RAI’s last twelve months, referred to as LTM, EBITDA as of December 31, 2016, and to RAI’s LTM adjusted EBITDA as of December 31, 2016, which included adjustments in the amount of $113.6 million to reflect the run-rate synergies associated with the Lorillard merger. This analysis resulted in the following ranges of implied per share values of RAI common stock, respectively:

 

Implied per share values
of RAI common stock
(2016 EBITDA)

  

Implied per share values
of RAI common stock

(Adjusted 2016 EBITDA)

$42.08 – $54.50

   $43.03 – $55.69

“Has-Gets” Analyses from the Perspective of the Holders of RAI Common Stock (Other than the BAT Group and Excluded Holders)

Lazard reviewed and analyzed certain financial information, multiples and ratios in order to compare the stand-alone per share value of RAI common stock to the per share value of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger from the perspective of the holders of RAI common stock (other than the BAT Group and excluded holders). These comparison analyses are referred to as the “has-gets” analyses.

Accordingly, Lazard performed (1) a discounted cash flow analysis, (2) selected comparable company analyses based on EBITDA multiples and (3) selected comparable company analyses based on P/E ratios, in each case for RAI on a stand-alone basis and for BAT on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger. The pro forma analyses were conducted assuming a merger consideration to be paid by BAT per share of RAI common stock in the merger comprised of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash. Financial forecasts and other data used for each of these analyses were provided by RAI. Lazard factored into its analyses the present value of the illustrative projected dividends to be received by the holders of RAI common stock, in each case over the relevant time periods.

Discounted Cash Flow “Has-Gets” Analyses. Lazard performed a discounted cash flow analysis to calculate the estimated present value, as of June 30, 2017, of the unlevered, after-tax free cash flows that BAT on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger was forecasted to generate during the calendar years 2017 to 2021, based on an estimated range of weighted average cost of capital of 5.5% to 6.5% (which was calculated as the weighted average of BAT and RAI standalone weighted average cost of capital, based on 2017E EBITDA). The unlevered, after-tax free cash flows were calculated by taking the net operating profit after tax (representing earnings before interest after tax), then adding depreciation and amortization, subtracting capital expenditures and adjusting for changes in working capital and other cash flow items. Lazard then calculated the estimated present value of the terminal values of BAT on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger, as of June 30, 2017, by selecting, based on its judgment and experience, a range of perpetuity growth rates of (0.5)% to 0.5% (which implied exit EBITDA multiples ranging from 9x to 12.7x). Lazard then calculated a range of implied per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger by subtracting the estimated projected net debt of BAT on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger as of June 30, 2017, from the estimated enterprise value using the discounted cash flow method and dividing such amount by the fully diluted number of outstanding shares of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger. Lazard then discounted the implied projected per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger as of June 30, 2017, back to December 31, 2016, using a cost of equity range of 6.09% to 7.27% underlying the estimated weighted average cost of capital of 5.5% to 6.5%, taking into account the present value of the illustrative projected dividends to be received by the holders of RAI common stock in the interim. This analysis resulted in the following range of implied per share values of BAT on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger:

 

     Implied per share values
of common stock /
ordinary shares

“Has”—RAI (Stand-Alone)

   $50.03 – $73.38

“Gets”—BAT (Pro Forma after giving effect to the merger)

   $56.31 – $70.14

 

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EBITDA Multiple-Based “Has-Gets” Analyses . Lazard calculated the projected per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger by applying a selected range of enterprise value to EBITDA multiples of 10.5x-13.0x (calculated as weighted average of RAI multiples and BAT multiples, based on Lazard’s analysis of 2017E EV/EBITDA of the selected comparable tobacco companies) to the next 12 months estimated EBITDA as of June 30, 2017 of BAT on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger adjusted to include full run-rate synergies. Lazard then discounted the implied projected per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger back to December 31, 2016, using an implied blended cost of equity, taking into account the present value of the illustrative projected dividends to be received by the holders of RAI common stock in the interim. This analysis resulted in the following range of implied per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger:

 

     Implied per share values
of common stock /
ordinary shares

“Has”—RAI (Stand-Alone)

   $40.86 – $49.67

“Gets”—BAT (Pro Forma after giving effect to the merger)

   $53.51 – $62.40

P/E Ratio-Based “Has-Gets” Analyses . Lazard calculated the projected per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger by applying a selected range of P/E ratios of 16.4x-19.4x (calculated as weighted average of RAI multiples and BAT multiples, based on Lazard’s analysis of 2017E net income of the selected comparable tobacco companies) to next 12 months estimated earnings per share of BAT on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger as of June 30, 2017, adjusted to include full run-rate synergies. Lazard then discounted the implied projected per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger back to December 31, 2016, using an implied blended cost of equity, taking into account the present value of the illustrative projected dividends to be received by the holders of RAI common stock in the interim. This analysis resulted in the following range of implied per share values of BAT ordinary shares on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the merger:

 

     Implied per share values
of common stock /
ordinary shares

“Has”—RAI (Stand-Alone)

   $43.08 – $50.68

“Gets”—BAT (Pro Forma after giving effect to the merger)

   $60.82 – $66.98

Other Analyses

The analyses and data relating to RAI and BAT described below were presented to the RAI board of directors for reference purposes only and did not provide the basis for, and were not otherwise material to, the rendering of Lazard’s opinion.

Historical Stock Trading

Lazard reviewed historical data with regard to the range of trading prices of shares of RAI common stock for the 52-week period to and including October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI. During this period, the intraday share price of RAI common stock ranged from a low of $43.38 to a high of $54.48 per share. Lazard also observed that, during such period, the intraday share price of BAT ordinary shares ranged from £35.36 ($43.09) per share to £51.35 ($62.58) per share.

Lazard also calculated an implied exchange ratio reference range based on trading prices by dividing the low end of the 52-week trading price per share range for RAI (less the $29.44 per share of the cash portion of the merger consideration) by the high end of the 52-week trading price per share range for BAT and by dividing the high end of the 52-week trading price per share range for RAI (less the $29.44 per share of the cash portion of the merger consideration) by the low end of the 52-week trading price per share range for BAT. This analysis indicated an implied exchange ratio reference range of 0.2228x to 0.5811x and an implied pro forma ownership range for the holders of RAI common stock of 9.0% to 20.5%.

 

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Premiums Paid Analysis

Lazard reviewed a range of premiums paid in public company transactions closed (1) from 2011 to 2016, involving U.S. targets and transactions valued more than $500 million and (2) from 2005 to 2016, in which significant shareholders with more than 20% ownership of the target acquired the remaining shares of such target. Using a 20%-35% premium range based on the median/mean of premiums paid in the transactions referenced above and the RAI unaffected closing price per share as of October 20, 2016 of $47.17, resulted in an implied price per share range for shares of RAI common stock of $56.60 to $63.68.

Analyst Price Targets

Lazard reviewed selected equity analyst stock price targets for RAI common stock based on publicly available research analyst reports in Bloomberg, which indicated as of October 20, 2016 target prices that ranged from $47.00 to $62.00 per share.

Lazard also reviewed recently selected equity analyst stock price targets for BAT ordinary shares based on publicly available research analyst reports in Bloomberg, which indicated as of October 20, 2016 target prices that ranged from £43.00 ($52.40) to £60.00 ($73.12) per share.

Lazard also calculated an implied exchange ratio reference range based on research analyst price targets by dividing the low end of the share price target range for RAI (less the $29.44 per share of merger consideration to be paid in cash) by the high end of the share price target range for BAT and by dividing the high end of the share price target range for RAI (less the $29.44 per share of merger consideration to be paid in cash) by the low end of the share price target range for BAT. This analysis indicated an implied exchange ratio reference range of 0.2402x to 0.6214x and an implied pro forma ownership range for the holders of RAI common stock of 9.6% to 21.6%.

Miscellaneous

The RAI board of directors selected Lazard to act as its financial advisor in connection with the merger based on Lazard’s qualifications, experience, reputation and familiarity with the RAI Group and its business. Lazard is an internationally recognized investment banking firm providing a broad range of financial advisory and securities services.

In connection with Lazard’s services as RAI’s financial advisor, RAI has agreed to pay Lazard an aggregate fee of 0.02% of the merger consideration, of which $2.0 million was payable on the date of the announcement of the merger and approximately $8 million of which is contingent upon the closing of the merger. In addition, RAI may, in its sole discretion, based on its assessment of Lazard’s performance of its services, pay Lazard an additional fee in an amount to be determined by RAI in its sole discretion. RAI has also agreed to reimburse Lazard for certain expenses incurred in connection with Lazard’s engagement and to indemnify Lazard and certain related persons under certain circumstances against various liabilities that may arise from or be related to Lazard’s engagement, including certain liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws. The financial advisory business of Lazard in the past has provided certain investment banking services to RAI for which Lazard has received compensation, including, during the two-year period prior to the date of Lazard’s opinion, having acted as financial advisor to RAI in the acquisition by RAI of Lorillard in June 2015 for which Lazard received fees of approximately $29.5 million. In the two-year period prior to the date of Lazard’s opinion, the financial advisory business of Lazard did not receive any other fees from RAI and was not engaged by BAT to provide services for which it received compensation.

Lazard, as part of its investment banking business, is continually engaged in valuations of businesses and securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements, leveraged buyouts and valuations for other purposes. In addition, in the ordinary course, Lazard and its affiliates and employees may trade securities of RAI, BAT and certain of their

 

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respective affiliates for their own accounts and for the accounts of their customers, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities, and may also trade and hold securities on behalf of RAI, BAT and certain of their respective affiliates.

Materials of BAT’s Financial Advisors

In their capacity as BAT’s financial advisors, BAT requested that Centerview and Deutsche Bank provide an analysis, based on information provided by BAT and publicly available information, of the proposed acquisition of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock not owned by the BAT Group. Accordingly, Centerview and Deutsche Bank, in conjunction with BAT’s management, jointly prepared a series of presentations for BAT’s senior management between October and November 2016 and for the BAT board of directors on October 13, 2016, which presentations are included as Exhibits (c)(1)-(c)(5) to the Schedule 13E-3 which will be filed by the BAT parties and as Exhibits (c)(1)-(c)(5) to the Schedule 13E-3 which will be filed by RAI, referred to as the Financial Advisor Materials. Centerview and Deutsche Bank were not requested to, and did not render any opinion as to the fairness of the merger consideration, and the Financial Advisor Materials did not address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. For purposes of preparing the Financial Advisor Materials, Centerview and Deutsche Bank relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal, regulatory, tax, accounting and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by, them, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. The Financial Advisor Materials were prepared for internal use at BAT and not for public dissemination and are not intended to be, and do not constitute, a recommendation or an opinion of any kind to any person in respect of the merger, including as to how any holders of RAI common stock should act or vote in respect of the merger or any other matter.

The descriptions of the Financial Advisor Materials contained under the heading “— Background of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to the relevant Financial Advisor Materials included as Exhibits (c)(1)-(c)(5) to the Schedule 13E-3 which will be filed by the BAT parties, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such descriptions do not purport to be complete.

Deutsche Bank has provided M&A financial advisory and certain other investment banking services to the BAT Group for which, since January 1, 2015, Deutsche Bank has received or is entitled to receive aggregate compensation of approximately €78 million, including compensation received or expected to be received in connection with Deutsche Bank’s services as BAT’s financial advisor with respect to the merger. In addition, BAT has agreed to reimburse certain of Deutsche Bank’s expenses arising, and to indemnify Deutsche Bank and certain related persons against certain liabilities that may arise, out of Deutsche Bank’s engagement. Deutsche Bank is an affiliate of Deutsche Bank AG, together with its affiliates, referred to as the DB Group. In the past two years, one or more members of the DB Group from time to time provided, and are currently providing, certain financial advisory and investment banking services in addition to other financial services to the BAT Group including but not limited to acting as (1) joint financial advisor, joint financial intermediation agent and joint underwriter of acquisition financing on the $2.7 billion acquisition of the 24.7% interest in BAT’s Brazilian subsidiary Souza Cruz not owned by the BAT Group in 2015, (2) joint financial advisor and lead arranger as part of a $4.7 billion investment in RAI by the BAT Group to maintain its approximate 42% beneficial ownership in RAI in connection with the Lorillard merger, (3) financial advisor to PT Bentoel Internasional Investama, Tbk (a subsidiary of BAT) on its rights issue in 2016, (4) bookrunner on the following bond offerings for BAT: £650 million and $650 million in September 2016, $4.5 billion in June 2015 and EUR 3.0 billion in March 2015 and (5) lender, bookrunner and underwriter in relation to the $25 billion acquisition facility in connection with the merger. In addition, Deutsche Bank is currently acting as a joint sponsor to BAT in relation to the merger and as a joint corporate broker to BAT on an ongoing basis. In the past two years, the DB Group has not been engaged by, and is not currently providing investment banking or other services to, the RAI Group. No material relationships have existed between the RAI Group and the DB Group in the last two years or are currently contemplated. The DB Group may also provide investment and commercial banking services to BAT and RAI in the future, for which the DB Group would expect to receive compensation.

 

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Centerview has provided M&A financial advisory services to the BAT Group for which, since January 1, 2015, Centerview has received or is entitled to receive aggregate compensation of approximately $50 million, including compensation received or expected to be received in connection with Centerview’s services as BAT’s financial advisor with respect to the merger. In addition, BAT has agreed to reimburse certain of Centerview’s expenses arising, and to indemnify Centerview and certain related persons against certain liabilities that may arise, out of Centerview’s engagement. In the past two years, Centerview has not been engaged by, and is not currently providing investment banking or other services to, the RAI Group. No material relationships have existed between BAT or the RAI Group and Centerview in the last two years or are currently contemplated other than in connection with the merger. Centerview may also provide investment banking services to BAT and RAI in the future, for which Centerview would expect to receive compensation.

RAI Unaudited Prospective Financial Information

Although RAI periodically may issue limited public guidance concerning its expected financial performance, RAI does not, as a matter of course, publicly disclose detailed financial forecasts. However, in connection with the negotiation of the merger, RAI’s management prepared certain non-public unaudited financial forecasts, regarding RAI’s future standalone operations, which were furnished to the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Lazard and BAT (referred to as the RAI unaudited financial forecasts). In addition, RAI’s management prepared, based in part on information provided by BAT’s management, certain non-public unaudited financial forecasts regarding BAT’s future standalone operations (referred to as the BAT unaudited financial forecasts, and together with the RAI unaudited financial forecasts, the unaudited financial forecasts). These unaudited financial forecasts were used by the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors for purposes of their consideration and evaluation of the merger and utilized by Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Lazard in performing their financial analyses described under “— Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor ” and “— Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus. A summary of these unaudited financial forecasts is set forth below.

The unaudited financial forecasts were not prepared for the purpose of public disclosure, nor were they prepared in compliance with published guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of financial forecasts, U.S. GAAP or IFRS. The summary of the unaudited financial forecasts is not being included in this proxy statement/prospectus to influence RAI shareholders with respect to the approval of the merger agreement, but because the unaudited financial forecasts were furnished to the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Lazard and BAT. The inclusion of the unaudited financial forecasts in this proxy statement/prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that RAI or any other recipient of the unaudited financial forecasts considered, or now considers, the forecasts to be necessarily predictive of actual future results, and the unaudited financial forecasts should not be relied upon as such because of the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with such long-range forecasts.

All of the unaudited financial forecasts summarized below were prepared by, and are the responsibility of, RAI’s management. No independent registered public accounting firm has examined, compiled or otherwise performed any procedures with respect to the prospective financial information contained in the unaudited financial forecasts and, accordingly, no independent registered public accounting firm has expressed any opinion or given any other form of assurance with respect thereto, and no independent registered public accounting firm assumes any responsibility for the prospective financial information. The reports of the independent registered public accounting firms included in and attached to this proxy statement/prospectus relate to BAT’s and RAI’s respective historical financial information. These reports do not extend to the unaudited financial forecasts and should not be read to do so.

Because the unaudited financial forecasts were developed for RAI and BAT on a stand-alone basis without giving effect to the merger, such unaudited financial forecasts do not give effect to the merger or any changes to

 

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RAI’s or BAT’s operations or strategy that may be implemented after the completion of the merger, including any potential synergies realized as a result of the merger, or to any costs related to, or that may arise in connection with, the merger. Though the unaudited financial forecasts were developed for RAI and BAT on a stand-alone basis, in considering the merger, RAI projected $500 million in synergies as a result of the merger, a figure which was used by the Transaction Committee and the RAI board of directors for purposes of their consideration and evaluation of the merger and utilized by Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Lazard in performing their financial analyses described under “— Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor ” and “— Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The unaudited financial forecasts were based on numerous variables and assumptions that are inherently uncertain and may be beyond the control of RAI’s management. RAI’s management prepared the RAI unaudited financial forecasts consistent with historical practices and assumptions and such forecasts are reflective of RAI’s view of future variables. RAI’s management prepared the BAT unaudited financial forecasts based on (1) the information provided by BAT to RAI, prepared in December 2016 based on the assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by BAT at that time and (2) assumptions about RAI’s performance and other adjustments believed to be reasonable by RAI. For information regarding the assumptions used in the preparation of the RAI unaudited financial forecasts and the BAT unaudited financial forecasts, respectively, see “— RAI Unaudited Financial Forecasts ” and “— BAT Unaudited Financial Forecasts ” below. In the view of RAI’s management, the unaudited financial forecasts were prepared on a reasonable basis and reflected the best then-currently available estimates and judgments of RAI’s management. Important factors that may affect actual results and cause the unaudited financial forecasts not to be realized include, but are not limited to, the risks, contingencies and other uncertainties described under “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” and “ Risk Factors ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus. As a result, actual results may differ materially from the unaudited financial forecasts, and there can be no assurance that the forecasts will be realized. RAI has not made and does not make any representation to any shareholder or other person regarding RAI’s ultimate performance compared to the information contained in the unaudited financial forecasts. Except as may be required under applicable federal securities law, RAI does not undertake any obligation to update or otherwise revise the unaudited financial forecasts to reflect events or circumstances after the date the forecasts were made, including events or circumstances that may have occurred during the period between that date and the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, even in the event that any or all of the assumptions are shown to be in error.

RAI Unaudited Financial Forecasts

The following table summarizes the unaudited financial forecasts related to RAI on a standalone basis without giving effect to the merger that were prepared by RAI’s management as described above and furnished to the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Lazard and BAT:

 

     For the Fiscal Year Ending December 31,  
     2017      2018      2019      2020      2021  
     (dollars in millions) (unaudited)  

Net Sales

   $     13,009      $     13,621      $     14,331      $     15,095      $     15,909  

Operating Income

   $ 6,181      $ 6,736      $ 7,190      $ 7,880      $ 8,548  

Operating Cash Flow

   $ 3,754      $ 3,856      $ 4,222      $ 4,691      $ 5,371  

In developing these forecasts for RAI, RAI’s management made numerous assumptions about the industry in which RAI’s operating companies participate, the operating companies’ markets and products and RAI’s and its operating companies’ ability to execute their respective plans. The following key assumptions were made in developing these forecasts:

 

    stable U.S. economic environment;

 

    cigarette industry volume decline returning to historic decline rates;

 

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    general cost of inflation of 3% per year;

 

    continuation of recent cigarette industry pricing dynamics;

 

    moderate share growth of drive brands;

 

    stable regulatory environment with opportunities for future product development/improvement; and

 

    capital expenditures in 2017 through 2021 remaining near the levels of 2016.

The RAI unaudited financial forecasts summarized above are forward-looking in nature. The RAI unaudited financial forecasts for operating income and operating cash flow do not reflect the potential impact of items such as mark-to-market pension/postretirement adjustments, implementation costs and the Engle progeny cases, and their related cash flows, if applicable. RAI’s management cannot estimate on a forward-looking basis the impact of these items to operating income and operating cash flow because these items, which could be significant, are difficult to predict and may be highly variable. The RAI unaudited financial forecasts relate to multiple future years, and such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each succeeding year.

BAT Unaudited Financial Forecasts

The following table summarizes the unaudited financial forecasts related to BAT on a standalone basis without giving effect to the merger that were prepared by RAI’s management, based in part on information provided by BAT’s management, as described above and furnished to the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Lazard and BAT:

 

     For the Fiscal Year Ending December 31,  
     2017      2018      2019      2020      2021  
     (pounds in millions) (unaudited)  

Revenue

   £ 16,316      £ 16,969      £ 17,647      £ 18,353      £ 19,087  

Net Income (Before Adjusting Items) (1)

   £ 5,240      £ 5,652      £ 6,018      £ 6,445      £ 6,867  

Unlevered Free Cash Flow (2)

   £ 3,307      £ 3,684      £ 4,017      £ 4,284      £ 4,565  

 

(1) Net income (before adjusting items) is calculated as profit for the year before adjusting items. Net income (before adjusting items) is not a measure defined by IFRS or U.S. GAAP. Adjusting items, as identified in accordance with the BAT Group’s accounting policies, are significant items in profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the BAT Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the BAT Group’s underlying financial performance because of their size, nature or incidence. The definition of adjusting items is explained within note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

(2) Unlevered free cash flow is calculated as adjusted profit from operations before depreciation and amortization, less taxes, net capital expenditure, change in net working capital, and pension and restructuring expense. Adjusted profit from operations is not a measure defined by IFRS or U.S. GAAP. Refer to “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT ” on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a definition of adjusted profit from operations.

There are limitations associated with the use of net income (before adjusting items) and unlevered free cash flow. Net income (before adjusting items) and unlevered free cash flow are not prepared in accordance with IFRS or U.S. GAAP and may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of RAI’s or BAT’s competitors due to potential differences in their methods of calculation. Further, net income (before adjusting items) and unlevered free cash flow are not meant to be considered in isolation or as substitutes for comparable IFRS or U.S. GAAP measures. Net income (before adjusting items) and unlevered free cash flow are shown above and unlevered free cash flow is reconciled, to the extent estimable, to the most directly comparable IFRS financial

 

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measure below because they form part of the unaudited financial forecast information prepared by RAI’s management, based in part on information provided by BAT’s management, as described above and furnished to the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Lazard and BAT.

Profit for the year is the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure to net income (before adjusting items). It is not possible to reconcile forecasts of net income (before adjusting items) to forecasts of the BAT Group’s profit for the year. RAI and BAT are unable to estimate the amounts of certain items that would meet BAT’s definition of adjusting items to profit for the year for periods after December 31, 2016 due to their inability to forecast if or when any such items will occur. Based on the occurrence of these items for the year ended December 31, 2016, it is likely that additional amounts may occur during subsequent years. For a description of historical adjusting items, see notes 2 and 7 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] and [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. However, as these items are inherently unpredictable and may not be reliably quantified, such items and the amounts thereof will vary from year to year. Such historical adjustments, therefore, should not be regarded as indicative of any future adjustments.

The following table presents a reconciliation, to the extent estimable, of unlevered free cash flow to the BAT Group’s profit from operations, prepared by RAI based in part on information provided by the BAT Group’s management. RAI and BAT are unable to estimate certain amounts as explained further below. The information presented in the reconciliation set forth below is not indicative of the BAT Group’s current expected performance for fiscal year 2017 or any subsequent fiscal year and is being included solely to provide a quantitative reconciliation, to the extent estimable, of unlevered free cash flow as included in the BAT unaudited financial forecasts to the most comparable IFRS financial measure. RAI undertakes no, and expressly disclaims any, duty to update or revise any of the information contained in the BAT unaudited financial forecasts or the reconciliation set forth below to reflect circumstances or events existing since the date RAI prepared the BAT unaudited financial forecasts, even in the event that any or all of the underlying estimates or assumptions are shown to be incorrect.

Reconciliation of Unlevered Free Cash Flow to Profit From Operations

 

     Year ending December 31,  
     (in £ millions)  
     2017E     2018E     2019E     2020E     2021E  

Profit from operations

    

Not

estimable

 

 

   
Not
estimable
 
 
   
Not
estimable
 
 
   
Not
estimable
 
 
   
Not
estimable
 
 

Adjusting items in profit from operations (1)

    
Not
estimable
 
 
   
Not
estimable
 
 
   
Not
estimable
 
 
   
Not
estimable
 
 
   
Not
estimable
 
 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted profit from operations

     6,040       6,404       6,763       7,140       7,535  

Depreciation and amortization

     365       365       365       365       365  

Tax expense

     (1,752     (1,857     (1,961     (2,071     (2,185

Net capital expenditure

     (600     (600     (600     (600     (600

Change in net working capital

     (120     (300     (300     (300     (300

Pension and restructuring expense

     (626     (328     (250     (250     (250
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unlevered free cash flow

     3,307       3,684       4,017       4,284       4,565  

 

(1) RAI and BAT are unable to estimate the amounts of certain items that would meet BAT’s definition of adjusting items in profit from operations for periods after December 31, 2016 due to their inability to forecast if or when any such items will occur. For historical reconciliations of adjusted profit from operations, see page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Based on the occurrence of these items for the year ended December 31, 2016, it is likely that additional amounts may occur during subsequent years. However, as these items are inherently unpredictable and may not be reliably quantified, such items and the amounts thereof will vary from year to year. Such historical adjustments therefore should not be regarded as indicative of any future adjustments.

 

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In developing the information that served as a base for the BAT unaudited financial forecasts prepared by RAI, BAT’s management made numerous assumptions about the industry in which BAT’s operating companies participate, the operating companies’ markets and products and BAT’s and its operating companies’ ability to execute their respective plans. RAI was informed by BAT that BAT used the following key assumptions in developing the information that served as a base for the BAT unaudited financial forecasts prepared by RAI:

 

    assumptions relating to the macro economic conditions in the markets in which the BAT Group operates;

 

    continued volume decline across the industry as a whole, including the impact of illicit trade and regulations, including TPD2, on consumption;

 

    pricing in line with industry pricing dynamics, dependent on the specific market conditions, consumer affordability and prevailing increases in excise;

 

    moderate share growth, driven by the performance of the BAT Group’s global drive brands; and

 

    strict management of the cost base, notwithstanding a continuation of transactional foreign exchange changes impacting the BAT Group’s cost of sales as the operating currencies in its major markets weaken against the Euro and U.S. dollar.

The BAT unaudited financial forecasts summarized above are forward-looking in nature. The BAT unaudited financial forecasts relate to multiple future years, and such information by its nature becomes less predictive with each succeeding year.

The summaries of unaudited financial forecasts included in this proxy statement/prospectus are not intended to induce any RAI shareholder to vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement or any of the other proposals to be voted on at the special meeting.

RAI DOES NOT INTEND TO UPDATE OR OTHERWISE REVISE THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL FORECASTS SET FORTH ABOVE TO REFLECT EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER THE DATE THE FORECASTS WERE MADE, INCLUDING EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY HAVE OCCURRED DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN THAT DATE AND THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF UNANTICIPATED EVENTS, EVEN IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OR ALL OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING THESE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL FORECASTS ARE SHOWN TO BE IN ERROR.

Financing of the Merger

BAT currently intends to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration, which is estimated to be $24.4 billion, and related fees and expenses with drawings under the acquisition facility.

On January 16, 2017, B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, each a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, as original borrowers, and BAT, as guarantor, entered into an acquisition facility with HSBC Bank plc, as agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent, and the financial institutions party thereto, as mandated lead arrangers and banks. Under the acquisition facility, the lenders are providing unsecured and unsubordinated term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of up to $25.0 billion, available for the purpose of financing the merger, paying related taxes, fees, costs and expenses and refinancing an existing revolving credit facility of RAI.

The following summarizes the material provisions of the acquisition facility. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the acquisition facility that is important to you. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the acquisition facility.

 

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The acquisition facility consists of four credit facilities: (1) a $15.0 billion bridge facility, referred to as Facility A, which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 12 months after the earlier of (a) the date that the merger is completed, referred to as the Closing Date, and (b) the business day falling six months after January 16, 2017, the earlier of (a) and (b) being referred to as the start date, (2) a $5.0 billion bridge facility, referred to as Facility B, which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 24 months after the start date, (3) a $2.5 billion term loan, referred to as Facility C, which matures on the date falling 36 months after the start date and (4) a $2.5 billion term loan, referred to as Facility D, which matures on the date falling 60 months after January 16, 2017. Each of the foregoing facilities is available to be drawn from and including January 16, 2017 to and including the earlier of (1) the date falling one month after the Closing Date and (2) March 31, 2018, in each case, subject to the conditions precedent referred to below.

The acquisition facility may be prepaid without premium or penalty but subject to breakage costs, if applicable. The amount available under Facility A and Facility B is subject to reduction in accordance with the terms of the acquisition facility, including but not limited to reduction upon the contemplated issuance of debt securities (with certain exceptions) in the aggregate amount of the net proceeds of such debt financing. Such proceeds shall be applied first in prepayment and cancellation of Facility A and second in prepayment and cancellation of Facility B.

The acquisition facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR (or in the case of euro-denominated borrowings, EURIBOR) plus the applicable margin which, based on BAT’s current ratings, are as follows:

 

    Facility A: between 0.3625% and 1.5625% per annum based on the applicable borrowing period;

 

    Facility B: between 0.4125% and 2.2125% per annum based on the applicable borrowing period;

 

    Facility C: 0.70% per annum; and

 

    Facility D: 0.80% per annum.

These rates are subject to adjustments in accordance with the terms of the acquisition facility based on the applicable credit rating assigned to the BAT Group.

If the LIBOR or EURIBOR rate is below zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero. The acquisition facility is guaranteed, on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis, by BAT. Certain fees have been paid and are payable to the lenders in connection with the acquisition facility, including commitment and duration fees.

Borrowings under the acquisition facility will be subject only to certain key conditions, including:

 

    confirmation from BAT of the receipt of the requisite approvals by BAT shareholders and RAI shareholders to consummate the merger;

 

    confirmation from BAT that the registration statement on Form F-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part has been declared effective;

 

    confirmation from BAT that the HSR Act waiting period has expired or has been terminated; and

 

    the accuracy of certain Major Representations and the absence of a Major Default (each as defined in the acquisition facility) as of the date of a request for borrowing and as of the funding date.

The acquisition facility contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, (1) limit the ability of each of the borrowers and BAT to create or permit any security interest on any of its assets (subject to certain exceptions), (2) limit the ability of BAT to sell or dispose of all or substantially all of its assets and (3) limit the ability of the BAT Group to materially change the nature of its business. The acquisition facility also requires that BAT maintain for each Ratio Period (as defined in the acquisition facility) a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the acquisition facility) to Interest Payable (as defined in the acquisition facility) of not less than 4.5:1.

 

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Under the acquisition facility, HSBC Bank plc acts as administrative agent and HSBC Bank USA, National Association acts as U.S. administrative agent. The agents and lenders are financial institutions engaged in various activities. The agents and lenders or their respective affiliates have from time to time performed, and may in the future perform, various investment banking, financial advisory, commercial banking, transfer agent and/or other services for BAT for which they have been paid, or will be paid, customary fees.

The foregoing description of the acquisition facility does not purport to be a complete description of its terms, and is qualified in all respects by reference to the complete text of such agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, and is incorporated herein by reference.

It is currently expected that the funded acquisition facility will be refinanced by bond issuances in due course. As an alternative to drawing on the acquisition facility, BAT may issue new bonds to finance a portion of the cash portion of the merger consideration. BAT has not entered into any definitive documentation with respect to any such bond issuances. There is no guarantee that replacement, supplemental or refinance financing will be available to BAT at all or on acceptable terms. BAT’s ability to obtain additional debt financing, including financing to replace, supplement or refinance the acquisition facility, will be subject to various factors, including market conditions, operating performance and the BAT Group’s credit rating. For a description of certain risks associated with the financing of the merger, see “ Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Merger—BAT will be required to complete the merger whether or not financing is available and BAT may encounter difficulties or high costs associated with securing refinancing of debt incurred in connection with the merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers

When considering the recommendation of the RAI board of directors that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement, you should be aware that certain RAI directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of RAI shareholders generally. These interests may present such directors and executive officers with actual or potential conflicts of interest. The RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee were aware of these interests during their deliberations on the merits of the merger and in deciding to recommend that RAI shareholders vote to approve the merger agreement at the special meeting.

Set forth below are descriptions of the interests of RAI’s non-employee directors, RAI’s named executive officers and RAI’s other executive officers as a group, including interests in equity or equity-based awards, severance arrangements providing benefits in connection with an RAI change in control and other compensation and benefit arrangements. RAI’s non-employee directors who are discussed below are: Jerome B. Abelman, John A. Boehner, Martin D. Feinstein, Luc Jobin, Murray S. Kessler, Holly Keller Koeppel, Robert Lerwill, Jean-Marc Lévy, Nana Mensah, Lionel L. Nowell, III, Ricardo Oberlander, Ronald S. Rolfe, Thomas C. Wajnert and John J. Zillmer. Each of Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander is an employee of BAT, and as such the fees that would be payable to each of them is instead paid to the BAT Group in lieu of any other compensation (other than the reimbursement of certain expenses) to which each director would be entitled in his capacity as a member of the RAI board of directors. Mr. Lerwill retired as a director of RAI on June 13, 2016 and Mr. Wajnert retired as a director of RAI on December 31, 2016. The named executive officers who are discussed below are: Susan M. Cameron, Debra A. Crew, Andrew D. Gilchrist, Martin L. Holton III, Joseph P. Fragnito and Jeffery S. Gentry. Dr. Gentry’s employment terminated on April 30, 2016. Ms. Cameron’s employment terminated on April 30, 2017, after which she continued her service on RAI’s board of directors, transitioning to non-executive chairman.

Treatment of RAI Common Stock

For information on equity holdings of RAI’s directors and executive officers, other than the equity awards described below, see the table entitled “ Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ” on

 

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page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Each of RAI’s directors and executive officers will be entitled to receive, for each share of RAI common stock that he or she holds as of the completion of the merger, the same per share merger consideration in the same manner as other RAI shareholders (excluding the BAT Group and excluded holders).

Treatment of Equity Awards

RAI’s executive officers have been granted RAI RSUs and RAI performance shares under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Plan. Ms. Cameron and each of RAI’s other non-employee directors, other than Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, hold RAI DSUs under the EIAP and, in some cases, the DCP.

The tables below set forth, based on the assumptions described in this paragraph, (1) the number of outstanding cash-out RSUs, RAI DSUs and rollover RSUs, referred to, collectively, as RAI equity-based awards, that would vest based on the assumptions described below, (2) the value of such RAI equity-based awards and (3) any accrued dividend equivalents in respect of such RAI equity-based awards, in each case, held by each of RAI’s non-employee directors, each of RAI’s named executive officers and RAI’s other executive officers as a group as of May 5, 2017 (the latest practicable date, determined pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K), as applicable. As described in more detail below, upon the completion of the merger, each cash-out RSU and RAI DSU will convert into the right to receive the merger consideration (or, with respect to each RAI DSU, another form of payment as may be required by the applicable RAI benefit plan that is equal in value to the merger consideration), subject to any applicable proration and, in the case of RAI performance shares, the applicable achievement of performance criteria. For purposes of calculating the stock portion of the merger consideration, the value of a BAT ADS was determined based on the average per share closing price of BAT ADSs over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger, which occurred on January 17, 2017 (based on the closing prices on January 18, 2017, January 19, 2017, January 20, 2017, January 23, 2017 and January 24, 2017, such average closing price was $117.39 (rounded to the nearest cent)). As of the date of the merger agreement, one BAT ADS represented two BAT ordinary shares. On February 14, 2017, the BAT ADS ratio change resulted in each BAT ADS representing one BAT ordinary share. As a result, the tables below assume (a) the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017, (b) all executive officers remained employed by RAI through the completion of the merger, at which time they experienced a vesting termination (as defined below) and (c) the value of the merger consideration (rounded to the nearest cent) was $60.31 (with the unrounded value used for purposes of the values shown below). If the value of the RAI equity-based awards was based on the average closing price of a share of RAI common stock over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger, which occurred on January 17, 2017, the value of a share of RAI common stock would be $58.66 (rounded to the nearest cent and based on the closing prices on January 18, 2017, January 19, 2017, January 20, 2017, January 23, 2017 and January 24, 2017).

Treatment of Cash-Out RSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right of the holder to receive the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSU, subject to applicable proration, and cash for any accrued dividend equivalents in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case, less any required withholding taxes. Under the terms of the merger agreement, if a cash-out RSU is also an RAI performance share, the number of shares of RAI common stock deemed subject to such cash-out RSU will be determined by the RAI board of directors (or a committee of the RAI board of directors) prior to completion of the merger in accordance with the applicable award agreement and after reasonable consultation with BAT. None of RAI’s non-employee directors holds any cash-out RSUs.

For purposes of the table below, with respect to cash-out RSUs that are RAI performance shares, the number of shares of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSUs has been determined in accordance with the terms of such cash-out RSUs: (1) with respect to cash-out RSUs granted in 2015, they are assumed to vest at 118% of the

 

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target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSUs, which percentage was determined based on the actual achievement of the applicable performance goals for the 2015 and 2016 fiscal years and assuming performance at 100% of target for the 2017 fiscal year; and (2) with respect to cash-out RSUs granted in 2016 (other than with respect to Ms. Cameron, who no longer holds cash-out RSUs, as the cash-out RSUs granted to her in 2016 were settled in the ordinary course of business prior to May 5, 2017), they are assumed to vest at 104% of the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSUs, which percentage was determined based on the actual achievement of the applicable performance goals for the 2016 fiscal year and assuming performance at 100% of target for the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years.

The following table and related footnotes provide details with respect to the cash-out RSUs based on the assumptions described above under “— Treatment of Equity Awards .

 

Named Executive Officers:

   Cash-Out RSUs
(2014/2015) (2)
     Cash-Out RSUs
(2016) (3)
     Total  

Susan M. Cameron

     —          —          —    

Debra A. Crew

   $     5,929,507      $     3,052,400      $     8,981,907  

Andrew D. Gilchrist

   $ 3,338,470      $ 3,023,174      $ 6,361,644  

Martin L. Holton III

   $ 2,177,688      $ 2,014,781      $ 4,192,469  

Joseph P. Fragnito

     —        $ 1,354,282      $ 1,354,282  

Jeffery S. Gentry

   $ 932,208      $ 1,566,064      $ 2,498,272  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

All Other Executive Officers as a Group (1)

   $ 9,653,452      $ 9,453,777      $ 19,107,229  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) The amounts in this row include amounts attributable to a spouse of an executive officer.

 

(2) The amounts in this column reflect the value of cash-out RSUs that are RAI performance shares granted in 2015 and were outstanding on May 5, 2017, the vesting of which will accelerate upon the completion of the merger, determined on a pro rata basis in accordance with the applicable award agreement, assuming the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017, plus the value of accrued dividend equivalents attributable to such awards through May 5, 2017. The amount in this column with respect to Ms. Crew also includes the value of outstanding cash-out RSUs granted in 2014 that are not RAI performance shares, plus the value of accrued dividend equivalents attributable to such award through May 5, 2017. The table below breaks down the amounts in this column.

 

Named Executive Officers:

  Number of Cash-
Out RSUs
(2014/2015) (b)
    Value of Cash-Out
RSUs (2014/2015)
    Amount of
Dividend
Equivalents
 

Susan M. Cameron

    —        
—  
 
   
—  
 

Debra A. Crew

    92,436     $           5,575,048     $     345,459  

Andrew D. Gilchrist

    52,186     $ 3,147,469     $ 191,001  

Martin L. Holton III

    34,041     $ 2,053,098     $ 124,590  

Joseph P. Fragnito

   
—  
 
   
—  
 
   
—  
 

Jeffery S. Gentry

    14,572     $ 878,874     $ 53,334  

All Other Executive Officers as a Group (a)

    150,900     $ 9,101,158     $ 552,294  

 

  (a) The amounts in this row include amounts attributable to a spouse of an executive officer.
  (b) The cash-out RSUs included in this column reflect the number that would, based on the assumptions described above, vest upon the completion of the merger. Based on the assumptions described above, upon completion of the merger, Ms. Crew would vest in 48,190 cash-out RSUs granted in 2014 that are not RAI performance shares and 44,246 cash-out RSUs granted in 2015 that are RAI performance shares.

 

(3) The amounts in this column reflect the value of the cash-out RSUs that are RAI performance shares granted in 2016 and were outstanding on May 5, 2017, the vesting of which will accelerate in full upon the completion of the merger, plus the value of accrued dividend equivalents attributable to such awards through May 5, 2017. The table below breaks down the amounts in this column.

 

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Named Executive Officers:

  Number of Cash-
Out RSUs
(2016) (b)
    Value of Cash-Out
RSUs (2016)
    Amount of
Dividend
Equivalents
 

Susan M. Cameron

     

Debra A. Crew

    48,774     $             2,941,683     $     110,717  

Andrew D. Gilchrist

    48,307     $ 2,913,517     $ 109,657  

Martin L. Holton III

    32,194     $ 1,941,701     $ 73,080  

Joseph P. Fragnito

    22,099     $ 1,332,846     $ 21,436  

Jeffery S. Gentry

    25,024     $ 1,509,260     $ 56,804  

All Other Executive Officers as a Group (a)

    151,061     $ 9,110,869     $ 342,908  

 

  (a) The amounts in this row include amounts attributable to a spouse of an executive officer.
  (b) The cash-out RSUs included in this column reflect the number that would, based on the assumptions described above, vest upon the completion of the merger. Ms. Cameron previously held 164,841 cash-out RSUs, but such cash-out RSUs were settled in the ordinary course of business prior to May 5, 2017.

Treatment of RAI DSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, (1) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections, (2) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (a) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (b) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (c) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes, and (3) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes. Except for Ms. Cameron, none of RAI’s named executive officers or any of RAI’s other executive officers holds RAI DSUs. Ms. Cameron holds RAI DSUs in respect of her prior service as a non-employee director in 2013 and 2014.

The following table and related footnotes provide details with respect to the RAI DSUs based on the assumptions described above under “— Treatment of Equity Awards .

 

Directors:

   RAI DSUs
(DCP) (1)
     RAI DSUs
(EIAP) (2)
     Total  

Susan M. Cameron

   $ 22,805      $ 274,664      $ 297,469  

Jerome B. Abelman

     —          —          —    

John A. Boehner

   $ 35,482      $ 817,996      $ 853,478  

Martin D. Feinstein

     —        $ 9,025,127      $ 9,025,127  

Luc Jobin

     —        $ 1,352,017      $ 1,352,017  

Murray S. Kessler

     —        $ 89,867      $ 89,867  

Holly Keller Koeppel

   $ 1,238,907      $ 6,937,479      $ 8,176,385  

Robert Lerwill

     —          —          —    

Jean-Marc Lévy

     —        $ 22,930      $ 22,930  

Nana Mensah

     —        $ 3,490,767      $ 3,490,767  

Lionel L. Nowell, III

   $     2,255,818      $     8,974,792      $     11,230,609  

Ricardo Oberlander

     —          —          —    

Ronald S. Rolfe

   $ 29,322      $ 660,027      $ 689,349  

Thomas C. Wajnert

     —          —          —    

John J. Zillmer

     —        $ 1,615,969      $ 1,615,969  

 

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  (1) The amounts in this column reflect the value of the RAI DSUs with respect to cash fees paid to non-employee directors that were deferred under the DCP and were outstanding on May 5, 2017. Under the current terms of the DCP, the RAI DSUs included in this column will be paid out in accordance with the individuals’ deferral elections. If the DCP was terminated in connection with the merger, the amounts deferred under the DCP would be distributed in a single lump sum as soon as practicable following such termination, including amounts deferred under the DCP in the form of cash credits as of May 5, 2017. The following amounts are deferred under the DCP in the form of cash credits: Ms. Cameron - $10,350; and Mr. Nowell - $116,078. The table below breaks down the amounts in this column.

 

Directors:

   Number of RAI DSUs
(DCP)
 

Susan M. Cameron

     378.11  

Jerome B. Abelman

     —    

John A. Boehner

     588.30  

Martin D. Feinstein

     —    

Luc Jobin

     —    

Murray S. Kessler

     —    

Holly Keller Koeppel

     20,541.45  

Robert Lerwill

     —    

Jean-Marc Lévy

     —    

Nana Mensah

     —    

Lionel L. Nowell, III

     37,402.15  

Ricardo Oberlander

     —    

Ronald S. Rolfe

     486.16  

Thomas C. Wajnert

     —    

John J. Zillmer

     —    

 

  (2) The amounts in this column reflect the value of the RAI DSUs with respect to initial, pro rata annual, annual and quarterly equity awards that were deferred under the EIAP and were outstanding on May 5, 2017. Amounts deferred under the EIAP will be distributed as soon as practicable following the completion of the merger in accordance with each applicable non-employee director’s election, including Ms. Cameron’s. The table below breaks down the amounts in this column.

 

Directors:

   Number of RAI DSUs
(EIAP)
 

Susan M. Cameron

     4,554.02  

Jerome B. Abelman

     —    

John A. Boehner

     13,562.63  

Martin D. Feinstein

     149,639.37  

Luc Jobin

     22,416.85  

Murray S. Kessler

     1,490.03  

Holly Keller Koeppel

     115,025.52  

Robert Lerwill

     —    

Jean-Marc Lévy

     380.19  

Nana Mensah

     57,877.98  

Lionel L. Nowell, III

     148,804.79  

Ricardo Oberlander

     —    

Ronald S. Rolfe

     10,943.45  

Thomas C. Wajnert

     —    

John J. Zillmer

     26,793.26  

 

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Treatment of Rollover RSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding rollover RSU will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (1) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (2) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution (referred to as an adjusted RSU). Each adjusted RSU will be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions applicable to such rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger, except that the form of payment upon vesting and settlement will be in BAT ADSs. If the rollover RSU was subject to performance-based vesting prior to the completion of the merger, then the adjusted RSU will continue to provide for performance-based vesting following the completion of the merger based on performance metrics agreed upon by BAT and RAI. The rollover RSUs held by RAI’s executive officers are (a) the RAI retention RSUs held by Mr. Fragnito and (b) the RAI performance shares granted in 2017 in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. None of RAI’s non-employee directors holds any rollover RSUs.

Under the merger agreement, none of the rollover RSUs will vest or pay out at the completion of the merger. In the event that an executive officer’s employment is terminated as a result of the executive officer’s death, permanent disability or termination in which he or she is entitled to severance benefits as described below under the heading “— RAI Change in Control and Termination Benefits ” in the two-year period following, or on, the completion of the merger, referred to as a vesting termination, the amount payable to such executive officer with respect to the rollover RSUs will be determined in accordance with the applicable award agreement. With respect to the RAI retention RSUs held by Mr. Fragnito, upon Mr. Fragnito’s vesting termination all such RAI retention RSUs would vest and become payable as soon as practicable. With respect to the rollover RSUs that are RAI performance shares granted in 2017, the greater of (1) the target number of RAI performance shares specified in the applicable award agreement and (2) the “change of control earned number” (as such term is defined in the applicable award agreement) would vest upon an executive officer’s vesting termination and would become payable as soon as practicable following the date of such vesting termination.

The following table and related footnotes provide details with respect to the rollover RSUs based on the assumptions described above under “— Treatment of Equity Awards .

 

Named Executive Officers:

  Rollover RSUs
(Retention) (1)
    Rollover RSUs
(2017
Performance
Shares) (2)
    Total  

Susan M. Cameron

    —         —         —    

Debra A. Crew

    —       $     6,620,272     $     6,620,272  

Andrew D. Gilchrist

    —       $ 2,368,750     $ 2,368,750  

Martin L. Holton III

    —       $ 1,592,776     $ 1,592,776  

Joseph P. Fragnito

  $     1,293,626     $ 1,253,862     $ 2,547,488  

Jeffery S. Gentry

    —         —         —    

All Other Executive Officers as a Group:

    —       $ 7,457,153     $ 7,457,153  

 

  (1) The amounts in this column reflect the value of Mr. Fragnito’s RAI retention RSUs outstanding on May 5, 2017, plus the value of accrued dividend equivalents attributable to such award through May 5, 2017. Mr. Fragnito held 21,101 RAI retention RSUs on May 5, 2017.
  (2) The amounts in this column reflect the value of rollover RSUs that are RAI performance shares granted in 2017 and outstanding on May 5, 2017, assuming solely for this purpose performance at target levels, plus the value of accrued dividend equivalents attributable to such awards through May 5, 2017. The following table breaks down the amounts in this column.

 

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Named Executive Officers:

  Number of
Rollover RSUs
(Performance
Shares)
    Value of
Rollover RSUs
(Performance
Shares)
    Amount of
Dividend
Equivalents
 

Susan M. Cameron

    —         —         —    

Debra A. Crew

    108,803     $     6,564,782     $     55,490  

Andrew D. Gilchrist

    38,930     $ 2,348,896     $ 19,854  

Martin L. Holton III

    26,177     $ 1,579,426     $ 13,350  

Joseph P. Fragnito

    20,607     $ 1,243,352     $ 10,510  

Jeffery S. Gentry

    —         —         —    

All Other Executive Officers as a Group:

    122,557     $ 7,394,649     $ 62,504  

Treatment of Bonuses Under Annual Incentive Award Program

RAI’s executive officers are eligible to receive bonuses under the RAI annual incentive award program, referred to as the AIAP, established under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Plan. Under the terms of the merger agreement, 2017 annual bonuses will be calculated and paid in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. In the event the completion of the merger occurs prior to December 31, 2017, BAT and RAI will work together in good faith to specify the process for determining the achievement of performance goals with respect to the 2017 annual bonuses.

Under the merger agreement, the 2017 annual bonuses will not vest or pay out at the completion of the merger. Ms. Cameron’s annual bonus performance period with respect to her 2017 annual bonus was May 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017; the performance period for all other executive officers is the 2017 calendar year. In the event an executive officer experiences an involuntary termination of employment where such executive officer is eligible for and accepts severance benefits, the amount payable to such executive officer with respect to the 2017 annual bonus will be determined following the end of the applicable performance period, based on actual performance and subject to proration based on the number of months, rounded up to the nearest whole month, such executive officer was employed during such performance period. Ms. Cameron’s 2017 annual bonus was settled in the ordinary course of business prior to May 5, 2017. Such amounts are included in the bonus component of the severance calculation set forth in the table under the heading “— Quantification of RAI Change in Control and Termination Payments and Benefits to RAI’s Named Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Assuming solely for this purpose (1) base salaries in effect on May 5, 2017, which takes into account base salary increases that became effective on April 1, 2017, (2) performance at target levels, (3) continued employment through the completion of the merger, (4) the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017, and (5) with respect to the executive officers other than Ms. Cameron and Dr. Gentry, an involuntary termination of employment occurred at the completion of the merger where such executive officer was eligible for and accepted severance benefits:

 

    RAI’s named executive officers (other than Ms. Cameron and Dr. Gentry) will be entitled to the following amounts in respect of 2017 annual bonuses: Ms. Crew-$760,867; Mr. Gilchrist-$327,425; Mr. Holton-$272,583; and Mr. Fragnito-$208,333; and

 

    RAI’s other executive officers as a group (including a spouse of an executive officer) would be entitled to an aggregate amount equal to $1,334,838 in respect of 2017 annual bonuses.

RAI Change in Control and Termination Benefits

RAI maintains severance arrangements on behalf of its executive officers that provide severance benefits in the event of certain terminations of employment, as described below. Ms. Cameron is not a participant in any such arrangements.

 

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Severance Agreements

Prior to the inception of the ESP, RAI entered into a severance agreement with certain executive officers, including Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton. Under each severance agreement, severance benefits are provided in the event of a qualifying termination, which includes a termination of employment without cause or a termination of employment during the 24-month period following an RAI change in control, such as the merger, for “change of control good reason” (as defined below). Each severance agreement also provides for severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment with “general good reason” (as defined in the severance agreement). The compensation and benefits payable to an executive officer upon any such termination includes:

 

    a lump sum cash severance amount equal to two years’ pay (which includes base pay and target bonus as of the date of termination);

 

    a lump sum cash payment equal to the matching contributions and/or retirement enhancement contributions (if any) that would have been contributed by RAI on the executive officer’s behalf under any RAI qualified defined contribution and nonqualified defined contribution benefit plans assuming (1) the executive officer had continued employment for three years following the termination date, such three-year period referred to as the severance period, (2) the executive officer’s base pay and target bonus remained at the level in effect as of the date of termination and (3) the executive officer would have been entitled to the maximum matching contribution during the severance period;

 

    if the executive officer is eligible to participate in RAI’s defined benefit pension plan as of the date of termination, an additional pension benefit determined as if (1) the executive officer had remained employed throughout the severance period and (2) the executive officer’s base pay and target bonus remained at the level in effect as of the date of termination;

 

    continuation of the coverage of the executive officer (and where applicable, the executive officer’s eligible dependents) under RAI’s medical, life, dental and vision insurance benefit plans until the end of the month in which the severance period ends, at the same cost structure as active employees (provided that the executive officer’s required payments (if any) towards the cost of such continuation coverage will be made on an after-tax basis);

 

    if the executive officer is eligible for retiree health and life insurance coverage on the date of termination, additional age and service credit towards eligibility for retiree health and life insurance coverage determined as if the executive officer’s employment had continued throughout the severance period;

 

    if the executive officer participated in an executive supplemental payment plan on the date of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the annual executive supplemental payment the executive officer would have received during the severance period;

 

    if the executive officer is eligible to participate in RAI’s MedSave plan as of the date of termination, a lump sum cash payment equal to the amount of the contributions that would have been credited as RAI contributions to the executive officer’s notional account assuming (1) continued employment through the severance period and (2) RAI credited the executive officer’s notional account with the maximum matching contributions each year during the severance period; and

 

    if the executive officer participates in any of RAI’s voluntary, employee pay-all plans on the date of termination, continued participation in such programs until the end of the severance period.

The receipt of the above compensation and benefits is conditioned upon the executive officer’s execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims and reaffirmation of the executive officer’s restrictive covenant obligations under the severance agreement (i.e., an obligation to not disclose confidential information, post-employment restrictions against competition and solicitation of employees, and obligations of cooperation in respect of litigation involving RAI and its affiliates). The above compensation and benefits replace any compensation or benefits under the Reynolds American Salary and Benefits Continuation Program, referred to as the SBC; however, an executive officer will not receive any less compensation or benefits, under the severance

 

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agreements, than the executive officer would have received under the SBC. If an executive officer does not execute the general release and, as a result, is not entitled to any of the compensation and benefits described in the severance agreements, the executive officer will be entitled to the compensation and benefits provided under the SBC. As of May 5, 2017, assuming each executive officer with a severance agreement executed the general release in connection with a qualifying termination, none of the executive officers would have received any payments or benefits under the SBC.

The severance agreements provide certain additional benefits in the event of an RAI change in control, such as the merger:

 

    in the event any payments and/or benefits to an executive officer would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, RAI will provide the executive officer an additional payment equal, on an after-tax basis, to the amount of any excise tax (including interest and penalties) imposed as a result of such payments and/or benefits; and

 

    if the executive officer’s employment is terminated without cause following an RAI change in control, RAI will pay all non-frivolous legal and accounting fees and expenses incurred by the executive officer as a result of the termination.

For purposes of the severance agreements, “change of control good reason” means the occurrence of any of the following events after an RAI change in control, such as the merger, without an executive officer’s express written consent:

 

    a material reduction in duties, a material diminution in position or a material adverse change in reporting relationship from those in effect immediately prior to the RAI change in control;

 

    a reduction in the pay grade or bonus opportunity in effect immediately prior to the RAI change in control, or as the same may be increased from time to time during the term of the severance agreement after the RAI change in control;

 

    the failure to (1) continue in effect any compensation plan in which the executive officer participates at the time of the RAI change in control, including but not limited to RAI’s long-term incentive plan and AIAP, or any substitute plans adopted prior to the RAI change in control, unless an equitable arrangement (embodied in an ongoing substitute or alternative plan providing the executive officer with substantially similar benefits) has been made with respect to such plan in connection with the RAI change in control or (2) continue the executive officer’s participation in any such compensation plan on substantially the same basis, both in terms of the amount of benefits provided and the level of participation relative to other participants, as existed at the time of the RAI change in control;

 

    the taking of any action that would (1) directly or indirectly materially reduce any benefits to be provided to the executive officer under RAI’s retirement or savings plans (unless the reduction is required by law) or (2) deprive the executive officer of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by such executive officer at the time of the RAI change in control;

 

    the failure to provide the executive officer with the number of paid vacation days the executive officer was entitled to at the time of the RAI change in control;

 

    any material breach by RAI or its affiliates of any provision of the severance agreement or any other contractual arrangement the executive officer has with RAI or its affiliates; or

 

    requiring the executive officer to become based at any office or location more than the minimum number of miles required by the Code for the executive officer to claim a moving expense deduction, from the office or location at which the executive officer was based immediately prior to the RAI change in control, except for reasonably required travel in the performance of the executive officer’s responsibilities.

 

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Reynolds American Inc. Executive Severance Plan

Certain of RAI’s executive officers, including Ms. Crew and Mr. Fragnito, participate in the ESP. Under the ESP, severance benefits are provided in the event of a qualifying termination, which includes a termination of employment without cause or a termination of employment with “change in control good reason” (as defined below), in either case during the 24-month period following an RAI change in control, or a termination of employment without cause during the 12-month period prior to an RAI change in control. The ESP also provides severance benefits upon a termination of employment without cause or a termination of employment with “general good reason” (as defined in the ESP) outside of the context of an RAI change in control. Under the ESP, in the event of a qualifying termination in connection with an RAI change in control, such as the merger, compensation and benefits payable to an executive officer covered by the ESP include:

 

    a lump sum cash payment equal to the executive officer’s unpaid base salary, unreimbursed business expenses and all other items earned and owed to the executive officer through and including the date of the qualifying termination (such payment is in full satisfaction of the amount owed to the executive officer for these amounts);

 

    a lump sum cash payment equal to the unpaid, accrued vacation pay owed to the executive officer through and including the date of the qualifying termination (such payment is in full satisfaction of the amount owed to the executive officer for these amounts);

 

    a lump sum cash payment equal to any unpaid amount payable to the executive officer under the AIAP then in effect in respect of the most recently completed fiscal year (such payment is in full satisfaction of the amount owed to the executive officer under the AIAP for the most recently completed fiscal year);

 

    a lump sum cash severance amount equal to (1) with respect to an executive officer who is a “tier I executive” (as such term is defined in the ESP and includes Ms. Crew), three times; or (2) with respect to an executive officer who is a “tier II executive” (as such term is defined in the ESP and includes Mr. Fragnito and all other executive officers that participate in the ESP), two times, the sum of: (a) the executive officer’s base salary in effect upon the date of the qualifying termination, or, if greater, the executive officer’s base salary in effect on the date immediately prior to the date of the RAI change in control plus, (b) the executive officer’s target bonus opportunity, established under the AIAP, in effect for the bonus plan year in which the qualifying termination occurs, or if greater, the executive officer’s target bonus opportunity in effect prior to the occurrence of the RAI change in control;

 

    a lump sum cash payment equal to the annual bonus the executive officer would have received under the AIAP for the year in which the qualifying termination occurs, determined based on actual performance achieved under such AIAP for such plan year and pro-rated to reflect the number of months, rounded up to the nearest whole month, the executive officer was employed during such plan year (such payment is in full satisfaction of the amount owed to the executive officer under the AIAP, and has been reflected above under the heading “— Treatment of Bonuses Under Annual Incentive Award Program ”);

 

    continuation of coverage for the executive officer (and the executive officer’s eligible dependents) under RAI’s medical benefit plan for a period of up to six months from the date of the qualifying termination at the same cost structure as active employees; and

 

    if the executive officer participated in RAI’s voluntary, employee pay-all plans on the date of the qualifying termination, continued participation in such plans.

The receipt of the above compensation and benefits is conditioned upon the executive officer’s execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims and the execution of a restrictive covenant agreement or a written affirmation of the executive officer’s obligations under any restrictive covenant agreement to which the executive officer is already a party.

 

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With respect to each executive officer who was eligible to participate in the ESP as a tier I executive or tier II executive as of the close of business on January 31, 2009, which does not include any of the named executive officers, in the event that any payments and/or benefits to such executive officer are subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, RAI will provide the executive officer an additional payment equal, on an after-tax basis, to the amount of any excise tax (including interest and penalties) imposed as a result of such payments and/or benefits. This additional payment will only be made if the total amount of “parachute payments,” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, exceeds 110% of the amount an executive officer would be entitled to receive without being subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any similar state or local law. For each executive officer who is not eligible for the additional payment, the amount of any payments and/or benefits that constitute “parachute payments” will be reduced to the maximum amount that would not trigger any excise taxes, if such reduction would result in a greater net-after-tax amount received by such executive officer.

For purposes of the ESP, “change in control good reason” means the occurrence of any one of the following after an RAI change in control, such as the merger:

 

    only with respect to tier I executives and tier II executives, a material reduction of authorities, duties, or responsibilities from those in effect 90 calendar days prior to the RAI change in control, other than an inadvertent reduction that is remedied; provided, however, that any change in reporting relationship, title or de minimis reduction in authorities, duties or responsibilities merely resulting from the acquisition of the “participating company” (as such term is defined in the ESP) and its existence as a subsidiary or division of another entity will not be sufficient to constitute change in control good reason;

 

    requiring an executive officer to become based at a location more than the minimum number of miles required by the Code for the executive officer to claim a moving expense deduction, from the office or principal job location at which the executive officer was based immediately prior to the RAI change in control, except for required travel substantially consistent with the executive officer’s then-present business travel obligations; provided that the repatriation of an executive officer following the termination of an expatriate assignment will not constitute change in control good reason;

 

    a reduction in an executive officer’s base salary, target annual bonus opportunity or target annual long-term incentive opportunity (as determined by a third-party compensation firm chosen by RAI and using generally accepted valuation methodologies), in each case as compared to the value of each in effect on the date of the RAI change in control;

 

    a reduction in aggregate employee benefits provided to an executive officer as compared to the value of aggregate employee benefits provided as of the date of the RAI change in control, except for across-the-board reductions generally applicable to all executive officers;

 

    failure of RAI to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to RAI to assume and agree to perform RAI’s obligations under the ESP; and

 

    a material breach of the ESP by a participating company which is not remedied within 10 business days of receipt of written notice of the breach delivered by an executive officer.

For an estimate of the value of the payments and benefits described above that could become payable to RAI’s named executive officers under a severance agreement or the ESP, as applicable, please see the information contained in the table under the heading “— Quantification of RAI Change in Control and Termination Payments and Benefits to RAI’s Named Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, and the related footnotes. The estimated aggregate value of such payments and benefits that could become payable to RAI’s other executive officers as a group, under a severance agreement or the ESP, as applicable, is approximately $25,683,648, based on the same assumptions described in the table and related footnotes under the heading “— Quantification of RAI Change in Control and Termination Payments and Benefits to RAI’s Named Executive Officers .”

 

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Other Compensation Actions

RAI approved increases to the base salaries of certain of the named executive officers and executive officers, which became effective on April 1, 2017, as follows: Ms. Crew—$1,141,300 (representing an increase of $41,300); Mr. Gilchrist—$748,400 (representing an increase of $21,800); and Mr. Holton—$654,200 (representing an increase of $19,058). The base salaries of RAI’s other executive officers as a group increased in an aggregate amount equal to $116,097. Such increases are reflected in the value of the severance payments contained in the table under the heading “— Quantification of RAI Change in Control and Termination Payments and Benefits to RAI’s Named Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus or in the aggregate severance amount for RAI’s other executive officers as a group under the heading “— RAI Change in Control and Termination Benefits .”

RAI and BAT have agreed that RAI may enter into retention awards with certain of its executive officers, with such terms as may be determined prior to the completion of the merger. RAI and BAT have agreed that the aggregate amount of such retention awards will not exceed $30 million.

Indemnification and Insurance

Under the terms of the merger agreement, RAI as the surviving corporation has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all current or former directors and officers of RAI and any subsidiary of RAI, and all fiduciaries under any benefit plan of RAI, each referred to as an indemnified party, against costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and disbursements), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities to the extent related to any claim or action or proceeding arising out of or pertaining to the fact that the indemnified party is or was a director or officer of the RAI Group or a fiduciary under any benefit plan of RAI or is or was serving at the request of the RAI Group as a director or officer of any business or non-profit enterprise, and to advance expenses to such indemnified parties in connection with an indemnifiable action or proceeding, as long as the indemnified party undertakes to reimburse RAI for all amounts so advanced if a court of competent jurisdiction determines by a final, nonappealable judgment that such indemnified party is not entitled to indemnification. The merger agreement also provides that BAT will cause RAI as the surviving corporation to honor all obligations of the RAI Group to indemnify (including any obligations to advance funds for expenses) each indemnified party and each past and present employee of the RAI Group for acts or omissions by such persons occurring prior to the completion of the merger to the extent that such obligations of RAI exist on the date of the merger agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

RAI may in its discretion purchase a “tail” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy for claims arising from facts or events prior to or at the completion of the merger and covering the six-year period following the completion of the merger. The cost of such “tail” policy will not, without BAT’s consent, exceed 300% of RAI’s annual premiums paid for such insurance as of the date of the merger agreement, referred to as the maximum premium. If RAI declines to purchase such a “tail” policy, the merger agreement requires BAT to purchase a “tail” policy or to maintain, for a period of six years following the completion of the merger, the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by RAI as of the date of the merger agreement (or substitute policies with reputable and financially sound carriers of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions no less advantageous), subject to certain exceptions if the cost of the “tail” policy or the annual premium for such other policy would exceed the maximum premium.

Quantification of RAI Change in Control and Termination Payments and Benefits to RAI’s Named Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the information required by Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K regarding the compensation for RAI’s named executive officers (as identified in accordance with SEC regulations) based on the merger, assuming that the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 (the latest practicable date,

 

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determined pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K) and RAI’s named executive officers experienced a qualifying termination and a vesting termination on such date, referred to as a “double-trigger” event.

Golden Parachute Compensation—RAI

 

Named Executive Officer

  Cash (1)     Equity /
Performance
Awards (2)
    Pension /
NQDC (3)
    Perquisites /
Benefits (4)
    Tax
Reimbursement (5)
    Total (6)  

Susan M. Cameron (7)

    —         —         —         —         —         —    

Debra A. Crew

  $ 9,663,007     $ 15,602,179       —       $ 4,968       —       $     25,270,154  

Andrew D. Gilchrist

  $ 3,395,865     $ 8,730,394     $ 1,044,105     $ 137,371     $     5,668,890     $ 18,976,625  

Martin L. Holton III

  $ 2,889,383     $ 5,785,245     $ 1,474,775     $ 138,097       —       $ 10,287,500  

Joseph P. Fragnito

  $ 2,208,333     $ 3,901,770       —       $ 7,116       —       $ 6,117,219  

Jeffery S. Gentry (8)

    —       $ 2,498,272       —         —         —       $ 2,498,272  

 

(1) Other than for Ms. Cameron and Dr. Gentry, the amounts in this column equal the “double-trigger” lump sum cash severance payment provided to the named executive officer under the terms of a severance agreement and the AIAP or the ESP, as applicable.

 

     Each of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton has entered into a severance agreement with RAI. Under each severance agreement, the “double-trigger” lump sum cash severance payment equals two times the sum of the executive officer’s annual base salary and target annual bonus. In addition, under the AIAP, each of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton would be entitled to a “double-trigger” pro rata payment in an amount equal to the annual bonus that the executive officer would have received for the year of termination based on actual performance (which for purposes of the table above, assumes performance at target). As described above under “— Other Compensation Actions ,” RAI approved an increase to the base salary of each of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton, which became effective on April 1, 2017. The amounts in this column reflect the impact of such base salary increases.

 

     Ms. Crew and Mr. Fragnito are participants in the ESP. Under the ESP, the “double-trigger” lump sum cash severance payment equals the sum of (a) three times (with respect to Ms. Crew) and two times (with respect to Mr. Fragnito) the sum of the executive officer’s base salary and target annual bonus and (b) a pro rata payment in an amount equal to the annual bonus that the executive officer would have received for the year of termination based on actual performance (which for purposes of the table above, assumes performance at target). As described above under “— Other Compensation Actions ,” RAI approved an increase to the base salary of Ms. Crew, which became effective on April 1, 2017. The amount in this column reflects the impact of such base salary increase.

 

     Receipt of a named executive officer’s severance benefits as described above under a severance agreement or the ESP, as applicable, are conditioned on the execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims and compliance with certain restrictive covenants.

 

(2)

Except as otherwise described in this footnote (2), the amounts in this column equal the value of (a) the cash-out RSUs, the vesting of which accelerate (on a pro-rated basis through the completion of the merger with respect to the cash-out RSUs granted in 2015, and in full with respect to the cash-out RSUs granted in 2016) on a “single-trigger” basis solely as a result of the completion of the merger (and regardless of whether the executive’s employment terminates) and (b) the value of the rollover RSUs, the vesting of which accelerate on a “double-trigger” basis as a result of a vesting termination, in each case which value is based on the merger consideration. For purposes of calculating the value of the BAT ADSs, the average per share closing price of the BAT ADSs over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger agreement, which occurred on January 17, 2017, is used, resulting in a value (rounded to the nearest cent) of $60.31 (with the unrounded value used for purposes of the values above), plus accrued dividend equivalents. If the value of the RAI equity-based awards was based on the average closing price of a share of RAI common stock over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger, which occurred on January 17, 2017, the value of a share of RAI common

 

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  stock would be $58.66 (rounded to the nearest cent and based on the closing prices on January 18, 2017, January 19, 2017, January 20, 2017, January 23, 2017 and January 24, 2017). With respect to cash-out RSUs and rollover RSUs that are RAI performance shares, the number of shares of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSUs and rollover RSUs has been determined in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements, based on the actual achievement of the applicable performance goals for completed fiscal years in the performance period and assuming performance at 100% of target for incomplete fiscal years in the performance period.

 

     For additional disclosure related to the amounts disclosed in this column, including the value of single-trigger and double-trigger payments, see the information contained under the heading “ —Treatment of Equity Awards ” above.

 

(3) The amounts in this column equal the “double-trigger” incremental benefits that would have been earned under RAI’s defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans had Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton continued to participate in such plans during the three-year period following their termination. Under the severance agreements, the “double-trigger” incremental benefits in respect of RAI’s defined benefit and/or defined contribution plans provided to Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton equal the sum of (a) the matching contributions and/or retirement enhancement contributions (if any) that would have been contributed by RAI on behalf of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton, calculated assuming (i) the executive officer had continued employment for three years following the date of termination, (ii) the executive officer’s base pay and target bonus remained at the level in effect as of the date of the termination and (iii) the executive officer would have been entitled to the maximum matching contribution for three years following the date of termination and (b) an additional pension benefit calculated assuming the executive officer had remained employed for three years following the date of termination and the executive officer’s base pay and target bonus remained at the level in effect as of the date of termination.

 

(4) The amounts in this column equal the following “double trigger” benefits: (a) the healthcare, life insurance and excess liability insurance premiums which would be paid by RAI on behalf of each of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton during the severance period, and with respect to Ms. Crew and Mr. Fragnito, the healthcare premiums which would be paid by RAI for six months following the date of termination, (b) contributions by RAI for the benefit of each of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton to RAI’s postretirement health-savings account program (RAI’s MedSave plan), and (c) an amount equal to three years of financial planning allowance payments on behalf of each of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton (which constitutes the annual supplemental payment under each of their severance agreements). The severance agreements with each of Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton also provide that if the executive’s employment is terminated without cause following an RAI change in control, RAI will pay all non-frivolous legal and accounting fees incurred as a result of such termination; however, for purposes of the table above, no amount has been attributed to such benefit.

 

(5) The amounts in this column equal the payment to which Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton would be entitled in respect of the excise tax that would be imposed on the executive by virtue of the executive’s receipt of an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code. Such additional payment is equal, on an after-tax basis, to the amount of the excise tax (including interest and penalties, if any) imposed.

 

(6) This amount includes the aggregate dollar value of the sum of all amounts reported in the preceding columns.

 

(7) Ms. Cameron was a named executive officer with respect to fiscal year 2016, and as such is included in the table set forth above. Following Ms. Cameron’s termination of employment as of April 30, 2017, she is no longer a participant in the AIAP and no longer holds any single-trigger or double-trigger equity awards. Ms. Cameron does hold RAI DSUs related to her service on the RAI board of directors in 2013 and 2014 prior to her re-appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of RAI; however, such RAI DSUs are not reflected in the table above because such awards are already vested. Information related to Ms. Cameron’s ownership of RAI DSUs is described above under “— Treatment of RAI DSUs .”

 

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(8) Dr. Gentry was a named executive officer with respect to fiscal year 2016, and as such is included in the table set forth above. Dr. Gentry’s employment terminated on April 30, 2016, and in connection with his termination, he received certain payments pursuant to a severance agreement with RAI. Such severance agreement is no longer in effect and, as a result Dr. Gentry would not be entitled to any additional payments under such severance agreement.

Narrative to Golden Parachute Compensation Table

The tabular disclosure set forth above assumes that (1) each of the RAI named executive officers (other than Ms. Cameron, whose employment terminated April 30, 2017, and Dr. Gentry, whose employment terminated on April 30, 2016) experiences a qualifying termination (as defined in the applicable severance arrangement described above under “— RAI Change in Control and Termination Benefits ”) and is entitled to severance payments and benefits under a severance agreement or the ESP, as applicable, as of May 5, 2017 (the latest practicable date, determined pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K), (2) each of the RAI named executive officers (other than Ms. Cameron and Dr. Gentry) experiences a vesting termination (as defined above under “— Treatment of Equity Awards ”) and is entitled to vesting and payment in respect of all rollover RSUs as of May 5, 2017 in accordance with their terms, assuming performance at target levels for any rollover RSUs that are RAI performance shares, and (3) each of the RAI named executive officers on such date becomes entitled to accelerated vesting and payment in respect of all cash-out RSUs held by such named executive officer as of May 5, 2017, in accordance with their terms and the merger agreement, regardless of whether the named executive officer’s employment is terminated, with vesting of any cash-out RSUs that are also RAI performance shares based on 118% of target if granted in 2015 and 104% of target if granted in 2016. The tabular disclosure set forth above assumes the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 and that the merger consideration (rounded to the nearest cent) equals $60.31 (with the unrounded value used for purposes of the values shown above) per share of RAI common stock. For purposes of calculating the stock portion of the merger consideration, the value of a BAT ADS was determined based on the average per share closing price of BAT ADSs over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger, which occurred on January 17, 2017 (based on the closing prices on January 18, 2017, January 19, 2017, January 20, 2017, January 23, 2017 and January 24, 2017, $117.39 (rounded to the nearest cent)). As of the date of the merger agreement, one BAT ADS represented two BAT ordinary shares. On February 14, 2017, the BAT ADS ratio change resulted in each BAT ADS representing one BAT ordinary share. If the value of the RAI equity-based awards was based on the average closing price of a share of RAI common stock over the first five business days following the first public announcement of the merger, which occurred on January 17, 2017, the value of a share of RAI common stock would be $58.66 (rounded to the nearest cent and based on the closing prices on January 18, 2017, January 19, 2017, January 20, 2017, January 23, 2017 and January 24, 2017). The tabular disclosure set forth above reflects the increases that RAI approved to the base salaries of Ms. Crew, Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Holton, which became effective on April 1, 2017.

Certain Relationships between BAT and RAI

In July 2004, the U.S. assets, liabilities and operations, other than certain specified assets and liabilities, of BAT’s wholly owned subsidiary, B&W, were combined with RJR Tobacco Company. RAI was previously formed as a new holding company for these combined businesses, and B&W acquired beneficial ownership of approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock.

In connection with the B&W business combination, RAI, B&W and BAT entered into the governance agreement, which sets forth the parties’ agreement regarding various aspects of the governance of RAI, including B&W’s right to designate for nomination to the RAI board of directors five directors, at least three of whom are required to be independent directors and two of whom may be executive officers of BAT or any of its subsidiaries. See The Governance Agreement beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI paid BAT an aggregate of $275,830 during the first three months of 2017, in consideration for the services of Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander as directors of RAI.

 

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RAI paid BAT an aggregate of $904,148 during 2016 in consideration for the services of Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander as directors of RAI. In addition, at the direction of BAT, RAI paid John Daly the sum of $45,596 during 2016, in consideration for his service as a director of RAI.

RAI paid BAT an aggregate of $369,004 during 2015 in consideration for the services of Mr. Oberlander as a director of RAI. In addition, at the direction of BAT, RAI paid Mr. Daly the sum of $369,004 during 2015, in consideration for his service as a director of RAI after his retirement from BAT.

RAI paid BAT an aggregate of $388,101 during 2014 in consideration for the services of Mr. Oberlander and Mr. Daly (for his service prior to his retirement from BAT in April 2014) and Neil R. Withington as directors of RAI. In addition, at the direction of BAT, RAI paid Mr. Daly the sum of $224,771 during 2014, in consideration for his service as a director of RAI after his retirement from BAT.

In connection with the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco Company agreed to indemnify B&W and its affiliates for, among other things, certain liabilities arising out of the U.S. cigarette and tobacco business of B&W, including certain litigation liabilities. Any indemnification obligations B&W or RJR Tobacco Company have to the other would rank equally in right of payment with all of such party’s existing and future senior unsecured debt. The indemnities are of perpetual duration and will not be affected by the merger. As a result of this indemnity, RJR Tobacco Company has assumed the defense of pending B&W-specific tobacco-related litigation, has paid the judgments and costs related to certain pre-B&W business combination tobacco-related litigation of B&W, and has posted bonds on behalf of B&W, where necessary, in connection with cases decided since the B&W business combination. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, RJR Tobacco Company paid no reimbursements to the BAT Group in connection with this indemnity.

In connection with the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco Company entered into contract manufacturing agreements with two subsidiaries of BAT—BATUS Japan, Inc., referred to as BATUSJ, and B.A.T. (U.K. & Export) Limited, referred to as BATUKE.

Under the 2004 agreement with BATUKE, RJR Tobacco Company was appointed the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of all American-blend cigarettes which any BAT Customer (as defined in the agreement) chooses to manufacture in the United States, its territories and military installations. There were no sales by RJR Tobacco Company to BATUKE under such agreement during 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Under the 2004 agreement with BATUSJ, as superseded and amended through May 2015, RJR Tobacco Company was BATUSJ’s exclusive manufacturer of all of BATUSJ’s requirements for certain American-blend cigarettes intended to be sold and distributed in Japan. In May 2015, RJR Tobacco Company, BATUKE and BATUSJ entered into a restated and revised American-blend cigarette manufacturing agreement, referred to as the 2015 Agreement, modifying the prior contract manufacturing agreement between RJR Tobacco Company and BATUSJ. Generally, under the 2015 Agreement, BATUKE agreed to assume BATUSJ’s obligations under the prior agreement. On January 4, 2016, RJR Tobacco Company received written notice from BATUKE, in accordance with the terms of the 2015 Agreement, terminating the 2015 Agreement effective January 5, 2019. In July 2016, RJR Tobacco Company and BATUKE further amended the 2015 Agreement. Under such amendment, among other things, RJR Tobacco Company agreed to (1) permit an early transition of the cigarette production covered by the agreement to BAT Group facilities over several months beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, and (2) provide contingent manufacturing capacity to BATUKE through December 31, 2018. In addition, under such amendment, BATUKE agreed to make certain payments to RJR Tobacco Company, including an aggregate payment of $89.6 million, payable in two installments—a payment of $7.4 million received in September 2016 and a payment of $82.2 million received in March 2017, and to purchase related leaf tobacco both held by and committed to be purchased by RJR Tobacco. At March 31, 2017, under the terms of the amendment, BATUKE had a requirement to purchase $62.8 million in leaf tobacco, none of which (including that portion of the purchase price that was paid by BATUKE in the first quarter of 2017) was recorded as sales in the RAI Group’s unaudited consolidated financial statements, but will be recognized as sales when the leaf tobacco is shipped to

 

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BATUKE. Sales by RJR Tobacco Company to the BAT Group pursuant to the cigarette manufacturing agreements described in this paragraph during the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $26.0 million, $188.2 million, $229.3 million and $254.4 million, respectively. Net sales to the BAT Group, primarily cigarettes, represented approximately 1% and 2% of RAI’s total net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

During the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the BAT Group purchased tobacco leaf from RJR Tobacco Company in the amount of $11.6 million, $38.1 million, $29.2 million and $56.8 million, respectively. Also, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the BAT Group had agreed to purchase additional tobacco leaf from RJR Tobacco Company in the amount of $19.3 million and $25.5 million, respectively, none of which (including that portion of the purchase price that was paid by the BAT Group in 2016) was recorded as sales in RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements, but will be recognized as sales when the product is shipped to the BAT Group. In addition, during the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, the BAT Group purchased from RJR Tobacco Company expanded tobacco and re-constituted tobacco, and other tobacco products, in the amount of $273,000, $18,000, $54,000 and $97,000, respectively.

RJR Tobacco Company and a member of the BAT Group are also parties to a technology sharing and development services agreement, which was entered into in July 2004. Pursuant to this agreement, each party may license or otherwise transfer rights to the other in its respective technologies, and may pursue joint technology projects with the other party. Each party or its respective affiliates also may provide certain contract services to the other party or its affiliates. Unless earlier terminated as provided therein, the technology sharing and development services agreement automatically renews for additional one-year periods each December 31 unless one of the parties provides a notice of non-renewal at least 12 months prior to the December 31 date on which termination is to become effective. During the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, RJR Tobacco Company billed the BAT Group $103,000, $1.3 million, $3 million and $3.7 million and the BAT Group billed RJR Tobacco Company approximately $nil, $53,000, $31,000 and $254,000, respectively, pursuant to such agreement. In the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, RJR Tobacco Company recorded royalty income of $13,000, $85,000, $30,000 and $7.0 million, respectively, for the use of certain capsule technology by the BAT Group.

RJR Tobacco Company also purchases tobacco leaf and cigarettes from the BAT Group, and pays royalties to the BAT Group relating to the sale by RJR Tobacco Company of certain cigarette brands, including the DUNHILL brand, which RJR Tobacco Company licenses from the BAT Group, and the STATE EXPRESS 555 brand, which RJR Tobacco Company licenses from CTBAT, a joint venture between the BAT Group and CNTC. The parties entered into the agreements evidencing such arrangements, which have various expiration dates, following the consummation of the B&W business combination. During the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, RJR Tobacco Company recognized transactions with the BAT Group of $467,000, $14.6 million, $11.3 million and $22.5 million, respectively, pursuant to the foregoing arrangements. During the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, RJR Tobacco Company also paid the BAT Group $171,000, $6.1 million, $6.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for other purchases. In addition, as of the end of 2016, RJR Tobacco Company had $6.6 million in accounts payable to the BAT Group under such arrangements. During the first three months of 2017 and the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, American Snuff Company, LLC recorded leaf purchases from the BAT Group of $nil, $1.1 million, $1.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and in 2015, SFRTI recorded cigarette purchases from the BAT Group of $19.6 million. In January 2016, SFRTI paid a fee of $6.0 million to the BAT Group to amend a contract manufacturing agreement.

In December 2015, RJR Tobacco Company and Nicoventures Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of BAT, signed a definitive vapor technology-sharing and licensing agreement, providing a framework for collaboration and mutual cross-licensing of vapor product technologies through 2022. In 2016, RJR Tobacco Company recorded income of $171,000 associated with trade marketing services related to such agreement. In the first three months of 2017, RJR Tobacco Company did not record income associated with trade marketing services related to such agreement.

 

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From time to time, each of RJR Tobacco Company and the BAT Group has seconded certain of its employees to the other or a member of such entity’s group of companies in connection with particular assignments. During their service with the other entity or a member of such entity’s group of companies, the seconded employees continue to be paid by the original employer and participate in employee benefit plans sponsored by such employer. Each of RJR Tobacco Company and the BAT Group reimburses members of the other party’s group of companies for certain costs of the seconded employees’ compensation and benefits during the secondment period. For 2015 and 2014, RJR Tobacco Company billed the BAT Group $6,000 and $7,000, respectively, in connection with such secondment arrangements. In 2016 and in the first three months of 2017, RJR Tobacco Company did not bill the BAT Group for any costs pursuant to such secondment arrangements.

In connection with the share repurchase program authorized by the RAI board of directors in November 2011, RAI and B&W entered into an agreement, pursuant to which B&W agreed to participate in a new RAI share repurchase program on a basis approximately proportionate with B&W’s 42% ownership of RAI’s equity. During 2014, RAI repurchased 2,887,715 shares of RAI common stock from B&W for the aggregate amount of $155 million under such agreement. Such repurchase program concluded in May 2014.

In November 2011, RAI, BAT and B&W entered into Amendment No. 3 to the governance agreement pursuant to which, among other things, RAI agreed that if RAI issued shares of RAI common stock or any other RAI equity security to certain designated persons, including its directors, executive officers or employees (such as upon the vesting of performance shares or restricted stock units), then RAI would repurchase a number of shares of RAI common stock equal to the number of shares of RAI common stock issued so that the number of outstanding shares of RAI common stock is not increased, and the beneficial ownership interest of the BAT Group is not decreased, by such issuance after taking into account the repurchases. During 2014, RAI repurchased and canceled 946,252 shares of RAI common stock for the aggregate amount of $47.7 million pursuant to the governance agreement. During 2015, RAI repurchased and canceled 1,820,453 shares of RAI common stock for the aggregate amount of $82.0 million pursuant to the governance agreement. During 2016, RAI repurchased and canceled 1,817,846 shares of RAI common stock for the aggregate amount of $93 million pursuant to the governance agreement. During the first three months of 2017, RAI repurchased and canceled 396,062 shares of RAI common stock for $24 million in accordance with the governance agreement. For additional information regarding the total amount of securities purchased, the range of prices paid and the average purchase price paid by RAI for repurchases of RAI common stock for each quarter during the past two years, see “ Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management—Transactions in RAI Common Stock—Transactions in RAI Common Stock During the Past Two Years ” on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

In February 2017, RAI and BAT entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which BAT waived the requirement that the RAI share repurchases required to be made by RAI pursuant to Amendment No. 3 to the governance agreement be made within the time period set forth in that amendment, and permitted RAI to make the repurchases in a manner that qualifies for the affirmative defense and safe harbor provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, respectively. Pursuant to this letter agreement, BAT also waived compliance with the general prohibition on repurchases contained in the merger agreement to permit RAI to make these repurchases.

In July 2014, RAI and BAT entered into a Subscription and Support Agreement, referred to as the subscription agreement, in connection with the transactions related to RAI’s acquisition of Lorillard. In June 2015, concurrently with the completion of such acquisition and pursuant to the subscription agreement, BAT, indirectly (through Louisville) purchased, at a price of approximately $4.7 billion in the aggregate, 77,680,259 shares of RAI common stock (prior to giving effect to RAI’s two-for-one split of its common stock effected in August 2015), which was sufficient for the BAT Group to collectively maintain their approximate 42% beneficial ownership in RAI. In addition, BAT caused all shares of RAI common stock beneficially owned by the BAT Group to be voted in favor of the issuance of the additional shares of RAI common stock contemplated by both the RAI-Lorillard merger agreement and the subscription agreement.

 

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In July 2016, B&W, Louisville and RAI entered into a new share repurchase agreement, pursuant to which B&W and Louisville agreed to participate in RAI’s share repurchase program announced in July 2016 on a basis approximately proportionate with the 42% ownership of RAI’s equity by B&W and Louisville. During 2016, RAI repurchased 660,385 shares of RAI common stock from Louisville for the aggregate amount of $32 million. Subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement places restrictions on RAI’s ability to repurchase its common stock. As a result, RAI did not repurchase any shares under the share repurchase program during the first three months of 2017 and does not expect to make future repurchases under the share repurchase program while the merger agreement is in effect. See “ The Share Repurchase Agreement ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

See notes 11 and 27 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page FIN-[●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger

Pursuant to the merger agreement, BAT will take all actions necessary to cause three directors serving on the RAI board of directors (other than directors designated for nomination by B&W) immediately prior to completion of the merger to be appointed as members of the BAT board of directors upon completion of the merger. Such directors will be selected by BAT prior to the completion of the merger after consultation with the Transaction Committee.

Directors and Executive Officers of RAI Following the Merger

Upon the completion of the merger, the directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the directors of RAI and the officers of RAI immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the officers of RAI, both until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.

Information concerning the executive officers and the historical compensation paid by RAI to its directors and executive officers is contained in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 together with the Form 10-K/A that was filed with the SEC on March 20, 2017, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See also “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Merger Sub was incorporated on January 12, 2017 and the directors of Merger Sub did not receive compensation for their services as directors of Merger Sub in 2016. For information concerning the directors and historical compensation paid by BAT to its directors, see “ Other Important Information Regarding the Parties ” and “Business of BAT—Directors and Management Board—BAT ’s Remuneration Report 2016; BAT’s Remuneration Policy beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Regulatory Approvals for the Merger

Completion of the merger is conditioned upon the expiration or termination of the waiting period relating to the merger under the HSR Act and the earlier of the expiration of the waiting period required by the Japanese merger control regulations and the receipt of clearance from the Japan Fair Trade Commission.

U.S. Antitrust Filing

Pursuant to the requirements of the HSR Act, BAT and RAI filed Notification and Report Forms with respect to the merger with the FTC and DOJ on February 6, 2017 and requested early termination of the HSR Act waiting period. The applicable HSR Act waiting period for the merger expired on March 8, 2017.

 

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Japanese Antitrust Approval

On March 23, 2017, BAT and RAI filed notifications for the merger with the Japan Fair Trade Commission. Approval from the Japan Fair Trade Commission was received on April 4, 2017. As a result of the foregoing, the conditions related to antitrust approvals required as part of the closing conditions to the merger have now been satisfied.

Other Governmental Approvals

While not required for the completion of the merger, BAT and RAI have also made antitrust filings in Albania, India, Macedonia, Jersey and Serbia, and will make filings with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Antitrust clearances from each of Albania, India, Macedonia, Jersey and Serbia have been received. BAT and RAI do not contemplate making any other material governmental filings in relation to the merger. It is presently contemplated that if any such additional governmental approvals or actions are required, those approvals or actions will be sought. There can be no assurance, however, that any additional approvals or actions will be obtained.

Efforts to Obtain Regulatory Approvals

BAT and RAI have each agreed in the merger agreement to use their respective reasonable best efforts to complete and make effective the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as promptly as practicable, including to accomplish the following:

 

    the obtaining of all mandatory or appropriate nonactions and consents, waivers, approvals, licenses, permits, orders or authorizations from governmental entities, and the making of all mandatory or appropriate registrations and filings (including filings with governmental entities, if any) and the taking of all reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain a consent, waiver, approval, license, permit, order or authorization from, or to avoid any claim, suit, action, arbitration, inquiry, investigation or other proceeding of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial, arbitral or otherwise) by, any governmental entity;

 

    the obtaining of all mandatory or appropriate consents, waivers, approvals, licenses, permits, orders or authorizations from third parties (but neither BAT nor RAI is required or permitted to incur any significant expense or liability, enter into any significant new commitment or agreement or agree to any significant modification to any contractual arrangement to obtain any such consents, waivers, approvals, licenses, permits, orders or authorizations);

 

    the defending of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging the merger agreement or the completion of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order entered by any court or other governmental entity vacated or reversed; and

 

    the execution and delivery of any additional instruments mandatory or appropriate to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to fully carry out the purposes of the merger agreement.

In connection with the receipt of any necessary approvals or clearances of a governmental entity,

 

    BAT will not be required or authorized to dispose of any of its assets or to limit its freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses, or to consent to any disposition of RAI’s assets or limits on RAI’s freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses or any other antitrust restriction (as defined in the merger agreement), or to commit or agree to any of the foregoing regulatory requirements; and

 

   

RAI shall not commit or agree to any of the foregoing regulatory requirements, to obtain any consents, waivers, approvals, licenses, permits, orders or authorizations in connection with, or remove any

 

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impediments to the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement relating to any antitrust laws or to avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of, any injunction, temporary restraining order or other order in any claim, suit, action, arbitration, inquiry, investigation or other proceeding of any nature by or before any governmental entity relating to antitrust laws.

Additional information about each party’s commitments to take certain specified actions, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, in connection with obtaining regulatory approvals are described under “—Efforts to Complete the Merger” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

There can be no assurances as to the absence of any litigation challenging the regulatory approvals received. Subject to certain conditions described below, if the merger is not completed on or before December 31, 2017 or if a legal restraint preventing the completion of the merger becomes final and nonappealable, either BAT or RAI may terminate the merger agreement. See “The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following discussion summarizes material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders (as defined below) that hold RAI common stock, as well as material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of acquiring, owning and disposing of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs. This discussion does not address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction or under any U.S. federal laws other than those pertaining to income tax. This discussion is based upon the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code and court and administrative rulings and decisions, all as in effect on the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. These laws may change, possibly retroactively, and any change could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth in this discussion.

This discussion addresses only those U.S. holders of RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs who hold such equity interests as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. Further, this discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to U.S. holders in light of their particular circumstances or that may be applicable to them if they are subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, including, without limitation:

 

    a bank or other financial institution;

 

    a tax-exempt organization;

 

    an S corporation or other pass-through entity and an investor therein;

 

    an insurance company;

 

    a mutual fund;

 

    a regulated investment company or real estate investment trust;

 

    a dealer or broker in stocks and securities, or currencies;

 

    a trader in securities that elects mark-to-market treatment;

 

    a U.S. holder subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code;

 

    a U.S. holder that received RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs through the exercise of an employee stock option, pursuant to a tax qualified retirement plan or otherwise as compensation;

 

    a U.S. holder that is a tax-qualified retirement plan or a participant or a beneficiary under such a plan;

 

    a person that is not a U.S. holder (as defined below);

 

    a person that has a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

 

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    a U.S. holder of RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs that holds such equity interest as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion or other integrated transaction;

 

    a U.S. expatriate; or

 

    a U.S. holder that holds or has held 5% or more of RAI common stock.

The determination of the actual tax consequences to a U.S. holder will depend on the U.S. holder’s specific situation. U.S. holders of RAI common stock should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the merger in their particular circumstances, and U.S. holders of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, in each case, including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local, foreign or other tax laws and of changes in those laws.

For purposes of this discussion, the term U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs (as the case may be) that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

    an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

    a corporation, including any entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

    a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person; or

 

    an estate that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income regardless of its source.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences to a partner in an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that holds RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners in a partnership holding any such equity interest should consult their own tax advisors.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

The following summarizes material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger to U.S. holders of RAI common stock that exchange their RAI common stock for the merger consideration consisting of BAT ADSs and cash.

Consequences of the Merger Generally

The receipt of BAT ADSs and cash in exchange for RAI common stock in the merger generally will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. holder of RAI common stock that receives BAT ADSs and cash in the merger generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between (1) the sum of the fair market value of BAT ADSs and cash, including any cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs received in the merger, and (2) such holder’s adjusted tax basis in such holder’s RAI common stock exchanged therefor. Gain or loss and holding period will be determined separately for each block of RAI common stock (that is, shares acquired at the same cost in a single transaction) exchanged pursuant to the merger. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for such holder’s RAI common stock is more than one year at the time of the merger. Currently, long-term capital gain for non-corporate taxpayers is taxed at preferential U.S. federal income tax rates. If the U.S. holder has held such holder’s RAI common stock for one year or less at the time of the merger, any capital gain or loss will be short-term capital gain or loss. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations. A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in such holder’s BAT ADSs received in the merger will equal the fair market value of such ADSs at the completion of the merger, and the holder’s holding period for such ADSs will begin on the day after the merger.

 

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Dissenting Shareholders

A U.S. holder that asserts appraisal rights with respect to the merger will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the cash received via appraisal and such holder’s adjusted tax basis in such holder’s RAI common stock with respect to which the appraisal rights were asserted. This capital gain or loss will be long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the holder’s holding period for such holder’s RAI common stock with respect to which the appraisal rights were asserted, as described in the immediately preceding paragraph. For more details regarding appraisal rights with respect to the merger, see “ Appraisal Rights ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Additional Consequences

Additional U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger are described below under “ Medicare Net Investment Tax ,” “ Credits or Deductions for UK Taxes ” and “ Information Reporting and Backup Withholding .”

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Relating to the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of BAT Ordinary Shares or BAT ADSs

The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition by U.S. holders of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs. This discussion assumes that BAT is not, and will not become, a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as described below.

BAT ADSs

A U.S. holder of BAT ADSs, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying BAT ordinary shares that are represented by such BAT ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of BAT ordinary shares for or from BAT ADSs will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Taxation of Dividends

The gross amount of distributions on the BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs will be taxable as dividends to the extent paid out of BAT’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Such income will be includable in a U.S. holder’s gross income as ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. holder. Such dividends will be treated as foreign source income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.

With respect to non-corporate U.S. investors, certain dividends received from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of taxation. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the Treasury determines to be satisfactory for these purposes and that includes an exchange of information provision. The Treasury has determined that the treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom meets these requirements, and BAT believes that it is eligible for the benefits of the treaty. However, non-corporate holders that do not meet a minimum holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been met. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to their particular circumstances.

The amount of any dividend paid by BAT in pounds sterling (including any such amount in respect of BAT ADSs that is converted into U.S. dollars by the depositary bank) will equal the U.S. dollar value of the pounds

 

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sterling actually or constructively received, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the dividend is so received by the U.S. holder, regardless of whether the pounds sterling are converted into U.S. dollars. If the pounds sterling received as a dividend are converted into U.S. dollars on the date received, the U.S. holder generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency exchange gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the pounds sterling received as a dividend are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, the U.S. holder will have a basis in pounds sterling equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of pounds sterling will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. U.S. holders of BAT ADSs should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to the amount of any dividend paid by BAT in pounds sterling that is converted into U.S. dollars by the depositary bank.

To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds BAT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, the distribution will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the U.S. holder’s adjusted basis of the BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds the U.S. holder’s tax basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange, as described below. BAT does not expect to determine earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, notwithstanding the foregoing, U.S. holders should expect that distributions generally will be reported as dividend income for U.S. information reporting purposes.

Distributions by BAT of additional BAT ordinary shares (which may be distributed by the depositary bank to a holder of BAT ADSs in the form of BAT ADSs) to a U.S. holder that is made as part of a pro rata distribution to all holders of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs in respect of their BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, and for which there is no option to receive other property (not including BAT ADSs), generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. The basis of any new BAT ordinary shares (or BAT ADSs representing new BAT ordinary shares) so received will be determined by allocating the U.S. holder’s basis in the previously held BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs between the previously held BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs and the new BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, based on their relative fair market values on the date of distribution.

Passive Foreign Investment Company

A passive foreign investment company, referred to as a PFIC, is any foreign corporation if, after the application of certain “look-through” rules, (1) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income” as that term is defined in the relevant provisions of the Code, or (2) at least 50% of the average value of its assets produce “passive income” or are held for the production of “passive income.” The determination as to PFIC status is made annually.

BAT does not believe that it is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a PFIC, and BAT expects to operate in such a manner so as not to become a PFIC. If, however, BAT is or becomes a PFIC, U.S. holders could be subject to additional U.S. federal income taxes on gain recognized with respect to the BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs and on certain distributions, plus an interest charge on certain taxes treated as having been deferred under the PFIC rules. Non-corporate U.S. holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on any dividends received from BAT if it is a PFIC in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable year. BAT’s U.S. counsel expresses no opinion with respect to BAT’s PFIC status.

Taxation of Capital Gains

Upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, a U.S. holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized on the disposition and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs as determined in U.S. dollars. Such gain or loss generally will be U.S. source gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held the BAT ordinary shares

 

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or BAT ADSs for more than one year. Certain non-corporate U.S. holders may be eligible for preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax in respect of net long-term capital gains. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

The amount realized on a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of BAT ordinary shares for an amount in foreign currency will be the U.S. dollar value of that amount on the date of sale or disposition. On the settlement date, the U.S. holder will recognize U.S. source foreign currency exchange gain or loss (taxable as ordinary income or loss) equal to the difference (if any) between the U.S. dollar value of the amount received based on the exchange rates in effect on the date of sale, exchange or other disposition and the settlement date. However, in the case of BAT ordinary shares traded on an established securities market that are sold by a cash-basis U.S. holder (or an accrual-basis U.S. holder that so elects), the amount realized will be based on the exchange rate in effect on the settlement date for the sale, and no foreign currency exchange gain or loss will be recognized at that time.

A U.S. holder’s tax basis in BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs will generally equal the U.S. dollar cost of the BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs. The U.S. dollar cost of BAT ordinary shares purchased with foreign currency will generally be the U.S. dollar value of the purchase price on the date of purchase, or the settlement date for the purchase in the case of BAT ordinary shares traded on an established securities market that are purchased by a cash-basis U.S. holder (or an accrual-basis U.S. holder that so elects).

Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets

Individuals and certain entities that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of $50,000 are generally required to file information reports with respect to such assets with their U.S. federal income tax returns. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, higher threshold amounts may apply. Specified foreign financial assets include any financial accounts maintained by foreign financial institutions, as well as any of the following, but only if they are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions: (1) stocks and securities issued by non-U.S. persons, (2) financial instruments and contracts held for investment that have non-U.S. issuers or counterparties and (3) interests in non-U.S. entities. If a U.S. holder is subject to this information reporting regime, the failure to file information reports may subject the U.S. holder to penalties. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their obligations to file information reports with respect to BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs.

Medicare Net Investment Tax

Certain persons who are individuals (other than nonresident aliens), estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) their “net investment income” (in the case of individuals) or “undistributed net investment income” (in the case of estates and trusts) (which includes gain recognized in the merger and dividend income in respect of, and gain recognized on the disposition of, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs) for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of their modified adjusted gross income (in the case of individuals) or adjusted gross income (in the case of estates and trusts) for the taxable year over specified dollar amounts. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the applicability of this provision to their ownership of RAI common stock, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs.

Credits or Deductions for UK Taxes

As indicated under “— Material UK Tax Consequences ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, merger consideration, as well as dividends in respect of, and gains on the disposition of, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, may be subject to UK taxation in certain circumstances. A U.S. holder may be eligible to claim a credit or deduction in respect of UK taxes attributable to such income or gain for purposes of computing the U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. The U.S. foreign tax credit rules are complex, and U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits and the application of the U.S. foreign tax credit rules to their particular situation.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Information reporting and backup withholding may apply to payments of the merger consideration and dividend payments and proceeds from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. holder that (1) furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number, referred to as a TIN, certifies that such holder is not subject to backup withholding on Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or appropriate successor form) and otherwise complies with all applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules or (2) provides proof that such holder is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against a holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that such holder furnishes the required information to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner. The Internal Revenue Service may impose a penalty upon any taxpayer that fails to provide the correct TIN.

This summary of material U.S. federal income tax consequences is not tax advice. The determination of the actual tax consequences for a U.S. holder will depend on the U.S. holder’s specific situation. U.S. holders of RAI common stock should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of the merger in their particular circumstances, and U.S. holders of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, in each case, should consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, including the applicability and effect of the alternative minimum tax and any state, local, foreign or other tax laws and of changes in those laws.

Material UK Tax Consequences

The following paragraphs set out below summarize material aspects of the UK tax treatment of holders of RAI common stock (except the BAT Group) in respect of (i) the merger and (ii) their holdings of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs and do not purport to be either a complete analysis of all tax considerations relating to the merger or holding BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs or an analysis of the tax position of RAI or BAT. They are based on current UK legislation and what is understood to be current HM Revenue & Customs practice, both of which are subject to change, possibly with retrospective effect.

The comments are intended as a general guide and (otherwise than where expressly stated to the contrary) apply only to holders of RAI common stock who are resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom, who hold RAI common stock, and, following the merger, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs (other than under a personal equity plan or individual savings account) and who are the absolute beneficial owners of such shares. These comments do not deal with certain types of shareholders such as charities, dealers in securities, persons holding or acquiring shares in the course of a trade, persons who have or could be treated for tax purposes as having acquired their RAI common stock, and, following the merger, BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs by reason of their employment, collective investment schemes, persons subject to UK tax on the remittance basis and insurance companies. You are encouraged to consult an appropriate independent professional tax advisor with respect to your tax position.

Tax on Chargeable Gains as a Result of the Merger

Liability for UK tax on chargeable gains will depend on the individual circumstances of each shareholder.

UK Resident Individual Shareholders

In the absence of any available allowances and reliefs, a gain arising on the disposal of RAI common stock by a UK resident individual will be taxed at the rate of 10% except to the extent that the gain, when it is added to such shareholder’s other taxable income and gains in excess of the personal allowance in the relevant tax year, exceeds the upper limit of the basic rate income tax band (£32,000 for the tax year ending April 5, 2017 and £33,500 for the tax year ending April 5, 2018), in which case it will be taxed at the rate of 20%.

 

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The capital gains tax annual exempt amount (£11,100 for the tax year ending April 5, 2017 and £11,300 for the tax year ending April 5, 2018) may be available to an individual shareholder to offset against chargeable gains realized on the disposal of such shareholder’s RAI common stock.

UK Resident Corporate Shareholders

For a shareholder that is a UK resident company, any gain on the disposal of its RAI common stock will be subject to corporation tax (at 20% for the tax year ending March 31, 2017 and 19% for the tax year ending March 31, 2018) in the absence of any available exemptions and reliefs.

Non-UK Resident Shareholders

Subject to the below, shareholders who are not resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes will not generally be subject to UK tax on chargeable gains, unless they carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom through a branch or agency or (in the case of a company) permanent establishment and the RAI common stock disposed of is used or held for the purposes of that branch, agency or permanent establishment.

A shareholder who is an individual, who has ceased to be resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom for a period of less than five years and who disposes of RAI common stock during that period may be liable for UK tax on capital gains (in the absence of any available exemptions or reliefs). If applicable, the tax charge will arise in the tax year that the individual returns to the United Kingdom.

Tax on Chargeable Gains as a Result of Disposals of BAT Ordinary Shares or BAT ADSs

Disposals of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs will be taxed on a similar basis to that set out above in relation to disposals by shareholders of their RAI common stock.

Tax on Dividends

BAT is not required to withhold UK tax when it pays a dividend.

The amount of any liability for UK tax on dividends paid by BAT will depend upon the individual circumstances of a shareholder.

UK Resident Individual Shareholders

Dividends received from BAT (whether directly or via the depositary bank) by a UK resident individual will form part of such shareholder’s total income for income tax purposes and will constitute the top slice of that income. A nil rate of income tax will apply to the first £5,000 of taxable dividend income received by the shareholder in a tax year. Where the dividend income is above the £5,000 dividend allowance, the first £5,000 of the dividend income will be charged at the nil rate and any excess amount will be taxed at the rate that would apply to that amount if the nil rate did not exist. The rates are 7.5% to the extent that the excess amount falls within the basic rate tax band, 32.5% to the extent that the excess amount falls within the higher rate tax band and 38.1% to the extent that the excess amount falls within the additional rate tax band.

The UK government announced on March 8, 2017 that it intends to reduce the dividend allowance from £5,000 to £2,000 from April 2018.

UK Resident Corporate Shareholders

UK resident corporate shareholders will not generally be subject to tax on dividends received from BAT as long as the dividends fall within an “exempt class” and certain other conditions are met. Examples of dividends

 

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that fall within an exempt class are dividends paid on shares that are “ordinary share capital” for UK tax purposes and are not redeemable and dividends paid to a person holding less than 10% of the issued share capital of the payer.

Non-UK Resident Shareholders

Non-UK resident individual shareholders will not be subject to UK tax on dividends received from BAT unless they are carrying on a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom and the dividends are either a receipt of that trade or, in the case of corporation tax, the BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs are held by or for a UK permanent establishment through which the trade is carried on.

Stamp Duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax, referred to as SDRT

Based on current published HM Revenue & Customs practice and recent case law, no SDRT should be payable, and no liability for stamp duty should arise, in respect of the issue of BAT ordinary shares to the depositary bank or the issue of BAT ADSs to holders of RAI common stock pursuant to the merger. Subsequent transfers of BAT ADSs should not be subject to SDRT or stamp duty provided that any instrument of transfer is executed and remains outside the United Kingdom and the transfer of an underlying BAT ordinary share to the BAT ADS holder in exchange for the cancellation of a BAT ADS should also not give rise to a stamp duty or SDRT charge.

Transfers of BAT ordinary shares outside of the depositary bank, including the repurchase of BAT ordinary shares by BAT, will generally be subject to stamp duty or SDRT at the rate of 0.5% of the amount or value of the consideration given, except as described above in connection with the cancellation of a BAT ADS. If BAT ordinary shares are redeposited into a clearance service or depositary system, the redeposit will attract stamp duty or SDRT at the higher rate of 1.5%.

The purchaser or the transferee of the BAT ordinary shares or ADSs will generally be responsible for paying any stamp duty or SDRT payable. Where stamp duty or SDRT is payable, it is payable regardless of the residence position of the purchaser.

Inheritance Tax

A gift or settlement of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs by, or on the death of, an individual shareholder may give rise to a liability to UK inheritance tax even if the shareholder is not a resident of or domiciled in the United Kingdom.

A charge to inheritance tax may arise in certain circumstances where BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs are held by close companies and trustees of settlements.

However, pursuant to the Estate and Gift Tax Treaty 1980, referred to as the Treaty, entered into between the United Kingdom and the United States, a gift or settlement of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs by shareholders who are domiciled in the United States for the purposes of the Treaty may be exempt from any liability to UK inheritance tax.

Accounting Treatment

The merger will be accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with IFRS under IFRS 3, Business Combinations, referred to as IFRS 3. IFRS requires that one of the two companies in the merger be designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes based on the evidence available. BAT will be treated as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes. In identifying BAT as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes, BAT and RAI took into account the relative voting rights of all equity

 

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instruments, the intended composition of the governing body and senior management of the combined company and the size of each of the companies. In assessing the size of each of the companies, BAT and RAI management evaluated various metrics, including, but not limited to, revenue, profit before taxation, total assets and market capitalization. No single factor was the sole determinant in the overall conclusion that BAT is the acquirer for accounting purposes; rather, all factors were considered in arriving at such conclusion. Accordingly, BAT will record assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed from RAI at their respective fair values at the date of completion of the merger. Any excess of the purchase price (as described under Note 4(b) under “ BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information—Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Informatio n ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus) over the net fair value of such assets and liabilities will be recorded as goodwill.

The financial condition and results of operations of BAT after completion of the merger will reflect RAI after completion of the merger, but will not be restated retroactively to reflect the historical financial condition or results of operations of RAI. The earnings of BAT following the completion of the merger will reflect acquisition accounting adjustments, including the effect of changes in the carrying value for assets and liabilities on depreciation expense, amortization expense and interest expense. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, including certain trademarks, and goodwill will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment at least annually, and all tangible and intangible assets including goodwill will be tested for impairment when certain indicators are present. If, in the future, BAT determines that tangible or intangible assets (including goodwill) are impaired, BAT would record an impairment charge at that time.

Exchange of Shares in the Merger

BAT has appointed the exchange agent to process the payment of the merger consideration, including the exchange of RAI common stock for BAT ADSs. Upon the completion of the merger, BAT, on behalf of BATUS, will deposit with or provide to, or cause to be deposited with or provided to, the exchange agent, in escrow for the benefit of the holders of shares of RAI common stock, the aggregate number of BAT ADSs (rounded up to the nearest whole number) to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration and BATUS will deposit with or provide to the exchange agent, in escrow for the benefit of the holders of shares of RAI common stock, an amount in cash in U.S. dollars required to be paid as the cash portion of the merger consideration.

Subject to the treatment of fractional BAT ADSs as described below, each share of RAI common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger (other than shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) automatically will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration without the need for any action by the holders of such stock.

As promptly as reasonably practicable after the completion of the merger, but in any event no later than three business days following completion of the merger, BAT and BATUS will cause the exchange agent to mail to each record holder of RAI common stock represented by a certificate as of the completion of the merger (1) a letter of transmittal specifying that delivery will be effected, and risk of loss and title to any certificates representing shares of RAI common stock will pass, only upon delivery of such certificates to the exchange agent and (2) instructions explaining the procedure for surrendering RAI stock certificates, if any, in exchange for the merger consideration, including cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs. As promptly as reasonably practicable after the completion of the merger, but in any event no later than five business days following the completion of the merger, BAT and BATUS will cause the exchange agent to mail to each record holder of RAI common stock held in book-entry form (1) a notice of the effectiveness of the merger, (2) a statement reflecting the whole number of BAT ADSs, if any, issued in the name of such record holder that such holder has the right to receive as merger consideration and (3) a check in an amount in cash, in U.S. dollars, that such holder has the right to receive as merger consideration, including cash payable in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs and dividends and other distributions payable (if any) (less any required tax withholding).

Holders of RAI common stock who hold all of their shares of RAI common stock in book-entry form will not be required to take any action to receive the merger consideration in respect of such shares. Holders of RAI

 

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common stock who hold all of their shares of RAI common stock in certificated form and holders of RAI common stock who hold their shares of RAI common stock in both certificated and book-entry forms will need to complete certain exchange procedures before receiving the merger consideration.

Until holders of certificates that previously represented shares of RAI common stock have surrendered their certificates to the exchange agent for exchange, those holders will not receive dividends or distributions declared or made with respect to BAT ADSs with a record date after the completion of the merger. However, upon the surrender of their certificates that previously represented shares of RAI common stock, such holders will receive the amount of dividends or other distributions (without interest and less any amount required for withholding) with respect to BAT ADSs theretofore paid with a record date after the completion of the merger.

No fractional BAT ADSs will be distributed as merger consideration. The exchange agent will aggregate the fractional BAT ADSs and arrange for their sale on the NYSE promptly after the merger. Holders of RAI common stock entitled to a fractional BAT ADS as part of the merger consideration will instead receive the net cash proceeds from such sale (after deduction of fees, taxes and expenses incurred in connection with their sale) in accordance with their fractional interests in the BAT ADSs so sold.

BAT and the exchange agent are entitled to deduct and withhold any applicable taxes from any merger consideration that would otherwise be payable.

After the completion of the merger, RAI will not register any transfers of the shares of RAI common stock.

Treatment of RAI Equity Awards

Cash-Out RSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive (1) the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSU, subject to applicable proration, and (2) cash for any accrued dividend equivalent right in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case less any required withholding taxes. If a cash-out RSU is also an RAI performance share, the number of shares of RAI common stock deemed subject to such cash-out RSU will be determined by the RAI board of directors (or a committee of the RAI board of directors) prior to the completion of the merger in accordance with the applicable award agreement and after reasonable consultation with BAT.

RAI DSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections. Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (1) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (2) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (3) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes. Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes.

Rollover RSUs

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding rollover RSU will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and

 

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with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (1) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (2) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution (each referred to as an adjusted RSU). Each adjusted RSU will be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions applicable to the related rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger, except that the form of payment upon vesting and settlement will be in BAT ADSs. If the rollover RSU was subject to performance-based vesting prior to the completion of the merger, then the adjusted RSU will continue to provide for performance-based vesting following the completion of the merger based on performance metrics agreed upon by BAT and RAI.

Dividends and Share Repurchases

BAT currently pays a regular interim and final cash dividend with respect to BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs. Beginning in 2018, BAT will pay four interim quarterly dividends with respect to BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs. Under the terms of the merger agreement, during the period before completion of the merger, without RAI’s prior consent, BAT will not declare, set aside or pay any dividend on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, shares or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its shares, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) BAT’s regular interim and final cash dividends with respect to BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs with amounts and declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with BAT’s currently announced dividend policy, subject to periodic increases and modifications as determined by the BAT board of directors in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and BAT’s publicly announced dividend policy and (2) dividends and distributions with record dates after the completion of the merger. Under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT can make quarterly dividend payments. Subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement prohibits BAT from repurchasing any shares or, voting securities of, or equity interests, in BAT or certain other securities of BAT.

On May 4, 2017, RAI declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.51 per share of RAI common stock. RAI intends to continue to pay dividends consistent with past practice and in accordance with RAI’s current dividend policy. Under the terms of the merger agreement, during the period before completion of the merger, without BAT’s prior consent, RAI will not, and will not permit any RAI subsidiary, to declare, set aside or pay any dividend on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) RAI’s regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.51 per share of RAI common stock with declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with RAI’s current dividend policy and (2) dividends and distributions by a subsidiary of RAI to its applicable parent. Subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement prohibits RAI from repurchasing shares of capital stock or voting securities of, or equity interests in, RAI or any of its subsidiaries or certain other securities of RAI or its subsidiaries. In February 2017, RAI and BAT entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which BAT waived the requirement that the RAI share repurchases required to be made by RAI pursuant to Amendment No. 3 to the governance agreement be made within the time period set forth in that amendment, and permitted RAI to make the repurchases in a manner that qualifies for the affirmative defense and safe harbor provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, respectively. Pursuant to this letter agreement, BAT also waived compliance with the general prohibition on repurchases contained in the merger agreement to permit RAI to make these repurchases.

Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock

Under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT is required to use its reasonable best efforts to cause (1) the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration to be approved for admission to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE, subject only to the issue of such BAT ordinary shares upon completion of the merger, and (2) the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration to

 

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be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, each prior to the completion of the merger. It is a condition to both parties’ obligations to complete the merger that such approvals are obtained. Accordingly, application will be made to have the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration approved for listing by the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities on the LSE and for the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration approved for listing on the NYSE. Application will also be made to have BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration to be listed on the JSE.

As a result of the registration of BAT’s ordinary shares with the SEC pursuant to the registration statement of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, BAT will become subject to the periodic reporting requirements under the Exchange Act and BAT’s ADR program, including the existing BAT ADSs issued as part of that program, will be automatically converted to a Level 3 ADR program upon completion of the merger with no action required by the holders of existing BAT ADSs. Following the completion of the merger, existing BAT ADSs will be fungible with the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration.

If the merger is completed, there will no longer be any publicly held shares of RAI common stock. Accordingly, RAI common stock will be delisted from the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act as soon as practicable following the completion of the merger, and RAI will no longer be required to file periodic reports with the SEC in respect of RAI common stock.

Periodic Reporting under United States Securities Laws

Under the Exchange Act, for so long as BAT continues to qualify as a foreign private issuer, BAT will be required to publicly file with the SEC an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of the financial year covered by the report. As a foreign private issuer, BAT will also be required to publicly furnish to the SEC current reports on Form 6-K promptly after the occurrence of specified significant events, including material information that it makes or is required to make public pursuant to English law, files or is required to file with any stock exchange on which BAT ordinary shares trade and which was made public by that exchange, or is otherwise distributed or required to be distributed to shareholders of BAT. As a foreign private issuer listed on the NYSE, BAT will also be required to submit semi-annual financial statements on Form 6-K to the SEC within six months of the end of the relevant second quarter.

If BAT no longer qualified as a foreign private issuer, BAT would be required to publicly file with the SEC an annual report on Form 10-K within 90, 75 or 60 days of the end of the financial year covered by the report, with the time period determined based on BAT’s aggregate worldwide market value, the period of time for which it has been subject to SEC reporting requirements and certain other factors. In addition, BAT would be required to publicly file with the SEC quarterly reports on Form 10-Q within 45 or 40 days (depending on the same factors) of the end of the applicable financial quarter. BAT would also be required to publicly file with the SEC current reports on Form 8-K typically within four business days after the occurrence of specified significant events, and under Regulation FD, BAT would be required to simultaneously or promptly make public disclosure of any material nonpublic information shared with securities market professionals or shareholders of BAT who are reasonably likely to trade on the basis of the information. Further, BAT would be subject to certain disclosure and procedural requirements applicable to proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and members of the BAT board of directors, the BAT Group management board and principal shareholders of BAT would be subject to the disclosure and other requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of their ownership of, and transactions in, BAT securities.

NYSE Rules

For so long as the BAT ADSs will be listed on the NYSE, BAT will be required to meet certain requirements relating to ongoing communication and disclosure to holders of BAT ADSs, including a requirement to make any annual report filed with the SEC simultaneously available on or through BAT’s website and to comply with the

 

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timely alert policy of the NYSE with respect to earnings and dividend announcements, combination transactions, tender offers, stock splits, major management changes and any substantive items of an unusual or non-recurrent nature. Subject to certain exceptions, the rules of the NYSE permit a foreign private issuer to follow its home country practice in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including, for example, certain board, committee and director independence requirements. Foreign private issuers are, however, required to comply with the audit committee independence requirements imposed by Section 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. BAT will be required to disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies under NYSE listing standards in its annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC or on its website.

Appraisal Rights

Under North Carolina law, holders of shares of RAI common stock on the RAI record date who (1) do not vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, (2) properly deliver notice of their intent to demand payment for their shares of RAI common stock and (3) otherwise comply with the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA will be entitled to seek appraisal for, and obtain payment in cash for the “fair value” of, their shares of RAI common stock (plus interest) in lieu of receiving the merger consideration if the merger is completed. These rights are occasionally referred to as appraisal rights in this proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, a participant in the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, with shares of RAI common stock considered allocated to such participant’s account under the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, who instructs the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to not vote the shares of RAI common stock that are considered allocated to such participant’s account in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, may further instruct the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to seek appraisal for, and obtain payment for, in compliance with Article 13 of the NCBCA, the “fair value” of the shares of RAI common stock that are considered allocated to such participant’s account under the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, (in either case, plus interest) in lieu of such shares receiving the merger consideration if the merger is completed. The relevant provisions of the NCBCA are attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus. You are encouraged to read these provisions carefully and in their entirety.

A shareholder who properly asserts appraisal rights has no assurance that such holder will receive an amount more than the merger consideration and, in fact, may receive an amount the same as or even less than the merger consideration. A beneficial owner may assert appraisal rights only if such beneficial owner also submits to RAI the record holder’s written consent to such assertion not later than the Demand Deadline and may assert appraisal rights only with respect to all shares of RAI common stock of which it is the beneficial owner.

To assist you in your determination of whether to assert your appraisal rights, copies of the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (together with the report of RAI’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding such statements) contained in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in RAI’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, are attached as Annex G and Annex H , respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Multiple steps must be taken to properly assert and perfect appraisal rights. Moreover, due to the complexity of the procedures for asserting the right to seek appraisal, shareholders who are considering asserting such rights are encouraged to seek the advice of legal counsel. Failure to comply strictly with these provisions may result in loss of the right of appraisal. Voting against or abstaining from voting on the proposal to approve the merger agreement is not enough to satisfy the requirements of the NCBCA. A shareholder must also comply with all of the conditions relating to the separate written notice of intent to assert appraisal rights with respect to the merger and the other requirements set forth in Article 13 of the NCBCA.

 

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Combined Company Headquarters

The headquarters of the combined company following the merger will be located in London, United Kingdom at BAT’s current headquarters.

Certain Effects of the Merger

If the merger agreement is approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote and the unaffiliated shareholder approval is received, and all other conditions to the completion of the merger are either satisfied or, to the extent legally permissible, waived, Merger Sub will merge with and into RAI. As a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT.

Upon the completion of the merger, each share of RAI common stock (other than shares owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) will be automatically converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest. No fractional BAT ADSs will be issued in the merger and RAI shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs. Each share of Series B preferred stock of RAI issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger, all of which are owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, will remain issued and outstanding as one share of Series B preferred stock of the surviving corporation.

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive (1) the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSU, subject to applicable proration, and (2) cash for any accrued dividend equivalent right in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case, less any required withholding taxes. If a cash-out RSU is also an RAI performance share, the number of shares of RAI common stock deemed subject to such cash-out RSU will be determined by the RAI board of directors (or a committee of the RAI board of directors) prior to the completion of the merger in accordance with the applicable award agreement and after reasonable consultation with BAT.

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections. Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (1) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (2) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (3) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes. Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes.

Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding rollover RSU will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (1) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (2) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution (each referred to as an adjusted RSU). Each adjusted RSU will be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions applicable to the related rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger, except that the form of payment upon vesting and settlement will be in BAT ADSs. If the rollover RSU was subject to performance-based vesting prior to the completion of the merger, then the adjusted RSU will continue to provide for performance-based vesting following the completion of the merger based on performance metrics agreed upon by BAT and RAI.

 

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A primary benefit of the merger to RAI shareholders will be the right of such shareholders to receive the merger consideration. Based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share of £47.63 and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate of 1.2056, in each case, on January 16, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT ordinary shares before the public announcement of the merger agreement, the merger consideration represented a premium of approximately 26% to the closing price of RAI common stock on October 20, 2016, the last trading day prior to BAT’s announcement of a proposal to merge with RAI. In addition to receiving the cash portion of the merger consideration, such shareholders will, after completion of the merger, participate and share in the potential future revenues of the combined company through their receipt of BAT ADSs.

The primary detriments of the merger to such shareholders include that the holders of shares of RAI common stock will only participate in the revenues or growth of RAI’s business to the extent of such shareholders’ ownership of BAT ADSs and will otherwise not benefit from any potential appreciation in RAI’s value in the future. Additionally, the receipt of the merger consideration in exchange for RAI common stock will be a taxable transaction to RAI shareholders that are U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Following completion of the merger, all of the equity interests in RAI will be owned by BAT. The primary benefit of the merger to BAT is that, after the merger, BAT will be the sole beneficiary of RAI’s future earnings and growth, if any. In addition, BAT will be the only party entitled to vote on corporate matters affecting RAI following the merger. Similarly, BAT will also bear the risks of ongoing operations, including the risks of any decrease in the value of RAI after the merger, which is the primary detriment of the merger to BAT.

RAI common stock is currently registered under the Exchange Act and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “RAI.” If the merger is completed, there will no longer be any publicly held shares of RAI common stock. Accordingly, RAI common stock will no longer be listed on the NYSE. In addition, registration of RAI common stock under the Exchange Act will be terminated and RAI will no longer file periodic reports with the SEC with respect to its common stock. Termination of registration of RAI common stock under the Exchange Act will reduce the information required to be furnished by RAI to its shareholders and the SEC, and would make certain provisions of the Exchange Act, such as the short-swing trading provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act and the requirement of furnishing a proxy statement in connection with shareholders’ meetings pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, no longer applicable to RAI. Following completion of the merger, BAT will become subject to the Exchange Act and the BAT ADSs issued to RAI shareholders as the stock portion of the merger consideration will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol “BTI.” See “— Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The RAI articles of incorporation as in effect immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the articles of incorporation of the surviving corporation until thereafter changed or amended. The bylaws of Merger Sub as in effect immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the bylaws of the surviving corporation until thereafter changed or amended, except that references to the name of Merger Sub shall be replaced by the name of the surviving corporation. The directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the directors of the surviving corporation and the officers of RAI immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the officers of the surviving corporation, both until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.

As of May 5, 2017, BAT beneficially owned 601,368,171 shares of RAI common stock, or approximately 42% of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock. Following completion of the merger, BAT will beneficially own 100% of RAI’s outstanding capital stock and will have a corresponding interest in RAI’s net book value and net earnings. Following completion of the merger, each BAT shareholder will have an interest in RAI’s net book value and net earnings in proportion to such shareholder’s ownership interest in BAT, as the combined company. The table below sets forth the direct and indirect interests in RAI’s net book value and net earnings of each of the following BAT entities prior to and immediately after the merger, based on the net book value of RAI at

 

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March 31, 2017 and at December 31, 2016 and net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

    Ownership of RAI Prior to the Merger     Ownership of RAI After the Merger  
    ($ in millions)     ($ in millions)  
    %
Ownership
    Net book
value at
March 31,
2017
    Net book
value at
December 31,
2016
    Net earnings
for the
quarter
ended
March 31,
2017
    Net earnings
for the year
ended
December 31,
2016
    %
Ownership
    Net book
value at
March 31,
2017(b)
    Net book
value at
December 31,
2016(b)
    Net earnings
for the
quarter
ended
March 31,
2017(b)
    Net earnings
for the year
ended
December 31,
2016(b)
 

BAT

    42.15 % (a)     $ 9,149     $ 9,151     $ 329     $ 2,560       100 % (a)     $ 21,706     $ 21,711     $ 780     $ 6,073  

Louisville

    10.84     2,353       2,353       85       658       0     —         —         —         —    

BATUS

    0     —         —         —         —         57.85     12,557       12,560       451       3,513  

B&W

    31.31     6,796       6,798       244       1,901       42.15     9,149       9,151       329       2,560  

Merger Sub

    0     —         —         —         —              (c)            (c)            (c)            (c)            (c)  

 

(a) Reflects shares beneficially owned by BAT.
(b) Amounts are derived from the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and do not reflect the application of acquisition accounting.
(c) Merger Sub’s separate corporate existence will cease as a result of the merger.

Plans for RAI after the Merger

Following the completion of the merger, it is anticipated that RAI will continue to conduct business substantially as it is being conducted, except that RAI will be operating as an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. Pursuant to the merger agreement, RAI will cooperate with BAT and use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable laws and the rules and requirements of the NYSE to cause the delisting of RAI common stock from the NYSE as promptly as practicable, and in any event no more than two business days, after the completion of the merger and the deregistration of RAI common stock under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable after such delisting. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, BAT has no current plans or proposals, and is not engaged in any negotiations, which relate to or would result in an extraordinary transaction involving the business or management of RAI or any of its subsidiaries, such as a merger, reorganization, liquidation, relocation of any operations, or sale or transfer of a material amount of assets, or the incurrence of any indebtedness (other than actions taken to treat legacy RAI and BAT indebtedness pari-passu), except as described in this proxy statement/prospectus. Following the merger, BAT will continuously evaluate and review the business and operations of the RAI Group and may propose or develop new plans and proposals which it considers to be in the best interests of BAT and its shareholders, including engaging in acquisitions of new businesses or assets or dispositions of existing businesses or assets, the movement of businesses or assets within the BAT corporate structure, the alteration of the mix of assets held by RAI, or any of the types of extraordinary transactions described above.

Merger Fees and Expenses

The estimated fees and expenses incurred or expected to be incurred by BAT, RAI and Merger Sub in connection with the merger are as follows:

 

     Total
($ in thousands)
 

Financial advisory and financing fees and expenses

     434,900  

Legal, accounting and other professional fees

     77,100  

Filing fees

     3,500  

Proxy solicitation, printing and mailing costs

     4,035  

Miscellaneous

     300  
  

 

 

 

Total

     519,800  
  

 

 

 

 

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Generally, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be paid by the party incurring such fees and expenses, whether or not the merger is completed. In certain circumstances, BAT or RAI may be required to pay a termination fee to the other party.

The estimate for legal fees set forth in the table above does not include any amounts attributable to any future litigation challenging the merger.

The RAI board of directors recommends that RAI

shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the merger agreement.

 

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RISK FACTORS

In deciding whether to vote for the approval of the merger agreement, you should carefully consider the following risk factors and all of the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, including but not limited to, the matters addressed in “ Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus and the matters discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, as updated from time to time in RAI’s subsequent filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The risks associated with the business of BAT are described under the caption “ Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the BAT Group and the Tobacco Industry ,” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Risk Factors Relating to the Merger

The merger is subject to a number of conditions to the obligations of both BAT and RAI to complete the merger, which, if not fulfilled, or not fulfilled in a timely manner, may result in termination of the merger agreement.

The merger agreement contains a number of conditions to completion of the merger, including:

 

    the approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of RAI entitled to vote as of the RAI record date (the Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote);

 

    receipt of the unaffiliated shareholder approval;

 

    receipt of the BAT shareholder approval;

 

    the approval for listing of the BAT ADSs issuable as the stock portion of the merger consideration on the NYSE (subject to official notice of issuance);

 

    the approval for admission of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE subject only to the issue of such BAT ordinary shares upon the completion of the merger;

 

    the absence of any legal restraints that prevent, make illegal or prohibit the completion of the merger or the issuance of the stock portion of the merger consideration;

 

    declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form F-4, of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, and the registration statement on Form F-6 relating to the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration (and the absence of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statements or any proceedings seeking such a stop order);

 

    the filing of the BAT prospectus and BAT circular with the UKLA, the approval of such prospectus and circular by the UKLA and the mailing of the BAT circular and the publishing of the BAT prospectus, in each case, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations;

 

    accuracy of the representations and warranties made in the merger agreement by the other party, subject to certain exceptions based on a material adverse change standard; and

 

    performance in all material respects by the other party of the obligations required to be performed by it at or prior to completion of the merger.

 

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BAT’s obligation to complete the merger is further subject to the condition that no legal restraint issued by a governmental entity under any antitrust laws be in effect that would result, directly or indirectly, in (1) any prohibition or limitation on the ownership or operation by RAI, BAT or their respective subsidiaries of any portion of the business, properties or assets of RAI, BAT or their respective subsidiaries, (2) RAI, BAT or their respective subsidiaries being compelled to dispose of or hold separate any portion of the business, properties or assets of RAI, BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries, (3) any prohibition or limitation on the ability of BAT to acquire or hold, or exercise full right of ownership of, any shares of the capital stock of RAI or its subsidiaries, including the right to vote such shares, or (4) any prohibition or limitation on BAT effectively controlling the business or operations of the RAI Group. For a more complete summary of the conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to completion of the merger, see “ The Merger Agreement—Conditions to the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Many of the conditions to completion of the merger are not within either BAT’s or RAI’s control, and neither company can predict when or if these conditions will be satisfied. If any of these conditions are not satisfied or waived prior to December 31, 2017, it is possible that the merger agreement may be terminated. Although BAT and RAI have agreed in the merger agreement to use their reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to complete the merger as promptly as practicable, the conditions to the completion of the merger may fail to be satisfied. In addition, satisfying the conditions to and completion of the merger may take longer, and could cost more, than BAT and RAI expect. Any delay in completing the merger may adversely affect the synergies and other benefits that BAT expects to achieve if the merger and the integration of the companies’ respective businesses are not completed within the expected timeframe. See “ The Merger Agreement—Conditions to the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of the conditions to completion of the merger, and “ The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of the rights of each of BAT and RAI to terminate the merger agreement.

BAT will be required to complete the merger whether or not financing is available and BAT may encounter difficulties or high costs associated with securing refinancing of debt incurred in connection with the merger.

The receipt of financing by BAT is not a condition to completion of the merger and, accordingly, BAT will be required to complete the merger (assuming that all of the conditions to its obligations to complete the merger are satisfied) whether or not the acquisition facility or other financing is available at all or on acceptable terms. In addition, the interest rate applicable to borrowings under the acquisition facility will be based on floating interest rates, which could fluctuate significantly over the term of the acquisition facility.

BAT has announced that, to the extent the acquisition facility is drawn to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration, it intends to refinance the loans under that facility through issuances of new bonds in due course. Further, BAT may decide to pursue financing that would replace or supplement financing available under the acquisition facility. In particular, the acquisition facility includes a $15.0 billion tranche which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 12 months after the earlier of (1) the date that the merger is completed and (2) the first business day falling six months after January 16, 2017 (the earlier of (1) and (2) being referred to as the start date), a $5.0 billion tranche which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 24 months after the start date, a $2.5 billion tranche which matures on the date falling 36 months after the start date and a $2.5 billion tranche which matures on the date falling 60 months after January 16, 2017. There is no guarantee that BAT would be able to replace, supplement or refinance the acquisition facility at all or on terms acceptable to BAT. The terms of any debt incurred to replace, supplement or refinance the acquisition facility may be materially worse than the terms of the acquisition facility. BAT’s ability to obtain financing to refinance the acquisition facility will be subject to various factors, including market conditions, operating performance and the BAT Group’s credit rating.

Following announcement of the merger, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services downgraded the long term rating of the BAT Group from A- to BBB+ and reaffirmed the A-2 short term rating of the BAT Group and

 

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Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the long term rating of the BAT Group from A3 to Baa2 and reaffirmed the P-2 short term rating of the BAT Group. Any impairment of BAT’s ability to obtain future financing on favorable terms, including as a result of a reduction of the BAT Group’s credit rating, could have an adverse effect on BAT’s ability to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration with the issuance of debt securities or with another alternative to the acquisition facility, or to refinance the acquisition facility if drawn.

Under the merger agreement, BAT, through its subsidiaries, will acquire RJR Tobacco Company’s NEWPORT brand, the leading U.S. menthol cigarette brand; however, any action by the FDA or any other governmental authority that could have the effect of banning or materially restricting the use of menthol in tobacco products would not give rise to a right to terminate the merger agreement.

As a result of the merger, BAT, through its subsidiaries, will acquire RJR Tobacco Company’s NEWPORT brand, the leading U.S. menthol cigarette brand, the sales of which, together with the other menthol brands of RAI’s operating subsidiaries, represent a substantial portion of RAI’s total net sales. RAI estimates that approximately 50% of its total consolidated net sales were attributable to menthol cigarettes for the year ended December 31, 2016. In 2013, the FDA issued its preliminary scientific evaluation regarding menthol cigarettes, concluding that menthol cigarettes adversely affect initiation, addiction and cessation compared to non-menthol cigarettes. In 2013, the FDA also issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comments on various issues relating to the potential regulation of menthol cigarettes. Although it is not possible to predict whether or when the FDA will take actions, if the FDA or any other governmental authority were to adopt regulations banning or severely restricting the use of menthol in tobacco products or the sale of menthol cigarettes, those regulations could have a material adverse effect on sales of the NEWPORT brand and the menthol styles of other brands of RAI’s operating subsidiaries, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of the RAI Group and, following the completion of the merger, the BAT Group.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT and RAI expressly agreed that a menthol regulatory action would not be considered in determining whether a material adverse effect, as defined in the merger agreement, on a party had occurred, and would not give rise to a right to terminate the merger agreement.

Litigation against certain members of the RAI Group related to tobacco products could have an adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RAI; however, such litigation may not give rise to a right to terminate the merger agreement.

Certain members of the RAI Group have been named in a large number of tobacco-related legal actions, proceedings or claims and it is likely that legal actions, proceedings and claims arising out of the sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising, marketing, promotion and claimed health effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products will continue to be filed against BAT, RAI, their subsidiaries and other tobacco companies for the foreseeable future. These legal actions, proceedings and claims could impose substantial monetary obligations on RAI and its operating subsidiaries and could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RAI. However, under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT and RAI expressly agreed that all actions or judgments regarding any tobacco litigation that was commenced prior to the date of the merger agreement would not be considered in determining whether a material adverse effect, as defined in the merger agreement, on a party has occurred and would not give rise to a right to terminate the merger agreement. In addition, any such tobacco litigation that is commenced on or after the date of the merger agreement (other than any such litigation brought by or on behalf of any governmental entity to the extent such action or judgment is not a part of or an extension or expansion of any litigation commenced prior to the date of the merger agreement) would also not be considered in determining whether a material adverse effect on a party has occurred, and would not give rise to a right to terminate the merger agreement. Following the completion of the merger, such legal actions, proceedings and claims could impose substantial monetary obligations on BAT and could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT.

 

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The merger is subject to the receipt of numerous approvals, including from BAT and RAI shareholders. Failure to obtain these approvals would prevent the completion of the merger.

Before the merger can be completed, (1) BAT shareholders must approve the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby as a Class 1 transaction and authorize the directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration and (2) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of RAI entitled to vote as of the RAI record date must approve the merger agreement and (3) holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting that are not owned by the BAT Group or any RAI subsidiaries must approve the merger agreement. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote. Although BAT has agreed to vote the shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group in favor of the merger, there can be no assurance that these approvals will be obtained. Furthermore, even if a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI’s common stock are voted in favor of the merger, the merger will not be completed if the unaffiliated shareholder approval is not received. Failure to obtain the required approvals within the expected time frame, or having to make significant changes to the structure, terms or conditions of the merger to obtain such approvals, may result in a material delay in, or the abandonment of, the merger. Any delay in completing the merger may adversely affect the synergies and other benefits that BAT expects to achieve assuming the merger and the integration of the companies’ respective businesses are completed within the expected timeframe.

Uncertainties associated with the merger may cause a loss of RAI’s senior management personnel and other key employees, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT and RAI.

The RAI Group is dependent on the continued availability and service of senior management personnel. The BAT Group’s success after the completion of the merger will depend in part upon its ability to retain executive officers, other key senior management personnel and other key employees of the RAI Group. The employees of the RAI Group may experience uncertainty about their roles within the BAT Group following the merger. In addition, certain of RAI’s equity incentive and other compensation arrangements contain change of control clauses providing for outstanding equity awards to vest or compensation or benefits to be provided to RAI’s directors or executive officers either upon an RAI change in control, or in connection with certain terminations of employment on or following an RAI change in control. If completed, the merger would constitute an RAI change in control for purposes of these equity incentive and other compensation arrangements, thereby resulting in the settlement of certain outstanding equity awards and, in the event of certain terminations of employment on or following an RAI change in control, giving rise to vesting of certain other outstanding equity awards and other payments in connection with an RAI change in control described above. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Such uncertainty and availability of payments may inhibit BAT’s ability to retain those executive officers, other key senior management personnel and other key employees following the completion of the merger.

Accordingly, there can be no assurance that executive officers, other key senior management personnel and other key employees can be retained either prior to or following the completion of the merger to the same extent that the RAI Group has previously been able to attract and retain its employees, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RAI and, following the merger, BAT.

The business relationships of the RAI Group may be subject to disruption due to uncertainty associated with the merger, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT and RAI.

Parties with which the RAI Group does business may experience uncertainty associated with the merger and related transactions, including with respect to current or future business relationships with RAI and its subsidiaries or the combined business. The RAI Group’s business relationships may be subject to disruption as

 

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customers, distributors, suppliers, vendors and others may attempt to negotiate changes in existing business relationships or consider entering into business relationships with parties other than RAI, its affiliates or subsidiaries or the combined business. These disruptions could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RAI, and thus BAT following the completion of the merger, including an adverse effect on BAT’s ability to realize the expected synergies and other benefits of the merger. The risk, and adverse effect, of any disruption could be exacerbated by a delay in completion of the merger or termination of the merger agreement.

The merger agreement subjects the BAT Group and the RAI Group to restrictions on their respective business activities prior to completion of the merger.

The merger agreement subjects BAT and RAI to restrictions on their respective business activities and obligates BAT and RAI to generally operate the BAT Group’s and the RAI Group’s business, respectively, in the ordinary course in all material respects consistent with past practice prior to completion of the merger. These restrictions could prevent BAT and RAI from pursuing attractive business opportunities that arise prior to the completion of the merger and are outside the ordinary course of business, or otherwise have an adverse effect on BAT’s or RAI’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

The merger may be subject to litigation, which could delay the merger and prevent the merger from being completed.

Members of the BAT Group and the RAI Group may in the future be party to legal proceedings and claims related to the merger. Legal challenges to the merger could result in an injunction, preventing or delaying the completion of the merger.

The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted in the event of any change in the market price of BAT ADSs, BAT ordinary shares or RAI common stock. Because the market price of BAT ADSs may fluctuate, the value of the merger consideration that RAI shareholders will receive in the merger is uncertain.

In the merger, each share of RAI common stock (other than shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share, plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest. No fractional BAT ADSs will be issued in the merger, and RAI shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs.

Though the cash portion of the merger consideration is known, because the exchange ratio is fixed and will only be adjusted in certain limited circumstances (including recapitalizations, reclassifications, stock splits or combinations, exchanges, mergers, consolidations or readjustments of shares, or stock dividends or similar transactions involving BAT or RAI), the value of the stock portion of the merger consideration will depend on the market price of BAT ADSs at the time the merger is completed. The exchange ratio will not be adjusted for changes in the market price of BAT ADSs, BAT ordinary shares or RAI common stock or in exchange rates between the date of signing the merger agreement and completion of the merger. There will be a lapse of time between the date on which RAI shareholders vote on the merger agreement at the special meeting and the date on which RAI shareholders entitled to receive BAT ADSs actually receive such ADSs. The value of the stock portion of the merger consideration has fluctuated since the date of the announcement of BAT’s proposal to merge with RAI and will continue to fluctuate from the date of this proxy statement/prospectus to the date the merger is completed and thereafter. The closing price per share of RAI common stock on the NYSE as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day before the public announcement of BAT’s proposal to merge with RAI, was $47.17, and the closing price per share has fluctuated as high as $65.20 and as low as $52.67 since that date and May 11, 2017. The closing price of BAT ADSs as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day before the public announcement of BAT’s proposal to merge with RAI, was $59.07 (after giving effect to the BAT ADS ratio change as of February 14, 2017), and the closing price per BAT ADS has fluctuated as high as $69.24 and as low

 

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as $52.97 since that date and May 11, 2017. The closing price of BAT ordinary shares as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day before the public announcement of BAT’s proposal to merge with RAI, was £48.03, and the closing price per share has fluctuated as high as £53.92 and as low as £42.59 since that date and May 11, 2017. Accordingly, at the time of the special meeting, the value of the stock portion of the merger consideration will not be known. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including, among others, general market and economic conditions, changes in BAT’s and RAI’s respective operations and prospects, cash flows, and financial position, foreign exchange fluctuations, any potential shareholder litigation related to the merger, market assessments of the likelihood that the merger will be completed, the timing of the merger, regulatory considerations, the anticipated dilution to holders of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs as a result of the issuance of the stock portion of the merger consideration and results of smoking and health litigation.

BAT and RAI shareholders are urged to obtain current market quotations for BAT ADSs, BAT ordinary shares and RAI common stock. See “ Comparative Per Share Market Price and Dividend Information ” on page [●] for the historical high and low closing prices of BAT ADSs, BAT ordinary shares and RAI common stock.

Certain RAI directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of RAI shareholders generally.

Certain RAI directors and executive officers have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of RAI shareholders generally. These interests include:

 

    Treatment of Equity Awards for RAI Executive Officers . RAI’s executive officers have been granted RAI RSUs and RAI performance shares. Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, (1) each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right of the holder to receive the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSU, subject to applicable proration, plus any accrued dividend equivalents, earned in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case, less any required withholding taxes; and (2) each outstanding rollover RSU will continue to be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to the completion of the merger and will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (a) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (b) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution.

 

    Treatment of Equity Awards for RAI Directors . Certain RAI directors hold RAI DSUs. Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, (1) each outstanding DSU attributable to the DCP will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will be payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections, (2) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive, as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, either (a) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (b) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (c) the merger consideration, in all cases pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes, and (3) each outstanding RAI DSU attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes.

 

   

Treatment of Bonuses under Annual Incentive Award Program . RAI’s executive officers are eligible to receive bonuses under the AIAP. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the 2017 annual bonuses

 

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will be calculated and paid in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice. In the event the completion of the merger occurs prior to December 31, 2017, BAT and RAI will work together in good faith to specify the process for determining the achievement of performance goals with respect to the 2017 annual bonuses. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the 2017 annual bonuses will not vest or pay out upon the completion of the merger; however, if an executive officer experiences an involuntary termination of employment in 2017 where such executive officer is eligible for and accepts severance benefits, the executive officer would be entitled to receive a pro-rated 2017 annual bonus payment based on actual performance, with such proration based on the number of months, rounded up to the nearest whole month, that have elapsed in fiscal year 2017 through the termination date.

 

    RAI Change in Control and Termination Benefits . RAI maintains two types of severance arrangements with its executive officers that provide severance benefits upon certain terminations of employment: (1) a standard form of severance agreement between certain executive officers and RAI, referred to as a severance agreement, and (2) the ESP. The severance agreements provide an executive officer party to such an agreement with severance and other benefits following such executive officer’s termination of employment without cause or a termination of employment during the 24-month period following an RAI change in control for “change of control good reason,” estimated at a total of $33,945,664 for all executive officers who are party to a severance agreement as a group, assuming the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 (the latest practicable date, determined pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K) and all such executive officers were terminated without cause on such date. The ESP provides a participating executive officer with severance and other benefits following such executive officer’s termination of employment without cause or with “change in control good reason” within the 24 months following an RAI change in control, or a termination without cause during the 12-month period prior to an RAI change in control, estimated at a total of $17,769,886 for all executive officers who are participants in the ESP as a group, assuming the completion of the merger occurred on May 5, 2017 and all such executive officers were terminated without cause on such date.

 

    Indemnification and Insurance . RAI’s directors and executive officers are entitled to continued indemnification and, for a period of six years following the completion of the merger, insurance coverage through a “tail” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy purchased by RAI or BAT.

These interests may cause the directors and executive officers of RAI to view the proposals relating to the merger differently and more favorably than RAI shareholders generally may view them. For more information on the interests of RAI’s directors and executive officers in the merger, including the individual components of and the assumptions underlying such payments and benefits, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The merger agreement limits the ability of RAI to pursue alternatives to the merger and may discourage other companies from trying to acquire RAI prior to completion of the merger.

The merger agreement contains provisions that make it more difficult for RAI to pursue alternatives to the merger and limit the ability of RAI to terminate the merger agreement prior to completion of the merger. These provisions include a general prohibition on RAI from soliciting alternatives to the merger and, subject to certain exceptions, entering into discussions relating to an alternative to the merger. The merger agreement also contains provisions that make it more difficult for the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee to withhold, withdraw or qualify its recommendation that RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement. Subject to certain rights of BAT to match the terms of proposed alternative transactions, the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee may withhold or withdraw its recommendation only if the RAI board of directors or Transaction Committee determines in good faith that the failure to withhold or withdraw its recommendations would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to RAI shareholders under applicable law. See “ The Merger Agreement—No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Even if the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee withholds, withdraws or qualifies its recommendation with respect to the merger agreement, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, RAI will still be required to submit the approval of the merger agreement to a vote by its shareholders at the special meeting, unless the merger agreement is terminated prior to such special meeting date in accordance with its terms.

In certain cases, upon termination of the merger agreement following a withholding, withdrawal or qualification of the recommendation of the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee, RAI will be required to pay to BAT a termination fee of $1 billion.

See “ The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement ” and The Merger Agreement—Expenses and Termination Fees ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

If the merger agreement is terminated and RAI determines to seek another business combination, RAI may not be able to negotiate a transaction with another party on terms comparable to, or better than, the terms of the merger. In certain circumstances, a termination fee of $1 billion may be payable by RAI if the merger agreement is terminated and RAI enters into a definitive agreement with respect to an alternative transaction. BAT has informed RAI that it will not support an alternative transaction, which will make it more difficult for RAI to pursue an alternative to the merger.

Failure to complete the merger could negatively impact RAI’s stock price and have an adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

If the merger is not completed for any reason, including as a result of BAT or RAI shareholders failing to approve the applicable proposals, the ongoing businesses of RAI may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the merger, RAI would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:

 

    RAI may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on the market price of its securities;

 

    the RAI Group may experience negative reactions from their customers, regulators and employees;

 

    RAI will be required to pay its costs relating to the merger, whether or not the merger is completed;

 

    RAI may be required to pay a cash termination fee of $1 billion as prescribed by the merger agreement;

 

    the merger agreement places certain restrictions on the conduct of the business of the RAI Group prior to completion of the merger, which may have prevented RAI from making certain acquisitions, taking certain other specified actions or otherwise pursuing business opportunities between the signing of the merger agreement and the abandonment of the merger;

 

    matters relating to merger preparation (including integration planning) require substantial commitments of time and resources by RAI management, which may result in the distraction of RAI’s management from ongoing business operations between the signing of the merger agreement and the abandonment of the merger;

 

    RAI may be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the merger or related to any enforcement proceeding commenced against RAI to perform its obligations under the merger agreement; and

 

    BAT and RAI may experience disruptions in their respective business relationships.

If the merger is not completed, the risks described above may materialize and they may have an adverse effect on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows, financial position and stock prices.

 

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RAI may waive one or more conditions to the merger without resoliciting shareholder approval for the merger.

Certain conditions to RAI’s obligations to complete the merger may be waived, in whole or in part, to the extent legally permissible, either unilaterally or by agreement of BAT and RAI. In the event that any such waiver does not require resolicitation of shareholders, the parties will have the discretion to complete the merger without seeking further shareholder approval. The unaffiliated shareholder approval condition, however, cannot be waived.

Risk Factors Relating to BAT Following the Merger

The substantial additional indebtedness that BAT will incur in connection with the merger could adversely affect BAT and its financial position, including by decreasing BAT’s business flexibility and resulting in a further reduction of the BAT Group’s credit rating.

Following completion of the merger, BAT will have substantially increased debt compared to BAT’s historical level of debt. As of December 31, 2016, BAT’s consolidated net debt was £16.8 billion. BAT’s pro forma net debt as of December 31, 2016, after giving effect to the merger as if it had been completed on December 31, 2016, would have been approximately £46.1 billion, of which £25.2 million, or 51%, of the estimated pro forma gross interest bearing debt of BAT following the merger would have been at variable rates of interest as of December 31, 2016. BAT expects to incur approximately $38.0 billion of additional debt in connection with the merger as a result of financing to complete the merger and debt assumed in the merger. This increased level of debt could have the effect, among other things, of reducing BAT’s flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and will have the effect of increasing BAT’s interest expense thereby tightening restrictive covenants under BAT’s revolving credit facility agreement. In addition, the amount of cash required to service BAT’s increased debt levels and increased aggregate dividends following completion of the merger and thus the demands on BAT’s cash resources will be greater than the amount of cash flows required to service BAT’s debt and pay dividends prior to the merger. The increased levels of debt and dividends following completion of the transaction could also reduce funds available for BAT’s investments in research and development and capital expenditures, share repurchases and other activities and may create competitive disadvantages for BAT relative to other companies with lower debt levels. See “ BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information ” and note 20 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on pages [●] and FIN-[●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group’s credit rating impacts the cost and availability of future borrowings and, accordingly, BAT’s cost of capital. The BAT Group’s credit rating reflects each credit rating organization’s opinion of the BAT Group’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet debt obligations. Following announcement of the merger, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services downgraded the long term rating of the BAT Group from A- to BBB+ and reaffirmed the A-2 short term rating and Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the long term rating of the BAT Group from A3 to Baa2 and reaffirmed the P-2 short term rating. The reduction in the BAT Group’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service and any further reduction may limit BAT’s ability to borrow at interest rates consistent with the interest rates that have been available to BAT prior to the merger. If the BAT Group’s credit rating is reduced further, BAT may not be able to sell additional debt securities or borrow money in the amounts, at the times or interest rates or upon the more favorable terms and conditions that might be available if the BAT Group’s current credit rating is maintained. Any impairment of BAT’s ability to obtain future financing on favorable terms could have an adverse effect on BAT’s ability to finance the cash portion of the merger consideration with the issuance of debt securities or another alternative to the acquisition facility on terms more favorable than under the acquisition facility, or to refinance the acquisition facility if drawn.

In addition, future borrowings under circumstances in which BAT’s debt is rated below investment grade may contain further restrictions that impose significant restrictions on the way BAT operates following the merger.

 

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RAI shareholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest in BAT immediately after the completion of the merger than they currently have in RAI. Therefore, former RAI shareholders will have significantly less influence over management of BAT following the merger than they currently have over the management of RAI.

Following the completion of the merger, each RAI shareholder will become a shareholder of BAT with a percentage ownership of BAT after the merger that is much smaller than the shareholder’s percentage ownership of RAI prior to the merger. Based on the number of shares of RAI common stock outstanding as of May 5, 2017, the number of BAT ordinary shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) as of May 9, 2017 and the total number of shares of RAI common stock issuable under outstanding RAI equity awards that are expected to be settled for BAT ADSs in connection with the merger, former RAI shareholders (other than the BAT Group) will own approximately 19% of BAT’s share capital. Consequently, former RAI shareholders will have significantly less influence over the management and policies of BAT than they currently have over the management and policies of RAI.

The Pro Forma Financial Information is preliminary and the actual results of operations, cash flows and financial position after the merger may differ materially.

The Pro Forma Financial Information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position or results of operations that would have been realized had the merger occurred as of the dates indicated, nor is it meant to be indicative of any anticipated combined financial position or future results of operations that the combined company will experience after the completion of the merger. The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon the best available information and certain assumptions that BAT believes to be reasonable. For example, the estimated purchase price allocation included in the Pro Forma Financial Information is preliminary and based on information currently available. The actual fair values used in the purchase price allocation will be determined upon the completion of the merger and may vary materially from these preliminary estimates. In addition, the LIBOR interest rate and the BAT Group’s credit rating (each of which impacts BAT’s cost of financing), BAT’s share price and exchange rates at the time of the closing of the merger would all have a material impact on the total acquisition price, related financing costs and the accuracy of the Pro Forma Financial Information. The Pro Forma Financial Information does not reflect any adjustment for liabilities or related costs of any integration and similar activities, or benefits, including potential synergies that may be derived in future periods, from the merger. See “ BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT ADSs and BAT Ordinary Shares have different rights from the shares of RAI common stock.

Certain of the rights associated with RAI common stock are different from the rights associated with BAT ordinary shares. See “ Comparison of Shareholder Rights ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of the different rights associated with BAT ordinary shares and RAI common stock. In addition, holders of BAT ADSs will be able to exercise the shareholder rights for the BAT ordinary shares represented by such BAT ADSs through the depositary bank, only to the extent contemplated by the deposit agreement. See “ Description of BAT American Depositary Shares ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a discussion of the terms of the BAT ADSs and the material rights of owners of BAT ADSs.

In particular, the laws of England and Wales, the jurisdiction in which BAT is incorporated, limit the circumstances under which shareholders of a company may bring derivative actions on behalf of that company. In most cases, only the corporation may be the claimant or plaintiff for the purposes of maintaining proceedings in respect of any wrongful act committed against it and the permission of the court is required to maintain any derivative action, which is able to be brought by shareholders. In addition, the laws of England and Wales do not afford appraisal rights to dissenting shareholders in the form typically available to shareholders of a U.S. corporation. English law also requires that shareholders approve certain capital structure decisions (including the

 

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allotment and issuance of shares, the exclusion of preemptive rights and share repurchases), which may limit BAT’s flexibility to manage its capital structure.

In addition, only registered holders of BAT ordinary shares are afforded the rights of shareholders under English law and the BAT articles of association. Because the depositary bank holds the BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs through a custodian which is a participant in the CREST securities settlement system, and CREST or its nominee is the registered holder of the BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs, the holders of BAT ADSs must rely on the depositary bank to exercise the rights of a shareholder via its custodian and CREST.

Holders of BAT ADSs are entitled to present BAT ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation and withdraw the corresponding number of underlying BAT ordinary shares, but would be responsible for fees relating to such exchange. Fees and charges are also payable by BAT ADS holders in relation of certain other depositary services. See “ Description of BAT American Depositary Shares ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

After completion of the merger, BAT may fail to successfully integrate RAI into its business and realize the expected synergies and other benefits of the merger, which could adversely affect the value of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares.

BAT and RAI and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates have operated and, until completion of the merger, will continue to operate, independently, and there can be no assurances that their businesses can be integrated successfully. The success of the merger will depend, in part, on BAT’s ability to successfully integrate RAI into its business and realize the expected synergies and other benefits from combining the businesses of the BAT Group and the RAI Group. There is also no assurance that the costs to integrate and achieve the synergies will not be higher than anticipated. BAT’s ability to successfully combine and integrate the businesses of the BAT Group and the RAI Group and realize these anticipated benefits and cost savings is subject to certain risks, including the following:

 

    changes or conflicts in corporate culture, controls, procedures and systems;

 

    retaining existing employees and attracting new employees;

 

    maintaining relationships with customers, suppliers and other constituencies; and

 

    inefficiencies associated with the integration and management of the operations of the combined company.

In addition, the BAT Group will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of the BAT Group and the RAI Group, which may result in diversion of the attention of each group’s management and employees from ongoing operations, the lack of personnel or other resources to pursue other potential business opportunities and the disruption of, or the loss of momentum in, each group’s ongoing businesses.

If BAT is not able to successfully combine the businesses of the BAT Group and the RAI Group within the anticipated timeframe, or at all, the expected synergies and other benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected, the combined businesses may not perform as expected and the value of the BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs (including the stock portion of the merger consideration) may be adversely affected. Accordingly, even if the merger is completed, the contemplated benefits may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.

BAT and RAI will incur significant transaction-related costs in connection with the merger.

BAT and RAI expect to incur significant costs associated with the merger and combining the operations of the two companies. The significant costs associated with the merger include, among others, fees and expenses of

 

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financial advisors (certain of which are described under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor ” and “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors ” beginning on pages [●] and [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, respectively) and other advisors and representatives, certain employment-related costs relating to employees of RAI (which are described under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus), fees and expenses related to the acquisition facility and the refinancing of the acquisition facility, costs of defending any potential shareholder litigation related to the merger, costs of public relations firms engaged in connection with the merger, filing fees due in connection with filings required under the HSR Act and filing fees and printing and mailing costs for this proxy statement/prospectus, the BAT circular and the BAT prospectus. Some of these costs have already been incurred or may be incurred regardless of whether the merger is completed, including a portion of the fees and expenses of financial advisors and other advisors and representatives and filing fees under the HSR Act and related to this proxy statement/prospectus. BAT also will incur fees and costs related to formulating and implementing integration plans with respect to the two companies, including systems integration costs. BAT continues to assess the magnitude of these costs, and additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in the merger and the integration of the two companies’ businesses. The expected net benefits associated with these costs may not be achieved in the near term, or at all.

The BAT Group may have to make additional contributions following completion of the merger to fund RAI’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans in addition to BAT’s own plans.

The BAT Group and the RAI Group currently maintain and contribute to defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement benefit plans that cover various categories of employees and retirees. The obligation to make contributions to fund benefit obligations under these pension and other post-retirement benefit plans is based on actuarial valuations, which are based on certain assumptions, including the long-term return on plan assets and discount rate. The BAT Group may have to make additional contributions following the completion of the merger to fund RAI’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans in addition to any such BAT plans. Additional contributions could have an adverse effect on the cash flows of BAT.

Sales of RAI common stock, BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares in anticipation of the merger, and resales of BAT ADSs following the completion of the merger, may adversely affect the market price of RAI common stock, BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares prior to the merger, and the market price of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares following the merger.

Certain RAI shareholders, such as index funds or funds with concentration, geographic or other limitations on their permitted investments, may be required to sell the BAT ADSs that they receive in the merger. Other RAI shareholders may already hold BAT ADSs or BAT ordinary shares and those shareholders may decide not to hold the additional BAT ADSs they receive in the merger, or to sell their shares of RAI common stock prior to the merger. Sales of RAI common stock, BAT ADSs or BAT ordinary shares, including as described above, could have the effect of depressing the market price of BAT ADSs, BAT ordinary shares and RAI common stock.

In addition, in connection with the completion of the merger, BAT expects that it will issue up to approximately 435,735,236 BAT ordinary shares underlying BAT ADSs. Such dilution could result in downward pressure on the price of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs and encourage third parties to engage in short sales of such securities.

Future share issuances and/or sales of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs could lower the market price of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs and adversely affect BAT’s ability to raise capital in the future. Further share issues could also dilute the interests of holders of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs.

BAT may seek to raise financing to fund future acquisitions and other growth opportunities and may, for these or other purposes, such as in connection with share incentive or share option plans, issue additional shares.

 

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The issuance of additional shares by BAT or the sale or transfer of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs or the possibility of such issue or sale may cause the market price of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs to fluctuate or decline or be lower than might otherwise be the case or result in the dilution of the interests of holders of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs. In addition, any further issuance of shares or other securities convertible into equity could result in the dilution of the interests of holders of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs and any new shares issued could have rights different from those of existing holders of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs.

The market price of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares after completion of the merger will continue to fluctuate and may be affected by factors different from those affecting the market price of RAI common stock or those affecting BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares currently.

If the merger is completed, RAI shareholders will become holders of BAT ADSs or, if such holders elect to convert their BAT ADSs into BAT ordinary shares, BAT ordinary shares. BAT’s business differs from that of RAI, and BAT’s results of operations, as well as the market price of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs, may be affected by factors different from those affecting RAI’s results of operations and the market price of RAI common stock. In addition, the market price of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly following the completion of the merger and holders of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares could lose the value of their investment in such BAT securities. General fluctuations in stock markets could have a material adverse effect on the market for, or liquidity of, BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares, regardless of BAT’s actual operating performance.

Exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect the foreign currency value of BAT ADSs and any dividends.

If the merger is completed, RAI common stock will be exchanged for cash and BAT ADSs. Unlike RAI common stock, as a consequence of the listing of BAT ordinary shares on the LSE and the JSE and the listing of BAT ADSs on the NYSE, BAT ordinary shares are quoted in pounds sterling on the LSE and in South African rand on the JSE, while BAT ADSs will be quoted in U.S. dollars on the NYSE. Dividends in respect of BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs, if any, will be declared in pounds sterling and converted into U.S. dollars by the depositary bank for the BAT ADSs. BAT’s financial statements are also prepared in pounds sterling. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between pounds sterling and U.S. dollars will affect, among other matters, the U.S. dollar value of BAT ordinary shares and of any dividends in respect of such shares, including any such shares represented by BAT ADSs.

In certain circumstances, such fluctuations may give rise to foreign currency exchange gain or loss that is recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes by U.S. taxpayers that hold BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs. For example, such gain or loss may be so recognized with respect to the amount of any dividend paid by BAT in pounds sterling that is converted after the date of receipt into U.S. dollars by a holder of BAT ordinary shares or by the depositary bank on behalf of holders of BAT ADSs. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Relating to the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of BAT Ordinary Shares or BAT ADSs Taxation of Dividends ” and “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Relating to the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of BAT Ordinary Shares or BAT ADSs— Taxation of Capital Gains begin ning on pages [●] and [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus respectively .

The dividend policy of BAT will be dependent on its financial condition.

BAT will only be able to pay dividends to BAT shareholders to the extent that it has sufficient distributable reserves and cash available for this purpose and BAT may decide to use all or part of such cash for another purpose, for example, to invest in and further develop its business. There is no guarantee that BAT will be able to make dividend payments in the future, or to sustain dividend payments at any particular level.

 

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Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of the BAT board of directors and will depend on, among other things, applicable law, regulation, BAT’s financial position, working capital requirements, finance costs, general economic conditions and other factors the BAT board of directors deem significant from time to time. BAT’s ability to pay dividends will also depend on the level of distributions, if any, received from its operating subsidiaries. See “— Risks Relating to BAT Following the Merger .” To the extent that BAT or its operating subsidiaries experience an adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, or such other relevant factor, the BAT board of directors may decide at its discretion to, decrease the amount of dividends, change or revoke the dividend policy or discontinue paying dividends entirely. In addition, if BAT does not pay, or reduces its historical dividend rate, the market price of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs could decline.

Completion of the merger will result in BAT becoming subject to U.S. regulations which are different from the regulations to which BAT is currently subject. Current and future U.S. regulations could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT following the merger.

BAT’s main exposure to the U.S. market is currently limited to its ownership of shares of RAI common stock. Following the merger, as a result of the registration of the BAT ordinary shares with the SEC, BAT will be subject to U.S. securities laws and other U.S. laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, referred to as the FCPA, with respect to BAT’s worldwide activities and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as a foreign private issuer. These regulations are different from the regulations to which BAT is currently subject and therefore pose an increased compliance burden on BAT. While BAT continuously seeks to improve its systems of internal controls and to remedy any weaknesses identified, there can be no assurance that the policies and procedures will be followed at all times or effectively detect and prevent violations of applicable laws.

Following completion of the merger, the BAT Group’s exposure to the impact of a wide variety of U.S. federal, state and local laws would increase (by virtue of BAT’s beneficial ownership of 100% of RAI’s equity). Any such existing or future additional regulations will pose an increased compliance burden for the BAT Group and, particularly where supplemented by new regulations, this could lead to higher costs and greater complexity, and potential reputational damage, product recall, regulatory sanctions or fines in connection with inadvertent breach. The enactment of unduly onerous and restrictive regulation may also adversely affect BAT’s share price and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT. These regulations include limitations on the advertising, sale and/or use of tobacco products in the United States, which have proliferated in recent years. For example, some local laws prohibit the sale of certain tobacco products. Another example is that some local laws prohibit certain types of marketing practices, such as consumer coupons. In addition, there are many local laws that prohibit the consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products in restaurants and other public places. Private businesses also have adopted policies that prohibit or restrict, or are intended to discourage, smoking and tobacco use. Among other things, these laws, regulations and policies could result in a decline in the overall sales volume of tobacco products in the United States, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT and its operating subsidiaries following the merger. The FDA also has broad authority over the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products. Regulations issued by the FDA could, among other impacts, result in a decrease in cigarette and smokeless tobacco product sales in the United States and may increase the costs of operations in the United States of BAT following the merger. The FDA may also issue other regulations that, among other things, make it more difficult for BAT to grow its e-cigarette business in the United States or that limit the level of nicotine in cigarettes made, sold or marketed in the United States. In addition, as described above, the FDA may adopt regulations banning or severely restricting the use of menthol in tobacco products or the sale of menthol cigarettes. For more information on risks related to BAT’s increased exposure to FDA regulation following the completion of the merger, see Part 1, Item 1A of RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, as updated from time to time in subsequent filings with the SEC, and in other documents that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where

 

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You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus for the location of information incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

As a result of the merger, BAT’s exposure to risks related to the U.S. cigarette market will increase, which could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT following completion of the merger.

BAT’s subsidiaries’ exposure, following the merger, to the U.S. cigarette market, and the commercial risks related thereto, will increase (by virtue of BAT’s ownership of 100% of RAI’s equity). After completion of the merger, BAT’s subsidiaries’ U.S. combustible cigarette brands will include, among others, NEWPORT, CAMEL, PALL MALL and NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT. BAT’s sales in the United States attributable to combustible cigarettes would have represented approximately 34% of BAT’s pro forma 2016 net sales, assuming the merger had occurred on January 1, 2016.

For example, BAT’s exposure to the decline of U.S. cigarette consumption will increase. Such consumption has declined for a variety of factors, including, for example, price increases, restrictions on advertising and promotions, smoking prevention campaigns, increases in regulation and excise taxes, health concerns, a decline in the social acceptability of smoking, increased pressure from anti-tobacco groups, and migration to smokeless products. MSAi reported that, on a year-over-year basis, U.S. cigarette shipments declined 2.4% in 2016, 0.1% in 2015 and 3.2% in 2014. U.S. cigarette consumption is expected to continue to decline and any such decline could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of BAT. BAT’s exposure to risks such as the risk of transition of adult tobacco consumers away from premium cigarette brands given RAI’s dependence on premium cigarette brands, the inability to keep up with competitor actions, and the inability to raise prices to compensate for declines in sales volumes and increases in excise taxes will also increase. For more information on risks related to BAT’s increased exposure to the U.S. cigarette market following the completion of the merger, see “— Risks Related to RAI ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Holders of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs in the United States may not be able to enforce civil liabilities against BAT or BAT’s directors and members of the BAT management board.

A substantial portion of the BAT Group’s assets are located outside the United States. In addition, a majority of BAT’s directors and the BAT Group management board are not residents of the United States and the assets of such persons may be located outside of the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for holders of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs to effect service of process within the United States upon BAT or BAT’s directors and members of the BAT management board or to enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts against BAT or such persons either inside or outside of the United States, or to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against BAT or such persons in courts in jurisdictions outside the United States, in any action predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States.

There is no certainty that civil liabilities predicated solely on the federal securities laws of the United States can be enforced in England, whether by original action or by seeking to enforce a judgment of U.S. courts. In addition, punitive damages awards in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in England. See “ Service of Process and Enforceability of Civil Liabilities ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Due to delays in notification to and by the depositary bank, the holders of the BAT ADSs may not be able to give voting instructions to the depositary bank or to withdraw the BAT ordinary shares underlying their ADSs to vote such shares in person or by proxy.

Despite BAT’s efforts, the depositary bank may not receive voting materials for BAT’s ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs in time to ensure that holders of such ADSs can either instruct the depositary bank to vote the BAT ordinary shares underlying their ADSs or withdraw such shares to vote them in person or by proxy.

 

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In addition, the depositary bank’s liability to holders of BAT ADSs for failing to execute voting instructions, or for the manner in which voting instructions are executed, will be limited by the deposit agreement for the BAT ADSs. As a result, holders of BAT ADSs may not be able to exercise their rights to give voting instructions, or to vote in person or by proxy, and may not have any recourse against the depositary bank or BAT if the BAT ordinary shares underlying their BAT ADSs are not voted as they have requested or if the BAT ordinary shares underlying their BAT ADSs cannot be voted.

Holders of the BAT ADSs will have limited recourse if BAT or the depositary bank fails to meet its respective obligations under the deposit agreement for the BAT ADSs or if they wish to involve BAT or the depositary bank in a legal proceeding.

The deposit agreement for the BAT ADSs expressly limits the obligations and liability of BAT and the depositary bank. Neither BAT nor the depositary bank will be liable to the extent that they perform their respective obligations specifically set out in the deposit agreement or the applicable ADRs without negligence or bad faith.

In addition, neither BAT nor the depositary bank has any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any of BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless it is indemnified to its satisfaction. For further description of these and other risks relating to the BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares, see “ Description of BAT Ordinary Shares ” and Description of BAT American Depositary Shares ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

There may be less publicly available information concerning BAT than there is for issuers that are not foreign private issuers because, as a foreign private issuer, BAT will be exempt from a number of rules under the Exchange Act and will be permitted to file less information with the SEC than issuers that are not foreign private issuers and BAT, as a foreign private issuer, will be permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of the listing requirements of the NYSE, subject to certain exceptions.

As a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, BAT will be exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act, and will not be required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act but are not foreign private issuers, or to comply with Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material non-public information. In addition, BAT will be exempt from certain disclosure and procedural requirements applicable to proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Exchange Act. The members of the BAT Group management board, officers and principal shareholders will be exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning BAT than there is for companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act but are not foreign private issuers, and such information may not be provided as promptly as it is provided by such companies. In addition, certain information may be provided by BAT in accordance with English law, which may differ in substance or timing from such disclosure requirements under the Exchange Act. Further, as a foreign private issuer, under the NYSE rules BAT will be subject to less stringent corporate governance requirements. Subject to certain exceptions, the rules of the NYSE permit a foreign private issuer to follow its home country practice in lieu of the listing requirements of the NYSE, including, for example, certain internal controls as well as board, committee and director independence requirements. BAT will be required to disclose any significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies under NYSE listing standards in its annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC or on its website. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are required to comply with all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.

 

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Risk Factors Relating to the BAT Group and the Tobacco Industry

Competition from illicit sources may have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s overall sales volume, restricting the ability to increase selling prices and damaging brand equity.

Illicit trade and tobacco trafficking in the form of counterfeit products, smuggled genuine products and locally manufactured products on which applicable taxes are evaded, represent a significant and growing threat to the legitimate tobacco industry. For example, it is estimated by Euromonitor International that the illicit market for cigarettes accounted for approximately 11% of total sales, excluding China, in 2016. Factors such as increasing levels of taxation, price increases, lack of law enforcement, weak border control, regulatory restrictions such as plain packaging or graphic health warnings, display bans, taste or ingredient restrictions and economic downturn are encouraging more adult tobacco consumers to switch to illegal cheaper tobacco products and providing greater rewards for counterfeiters and smugglers. Illicit trade can have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s overall sales volume and profits, restrict the ability to increase selling prices and damage brand equity, which in turn could lead to a competitive disadvantage. Illicit trade can also potentially damage the BAT Group’s reputation, undermine the BAT Group’s investment in trade marketing and distribution, negatively impact the BAT Group’s brand image and may lead to commoditization of its products. This could have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, results of operations and financial conditions.

The BAT Group’s business faces increasing tobacco control and regulation which may have an impact on its overall sales volume and profit.

The advertising, sale and consumption of tobacco products have been, and continue to be, subject to increasingly stringent regulatory regimes. These restrictions have been introduced by both regulation and voluntary agreements and may impact the BAT Group’s ability to sell its existing products, maintain or build brand equity, communicate with adult tobacco consumers, apply strategic pricing decisions, launch future products and innovations, enter new markets, including through acquisitions, and compete within the legitimate tobacco industry; may impact adult tobacco consumers’ ability to differentiate products; may reduce adult tobacco consumer acceptability of new product specifications; and, in particular, may contribute to the growth of illicit tobacco products. This may have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, results of operations and financial conditions.

Increased scope and severity of compliance regimes introduced by new regulation could lead to higher costs and greater complexity, and potential reputational damage, product recall, regulatory sanctions or fines in connection with inadvertent breach. The enactment of unduly onerous and restrictive regulation may adversely affect BAT’s share price.

Taking into account the significant number of regulations that may apply to the BAT Group’s businesses across the world, the BAT Group is and may in the future be subject to claims for breach of such regulations. Even when proven untrue, there are often financial costs and reputational impacts in defending against such claims, in particular, considering the speed and spread of any accusations through social media. See “ Business of BAT—Regulation ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Most regulation or potential regulatory initiatives can typically be categorized as follows:

 

    Place : including regulations restricting smoking in private, public and work places (e.g., public place smoking bans);

 

    Product : including regulations on the use of ingredients, product design and attributes (e.g., ceilings regarding tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields, as well as restrictions on flavors); product safety regulations (e.g., General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC), electrical safety regulations and reduced cigarette ignition propensity standards) and regulatory product disclosure requirements (e.g., in relation to ingredients and emissions);

 

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    Packaging and labeling : including regulations on health warnings and other government-mandated messages (e.g., in respect of content, positioning, size and rotation); restrictions on the use of certain descriptors and brand names; requirements on pack shape, size, weight and color and mandatory plain packaging;

 

    Sponsorship, promotion and advertising : including partial or total bans on tobacco advertising, marketing, promotions and sponsorship and restrictions on brand sharing and stretching (the latter refers to the creation of an association between a tobacco product and a non-tobacco product by the use of tobacco branding on the non-tobacco product);

 

    Purchase : including regulations on the manner in which tobacco products are sold, such as type of outlet (e.g., supermarkets and vending machines) and how they are sold (e.g., above the counter versus beneath the counter); and

 

    Price : including regulations which have implications on the prices which manufacturers can charge for their tobacco products (e.g., excise and minimum prices).

The BAT Group believes that further tobacco-control regulation is inevitable over the medium term in most of the BAT Group’s markets, and is driven by tobacco control activities undertaken by national governments and non-governmental organizations, as well as guidelines and protocols derived from the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, referred to as the FCTC. The FCTC is an international public health treaty, ratified by 180 governments worldwide, that establishes a global program to promote the regulation of tobacco in an effort to reduce initiation and encourage cessation.

The FCTC has led to increased efforts by tobacco control advocates and public health organizations to reduce the supply of and demand for tobacco products, and to encourage governments to further regulate the tobacco industry. Many of the measures outlined in the FCTC have been or are being implemented by means of national legislation in many markets in which the BAT Group operates.

In recent years, some countries have moved beyond the recommendations of the FCTC. For example, the adoption of the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 in Australia has required the use of plain packaging in Australia since December 1, 2012. Also, the EU has adopted the revised Tobacco and Related Products Directive (Directive 2014/40/EU), referred to as TPD2. Among other things, this directive bans the sale of tobacco products with a characterizing flavor. Menthol-flavored cigarettes are exempt from the ban until May 2020. TPD2 also purports to leave open to EU member states the possibility of further standardizing the packaging of tobacco products and to apply its provisions in different ways. For example, it provides, among other things, that the labeling, packaging and the tobacco product itself shall not include any element or feature that suggests that a particular tobacco product has vitalizing, energetic, healing, rejuvenating, natural, organic properties or has other health or lifestyle benefits. On February 1, 2017, the French Government applied its laws transposing these provisions into French national law to prohibit the sale of all variants of VOGUE cigarettes from February 2018, as well as the use of certain other tobacco brand and brand variant names.

More recently, significant debate has been generated regarding the appropriate regulation of next generation products. This includes debate over the nicotine liquids used in vapor products, and the classification of products and restrictions on advertising. A consensus framework for regulating and taxing such products has yet to emerge.

Significant and/or unexpected increases or structural changes in tobacco-related taxes have been proposed or enacted and are likely to continue to be proposed or enacted in numerous jurisdictions. These changes may result in a decline in overall sales volume for the BAT Group’s products or may alter its sales mix.

Tobacco products are subject to high levels of taxation, including excise taxes, sales taxes, import duties and levies in most markets in which the BAT Group operates. In many of these markets, taxes are generally

 

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increasing but the rate of increase varies between markets and between different types of tobacco products. Increases in tobacco excise taxes may be caused by a number of factors, including fiscal pressures, health policy objectives and increased lobbying pressure from anti-tobacco advocates. Significant or unexpected increases in tobacco taxes, the introduction of laws establishing minimum retail selling prices, changes in relative tax rates for different tobacco products or adjustments to excise structures, may result in an increase in illicit trade, a decline in overall sales volume for the BAT Group’s products or an alteration in the sales mix in favor of value-for-money brands and may have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, results of operations and financial conditions. Increases in tobacco-related taxes, the introduction of new tobacco-related taxes or changes to excise structures can limit the BAT Group’s ability to increase the prices on tobacco products or could necessitate absorption of tax increases. Additionally, tax increases can also lead to portfolio erosion, reduction of legal industry sales volumes and growth in illicit trade.

The BAT Group faces significant tobacco-related and other litigation that could substantially reduce profitability and could severely impair liquidity.

There are a number of legal and regulatory actions, proceedings and claims against the BAT Group related to tobacco products pending in a number of jurisdictions, including the United States and Canada. These proceedings comprise claims for personal injury (both individual claims and class actions) and claims for economic loss arising from the treatment of smoking and health-related diseases (such as medical recoupment claims brought by local governments). There are also ongoing proceedings that are not directly related to tobacco products, including environmental pollution claims. These various proceedings could give rise to material liability.

Tobacco-related litigation

Tobacco-related litigation falls into three broad categories: medical reimbursement cases; class actions and individual cases.

In the United States, B&W is a defendant in a number of product liability cases. The total number of U.S. tobacco product liability cases pending as of March 31, 2017 involving B&W was approximately 4,834 (compared to approximately 4,925 as of December 31, 2016). Since many of these pending cases seek unspecified damages, it is not possible to quantify the total amounts being claimed, but the aggregate amounts involved in such litigation are significant, possibly totaling billions of U.S. dollars.

Although the BAT Group currently has the benefit of an indemnity from RJR Tobacco Company, a subsidiary of RAI, with respect to all of the 4,834 cases involving B&W, following completion of the merger this indemnity would be between members of the BAT Group, and as such the BAT Group would not benefit from an indemnification by an external party.

As of March 31, 2017, active product liability claims against the BAT Group companies existed in 14 markets outside the United States. The only markets with more than five claims were Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Italy and Nigeria. In Canada, following the implementation of legislation enabling provincial governments to recover healthcare costs directly from tobacco manufacturers ten actions for recovery of healthcare costs arising from the treatment of smoking and health-related diseases have been brought and are proceeding in ten provinces. Damages sought have not yet been quantified by all ten provinces; however, in respect of five provinces, the damages quantified in each of the provinces range between Cdn$25-118 billion. Legislation in two of the three territories has received the Royal Assent but is not yet in force. As of March 31, 2017, medical reimbursement actions had been brought in Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria and South Korea and class actions had been brought in Brazil, Italy, Venezuela and Canada, with 11 class actions in Canada spread over seven provinces.

 

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Non-tobacco-related litigation

There are also a number of non-tobacco-related legal and regulatory proceedings against the BAT Group. For example, one of the BAT’s subsidiaries has certain liabilities in respect of indemnities given on the purchase and disposal of former businesses in the United States, which has resulted in the BAT Group subsidiary entering into an arrangement with certain parties to fund a portion of the ongoing costs of the clean-up of environmental contamination in the Fox River. The sums the BAT Group subsidiary has agreed to pay under the Funding Agreement are subject to ongoing adjustment, as clean-up costs can only be estimated in advance of the work being carried out and as certain sums payable are the subject of ongoing U.S. litigation. In 2016, the BAT subsidiary paid £6 million in respect of clean-up costs and is potentially liable for a further £159 million in future clean-up costs. Such BAT subsidiary may also be liable under the indemnities in respect of claims in relation to the environmental clean-up of the Kalamazoo River. The amount of the clean-up costs for the Kalamazoo River is presently unclear, but could run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Non-tobacco-related litigation, including for natural resource damages which costs cannot be estimated at this time, could impose substantial monetary obligations on the BAT Group and could have an adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of the BAT Group.

General litigation conclusion

The BAT Group’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be materially affected in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year by an unfavorable outcome of certain pending or future litigation, including through exposure to substantial liabilities as a result of such outcomes. This, in turn, could materially increase costs, including costs associated with bringing proceedings and defending such claims, which includes exposure to adverse costs orders. Any negative publicity resulting from these claims may adversely affect the BAT Group’s reputation.

See “ Business of BAT—Regulation ,” “ Business of BAT—Legal Proceedings ” and note 28 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on pages [●], [●] and FIN-[●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group is exposed to economic, regulatory and political factors inherent in its global operations.

The BAT Group operates in over 200 markets. The BAT Group’s results of operations and financial condition are influenced by the economic, regulatory and political situations in the markets and regions in which the BAT Group has operations, which are often unpredictable and outside of its control. In particular, currently a substantial majority of the BAT Group’s profit from operations is based on its operations in 15 markets. The BAT Group’s reported profits may be adversely affected by a significant downturn in one or more of these larger markets.

Economic, regulatory and political factors affecting the BAT Group include the prevailing economic climate, governmental austerity measures, levels of employment, inflation, governmental action to increase minimum wages, employment costs, interest rates, raw material costs and consumer confidence. Any change to such factors in any of the markets in which the BAT Group operates could affect consumer behavior and have an impact on its revenue, margins and cash flow.

Additionally, some markets in which the BAT Group operates face the threat of increasing civil unrest and can be subject to frequent changes in regime. In others, terrorism, conflict, the threat of war or criminal activity, or economic policy changes, such as state nationalization of assets and withdrawal from international or bilateral trade agreements, may have a significant impact on the business environment. National and international sanction regimes may also affect jurisdictions where the BAT Group operates or third parties with whom the BAT Group may have commercial relationships and could lead to supply and payment chain disruptions. In addition, some markets maintain trade barriers or adopt policies that favor domestic producers, preventing or restricting the BAT Group’s sales.

 

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Certain of these risks may disrupt the BAT Group’s supply chain, manufacturing capabilities or distribution capabilities, resulting in the loss of personnel, property or equipment that are critical to its business in certain markets and difficulty in staffing and managing its operations, which could in turn reduce the BAT Group’s volumes, revenues and net earnings. The BAT Group may also face increased costs due to the need for more complex supply chain arrangements and to build new facilities or to maintain inefficient facilities as a result of these risks.

The BAT Group’s inability to obtain price increases may adversely affect its sales and growth.

Annual manufacturers’ price increases are among the key drivers in increasing market profitability. However, the BAT Group may not be able to obtain such price increases as a result of increased regulation, which may reduce its ability to build brand equity and enhance its value proposition to its adult tobacco consumers; stretched consumer affordability arising from deteriorating economic conditions and rising prices; sharp increases or changes in excise structures; and competitor pricing activities. As a result, the BAT Group may be unable to achieve its strategic growth metrics, have fewer funds to invest in growth opportunities, and be faced with quicker reductions in sales volumes than anticipated due to accelerated market decline. In addition, down-trading and illicit trade may increase. These in turn may impact the BAT Group’s business, results of operations and financial conditions.

The BAT Group’s business may be significantly impacted by constantly changing tax rates from around the world as well as unfavorable rulings in relation to tax disputes.

The BAT Group operates in over 200 markets and pays tax in accordance with the tax legislation of those markets. Tax laws and tax rates around the world frequently change on a prospective or retroactive basis and these changes may have a significant impact on the taxes the BAT Group must pay and may impact its net profits, which could be material.

Further, taking into account the frequent changes to tax regulations, it is possible that the BAT Group may be subject to claims for breach of such regulations, including for late or incorrect filings or for misinterpretation of rules. The BAT Group is party to tax disputes in a number of jurisdictions, including Brazil, South Africa, the Netherlands and Bangladesh. For example, in Brazil, the tax authority is seeking to reassess the profits of overseas subsidiaries to corporate income tax and social contribution tax. The reassessments are for the years 2004 until and including 2012 for a total amount of BRL1,386 million (£345 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. In South Africa, debt financing is being challenged across the periods from 2006 to 2010 for a total amount of ZAR1.92 billion (£112 million) covering both tax and interest. In the Netherlands, the Dutch tax authority has issued assessments for the years 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 in the sum of €202 million (£172 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. The assessments relate to a number of intra-group transactions. In Bangladesh, the tax authority issued a retrospective notice of imposition and realization of VAT and supplementary duty on low price category brands from the National Board of Revenue for approximately £186 million.

The BAT Group may face significant financial penalties, including the payment of fines and interest in the event of an unfavorable ruling by a tax authority in a disputed area. The impact could affect the BAT Group’s profit and dividend and cause a disruption and loss of focus on the business due to the diversion of management time. See note 28 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group’s business is vulnerable to the effects of a tough trading environment and declining consumption of legitimate tobacco products.

The BAT Group competes primarily on the basis of product quality, brand recognition, brand loyalty, taste, innovation, packaging, service, marketing, advertising and price. The BAT Group is subject to highly

 

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competitive conditions in all aspects of its business. The competitive environment and the BAT Group’s competitive position can be significantly influenced by the prevailing economic climate, consumers’ disposable income, regulation, competitors’ introduction of lower-price products or innovative products, higher tobacco product taxes, higher absolute prices, governmental action to increase minimum wages, employment costs, interest rates and increase in raw material costs.

In tough competitive environments, where the price burden on adult tobacco consumers is high, the BAT Group’s ability to raise prices could be limited. In addition, the BAT Group may be vulnerable to market size reduction, customer down-trading (including to fine cut), illicit trade and competitors aggressively taking market share through price repositioning or price wars, which generally has the impact of reducing the overall profit pool of the market and therefore the BAT Group’s profits, as well as lead to a decline in the sales volumes of the BAT Group, erosion of its portfolio mix and reduction of funds available to it for investment in growth opportunities.

The BAT Group’s business is further impacted by the continued decline in consumption of tax-paid cigarettes in many of the BAT Group’s key markets. Consumption of cigarettes by volume declined industry-wide by approximately 3% in 2016, based on the BAT Group’s internal estimates. This decline is due to multiple factors, including the increase in excise taxes and changes in the regulatory environment leading to continued above-inflation price rises, the continuing difficult economic environment in many countries impacting consumers’ disposable incomes, and the increase in the trade of illicit tobacco products. Any future substantial decline in the demand for legitimate tobacco products could have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, results of operations and financial conditions.

The BAT Group is exposed to foreign exchange rate risk.

The BAT Group is exposed to changes in currency rates on the translation of the net assets of overseas subsidiaries into BAT’s reporting currency, the pound sterling. The BAT Group is also exposed to currency changes from the translation of profits earned in overseas subsidiaries; these exposures are not normally hedged. Exposures also arise from the foreign currency denominated trading transactions undertaken by subsidiaries and dividend flows. These exposures are continuously monitored and where not offset by opposing flows, are hedged according to internal policies. However, hedging of certain currencies might not be possible due to exchange controls or limited currency availability. Volatility and/or increased costs in the BAT Group’s business due to transactional foreign exchange rate exposures may adversely affect its financial performance. Significant fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have an adverse impact on the BAT Group’s results of operations and financial conditions.

During periods of exchange rate volatility, the impact on the BAT Group’s results can be significant. Fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate of key currencies against the pound sterling may result in volatility in the BAT Group’s reported earnings per share, cash flow and balance sheet. Furthermore, the dividend paid by the BAT Group may be impacted if the payout ratio is not adjusted. Differences in translation between earnings and net debt may also affect key ratios used by credit rating agencies.

The BAT Group may be required to incur significant costs to address breaches of or liabilities arising under, health and safety and environmental laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates.

If the BAT Group fails to maintain adequate safety standards or to comply with the health and safety laws and regulations to which it is subject, this could result in serious injury, ill health, disability or loss of life to employees, which could in turn lead to fines, penalties and criminal or civil legal liability. This could have a negative impact on the BAT Group’s reputation and also result in high staff turnover or difficulties in recruitment if the BAT Group is perceived to have a poor health and safety record. It could further adversely affect its operations and financial condition and the value of its assets.

 

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From time to time, the BAT Group, or third-party suppliers to the BAT Group, have accidents in the workplace which, on occasion, can result in the fatality of an employee, a contractor working on the BAT Group’s behalf or a member of the public.

Failure to minimize the impact on the natural environment and the local communities in which the BAT Group conducts its business activities or failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations and operational standards to which the BAT Group is subject could result in an adverse impact on the natural environment where the BAT Group operates and could cause business disruption, reputational damage, consequential losses, the obligation to install or upgrade costly pollution control equipment, potentially significant remedial costs and damages, fines, or civil or criminal legal liability. See “ Business of BAT—Environmental Matters ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group is exposed to funding and liquidity, interest rate and counterparty risks.

Funding and liquidity risks expose the BAT Group to shortages of cash and cash equivalents needed in its operations and for refinancing its existing debt. The BAT Group cannot be certain that it will have access to bank finance or to the debt and equity capital markets at all times. Some markets in which the BAT Group operates are subject to currency controls and other limitations on currency convertibility which can affect the ability to pay for imports as well as impede dividend remittances and similar payments, and access to cash balances. Failure to access funding and foreign exchange may have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s funding and liquidity position, the BAT Group’s credit rating or its ability to finance strategic opportunities, which would in turn result in increased funding costs for the BAT Group or require the BAT Group to issue equity or seek new sources of capital. The BAT Group may also suffer reputational damage due to its perceived failure to manage the financial risk profile of the business, which may result in an erosion of shareholder value reflected in an underperforming share price.

The BAT Group is subject to restrictive covenants under some of its credit facilities. These covenants could affect the way in which the BAT Group conducts its business, and failure to comply with these covenants could lead to an acceleration of its debt, which may have an adverse impact on its business, results of operations and financial conditions.

The BAT Group maintains both floating and fixed rate debt. Where appropriate, it uses derivatives, primarily interest rate swaps, to vary the fixed to floating mix. Changes in currency values and interest rates could have an adverse impact on the BAT Group’s financial condition or operations.

Cash deposits and other financial instruments give rise to credit risk on the amounts due from counterparties. The failure of any counterparty to meet the BAT Group’s payment obligations or performance undertakings to it or the deterioration in the financial condition of one or more of its counterparties could have an adverse effect on its financial condition or operations. In addition, the failure of a transactional banking counterparty could cause disruption to the BAT Group’s operations. See “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group may be unsuccessful in launching innovative products that offer adult tobacco consumers meaningful value-added differentiation.

The BAT Group focuses its research and development activities on both creating new products and processes and maintaining and improving the quality of its existing products. In a competitive market, the BAT Group believes that innovation is key to growth. The BAT Group considers that one of its key challenges in the medium and long-term is to provide adult tobacco consumers with high-quality products that take into account their changing preferences and expectations, while complying with evolving regulation. The inability to develop and roll-out innovations or consumer relevant products, including any failure to predict changes in adult tobacco

 

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consumer and societal behavior and expectations and fill gaps in the product portfolio, as well as the risk of poor product quality or the BAT Group’s inability to timely develop and bring products to market could lead to missed opportunities, under or over-supply, loss of competitive advantage, unrecoverable costs and/or the erosion of its consumer base. The BAT Group’s potential failure to predict changes in consumer behavior, to install sufficient manufacturing capacity to meet such new or increased demand or to take appropriate pricing decisions, could have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s operations and results. Moreover, additional product regulation could further reduce the ability to launch or use innovations, as well as differentiate tobacco products as a result of increased restrictions, such as on ingredients and design. In addition, restrictions on packaging and labeling, as well as restrictions on promotion and advertising, could impact the BAT Group’s ability to communicate permitted innovations and product differences to adult tobacco consumers, leading to unsuccessful product launches. The occurrence of any of the above described risks could have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The BAT Group may be unsuccessful in its attempts to develop and commercialize consumer-appealing next generation products.

The BAT Group devotes considerable resources to the research and development of a next generation of nicotine and non-combustible tobacco products, some of which may have the potential to reduce the risks of tobacco-related disease. Given the challenges of achieving adult tobacco consumer, regulatory and scientific acceptance of these products, there is a risk that these investments may incur significant costs without achieving financial success. If the BAT Group does not succeed, but the BAT Group’s competitors do, the BAT Group may be at a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, the regulatory environment impacting non-combustible products, vapor products and other non-tobacco nicotine products, including classification of products for regulatory and excise purposes, is still developing and it cannot be predicted whether regulations will permit the marketing of such next generation products. Categorization as medicines, for example, and restrictions on advertising could stifle innovation, increase complexity and cost and significantly undermine the commercial viability of these products. Alternatively, categorization of next generation products as tobacco products could result in the application of onerous regulation, which could also stifle uptake. The BAT Group’s ability to generate future sales is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are beyond its control, including the pricing of competing products, overall demand for its products, changes in adult tobacco consumer preferences, market competition and government regulation. The occurrence of any of the above described risks could have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to uphold high standards of corporate behavior could subject the BAT Group to potential liability under sanctions, anti-corruption and other laws and regulations.

The BAT Group expects its employees to uphold a high standard of corporate behavior and is subject to various anti-corruption laws and regulations (referred to as Anti-Corruptions Laws) that generally prohibit its employees, vendors and agents from engaging in certain activities to obtain or retain business or to influence a person working in an official capacity. In addition, national and international sanction regimes may affect jurisdictions where the BAT Group operates or third parties with whom it may have commercial relationships, which could lead to supply chain or payment chain disruption and forced market exits. Failure of the BAT Group to comply with Anti-Corruption Laws or sanctions could result in significant fines and penalties, criminal sanctions against the BAT Group and its officers and employees, prohibitions on the conduct of the BAT Group’s business, and damage to the BAT Group’s reputation.

Taking into account the significant number of regulations, including sanctions that may apply to the BAT Group’s businesses across the world, the BAT Group may be subject to claims for breach of such regulations or for failure to uphold standards of corporate behavior from time to time. Even when proven untrue, there are often financial costs and reputational impacts in defending against such claims, in particular, considering the speed and spread of any accusations through social media.

 

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As reported last year, towards the end of 2015 a number of allegations were made regarding historic misconduct in Africa. The BAT Group is investigating, through external legal advisers, allegations of misconduct and is liaising with the UK Serious Fraud Office and other relevant authorities. The BAT board of directors also created a sub-committee of the BAT board of directors to specifically monitor matters, having regard to the need to ensure active oversight of, and support for, the investigation between BAT board of director meetings. In 2016, the BAT Group began a project, which has continued into 2017, to review and further strengthen all aspects of the BAT Group’s global compliance procedures. Any actions taken by government authorities or findings of courts in relation to these matters may result in the adverse consequences identified above for the BAT Group, including following completion of the merger.

Reliance on information technology means that a significant disruption, malicious manipulation or cyber-attack could affect the BAT Group’s communications and operations.

The BAT Group increasingly relies on information technology systems for its internal communications, controls, reporting and relations with customers and suppliers. Some of these information systems are managed by third-party service providers. A significant disruption due to computer viruses, cyber threats, malicious intrusions, unintended or malicious behavior by employees, contractors or service providers, the lack of infrastructure or application resilience, slow or insufficient disaster recovery service levels or the installation of new systems could affect the BAT Group’s communications and operations. Any data, including confidential, personal or other sensitive information stored or transported by IT systems, could be corrupted, lost or disclosed, causing reputational, competitive or operational damage, fraudulent abuse, malicious manipulation or legal liability and result in significant remediation and other costs to the BAT Group. Restoring or recreating such information could be costly, difficult or even impossible. Further, the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679), coming into effect in Europe in May 2018, will create a range of new compliance obligations, and increase financial penalties for noncompliance significantly.

Loss of key personnel or inability to attract the best global talent could have a negative impact on the BAT Group’s operations.

The BAT Group relies on a number of highly experienced employees with detailed knowledge of tobacco and other business-related issues. Unanticipated losses of key employees or the inability to identify, attract, develop and retain qualified personnel in the future could adversely affect the BAT Group’s business operations.

In addition, the tobacco industry competes for talent with consumer products and other companies that enjoy greater societal acceptance than a cigarette company. As a result, the BAT Group may be unable to attract and retain the best global talent.

Failure to successfully design, implement and sustain an integrated operating model or to deliver costs savings may reduce profitability.

The BAT Group aims to improve profitability and productivity through supply chain improvements and the implementation of an integrated operating model, including standardization of processes and shared back-office services. The failure to successfully design, implement and sustain the integrated operating model and organizational structure could lead to the failure to realize anticipated benefits, increased costs, disruption to operations, decreased trading performance and reduced market share, which in turn could further reduce profitability and funds available for investment in long-term growth opportunities.

The BAT Group may be unable to achieve growth through successful mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.

The BAT Group’s growth strategy includes a combination of organic growth as well as mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. The BAT Group may be unable to acquire attractive businesses on favorable

 

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terms and may inappropriately value or otherwise fail to capitalize on growth opportunities. The BAT Group may not be able to deliver strategic objectives and revenue improvements from business combinations, successfully integrate the businesses that it acquires or establishes or obtain the appropriate regulatory approvals for such business combinations. Risks from integration of businesses also include the risk that the integration may divert the BAT Group’s focus and resources from its other strategic goals. Any of the foregoing risks could result in increased costs, decreased revenues or a loss of opportunities and have a material adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, results of operations and financial conditions.

In addition, the BAT Group may become liable for claims arising in respect of conduct prior to the merger or acquisition of the businesses in the event that it is deemed to be a successor to the liabilities of the acquired company. An adverse judgment against the BAT Group may adversely affect its business. See “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT—Key Factors Affecting Results of Operations—Business Combinations and Acquisitions ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group may be adversely affected by its leading market position in certain markets.

According to the BAT Group’s internal estimates, the BAT Group is a market leader in more than 55 countries by volume and is one of a small number of tobacco companies in certain other markets in which it operates. As a result, the BAT Group may be subject to investigation for alleged abuse of its position in markets in which it has significant market share or for alleged collusion with other market participants, which could result in adverse regulatory action by the authorities, including monetary fines and negative publicity.

Contamination of the BAT Group’s products could adversely impact sales volume, market share and profitability.

The BAT Group’s market position may be affected through the contamination of its products, either by accident or deliberate malicious intent during the supply chain or manufacturing process or may otherwise fail to comply with the BAT Group’s quality standards. In these instances, significant costs may be incurred in recalling products from the market or temporarily ceasing production. In addition, adult tobacco consumers may lose confidence in the specific brand affected by the contamination, resulting in a loss of sales volume which may take a long time to recover or may not fully recover, or the BAT Group could be subject to legal action. During this time, the BAT Group’s competitors may substantially increase their market share, which would be difficult and costly to regain. Contamination of the BAT Group’s products may have an adverse effect on the BAT Group’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

The BAT Group may be adversely affected by the performance of its associates.

Although the BAT Group owns an approximate 30% interest in ITC, the BAT Group’s associate company in India, it does not have control over ITC. The BAT Group’s ownership interest in ITC means the BAT Group may be affected by its businesses and respective financial performances, as it is subject to tobacco-related industry and business risk factors similar to those the BAT Group faces. Any issue with the business and respective financial performance of ITC may have an adverse impact on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the BAT Group. RAI, while currently an associate of the BAT Group, will be an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT upon the completion of the merger. For risk factors relating to RAI see “— Risk Factors Relating to RAI ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group’s licenses to use certain brands and trademarks may be terminated or not renewed.

Some of the brands and trademarks under which the BAT Group’s products are sold are licensed to it for a fixed period of time in respect of specified markets, such as the right to use the CAMEL, WINSTON and SALEM brands and trademarks in various markets in Latin America. In the event that the license to use any of

 

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such brands and trademarks is terminated or is not renewed after the end of the term of the relevant license, the BAT Group will no longer have the right to use, and to sell products under, such brand(s) and trademark(s) in the relevant markets and this could have an adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. See “ Business of BAT—Intellectual Property ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group is exposed to intellectual property rights infringements as a result of limitations in judicial protection and/or inadequate enforceability.

The BAT Group relies on trademarks, patents, registered designs, copyrights and trade secrets. The brand names under which the BAT Group’s products are sold are key assets of its business. Investments over a period of time have led to many of its brands having significant brand equity and a global appeal to adult tobacco consumers, essential to delivering sustainable profit growth into the future. The protection and maintenance of the reputation of these brands is important to the BAT Group’s success. In some of the markets in which the BAT Group operates, the risk of intellectual property rights infringement remains high as a result of limitations in judicial protection and/or inadequate enforceability. Any substantial erosion in the value of the BAT Group’s brands could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. The BAT Group’s strategy or its execution may not maintain the value in any of its product brands. In addition, as third-party rights are not always identifiable, it is possible that the BAT Group may be subject to claims for infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, which could result in interim injunctions, product recall and payment of damages. Failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of intellectual property rights for any reason may adversely affect the BAT Group’s business, results of operation and financial conditions. See “ Business of BAT—Intellectual Property ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for further details.

The BAT Group is exposed to availability and price volatility in tobacco leaf and other raw materials.

Raw materials and other inputs, such as leaf, wood pulp and energy, used in the BAT Group’s businesses are commodities that are subject to price volatility caused by numerous factors, including weather conditions, growing conditions, climate change, local planting decisions, political influence, market fluctuations and changes in agricultural regulations. The BAT Group purchases more than 400,000 tons of tobacco leaf each year. Its results of operations will, therefore, be exposed to fluctuations in the availability and price of tobacco leaf and other commodities required in the manufacture of cigarettes.

Tobacco production in certain countries is also subject to a variety of controls, including regulation affecting farming and production control programs, as well as competition for land use from other agriculture products. The BAT Group’s access to raw materials may be adversely affected by a significant event occurring in one or more major leaf growing areas. Climate instability and diseases causing crop failure may have a negative impact on the BAT Group’s business, which may include decreased quantity and/or quality of leaf, increased prices, reallocation of growing areas and factories or supply-chain disruptions. Commodity price, quality and quantity changes beyond the BAT Group’s control could affect its profitability and business. Such changes may result in unexpected increases in raw materials and packaging costs for the BAT Group’s products. The BAT Group may not be able to increase its prices to offset these increased costs without suffering reduced sales volume and income, or be able to meet increased adult tobacco consumer demand for certain types of tobacco.

The BAT Group has operations in geographic areas where full insurance coverage against damage resulting from natural disasters may not be obtainable or coverage may be subject to other limitations. The BAT Group may be unable to recover any damages covered by its insurance or obtain certain types of insurance in the future.

 

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The BAT Group may lose market share and profit due to the loss of production capacity or key suppliers, distribution interruption, commodity risk or problems with labor relations.

There are some product categories for which the BAT Group does not have spare production capacity or where substitution between different production plants is very difficult. The BAT Group may lose market share and profit in the event of loss of or insufficient production capacity needed to supply its products or meet increased demand. The BAT Group has an increasingly global approach to managing its supply chain. Severe disruption to any aspect of the BAT Group’s supply chain or suppliers’ operations or deterioration in the financial condition of a trading partner could have an adverse impact on the BAT Group’s ability to produce and deliver products meeting customer demands. A continuing industry consolidation among distributors and suppliers could lead to reduced efficiency, higher costs and concentrated risk of supply chain interruptions, contract disputes and systems and logistics failures. In certain markets, distribution of the BAT Group’s products is through third party monopoly channels, and is often licensed by governments. The BAT Group may be unable to renew these third party supplier and distribution agreements on satisfactory terms for numerous reasons, including government regulations. Loss of distribution may adversely affect the BAT Group’s sales volume, market share and profits.

Additionally, there can be no assurance that any deterioration in labor or union relations, or any disputes or work stoppages or other labor related developments (including problems experienced during any consultation procedures or programs or the introduction of new labor regulations in countries where the BAT Group operates), will not increase the costs and upset the BAT Group’s ability to supply products, which would adversely affect the BAT Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations. This is particularly relevant in jurisdictions where the BAT Group’s manufacturing facilities are more concentrated, such as in the United States upon the completion of the merger.

The BAT Group has net liabilities under BAT’s retirement benefit schemes which may increase in the future due to a number of factors.

The BAT Group operates approximately 170 retirement benefit arrangements worldwide. These arrangements have been developed in accordance with local practices in the markets concerned. The majority of the BAT Group’s scheme members belong to defined benefit schemes, most of which are funded externally, although the BAT Group operates an increasing number of defined contribution schemes. The contributions to the BAT Group’s defined benefit schemes and their valuations are determined in accordance with the advice of independent, professionally qualified actuaries. The present total value of funded scheme liabilities as at December 31, 2016 was £7.2 billion (2015: £6.0 billion), while unfunded scheme liabilities amounted to £476 million (2015: £364 million). The schemes’ assets increased from £6.1 billion in 2015 to £7.3 billion in 2016. After excluding unrecognized scheme surpluses of £18 million (2015: £11 million), the overall net liability for all pension and healthcare schemes in BAT Group subsidiaries amounted to £371 million at the end of 2016, compared to £245 million at the end of 2015. Changes in asset returns, salary increases, inflation, long-term interest rates, life expectancies, population trends and other actuarial assumptions could have an adverse impact on the BAT Group’s financial condition and operations, hence adversely affect its credit rating and ability to raise funds. See “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT—Critical Accounting Estimates ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group’s business may be negatively affected by the eurozone debt crisis.

The BAT Group’s businesses and performance are influenced by local and global economic conditions and perceptions of those conditions and future economic prospects. In recent years, the global markets and economic conditions have been negatively impacted by market perceptions regarding the ability of certain EU member states to service their sovereign debt obligations, together with the risk of contagion to other, more stable, countries. The large sovereign debts and/or fiscal deficits of a number of European countries have raised concerns regarding the financial condition of financial institutions, insurers and other corporations (1) located in

 

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these countries; (2) that have direct or indirect exposure to these countries; and/or (3) whose banks, counterparties, custodians, customers, service providers, sources of funding and/or suppliers have direct or indirect exposure to these countries.

The default, or a significant decline in the credit rating, of one or more sovereigns or financial institutions, as well as the breakup of or exit from the EU and/or eurozone, could cause severe stress in the financial system generally and on the euro and other European currencies, could disrupt the banking system generally and adversely affect the markets in which the BAT Group operates and the businesses and economic condition and prospects of the BAT Group’s counterparties, customers, suppliers or creditors, directly or indirectly, in ways which are difficult to predict. In addition, these risks, alone or in combination with regulatory changes, including devaluation of local currencies and increased inflation, or actions of market participants, may increase the BAT Group’s exposure to foreign exchange rate risks and cause a loss of competitiveness from increased production cost and lower revenue, increased customer down-trading, significant write-downs of stock and a growth in illicit trade, which may adversely impact the BAT Group’s business, results of operations and financial conditions.

Risks Relating to RAI

You should read and consider risk factors specific to RAI’s business that will also affect the BAT Group after the completion of the merger. These risks are described in Part 1, Item 1A of RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, as updated from time to time in subsequent filings with the SEC, and in other documents that are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for the location of information incorporated by reference in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF BAT

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data of BAT prepared in accordance with IFRS. The BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements are included in this proxy statement/prospectus beginning on page FIN-[●]. The BAT unaudited consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2014 and as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 have been derived from BAT’s accounting records. See About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The information set forth below is only a summary and is not necessarily indicative of the results of BAT or the combined company following completion of the merger, and you should read the following information together with the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and the section entitled “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

     As of and for The Year Ended December 31, (1)  
     (£ millions, except number of shares and per share
information)
 
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  

Income statement data:

          

Revenue (2)

     14,751       13,104       13,971       15,260       15,190  

Raw materials and consumables used

     (3,777     (3,217     (3,088     (3,348     (3,445

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

     44       184       58       105       133  

Employee benefit costs

     (2,274     (2,039     (2,194     (2,384     (2,426

Depreciation, amortization and impairment costs

     (607     (428     (523     (477     (475

Other operating income

     176       225       178       302       245  

Other operating expenses

     (3,658     (3,272     (3,856     (3,932     (3,850

Profit from operations

     4,655       4,557       4,546       5,526       5,372  

Net finance (costs)/income

     (637     62       (417     (466     (456

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     2,227       1,236       719       739       676  

Profit before taxation

     6,245       5,855       4,848       5,799       5,592  

Taxation on ordinary activities

     (1,406     (1,333     (1,455     (1,600     (1,516

Profit for the year

     4,839       4,522       3,393       4,199       4,076  

Per share data:

          

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares, in millions

     1,858       1,858       1,864       1,901       1,939  

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares, in millions

     1,865       1,863       1,870       1,908       1,949  

Earnings per share-basic (pence)

     250.2p       230.9p       167.1p       205.4p       195.8p  

Earnings per share-diluted (pence)

     249.2p       230.3p       166.6p       204.6p       194.8p  

Dividends per share (pence) (3)

     169.4p       154.0p       148.1p       142.4p       134.9p  

Dividends per share (U.S. dollars) (3)

   $ 2.30     $ 2.35     $ 2.44     $ 2.23     $ 2.14  

Balance sheet data:

          

Assets :

          

Non-current assets

     27,414       21,701       17,035       17,363       18,141  

Current assets

     12,359       9,814       9,132       9,518       9,186  

Total assets

     39,773       31,515       26,167       26,881       27,327  

Liabilities:

          

Non-current liabilities

     19,511       17,477       11,584       11,510       11,406  

Current liabilities

     11,856       9,006       8,769       8,436       8,142  

Total borrowings

     19,495       17,001       12,258       11,696       10,719  

Equity:

          

Share capital

     507       507       507       507       507  

Total equity

     8,406       5,032       5,814       6,935       7,779  

 

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     As of and for The Year Ended December 31, (1)  
     (£ millions, except number of shares and per share
information)
 
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  

Cash flow data:

          

Net cash generated from operating activities

     4,610       4,720       3,716       4,436       4,427  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (640     (3,991     (470     (335     (400

Net cash used in financing activities

     (4,229     (219     (3,467     (3,967     (3,954

 

(1) All of the information above is in respect of continuing operations. The historical financial data for 2014, 2013 and 2012 is unaudited.
(2) Revenue is net of duty, excise and other taxes of £32,136 million, £27,896 million, £28,535 million, £30,925 million and £30,682 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(3) Dividends per share includes, for each year presented, the interim dividend, which is paid during the year, and the final dividend in respect of the year, which is declared and paid subsequent to year end. The BAT directors recommended, and the BAT shareholders approved at the 2017 annual general meeting, a final dividend of 118.1 pence per share for the year ended December 31, 2016. The dividend was paid to BAT shareholders on May 4, 2017. The total dividend paid was £2,194 million, which took the total dividends paid in respect of 2016 to £3,155 million representing 169.4 pence per share.

 

     As of and for The Year Ended December 31,  
     (£ millions, except volume information)  
     2016      2015      2014      2013      2012  

Other data (unaudited):

  

Group cigarette volume, in billions (1)

     665        663        667        676        694  

Adjusted profit from operations (2)

     5,480        4,992        5,403        5,820        5,641  

Free cash flow (3)

     3,389        3,481        2,507        3,371        3,259  

Net debt (4)

     16,767        14,794        10,165        9,515        8,473  

 

(1) In addition to revenue and the other measures discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus, BAT management focuses on volume as a key measure to evaluate performance. Volume is an unaudited operating measure and is calculated as the total global cigarette volume of the BAT Group’s brands sold by its subsidiaries. The BAT Group believes that volume is a measure commonly used by analysts and investors in the industry. Accordingly, this information has been disclosed to permit a more complete analysis of the BAT Group’s operating performance.
(2) To supplement BAT’s results from operations presented in accordance with IFRS, the BAT Group management board, as the chief operating decision maker, reviews current and prior year adjusted profit from operations to evaluate the underlying business performance of the BAT Group and its geographic segments, to allocate resources to the overall business and to communicate financial performance to investors. Adjusted profit from operations is not a measure defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted profit from operations is profit from operations. Adjusted profit from operations is defined as profit from operations before adjusting items in profit from operations. Adjusting items, as identified in accordance with the BAT Group’s accounting policies, represent certain items of income and expense which the BAT Group considers distinctive based on their size, nature or incidence. In identifying and quantifying adjusting items, the BAT Group consistently applies a policy that defines criteria that are required to be met for an item to be classified as adjusting and provides details of items that are specifically excluded from being classified as adjusting items. Adjusting items in profit from operations include restructuring and integration costs, amortization of trademarks and similar intangibles, a gain on deemed partial disposal of a trademark, and a payment and release of a provision relating to non-tobacco litigation. The definition of adjusting items is explained within note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

  

The BAT Group management board believes that this additional measure is useful to investors, and is used by the BAT Group management board as described above, because it excludes the impact of adjusting items in profit from operations, which have less bearing on the routine operating activities of the BAT Group, thereby enhancing users’ understanding of underlying business performance. The BAT Group management

 

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  board also believes that adjusted profit from operations provides information that enables investors to better compare the BAT Group’s business performance across periods. Additionally, the BAT Group management board believes that similar measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to the BAT Group, many of which present an adjusted operating profit-related performance measure when reporting their results. Adjusted profit from operations has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS, is not a measure of financial condition or liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to profit for the year or profit from operations as determined in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted profit from operations is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this performance measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, BAT’s results of operations as determined in accordance with IFRS.

The table below reconciles BAT Group’s profit from operations to adjusted profit from operations for the periods presented. Refer to note 2 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for further discussion of the segmental results and for the reconciliation of adjusted profit from operations at current and constant rates of exchange to segmental profit from operations and to group profit for the year for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     (£ millions)  
     2016      2015      2014     2013     2012  

Profit from operations

     4,655        4,557        4,546       5,526       5,372  

Less:

            

Restructuring and integration costs

     603        367        452       246       206  

Amortization of trademarks and similar intangibles

     149        65        58       74       63  

Gain on deemed partial disposal of a trademark

     —          —          —         (26     —    

Fox River

     20        —          (27     —         —    

South Korea sales tax

     53        —          —         —         —    

Flintkote

     —          3        374       —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted profit from operations

     5,480        4,992        5,403       5,820       5,641  

 

(3) The BAT Group uses free cash flow to illustrate the cash flows before transactions relating to borrowings. BAT defines free cash flow as net cash generated from operating activities adjusted for dividends paid to non-controlling interests, net interest paid, net capital expenditure and proceeds from associates’ share buy-backs. Free cash flow is not a measure defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to free cash flow is net cash generated from operating activities. The BAT Group management board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally, is useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them understand the underlying business performance and can provide insight into the cash flow available to, among other things, reduce debt and pay dividends. Free cash flow has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with IFRS. Free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the BAT Group’s results of operations or cash flows as determined in accordance with IFRS. The table below reconciles net cash generated from operating activities to free cash flow for the periods presented.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     (£ millions)  
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  

Net cash generated from operating activities

     4,610       4,720       3,716       4,436       4,427  

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     (147     (235     (249     (265     (259

Net interest paid

     (537     (522     (426     (443     (429

Net capital expenditure

     (559     (483     (627     (547     (742

Proceeds from associates’ share buy-backs

     23       —         94       189       262  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

     3,389       3,481       2,507       3,371       3,259  

 

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(4) The BAT Group uses net debt to assess its financial capacity. Net debt is not a measure defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to net debt is total borrowings. The BAT Group defines net debt as total borrowings, including related derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents and current available-for-sale investments. The BAT Group management board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally, is useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them to see how business financing has changed over the year. Net debt has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to borrowings or total liabilities determined in accordance with IFRS. Net debt is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the BAT Group’s measures of financial position or liquidity as determined in accordance with IFRS. The table below reconciles net debt to total borrowings for the periods presented.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     (£ millions)  
     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  

Total borrowings

     19,495       17,001       12,258       11,696       10,719  

Derivatives in respect of net debt:

          

—assets

     (809     (373     (362     (146     (234

—liabilities

     300       164       137       125       95  

Cash and cash equivalents

     (2,204     (1,963     (1,818     (2,106     (2,081

Current available-for-sale investments

     (15     (35     (50     (54     (26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt

     16,767       14,794       10,165       9,515       8,473  

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA OF RAI

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial data of RAI prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, are derived from the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, which are attached as Annex G to this proxy statement/prospectus. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, are derived from the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements for such years, which have previously been filed with the SEC but which are not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

The unaudited selected financial data for RAI as of March 31, 2017, and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, are derived from the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, which are attached as Annex H to this proxy statement/prospectus. The selected financial data as of March 31, 2016 is derived from the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for such quarter, which have previously been filed with the SEC but which are not incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. The unaudited financial data presented have been prepared on a basis consistent with RAI’s audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of RAI management, such unaudited financial data reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future period.

The selected historical consolidated financial data below includes the results of Lorillard from its acquisition date of June 12, 2015 onwards. In light of the Lorillard merger and the Divestiture of certain assets in relation thereto, RAI’s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, and financial positions as at March 31, 2017 and 2016 and December 31, 2016 and 2015 are not directly comparable to prior reporting periods.

The information set forth below is only a summary and is not necessarily indicative of the results of RAI or the combined company following completion of the merger, and you should read the following information together with the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements, the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the sections entitled “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” contained in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, which are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, and in RAI’s other reports filed with the SEC. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

    For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
    For The Years Ended December 31,  
   

(Unaudited)

    (dollars in millions, except ratios, number of shares and per
share data)
 
    2017     2016 (1)     2016 (1)     2015 (2)     2014     2013     2012  

Results of Operations:

             

Net sales (3)

  $ 2,911     $ 2,862     $ 12,277     $ 10,416     $ 8,160     $ 7,899     $ 7,962  

Net sales, related party (4)

    38       55       226       259       311       337       342  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales (3)

    2,949       2,917       12,503       10,675       8,471       8,236       8,304  

Costs and expenses

             

Cost of products sold (3)

    1,199       1,165       4,841       4,688       4,058       3,678       4,321  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    418       465       1,931       2,098       1,871       1,389       1,470  

Gain on divestitures

    —         (4,861     (4,861     (3,181     —         —         —    

Amortization expense

    6       6       23       18       11       5       21  

Asset impairment and exit charges

    —         —         —         99       —         —         —    

Trademark and other intangible asset impairment charges

    —         —         —         —         —         32       129  

Restructuring charges

    —         —         —         —         —         —         149  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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    For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
    For The Years Ended December 31,  
   

(Unaudited)

    (dollars in millions, except ratios, number of shares and per
share data)
 
    2017     2016 (1)     2016 (1)     2015 (2)     2014     2013     2012  

Operating income

    1,326       6,142       10,569       6,953       2,531       3,132       2,214  

Interest and debt expense

    149       174       626       570       286       259       234  

Interest income

    (2     (3     (8     (6     (3     (5     (7

Other (income) expense, net

    4       252       260       5       (14     137       34  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

    1,175       5,719       9,691       6,384       2,262       2,741       1,953  

Provision for income taxes

    395       2,154       3,618       3,131       817       1,023       681  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations (5)

    780       3,565       6,073       3,253       1,445       1,718       1,272  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

    —         —         —         —         25       —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 780     $ 3,565     $ 6,073     $ 3,253     $ 1,470     $ 1,718     $ 1,272  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per Share Data:

             

Basic weighted average shares, in thousands

    1,426,246       1,427,448       1,426,987       1,264,182       1,006,320       1,089,849       1,131,139  

Diluted weighted average shares, in thousands

    1,429,502       1,431,069       1,429,933       1,267,715       1,069,940       1,093,899       1,135,746  

Basic income from continuing operations

    0.55       2.50       4.26       2.57       1.36       1.58       1.12  

Diluted income from continuing operations

    0.55       2.49       4.25       2.57       1.35       1.57       1.12  

Basic income from discontinued operations

    —         —         —         —         0.02       —         —    

Diluted income from discontinued operations

    —         —         —         —         0.02       —         —    

Basic net income

    0.55       2.50       4.26       2.57       1.38       1.58       1.12  

Diluted net income

    0.55       2.49       4.25       2.57       1.37       1.57       1.12  

Cash dividends declared per share of common stock

  $ 0.51     $ 0.42     $ 1.76     $ 1.39     $ 1.34     $ 1.24     $ 1.165  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of periods):

             

Current assets (6)

  $ 5,103     $ 6,537     $ 4,238     $ 5,155     $ 2,619     $ 3,049     $ 3,904  

Total assets (7)

    51,959       53,416       51,095       52,100       14,781       14,790       16,063  

Current liabilities

    5,891       7,604       4,985       5,291       3,544       3,076       3,769  

Long-term debt (less current maturities) (8)

    12,651       13,213       12,664       16,849       4,602       5,065       5,003  

Total liabilities (7)

    30,253       32,253       29,384       33,848       10,259       9,623       10,806  

Shareholders’ equity

  $ 21,706     $ 21,163     $ 21,711     $ 18,252     $ 4,522     $ 5,167     $ 5,257  

Cash Flow Data:

             

Net cash from operating activities

    1,861       1,133       1,280       196       1,623       1,308       1,568  

Net cash from (used in) investing activities

    (32     5,131       5,078       (10,005     (205     (113     (54

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

    (729     (4,402     (6,866     11,438       (1,918     (2,207     (971

Net cash related to discontinued operations, net of tax benefit

    —         —         —         —         25       —         —    

Other Data:

             

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (9)

    8.8       33.5       16.3       12.0       8.7       11.3       9.1  

 

(1) Reflects impact of the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand that occurred on January 13, 2016.
(2) Reflects impact of the Lorillard merger and the Divestiture.
(3) Net sales and cost of products sold exclude excise taxes of $982 million and $1,030 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $4,343 million, $4,209 million, $3,625 million, $3,730 and $3,923 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(4) Reflects sales to the BAT Group.
(5) Includes NPM Adjustment credits of $390 million, $297 million, $345 million and $483 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. “NPM Adjustment” refers to the availability of a downward adjustment to the annual MSA settlement payment obligation for market year 2003 related to arbitration between (a) RJR Tobacco Company, SFNTC and certain other participating manufacturers and (b) certain settling states under the MSA.
(6) Includes a reclassification due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Updates 2015-17 and 2015-03 and were reduced by $1.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and $1.0 billion, $704 million, $606 million and $908 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(7) Includes a reclassification due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Updates 2015-17 and 2015-03 and were reduced by $1.1 billion, $415 million, $612 million and $494 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(8) Includes a reclassification due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 and were reduced by $92 million, $31 million, $34 million and $32 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(9) Earnings consist of income from continuing operations before equity earnings, income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest on indebtedness, amortization of debt issuance costs and the interest portion of rental expense.

 

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SELECTED BAT UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected BAT unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data (referred to as the Selected Pro Forma Data) is based upon the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and has been prepared to illustrate the effects of the merger, including the financing structure established to fund the merger, as if it had occurred on January 1, 2016 in respect of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement, and as if it had occurred on December 31, 2016 in respect of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. The Selected Pro Forma Data have been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations, which requires that one company is designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes. BAT will be treated as the accounting acquirer, and accordingly, the RAI assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be adjusted based on preliminary estimates of fair value. The actual fair values will be determined after the completion of the merger and may vary materially from these preliminary estimates.

The Selected Pro Forma Data is provided for informational purposes only and is based upon the best available information and certain assumptions that BAT believes to be reasonable. The Selected Pro Forma Data is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position or results of operations that would have been realized had the merger occurred as of the dates indicated, nor is it meant to be indicative of any anticipated combined financial position or future results of operations that the combined company will experience after the completion of the merger. The actual financial position and results of operations will differ, perhaps significantly, from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors, including access to additional information, changes in value not currently identified and changes in operating results following the date of the Pro Forma Financial Information. The Selected Pro Forma Data does not reflect any adjustment for liabilities or related costs of any integration and similar activities, or benefits, including potential synergies that may be derived in future periods, from the merger.

The Selected Pro Forma Data have been developed from and should be read in conjunction with the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, included in and attached to, respectively, this proxy statement/prospectus, and the more detailed Pro Forma Financial Information, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information ” and “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Selected BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement Data

 

(in £ millions, except number of shares and per share amounts)    For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
 

Revenue

     23,802  

Profit from operations

     12,358  

Profit for the year

     7,192  

Profit attributable to owners of the parent

     7,001  

Earnings per share attributable to BAT shareholders

  

Basic (pence)

     305.4  

Diluted (pence)

     304.0  

Weighted average shares outstanding, in millions

  

Basic

     2,292  

Diluted

     2,303  

 

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Selected BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet Data

 

(in £ millions)    As of
December 31,
2016
 

Total assets

     149,639  

Total current liabilities

     27,985  

Total borrowings

     51,269  

Share capital

     616  

Total equity

     54,380  

Equity attributable to the owners of the parent

     54,156  

Total liabilities and equity

     149,639  

 

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COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA

The following tables set forth selected historical and unaudited pro forma combined per share information for BAT and RAI.

Historical per Share Data for BAT Ordinary Shares and RAI Common Stock

The historical per share data for BAT ordinary shares and RAI common stock below is derived from the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements, the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per Share Data for BAT Ordinary Shares

The unaudited pro forma combined per share data for BAT ordinary shares is based upon the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and has been prepared to illustrate the effects of the merger, including the financing structure established to fund the merger, as if it had occurred on January 1, 2016 in respect of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement, and as if it had occurred on December 31, 2016 in respect of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet. The unaudited pro forma combined per share data have been prepared using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations, which requires that one company is designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes. BAT will be treated as the accounting acquirer, and accordingly, the RAI assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be adjusted based on preliminary estimates of fair value. The actual fair values will be determined upon the completion of the merger and may vary materially from these preliminary estimates.

The unaudited pro forma combined per share data is provided for informational purposes only and is based upon the best available information and certain assumptions that BAT believes to be reasonable. The unaudited pro forma combined per share data is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position or results of operations that would have been realized had the merger occurred as of the dates indicated, nor is it meant to be indicative of any anticipated combined financial position or future results of operations that the combined company will experience after the completion of the merger. The actual financial position and results of operations will differ, perhaps significantly, from the pro forma amounts reflected herein due to a variety of factors, including access to additional information, changes in value not currently identified and changes in operating results following the date of the Pro Forma Financial Information. The unaudited pro forma combined per share data does not reflect any adjustment for liabilities or related costs of any integration and similar activities, or benefits, including potential synergies that may be derived in future periods, from the merger.

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per RAI Equivalent Share Data

The unaudited pro forma combined per RAI equivalent share data set forth below shows the effect of the merger from the perspective of an owner of RAI common stock that is entitled to receive the merger consideration. The information was calculated by multiplying the unaudited pro forma combined per share data for BAT ordinary shares by the merger consideration exchange ratio of 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share, represented by a number of BAT ADSs, per share of RAI common stock, which does not include the $29.44 per share cash portion of the merger consideration.

Generally

You should read the below information in conjunction with the selected historical consolidated financial information and the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes, and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes, included in and attached to, respectively, this proxy statement/prospectus. See also “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ,” “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of RAI ” and “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on pages [●], [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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The unaudited pro forma combined per share data for BAT ordinary shares and the unaudited pro forma combined per RAI equivalent share data is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and related notes included in this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ BAT Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

     As of/For the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

BAT Historical per Ordinary Share Data:

  

Earnings per share-basic (pence)

     250.2  

Earnings per share-diluted (pence)

     249.2  

Cash dividends declared (pence) (1)

     169.4  

Net book value (pounds sterling)

     4.40  
     As of/For the
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
     As of/For the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

RAI Historical per Share of Common Stock Data (2) :

     

Net income per share-basic (U.S. dollars)

     0.55        4.26  

Net income per share-diluted (U.S. dollars)

     0.55        4.25  

Cash dividends declared per share of common stock (U.S. dollars)

     0.51        1.76  

Net book value (U.S. dollars)

     15.19        15.20  
     As of/For the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per BAT Ordinary Share Data:

  

Earnings per share-basic (pence)

     305.4  

Earnings per share-diluted (pence)

     304.0  

Cash dividends declared per ordinary share (pounds sterling) (1)

     2.26  

Net book value (pounds sterling)

     7.84  
     As of/For the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined per RAI Equivalent Share Data:

  

Earnings per share-basic (pence)

     160.6  

Earnings per share-diluted (pence)

     159.9  

Cash dividends declared per ordinary share (pounds sterling) (1)

     1.19  

Net book value (pounds sterling)

     4.12  

 

(1) Dividends per share includes the interim dividend, which is paid during the year, and the final dividend in respect of the year, which is declared and paid subsequent to year end. The above includes the approved final dividend for BAT of 118.1 pence per share for the year ended December 31, 2016. This dividend was paid to shareholders on May 4, 2017. The total dividend paid was £2,194 million, which took the total dividends paid in respect of 2016 to £3,155 million representing 169.4 pence per share.
(2) Reflects the impact of the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand that occurred on January 13, 2016.

 

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COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

Market Prices

BAT ordinary shares are listed on the LSE under the trading symbol “BATS” (with a secondary listing on the JSE under the abbreviated name “BATS” and the trading symbol “BTI”) and the currently outstanding BAT ADSs have unlisted trading privileges on the NYSE MKT where they trade under the trading symbol “BTI.” Shares of RAI common stock are currently listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “RAI.”

The intra-day high and low sales prices per BAT ordinary share (in pounds sterling) and BAT ADSs (in U.S. dollars) as reported on the LSE and the NYSE MKT, respectively, were as follows:

 

     BAT Ordinary Shares      BAT ADSs (1)  
     High      Low      High      Low  

2016

   £     51.35      £     35.36      $     65.67      $     49.91  

2015

   £ 39.32      £ 32.32      $ 59.96      $ 51.07  

2014

   £ 38.07      £ 28.71      $ 61.68      $ 47.10  

2013

   £ 38.08      £ 30.89      $ 57.61      $ 49.79  

2012

   £ 35.14      £ 28.79      $ 54.87      $ 44.63  

2017:

           

April

   £ 54.08      £ 51.65      $ 68.79      $ 65.83  

March

   £ 53.28      £ 50.60      $ 66.63      $ 61.80  

February

   £ 51.24      £ 48.30      $ 64.30      $ 61.32  

January

   £ 49.49      £ 45.58      $ 62.05      $ 55.88  

2016:

           

December

   £ 46.28      £ 42.51      $ 57.11      $ 53.78  

November

   £ 47.32      £ 42.37      $ 57.33      $ 52.71  

 

(1) Reflects BAT ADS ratio change on February 14, 2017 for each period.

 

     BAT Ordinary Shares  
     High      Low  

2017:

     

First Calendar Quarter

   £     53.28      £     45.58  

Second Calendar Quarter (through May 11, 2017)

   £ 54.08      £ 51.65  

2016:

     

First Calendar Quarter

   £ 41.49      £ 35.36  

Second Calendar Quarter

   £ 48.43      £ 40.16  

Third Calendar Quarter

   £ 51.35      £ 44.10  

Fourth Calendar Quarter

   £ 51.08      £ 42.37  

2015:

     

First Calendar Quarter

   £ 38.94      £ 33.63  

Second Calendar Quarter

   £ 37.97      £ 33.83  

Third Calendar Quarter

   £ 38.71      £ 32.32  

Fourth Calendar Quarter

   £ 39.32      £ 35.73  

 

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     BAT ADSs (1)  
     High      Low  

2017:

     

First Calendar Quarter

   $     66.63      $     55.88  

Second Calendar Quarter (through May 11, 2017)

   $ 69.45      $ 65.83  

2016:

     

First Calendar Quarter

   $ 58.96      $ 49.91  

Second Calendar Quarter

   $ 64.74      $ 57.55  

Third Calendar Quarter

   $ 65.67      $ 61.48  

Fourth Calendar Quarter

   $ 65.20      $ 52.71  

2015:

     

First Calendar Quarter

   $ 59.29      $ 51.25  

Second Calendar Quarter

   $ 57.08      $ 52.11  

Third Calendar Quarter

   $ 59.96      $ 51.07  

Fourth Calendar Quarter

   $ 59.72      $ 54.14  

 

(1) Reflects BAT ADS ratio change on February 14, 2017 for each period.

The cash dividends declared, and intra-day high and low sales prices per share for RAI common stock on the NYSE Composite Tape, as reported by the NYSE, were as follows:

 

     RAI Common Stock (1)  
     High      Low      Dividend
declared
 

2017:

        

First Calendar Quarter

   $     63.18      $     54.56      $     0.51  

Second Calendar Quarter (through May 11, 2017)

   $ 65.20      $ 60.80      $ 0.51  

2016:

        

First Calendar Quarter

   $ 52.54      $ 44.58      $ 0.42  

Second Calendar Quarter

   $ 53.99      $ 46.85      $ 0.42  

Third Calendar Quarter

   $ 54.48      $ 46.69      $ 0.46  

Fourth Calendar Quarter

   $ 56.65      $ 43.38      $ 0.46  

2015:

        

First Calendar Quarter

   $ 38.12      $ 31.35      $ 0.34  

Second Calendar Quarter

   $ 38.98      $ 34.33      $ 0.34  

Third Calendar Quarter

   $ 44.44      $ 35.70      $ 0.36  

Fourth Calendar Quarter

   $ 49.56      $ 43.02      $ 0.36  

 

(1) Reflects two-for-one stock split of RAI common stock on August 31, 2015 for each period.

The following table sets forth the closing price per share of a BAT ordinary share, BAT ADS and share of RAI common stock on the LSE, NYSE MKT and NYSE, respectively, as of November 1, 2016, the first trading day of BAT ordinary shares in the most recent six months; as of October 20, 2016, the last trading day of BAT ordinary shares before the public announcement of BAT’s proposal to merge with RAI; January 16, 2017, the last trading day of BAT ordinary shares prior to the public announcement of the entry into the merger agreement; and May 11, 2017, the most recent practicable trading day of BAT ordinary shares prior to the date of this proxy statement/prospectus. The table also shows the implied value of the merger consideration proposed for each share of RAI common stock as of the same four dates. This implied value was calculated by multiplying the closing price of a BAT ordinary share on the LSE on the relevant date and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate on such date by the exchange ratio of 0.5260, representing the stock portion of the merger consideration, and adding $29.44 per share, the cash portion of the merger consideration.

 

 

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     BAT Ordinary
Shares
     BAT ADSs (1)     RAI Common
Stock
    Implied Per
Share Value of
Merger
Consideration (2)
 

October 20, 2016

   £ 48.03      $ 59.07     $ 47.17     $ 60.39  

November 1, 2016

   £ 46.21      $ 56.58     $ 54.47     $ 59.17  

January 16, 2017

   £ 47.63      $ 57.61 (3)     $ 55.97 (3)     $ 59.64  

May 11, 2017

   £ 53.39      $ 69.24     $ 65.20     $ 65.61  

 

(1) Reflects BAT ADS ratio change on February 14, 2017 for each period.
(2) Calculated based on the closing price of a BAT ordinary share on the applicable date. The implied per share value of merger consideration based on the closing price of a BAT ADS on the applicable date is $59.20 at November 1, 2016, $60.51 at October 20, 2016, $59.74 at January 13, 2017 (the last trading day of the BAT ADSs prior to the public announcement of the entry into the merger agreement) and $65.86 at May 11, 2017.
(3) For the BAT ADSs and RAI common stock, the closing price per share as of January 13, 2017, the last trading day of the BAT ADSs prior to the public announcement of the entry into the merger agreement in the United States, is provided. The closing price per share for a BAT ordinary share as of January 13, 2017 was £47.30.

The market prices of BAT ordinary shares, BAT ADSs and RAI common stock and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate have fluctuated since the date of the announcement of the merger agreement and will continue to fluctuate from the date of this proxy statement/prospectus to the date of the special meeting and the date on which the merger is completed, and the market price of BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate will continue to fluctuate after the date on which the merger is completed. No assurance can be given concerning the market prices of the market prices of BAT ordinary shares, BAT ADSs and RAI common stock and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate before completion of the merger or BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs and the Sterling-Dollar exchange rate after completion of the merger. The exchange ratio is fixed in the merger agreement, but the market price of the BAT ADSs (and therefore the value of the stock consideration and the merger consideration) when received by RAI shareholders after the merger is completed could be greater than, less than or the same as shown in the table above. Accordingly, RAI shareholders are advised to obtain current market quotations for BAT ordinary shares, BAT ADSs and RAI common stock when considering whether to vote for approval of the merger agreement.

Dividends

BAT currently pays a regular interim and final cash dividend with respect to BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs. Beginning in 2018, BAT will pay four interim quarterly dividends with respect to BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs. Under the terms of the merger agreement, during the period before completion of the merger, BAT will not declare, without RAI’s prior consent, set aside or pay any dividend on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, shares or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its shares, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) BAT’s regular interim and final cash dividends with respect to BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs with amounts and declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with BAT’s currently announced dividend policy, subject to periodic increases and modifications as determined by the BAT board of directors in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and BAT’s publicly announced dividend policy and (2) dividends and distributions with record dates after the completion of the merger. Under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT can make quarterly dividend payments. Subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement prohibits BAT from repurchasing any shares or, voting securities of, or equity interests, in BAT or certain other securities of BAT.

On May 4, 2017, RAI declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.51 per share of RAI common stock. RAI intends to continue to pay dividends consistent with past practice and in accordance with RAI’s current dividend policy. Under the terms of the merger agreement, during the period before completion of the merger, without

 

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BAT’s prior consent, RAI will not, and will not permit any RAI subsidiary, to declare, set aside or pay any dividend on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) RAI’s regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.51 per share of RAI common stock with declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with RAI’s current dividend policy and (2) dividends and distributions by a subsidiary of RAI to its applicable parent. Subject to certain exceptions, the merger agreement prohibits RAI from repurchasing shares of capital stock or voting securities of, or equity interests in, RAI or any of its subsidiaries or certain other securities of RAI or its subsidiaries. In February 2017, RAI and BAT entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which BAT waived the requirement that the RAI share repurchases required to be made by RAI pursuant to Amendment No. 3 to the governance agreement be made within the time period set forth in that amendment, and permitted RAI to make the repurchases in a manner that qualifies for the affirmative defense and safe harbor provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, respectively. Pursuant to this letter agreement, BAT also waived compliance with the general prohibition on repurchases contained in the merger agreement to permit RAI to make these repurchases.

Any former RAI shareholder who holds the BAT ADSs into which RAI common stock has been converted in connection with the merger will receive whatever dividends are declared and paid on BAT ADSs with record dates after completion of the merger. However, no dividend or other distribution with a record date after completion of the merger will actually be paid with respect to the BAT ADSs to the holder of any unsurrendered certificate formerly representing shares of RAI common stock until all of the holder’s certificates formerly representing shares of RAI common stock have been surrendered to the exchange agent in exchange for BAT ADSs, at which time any accrued dividends and other distributions on those BAT ADSs will be paid without interest. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Exchange of Shares in the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Subject to the limitations set forth in the merger agreement, any future dividends by BAT will be declared and paid at the discretion of the BAT board of directors. Subject to the limitations set forth in the merger agreement, any future dividends by RAI will be declared and paid at the discretion of the RAI board of directors.

There can be no assurance that any future dividends will be declared or paid by BAT or RAI or as to the amount or timing of those dividends, if any.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table presents BAT’s historical and pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated.

 

(unaudited)    Pro Forma
For the Year
Ended
December 31,
2016
   For the Years Ended
December 31,
      2016    2015

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1)

   7.0    9.0    9.2
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(1) Based on rounded thousands.

For purposes of calculating this ratio, “earnings” consist of profit before taxation and share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures, fixed charges, adjusted for non-controlling interests, and including dividends from affiliates accounted for by the equity method. “Fixed charges” consist of finance costs, excluding loss on bond redemption, and the interest portion of rental expense.

The following table presents RAI’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated.

 

(unaudited)    For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
   For the Years Ended
December 31,
   2017    2016    2016    2015

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1)

   8.8    33.5    16.3    12.0
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(1) Based on rounded thousands.

For purposes of calculating this ratio, “earnings” consist of income from continuing operations before equity earnings, income taxes and fixed charges. “Fixed charges” consist of interest on indebtedness, amortization of debt issuance costs and the interest portion of rental expense.

 

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THE COMPANIES

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

BAT is the parent holding company of the BAT Group, a global tobacco and next generation products group with brands sold in over 200 markets. According to the BAT Group’s internal estimates, the BAT Group is a market leader in more than 55 countries by volume, producing the cigarette chosen by one in eight of the world’s one billion smokers. The BAT Group, excluding the BAT Group’s associated undertakings, is organized into four regions: Asia-Pacific, Americas, Western Europe and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, referred to as EEMEA.

The BAT Group manufactures and sells traditional tobacco products, which are composed of cigarettes, fine cut (roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco), Swedish-style snus and cigars, alongside next generation products, including vapor products and tobacco heating products. The BAT Group’s five global drive brands are DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS. The BAT Group’s cigarette portfolio also includes other international and local brands, such as VOGUE, VICEROY, KOOL, PETER STUYVESANT, CRAVEN A, BENSON & HEDGES, JOHN PLAYER GOLD LEAF, STATE EXPRESS 555 and SHUANG XI.

BAT has had a significant global presence in the tobacco industry for over 100 years. The British-American Tobacco Company Ltd., referred to as BAT Ltd., was incorporated in 1902, when the Imperial Tobacco Company and the American Tobacco Company agreed to form a joint venture company. BAT Ltd. inherited companies and quickly expanded into major markets, including India and Ceylon, Egypt, Malaya, Northern Europe and East Africa. In 1927, BAT Ltd. expanded into the U.S. market through its acquisition of B&W. During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the BAT Group diversified its business under the umbrella of B.A.T Industries p.l.c., with acquisitions in the paper, cosmetics, retail and financial services industries, among others. Various business reorganizations followed as the business was eventually refocused on the BAT Group’s core cigarette, cigars and tobacco products businesses with British American Tobacco p.l.c. becoming a separately listed entity on the LSE in 1998.

In July 2004, the U.S. assets, liabilities and operations, other than certain specified assets and liabilities, of BAT’s wholly owned subsidiary, B&W, were combined with RJR Tobacco Company. RAI was previously formed as a new holding company for these combined businesses. In connection with the B&W business combination, B&W acquired beneficial ownership of approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock. In June 2015, in connection with the Lorillard merger, the BAT Group invested $4.7 billion to maintain its approximate 42% equity position in RAI following the Lorillard merger.

BAT’s ordinary shares are listed on the LSE under the trading symbol “BATS” and are classified as a premium listing. BAT ordinary shares also have a secondary listing on the JSE under the abbreviated name “BATS” and the trading symbol “BTI.”

BAT ordinary shares trade in the form of BAT ADSs in the United States. The currently outstanding BAT ADSs have unlisted trading privileges on the NYSE MKT where they trade under the trading symbol “BTI.” None of BAT’s securities are currently listed on any U.S. securities exchange or registered pursuant to the securities laws of the United States.

BAT’s principal executive offices are located at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom, and its telephone number is +44 (0) 207 845 1000. BAT’s website address is www.bat.com . The web address of BAT has been included as an inactive textual reference only. BAT’s website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus.

Flight Acquisition Corporation

Flight Acquisition Corporation, referred to as Merger Sub, is a North Carolina corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. Merger Sub was incorporated on January 12, 2017, solely for the purpose of

 

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effecting the merger. It has not carried on any activities to date, except for activities incidental to its formation and activities undertaken in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Merger Sub’s principal executive offices are located at Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Suite 2300, 150 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, and its telephone number is (919) 821-6731.

Reynolds American Inc.

RAI, the parent company of the RAI Group, is a holding company whose wholly owned operating subsidiaries include the second largest tobacco company in the United States, RJR Tobacco Company; SFNTC, the manufacturer and marketer of the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand of cigarettes and other tobacco products in the United States; the second largest smokeless tobacco products manufacturer in the United States, American Snuff Company, LLC; R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, referred to as RJR Vapor, a marketer of digital vapor cigarettes in the United States; Niconovum USA, Inc. and Niconovum AB, marketers of nicotine replacement therapy products in the United States and Sweden, respectively; and until their sale on January 13, 2016, SFR Tobacco International GmbH, referred to as SFRTI, and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI, distributors and marketers of the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand of cigarettes and other tobacco products outside the United States.

RAI’s reportable operating segments include the RJR Tobacco segment, the Santa Fe segment and the American Snuff segment:

 

    The RJR Tobacco segment consists of the primary operations of RJR Tobacco Company and includes three of the top four best-selling cigarettes in the United States: NEWPORT, CAMEL and PALL MALL. These brands, and RJR Tobacco’s other brands, including DORAL, MISTY and CAPRI, are manufactured in a variety of styles and marketed in the United States. As part of its total tobacco strategy, RJR Tobacco offers a smokeless tobacco product, CAMEL Snus. RJR Tobacco manages contract manufacturing of cigarettes and tobacco products through arrangements with BAT affiliates, and manages the export of tobacco products to U.S. territories, U.S. duty-free shops and U.S. overseas military bases. In the United States, RJR Tobacco also manages the premium cigarette brands DUNHILL, which RJR Tobacco Company licenses from the BAT Group, and STATE EXPRESS 555, which RJR Tobacco Company licenses from CTBAT, a joint venture between the BAT Group and CNTC.

 

    The Santa Fe segment consists of the primary operations of SFNTC and includes the manufacturing and marketing of premium cigarettes and other tobacco products under the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand in the United States.

 

    The American Snuff segment consists of the primary operations of American Snuff Company, LLC. American Snuff is the second largest smokeless tobacco products manufacturer in the United States, and offers adult tobacco consumers a range of differentiated smokeless tobacco products, primarily moist snuff. The moist snuff category is divided into premium, price-value and popular-price brands. American Snuff’s primary brands include its largest selling moist snuff brands, GRIZZLY, in the price-value category, and KODIAK, in the premium category.

Included in All Other, among other RAI subsidiaries, are RJR Vapor, Niconovum USA, Inc., Niconovum AB, and until their sale on January 13, 2016, SFRTI and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI.

RAI was incorporated in the State of North Carolina on January 2, 2004, and its common stock is listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “RAI.” RAI’s headquarters are located at 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, and its telephone number is (336) 741-2000. RAI’s website address is www.reynoldsamerican.com . The web address of RAI has been included as an inactive textual reference only. RAI’s website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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SPECIAL MEETING

RAI is providing this proxy statement/prospectus to its shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies to be voted at the special meeting (or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting). This proxy statement/prospectus contains important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on the matters brought before the special meeting. Please read it carefully and in its entirety.

Date, Time and Location

The date, time and place of the special meeting are set forth below:

 

Date:    [●], 2017
Time:    [●] (Eastern Time)
Place:   

Reynolds American Plaza Building Auditorium

RAI Corporate Offices

401 North Main Street

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

Attendance at the special meeting will be limited to RAI shareholders as of the RAI record date and to pre-approved guests of RAI. All shareholder guests must be pre-approved by RAI and will be limited to spouses, persons required for medical assistance and properly authorized representatives of RAI shareholders as of the RAI record date . Admittance tickets will be required to attend the special meeting. If you are a shareholder and plan to attend, you MUST pre-register and request an admittance ticket for you (and any guest for whom you are requesting pre-approval) no later than [●], 2017, by writing to the Office of the Secretary, Reynolds American Inc., P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990.

If your shares of RAI common stock are not registered in your own name, evidence of your stock ownership as of the RAI record date must accompany your letter. You can obtain this evidence from your broker, bank, trust company or other nominee or intermediary, referred to as a nominee or intermediary, typically in the form of your most recent monthly statement. You may confirm receipt of your pre-registration request by calling (336) 741-1657. An admittance ticket will be held in your name at the registration desk—not mailed to you in advance of the special meeting. Proper identification will be required to obtain your admittance ticket at the special meeting.

The special meeting is a private business meeting. In accordance with the RAI bylaws and North Carolina law, any officer entitled to preside at or to act as secretary at the special meeting has the right and authority to postpone the special meeting and to determine and maintain the rules, regulations and procedures for the conduct of the special meeting, including, but not limited to, maintaining order and the safety of those in attendance, dismissing business not properly submitted, opening and closing the polls for voting and limiting time allowed for discussion of the business at the special meeting. Failure to abide by the special meeting rules will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the special meeting. A copy of the special meeting rules will be provided to all properly pre-registered holders of RAI common stock and guests with their admittance ticket. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the special meeting.

RAI anticipates that a large number of holders of shares of RAI common stock may attend the special meeting. Seating is limited, so RAI suggests you arrive early. The auditorium will open at [●] (Eastern Time).

If you have a disability, RAI can provide reasonable assistance to help you participate in the special meeting. If you plan to attend the special meeting and require assistance, please write or call RAI’s Office of the Secretary no later than [●], 2017, at P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990, telephone number (336) 741-2000.

 

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Purpose

At the special meeting, RAI shareholders will vote on:

 

    the approval of the merger agreement, pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into RAI; as a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT;

 

    the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation; and

 

    the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

The approval of the merger agreement by RAI shareholders, including the unaffiliated shareholder approval, is a condition to the obligations of BAT and RAI to complete the merger. The approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is not a condition to the obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger. The approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement also is not a condition to the obligations of BAT or RAI to complete the merger.

Recommendations of the RAI Board of Directors

After consideration and consultation with its advisors and having received the unanimous approval and recommendation of the Transaction Committee, the RAI board of directors (other than Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander, who recused themselves from all discussion and consideration of the merger) (1) adopted the merger agreement, including the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (2) determined that the terms of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are fair to and in the best interests of RAI and its shareholders (other than BAT and its affiliates), (3) recommended that the RAI shareholders approve the merger agreement and (4) declared that the merger agreement and the merger are advisable.

The RAI board of directors, having received the unanimous approval and recommendation of the Transaction Committee, recommends that RAI shareholders vote “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement, “ FOR ” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “ FOR ” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors, ” “ RAI Proposal II: Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation ” and “ RAI Proposal III: Adjournment of Special Meeting ” beginning on pages [●], [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI Record Date; Outstanding Shares; Shareholders Entitled to Vote

The RAI board of directors has fixed 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017, as the RAI record date, for determination of the RAI shareholders entitled to vote at the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only RAI record holders on the RAI record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

As of the RAI record date, there were [●] shares of RAI common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, held by approximately [●] record holders. As of the RAI record date, there were [●] shares of Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI and are not entitled to vote. Of the [●] shares of RAI common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting, [●] shares are not owned, directly or indirectly, by the BAT Group or any of RAI’s subsidiaries.

 

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Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, BAT has agreed to cause all shares of RAI common stock held by the BAT Group to be voted in favor of approval of the merger agreement and the other proposals to be considered at the special meeting. However, while the shares of RAI common stock held by the BAT Group will be included for purposes of determining whether, as required by law, a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock have approved the merger agreement, completion of the merger also requires receipt of the unaffiliated shareholder approval.

Each outstanding share of RAI common stock is entitled to one vote. The number of shares you own is reflected on your proxy card.

An alphabetical list of the names of all shareholders of record as of the RAI record date will be available for inspection by any RAI shareholder or his, her or its representative, upon written demand, during the period from [●], 2017, to [●], 2017. This list can be viewed at RAI’s corporate offices located at 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Under applicable North Carolina law, a shareholder or his, her or its representative may, under certain circumstances and at the shareholder’s expense, copy the list during the period it is available for inspection. A shareholder desiring to inspect and/or copy the shareholder list should contact RAI’s Office of the Secretary at P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990 (phone: (336) 741-2000), to make necessary arrangements. In addition, RAI will make the shareholder list available for inspection to any shareholder or his, her or its representative during the special meeting.

Quorum

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The record holders, present in person or by proxy at the special meeting, of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted in determining the existence of a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs on an item when a nominee or intermediary is not permitted to vote without instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares and the beneficial owner fails to provide the nominee or intermediary with such instructions. Once a share is represented for any purpose at a meeting, it is deemed present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment or postponement of that meeting unless a new record date is or must be set for that adjourned meeting (which must be done if the new meeting date is more than 120 days after the date of the original meeting). Subject to the provisions of the NCBCA, at any adjourned meeting any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting if a quorum exists with respect to the matter proposed.

Required Vote

 

Item

       

Vote Necessary*

RAI Proposal I

   Approval of the Merger Agreement   

Approval requires the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date. The Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote.

 

Approval also requires obtaining the unaffiliated shareholder approval, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and

 

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Item

       

Vote Necessary*

      voting at the special meeting that are not owned by the BAT Group or any of RAI’s subsidiaries.

RAI Proposal II

   Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation    Approval requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting.

RAI Proposal III

   Adjournment of Special Meeting    Approval requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock that are entitled to vote as of the RAI record date and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting.

 

* Under the rules of the NYSE, if you hold your shares of RAI common stock in street name, your nominee or intermediary may not vote your shares without instructions from you. Without your voting instructions, a broker non-vote will occur on RAI Proposal I, RAI Proposal II and RAI Proposal III. Abstentions from voting and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote “ AGAINST ” approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI capital stock entitled to vote as of the RAI record date, however, abstentions from voting and broker non-votes will have no effect on determining whether the unaffiliated shareholder approval is obtained. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on RAI Proposal II or RAI Proposal III.

Share Ownership of and Voting by RAI Directors and Executive Officers

At the RAI record date, RAI’s directors and executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned and had the right to vote [●] shares of RAI common stock at the special meeting, which represents less than [●]% of the shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting.

RAI’s directors and executive officers intend to vote their shares “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement, “ FOR ” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and “ FOR ” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

Voting of Shares

If your shares of RAI common stock are registered directly in your name with RAI’s transfer agent (Computershare), then you are considered to be the shareholder “of record” with respect to those shares, and this proxy statement/prospectus and the accompanying proxy materials are being sent directly to you by RAI. If your shares of RAI common stock are held in the name of a nominee or intermediary, then you are considered to hold those shares in street name or to be the beneficial owner of such shares. If you are a beneficial owner, then this proxy statement/prospectus and the accompanying proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your nominee or intermediary who is considered the record shareholder with respect to the shares.

You may vote in person at the special meeting or you may designate another person—your proxy—to vote your shares of RAI common stock. The written document used to designate someone as your proxy also is called a proxy or proxy card. We urge you to submit a proxy to have your shares of RAI common stock voted even if you plan to attend the special meeting. You can always change your vote at the special meeting.

 

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If you are a record shareholder of RAI common stock, then you can have your shares voted by submitting a proxy over the Internet, by mail or by telephone by following the instructions on your proxy card. The deadline for voting by proxy over the Internet or by telephone for the special meeting is [●] (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017.

If you are a beneficial owner and hold your shares of RAI common stock in street name, or through a nominee or intermediary, such as a bank or broker, you will receive separate instructions from such nominee or intermediary describing how to vote your shares. The availability of Internet or telephonic voting will depend on the intermediary’s voting process. Please check with your nominee or intermediary and follow the voting instructions provided by your nominee or intermediary with these materials.

If you plan to attend the special meeting and vote in person and you hold your shares of RAI common stock directly in your own name, then we will give you a ballot when you arrive. However, if you hold your shares in street name, then you must obtain a legal proxy assigning to you the right to vote your shares from the nominee or intermediary who is the record shareholder. The legal proxy must accompany your ballot to vote your shares in person.

If you participate in the RAI Savings Plan, or in the Puerto Rico SIP, then your proxy card will serve as voting instructions for the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP for shares of RAI common stock considered allocated to your account under the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP. Shares of RAI common stock for which no instructions are received will be voted by the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan and the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, in the same proportion as the shares for which instructions are received by each of them. You will receive information telling you how to instruct the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, and the time by which you must provide such instruction.

You may specify whether your shares should be voted for or against, or whether you abstain from voting with respect to, each of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, the proposal to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and the proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

If you sign and return a proxy card, one of the individuals named on the card (your proxy) will vote your shares as you have directed. If you are a record shareholder and return a signed proxy card, or if you give your proxy by telephone or over the Internet, but do not make specific choices, your proxy will vote your shares in accordance with the RAI board of directors’ recommendation listed below.

 

Item

       

Recommendation of RAI
Board of Directors

RAI Proposal I

   Approval of the Merger Agreement    “FOR”

RAI Proposal II

   Non-Binding, Advisory Vote on Transaction-Related Named Executive Officer Compensation    “FOR”

RAI Proposal III

   Adjournment of Special Meeting    “FOR”

If any other matter is presented at the special meeting, then your proxy will vote in accordance with his or her best judgment. As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, RAI knows of no other matters that had been properly presented to be acted upon at the special meeting.

Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of shares of RAI common stock that you own. Whether or not you expect to attend the special meeting in person, please submit a proxy as promptly as possible, so that your shares of RAI common stock may be represented and voted at the special meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a nominee or intermediary, please follow the instructions on the voting

 

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instruction card furnished to you by such record holder. If you participate in the RAI Savings Plan, or in the Puerto Rico SIP, then your proxy card will serve as voting instructions for the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP for shares of RAI common stock considered allocated to your account under the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP.

Revocability of Proxies; Changing Your Vote

You may revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time before your shares of RAI common stock are voted at the special meeting by:

 

    sending a signed written notice stating that you revoke your proxy to the Office of the Secretary, at Reynolds American Inc., P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990;

 

    submitting a valid, later-dated proxy via the Internet or by telephone before 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on [●], 2017, or by mailing a later-dated, new proxy card that is received by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. prior to the special meeting; or

 

    attending the special meeting (or, if the special meeting is adjourned or postponed, attending the adjourned or postponed meeting) and voting in person, which will automatically cancel any proxy previously given, or revoking your proxy in person, but your attendance alone will not constitute a vote or revoke any proxy previously given.

If you hold your shares of RAI common stock in street name, you must contact your nominee or intermediary to change your vote or obtain a legal proxy to vote your shares if you wish to cast your vote in person at the special meeting.

Solicitation of Proxies; Expenses of Solicitation

This proxy statement/prospectus is being provided to RAI shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the RAI board of directors to be voted at the special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. RAI will bear all costs and expenses in connection with the solicitation of proxies, except that BAT and RAI will each pay 50% of the costs of filing, printing and mailing this proxy statement/prospectus. RAI has engaged MacKenzie Partners, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting and will pay MacKenzie Partners, Inc. a fee of approximately $35,000, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

RAI is making this solicitation by mail, but RAI’s directors, officers and employees also may solicit by telephone, e-mail, facsimile or in person. RAI will pay for the cost of these solicitations, but these individuals will receive no additional compensation for their solicitation services. RAI will reimburse nominees or intermediaries, if they request, for their expenses in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners.

Adjournment; Postponement

Although it is not currently expected, the special meeting may be adjourned or postponed. The special meeting may be adjourned by the vote of a majority of the votes cast on the motion to adjourn without notice other than announcement at the meeting before adjournment. No notices of an adjourned meeting need be given unless a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting. A new record date must be fixed if the new meeting date is more than 120 days after the date of the original meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting will be given to each record shareholder entitled to vote at the new meeting. The special meeting may be postponed by any officer entitled to preside at or to act as secretary at the special meeting. At any subsequent reconvening of the special meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting, and all proxies will be voted in the same manner as they would have been voted at the original convening of the special meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn prior to the time the proxy is voted at the reconvened meeting.

 

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Tabulation of Votes; Results

RAI will retain an independent party, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., to receive and tabulate the proxies, and to serve as the inspector of election to certify the results of the special meeting.

Preliminary voting results will be announced at the special meeting, and will be set forth in a press release that RAI intends to issue after the special meeting. The press release will be available on RAI’s website. Final voting results are expected to be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days after the special meeting. A copy of that Current Report on Form 8-K will be available on RAI’s website after its filing with the SEC.

Confidentiality

The votes of all RAI shareholders will be held in confidence from RAI’s directors, officers and employees, except:

 

    as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements and to assert or defend claims for or against RAI;

 

    in case of a contested proxy solicitation;

 

    if a shareholder makes a written comment on the proxy card or otherwise communicates his, her or its vote to management; or

 

    to allow the independent inspector of election to certify the results of the vote.

Other Information

The matters to be considered at the special meeting are of great importance to RAI shareholders. Accordingly, you are urged to read and carefully consider the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus and submit your proxy via the Internet or by telephone or complete, date, sign and promptly return the enclosed proxy in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you submit your proxy via the Internet or by telephone, you do not need to return the enclosed proxy card.

Assistance

If you need assistance in completing your proxy card or have questions regarding the special meeting, please contact:

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.

105 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10016

Telephone Toll-Free: (800) 322-2885

Telephone Call Collect: (212) 929-5500

Email: proxy@mackenziepartners.com

or

Reynolds American Inc.

P.O. Box 2990

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990

Attention: Investor Relations

Email: raiinvestorrelations@reynoldsamerican.com

Telephone: (366) 741-2000

 

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THE MERGER AGREEMENT

The following summarizes the material provisions of the merger agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the merger agreement that is important to you. The rights and obligations of BAT and RAI are governed by the express terms and conditions of the merger agreement and not by this summary or any other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to read the merger agreement carefully and in its entirety, as well as this proxy statement/prospectus, before making any decisions regarding the merger. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the merger agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated by reference herein.

In reviewing the merger agreement and this summary, please remember that they have been included to provide you with information regarding the terms of the merger agreement and are not intended to provide any other factual information about BAT, RAI or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. The merger agreement contains representations and warranties and covenants by each of BAT, BATUS, Merger Sub and RAI, which are summarized below. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the merger agreement and:

 

    were not intended as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk between the parties to the merger agreement if those statements prove to be inaccurate;

 

    have been qualified by certain confidential disclosures that were made by each party in connection with the negotiation of the merger agreement, which disclosures are not reflected in the merger agreement; and

 

    may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material by you or other investors.

Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties in the merger agreement and described below may have changed since the date of the merger agreement, and subsequent developments or new information qualifying a representation or warranty may have been included in this proxy statement/prospectus or in other public filings RAI makes with the SEC. Accordingly, the representations and warranties and other provisions of the merger agreement should not be read alone, but instead should be read together with the information provided elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Terms of the Merger

The merger agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions in the merger agreement, and in accordance with the NCBCA, upon the completion of the merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into RAI. As a result of the merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub will cease, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT.

Closing of the Merger

Unless BAT and RAI agree otherwise in writing, the closing of the merger will take place on the third business day following the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted by the merger agreement and by applicable law, waiver) of all closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by the merger agreement and by applicable law, waiver of those conditions). However, if and to the extent necessary to complete all or any portion of the financing of the merger, as determined by BAT in its sole discretion, the closing will occur on any business day specified by BAT (on no less than three business days’ prior written

 

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notice to RAI) during the five-business day period beginning on the date on which all of the closing conditions have been satisfied or, to the extent permitted by the merger agreement, waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the closing, but subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by the merger agreement and by applicable law, waiver of those conditions).

The merger will be effective upon the filing of the articles of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina, or at such other time as BAT and RAI may agree and specify in the articles of merger. Upon the completion of the merger, in addition to the other effects specified in the NCBCA, title to all of the real estate and other property owned by each of RAI and Merger Sub will vest in RAI as the surviving corporation, and all liabilities of RAI and Merger Sub will become the liabilities of RAI as the surviving corporation.

Merger Consideration

Under the terms of the merger agreement, upon the completion of the merger, each issued and outstanding share of RAI common stock automatically will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest, and otherwise subject to adjustments to prevent dilution in accordance with the merger agreement, other than:

 

    such shares that are owned by BAT or any of its subsidiaries immediately prior to the completion of the merger (which will cease to be outstanding and automatically be canceled upon the completion of the merger, and no consideration will be delivered or deliverable in exchange thereof); and

 

    such shares that are held by a holder who has properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) his, her or its appraisal rights for such shares in accordance with Article 13 of the NCBCA (which will not be converted into or represent the right to receive the merger consideration, but instead will only be entitled to receive such consideration as may be determined to be due with respect to such shares pursuant to and subject to the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA and in accordance with the merger agreement).

Each share of RAI’s series B preferred stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger, all of which were, as of the date of the merger agreement, held by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, will remain issued and outstanding as one share of series B preferred stock of RAI, as the surviving corporation.

Fractional ADSs

Holders of RAI common stock will not receive any fractional BAT ADSs in the merger. Instead of fractional BAT ADSs, each holder of RAI common stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional BAT ADS will be entitled under the terms of the merger agreement to receive a cash payment (subject to customary rounding) in an amount as determined below.

As promptly as practicable after the completion of the merger, the exchange agent will determine the excess of (1) the aggregate number of BAT ADSs (rounded up to the nearest whole number) to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration over (2) the aggregate whole number of BAT ADSs to be distributed to holders of shares of RAI common stock, such excess referred to as the excess shares. The exchange agent, as agent for the applicable holders, will sell the excess shares at then-prevailing prices on the NYSE. The net proceeds from the sale of excess shares will be reduced by any and all commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs, as well as any expenses, of the exchange agent incurred in connection with such sale or sales. The exchange agent will determine the portion of such net proceeds (subject to customary rounding) to which each applicable holder is entitled, if any, by multiplying (1) the amount of the net proceeds from the sale of excess shares on the NYSE in accordance with the merger agreement by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the fractional BAT ADS interest to which such holder is entitled (after taking into account all shares exchanged by such holder) and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of fractional BAT ADS interests to which all applicable holders are entitled.

 

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Representations and Warranties

In the merger agreement, RAI has made representations and warranties regarding, among other topics:

 

    organization, standing, corporate power, organizational documents and ownership of subsidiaries;

 

    capital structure, including the number of shares of capital stock of RAI and equity-based awards outstanding;

 

    authority to execute and deliver and perform its obligations under, and to complete the transactions contemplated by, the merger agreement, and the enforceability of the merger agreement against RAI;

 

    declaration by the RAI board of directors, having received the unanimous recommendation of the Transaction Committee, of the approval of the merger agreement and the plan of merger contained therein, and the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the advisability of the merger agreement;

 

    inapplicability of “fair price,” “moratorium,” “control share acquisition” or other similar antitakeover statutes to the merger agreement, the merger or the other transactions contemplated thereby;

 

    absence of conflicts with, or violations of, organizational documents, applicable law and certain contracts as a result of RAI entering into the merger agreement, performing its obligations thereunder, completing the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby and compliance with the terms of the merger agreement;

 

    consents and approvals required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

    SEC documents, financial statements, internal controls, disclosure controls, accounting practices and compliance with NYSE listing requirements;

 

    absence of undisclosed liabilities and off-balance sheet arrangements;

 

    accuracy of information supplied or to be supplied in this proxy statement/prospectus, the Schedule 13E-3, the BAT prospectus and the BAT circular;

 

    absence of a material adverse effect and, other than in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the conduct of business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects, since January 1, 2016;

 

    tax matters;

 

    employee benefits and labor matters, including matters related to employee benefit plans, and compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;

 

    absence of certain litigation or other actions pending or, to the knowledge of RAI, threatened against RAI or any of its subsidiaries;

 

    compliance with applicable laws and permits;

 

    owned and leased property;

 

    certain intellectual property matters;

 

    material contracts;

 

    broker’s fees and expenses payable in connection with the merger;

 

    receipt of an opinion from each of RAI’s financial advisors; and

 

    insurance matters.

 

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In the merger agreement, BAT, BATUS and Merger Sub have made representations and warranties regarding, among other topics:

 

    organization, standing, corporate power, organizational documents and ownership of subsidiaries;

 

    capital structure, including the number of BAT ordinary shares, BAT treasury shares and BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs and equity-based awards outstanding;

 

    authority to execute and deliver and perform their obligations under, and to complete the transactions contemplated by, the merger agreement, and the enforceability of the merger agreement against BAT, BATUS and Merger Sub;

 

    declaration by the BAT board of directors of the advisability of the merger agreement, including the plan of merger contained therein, and the other applicable transactions contemplated thereby and the approval and adoption of the merger agreement, including the plan of merger contained therein, and the other applicable transactions contemplated thereby;

 

    absence of conflicts with, or violations of, organizational documents, applicable law and certain contracts as a result of BAT, BATUS or Merger Sub entering into the merger agreement, performing their respective obligations under the merger agreement, completing the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby and compliance with the terms of the merger agreement;

 

    consents and approvals required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

    public reports, circulars, notices, prospectuses and resolutions, financial statements, internal controls, disclosure controls, accounting practices and compliance with stock exchange listing requirements;

 

    absence of undisclosed liabilities;

 

    accuracy of information supplied or to be supplied in this proxy statement/prospectus, the BAT prospectus, the BAT circular and the Schedule 13E-3;

 

    absence of a material adverse effect and, other than in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, the conduct of business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects, since January 1, 2016;

 

    tax matters;

 

    absence of certain litigation or other actions pending or, to the knowledge of BAT, threatened against BAT or any of its subsidiaries;

 

    compliance with applicable laws and permits;

 

    certain intellectual property matters;

 

    broker’s fees and expenses payable in connection with the merger; and

 

    sufficiency of funds to pay amounts required in connection with the merger and certain other matters relating to the acquisition facility.

Certain of the representations and warranties in the merger agreement are subject to exceptions or qualifications, including, in certain cases, knowledge qualifications, which means that those representations and warranties would not be deemed untrue or incorrect as a result of matters of which certain officers or executives of the party making the representation did not have actual knowledge (following reasonable inquiry of those persons primarily responsible for such matter but without further investigation by such person).

Material Adverse Effect

Certain of the representations and warranties in the merger agreement are also subject to materiality or material adverse effect qualifications (that is, they will not be deemed to be untrue or incorrect unless their failure to be true or correct is material or has had or would reasonably be expected to have material adverse effect).

 

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The merger agreement provides that a “material adverse effect” means, with respect to any person, any change, effect, event, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate with all other changes, effects, events, circumstances, developments or occurrences, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. However, no effect resulting or arising from or relating to any of the following matters will be considered, either alone or in combination, to constitute or contribute to a material adverse effect:

 

    changes in economic or political conditions or the financing, banking, currency or capital markets in general, including with respect to interest rates or currency exchange rates, except that such changes will be considered in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect to the extent that such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, results of operations or financial condition of such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such person and its subsidiaries primarily operate (in which case only the incremental materially disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect);

 

    changes in laws or changes in accounting requirements or principles (or interpretation or enforcement thereof), except that such changes will be considered in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect to the extent that such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, results of operations or financial condition of such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such person and its subsidiaries primarily operate (in which case only the incremental materially disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect);

 

    changes affecting industries, markets or geographical areas in which such person or its subsidiaries conduct their respective businesses, except that such changes will be considered in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect to the extent that such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, results of operations or financial condition of such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such person and its subsidiaries primarily operate (in which case only the incremental materially disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect);

 

    the negotiation, announcement, execution, pendency or performance of the merger agreement or the completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

    a decline in the market price, credit rating or trading volume of such person’s securities, except that this clause will not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any change, effect, event, circumstance, development or occurrence underlying such decline has resulted in or contributed to a material adverse effect;

 

    any natural disaster or any conditions resulting from natural disasters, except that such changes will be considered in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect to the extent that such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, results of operations or financial condition of such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such person and its subsidiaries primarily operate (in which case only the incremental materially disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect);

 

   

acts of terrorism, sabotage, military action, armed hostilities or war (whether or not declared) or any outbreak, escalation or worsening thereof, except that such changes will be considered in determining

 

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whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect to the extent that such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, results of operations or financial condition of such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which such person and its subsidiaries primarily operate (in which case only the incremental materially disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect);

 

    any actions required under the merger agreement to obtain any approval or authorization under antitrust laws for the completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, except if such action would (1) require BAT to dispose of any of its assets or to limit its freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses or to consent to any disposition of RAI’s assets or limits on RAI’s freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses or certain other legal restraints under any antitrust laws or (2) result in RAI committing or agreeing to any such restriction to obtain any consents in connection with, or to remove impediments to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement relating to, any antitrust laws or to avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of, any injunction, temporary restraining order or other order in any action relating to antitrust laws;

 

    the failure, in and of itself, of such person to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts, estimates, guidance or predictions in respect of revenues, earnings, profits or other financial or operating metrics before, on or after the date of the merger agreement (it being understood that the underlying facts giving rise or contributing to such change may be taken into account into determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a material adverse effect);

 

    any tobacco litigation commenced (1) prior to the date of the merger agreement or (2) on or after the date of the merger agreement other than, solely with respect to clause (2), any tobacco litigation brought by or on behalf of any governmental entity to the extent such tobacco litigation is not a part of or an extension or expansion of any tobacco litigation commenced prior to the date of the merger agreement; or

 

    any law, judgment or action enacted, promulgated, proposed or threatened by the FDA or any other governmental entity that could have the effect of banning or materially restricting the use of menthol in any product sold or distributed by RAI or BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries.

Conduct of Business

Each of BAT and RAI has undertaken certain covenants in the merger agreement restricting the conduct of their respective businesses between the date of the merger agreement and the completion of the merger. In general, but subject to the exceptions in the merger agreement, each of BAT and RAI has agreed to (1) conduct its business in the ordinary course in all material respects consistent with past practice and (2) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organization and advantageous business relationships, including by maintaining its relations and goodwill with all material suppliers, material customers, material licensors, material licensees, material distributors and governmental entities and keeping available the services of its current officers and employees.

RAI has also agreed that, except as previously agreed with BAT or otherwise expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by the merger agreement or required by applicable law or with the prior written consent of BAT (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), from the date of the merger agreement to the completion of the merger, it will not, and it will not permit any of its subsidiaries to, do any of the following, subject to certain exceptions:

 

   

declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.51 per share of RAI common stock with declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with

 

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RAI’s current dividend policy and (2) dividends and distributions by any RAI subsidiary to its applicable parent;

 

    split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any of its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities or issue any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities;

 

    repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire from any third party any capital stock or voting securities of, or equity interests in, RAI or its subsidiaries or any securities of RAI or its subsidiaries convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of, or equity interests in, RAI or any of its subsidiaries, or any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any such capital stock, securities or interests, other than (1) the withholding of shares of RAI common stock to satisfy tax obligations with respect to RAI equity-based awards granted pursuant to benefit plans of RAI and (2) the acquisition by RAI of RAI equity-based awards granted pursuant to benefit plans of RAI in connection with the forfeiture of such equity-based awards;

 

    except for transactions solely between RAI and its wholly owned subsidiaries or between wholly owned RAI subsidiaries, issue, deliver, sell, grant, pledge or otherwise encumber or subject to any lien (1) shares of capital stock of RAI or its subsidiaries, (2) any other equity interests or voting securities of RAI or its subsidiaries, (3) any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, RAI or its subsidiaries, (4) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, RAI or its subsidiaries, (5) any rights issued by RAI or its subsidiaries that are linked in any way to the price of capital stock of RAI or its subsidiaries, the value of RAI or any of its subsidiaries or any part of RAI or its subsidiaries or any dividends or other distributions declared or paid on any capital stock of RAI or its subsidiaries, or (6) indebtedness of RAI that has the right to vote, or is convertible into or exchangeable for securities having the right to vote, on any matters on which RAI shareholders may vote, in each case, other than the issuance of shares of RAI common stock upon the vesting or settlement of RAI stock awards (a) outstanding on the date of the merger agreement and in accordance with the terms of the applicable award in effect on the date of the merger agreement or (b) granted after the date of the merger agreement in accordance with the merger agreement;

 

    amend the RAI articles of incorporation or the RAI bylaws or amend in any material respect the organizational documents of any subsidiary of RAI;

 

    except as required to comply with any contract or benefit plan of RAI or its subsidiaries in effect on the date of the merger agreement, as contemplated by the terms of the merger agreement or, solely in respect of clauses (1), (2), (3) and (5), in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (1) increase the compensation or benefits payable or provided to any current or former directors, officers, employees, individual independent contractors or individual consultants of RAI or any of its subsidiaries, (2) establish, adopt, enter into, amend (including acceleration of vesting or payment), modify or terminate any benefit plan of RAI or its subsidiaries, other than amendments, renewals and other changes, or the adoption of new benefit plans for RAI or its subsidiaries, that do not result in a material increase in benefits-related costs, (3) grant, grant any right to receive, or pay any severance, termination, change in control, retention or similar compensation or benefits or increase in any manner such compensation or benefits to any current or former directors, officers, employees, individual independent contractors or individual consultants of RAI or any its subsidiaries, (4) grant any awards under any benefit plan other than any awards provided in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection with the hire or promotion of any current or former directors, officers, employees, individual independent contractors or individual consultants of RAI or any its subsidiaries or (5) take any action to fund or in any other way secure the payment of compensation or benefits under any contract or benefit plan;

 

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    make any material change in financial accounting methods, principles or practices, except as required by a change in U.S. GAAP after the date of the merger agreement;

 

    other than pursuant to cash management or investment portfolio activities performed in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, directly or indirectly acquire in any transaction any equity interest in or business of any person or other entity or division thereof or any properties or assets for consideration in excess of $50.0 million in the aggregate (other than purchases of supplies and inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or any transaction solely between RAI and any of its wholly owned subsidiaries or between such wholly owned subsidiaries, in each case, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice);

 

    sell, lease (as lessor), license, mortgage, sell and leaseback or otherwise encumber or subject to any lien, or otherwise dispose of any material properties, rights or assets of RAI or any of its subsidiaries (other than intellectual property, which is the subject of the 16th bullet of this section), except (1) pursuant to contracts or commitments in effect on the date of the merger agreement (or entered into after the date of the merger agreement without violating the terms of the merger agreement), (2) for the sale, lease or license of products and services with a fair market value not in excess of $25.0 million and made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (3) in connection with any waiver, release, assignment, settlement, compromise or action otherwise permitted under the merger agreement or (4) in connection with cash management or investment portfolio activities performed in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

    incur any indebtedness, except for (1) borrowings under any of RAI’s existing credit facilities that are made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and, in any case, not in excess of $1.0 billion, in the aggregate, (2) other borrowings not in excess of $25.0 million, in the aggregate or (3) intercompany indebtedness among RAI and its wholly owned subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

    make any capital expenditure in excess of $10.0 million individually and $30.0 million in the aggregate for all such capital expenditures that are not contemplated by RAI’s existing capital plans previously disclosed to BAT;

 

    make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any person in excess of $5.0 million individually and $25.0 million in the aggregate, other than (1) cash management or investment portfolio activities performed in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (2) in connection with a transaction otherwise permitted under the eighth bullet of this section or (3) between RAI and its wholly owned subsidiary or between such wholly owned subsidiaries;

 

    (1) extend, renew, terminate or materially amend or modify any material contract or enter into, extend, renew or materially amend or modify any contract that would have been a material contract if such contract had been entered into prior to the date of the merger agreement or (2) waive, release or assign any material rights, claims or benefits under any such contract;

 

    enter into, extend, renew or materially amend or modify any contract for goods and services (1) providing for aggregate annual payments by RAI or any of its subsidiaries in excess of $40.0 million and (2) with durations of greater than one year from the date of such entry, extension, renewal, amendment or modification;

 

    waive, release, assign, settle or compromise (1) any action or proceeding, other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that do not create obligations of RAI or any of its subsidiaries other than the payment of monetary damages (a) equal to or less than the amounts reserved with respect thereto on any RAI documents filed with the SEC prior to the date of the merger agreement or (b) not in excess of $25.0 million for any individual action or proceeding and $100.0 million in the aggregate or (2) any action or proceeding relating to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement other than in accordance with the merger agreement;

 

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    abandon, encumber, convey title (in whole or in part), exclusively license or grant any right or other licenses to material intellectual property owned by RAI or any of its subsidiaries, or enter into contracts that impose material restrictions upon RAI or any of its subsidiaries with respect to material intellectual property rights owned by any third party, in each case, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

 

    except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, make or change any material tax election, change any annual tax accounting period, change or consent to any material change in any tax accounting method, file any amended material tax return, enter into any closing agreement related to a material tax, surrender any right to claim a material tax refund, settle any material tax liability, request any material tax ruling or waive, extend or consent to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material tax, tax claim or assessment;

 

    enter into any new line of business outside of the existing businesses of the RAI Group;

 

    adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for the dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other similar reorganization of RAI or dissolve or liquidate any material subsidiary of RAI;

 

    file, issue, release or otherwise publish any projections, forecasts, estimates, guidance or predictions in respect of revenues, earnings, profits or other financial or operating metrics that are not required by applicable law to be included in this proxy statement/prospectus, as determined by RAI in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel);

 

    enter into any material joint venture, partnership or other similar arrangement; or

 

    authorize any of, or commit, resolve or agree to take any of, the foregoing actions.

In addition, BAT has agreed that, except as previously agreed with RAI or otherwise expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by the merger agreement or required by applicable law or with the prior written consent of RAI (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), from the date of the merger agreement to the completion of the merger, BAT will not do any of the following, subject to certain exceptions:

 

    declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, shares or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its shares, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) regular half year and annual cash dividends with respect to the BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs, with amounts and declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with BAT’s currently publicly announced dividend policy, subject to periodic increases and modifications as determined by the BAT board of directors in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and BAT’s publicly announced dividend policy (under the terms of the merger agreement, BAT can make quarterly dividend payments) and (2) dividends and distributions with record dates after the completion of the merger;

 

    split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any of its shares, other equity interests or voting securities, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares or other equity interests or voting securities or issue any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares, other equity interests or voting securities;

 

    repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire from any third party any shares or voting securities of, or equity interests in, BAT or any securities of BAT convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares or voting securities of, or equity interests in, BAT or any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any such shares, securities or interests, other than the acquisition by BAT of BAT equity-based awards granted pursuant to the BAT share plans in connection with the forfeiture of such equity-based awards;

 

   

except for transactions solely between BAT and its wholly owned subsidiaries or between wholly owned BAT subsidiaries, issue, deliver, sell or grant (1) any shares of capital stock of BAT, (2) any other equity interests or voting securities of BAT, (3) any securities convertible into or exchangeable or

 

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exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, BAT, (4) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, BAT, (5) any rights issued by BAT that are linked in any way to the price of any class, or any shares, of capital stock of BAT, the value of BAT or any part of BAT or any dividends or other distributions declared or paid on any shares of capital stock of BAT or (6) indebtedness of BAT that has the right to vote, or is convertible into or exchangeable for securities having the right to vote, on any matters on which BAT shareholders may vote, in each case, other than the grant of any BAT equity-based awards pursuant to the BAT share plans and the issuance of any BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs in connection with any BAT equity-based awards;

 

    amend the articles of association of BAT, except for such changes as would not reasonably be expected to prevent, delay or impede the completion of the merger or would require approval from the holders of BAT ordinary shares;

 

    make any material change in financial accounting methods, principles or practices, except as required by a change in IFRS after the date of the merger agreement or as required in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the BAT ordinary shares contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

    adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for the dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other similar reorganization of BAT; or

 

    authorize any of, or commit, resolve or agree to take any of, the foregoing actions.

Each of RAI and BAT also agreed that it will not, and will not permit any of their respective subsidiaries to, take any action that would, or that would reasonably be expected to, result in any condition to the merger not being satisfied prior to December 31, 2017 (referred to as the end date), other than as expressly permitted under the merger agreement.

In addition, each of RAI and the BAT has agreed to promptly advise the other of any change or event, of which it has knowledge, (1) that has had or is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect or (2) that would constitute or would be reasonably likely to cause a material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in the merger agreement (if such breach would result in a condition to the completion of the merger not being satisfied by the end date).

No Solicitation of Takeover or Alternative Proposals

RAI has agreed, except as otherwise provided in the merger agreement, not to, and not to authorize or permit any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees or representatives to, directly or indirectly:

 

    solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, induce or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of, any “company takeover proposal” (as defined below), or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a company takeover proposal;

 

    enter into any agreement with respect to any company takeover proposal (except certain confidentiality agreements in accordance with the merger agreement); or

 

    enter into, participate in or continue any discussions or negotiations with any person (other than its representatives) regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person any non-public information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with any person (whether or not a person making a company takeover proposal) with respect to, any company takeover proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a company takeover proposal.

Additionally, RAI has agreed to (1) immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions or negotiations with any person conducted prior to the date of the merger agreement with respect to a company

 

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takeover proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a company takeover proposal, (2) promptly request each person, if any, that has executed a confidentiality agreement in the last 12 months in respect of a company takeover proposal to return or destroy all information RAI or its subsidiaries or representatives have furnished to such person or its representatives and (3) reasonably promptly terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any such person or its representatives.

Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that at any time prior to obtaining the RAI shareholder approvals, RAI and its representatives may, in response to a written company takeover proposal that the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) is bona fide and constitutes, or is reasonably expected to result in or lead to, a “superior proposal” (as defined below), and which was unsolicited, was made after the date of the merger agreement and did not otherwise result from a breach of the non-solicitation obligations described above, subject to compliance with the provisions of the merger agreement described in the following paragraph, take the following actions:

 

    furnish information to the person making such company takeover proposal and its representatives (provided that all such information has been or is provided to BAT prior to or substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to such person) pursuant to a confidentiality agreement that meets certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement; and

 

    participate in discussions regarding the terms of such company takeover proposal and the negotiation of such terms with, and only with, the person or group of persons making such company takeover proposal and its representatives,

in each case, if and so long as the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee determines in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel that providing such information or engaging in such negotiations or discussions is reasonably likely to be required for the directors to comply with their fiduciary duties under applicable law.

The merger agreement also requires RAI to (1) promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, advise BAT in writing of any company takeover proposal or any request for non-public information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to result in, lead to or that contemplates a company takeover proposal, the identity of the person making such company takeover proposal, request or inquiry and the material terms of such company takeover proposal, request or inquiry, (2) keep BAT informed in all material respects on a reasonably current basis of the status, including any change to the material terms of such company takeover proposal, and (3) provide BAT copies of any draft definitive agreements or term sheets sent or provided to or by RAI from or to any third party in connection with a company takeover proposal as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery of the same.

A “company takeover proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer (whether or not in writing) with respect to any:

 

    tender offer or exchange offer, merger, amalgamation, arrangement, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination or similar transaction involving the RAI Group, pursuant to which any person or group of persons (or affiliates thereof) would acquire 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, EBITDA or assets of the RAI Group, taken as a whole;

 

    sale, lease, contribution or other disposition, directly or indirectly (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination, partnership, joint venture, sale of capital stock of or other equity interests in a subsidiary of RAI or otherwise) of any business or assets of RAI or its subsidiaries representing 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, EBITDA or assets of the RAI Group, taken as a whole;

 

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    issuance, sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, to any person or group (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) of securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such securities) representing 25% or more of the voting power of RAI;

 

    transaction in which any person or group of persons (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) will acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership, or the right to acquire beneficial ownership, or formation of any group which has beneficial ownership or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership, of 25% or more of the voting power of RAI; or

 

    combination of the foregoing, in each case, other than the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

A “superior proposal” means any bona fide binding written offer (not solicited by or on behalf of RAI or its subsidiaries or any of their respective representatives or otherwise resulting from a breach of the non-solicitation obligations described above) made by a third party after the date of the merger agreement that, if completed, would result in such third party (or its shareholders) owning, directly or indirectly, a majority of the voting power of the capital stock of RAI then outstanding (or of the stock of the surviving entity in a merger or the direct or indirect parent of the surviving entity in a merger) or a majority of the assets of the RAI Group, taken as a whole, which the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) to be (1) more favorable to the holders of RAI common stock from a financial point of view than the merger and the other transaction contemplated by the merger agreement (taking into account all of the terms and conditions of, and the likelihood of completion of, such proposal and the merger agreement (including any changes to the financial terms of the merger agreement proposed by BAT in response to such offer or otherwise)) and (2) reasonably capable of being completed, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory and other aspects of such proposal.

BAT has agreed, except as otherwise provided in the merger agreement, not to, and not to authorize or permit any of its subsidiaries or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees or representatives to, directly or indirectly:

 

    solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, induce or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of, an “alternative proposal” (as defined below), or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to an alternative proposal;

 

    enter into any agreement with respect to any alternative proposal (except certain confidentiality agreements in accordance with the merger agreement); or

 

    enter into, participate in or continue any discussions or negotiations with any person (other than its representatives) regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person any non-public information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with any person (whether or not a person making an alternative proposal) with respect to, any alternative proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to an alternative proposal.

Additionally, BAT has agreed to (1) immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions or negotiations with any person conducted prior to the date of the merger agreement with respect to an alternative proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to an alternative proposal, (2) promptly request each person, if any, that has executed a confidentiality agreement in the last 12 months in respect of an alternative proposal to return or destroy all information BAT or its subsidiaries or representatives have furnished to such person or its representatives and (3) reasonably promptly terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any such person or its representatives.

Notwithstanding these restrictions, the merger agreement provides that at any time prior to obtaining the BAT shareholder approval, BAT and its representatives may, in response to a written alternative proposal that the BAT board of directors determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial

 

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advisor) is bona fide and constitutes, or is reasonably expected to result in or lead to, a “superior alternative proposal” (as defined below), and which was unsolicited, was made after the date of the merger agreement and did not otherwise result from a breach of the non-solicitation obligations described above, subject to compliance with the provisions of the merger agreement described in the following paragraph, take the following actions:

 

    furnish information to the person making such alternative proposal and its representatives (provided that all such information has been or is provided to RAI prior to or substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to such person) pursuant to a confidentiality agreement that meets certain requirements set forth in the merger agreement; and

 

    participate in discussions regarding the terms of such alternative proposal and the negotiation of such terms with, and only with, the person or group of persons making such alternative proposal and its representatives,

in each case, if and so long as the BAT board of directors determines in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel that providing such information or engaging in such negotiations or discussions is reasonably likely to be required for the directors to comply with their fiduciary duties under applicable law.

The merger agreement also requires BAT to (1) promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, advise RAI in writing of any alternative proposal or any request for non-public information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to or that contemplates an alternative proposal, the identity of the person making such alternative proposal, request or inquiry and the material terms of such alternative proposal, request or inquiry, (2) keep RAI informed in all material respects on a reasonably current basis of the status, including any change to the material terms of such alternative proposal, and (3) provide RAI copies of any draft definitive agreements or term sheets sent or provided to or by such party from or to any third party in connection with an alternative proposal as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery of the same.

An “alternative proposal” means any inquiry, proposal or offer (whether or not in writing) with respect to any:

 

    (1) tender offer or exchange offer, merger, amalgamation, arrangement, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination or similar transaction involving BAT or its subsidiaries, pursuant to which any person or group of persons (or affiliates thereof) would acquire 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, EBIDTA or assets of the BAT Group, taken as a whole, (2) sale, lease, contribution or other disposition, directly or indirectly (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination, partnership, joint venture, sale of capital stock of or other equity interests in a BAT subsidiary or otherwise) of any business or assets of BAT or its subsidiaries representing 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, EBITDA or assets of the BAT Group, taken as a whole, (3) issuance, sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, to any person or group of persons (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) of securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such securities) representing 25% or more of the voting power of BAT, (4) transaction in which any person or group of persons (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) will acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership, or the right to acquire beneficial ownership, or formation of any group which has beneficial ownership or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership, of 25% or more of the voting power of BAT or (5) combination of the foregoing, in each case, that would require, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, BAT to abandon, terminate, materially delay or fail to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or that would otherwise be reasonably expected to cause a condition to the completion of the merger to be unsatisfied prior to the end date; or

 

   

transaction (including any merger, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination, partnership, joint venture, sale or acquisition of capital stock of or other equity interests in any entity) involving BAT, any subsidiary of BAT or their respective assets that (1) is not in the ordinary course of business, (2) is a transaction comparable to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and

 

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(3) would require, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, BAT to terminate, materially delay or fail to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or that would otherwise be reasonably expected to cause a condition to the completion of the merger to be unsatisfied prior to the end date.

A “superior alternative proposal” means any bona fide binding written offer (not solicited by or on behalf of BAT or its subsidiaries or any of their respective representatives or otherwise resulting from a breach of the non-solicitation obligations described above) made by a third party with respect to an alternative proposal after the date of the merger agreement, which the BAT board of directors determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) to be (1) more favorable to the holders of BAT ordinary shares from a financial point of view than the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement (taking into account all of the terms and conditions of, and the likelihood of completion of, such proposal and the merger agreement (including any changes to the financial terms of the merger agreement proposed by RAI in response to such offer or otherwise)) and (2) reasonably capable of being completed, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory and other aspects of such proposal.

Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors and the Transaction Committee

Pursuant to the merger agreement, RAI has agreed, through the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee, to recommend that its shareholders approve the merger agreement, referred to as the RAI recommendation, and to include the RAI recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus, except as described below.

The merger agreement provides that, subject to the exceptions described below, the RAI board of directors, the Transaction Committee and each other committee of the RAI board of directors will not:

 

    withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to BAT), or propose publicly to withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to BAT), the RAI recommendation;

 

    approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, a company takeover proposal; or

 

    approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, or allow RAI or any of its subsidiaries to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, alliance agreement, partnership agreement or other similar contract or arrangement (other than certain confidentiality agreements) constituting or relating to, or that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to, any company takeover proposal, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, RAI to abandon, terminate, delay or fail to complete, or that would otherwise impede, interfere with or be inconsistent with, the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, RAI to fail to comply with the merger agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions, at any time prior to obtaining the RAI shareholder approvals, the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee may change its recommendation only if the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee, as applicable, determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor and after giving effect to all of the adjustments to the terms of the merger agreement that have been offered in writing by BAT) that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law. However, neither the RAI board of directors nor the Transaction Committee may change its recommendation unless (1) RAI delivers to BAT a written notice advising BAT that the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee, as applicable, intends to change its recommendation and specifying the reasons therefor (including, in the case of a superior proposal, the identity of the party making such superior proposal, the material terms and conditions of the superior proposal that is the basis of the

 

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proposed action by the RAI board of directors and a copy of the most current version of any proposed definitive agreement(s) with respect to any such superior proposal) and (2) at or after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fourth business day after the delivery of such notice, the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee, as applicable, reaffirms in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that (a) in the case of a superior proposal, such company takeover proposal continues to constitute a superior proposal and (b) the failure to change its recommendation would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law.

In the event of any change in the financial terms or any other material amendment to the terms and conditions of such superior proposal, RAI must deliver a new notice of superior proposal to BAT and again comply with the requirements set forth above with respect to such revised superior proposal (except that the four business day period described above will, after the expiration of the initial four business day period, be shortened to a two business day period). In determining whether to change its recommendation, the RAI board of directors and the Transaction Committee are required to take into account any changes to the terms of the merger agreement proposed in writing by BAT by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the last business day of the applicable four business day or two business day period, as applicable, and, if requested by BAT, RAI and its representatives must engage in good-faith negotiations with BAT and its representatives to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of the merger agreement so that any company takeover proposal would cease to constitute a superior proposal or that such failure to change its recommendation would cease to be inconsistent with the RAI board of directors’ or the Transaction Committee’s, as applicable, fiduciary duties under applicable law.

Notwithstanding any recommendation change, if the RAI shareholder approvals are obtained, the requirement under the governance agreement that a majority of the Other Directors approve the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement shall be deemed to have been satisfied.

Recommendation of the BAT Board of Directors

Pursuant to the merger agreement, BAT has agreed, through the BAT board of directors, to recommend without qualification that its shareholders approve the merger agreement and the applicable transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as a Class 1 transaction and authorize the directors of BAT to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration, referred to as the BAT recommendation, and to include such recommendation in this proxy statement/prospectus.

The merger agreement provides that, subject to the exceptions below, the BAT board of directors and each other committee of the BAT board of directors will not:

 

    withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to RAI), or propose publicly to withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to RAI) the BAT recommendation;

 

    approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, an alternative proposal; or

 

    approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, or allow BAT or any of its subsidiaries to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, alliance agreement, partnership agreement or other similar contract or arrangement (other than certain confidentiality agreements) constituting or relating to, or that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to, any alternative proposal, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, BAT to abandon, terminate, delay or fail to complete, or that would otherwise impede, interfere with or be inconsistent with, the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, BAT to fail to comply with the merger agreement.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing restrictions, at any time prior to obtaining the BAT shareholder approval, the BAT board of directors may change its recommendation only if the BAT board of directors determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor and after giving effect to all of the adjustments to the terms of the merger agreement that have been offered in writing by RAI) that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law. However, the BAT board of directors may not change its recommendation unless (1) BAT delivers to RAI a written notice advising RAI that the BAT board of directors intends to change its recommendation and specifying the reasons therefor (including, in the case of a superior alternative proposal, the identity of the party making such superior alternative proposal, the material terms and conditions of the superior alternative proposal that is the basis of the proposed action by the BAT board of directors and a copy of the most current version of any proposed definitive agreement(s) with respect to any such superior alternative proposal) and (2) at or after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fourth business day after the delivery of such notice, the BAT board of directors reaffirms in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that (a) in the case of a superior alternative proposal, such alternative proposal continues to constitute a superior alternative proposal and (b) the failure to change its recommendation would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law.

In the event of any change in the financial terms or any other material amendment to the terms and conditions of such superior alternative proposal, BAT must deliver a new notice of superior alternative proposal to RAI and again comply with the requirements set forth above with respect to such revised superior alternative proposal (except that the four business day period described above will, after the expiration of the initial four business day period, be shortened to a two business day period). In determining whether to change its recommendation, the BAT board of directors will take into account any changes to the terms of the merger agreement proposed in writing by RAI by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the last business day of the applicable four business day or two business day period, as applicable, and, if requested by RAI, BAT and its representatives must engage in good-faith negotiations with RAI and its representatives to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of the merger agreement so that any alternative proposal would cease to constitute a superior alternative proposal or that such failure to change its recommendation would cease to be inconsistent with the BAT board of directors’ fiduciary duties under applicable law.

Efforts to Obtain Required Shareholder Votes

RAI has agreed to hold a special meeting of its shareholders as soon as reasonably practicable for the sole purpose of obtaining the RAI shareholder approvals, and, if applicable, the advisory vote required under the Exchange Act in connection therewith. The RAI board of directors is required to solicit the approval of the merger agreement by RAI shareholders, except to the extent that the RAI board of directors or the Transaction Committee has changed its recommendation as permitted by the merger agreement (as described in “— Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors and the Transaction Committee ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus). RAI is required to hold its special meeting for the purpose of seeking the RAI shareholder approvals even if the RAI board of directors or Transaction Committee changes its recommendation or a company takeover proposal is made public. The RAI board of directors, having received the unanimous recommendation of the Transaction Committee, has adopted resolutions approving the plan of merger and the transactions contemplated thereby and recommending that RAI shareholders vote “ FOR ” the approval of the merger agreement.

BAT has also agreed to hold a general meeting of its shareholders as soon as reasonably practicable for the purpose of obtaining the BAT shareholder approval. The BAT board of directors is required to solicit BAT shareholders’ approval of the merger agreement and the share issuance, except to the extent that the BAT board of directors has changed its recommendation as permitted by the merger agreement (as described in “— Recommendation of the BAT Board of Directors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus). BAT is required to hold its general meeting for the purpose of seeking the BAT shareholder approval even if the BAT board of directors changes its recommendation. The BAT board of directors has approved resolutions approving and adopting the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and recommending

 

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without qualification that BAT’s shareholders approve the merger agreement as a Class 1 transaction and authorize BAT’s directors to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting merger consideration. However, even if the BAT board of directors changes its recommendation in favor of the merger agreement, the BAT Group are required to vote all shares of RAI common stock held by them in favor of approval of the merger agreement.

RAI and BAT are required to use their reasonable best efforts to hold their special meeting and general meeting of shareholders, respectively, on the same date.

Efforts to Complete the Merger

BAT and RAI have each agreed in the merger agreement to use their respective reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to complete and make effective, as promptly as practicable, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including:

 

    taking all reasonable acts necessary to cause the conditions to the completion of the merger set forth in the merger agreement to be satisfied as soon as reasonably practicable;

 

    obtaining all mandatory or appropriate nonactions and consents from government entities and making all mandatory or appropriate registrations and filings and taking all reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain consents from, or to avoid an action by, any governmental entity;

 

    obtaining all mandatory or appropriate consents from third parties, provided that no party will be required or permitted to incur any significant expense or liability, enter into any significant new commitment or agreement or agree to any significant modification to any contractual arrangement to obtain any such consents;

 

    defending against lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging the merger agreement or the completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; and

 

    executing and delivering any additional instruments mandatory or appropriate to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to fully carry out the purposes of the merger agreement.

In connection with and without limiting the foregoing, RAI, the RAI board of directors, BAT and the BAT board of directors will (1) take all action necessary to ensure that no state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation is or becomes applicable to the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby and (2) if any state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation becomes applicable to the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, take all action necessary to ensure that such transactions may be completed as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by the merger agreement and eliminate or minimize the effect of such statute or regulation on the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

In connection with the receipt of any mandatory or appropriate governmental consents, BAT will not be required to dispose of any of its assets or to limit its freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses, or to consent to any disposition of RAI’s assets or limits on RAI’s freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses. BAT is also not required to agree to any legal restraint under any antitrust laws that (1) would result in a prohibition or limitation on the ownership or operation by RAI as the surviving corporation, BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries or their respective businesses, properties or assets, (2) would require RAI as the surviving corporation, BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries to dispose of or hold separate any of their respective businesses, properties or assets, (3) would result in a prohibition or limitation on the ability of BAT to acquire or hold, or exercise full right of ownership of, any shares of the capital stock of RAI as the surviving corporation or its subsidiaries, including the right to vote such shares or (4) would result in any prohibition or limitation on BAT effectively controlling the business or operations of RAI as the surviving corporation or its

 

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subsidiaries, which legal restraints are referred to collectively as antitrust restrictions. In addition, RAI is not permitted to commit or agree to any such restriction or restraint, to obtain any consents in connection with, or to remove any impediments to the transactions relating to, any antitrust laws or to avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of, any injunction, temporary restraining order or other order in any action relating to antitrust laws.

Subject to applicable law, BAT and RAI will:

 

    consult and cooperate with one another, and consider in good faith the views of one another, in connection with obtaining all mandatory or appropriate nonactions and consents from governmental entities;

 

    keep one another reasonably informed as to the status of and the processes and proceedings relating to obtaining such nonactions and consents;

 

    give prompt notice to the other party of any communication with a governmental entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or with any person alleging that the consent of such person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement;

 

    prior to having any substantive communication with, or submitting certain materials to, a governmental entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, provide the other party and its counsel a reasonable opportunity to review, and consider in good faith the comments of the other party in connection with, any such communications or other materials; and

 

    unless impractical, allow the other party to participate in any substantive teleconference or in-person meetings with a governmental entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

BAT will, acting reasonably and in good faith, direct and control all aspects of the parties’ efforts to obtain all mandatory or appropriate nonactions and consents from governmental entities or in any action or proceeding relating to antitrust laws. However, BAT is required to provide RAI with reasonable prior notice of commitments or material actions that BAT proposes to undertake and to consult with and consider the views of RAI with respect to such matters in good faith.

Indemnification and Insurance

Under the terms of the merger agreement, RAI as the surviving corporation has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, all current or former directors and officers of RAI and any subsidiary of RAI, and all fiduciaries under any benefit plan of RAI, each referred to as an indemnified party, against costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and disbursements), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities to the extent related to any claim or action or proceeding arising out of or pertaining to the fact that the indemnified party is or was a director or officer of RAI or any subsidiary of RAI or a fiduciary under any benefit plan of RAI or is or was serving at the request of RAI or any subsidiary of RAI as a director or officer of any business or non-profit enterprise, and to advance expenses to such indemnified parties in connection with an indemnifiable action or proceeding, as long as the indemnified party undertakes to reimburse RAI for all amounts so advanced if a court of competent jurisdiction determines by a final, nonappealable judgment that such indemnified party is not entitled to indemnification. The merger agreement also provides that BAT will cause RAI as the surviving corporation to honor all obligations of the RAI Group to indemnify (including any obligations to advance funds for expenses) each indemnified party and each past and present employee of RAI and any subsidiary of RAI for acts or omissions by such persons occurring prior to the completion of the merger to the extent that such obligations of RAI exist on the date of the merger agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

RAI may in its discretion purchase a “tail” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy for claims arising from facts or events prior to or at the completion of the merger and covering the six-year period following

 

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the completion of the merger. The cost of such “tail” policy will not, without BAT’s consent, exceed 300% of RAI’s annual premiums paid for such insurance as of the date of the merger agreement, referred to as the maximum premium. If RAI declines to purchase such a “tail” policy, the merger agreement requires BAT to purchase a “tail” policy or to maintain, for a period of six years following the completion of the merger, the directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by RAI as of the date of the merger agreement (or substitute policies with reputable and financially sound carriers of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions no less advantageous), subject to certain exceptions if the cost of the “tail” policy or the annual premium for such other policy would exceed the maximum premium.

Financing

Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, BAT has agreed to use reasonable best efforts to obtain the financing required to complete the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, referred as the financing, on a timely basis, including pursuant to the acquisition facility. BAT has agreed to keep RAI reasonably informed of the status of its efforts to arrange the financing and to satisfy the conditions to funding of the financing. For additional information regarding the financing of the merger, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Financing of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to provide, and to cause its subsidiaries and their respective representatives to provide, subject to certain exceptions, all cooperation reasonably requested by BAT in connection with the arrangement of the financing, including to:

 

    participate in reasonable and customary meetings, drafting sessions, due diligence sessions and rating agency presentations;

 

    provide BAT and its financing sources with certain financial statements and business and other information (financial or otherwise) regarding RAI that is reasonably necessary for BAT to prepare pro forma financial statements and projections or as is customarily provided in connection with any comparable financing;

 

    assist in the preparation of a customary bank information memorandum (as well as a public-side version thereof), materials for rating agency presentations, prospectuses, offering memoranda and private placement memoranda;

 

    assist with the preparation of any documents related to the financing or any offering of debt securities in lieu of the financing;

 

    execute and deliver customary certificates, accountants’ comfort letters, consents, legal opinions and negative assurance letters in connection with the financing;

 

    provide BAT’s underwriters and financing sources with (1) reasonable and customary access to all of its properties, books, contracts, tax returns, commitments, personnel and records and (2) all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities; and

 

    consent to the reasonable use of RAI trademarks, service marks or logos in connection with the financing prior to the close of the merger.

BAT’s obligation to complete the merger is not conditioned upon its obtaining the financing.

Employee Benefit Matters

The merger agreement requires that, for a period beginning on the completion of the merger and ending on December 31, 2018, BAT will provide each continuing employee with:

 

    base salary and wages that are no less favorable than those provided to such employee immediately before the completion of the merger;

 

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    annual target cash bonus opportunities (excluding one-time, special or non-recurring bonuses) that are no less favorable than what was provided to such employee immediately before the completion of the merger;

 

    annual target equity-based opportunities (excluding one-time, special or non-recurring awards) that are no less favorable in respect of value than what was provided to such employee immediately before the completion of the merger; and

 

    other employee benefits (excluding RAI change in control, transaction bonus and retention arrangements) that are substantially similar in the aggregate to those provided to such employee immediately before the completion of the merger.

BAT will recognize each continuing employee’s years of service with RAI or any of its subsidiaries for purposes of vesting, participation in and level of benefits (excluding benefit accruals for purposes of defined benefit plans) under BAT’s employee benefit plans, so long as that recognition does not result in the duplication of benefits. BAT has also agreed to honor RAI’s 2017 annual bonus plans, with BAT and RAI to specify the process by which achievement of performance goals for the 2017 fiscal year will be determined in the event the completion of the merger occurs prior to the end date.

BAT acknowledges that, as a result of the completion of the merger, an RAI change in control will occur as of the completion of the merger.

RAI agrees to notify BAT promptly of any notice or other communication received by RAI from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, referred to as the PBGC, regarding any defined benefit pension plan of RAI or any of its subsidiaries. RAI agrees to consult with BAT with respect to any communications with the PBGC.

Equity Based Compensation

Cash-Out RSUs. Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive (1) the merger consideration for each share of RAI common stock subject to such cash-out RSU, subject to applicable proration, and (2) cash for any accrued dividend equivalent right in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case, less any required withholding taxes. If a cash-out RSU is also an RAI performance share, the number of shares of RAI common stock deemed subject to such cash-out RSU will be determined by the RAI board of directors (or a committee of the RAI board of directors) prior to the completion of the merger, in accordance with the applicable award agreement and after reasonable consultation with BAT.

RAI DSUs . Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding RAI DSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, or another form of payment as required by the applicable benefit plan that is equal in value to the merger consideration, for each share of RAI common stock subject to such RAI DSU, less any required withholding taxes. The timing of any payment for each outstanding RAI DSU will be in accordance with the applicable award agreement and any related deferral election.

Rollover RSUs . Upon the completion of the merger, each outstanding rollover RSU will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole BAT ADS and with any fractional BAT ADSs settled in cash) equal to the product of (1) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (2) the RSU exchange ratio, subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution (each referred to as an adjusted RSU). Each adjusted RSU will be subject to substantially the same terms and conditions applicable to the related RSU immediately prior to the completion of the merger, except that the form of payment upon vesting and settlement will be in BAT ADSs. If the rollover RSU was subject to performance-based vesting prior to the completion of the merger, then the adjusted RSU will continue to provide for performance-based vesting following the completion of the merger based on performance metrics agreed upon by BAT and RAI.

 

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Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger

Pursuant to the merger agreement, BAT will take all actions necessary to cause three directors serving on the RAI board of directors (other than directors designated for nomination by B&W) immediately prior to completion of the merger to be appointed as members of the BAT board of directors upon completion of the merger. Such directors will be selected by BAT prior to the completion of the merger after consultation with the Transaction Committee.

Other Covenants and Agreements

The merger agreement contains certain other covenants and agreements, including covenants relating to:

 

    cooperation between BAT and RAI in the preparation of this proxy statement/prospectus, the Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement, the BAT prospectus and the BAT circular;

 

    confidentiality and access by each party to certain information about the other party during the period prior to the completion of the merger;

 

    cooperation among the parties in connection with public announcements;

 

    the use of reasonable best efforts by BAT to cause, on or prior to the completion date, (1) the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance and (2) the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration to be approved for admission to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE; and

 

    cooperation between BAT and RAI in the defense or settlement of any litigation, action or proceeding relating to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Conditions to the Merger

The obligations of each of BAT and RAI to complete the merger are subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent legally permissible (and except with respect to the condition described in the second bullet below, which shall not be waivable) waiver on or prior to the completion date of the following conditions:

 

    the approval of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock of RAI entitled to vote as of the RAI record date (the Series B preferred stock of RAI, all of which is owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, is not entitled to vote);

 

    receipt of the unaffiliated shareholder approval;

 

    receipt of the BAT shareholder approval;

 

    the approval for listing of the BAT ADSs issuable as the stock portion of the merger consideration on the NYSE (subject to official notice of issuance);

 

    the approval for admission of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration on the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE subject only to the issue of such BAT ordinary shares upon the completion of the merger;

 

    the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act and the earlier of the expiration of the waiting period required by the Japanese merger control regulations and the receipt of clearance from the Japan Fair Trade Commission;

 

    the absence of any legal restraints that prevent, make illegal or prohibit the completion of the merger or the issuance of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration;

 

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    declaration by the SEC of the effectiveness of the registration statement filed on Form F-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part and of the registration statement on Form F-6 relating to the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration (and the absence of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statements or any proceedings seeking such a stop order);

 

    the filing of the BAT prospectus and BAT circular with the UKLA, the approval of such prospectus and circular by the UKLA and the mailing of the BAT circular and the publishing of the BAT prospectus, in each case, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations; and

 

    the other party having performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under the merger agreement that are required to be performed on or prior to the completion date and each party having received a certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or the finance director of the other party, as applicable, certifying that such condition has been satisfied.

The obligations of BAT and Merger Sub to complete the merger are further subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent legally permissible, waiver on or prior to the completion date of the following conditions:

 

    the representations and warranties of RAI relating to organization, standing and power, capital structure, authority, execution and delivery, enforceability, brokers, schedules of fees and expenses and opinions of financial advisors being true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case, as of such earlier date);

 

    the representation and warranty of RAI relating to the absence of a material adverse effect on RAI being true and correct in all respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date;

 

    each other representation and warranty of RAI being true and correct (ignoring any “materiality” or “material adverse effect” qualifiers) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case, as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually and in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect;

 

    receipt of an officer’s certificate executed by the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer of RAI certifying that the three preceding conditions have been satisfied; and

 

    the absence of any antitrust restriction.

The obligation of RAI to complete the merger is further subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent legally permissible, waiver on or prior to the completion date of the following conditions:

 

    the representations and warranties of BAT, BATUS and Merger Sub relating to organization, standing, corporate power, capital structure, authority, execution and delivery and enforceability being true and correct in all material respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case, as of such earlier date);

 

    the representation and warranty of BAT, BATUS and Merger Sub relating to the absence of a material adverse effect on BAT being true and correct in all respects as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date;

 

    each other representation and warranty of BAT, BATUS and Merger Sub being true and correct (ignoring any “materiality” or “material adverse effect” qualifiers) as of the date of the merger agreement and as of the completion date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case, as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct, individually and in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect; and

 

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    receipt of an officer’s certificate executed by the chief executive officer or the finance director of BAT certifying that the three preceding conditions have been satisfied.

Pursuant to the requirements of the HSR Act, BAT and RAI filed Notification and Report Forms with respect to the merger with the FTC and DOJ on February 6, 2017 and requested early termination of the HSR Act waiting period. The applicable HSR Act waiting period for the merger expired on March 8, 2017. On March 23, 2017, BAT and RAI filed notifications for the merger with the Japan Fair Trade Commission. Approval from the Japan Fair Trade Commission was received on April 4, 2017. As a result of the foregoing, the conditions related to antitrust approvals required as part of the closing conditions to the merger have now been satisfied.

Termination of the Merger Agreement

The merger agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the completion of the merger, whether before or after receipt of the RAI shareholder approvals or the BAT shareholder approval, under the following circumstances:

 

    by mutual written consent of BAT and RAI (in the case of RAI, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee); or

 

    by either BAT or RAI (in the case of RAI, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee) in the event that:

 

    the merger is not completed by the end date, except that no party may terminate the merger agreement if the merger is not completed by the end date if such party has breached a representation, warranty or covenant in the merger agreement and such breach has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement to be completed on or before the end date (and, in the event all conditions to the completion of the merger have been satisfied but the end date, by its terms, would occur before the expiration of the five business days contemplated in the merger agreement (related to the completion of the financing of the merger), the end date will be extended by the number of days necessary to provide BAT with such five business day period);

 

    a legal restraint that prevents, makes illegal or prohibits the completion of the merger or the issuance of the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs constituting the stock portion of the merger consideration has become final and nonappealable, as long as the terminating party has complied in all material respects with its obligations to use its reasonable best efforts to complete the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as promptly as practicable (as described above in “— Efforts to Complete the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus);

 

    the RAI shareholders vote on and fail to approve the merger agreement at the special meeting;

 

    BAT shareholders vote on and fail to approve the merger agreement or to authorize the BAT directors to allot and issue the BAT ordinary shares underlying the BAT ADSs to be issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration at the general meeting;

 

    the other party breaches or fails to perform any of its covenants or agreements in the merger agreement, or if the other party’s representations or warranties fail to be true and correct, in either case, such that the applicable conditions to the terminating party’s obligations to complete the merger would not then be satisfied and such breach is not capable of being cured by the end date or has not been cured within 30 days after giving written notice to the other party of such breach, except that no party may terminate the merger agreement for this reason if such party is then in material breach of any covenant or agreement in the merger agreement or if such party’s representations or warranties are not true and correct such that the applicable conditions to the other party’s obligations to complete the merger would not then be satisfied; or

 

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    prior to obtaining the approval of the other party’s shareholders required to complete the merger, the board of directors of the other party (or any committee thereof) (1) withholds, withdraws, modifies or qualifies (in a manner adverse to the terminating party) or proposes publicly to withhold, withdraw, modify or qualify (in a manner adverse to the terminating party), its recommendation to its shareholders to vote in favor of approving the merger agreement and in the case of BAT, the share issuance, or (2) approves, recommends or declares advisable or proposes publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable an alternative proposal, in the case of BAT, or a company takeover proposal, in the case of RAI.

If the merger agreement is terminated, the merger agreement will become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of any party, except in the case of a willful and material breach of the merger agreement and except that certain provisions of the merger agreement, including those relating to confidentiality, the indemnification obligations of BAT in connection with the financing, fees and expenses (including termination fees), effect of termination and certain other general provisions, will survive termination of the merger agreement. If either party receives any payments for damages from another party as a result of a breach of the merger agreement and also receives a termination fee, the amount of such payments for damages made by the applicable party as a result of any such breaches will be reduced by the amount of such termination fee.

Expenses and Termination Fees

Except as described below, each party will pay all fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

If the merger agreement is terminated, BAT will be entitled to receive a termination fee of $1.0 billion from RAI in the event that:

 

    the RAI board of directors or any committee thereof changes its recommendation and either (1) the merger agreement is terminated because the RAI shareholder approvals are not obtained at the special meeting or no special meeting is held prior to the end date or (2) BAT terminates the merger agreement as a result of such change in recommendation; or

 

    (1) the merger agreement is terminated (or in certain circumstances could have been terminated) because the merger has not occurred by the end date (and at such time all antitrust approvals have been obtained and no legal restraint preventing the completion of the merger is in effect), the RAI shareholder approvals are not obtained at the special meeting or RAI breached its obligations under the merger agreement, (2) prior to such termination, shareholder vote or breach, as applicable, and after the date of the merger agreement, a company takeover proposal that contemplates acquiring a majority of the capital stock or assets of RAI was made or made known to RAI or its shareholders and (3) within 12 months after such termination, RAI or any of its subsidiaries enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or completes, such company takeover proposal.

If the merger agreement is terminated, RAI will be entitled to receive a termination fee of $1.0 billion from BAT in the event that:

 

    the BAT board of directors or any committee thereof changes its recommendation and either (1) the merger agreement is terminated because the BAT shareholder approval is not obtained at the general meeting or no general meeting is held prior to the end date or (2) RAI terminates the merger agreement as a result of such change in recommendation; or

 

   

(1) the merger agreement is terminated (or in certain circumstances could have been terminated) because the merger has not occurred by the end date (and at such time all antitrust approvals have been obtained, no legal restraint preventing the completion of the merger is in effect and no antitrust restriction is in effect), the BAT shareholder approval is not obtained at the general meeting or BAT breached its obligations under the merger agreement, (2) prior to such termination, shareholder vote or

 

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breach, as applicable, and after the date of the merger agreement, an alternative proposal that contemplates acquiring a majority of the capital stock or assets of BAT is publicly proposed or announced and (3) within 12 months after such termination, BAT enters into a definitive agreement with respect to, or completes, such alternative proposal.

In addition, the merger agreement provides that RAI will be entitled to receive a termination fee of $500.0 million from BAT in the event that the merger agreement is terminated because the merger has not occurred by the end date and at the time of termination (1) all antitrust approvals that are conditions to completion of the merger have not been obtained, a legal restraint attributable to an antitrust law is in effect that prevents the completion of the merger or an antitrust restriction is in effect and (2) all other conditions to completion of the merger have been satisfied (or, in the case of any condition that by its nature is to be satisfied at completion, would be satisfied if the completion were to occur on the date of such termination). The conditions related to antitrust approvals required as part of the conditions to completion of the merger have been satisfied. RAI will also be entitled to receive a termination fee of $500.0 million from BAT in the event that the merger agreement is terminated because a legal restraint attributable to an antitrust law that prevents the completion of the merger has become final and nonappealable. BAT will not be required to pay the termination fees described in this paragraph if RAI has not complied with its obligation to use reasonable best efforts to complete the merger as promptly as practicable. See “The Merger Agreement—Efforts to Complete the Merger” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for details on the efforts RAI is required to use to complete the merger.

Amendments, Extensions and Waivers

Amendment . Prior to the completion of the merger, the merger agreement may be amended by the parties (in the case of RAI, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee) at any time before or after receipt of the BAT shareholder approval or the RAI shareholder approvals. However, after the BAT shareholder approval or the RAI shareholder approvals have been received, no amendment may be made that would require further shareholder approval under applicable law without the further approval of such shareholders.

Extension; Waiver . At any time prior to the completion of the merger, the parties (in the case of RAI, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee) may (1) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties, (2) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other parties contained in the merger agreement, (3) waive compliance by the other parties with any of the covenants or agreements contained in the merger agreement or (4) waive the satisfaction of any of the conditions contained in the merger agreement (except with respect to the condition requiring the unaffiliated shareholder approval, which may not be waived). However, after receipt of the RAI shareholder approvals, there shall be no waiver that by applicable law requires further approval by the holders of capital stock of RAI without the further approval of such shareholders and after receipt of the BAT shareholder approval, there shall be no waiver that by applicable law requires further approval by the holders of BAT ordinary shares without the further approval of such shareholders.

No Third-Party Beneficiaries

The merger agreement is not intended to confer any rights or remedies upon any person other than (1) the parties thereto, (2) from and after the completion of the merger, RAI on behalf of the holders of RAI common stock and other equity interests and (3) as described above in “— Indemnification and Insurance ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, the indemnified parties.

Enforcement

BAT and RAI have agreed in the merger agreement that irreparable damage would occur and that monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy in the event that any of the provisions of the merger agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached. BAT and

 

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RAI have agreed that, prior to the termination of the merger agreement, they will be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the merger agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of the merger, without proof of actual damage, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. BAT and RAI have further agreed not to assert that a remedy of specific performance is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to law or inequitable for any reason, nor to assert that a remedy of monetary damages would provide an adequate remedy for any breach.

Governing Law

The merger agreement is governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof, except to the extent the laws of North Carolina or England, or both, are mandatorily applicable to the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. BAT and RAI have submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery or, to the extent that court declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, certain other courts located in Delaware, in the event any dispute arises out of the merger agreement or the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

 

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THE GOVERNANCE AGREEMENT

Governance Agreement

The following section is a summary of the material terms of the governance agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the governance agreement, which, together with Amendments No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 to the governance agreement, are incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. You are encouraged to read the governance agreement carefully as it contains important information about the governance of RAI. As described below, the governance agreement will terminate automatically and in its entirety upon the completion of the merger.

Nomination and Election of Directors and Related Matters

In connection with the B&W business combination completed on July 30, 2004, pursuant to which, among other things, the U.S. cigarette and tobacco business of B&W was combined with the business of RJR Tobacco Company, and B&W became the owner of approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock, RAI, B&W and BAT entered into the governance agreement, which sets forth their agreement regarding various aspects of the governance of RAI, including the nomination and election of RAI directors. The governance agreement provides for the RAI board of directors to consist of 13 persons and for the RAI board of directors’ slate of nominees for the RAI election of directors to be chosen as follows:

 

Nominator

  

Nominee

B&W    B&W has the right to designate for nomination five directors, referred to as the B&W-designated directors, at least three of whom are required to be independent directors and two of whom may be executive officers of BAT or any of its subsidiaries, and each of whom shall be nominated for election by the RAI governance committee.
RAI Governance Committee   

The RAI governance committee will recommend to the RAI board of directors for nomination:

 

•    the chief executive officer of RAI or equivalent senior executive officer of RAI; and

 

•    the remaining directors, each of whom is required to be an independent director (unless otherwise agreed).

On September 14, 2016, BAT and B&W agreed to permit RAI to temporarily increase the size of the RAI board of directors to 14 so long as the board size is reduced to 13 by the 2017 annual shareholders meeting.

The number of directors B&W is entitled to designate for nomination to the RAI board of directors could be lower due to future reductions in the amount of RAI common stock which the BAT Group owns. (As of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, the BAT Group owns approximately 42% of RAI common stock.) Specifically, the governance agreement provides that designations by B&W will be subject to the following limitations:

 

If the BAT Group’s ownership interest
in RAI as of a specified date is:

  

B&W will have the right to designate:

•    less than 32% but greater than or equal to 27%

  

•    two independent directors; and

 

•    two directors who may be executive officers of BAT or any of its subsidiaries.

 

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•    less than 27% but greater than or equal to 22%

  

•    two independent directors; and

 

•    one director who may be an executive officer of BAT or any of its subsidiaries.

•    less than 22% but greater than or equal to 15%

  

•    one independent director; and

 

•    one director who may be an executive officer of BAT or any of its subsidiaries.

•    less than 15%

  

•    no directors.

The ownership thresholds described above will not reflect any decreases in the BAT Group’s percentage ownership due to issuances of equity securities by RAI.

In addition, the governance agreement provides that in no event will the number of directors designated by B&W, divided by the total number of directors then comprising the RAI board of directors, exceed the number of directors which B&W is then entitled to designate pursuant to the terms of the governance agreement divided by 12, rounded up to the nearest whole number. Thus, B&W will not be permitted to designate a sufficient number of directors to constitute a majority of the RAI board of directors unless and until the foregoing provisions of the governance agreement are terminated. Generally, such termination would require either a specified breach of the governance agreement by RAI or BAT’s beneficial ownership of all outstanding shares of RAI common stock. See “— Termination of the Governance Agreement ” below. B&W is entitled to approximately proportionate representation, as designated by B&W, on all RAI board of directors’ committees so long as any B&W nominee is on the RAI board of directors.

For purposes of the governance agreement, an independent director means a director who would be considered an “independent director” of RAI under the NYSE listing standards, as such listing standards may be amended from time to time, and under any other applicable law mandating, or imposing as a condition to any material benefit to RAI or any of its subsidiaries, the independence of one or more members of the RAI board of directors, excluding, in each case, requirements that relate to “independence” only for members of a particular committee or directors fulfilling a particular function. The governance agreement further provides that no person shall be deemed to be an “independent director” if such person is, or at any time during the three years preceding the date of determination was, a director, officer or employee of BAT or any of its subsidiaries, other than the RAI Group, if applicable. In addition, no person will be deemed to be an “independent director” unless such person also would be considered to be an “independent director” of BAT under the NYSE listing standards, whether or not such person is in fact a director of BAT, assuming the NYSE listing standards were applicable to BAT. Under the governance agreement, the fact that a person has been designated by B&W for nomination will not by itself disqualify that person as an “independent director.”

Pursuant to the governance agreement, in any election of directors or any meeting of RAI shareholders called expressly for removal of directors, as long as after that meeting the RAI board of directors will include the number of directors required to be designated by B&W in accordance with the governance agreement (and assuming that the RAI board of directors’ entire slate of nominees is elected at the meeting), then the BAT Group is required to attend in person or by proxy for purposes of establishing a quorum at such meeting and are required to vote, and have given RAI an irrevocable proxy to vote, their shares of RAI common stock in favor of the RAI board of directors’ slate of nominees (and against the removal of any director elected as one of the RAI board of directors’ slate of nominees). Under the governance agreement, however, the BAT Group would not be required to vote in favor of the RAI board of directors’ slate of nominees (or against a removal) at a particular shareholders’ meeting if an unaffiliated third party has made a material effort to solicit proxies in favor of a different slate of directors for that meeting. In any other matter submitted to a vote of RAI shareholders, the BAT Group generally may vote their RAI shares in their sole discretion, except that for matters where B&W’s approval as an RAI shareholder is required pursuant to the terms of the governance agreement and such approval has been given, then B&W is required to vote to approve such matter at any meeting of RAI shareholders at which that proposal is considered.

 

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The governance agreement requires the approval of B&W, as an RAI shareholder, or the approval of the B&W-designated directors in order for RAI to take various actions. The approval of a majority of the B&W-designated directors is required for the RAI board of directors to approve:

 

    so long as the BAT Group’s percentage interest in RAI is at least 32%, the issuance of securities comprising (either directly or upon conversion or exercise) 5% or more of RAI’s voting power other than certain issuances for cash, if such issuance would require the approval of the RAI shareholders under NYSE rules (substituting 5% for NYSE’s 20% threshold under its rules and disregarding any exceptions included in those rules); and

 

    so long as the BAT Group’s percentage interest in RAI is at least 25%, the repurchase of shares of RAI common stock, subject to certain exceptions (including if a dividends-declared threshold has been met).

The approval of B&W, as an RAI shareholder, is required for:

 

    any RAI action which would discriminatorily impose limitations, or deny benefits to, the BAT Group as RAI shareholders;

 

    any RAI disposition of RAI intellectual property relating to certain B&W international brands, subject to exceptions;

 

    any amendment to the RAI articles of incorporation, RAI bylaws or RAI board of directors committee charters, in each case which amendment would conflict in any material respect with the provisions of the governance agreement, or any amendment or repeal of the RAI bylaws related to committees of the RAI board of directors or the ability of continuing directors to vote on a matter; and

 

    the adoption or implementation of takeover defense measures applicable to the acquisition of beneficial ownership of any RAI equity securities by BAT or its subsidiaries, other than the replacement of RAI’s shareholder rights plan which expired on July 30, 2014. However, such replacement plan must be in substantially the same form as the expired plan, which generally exempts B&W and its non-RAI affiliates (including BAT) from the plan’s applicability.

The governance agreement also requires that any material contract or transaction between or involving RAI or its subsidiaries and BAT or its subsidiaries be approved by a majority of the Other Directors. The Transaction Committee, which was formed to evaluate the merger agreement and consider the merger, is comprised solely of all the Other Directors.

The nomination, election and other provisions described above and below will remain in effect indefinitely, unless terminated or expired as described below.

Standstill Provisions; Transfer Restrictions

At the time of entry into the governance agreement, the governance agreement contained standstill provisions which expired by their terms on July 30, 2014 (the tenth anniversary of the governance agreement) and no longer apply. Such standstill provisions, among other things, prohibited the BAT Group from acquiring, or making a proposal to acquire, beneficial ownership of additional shares of RAI common stock during the standstill period. The expiration of the standstill provisions did not affect the other provisions of the governance agreement, including, without limitation, the provisions relating to the nomination and election of directors and related matters, which remain in effect.

The governance agreement restricts the ability of the BAT Group to sell or transfer shares of RAI common stock. These transfer restrictions will remain in effect indefinitely unless terminated as described below. Specifically, the BAT Group may not, except in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer (provided that the RAI board of directors has not recommended to RAI shareholders that such offer be rejected):

 

    sell or transfer, directly or indirectly, RAI common stock if, to B&W’s knowledge, the acquiring party or group would beneficially own (or have the right to acquire) 7.5% or more of the voting power of all of RAI’s voting stock after giving effect to such sale or transfer; or

 

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    in any six-month period, sell or transfer, directly or indirectly, RAI common stock representing more than 5% of the voting power of all of RAI’s voting stock without first obtaining the consent of a majority of the Other Directors.

Notwithstanding these restrictions, the BAT Group may transfer any of its shares of RAI common stock to other members of the BAT Group, and any such transferee may make similar transfers, provided the transferee agrees to be bound by the terms of the governance agreement and, provided further, that all shares of RAI common stock held by a member of the BAT Group and a permitted transferee will be taken into account for purposes of calculating any ownership thresholds applicable to the BAT Group under the governance agreement.

Termination of the Governance Agreement

The governance agreement has no specified termination or expiration date and will remain in effect until one of the events of termination described below occurs.

The governance agreement will terminate automatically and in its entirety if the BAT Group’s ownership interest in RAI increases to 100%, or falls below 15%, referred to as a 15% termination, or if a third party or group beneficially owns or controls more than 50% of the voting power of all of RAI’s voting stock, referred to as a third party termination.

BAT and B&W may elect to terminate the governance agreement in its entirety, in each case after notice and opportunity to cure, if B&W nominees proposed in accordance with the governance agreement are not elected to serve on the RAI board of directors or its committees, referred to as an election termination, or if RAI has deprived B&W nominees of such representation for “fiduciary” reasons, referred to as a fiduciary termination, or has willfully deprived B&W or its board of directors nominees of any veto rights, referred to as a veto termination.

BAT and B&W also may terminate the restriction on RAI board of directors representation in excess of proportionate representation, the obligation to vote its shares of RAI common stock for the RAI board of directors’ slate of director nominees (and related irrevocable proxy), and the RAI share transfer restrictions of the governance agreement if RAI willfully and deliberately breaches, after notice and opportunity to cure, the provisions regarding B&W’s board of directors and board committee representation, referred to as a willful termination.

Permitted Form of RAI Shareholder Rights Plan

The governance agreement requires the approval of B&W for RAI or any of its subsidiaries to adopt or implement any takeover defense measures, including a shareholder rights plan, that would apply to the acquisition of beneficial ownership of shares of RAI common stock by BAT or any of its subsidiaries. However, the RAI board of directors is permitted to adopt a replacement of RAI’s rights plan which expired on July 30, 2014, as long as the replacement is in the same form as the expired form in all material respects.

That form of shareholder rights plan would impose a substantial penalty upon any person or group that acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock without the approval of the RAI board of directors. However, B&W and BAT generally would be exempted from the application of the rights plan.

Termination of some or all of the provisions of the governance agreement would have differing effects on the applicability of the rights plan to B&W and BAT. If a 15% termination occurred, the rights plan would fully apply to B&W and BAT. If a third party termination occurred, the rights plan would not apply to B&W and BAT. If an election termination, a fiduciary termination, or a veto termination occurred, the rights plan would apply if B&W or BAT were to increase their RAI share ownership above the level to which B&W and BAT had increased their RAI share ownership after the July 30, 2014 expiration of the standstill provision. If a willful termination occurred, the rights plan would not apply to B&W and BAT.

 

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Registration Rights

The governance agreement also grants the BAT Group the right to have shares of RAI common stock held by them to be registered under the securities laws in certain circumstances. The disposition of RAI common stock by the BAT Group using registration rights is subject to the transfer restrictions described above.

Choice of Law and Forum Selection

RAI has consented to the choice of law and forum selection provisions contained in the governance agreement, which provide that, (1) except to the extent specially required by the NCBCA, the governance agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware and (2) the parties agree to litigate any disputes arising under the governance agreement in the federal district court located in Delaware or in the Delaware Court of Chancery.

 

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THE SHARE REPURCHASE AGREEMENT

On July 25, 2016, the RAI board of directors, including the RAI directors designated for nomination by B&W, authorized RAI to repurchase up to $2 billion of outstanding shares of RAI common stock by December 31, 2018, referred to as the repurchase program. In connection with the authorization of this repurchase program, on July 25, 2016, B&W, Louisville and RAI entered into a share repurchase agreement, which provides for the participation by B&W and Louisville in the repurchase program. In February 2017, RAI and BAT entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which BAT waived the requirement that the RAI share repurchases required to be made by RAI pursuant to Amendment No. 3 to the governance agreement be made within the time period set forth in that amendment, and permitted RAI to make the repurchases in a manner that qualifies for the affirmative defense and safe harbor provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, respectively. Pursuant to this letter agreement, BAT also waived compliance with the general prohibition on repurchases contained in the merger agreement to permit RAI to make these repurchases.

The following summarizes the material provisions of the share repurchase agreement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the share repurchase agreement that is important to you. The rights and obligations of B&W, Louisville and RAI are governed by the express terms and conditions of the share repurchase agreement and not by this summary or any other information contained in this proxy statement/prospectus. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the share repurchase agreement, which is included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed by RAI with the SEC on July 26, 2016. You are urged to read the share repurchase agreement carefully and in its entirety.

Subject to the terms of the share repurchase agreement, the BAT Group will participate in the repurchase program (except to the extent the purchases under the repurchase program are “excluded compensation buybacks,” as such term is defined in the share repurchase agreement) on a basis approximately proportionate with the BAT Group’s percentage ownership of RAI’s equity, and in a manner designed to qualify Louisville’s sales of RAI common stock pursuant to the repurchase program for the “intended tax treatment,” as such term is defined in the share repurchase agreement and described below. At the end of each week during which RAI purchases shares of RAI common stock under the repurchase program from shareholders other than a member of the BAT Group, referred to as a buyback week, RAI is required to purchase from the BAT Group shares of RAI common stock in an amount that is equal to the lowest of:

 

    the number of shares of RAI common stock such that, after giving effect to RAI’s purchase from the BAT Group, the net total number of shares of RAI common stock sold by the BAT Group to RAI under the share repurchase agreement will be equal to the total number of shares of RAI common stock purchased by RAI from shareholders other than the BAT Group for all periods through such buyback week pursuant to the repurchase program multiplied by the ratio of (1) the BAT Group’s percentage ownership of the equity of RAI on July 25, 2016, to (2) 1.0 minus the BAT Group’s percentage ownership of the equity of RAI on July 25, 2016;

 

    the maximum number of shares of RAI common stock that the BAT Group can sell to RAI without decreasing the BAT Group’s percentage ownership of the equity of RAI from July 25, 2016 to the end of such buyback week; and

 

    the maximum number of shares of RAI common stock, reasonably determined by Louisville upon advice of outside tax counsel and consultation with RAI, that the BAT Group can sell to RAI without putting at risk the intended tax treatment.

The price per share of RAI common stock to be paid by RAI with respect to any such purchase of RAI common stock from the BAT Group will be equal to the volume weighted average price paid by RAI for shares of RAI common stock purchased from shareholders other than the BAT Group during the applicable buyback week. If there is a change in the BAT Group’s percentage ownership of RAI’s equity after July 25, 2016 that does not occur as part of the purchases under the share repurchase agreement or the repurchase program, then

 

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(1) the first bullet above will be applied separately on a cumulative basis for periods before and after such change and (2) the base BAT Group percentage ownership in the second bullet above will be adjusted to reflect any acquisitions or dispositions of shares by the BAT Group causing such change.

The share repurchase agreement provides that Louisville may reduce the number of shares otherwise determined under the second bullet of the preceding paragraph so as to assure itself that the BAT Group’s percentage ownership of RAI’s equity will not decrease as a result of future events that may reasonably be expected to occur in the future. Further, if Louisville reasonably determines, after consultation with RAI, that there is a reasonable risk that it is not possible to achieve the results in the preceding paragraph because of equity issued or to be issued by RAI after July 25, 2016, which reduces the BAT Group’s percentage ownership of RAI’s equity, and such risk cannot be avoided by reducing the number of shares of RAI common stock to be sold to RAI in future buyback weeks, then any member of the BAT Group may repurchase from RAI a number of shares of RAI common stock (up to the number of shares that the BAT Group previously sold to RAI pursuant to the share repurchase agreement) sufficient to eliminate such risk, as reasonably determined by Louisville. If the BAT Group has exercised the foregoing reduction right or purchase right due to an expected issuance by RAI of additional shares of RAI common stock and RAI subsequently determines that such issuance will not take place, or if the BAT Group has reduced the number of shares to be sold to RAI in reliance upon certain facts or assumptions and RAI or the BAT Group subsequently determines that such facts or assumptions are no longer correct or applicable, then RAI will in certain circumstances purchase from the BAT Group a certain number of shares of RAI common stock as a result of such canceled issuance or subsequent determination, all as set forth in, and otherwise subject to the terms of, the share repurchase agreement.

The parties intend for the proceeds of any sales of RAI common stock pursuant to the share repurchase agreement paid by RAI to a member of the BAT Group to be treated as a dividend for tax purposes. If Louisville is the member of the BAT Group that sells shares of RAI common stock to RAI under the share repurchase agreement, then the intended tax treatment is (1) withholding tax of no more than 5% on the gross purchase price for shares of RAI common stock otherwise payable to Louisville and (2) no additional material adverse U.S. or UK tax effects to the BAT Group from the sale of shares of RAI common stock pursuant to the share repurchase agreement. If the intended tax treatment is not available to Louisville, then the parties will negotiate in good faith to determine if they can carry out the purposes of the share repurchase agreement with tax results to the BAT Group no more burdensome than the intended tax treatment, without other adverse tax or non-tax effects to the BAT Group or RAI, by structuring sales of shares of RAI common stock to RAI in a different manner.

RAI has agreed, in certain circumstances, to indemnify members of the BAT Group from and against any loss or liability arising from or relating to their failure to obtain the intended tax treatment resulting from the inaccuracy in any respect of any information provided to the BAT Group by RAI in certain periodic certificates delivered to the BAT Group under the share repurchase agreement. Louisville has also agreed, in certain circumstances, to indemnify RAI from and against any loss or liability arising from or relating to its failure to withhold the required amount on any proceeds paid to a member of the BAT Group from sales of RAI common stock under the share repurchase agreement.

Subject to certain early termination rights of Louisville or RAI as provided in the share repurchase agreement, the share repurchase agreement will terminate on the earlier of December 31, 2018, and the expenditure of $2.0 billion pursuant to the repurchase program.

Except to the extent specifically required by the NCBCA, the share repurchase agreement is governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of Delaware. The parties have agreed to litigate any disputes arising under the governance agreement in the federal district court located in Delaware or in the Delaware Court of Chancery.

 

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BUSINESS OF BAT

Overview

BAT is the parent holding company of the BAT Group, a global tobacco and next generation products group with brands sold in over 200 markets. According to the BAT Group’s internal estimates, the BAT Group is a market leader in more than 55 countries by volume, producing the cigarette chosen by one in eight of the world’s one billion smokers. The BAT Group, excluding the BAT Group’s associated undertakings, is organized into four regions: Asia-Pacific, Americas, Western Europe and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, referred to as EEMEA.

In 2016, the BAT Group sold approximately 665 billion cigarettes (excluding sales of its associates) of which approximately 630 billion cigarettes were produced by 44 factories in 42 countries. In 2016, the BAT Group’s five global drive brands—DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS—accounted for 49% of the BAT Group’s total cigarette volume. The BAT Group’s range of products covers all segments, from value-for-money to premium with a portfolio of international, regional and local tobacco brands to meet a broad array of adult tobacco consumer preferences wherever the BAT Group operates. The BAT Group is investing in building a portfolio of innovative new types of tobacco and nicotine products alongside its traditional tobacco business. These next generation products include vapor products (such as e-cigarettes) and tobacco heating products.

The BAT Group manages a globally integrated supply chain and the BAT Group’s products are distributed to retail outlets worldwide. During 2016, the BAT Group employed around 50,000 people worldwide.

In 2016, the BAT Group’s revenue was £14,751 million and its profit from operations was £4,655 million.

History and Development of BAT

BAT has had a significant global presence in the tobacco industry for over 100 years. The British-American Tobacco Company Ltd., referred to as BAT Ltd., was incorporated in 1902, when the Imperial Tobacco Company and the American Tobacco Company agreed to form a joint venture company. BAT Ltd. inherited companies and quickly expanded into major markets, including India and Ceylon, Egypt, Malaya, Northern Europe and East Africa. In 1927, BAT Ltd. expanded into the U.S. market through its acquisition of B&W.

During the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the BAT Group diversified its business under the umbrella of B.A.T Industries p.l.c., with acquisitions in the paper, cosmetics, retail and financial services industries, among others. Various business reorganizations followed as the business was eventually refocused on the BAT Group’s core cigarette, cigars and tobacco products businesses with British American Tobacco p.l.c. becoming a separately listed entity on the LSE in 1998.

In 1999, the BAT Group announced a global merger with Rothmans International, at that time the fourth largest tobacco company in the world. The BAT Group acquired Imperial Tobacco Canada in 2000, and in 2003 the BAT Group acquired Ente Tabacchi Italiani S.p.A., Italy’s state-owned tobacco company. Investments were made in Peru and Serbia in 2003, through the acquisitions of Tabacalera Nacional and Duvanska Industrija Vranje. In July 2004, the U.S. assets, liabilities and operations, other than certain specified assets and liabilities, of BAT’s wholly owned subsidiary, B&W, were combined with RJR Tobacco Company. RAI was previously formed as a new holding company for these combined businesses and B&W acquired beneficial ownership of approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock. In 2008, the BAT Group acquired Tekel, the Turkish state-owned tobacco company, as well as 100% of the cigarette and snus business of Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S. Following the acquisition of its business during 2009, the BAT Group recognized an effective 99% interest in Bentoel in Indonesia. In 2011, the BAT Group completed the acquisition of 100% of Protabaco in Colombia. In 2012, the BAT Group acquired CN Creative Limited, a UK-based start-up company specializing in the development of e-cigarette technologies. During 2013, the BAT Group entered into joint

 

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operations in China and Myanmar. In 2015, the BAT Group acquired the shares it did not already own in Souza Cruz; 100% of Blue Nile Cigarette Company Limited, a tobacco manufacturing and distribution company in the Republic of Sudan; 100% of the CHIC Group, a vapor product business in Poland and TDR d.o.o., a cigarette manufacturer in Central Europe. In 2015, in connection with the Lorillard merger, the BAT Group also invested $4.7 billion to maintain its 42% equity position in the enlarged RAI, following the Lorillard merger. Following the completion of the merger, RAI will become an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT and will no longer be a publicly held corporation. In 2016, the BAT Group acquired Ten Motives, a UK based e-cigarette business with particular strength in traditional grocery and convenience channels.

BAT was incorporated in July 1997 under the laws of England and Wales as a public limited company and is domiciled in the United Kingdom. BAT is the parent holding company of the BAT Group, which is involved in activities directly or indirectly related to the manufacture, distribution or sale of cigarettes and other tobacco and nicotine products.

Significant Recent Business Combinations and Acquisitions

In 2016 and 2015, the BAT Group made the following significant business combinations and acquisitions:

 

    During 2015, the BAT Group invested £1.7 billion to acquire the shares it did not already own in its Brazilian subsidiary, Souza Cruz, and de-listed the company. Following a public auction in October 2015, the BAT Group acquired sufficient shares to cancel Souza Cruz’s registration as a publicly listed company, with a total shareholding of 99.1%. The compulsory acquisition of the remaining minority shares was approved on February 5, 2016, with Souza Cruz becoming a wholly owned subsidiary at that date.

 

    In September 2015, the BAT Group completed the acquisition of TDR d.o.o., a cigarette manufacturer in Central Europe, and other tobacco and retail assets, referred to as TDR, from Adris Grupa d.d. for a total enterprise value of €550 million.

The BAT Group made no significant business combinations or acquisitions in 2014.

Business Segments

The BAT Group, excluding the BAT Group’s associated undertakings, is organized into four regions: Asia-Pacific, Americas, Western Europe and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, referred to as EEMEA. For more information about adjusted profit from operations, including a reconciliation to profit from operations, see Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The Western Europe region encompasses Western Europe and parts of Central Europe, including Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. In 2016, the volume for the Western Europe region was 120 billion (compared to 112 billion in 2015 and 2014). In 2016, revenue from the Western Europe region was £3,867 million (compared to £3,203 million in 2015 and £3,359 million in 2014), which is 26.2% of the BAT Group’s total consolidated revenue, profit from operations was £1,044 million and adjusted profit from operations was £1,389 million, representing 21.6% and 28.7% of the BAT Group’s total profit, respectively.

The Asia-Pacific region encompasses South Korea, the markets of South-East Asia, South Asia, Japan and Australasia. In 2016, the volume for the Asia-Pacific region was 196 billion (compared to 198 billion in 2015 and 197 billion in 2014). In 2016, revenue from the Asia-Pacific region was £4,266 million (compared to £3,773 million in 2015 and £3,873 million in 2014), which is 28.9% of the BAT Group’s total consolidated revenue, profit from operations was £1,432 million and adjusted profit from operations was £1,630 million, representing 29.6% and 33.7% of the BAT Group’s total profit, respectively.

 

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The Americas region encompasses the markets of Central America and South America, the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico. In 2016, the volume for the Americas was 113 billion (compared to 124 billion in 2015 and 131 billion in 2014). In 2016, revenue from the Americas was £2,868 million (compared to £2,720 million in 2015 and £2,990 million in 2014), which is 19.4% of the BAT Group’s total consolidated revenue, profit from operations was £1,017 million and adjusted profit from operations was £1,172 million, representing 21.0% and 24.2% of the BAT Group’s total profit, respectively.

The EEMEA region encompasses Eastern Europe, which includes Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Africa. In 2016, the volume for the EEMEA region was 236 billion (compared to 229 billion in 2015 and 227 billion in 2014). In 2016, revenue from the EEMEA region was £3,750 million (compared to £3,408 million in 2015 and £3,749 million in 2014), which is 25.4% of the BAT Group’s total consolidated revenue, profit from operations was £1,182 million and adjusted profit from operations was £1,289 million, representing 24.4% and 26.6% of the BAT Group’s total profit, respectively.

Brands and Products

The BAT Group’s core tobacco product range includes cigarettes, Fine Cut (roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco), Swedish-style snus and cigars. The BAT Group’s range of products covers all segments, from value-for-money to premium products. In addition, the BAT Group also develops and sells next generation products and is currently focusing on two distinct categories: vapor products (such as e-cigarettes) and tobacco heating products.

The BAT Group’s cigarette portfolio is composed of global drive brands, international brands and local brands. The BAT Group’s five global drive brands play a key role in its growth strategy. In 2016, global drive brands volume represented 49% of the BAT Group’s global cigarette volume, up from 35% in 2011. The international and local brands help maintain the BAT Group’s broad brand portfolio worldwide, with strong market positions in many key markets, such as Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, Nigeria, Denmark, Norway, Australia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan.

The following discussion of the BAT Group brands is limited to the BAT Group’s existing portfolio and does not cover the sale or marketing of these brands in the United States.

The BAT Group’s five global drive brands are:

 

    DUNHILL;

 

    KENT;

 

    LUCKY STRIKE;

 

    PALL MALL; and

 

    ROTHMANS.

The BAT Group’s other international brands include:

 

    VOGUE;

 

    VICEROY;

 

    KOOL;

 

    PETER STUYVESANT;

 

    CRAVEN A;

 

    BENSON & HEDGES;

 

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    JOHN PLAYER GOLD LEAF;

 

    STATE EXPRESS 555; and

 

    SHUANG XI.

Global Drive Brands

DUNHILL

The DUNHILL brand for tobacco products was launched in 1907. In 1999, as part of the BAT Group’s merger with Rothmans International, the BAT Group acquired Dunhill Tobacco of London Limited, including all of the DUNHILL brand of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco products. The DUNHILL brand range includes a diverse range of cigarettes and cigars that can command premium or above premium prices. The BAT Group’s DUNHILL brand is sold in more than 100 markets. In 2016, total DUNHILL volume decreased compared to 2015 by 3.3% to 57 billion (representing 8.5% of the BAT Group’s global volume), driven mainly by industry declines in Malaysia and Brazil, which more than offset growth in South Korea and the continued growth in Indonesia.

In recent years, the BAT Group has enhanced DUNHILL’s position in various key markets, including the successful entry of the brand into Indonesia (following the acquisition of Bentoel), and through the delivery of innovative cigarette products such as new capsule offers and the BAT Group’s Reloc product innovation using re-sealable pack technology distinctive to DUNHILL. The roll-out of the BAT Group’s super-premium variant Fine Cut has also helped to expand DUNHILL into a number of new markets.

KENT

The BAT Group believes KENT is a market leader in the tobacco industry for innovation. The KENT brand is sold in more than 70 markets. In 2016, total KENT volume increased compared to 2015 by 1.0% to 66 billion (representing 10.0% of the BAT Group’s global volume), driven by increased sales in Chile, Turkey, Japan and Russia.

In recent years, the BAT Group has developed a number of innovations in respect of the KENT brand. KENT Convertibles, the innovative range of capsule products launched in 2010, continues to expand into new markets and has played a key role in generating volume growth and reinforcing KENT’s status as a leader in innovation. Also, KENT has expanded its slimmer formats to continue driving share growth in the super slim premium segment. Packaging improvements implemented across the BAT Group’s core range and a recent launch of the tube filter have also strengthened the BAT Group’s brand and resulted in share gains in important markets such as Japan and Turkey.

LUCKY STRIKE

The LUCKY STRIKE brand was launched in 1871. In 1994, the LUCKY STRIKE brand was added to the BAT Group’s portfolio, through the acquisition of the American Tobacco Company. In 2016, total LUCKY STRIKE volume increased compared to 2015 by 13.5% to 36 billion (representing 5.5% of the BAT Group’s global volume), with growth in Indonesia, Colombia, Egypt, France, Croatia and Italy, which more than offset reductions in Argentina and Russia. The LUCKY STRIKE brand is sold in more than 80 markets.

LUCKY STRIKE has continued its growth through the LUCKY STRIKE Click & Roll capsule product particularly in the Americas region and in France. The Adult Smokers Under 30 market segment accounts for a significant percentage of the brand’s franchise and the BAT Group continues to focus on this market segment through consumer-relevant innovation.

 

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PALL MALL

The PALL MALL brand was introduced in 1899 by the Black Butler Company. In 1994, the PALL MALL brand was added to the BAT Group’s product portfolio, through the acquisition of the American Tobacco Company. PALL MALL is the BAT Group’s leading global value-for-money brand. Based on the BAT Group’s internal estimates, using the declared brand volumes of its key competitors, PALL MALL is the fourth biggest global brand. In 2016, total PALL MALL volume increased compared to 2015 by 0.1% to 92 billion (representing 13.9% of the BAT Group’s global volume), as growth in Venezuela, Poland, Iran, Mexico and Romania more than offset reductions in Pakistan and the migration to ROTHMANS in Italy. PALL MALL is sold in more than 110 markets.

PALL MALL’s products include the BAT Group’s global core offer, along with menthol, capsules, extra cut and additive-free ranges.

ROTHMANS

The ROTHMANS brand was established in London in 1890 by its founder, Louis Rothman. The ROTHMANS brand was acquired by the BAT Group following its global merger with Rothmans International in 1999. In 2016, total ROTHMANS volume increased compared to 2015 by 36.9% to 73 billion (representing 10.9% of the BAT Group’s global volume), driven by an increase in volumes in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Nigeria, Turkey and South Korea. ROTHMANS is currently available in over 80 markets around the world.

Local and International Brands

Although the BAT Group’s local and international brands are undergoing a slow decline, representing 36.1% and 15.2% of total BAT Group volume and down 4.4% and 9.0% in 2016, respectively, these brands continue to play an important role in delivering the BAT Group’s strategy in several key markets, including South Africa, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan. These brands are also predominantly the source of migrations to the BAT Group’s global drive brands. International brands include VOGUE, VICEROY, KOOL, PETER STUYVESANT, CRAVEN A, BENSON & HEDGES, JOHN PLAYER GOLD LEAF, STATE EXPRESS 555 and SHUANG XI. The BAT Group’s portfolio also includes important local brands which enjoy high consumer loyalty, such as YAVA in Russia and DERBY in Brazil. These brands assist the BAT Group in maintaining a broad brand portfolio worldwide.

Next Generation Products

The two main categories of next generation products are: vapor products (such as e-cigarettes), which are battery powered electronic devices which heat a solution to create a vapor which can be inhaled and tobacco heating products, which are battery powered electronic devices that operate with specifically designed consumables containing tobacco, to deliver a real tobacco taste and aroma. While still a nascent market, the global vapor products category is currently the larger of the two and continues to grow at a significant rate in certain key markets. Today, tobacco heating products are a smaller category but one that is growing, particularly in Japan, and the category is expanding to other markets, including in Europe.

The BAT Group is one of the largest international companies in the vapor market outside of the United States and China, having successfully launched a portfolio of products in the five largest vapor markets in Europe and established significant market share in the United Kingdom and Poland, based on the BAT Group’s internal estimates.

The BAT Group’s leading vapor product brand is VYPE, which is available in ten countries following a geographic expansion in 2016, including the launch of VYPE in the United Kingdom in 2013 and the opening of the first VYPE retail concept store in Milan in 2016. The BAT Group has six different VYPE devices available

 

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to adult tobacco consumers, as well as a variety of e-liquid flavors and nicotine strengths, including a nicotine-free option. The newest addition to the BAT Group’s portfolio of vapor products is the VYPE PEBBLE, which is a small, portable device that is simple to use. Currently, the BAT Group is consumer testing its first VYPE device using a new vaping technology developed in partnership with an independent inventor, which would replace the current “coil and wick” system. In December 2016, the BAT Group launched a tobacco heating product, called GLO, in Sendai, Japan, which provides an experience to adult tobacco consumers similar to that of a cigarette. The BAT Group’s other tobacco heating product, the iFUSE product, blends vaping technology with tobacco. The iFUSE product was launched in Romania in 2015 as a test market, and further development of this platform is scheduled to take place in 2017.

To provide a globally consistent and responsible approach to the marketing of its vapor products, in 2015, the BAT Group developed and published its vapor product Marketing Principles, which are aligned to the UK Committee of Advertising Practice Codes. The BAT Group is currently working on the development of new Marketing Principles for tobacco heating products.

Procurement

While the BAT Group does not own tobacco farms or directly employ farmers, it sources over 400,000 tons of tobacco leaf each year directly from over 90,000 contracted farmers and through third-party suppliers mainly in developing countries and emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The BAT Group also purchases tobacco leaf from India where the tobacco is bought over an auction floor. In 2016, the BAT Group entered into commitments to buy 80% of its leaf from its principal sources, located in 14 countries. The price of tobacco in U.S. dollars varies from year to year driven by domestic inflationary pressures, supply, demand and quality. The BAT Group believes there is an adequate supply of tobacco leaf in the world markets to satisfy its current and anticipated production requirements.

The BAT Group also purchases other raw materials, such as packaging materials, filters and paper, from other international suppliers. The e-liquids used in the BAT Group’s vapor products are made from medical grade nicotine sourced from third-party manufacturers. The BAT Group’s next generation products are mainly manufactured in third-party factories.

The BAT Group continues to implement and realize the benefits of a new global operating model with common systems, processes and ways of working across its worldwide businesses. This has helped drive further savings through greater global integration between end-markets, regional and global subfunctions. Examples of this are the increased use of shared services for back office functions, a global supply planning center in Southampton, United Kingdom and the establishment in 2016 of a new Global Leaf Operations Centre in Brazil which helps export best agronomic practice across the BAT Group.

The BAT Group invests over £60 million each year to provide on-the-ground support and advice to its contracted farmers.

In 2016, the BAT Group replaced its Social Responsibility in Tobacco Production program with the Sustainable Tobacco Programme, referred to as STP. This is an industry-wide initiative developed in collaboration with five other manufacturers to bring together best practice from across the industry. It is also aligned to important external standards, such as those of the International Labour Organization, and includes strengthened processes and more frequent on-site reviews of leaf suppliers. STP covers areas such as sustainable farming techniques, the use of agrochemicals, soil and water management and actions that can be taken to help prevent child labor, forced labor and to create safer working environments.

STP has been adopted by all major global tobacco manufacturers and their leaf suppliers. Its aim is to provide a more consistent and robust way of assessing suppliers’ performance, reducing complexity and driving continuous improvement across the global tobacco leaf supply chain. STP was rolled out across the BAT Group’s leaf supply chain in 2016 through a series of training and regional workshops.

 

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Manufacturing

In 2016, the BAT Group sold approximately 665 billion cigarettes (excluding sales of its associates) of which approximately 630 billion cigarettes were produced by 44 cigarette factories in 42 countries. The BAT Group’s factory outputs and establishments vary significantly in size and production capacity. For example, the BAT Group’s site in St. Petersburg, Russia has an annual output of about 45 billion cigarettes and over 500 employees whereas one of the BAT Group’s smallest factories in Fiji has an annual output of about 330 million cigarettes and approximately 50 employees. In addition, the BAT Group has 18 green leaf threshing plants, where leaf received from the farmers is processed, and three factories that produce other tobacco products, such as roll-your-own tobacco, make-your-own and snus. In total, approximately 18,000 employees work within the BAT Group’s manufacturing operation. The BAT Group uses a mixture of in-house and contract manufacturers to manufacture its next generation products.

BAT-Owned Manufacturing Facilities (1)

 

    

Western
Europe

   Asia-Pacific    Americas    EEMEA    Total

Fully Integrated (cigarettes/other tobacco products)

   7    11    7    9    34

Make-pack

   0    4    0    6    10

Other

   2    0    0    0    2
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total

   9    15    7    15    46
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Note:

(1) As of December 31, 2016.

The plants and properties owned or leased and operated by the BAT Group’s subsidiaries are maintained in good condition and are believed to be suitable and adequate for the BAT Group’s present needs. As a result of the recent acquisition of the Blue Nile Cigarette Company Limited, the BAT Group is currently investing in bringing an acquired factory to a condition deemed appropriate by the BAT Group. The BAT Group plans to close its factory in Bayreuth, Germany by the end of 2017 and to transfer its production to existing factories in Poland, Romania, Hungary and Croatia.

The technology employed in cigarette factories is sophisticated, especially in the area of cigarette making and packing where throughputs can reach between 500 and 1000 packs per minute. The BAT Group can produce many different pack formats (e.g., the number of cigarettes per packet) and configurations (e.g., bevel edge, round corner, international) to suit marketing and consumer requirements. New technology machines are sourced from the leading machinery suppliers to the industry. Close cooperation with these organizations helps the BAT Group support its marketing strategy by driving its product innovations, which are brought to the market on a regular basis.

The BAT Group utilizes quality standards, processes and procedures covering the entire end-to-end value chain to help to ensure quality products are provided to its customers and adult tobacco consumers according to the BAT Group’s requirements and end market regulatory requirements.

The BAT Group has several improvement initiatives which it is currently managing. For example, the BAT Group is continuing to realize the benefits of its Integrated Work System Program launched in 2014, which is centrally led with an aim to improve the performance of the BAT Group’s factories globally by focusing on manufacturing standards, continuous improvement, assessment and benchmarking and organizational development. The BAT Group also utilizes a survey process in the factories with an aim to improve factory productivity and reduce costs in the manufacturing environment. This process, known as “Bulls Eye,” has been in existence for a number of years and highlights productivity opportunities by benchmarking.

 

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Customers

No BAT Group customer accounted for 10% or more of the BAT Group’s consolidated revenue during 2016, 2015 or 2014. There is no concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables as the BAT Group has a large number of internationally dispersed customers.

Distribution, Sales and Marketing

The BAT Group’s products are distributed to retail outlets around the world, including supermarkets, convenience stores, hotels, restaurants, cafes, tobacconists and duty free shops. The BAT Group recognizes the importance of retail outlet distribution and, as part of its trade communication and distribution strategy, the BAT Group has adopted a direct and exclusive distribution approach, or “direct store sales,” by identifying and working with the retail outlets to develop a commercially based and strategic relationship. Direct store sales provide the BAT Group with visibility and control over the distribution of its products, allowing the BAT Group to access both the market and consumer information. Such sales also provide a direct commercial link to the BAT Group’s most strategic retail accounts. Around half of the BAT Group’s global cigarette volume is sold by retailers, supplied through the BAT Group’s direct distribution capability or exclusive distributors. The BAT Group continuously reviews its route to market for combustible products and next generation products, including its relationships with wholesalers, distributors and logistics providers.

The BAT Group additionally has hundreds of local and regional wholesale customers and actively works with key global corporate retailer partners. These very large businesses operate mainly in the grocery, convenience stores and gas station distribution channels. The BAT Group continues to further develop joint programs with its global retail partners in order to better reach adult smokers in key channels such as global travel retail and convenience. The BAT Group believes that its routes to market are critical and allow the BAT Group to roll out innovations effectively and quickly on a global scale as well as to meet consumer demand at the point of sale.

In addition, the BAT Group trains its trade marketing and distribution staff to successfully support its brands and innovations in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment to meet the demands of retailers and adult tobacco consumers. The BAT Group has over 20,000 trade marketing and distribution staff.

The BAT Group’s marketing is based on understanding adult tobacco consumers and giving them relevant choices. The BAT Group gathers insights into adult tobacco consumers’ smoking preferences and buying behavior to understand the different profiles of its adult tobacco consumers, before investing in developments across the marketing mix to deliver relevant choices for the BAT Group’s adult tobacco consumers. This assists the BAT Group in ensuring its products satisfy the preferences of adult tobacco consumers.

The BAT Group is focused on delivering quality tobacco products to adult tobacco consumers. The BAT Group’s marketing strategy is driven by four principles:

 

    understanding the different profiles and preferences of its customers;

 

    the strength of its brands;

 

    its consumer-centric innovative products; and

 

    world class trade marketing.

The BAT Group believes there should be marketing restrictions for products which pose real and serious risks to health, such as tobacco products. The BAT Group seeks to apply a consistent, responsible approach to marketing across the BAT Group by requiring that its companies follow its International Marketing Principles, which govern the BAT Group’s marketing of all combustible tobacco products. The BAT Group’s International Marketing Principles provide that its marketing should be targeted at adult tobacco consumers and not undermine their understanding of the health risks and include, for example, further procedures for adult verification and for

 

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the responsible use of new and emerging channels of consumer communication. The BAT Group’s International Marketing Principles are its minimum standards and are applied even when they are stricter than local laws. However, if local laws or other voluntary codes in markets are stricter than or override the International Marketing Principles, then the BAT Group abides by those laws or voluntary codes. The BAT Group monitors adherence to its International Market Principles through market audits and annual self-assessments.

Regulation

Overview

The BAT Group’s businesses operate under increasingly stringent regulatory regimes worldwide. The tobacco industry is one of the most highly regulated in the world, with manufacturers required to comply with a variety of different regulatory regimes across the globe. The BAT Group continues to respond to these regimes and engages with governments and other regulatory bodies to find solutions to changing regulatory landscapes. Restrictions on the manufacture, sale, marketing and packaging of tobacco products are in place in nearly all countries and markets.

Regulation can typically be categorized as follows:

 

    Place: including regulations restricting smoking in private, public and work places (e.g., public place smoking bans);

 

    Product: including regulations on the use of ingredients, product design and attributes (e.g., ceilings regarding tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields, as well as restrictions on flavors); product safety regulations (e.g., General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC), electrical safety regulations and reduced cigarette ignition propensity standards) and regulatory product disclosure requirements (e.g., in relation to ingredients and emissions);

 

    Packaging and labeling: including regulations on health warnings and other government-mandated messages (e.g., in respect of content, positioning, size and rotation); restrictions on the use of certain descriptors and brand names; requirements on pack shape, size, weight and color and mandatory plain packaging;

 

    Sponsorship, promotion and advertising: including partial or total bans on tobacco advertising, marketing, promotions and sponsorship and restrictions on brand sharing and stretching (the latter refers to the creation of an association between a tobacco product and a non-tobacco product by the use of tobacco branding on the non-tobacco product);

 

    Purchase: including regulations on the manner in which tobacco products are sold, such as type of outlet (e.g., supermarkets and vending machines) and how they are sold (e.g., above the counter versus beneath the counter); and

 

    Price: including regulations which have implications for the prices which manufacturers can charge for their tobacco products (e.g., excise and minimum prices).

World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Much of the recent development in regulation at a global level has been driven by the FCTC. The FCTC came into force in 2005 and contains provisions aimed at, among other things, reducing tobacco consumption and toxicity. The original treaty is supplemented by protocols and guidelines. While these guidelines are not legally binding, they provide a framework of recommendations for parties to the guidelines.

To date, the FCTC has been ratified by 180 countries, not including the United States. The FCTC has led to increased efforts by tobacco-control advocates and public health organizations to reduce the supply of and demand for tobacco products, and to encourage governments to further regulate the tobacco industry. As national

 

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regulations increasingly reflect global influences, the scope of areas regulated will likely further expand. The guidelines on advertising, promotion and sponsorship, for example, seek to broaden the definition of tobacco advertising to include product display, the use of vending machines as well as the design of the pack itself.

Where adopted by contracting parties, a number of the measures referred to in the guidelines may result in either additional costs for the tobacco industry or restrictions on a manufacturer’s ability to differentiate its products and communicate those differences to adult smokers. For example, a change in the number and size of on-pack health warnings requires new printing cylinders to be commissioned, while the implementation of new plant protection product standards, product testing and the submission of ingredients information to national governments require extensive resources, time and material.

EU Tobacco and Related Products Directive (2014/40/EU)

Other developments in regulation have been driven by tobacco control activities undertaken outside the FCTC process. For example, the EU Tobacco Products Directive (2001/37/EC), referred to as TPD1, was adopted by the EU in May 2001 for transposition into EU member states’ laws by September 2002. TPD1 included provisions that set maximum tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields, introduced larger health warnings and banned descriptors such as “light” and “mild.”

A revised TPD1, the EU Tobacco and Related Products Directive (2014/40/EU), referred to as the TPD2, was adopted in April 2014 for transposition into EU member states’ law by May 2016. Provisions of the TPD2 include: larger combined pictorial and textual health warnings covering 65% of the two main pack surfaces (front and back) for cigarettes; restrictions on pack shape and size, including minimum pack sizes of 20 sticks for cigarettes and 30g for roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco; increased ingredients reporting; “tracking and tracing” requirements; and for e-cigarettes, nicotine limits, pre-market notification, ingredients reporting and advertising bans. Among other things, the TPD2 bans the sale of tobacco products with a characterizing flavor. Menthol flavored cigarettes are exempt from the ban until May 2020.

The TPD2 also purports to leave open to EU member states the possibility of further standardizing the packaging of tobacco products and to apply its provisions in different ways. For example, it provides, among other things, that the labeling, packaging and the tobacco product itself shall not include any element or feature that suggests that a particular tobacco product has vitalizing, energetic, healing, rejuvenating, natural, organic properties or has other health or lifestyle benefits. On February 1, 2017, the French Government applied its laws transposing these provisions into French national law to prohibit the sale of all variants of VOGUE cigarettes from February 2018, as well as the use of certain other tobacco brand and brand variant names.

The EU Commission is required to monitor and produce a report on the implementation and impact of the TPD2 by May 21, 2021, identifying whether further amendments to TPD2 are required.

Restrictions on Smoking in Private, Public and Work Places

The BAT Group operates in a number of markets which have in place restrictions on smoking in certain private, public and work places, including restaurants, bars and nightclubs. While these restrictions vary in scope and severity, extensive public and work place smoking bans have been enacted in markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, New Zealand and Australia. Restrictions on smoking in private have also been adopted or proposed, and typically take the form of prohibitions on smoking in cars or residential homes when children are present, or smoking within a certain distance from specified public places (such as primary schools).

Regulation of Ingredients, including Flavored Tobacco Products

A number of countries have restricted and others are seeking to restrict or ban the use of certain flavors or ingredients in cigarettes and other tobacco products, on the basis that such products are alleged to: appeal disproportionally to minors, act as a catalyst for young people taking up smoking and/or increase the addictiveness or toxicity of the relevant product.

 

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In Canada, the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, little cigars and blunt wraps with characterizing flavors are banned. While the Canadian ingredient ban currently exempts menthol at the federal level, most Canadian provinces have adopted or are in the process of adopting menthol bans. The Canadian federal government has also recently published draft regulations that would prohibit menthol in cigarettes. In Australia, the majority of the states have banned flavors in cigarettes that give an “overtly” fruit-flavored taste and the government is currently considering further regulatory options. The TPD2 similarly bans the manufacture and sale of tobacco products with a characterizing flavor other than tobacco, subject to an exemption until May 2020 for menthol cigarettes. An ingredients ban in Brazil, which would ban the use of certain ingredients with flavoring or aromatic properties, including menthol, is not currently in force due to ongoing legal challenges. In Turkey, a ban on the use of menthol in cigarettes will apply from May 20, 2020.

Many of the above regulations are subject to ongoing legal challenges.

Further legislation on ingredients is to be expected. In particular, the EU Commission is required to prepare a report by no later than May 20, 2021 in respect of, among other things, the benefits of establishing a single list of permitted ingredients at the EU level by reference to available scientific evidence on the toxic and addictive effects of different ingredients. Similarly, the Conference of Parties to the FCTC has tasked a working group to further elaborate the partial guidelines on the regulation of the contents of tobacco products and tobacco product disclosures.

Plain and Standardized Packaging

Plain (or “standardized”) packaging generally refers to a ban on the use of trademarks, logos and colors on packaging other than the use of a single color and the presentation of brand name and variant in a specified font and location(s). The presentation of individual cigarettes may be similarly restricted.

Plain packaging is particularly high on the agenda of tobacco control groups and the FCTC guidelines recommend that contracting parties consider introducing plain packaging.

To date, eight countries have adopted plain packaging legislation. The world’s first plain packaging law was passed in Australia in November 2011, where plain packaging has been fully implemented since December 2012 (i.e., it has been unlawful to sell non-plain packaged products since this date in all Australian states and territories). In France, plain packaging has been fully implemented since January 2017. In the United Kingdom, full implementation is required as of May 2017. In Hungary, compliance is required immediately for new product launches, and by no later than May 2019 for existing products. In Slovenia, detailed specifications are still to be adopted, which may alter or amend the implementation timetable, but the existing legislation currently requires compliance from January 1, 2020. In Ireland, the legislation provides for a manufacturing deadline of September 30, 2017, with a 12-month sell through period for non-compliant product manufactured before this date. New Zealand and Norway are finalizing their implementation plans.

Countries, territories and states that are currently considering adopting plain packaging legislation, include, but are not limited to, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Singapore and Sweden. Others, such as Hong Kong, are considering implementing large graphic health warnings.

Purchase: Product Display Bans at Point of Sale and Licensing Regimes

Product display restrictions at point of sale have been in place in a number of countries for several years and have been implemented both at national and state levels. Ireland was the first EU member state to introduce a point-of-sale display ban, which became effective in July 2009, with Norway, Iceland, Finland, New Zealand, Thailand, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and a number of other countries implementing or passing similar legislation banning tobacco displays.

A number of countries, such as Hungary, have also sought to restrict the supply of tobacco products, including through the adoption of licensing regimes limiting the number of retail outlets from which it is possible to purchase tobacco products and/or by prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within a certain distance of specified public places.

 

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Illicit Trade

The illegal market for tobacco products is an increasingly important issue for governments and the industry across the world. Euromonitor International estimates that approximately 456 billion cigarettes per year are smuggled, manufactured illegally or counterfeited. A number of governments, regulators and organizations have or are considering adopting regulation to support anti-illicit trade activities. Among other forms, such regulation may comprise mandatory “tracking and tracing” requirements, enabling regulators to identify the point at which any seized product left the legal supply chain, security features to combat counterfeiting and inspection and authentication obligations in respect of seized product. The TPD2, for example, requires that all unit packets of tobacco are marked with a unique and irremovable identifier, which when scanned provides various information about that product’s route to market.

In November 2012, the FCTC adopted the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products which includes a raft of supply chain control measures, including the implementation of “tracking and tracing” technologies. To date, 26 parties have ratified the Protocol, which will come into force once the 40th party has ratified it.

Next Generation Products

More recently, significant debate has been generated regarding the appropriate regulation of next generation products, including regulation of the nicotine liquids used in vapor products. While this nascent category has grown in size and complexity in a relatively short period of time, a consensus framework for regulation and taxation has yet to emerge.

The TPD2, for example, establishes frameworks for the regulation of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes, introducing nicotine limits, health warnings requirements, advertising bans and pre-market notification and post-market disclosure obligations.

Conversely, some governments have intentionally banned or are seeking to ban novel tobacco products and products containing nicotine, while others would need to amend their existing legislation in order to permit their sale. For example, in Australia nicotine is classified as poison, meaning that the importation of vaping products or nicotine refill liquids is illegal in every state and territory, as is the possession and use of these products. In Canada, vaping products containing nicotine are not approved for general sale. However, at a federal level there is no regulation on non-nicotine vaping products, meaning that a number of provinces and municipalities have begun to develop their own frameworks for the sale and marketing of these products.

Even in countries where the sale of next generation products is permitted, some governments have adopted, or are seeking to adopt, bans on vaping in public places. Following the completion of the merger, RAI’s operating companies, as part of the BAT Group, will remain subject to U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations. For example, key elements of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, referred to as the FSPTCA, include: filing of facility registrations, product listing, constituent testing and ingredient information; obtaining FDA clearance for all new products or product modifications; banning all characterizing artificial or natural flavors other than tobacco or menthol in cigarettes; establishing “user fees” to fund the FDA’s regulation of tobacco products; increasing the health warning size on cigarette packs with the option to introduce pictorial health warnings; implementing good manufacturing practices; revising the labeling and advertising requirements for smokeless tobacco products; and requiring the study of menthol. In 2013, the FDA also issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comments on various issues relating to the potential regulation of menthol cigarettes. Although it is not possible to predict whether or when the FDA will take action, the FDA, or another governmental authority, may adopt regulations banning or severely restricting the use of menthol in tobacco products or the sale of menthol cigarettes in the United States. The FSPTCA and the FDA’s potential regulation of menthol are described in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and in other documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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The BAT Group believes that as a responsible business, it can contribute through information, ideas and practical steps, to help regulators address the key issues regarding its products, including under-age access, illicit trade, product information, product design, involuntary exposure to smoke and the development of potentially less harmful products, while maintaining a competitive market that accommodates the significant percentage of adults who choose to be tobacco consumers. The BAT Group is committed to working with national governments and multilateral organizations and welcomes opportunities to participate in good faith to achieve sensible and balanced regulation of traditional tobacco and next generation products. For information about risks related to regulation, see “ Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the BAT Group and the Tobacco Industry—The BAT Group’s business faces increasing tobacco control and regulation which may have an impact on its overall volume and profit ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Environmental Matters

The BAT Group is subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations with respect to water and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, solid and hazardous waste disposal and odor and noise control. The BAT Group conducts an ongoing program designed to ensure and maintain compliance with these environmental laws and regulations. The BAT Group believes that it is in material compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations wherever it operates. However, the BAT Group cannot predict whether future changes in environmental laws or regulations might increase the cost of operating its facilities and conducting its business. Any such changes could have adverse consequences on the BAT Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, failure to comply with these laws and regulations can result in significant fines, penalties and civil or criminal liabilities, and liability for the clean-up of contamination can, in some jurisdictions, be imposed without regard to whether the owner or operator of the property or facility knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of hazardous or toxic substances.

The BAT Group’s Environment, Health and Safety policy, referred to as EHS policy, sets out detailed requirements for all of its operating companies, designed to achieve the BAT Group’s aim of applying the best international standards in environmental, occupational health and safety management, and to ensure that its companies give the necessary compliance activities a high priority. Unless local law is more exacting, all of the BAT Group’s operating companies are expected to comply with EHS policy.

Industry and Competitive Environment

According to Euromonitor International and the BAT Group’s internal estimates, the global cigarette industry sells around 5,450 billion cigarettes each year and the retail value of the global tobacco market (including cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco and vapor products) for 2016 was estimated at $785 billion. Since 1995, the world market for cigarettes has grown, predominantly due to growth in China, which has offset the reducing volume of cigarettes in the rest of the world, especially in developed markets, such as Western Europe. Over the coming years, the BAT Group expects volumes of cigarettes outside China to continue to decline as a lower percentage of the total adult population will choose to smoke cigarettes and individual smokers will consume fewer cigarettes; these dynamics will be partially offset by the impact of population growth.

In 2016, the four biggest international manufacturers, outside of China, India and the United States, according to the BAT Group’s internal estimates, were Philip Morris International with a share of the global market excluding China, India and the United States of approximately 31%, the BAT Group (excluding associates) with approximately 25%, Japan Tobacco with approximately 19% and Imperial Brands with approximately 10%, based on sales by volume. Collectively, these four players held around 41% of the global market, or approximately 84% of the market outside of China, India and the United States. According to Euromonitor International, China accounts for approximately 45% of global cigarette volume and is the world’s largest cigarette market. The international tobacco companies have a very small presence in the Chinese market,

 

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where the industry is state-owned. According to Euromonitor International, India accounts for approximately 1.5% of global cigarette volume and ITC accounts for approximately 79% of India’s market share. The BAT Group has an approximate 30% interest in ITC. According to Euromonitor International, the United States accounts for approximately 5% of global cigarette volume. For 2016, the RAI Group accounted for approximately 34% of the United States’ cigarette market share, according to MSAi. The BAT Group has an approximate 42% interest in RAI. The global tobacco industry operates in a challenging environment. The BAT Group competes primarily on the basis of product quality, brand recognition, brand loyalty, taste, innovation, packaging, service, marketing, advertising and retail price. The size of the global cigarette market is impacted by a number of factors, including increased regulation, litigation, rising excise rates on its products and illicit trade.

Tobacco products are subject to substantial duty, excise and other taxes in most markets in which the BAT Group operates. Increases to duty, excise and other taxes affect the size of tobacco markets. Significant and sustained increases in taxes in markets where tobacco prices are already high may lead adult tobacco consumers to switch to cheaper brands. This can lead to the growth in sales of lower margin products and decreases in sales of higher margin products. Additionally, increases in tobacco taxes can lead to adult tobacco consumers rejecting legitimate tax-paid products and switching to products from illegal sources.

Trafficking of tobacco products includes the trade in counterfeit products, smuggled genuine products, including ‘illicit whites’ (also known as “made for smuggling brands”), and locally manufactured products on which applicable taxes are evaded. Illicit trade remains a key challenge for the legitimate tobacco industry. Illicit trade is driven by many factors, including tax-driven price increases, weak criminal penalties, poor enforcement of border controls, weak laws, corruption, loosely regulated free trade zones, a less rigorous approach to intellectual property rights protection and the use of the internet as a medium of trading. Euromonitor International estimates that approximately 456 billion cigarettes per year are smuggled, manufactured illegally or counterfeited. The BAT Group is liaising with governments and law enforcement agencies around the world to combat illicit trade. The BAT Group also undertakes a range of measures to protect its trademarks and strengthen the security of its supply chain, such as digital coding and tax verification, which help governments ensure taxes and duties are paid, and a track and trace system, which means the BAT Group can monitor its products as they move through the supply chain. The BAT Group also destroys all old machinery and spares, while cooperating with suppliers and customers to fight trafficking.

The BAT Group believes that quality and innovation will play an increasing role in delivering market share, as tobacco companies operate in a highly competitive marketplace. This involves cigarette innovations such as capsule products, additive-free products, tube filters and slims. Substantial investments have also been made in developing next generation products.

Research and Development

The BAT Group makes significant investments in research and development to deliver innovations that satisfy or anticipate consumer needs and generate growth for the business. The BAT Group has an extensive scientific research program in a broad spectrum of scientific fields including molecular biology, toxicology and chemistry. The BAT Group has spent £446 million on research and development over the past three years (£144 million in 2016, £148 million in 2015 and £154 million in 2014), with a focus on products that could potentially reduce the risk associated with smoking conventional cigarettes.

The BAT Group is transparent about its research and development and publishes details of its research programs on its website, and the results of its studies in peer-reviewed journals.

The BAT Group’s research and development function also provides guidance on the use of ingredients in the BAT Group’s products to ensure its current product portfolio complies with national legislative requirements and with its own internal standards.

 

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Capital Expenditures

Gross capital expenditures include purchases of property, plant and equipment and purchases of intangibles. The BAT Group’s gross capital expenditures for 2016, 2015 and 2014 were £652 million, £591 million and £689 million, respectively, representing investment in the BAT Group’s global operational infrastructure (including, but not limited to, the manufacturing network, trade marketing and IT systems). The BAT Group expects gross capital expenditures in 2017 of approximately £620 million. These 2017 expenditures do not include any expected amounts related to RAI and are primarily related to investment in the BAT Group’s global operational infrastructure and are expected to be funded by operating cash flows and, where applicable, from the BAT Group’s existing credit facilities.

Intellectual Property

The BAT Group’s trademarks, which include the brand names under which its products are sold, are key assets. The BAT Group regards the protection and maintenance of the reputation of its brand names and trademarks as critical to its success. The BAT Group relies on trademark laws together with patent, copyright and design right laws in different jurisdictions around the world to protect its intellectual property rights.

The BAT Group owns the trademarks to the vast majority of the brands that it uses in its business. Generally, the BAT Group’s trademarks in relation to its global drive brands and its other international brands are principally owned by the BAT Group’s brand-owning companies in the United Kingdom, the United States, the Netherlands or Switzerland, and are licensed to its relevant operating companies. Other brands tend to be owned by the local BAT Group operating company.

In addition to selling brands that the BAT Group owns, the BAT Group also sells CAMEL, WINSTON and SALEM branded products which are licensed to the BAT Group by Japan Tobacco with respect to cigarettes in certain markets in Latin America.

SHUANG XI (outside of China mainland) and STATE EXPRESS 555 are owned by CTBAT, a joint venture between the BAT Group and CNTC.

The BAT Group also owns a number of brands and trademarks which it has licensed to third parties for use in particular jurisdictions. For example:

 

    the BENSON & HEDGES trademark is licensed to ITC for use in respect of cigarettes and tobacco products in India;

 

    the DUNHILL trademark is licensed to RAI for use in respect of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco products in the United States; and

 

    the DUNHILL trademark is licensed to Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. for use in respect of cigarettes and tobacco products in Canada.

As well as protecting its brand names by way of trademark registration, the BAT Group also protects its innovations by means of patents and designs in key global jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2016, the BAT Group had:

Pending Designs: 168;

Granted Designs: 1890;

Pending Patents: 2168; and

Granted Patents: 1938.

 

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Seasonality

The BAT Group’s business segments are not significantly affected by seasonality, although in certain markets cigarette consumption trends rise during the summer months due to longer daylight time and tourism.

Legal Proceedings

Litigation

Product-Related Litigation

The BAT Group companies, notably B&W as well as other leading cigarette manufacturers, are defendants in a number of product liability cases. In a number of these cases, the amounts of compensatory and punitive damages sought are significant.

Indemnity

On July 30, 2004, B&W completed the B&W business combination. As a result of the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco agreed to indemnify B&W and its affiliates against, among other things, certain liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by B&W or its affiliates arising out of the U.S. cigarette and tobacco business of B&W, referred to as the RJR Tobacco Indemnification.

The scope of the RJR Tobacco Indemnification includes all expenses and contingent liabilities in connection with litigation to the extent relating to or arising from B&W’s U.S. tobacco business as conducted on or prior to July 30, 2004, including smoking and health tobacco litigation, whether the litigation is commenced before or after July 30, 2004, referred to as the Tobacco Litigation.

Pursuant to the terms of the RJR Tobacco Indemnification, RJR Tobacco Company is liable for any possible judgments, the posting of appeal bonds or security, and all other expenses of and responsibility for managing the defense of the Tobacco Litigation. RJR Tobacco Company has assumed control of the defense of the Tobacco Litigation involving B&W, to which RJR Tobacco Company is also a party in most of the same cases.

Included in “— U.S. litigation ” below are all significant cases where B&W or a UK company is named as a defendant and all cases where RJR Tobacco Company is named as a defendant as a successor to B&W, referred to as the RJR Tobacco Successor Cases. The RJR Tobacco Successor Cases are covered by the RJR Tobacco Indemnification.

Following the merger, RJR Tobacco Company will become an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT.

U.S. Litigation

The total number of U.S. tobacco product liability cases pending as of March 31, 2017 involving B&W was approximately 4,834 (compared to approximately 4,925 as of March 31, 2016). Of these, 1,986 cases are RJR Tobacco Successor Cases. For all of the 4,834 cases involving B&W, BAT Group companies have the protection of the RJR Tobacco Indemnification. As of March 31, 2017, British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited, referred to as Investments, had been served as a co-defendant in one of those cases (compared to one as of December 31, 2016). No other member of the BAT Group that is based in the United Kingdom, referred to as a UK-based Group Company, has been served as a co-defendant in any U.S. tobacco product liability case pending as of March 31, 2017. Since many of these pending cases seek unspecified damages, it is not possible to quantify the total amounts being claimed, but the aggregate amounts involved in such litigation are significant, possibly totaling billions of U.S. dollars. The U.S. litigation falls into four broad categories: medical reimbursement cases; class actions; individual cases and other claims.

 

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(a) Medical Reimbursement Cases

These civil actions seek to recover amounts spent by government entities and other third-party providers on healthcare and welfare costs claimed to result from illnesses associated with smoking.

At March 31, 2017, one U.S. medical reimbursement suit was pending against B&W by an Indian tribe in an Indian tribal court in South Dakota. No other suits are pending against B&W by county or other political subdivisions of the states.

(b) Class Actions

At December 31, 2016, B&W was named as a defendant in five separate actions attempting to assert claims on behalf of classes of persons allegedly injured or financially impacted through smoking or where classes of tobacco claimants have been certified. If the classes are or remain certified, separate trials may be needed to assess individual plaintiffs’ damages. Two of the five class actions against B&W allege that the use of the terms “light” and “ultralight” constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices. Similar class action suits have been filed in a number of states against individual cigarette manufacturers and their parent corporations. It is not possible to quantify the amounts of damages at this stage.

(a) Black is a “lights” class action filed in November 2000, which in 2008, the Circuit Court, City of St. Louis, Missouri stayed pending U.S. Supreme Court review in Good v Altria Group, Inc. A status conference is scheduled for June 5, 2017.

(b) Howard is a “lights” class action filed in February 2000 in the Circuit Court, Madison County, Illinois, currently stayed pending resolution of Price v Philip Morris, Inc.

(c) Jones is a case filed in December 1998 in the Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri; the action was brought by tobacco product users and purchasers on behalf of all similarly situated Missouri consumers alleging that the plaintiffs’ use of the defendants’ tobacco products has caused them to become addicted to nicotine, and seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. There has been limited activity in this case.

(d) Parsons is a case filed in February 1998 in the Circuit Court, Ohio County, West Virginia currently stayed pending final resolution of a motion brought by the plaintiffs, and because three defendants filed bankruptcy petitions.

(e) Young is a case filed in November 1997 in the Circuit Court, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. This Environmental Tobacco Smoke, referred to as ETS, class action on behalf of all residents of Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, have been exposed to second-hand smoke from cigarettes manufactured by the defendants, and who allegedly suffered injury as a result of that exposure, seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages, and has been stayed since 2004.

Engle Class Action (Florida): In 2000, three class representatives in the Engle class action were awarded a total of $12.7 million in compensatory damages and punitive damages against B&W were assessed at $17.6 billion. This decision was appealed and ultimately resulted in the Florida Supreme Court, in July 2006, decertifying the class and allowing judgments entered for only two of the three Engle class representatives to stand and setting aside the punitive damage award. Putative Engle class members were permitted to file individual lawsuits against the Engle defendants within one year of the Florida Supreme Court’s decision (subsequently extended to January 11, 2008).

As of March 31, 2017, B&W had been served in approximately 29 Engle progeny cases in both state and federal courts in Florida. These cases include approximately 84 plaintiffs. RJR Tobacco Company, as a successor to B&W, is named in approximately 1,973 Engle progeny cases. These cases include approximately 2,546 plaintiffs.

As of March 31, 2017, approximately 111 additional Engle progeny trials naming RJR Tobacco Company as successor to B&W have proceeded to verdict. Of these 111 trials, approximately 64 resulted in plaintiffs’ verdicts. As of March 31, 2017, total damages awarded against RJR Tobacco Company as

 

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successor to B&W in final judgments in these cases are approximately $288,958,713. This number comprises approximately $142,921,910 in compensatory damages and approximately $146,036,803 in punitive damages. As of March 31, 2017, RJR Tobacco Company had appealed 50 of these 64 adverse judgments and still had time to appeal 14 of these 64 adverse judgments. Out of the 50 adverse judgments appealed by RJR Tobacco Company, 22 appeals remained undecided and 27 appeals were decided and/or closed. In seven of the appeals that were decided, the appellate court affirmed the liability finding but vacated the damages award and remanded the matter to the trial court. In five of the appeals that were decided, the appellate court reversed the final judgment and remanded the matter to the trial court for a new trial on all issues. Two appeals were voluntarily dismissed. RJR Tobacco Company has paid damages to the plaintiffs in 16 cases that are now closed.

The Florida legislature applies a $200 million bond cap to all Engle progeny cases in the aggregate. Individual bond caps for any given Engle progeny case varies depending on the number of judgments in effect at a given time but never exceeds $5 million per case for appeals within the Florida state court system.

Judicial attempts by several plaintiffs in the Engle progeny cases to challenge the bond cap as violating the Florida Constitution have failed and bills have been introduced in the Florida legislature to modify or eliminate the Engle progeny bond cap.

(c) Individual Cases

Approximately 2,842 cases were pending against B&W as of March 31, 2017 (compared to 2,889 as of December 31, 2016), which were filed by or on behalf of individuals and in which it is contended that diseases or deaths have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to ETS. Of these cases, approximately: (1) 2,352 are ETS cases brought by flight attendants who were members of a class action ( Broin ) that was settled on terms that allow compensatory but not punitive damages claims by class members; (2) 393 are cases brought in consolidated proceedings in West Virginia, where the first phase of the trial began on April 15, 2013, and on May 15, 2013 the jury returned a verdict for defendants on all but one of plaintiffs’ claims and the judgment resulting from the verdict was affirmed on appeal; (3) 29 are Engle progeny cases that have been filed directly against B&W; and (4) 68 are cases filed by other individuals.

In addition to the 1,973 Engle progeny cases, which name RJR Tobacco Company as successor to B&W, there are 13 cases filed by other individuals naming RJR Tobacco Company as successor to B&W. For more information on this litigation, see RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

(d) UK-Based Group Companies

As of March 31, 2017, Investments has been served in one dormant individual action in the United States ( Perry ) in which there has been no activity since 1998 following the plaintiff’s death in 1997.

In December 2016, BAT received a complaint in an individual personal injury action pending in state court in Seattle, Washington ( Ratcliff ). The plaintiff asserts various claims, including state law product liability, fraud and statutory claims, against multiple defendants, including BAT, and alleges that she developed malignant mesothelioma from, amongst other things, her exposure to asbestos found in certain talc-containing cosmetic products and powders. The case is currently in discovery. BAT filed a motion to dismiss for improper service and lack of personal jurisdiction on February 8, 2017, which motion remains pending. In March 2017, the same plaintiff (Ratcliff) filed another case, in federal court in North Carolina, against multiple defendants, including BAT, alleging essentially the same facts. BAT’s response to the complaint in this action is due June 19, 2017.

Non-U.S. Litigation

As of March 31, 2017, active product liability claims against the BAT Group’s companies existed in 14 markets outside the United States. The only markets with more than five claims were Argentina, Brazil, Canada,

 

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Chile, Italy and Nigeria. Medical reimbursement actions are being brought in Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria and South Korea. Class actions are being brought in Brazil, Canada, Italy and Venezuela.

(a) Medical reimbursement cases

Angola

In or about November 2016, BAT Angola affiliate Sociedade Unificada de Tabacos de Angola, referred to as SUT, was served with a collective action filed in the Provincial Court of Luanda, 2nd Civil Section, by the consumer association Associação Angolana dos Direitos do Consumidor, referred to as AADIC. The lawsuit seeks damages allegedly incurred by the Angolan Instituto Nacional do Controlo do Cancro, referred to as INCC, for the cost of treating tobacco-related disease, non-material damages allegedly suffered by certain individual smokers on the rolls of INCC, and the mandating of certain cigarette package warnings. SUT filed its answer to the claim on or about December 5, 2016. The case remains pending.

Argentina

In 2007, the non-governmental organization the Argentina Tort Law Association, referred to as ATLA, and Emma Mendoza Voguet brought a reimbursement action against Nobleza Piccardo S.A.I.C.y.F., referred to as Nobleza, and Massalín Particulares. The case is being heard in the Contentious Administrative Court and is currently at the evidentiary stage.

Brazil

In August 2007, the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office filed a medical reimbursement claim against Souza Cruz S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as Souza Cruz. A similar claim was lodged against Philip Morris Brasil Indústria e Comércio Ltda. On October 4, 2011, the Court dismissed the action against Souza Cruz, with a judgment on the merits. The plaintiffs’ appeal to the Court of Appeal failed by unanimous vote (3 to 0). The Public Prosecutor’s Office has since filed a Special Appeal to the Superior Court of Justice.

Canada

Following the implementation of legislation enabling provincial governments to recover healthcare costs directly from tobacco manufacturers, ten actions for recovery of healthcare costs arising from the treatment of smoking and health-related diseases have been brought. These proceedings name various BAT Group companies as defendants. Among the defendants are various BAT Group companies, including BAT, Investments, B.A.T Industries p.l.c., Carreras Rothmans Limited, collectively referred to as the UK Companies, and Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, referred to as Imperial, the BAT Group’s operating company in Canada, and actions are proceeding in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, referred to as PEI. The enabling legislation is in force in all ten provinces. In addition, legislation has received Royal Assent in two of the three territories in Canada, but has yet to be proclaimed into force. In Quebec, three Canadian manufacturers, including Imperial, challenged the enabling legislation. This challenge was dismissed.

The government of British Columbia brought a claim in 2001 pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2000 against domestic and foreign manufacturers, seeking to recover the plaintiff’s costs of smoking-related healthcare benefits. Imperial, Investments, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and other former Rothmans Group companies are named as defendants. The underlying healthcare reimbursement action remains at a preliminary case management stage. The federal government is seeking Cdn$5 million jointly from all the defendants in respect of costs. On February 13, 2017 the province delivered an expert report dated October 2016, quantifying its damages in the amount of Cdn$118 billion. No hearing date has been set.

 

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The government of New Brunswick has brought a healthcare reimbursement claim in June 2006 against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2006 enacted in that province. The UK Companies and Imperial have all been named as defendants. Both Imperial and the UK Companies have now filed their defenses and document production is underway and discoveries are substantially complete. Damages have recently been calculated by the province as in the range of Cdn$25-$60 billion from 1954 to 2060. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of Ontario has filed a healthcare reimbursement claim against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2009 enacted in that province. Both Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants. This case is at an early case management stage and Imperial and the UK Companies have filed defenses. It is anticipated that document production will occur May 31, 2017. The province has stated its claim to be worth Cdn$50 billion. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador filed a healthcare reimbursement claim in February 2011 against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2006 enacted in that province. Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants. The case is now under case management and Imperial and the UK Companies have filed defenses. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of Saskatchewan filed a healthcare reimbursement claim in June 2012 against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2012 enacted in that province. Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants. This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement was negotiated under which defenses were filed by February 27, 2015 and the matter will remain in abeyance until document production begins in September 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of Manitoba filed a healthcare reimbursement claim in May 2012 against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Damages Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2006 enacted in that province. Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants. This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement has been negotiated, under which defenses were filed and the matter remains in abeyance until document production in mid 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of Alberta filed a healthcare reimbursement claim in June 2012 against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Crown’s Right of Recovery Act 2009 enacted in that province. Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants. This case is at an early case management stage and Imperial and the UK Companies have filed defenses. The province has stated its claim to be worth Cdn$10 billion. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of Quebec filed a healthcare reimbursement claim in June 2012 against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Related Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2005 enacted in that province. Imperial, Investments, B.A.T Industries p.l.c., and Carreras Rothmans Limited have been named as defendants. Imperial and the other Canadian manufacturers’ constitutional challenge to the Quebec Medicaid Legislation was unsuccessful at both first instance and on appeal. Another manufacturer sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Leave was refused on May 5, 2016. This case is at an early case management stage. Defenses have been filed. Motions over admissibility of documents and damages discovery have been filed but not heard. The province is seeking Cdn$60 billion. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of PEI filed a healthcare reimbursement claim in September 2012 against domestic and foreign tobacco manufacturers, pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Damages and Health

 

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Care Costs Recovery Act 2009 enacted in that province. Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants. This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement has been negotiated. Defenses were filed in February 2015 and the next step will be document production, which will commence on or before September 1, 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

The government of the Province of Nova Scotia filed a healthcare reimbursement claim in January 2015 against tobacco industry defendants pursuant to the provisions of the Tobacco Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2005 enacted in that province. Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants. This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement has been negotiated. Defenses were filed in July 2015 and the next step will be document production, which will commence on or before September 1, 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

Nigeria

As of March 31, 2017, six medical reimbursement actions filed by the federal government and five Nigerian states (Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Oyo, Ogun) were pending in the Nigerian courts. British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited, referred to as BAT Nigeria, BAT and Investments have been named as defendants in each of the cases. The plaintiffs in the six cases seek a total of approximately 11 trillion Nigerian naira (roughly £28 billion at current exchange rates) in damages, including special, anticipatory and punitive damages, restitution and disgorgement of profits, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief.

The federal action was filed on November 6, 2007 in the Federal High Court, and the five state actions were commenced in their respective High Courts on May 9, 2007 (Kano), May 30, 2007, (Oyo), March 13, 2008 (Lagos), October 17, 2008 (Gombe), and February 26, 2008 (Ogun). The suits claim that the state and federal government plaintiffs incurred costs related to the treatment of smoking-related illnesses resulting from allegedly tortious conduct by the defendants in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of tobacco products in Nigeria, and assert that the plaintiffs are entitled to reimbursement for such costs. The plaintiffs assert causes of action for negligence, negligent design, fraud and deceit, fraudulent concealment, breach of express and implied warranty, public nuisance, conspiracy, strict liability, indemnity, restitution, unjust enrichment, voluntary assumption of a special undertaking, and performance of another’s duty to the public.

BAT and Investments have made a number of challenges to the jurisdiction of the Nigerian courts. Such challenges are still pending (on appeal) against the federal government and the states of Lagos, Kano, Gombe and Ogun. The underlying cases are stayed or adjourned pending the final outcome of these jurisdictional challenges. In the state of Oyo, on November 13, 2015 and February 24, 2017 respectively, BAT’s and Investments’ jurisdictional challenges were successful in the Court of Appeal and the issuance of the writ of summons was set aside.

South Korea

In April 2014, Korea’s National Health Insurance Service, referred to as NHIS, filed a healthcare recoupment action against KT&G, a Korean tobacco company, PM Korea and BAT Korea (including BAT Korea Manufacturing). The NHIS is seeking damages of roughly 54 billion Korean Won (roughly £37.4 million) in respect of healthcare costs allegedly incurred by the NHIS treating patients with lung (small cell and squamous cell) and laryngeal (squamous cell) cancer between 2003 and 2012. Court hearings in the case, which constitute the trial, commenced in September 2014 and remain ongoing.

(b) Class actions

Brazil

As of March 31, 2017, there were two class actions being brought in Brazil. One is also a medical reimbursement claim (São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office), and is therefore discussed above.

 

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In 1995, the Associação de Defesa da Saúde do Fumante, referred to as ADESF, class action was filed against Souza Cruz and Philip Morris in the São Paulo Lower Civil Court alleging that the defendants are liable to a class of smokers and former smokers for failing to warn of cigarette addiction. The case was stayed in 2004 pending the defendants’ appeal from a decision issued by the Lower Civil Court that held that the defendants had not met their burden of proving that cigarette smoking was not addictive or harmful to health.

On November 12, 2008, the São Paulo Court of Appeals overturned the lower court’s unfavorable decision of 2004, returning the case to the lower court for production of evidence and a new judgment. Following production of evidence, on May 16, 2011, the lower court granted Souza Cruz’s motion to dismiss the action in its entirety on the merits. The plaintiffs’ appeal to the São Paulo Court of Appeals was unsuccessful. Plaintiffs then filed a Special Appeal to the Superior Court of Justice, which was rejected under procedural grounds on February 20, 2017. Plaintiffs filed an appeal of the rejection in the Superior Court of Justice on March 15, 2017.

Canada

There are 11 class actions being brought in Canada against, among others, members of the BAT Group.

Knight is a ‘lights’ class action: The Supreme Court of British Columbia certified a class of all consumers who purchased Imperial cigarettes in British Columbia bearing ‘light’ or ‘mild’ descriptors since 1974. The plaintiff is seeking compensation for amounts spent on ‘light and mild’ products and a disgorgement of profits from Imperial on the basis that the marketing of light and mild cigarettes was deceptive because it conveyed a false and misleading message that those cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes.

On appeal, the appellate court confirmed the certification of the class, but limited any financial liability, if proven, to 1997 onward. Imperial’s third-party claim against the federal government was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada. The federal government is seeking a parallel cost order of Cdn$5 million from Imperial. After being dormant for several years, the plaintiff delivered a Notice of Intention to Proceed, and Imperial delivered an application to dismiss the action for delay. The application is scheduled to be heard in June 2017.

In December, 2009, Imperial was served with a proposed class action filed by Ontario tobacco farmers and the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board. The plaintiffs allege that Imperial and the Canadian subsidiaries of Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International failed to pay the agreed domestic contract price to the tobacco leaf growers used in products manufactured for the export market and ultimately smuggled back into Canada. The plaintiffs seek damages in the amount of Cdn$50 million. Various preliminary challenges have been heard, the last being a motion for summary judgment on a limitation period. The motion was dismissed and ultimately, leave to appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal was dismissed in November 2016. A certification hearing has yet to be scheduled.

There are currently two class actions in Quebec. On February 21, 2005, the Quebec Superior Court granted certification in two class actions against Imperial and two other domestic manufacturers, which have a combined value of Cdn$21 billion plus interest and costs. The Court certified two classes, which include residents of Quebec who suffered from lung, throat and laryngeal cancer or emphysema as of November 1998 or developed these diseases thereafter and who smoked a minimum of 15 cigarettes a day for at least five years, and residents who were addicted to nicotine at the time the proceedings were filed and who have since remained addicted. Judgment was rendered on May 27, 2015. The plaintiffs were awarded moral and punitive damages and interest against Imperial and the Canadian subsidiaries of Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International in the amount of Cdn$15.6 billion, of which Imperial’s share is Cdn$10.4 billion. An appeal of the judgment was filed on June 26, 2015. The Court also awarded provisional execution pending appeal of Cdn$1.131 billion, of which Imperial’s share was approximately Cdn$742 million, which order was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal. Following the cancellation of the order for provisional execution, the Plaintiffs filed a motion against Imperial and one other manufacturer seeking security in the amount of Cdn$5 billion to guarantee, in whole or in part, the

 

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payment of costs of the appeal and the judgment. On October 27, 2015, the Court of Appeal ordered the parties to post security in the amount of Cdn$984 million, of which Imperial’s share is Cdn$758 million to be paid in seven equal quarterly installments. The first installment, of just over Cdn$108 million, was paid on December 31, 2015, with subsequent installments paid on March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017. Imperial filed its Factum on Appeal on December 11, 2015 and the appeal was heard in November 2016. A decision is under reserve.

In June 2009, four new smoking and health class actions were filed in Nova Scotia ( Semple ), Manitoba ( Kunta ), Saskatchewan ( Adams ) and Alberta ( Dorion ), against Canadian and foreign manufacturers and foreign companies, including the UK Companies and Imperial. In Saskatchewan, BAT and Carreras Rothmans Limited have been released from the action. No date has been set for the certification motion hearing. There are service issues in relation to Imperial and the UK Companies in Alberta and in relation to the UK Companies in Manitoba.

In July 2010, two further smoking and health class actions in British Columbia were served on Imperial and the UK Companies. The Bourassa claim is allegedly on behalf of all individuals who have suffered chronic respiratory disease and the McDermid claim proposes a class based on heart disease. Both claims state that they have been brought on behalf of those who have “smoked a minimum of 25,000 cigarettes.” The UK Companies and Imperial objected to jurisdiction. Subsequently, BAT and Carreras Rothmans Limited were released from Bourassa and McDermid. Imperial, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and Investments remain as defendants in both actions. No certification motion hearing date has been set. The Plaintiffs were due to deliver certification motion materials by January 31, 2015, but have not yet done so. Once the materials are delivered, the motions regarding jurisdiction/abuse of process matters will be dealt with.

In June 2012, a new smoking and health class action was filed in Ontario ( Jacklin ) against the domestic manufacturers and foreign companies, including Imperial and the UK Companies. Imperial was served on November 20, 2012, and the UK Companies were served on November 30, 2012. The claim is presently in abeyance.

Italy

In or about June 2010, BAT Italia was served with a class action filed in the Civil Court of Rome by the consumer association, Codacons, and three class representatives. The plaintiffs primarily asserted addiction-related claims. The class action lawsuit was rejected at the first instance (Civil Court of Rome) and appellate (Rome Court of Appeal) court levels. In July 2012, Codacons filed an appeal before the Italian Supreme Court. At a hearing on January 21, 2015, the Public Prosecutor’s Office agreed that the appeal should be rejected, and the Supreme Court reserved its decision. On February 1, 2017, the Supreme Court rejected Codacons’ appeal. Codacons’ deadline to file a motion for rehearing before the Supreme Court falls on or about March 5, 2018.

Venezuela

In April 2008, the Venezuelan Federation of Associations of Users and Consumers, referred to as FEVACU, and Wolfang Cardozo Espinel and Giorgio Di Muro Di Nunno, acting as individuals, filed a class action against the Venezuelan government. The class action seeks regulatory controls on tobacco and recovery of medical expenses for future expenses of treating smoking-related illnesses in Venezuela. Both C.A Cigarrera Bigott Sucs. and ASUELECTRIC, represented by its president Giorgio Di Muro Di Nunno (who had previously filed as an individual), have been admitted as third-parties by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice. A hearing date for the action is yet to be scheduled.

(c) Individual personal injury claims

As of March 31, 2017, the jurisdictions with the most number of active individual cases against Group companies were, in descending order: Brazil (76), Italy (24), Chile (9), Argentina (8), Canada (6) and Ireland (2) There were a further four jurisdictions with one active case only.

 

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Non-Tobacco Related Litigation

Reynolds American Inc. / Lorillard, Inc. Shareholder Litigation

In connection with the Lorillard merger, BAT executed a Share Repurchase Agreement to acquire a sufficient number of RAI’s shares to maintain its approximately 42% equity stake in RAI after the merger.

On August 8, 2014, BAT was named as a defendant in an action in state court in North Carolina stemming from the announcement of the Lorillard merger. The action was brought on behalf of a putative class of RAI’s shareholders alleging that BAT is a controlling shareholder of RAI and breached its fiduciary duty to the other RAI shareholders in connection with the Lorillard Transaction.

On August 28, 2015, the court dismissed all claims against BAT. Among other things, the court found that the plaintiff had not properly alleged that BAT was a controlling shareholder of RAI and therefore that BAT did not owe a fiduciary duty to RAI’s other shareholders. On December 20 2016, the North Carolina Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s judgment with respect to the claims against BAT, finding the allegations that the Company was a controlling shareholder and breached its fiduciary duty to be sufficient to warrant further proceedings for the plaintiff to attempt to prove those allegations with evidence. On January 4, 2017, the Company moved to have the North Carolina Court of Appeals rehear the case en banc , and that motion was denied on February 2, 2017. On February 17, 2017, BAT filed a petition for discretionary review with the North Carolina Supreme Court, which the plaintiff opposed on February 27, 2017.

Khosravi

In January 2014, an individual named Mehdi Khosravi issued a claim in the English High Court against BAT, as well as Al Aqili Trading LLC, Mohammed Saleh Al Aqili and Mohammed Saeed Mohamed Al Aqili, referred to as the Al Aqili Defendants. In September 2015, the claimant amended his claim to join B.A.T. (U.K. and Export) Limited and B.A.T. Pars Company as defendants and served the claim on BAT and B.A.T. (U.K. and Export) Limited, referred to as the BAT UK Defendants. B.A.T. Pars Company has not been served with the claim and therefore is currently not an active party to the proceedings.

The claimant sought damages of up to £1.5 billion for alleged personal injuries and economic loss which, he alleged, were caused by the Al Aqili Defendants acting as agents for the BAT UK Defendants and/ or for which the BAT UK Defendants were vicariously liable. On January 28, 2016, the judge dismissed the case against the BAT UK Defendants and ordered that the claimant should pay their legal costs. The claimant then applied for permission to appeal the decision. Permission to appeal was refused on paper on November 22, 2016, but the claimant is entitled to a hearing to consider his application. The hearing is scheduled for July 4, 2017.

Georgian Competition Claim

In July 2016, OGT Ltd, referred to as OGT, a Georgian tobacco manufacturer, filed a claim in the Tbilisi City Court against British American Tobacco Georgia Limited, referred to as BAT Georgia, and BAT Georgia’s Representative Office in Tbilisi, as well as T&R Distribution Ltd, BAT Georgia’s exclusive distributor in Georgia, alleging anti-competitive practices on behalf of the defendants. In January 2017, OGT filed a revised pleading claiming damages of approximately $101 million. BAT Georgia and its Representative Office filed their revised defense again denying the allegations and a counterclaim in January 2017. On February 10, 2017, judgment was entered against BAT Georgia for $100,537,172, BAT Georgia’s counterclaim was dismissed and the Georgian court ordered that it would determine the price at which BAT Georgia’s brands would be sold. The judgment was appealed on March 24, 2017.

 

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Fox River

Background to Environmental Liabilities Arising out of Contamination of the Fox River

In Wisconsin, the authorities have identified potentially responsible parties, referred to as PRPs, to fund the clean-up of river sediments in the lower Fox River. The pollution was caused by discharges of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, referred to as PCBs, from paper mills and other facilities operating close to the river. Among the PRPs is NCR Corporation, referred to as NCR.

In NCR’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31 2014, the total clean-up costs for the Fox River are estimated at $825 million. This estimate is subject to uncertainties and does not include natural resource damages, referred to as NRDs. Total NRDs may range from $0 to $246 million, although NCR now only retains residual exposure to NRDs in the form of claims by other PRPs as the U.S. Government has withdrawn its direct claims for NRDs against NCR.

B.A.T Industries p.l.c.’s involvement with the environmental liabilities arises out of indemnity arrangements which it became party to due to a series of transactions that took place from the late 1970s onwards and subsequent litigation brought by NCR against B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and Appvion Inc, referred to as Appvion (a former Group subsidiary) in relation to those arrangements which was ultimately settled. U.S. authorities have never identified B.A.T Industries p.l.c. as a PRP.

There has been a substantial amount of litigation in the United States involving NCR and Appvion regarding the responsibility for the costs of the clean-up operations. The current position can be summarized as follows:

As regards the upper portion of the Fox River, the District Court has ruled that NCR is liable in respect of this portion of the river because the river constitutes one site. That notwithstanding, the District Court has since indicated that NCR had no liability for that portion of the river because it did not discharge PCBs there.

As regards the mid and lower portions of the Fox River:

 

    As a result of the U.S. Government enforcement proceedings against it, NCR has been held jointly and severally liable in respect of the mid and lower portions of the Fox River. Consequently, NCR is responsible for the costs of cleaning up of the mid and lower portions of the river, subject to any right of contribution it has against other PRPs and any right to appeal.

 

    Appvion on the other hand has been found not liable in respect of the clean-up (including NRDs) in the U.S. Government enforcement proceedings.

 

    The remaining element of the U.S. Government enforcement proceedings (the U.S. Government’s claim against NCR to recover costs it has incurred in relation to the clean-up) was scheduled to go to trial in May 2017 but those proceedings have now been stayed (as explained below).

 

    NCR’s claims for contribution against the other PRPs in respect of the costs it has incurred in relation to the clean-up (and those PRPs’ cross-claims for contribution against NCR to recover the costs they have incurred and NRDs they have had to pay) were scheduled to go to trial in May 2017 but those proceedings have also been stayed (as explained below).

 

    Appvion’s claims to recover from PRPs other than NCR monies that it spent on the clean-up prior to being held not liable were also due to go to trial at the same time but have been stayed as well.

Recent Settlements

On December 22, 2016, NCR and Appvion entered into a settlement agreement with certain of the other PRPs pursuant to which those PRPs released their contribution claims against NCR and Appvion released its claims against those PRPs. The provision has been updated accordingly.

 

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On January 17, 2017, NCR and Appvion entered into a Consent Decree (a form of settlement agreement) with the U.S. Government to resolve how the remaining clean-up will be funded and to resolve all outstanding claims between them.

The Consent Decree requires approval from the District Court in Wisconsin in order to be made final. The public had until February 22, 2017 to comment on the proposal, after which the Court will make a determination. It is anticipated that the Court approval process will take several months. The U.S. Government enforcement action and the PRPs’ contribution claims have been stayed pending the outcome of the Court approval process.

If the Consent Decree is approved its principal effects will, in summary, be as follows:

 

    NCR will perform and fund all of the remaining Fox River remediation work by itself.

 

    The U.S. Government enforcement proceedings will be settled, with NCR having no liability to meet the U.S. Government’s claim for costs it has incurred in relation to the clean-up to date and only a secondary responsibility to meet certain future costs. NCR will have no liability to the U.S. Government for NRDs.

 

    NCR will cease to pursue its contribution claims against the other PRPs and in return will receive contribution protection which means that the other PRPs will not be able to pursue their contribution claims against NCR. NCR will, however, have the right to reinstate its contribution claims if the other PRPs decide to continue to pursue certain contractual claims against NCR.

 

    Appvion will also cease to pursue its claims against the other PRPs to recover monies that it has spent on the clean-up and in return will receive contribution protection. Appvion will, however, have the right to reinstate its claims if the other PRPs decide to continue to pursue certain claims against Appvion.

B.A.T Industries p.l.c.’s Involvement with Environmental Liabilities Arising out of the Contamination of the Fox River

NCR has taken the position that, under the terms of the Settlement Agreement between it, Appvion and B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and a 2005 arbitration award, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and Appvion generally had a joint and several obligation to bear 60% of the Fox River environmental remediation costs imposed on NCR and of any amounts NCR has to pay in respect of other PRPs’ contribution claims.

Until May 2012, Appvion and the AWA Entities paid the 60% share of the clean-up costs and B.A.T Industries p.l.c. was never required to contribute. Around that time Appvion refused to continue to pay clean-up costs, leading to NCR demanding that B.A.T Industries p.l.c. pay a 60% share. B.A.T Industries p.l.c. commenced proceedings against Windward and Appvion in December 2011 seeking indemnification in respect of any liability it might have to NCR, referred to as the English Indemnity Proceedings, pursuant to a 1990 de-merger agreement between those parties.

Funding Agreement of September 30, 2014

On September 30, 2014, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. entered into the Funding Agreement with Windward, Appvion, NCR and BTI 2014 LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of B.A.T Industries p.l.c.). Pursuant to the Funding Agreement, the English Indemnity Proceedings and a counterclaim Appvion had brought in those proceedings, as well as an NCR-Appvion arbitration concerning Appvion’s indemnity to NCR, were discontinued as part of an overall agreement between the parties providing a framework through which they would together fund the ongoing costs of the Fox River clean-up. Under the agreement, NCR has agreed to accept funding by B.A.T Industries p.l.c. at the lower level of 50% of the ongoing clean-up related costs of the Fox River (rather than the 60% referenced above; this remains subject to an ability to litigate the extent to which a further 10% of the costs ought to be allocated at a later stage). In addition, Windward has contributed $10 million of funding and Appvion has contributed $25 million for the Fox River and Appvion has agreed to contribute $25 million for the Kalamazoo River (see further below).

 

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The parties also agreed to cooperate in order to maximize recoveries from certain claims made against third parties, including (i) a claim commenced by Windward in the High Court of England & Wales (the High Court) against Sequana and the former Windward directors, referred to as the Windward Dividend Claim. That claim was assigned to BTI under the Funding Agreement, and relates to dividend payments made by Windward to Sequana of around €443 million in 2008 and €135 million in 2009, referred to as the Dividend Payments, and (ii) a claim commenced by B.A.T Industries p.l.c. directly against Sequana to recover the value of the Dividend Payments alleging that the dividends were paid for the purpose of putting assets beyond the reach of Windward’s creditors (including B.A.T Industries p.l.c.), referred to as the BAT section 423 Claim.

A trial of the Windward Dividend Claim and the BAT section 423 Claim took place before the English High Court between February and April 2016. Judgment was handed down by the High Court on July 11, 2016. The Court held that the 2009 Dividend Payment of €135 million was a transaction at an undervalue made with the intention of putting assets beyond the reach of B.A.T Industries p.l.c. or of otherwise prejudicing B.A.T Industries p.l.c.’s interests. It therefore contravened Section 423 of the Insolvency Act. The Court dismissed the Windward Dividend Claim.

BTI 2014 LLC sought permission to appeal in respect of the Judge’s findings in relation to the Windward Dividend Claim. Sequana sought permission to appeal the Judge’s findings in relation to the BAT section 423 Claim. On January 13, 2017, January 16, 2017 and February 3, 2017, further hearings took place to determine the precise form of relief to be awarded to B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and to hear the parties’ applications for permission to appeal. Judgment was handed down on February 10, 2017. In respect of relief, the Court ordered that Sequana must pay BTI 2014 LLC an amount up to the full value of the 2009 Dividend plus interest (which equates to around $185 million). This figure is subject to increase as interest is continuing to accrue. Sequana must make an initial payment of around $138.4 million and further payments going forward as and when B.A.T Industries p.l.c. makes payments in respect of clean-up costs. In respect of appeals, the Court granted BTI 2014 LLC and Sequana permission to appeal. The appeal hearing is expected to take place during 2018. The Court also granted Sequana a stay in respect of the above payments it has been ordered to make pending Sequana’s appeal being resolved. On February 15, 2017 Sequana entered into a process in France seeking court protection (the “Sauvegarde”).

BTI 2014 LLC has brought claims against certain of Windward’s former advisors, including Windward’s auditors at the time of the dividend payments, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (which claims were also assigned to BTI 2014 LLC under the Funding Agreement). Those claims are currently subject to a stay.

The sums B.A.T Industries p.l.c. has agreed to pay under the Funding Agreement are subject to ongoing adjustment, as clean-up costs can only be estimated in advance of the work being carried out and as certain sums payable are the subject of ongoing U.S. litigation. In 2016, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. paid £6 million in respect of clean-up costs and is potentially liable for a further £159 million in future clean-up costs. As of 2011, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. has had a provision in place. This provision is currently £163 million which represents the current best estimate of its exposure.

Kalamazoo River

B.A.T Industries p.l.c. is aware that NCR is also being pursued by Georgia-Pacific, as the owner of a facility on the Kalamazoo River in Michigan which released PCBs into that river. Georgia-Pacific has been designated as a PRP in respect of the river.

Georgia-Pacific contends that NCR is responsible for, or should contribute to, the clean-up costs, because: (1) a predecessor to NCR’s Appleton Papers Division sold “broke” containing PCBs to Georgia-Pacific or others for recycling; (2) NCR itself sold paper containing PCBs to Georgia-Pacific or others for recycling; and/or (3) NCR is liable for sales to Georgia-Pacific or others of PCB-containing broke by Mead Corporation, which, like the predecessor to NCR’s Appleton Papers Division, coated paper with the PCB containing emulsion manufactured by NCR.

 

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A full trial on liability took place in February 2013. On September 26, 2013, the Michigan Court held that NCR was liable as a PRP on the basis that broke sales constituted an arrangement for the disposal of hazardous material for the purposes of CERCLA. The decision was based on NCR’s knowledge of the hazards of PCBs from at least 1969, but the Court did not specify directly the entity or entities whose broke sales form the basis of NCR’s liability. NCR will have the ability to appeal the ruling once a final judgment has been entered or it has been otherwise certified for appeal.

The second phase of the Kalamazoo trial to determine the apportionment of liability amongst NCR, Georgia-Pacific and the other PRPs (International Paper Company and Weyerhaeuser Company) took place between September and December 2015. The parties are currently waiting for the Court to hand down its judgment. The Court may or may not also rule on the allocation of future costs. B.A.T Industries p.l.c. anticipates that NCR may seek to recover from Appvion (subject to a cap of $25 million for “Future Sites” under the Funding Agreement as described above) and/or B.A.T Industries p.l.c. 60% of any Kalamazoo clean-up costs for which it is found liable on the basis, it would be asserted, that the river constitutes a “Future Site” for the purposes of the Settlement Agreement. B.A.T Industries p.l.c. believes it may have defenses to any such claim by NCR. The Funding Agreement described above does not resolve any such claims, but does provide an agreed mechanism pursuant to which any surplus from the valuable recoveries of any third-party claims that remains after all Fox River related clean-up costs have been paid and B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and NCR have been made whole may be applied towards Kalamazoo clean-up costs, in the event that NCR were to be successful in any claim for a portion of them from B.A.T Industries p.l.c. or Appvion (subject to Appvion’s cap). The quantum of the clean-up costs for the Kalamazoo River is presently unclear (as is the extent of NCR’s liability in respect of such costs), but could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. A witness on behalf of Georgia-Pacific testified in the trial concerning the apportionment of liability that the cost of performing future remediation in Operable Unit 5 of the Kalamazoo River was in the order of $670 million. Operable Unit 5 is the Kalamazoo River itself, as distinct from the other Operable Units which are landfills or other facilities adjoining the Kalamazoo River. Remediation of these other Operable Units has largely been completed except for monitoring.

As detailed above, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. is taking active steps to protect its interests, including seeking to procure the repayment of the Windward dividends, pursuing the other valuable claims that are now within its control, and working with the other parties to the Funding Agreement to maximize recoveries from third parties with a view to ensuring that amounts funded towards clean-up related costs are later recouped under the agreed repayment mechanisms.

Litigation Conclusion

While it is impossible to be certain of the outcome of any particular case or of the amount of any possible adverse verdict, the BAT Group believes that the defenses of the BAT Group’s companies to all these various claims are meritorious on both the law and the facts, and a vigorous defense is being made everywhere. An adverse judgment was entered against one BAT Group company, Imperial, in the Quebec class actions and an appeal has been made. If further adverse judgments are entered against any of the BAT Group’s companies in any case, all avenues of appeals will be pursued. Such appeals could require the appellants to post appeal bonds or substitute security (as has been necessary in Quebec) in amounts which could in some cases equal or exceed the amount of the judgment.

BAT has the benefit of the RJR Tobacco Indemnification with regard to U.S. litigation (excluding the litigation brought by the shareholders of RAI and the Ratcliff personal injury action). Following the completion of the merger, this indemnity would be as between members of the combined group, and as such the combined group would not benefit from an indemnification by an external party.

At least in the aggregate, and despite the quality of defenses available to the BAT Group, it is not impossible that the BAT Group’s results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods could be materially affected by this and by the final outcome of any particular litigation.

 

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Having regard to all these matters, with the exception of the Fox River matter, the BAT Group does not consider it appropriate to make any provision in respect of any pending litigation. The BAT Group does not believe that the ultimate outcome of this litigation will significantly impair the BAT Group’s financial condition.

Tax Disputes

The BAT Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery of a number of taxes. The BAT Group is and has been subject to a number of tax audits covering, among others, excise tax, value added taxes, sales taxes, corporate taxes, withholding taxes and payroll taxes. The estimated costs of known tax obligations have been provided in the BAT Group’s accounts in accordance with its accounting policies. In some countries, tax law requires that full or partial payment of disputed tax assessments be made pending resolution of the dispute. To the extent that such payments exceed the estimated obligation, they would not be recognized as an expense.

The following matters may proceed to litigation:

Brazil

The Brazilian Federal Tax Authority has filed claims against Souza Cruz seeking to reassess the profits of overseas subsidiaries to corporate income tax and social contribution tax. The reassessments are for the years 2004 until and including 2012 for a total amount of R$1,386 million (£345 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. The 2011 and 2012 reassessments were raised in December 2016.

Souza Cruz appealed all reassessments. Regarding the first assessments (2004-2006) Souza Cruz appeal was rejected in 2013 although the written judgment of that tribunal was received in 2016. Souza Cruz has appealed the decision. The appeal against the second assessments (2007 and 2008) was upheld at the second tier tribunal and was closed. In 2015, a further reassessment for the same period was raised after the five-year statute of limitation. This has been appealed to the administrative level special chamber.

Souza Cruz received further reassessments in 2014 for the 2009 calendar year and in 2015 an assessment for the 2010 calendar year. Souza Cruz appealed both the reassessments in full. In December 2016, assessments were received for the calendar years 2011 and 2012, which have also been appealed.

South Africa

In 2011 the South African Revenue Service, referred to as SARS, challenged the debt financing of British American Tobacco South Africa, referred to as BATSA, and reassessed the years 2006 to 2008. BATSA has objected to and appealed this reassessment. In 2014, SARS also reassessed the years 2009 and 2010. In 2015, BATSA has filed formal Notices of Appeal and detailed objection letters against the 2009 and 2010 assessments and has reserved its right to challenge the constitutionality of the assessment at a later date. In 2016, SARS has filed a Statement of Grounds of Assessment and BATSA is due to file its Statement of Grounds of Appeal in early 2017. Across the period from 2006 to 2010, the reassessments are for R1.92 billion (£112 million) covering both tax and interest.

Netherlands

The Dutch tax authority has issued assessments for the years 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 in the sum of €202 million (£172 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. The assessments relate to a number of intra-group transactions. Objection letters have been filed against the 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 assessments. In April 2017, an assessment was issued for the year 2010 for an amount of €14 million (£12 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. A pro forma objection letter has been filed against this assessment.

 

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The BAT Group believes that BAT Group’s companies have meritorious defenses in law and fact in each of the above matters in Brazil, South Africa and the Netherlands, and intends to pursue each dispute through the judicial system as necessary. The BAT Group does not consider it appropriate to make provision for these amounts assessed nor for any potential further amounts which may be assessed in subsequent years.

While the amounts that may be payable or receivable in relation to these tax disputes could be material to the results or cash flows of the BAT Group in the period in which they are recognized, the Board does not expect these amounts to have a material effect on the BAT Group’s financial condition.

VAT and Duty Disputes

Bangladesh

British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Limited, referred to as BATBC, the operating company, is in receipt of a retrospective notice of imposition and realization of VAT and supplementary duty on low price category brands from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for approximately £186 million. BATBC is alleged to have evaded tax by selling the products in the low price segments rather than the mid-tier price segments. Management believe that the claims are unfounded. Litigation has proceeded during 2016. The issue is currently awaiting outcome from the Supreme Court, and a 10% deposit may have to be paid during 2017 in order to pursue any appeal.

Organizational Structure

BAT is the holding company of the BAT Group. Set forth below is a table containing information on the principal subsidiaries and associates of BAT as at December 31, 2016.

 

Subsidiary

 

Country of Incorporation

 

Percentage of
Ownership
Interest

British American Tobacco (Algérie) S.P.A.   Algeria   51%
British American Tobacco Argentina S.A.I.C.y F.   Argentina   99.95%
British American Tobacco Australia Limited   Australia   100%
British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Limited   Bangladesh   72.91%
British American Tobacco Belgium S.A.   Belgium   100%
Souza Cruz LTDA   Brazil   100%
British American Tobacco (Cambodia) Limited   Cambodia   71%
Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited   Canada   100%
British American Tobacco Chile Operaciones S.A.   Chile   99.50%
British American Tobacco Colombia S.A.S.   Colombia   100%
British American Tobacco (Czech Republic), s.r.o.   Czech Republic   100%
British American Tobacco Denmark A/S (House of Prince A/S)   Denmark   100%
British American Tobacco Egypt LLC   Egypt   100%
British American Tobacco France SAS   France   100%
BATIG Gesellschaft fur Beteiligungen m.b.H   Germany   100%
British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH   Germany   100%
British American Tobacco (Industrie) GmbH   Germany   100%
PT Bentoel Internasional Investama, Tbk   Indonesia   92.48%
B.A.T. Pars Company (Private Joint Stock)   Iran, Islamic Republic of   99.90%
British American Tobacco Italia S.p.A.   Italy   100%
British American Tobacco Japan, Ltd.   Japan   100%
British American Tobacco Kazakhstan Trading LLP   Kazakhstan   100%
British American Tobacco Korea Limited   Korea   100%
British American Tobacco Korea Manufacturing Limited   Korea   100%

 

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Subsidiary

 

Country of Incorporation

 

Percentage of
Ownership
Interest

British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad   Malaysia   50%
British American Tobacco Mexico, S.A. de C.V.   Mexico   100%
British American Tobacco Exports B.V.   Netherlands   100%
British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V.   Netherlands   100%
British American Tobacco Nederland B.V.   Netherlands   100%
British American Tobacco Western Europe Region B.V.   Netherlands   100%
British American Tobacco (New Zealand) Limited   New Zealand   100%
British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited   Nigeria   100%
British American Tobacco Marketing Nigeria Limited   Nigeria   100%
Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited   Pakistan   94.65%
British-American Tobacco Polska S.A   Poland   100%
British American Tobacco Polska Trading sp. zo.o.   Poland   100%
British-American Tobacco (Romania) Trading SRL   Romania   100%
CJSC ‘British American Tobacco-SPb’   Russia   100%
CJSC ‘International Tobacco Marketing Services’   Russia   100%
British-American Tobacco Marketing (Singapore) Private Limited   Singapore   100%
British American Tobacco Holdings South Africa (Pty) Limited   South Africa   100%
British American Tobacco España, S.A.   Spain   100%
British American Tobacco Switzerland S.A.   Switzerland   100%
British American Tobacco Tütün Mamulleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi   Turkey   100%
LLC “British American Tobacco Sales and Marketing Ukraine”   Ukraine   100%
PJSC “A/T B.A.T.—Prilucky Tobacco Company”   Ukraine   99.99%
B.A.T (U.K. and Export) Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
B.A.T Services Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British American Tobacco (GLP) Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British American Tobacco (Philippines) Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British American Tobacco Global Travel Retail Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British American Tobacco Western Europe Commercial Trading Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c.   UK (England & Wales)   100%
BATMark Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British American Tobacco (Brands) Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British-American Tobacco (Holdings) Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
British American Tobacco UK Limited   UK (England & Wales)   100%
B.A.T Capital Corporation   United States   100%
British American Tobacco (Brands) Inc.   United States   100%
Compania Anonima Cigarrera Bigott Sucesores   Venezuela   100%

Associates

   
ITC Limited (1)   India   29.9%
Reynolds American Inc. (2)   United States   42.18%

 

Notes:

(1) ITC was incorporated as a 100%-owned BAT subsidiary in 1910 as the Imperial Tobacco Company of India. Over the years, ITC has diversified into several businesses, and currently maintains a presence in cigarettes, hotels, paper & packaging, agri-business and other fast-moving goods (e.g., confectionery, IT, branded apparel, personal care, greetings cards and safety matches). In the 1970s, BAT’s interest in ITC was decreased to 40% as a result of a change in law. Since that time, as a result of ITC issuing shares under various employee stock option schemes, BAT’s shareholding has decreased to 29.9%.
(2) Following the completion of the merger, RAI will be an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT.

 

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UK Exchange Controls

There are currently no UK foreign exchange controls or restrictions on remittances of dividends on the ordinary shares or on the conduct of the BAT Group’s operations, other than restrictions applicable to certain countries and persons subject to EU economic sanctions or those sanctions adopted by the UK government which implement resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, the number of persons permanently employed by the BAT Group was 50,274 worldwide. The BAT Group believes that its labor relations are good.

The following table sets forth the number of BAT Group permanent employees by region in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

Region                        

   As of December 31,  
   2016      2015      2014  
   (number of employees worldwide)  

Asia-Pacific

     13,674        13,745        16,184  

Americas

     13,647        14,395        14,102  

Western Europe (1)

     11,794        12,025        12,113  

EEMEA

     11,159        11,627        12,200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Employees

     50,274        51,792        54,599  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1) Included within the employee numbers for Western Europe are certain employees in different locations in respect of central functions. Some of the costs of these employees are allocated or charged to the various regions and markets in the BAT Group.

Directors and Management Board

Overview

The BAT board of directors currently consists of ten directors: the Chairman, two executives, the Chief Executive and the Finance Director together referred to as the Executive Directors, and eight directors who serve in a non-executive capacity, including the Chairman, referred to as the Non-Executive Directors. The BAT board of directors considers all eight of BAT’s Non-Executive Directors independent, in the sense that they are free from any business or other relationships which could materially interfere with or appear to affect the exercise of their independent judgment and have not previously been involved in the management of the BAT Group. The BAT Group therefore meets the UK Corporate Governance Code requirement that, excluding the Chairman, at least half of the members of the BAT board of directors should meet such criteria. The NYSE rules require that all listed companies have a majority of independent directors. For a director to be “independent” under the NYSE rules, the board of directors of a listed company must affirmatively determine that the director has no material relationship with the company, or its subsidiaries or affiliates, either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the company or its subsidiaries or affiliates. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock—NYSE Rules ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, BAT will take all actions necessary to cause three directors serving on the RAI board of directors (other than directors designated for nomination by B&W) immediately prior to the completion of the merger to be appointed as members of the BAT board of directors upon completion of the

 

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merger. Such directors will be selected by BAT prior to the completion of the merger after consultation with the Transaction Committee. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Board of Directors of BAT Following the Merger.

The BAT board of directors is collectively responsible to shareholders of BAT for its performance and for the BAT Group’s strategic direction, its values and its governance. The BAT board of directors is responsible for: BAT Group strategy, significant corporate activities, BAT Group policies, Corporate Governance, the BAT board of directors succession plans, BAT Group budget, risk management and internal control, Annual Report approval, periodic financial reporting and dividend policy. The BAT board of directors held six scheduled meetings and three ad hoc meetings in 2016.

The BAT board of directors is also responsible for determining the nature and extent of the significant risks that the BAT Group is willing to take to achieve its strategic objectives and for maintaining sound risk management and internal control systems. It carries out a review of the effectiveness of the BAT Group’s risk management and internal control systems annually and reports to shareholders that it has done so. This review covers all material controls including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management systems. The systems are designed to identify, evaluate and manage risks that may impede the achievement of the BAT Group’s business objectives rather than to eliminate them entirely. The system therefore provides a reasonable, not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.

Board Committees

The BAT board of directors has three principal committees to which it has delegated certain responsibilities: the Audit Committee, the Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the integrity of the BAT Group’s financial statements and any formal announcements relating to the BAT Group’s performance, considering any significant issues and judgments reflected in them, before their submission to the BAT board of directors; consistency of the BAT Group’s accounting policies; effectiveness of, and making recommendations to the BAT board of directors on, the BAT Group’s accounting, risk and internal control systems; effectiveness of the BAT Group’s internal audit function; and performance, independence and objectivity of the BAT Group’s external auditors, making recommendations as to their reappointment (or for a tender of audit services), and approving their terms of engagement and the level of audit fees. The BAT board of directors believes that, were it subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, referred to as SOX, and NYSE Rules, two members of its Audit Committee, who have the “recent and relevant financial experience” required by the UK Corporate Governance Code, would meet the SOX standard of an audit committee “financial expert,” that they would be considered “financially literate” under the NYSE Rules and that all members of the Audit Committee would meet the requirement of the NYSE Rules of being able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. See “Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock—NYSE Rules” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The Nominations Committee is responsible for reviewing the structure, size and composition of the BAT board of directors and the BAT Group management board to ensure both have an appropriate balance of skills, expertise, knowledge and (for the BAT board of directors) independence; reviewing the succession plans for the Executive Directors and members of the BAT Group management board; ensuring that the procedure for appointing directors is rigorous, transparent, objective, merit-based and has regard for diversity; making recommendations to the BAT board of directors on suitable candidates for appointments to the BAT board of directors and the BAT Group management board; and assessing the time needed to fulfill the roles of Chairman, Senior Independent Director and Non-Executive Director, and ensuring Non-Executive Directors have sufficient time to fulfill their duties.

 

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The Remuneration Committee is responsible for agreeing upon and proposing the Remuneration Policy (covering salary, benefits, performance-based variable rewards and pensions) for shareholder approval; determining, within the terms of the Remuneration Policy, the specific remuneration packages for the Chairman and the Executive Directors, both on appointment and on review and, if appropriate, any compensation payment due on termination of appointment; the setting of targets applicable for the BAT Group’s performance-based variable reward scheme and determining achievement against those targets, exercising discretion where appropriate and as provided by the applicable scheme rules and the Remuneration Policy; and monitoring and advising the BAT board of directors on any major changes to the policy on employee benefit structures for the BAT Group.

Executive Directors

Nicandro Durante (60), Chief Executive. Mr. Durante was appointed as Chief Executive in March 2011, after being appointed Chief Operating Officer and Director in January 2008, having joined the BAT Group management board as Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East in 2006. He has experience in senior financial and management roles within the BAT Group having overseen operations in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Brazil, including his time as President of Souza Cruz. Mr. Durante has been a Non-Executive Director of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc since 2013 and is a member of its Remuneration and Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability and Ethics Committees. The business of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc is consumer goods and the business address is 103-105 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3UH, United Kingdom. Mr. Durante is a citizen of Brazil and Italy.

Ben Stevens (57), Finance Director. Mr. Stevens has served as Finance Director since April 2008 and Director since March 2008. He previously held the position of Regional Director for Europe from 2004, after having originally joined the BAT Group management board in 2001 as Development Director. He has experience in a number of senior group finance and general management roles within the BAT Group, particularly in Europe and Russia, and was Head of Merger Integration following the merger with Rothmans in 1999. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of ISS A/S. The business of ISS A/S is facility services and the business address is Buddingevej 197, DK-2860, Søborg, Denmark. Mr. Stevens has been a Director of Louisville since July 2008. Mr. Stevens is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

The Chairman

Richard Burrows (72), Chairman and Chairman of the Nominations Committee. Mr. Burrows was appointed Chairman of the BAT board of directors in November 2009, having served as a Non-Executive Director since his appointment to the BAT board of directors in September 2009. He is also the Chairman of the Nominations Committee. Mr. Burrows has been the Chairman of the Craven House Capital plc board of directors since 2016 and is currently Chair of its Nomination, Remuneration and Compliance Committees. The business of Craven House Capital plc is merchant banking and the business address is 776-778 Barking Road, London, E13 9PJ, United Kingdom. Mr. Burrows has served as a Non-Executive Director of Rentokil Initial plc since 2008, where he currently is a member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees. The business of Rentokil Initial plc is pest control, hygiene services, workwear supply and laundry and the business address is Riverbank, Meadows Business Park, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey, GU17 9AB, United Kingdom. Mr. Burrows has served as a Supervisory Board member at Carlsberg A/S since 2009, where he is the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. The business of Carlsberg A/S is a brewery and the business address is 100 Ny Carlsberg Vej, 1799 Copenhagen V, Denmark. Mr. Burrows was formerly the Chairman of the Board of Voicesage Global Holdings Ltd. from 2012 until 2015. The business of Voicesage Global Holdings Ltd. is software consultancy and supply and the business address is Euro House, Euro Business Park, Little Island, Co Cork, 616518, Ireland. Mr. Burrows was formerly a Non-Executive Director of Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation Limited from 2012 until 2013. The business of Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation Limited is iron ore mining and the business address is 5th Floor, 6 St. Andrew Street, London, EC4A 3AE, United Kingdom. He was formerly the Governor of the Bank of Ireland, Chief Executive of Irish Distillers and Co-Chief Executive of Pernod Ricard. Mr. Burrows is a citizen of Ireland.

 

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Non-Executive Directors

Sue Farr (61), Independent Non-Executive Director. Ms. Farr was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in February 2015. She is a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committees. Ms. Farr has been a Special Advisor at Chime Communications Limited since 2016. The business of Chime Communications Limited is sport and entertainment communications and the business address is 62 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ, United Kingdom. She has been a Non-Executive Director of Dolphin Capital Investors Limited since 2016. The business of Dolphin Capital Investors Limited is real estate investment and the business address is Vanterpool Plaza, 2nd Floor, Wickhams Clay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. She has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee of Accsys Technologies plc since 2014. The business of Accsys Technologies plc is chemical technologies and the address is Brettenham House, 2-19 Lancaster Place, London, WC2E 7EN, United Kingdom. She has been a Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc since 2013. The business of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc is hotels and the business address is Victoria House, Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7AF, United Kingdom. She has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Corporate Responsibility Committee of Dairy Crest Group plc since 2011. The business of Diary Crest Group plc is dairy produce and the address is Claygate House, Littleworth Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9PN, United Kingdom. She previously served as Executive Director of Business Development for Chime Communications Limited from 2003 until 2016, and as a Non-Executive Director of Motivcom plc from 2008 until 2014. The business of Motivcom is incentives programs and the address is 255 quai de la Bataille de Stalingrad, 92866, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. Ms. Farr also previously served as a Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces from 2007 until 2013. The business of Historic Royal Palaces is charity and the business address is Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU, United Kingdom. She was formerly the Chairwoman of the Marketing Society and the Marketing Group of Great Britain. Ms. Farr is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Ann Godbehere (62), Independent Non-Executive Director. Ms. Godbehere was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in October 2011. She is a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committees. She has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Limited since 2010. The business of Rio Tinto plc is metals and mining and the business address is 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia 3000. The business of Rio Tinto Limited is metals and mining and the business address is 6 St. James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4AD, United Kingdom. Ms. Godbehere has been a Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Compensation Committee and member of the Audit Committee of UBS Group AG and UBS AG since 2009. The business of UBS Group AG is banking and the address is Bahnhofstrasse 45, CH-8001, Zurich, Switzerland and Aeschenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland. She has been a Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Nomination and Governance and Risk Committees of Prudential plc since 2007. Ms. Godbehere will step down from the board of Prudential plc in May 2017 having served on such board for more than nine years. The business of Prudential plc is insurance and financial services and the business address is Laurence Pountney Hill, London, EC4R 0HH, United Kingdom. She previously served as a Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair of Atrium Underwriting Group Limited and Atrium Underwriters Limited from 2007 until 2014. The business of Atrium Underwriting Group Limited and Atrium Underwriters Limited is Lloyds underwriters and the business address is Room 790, Lime Street, London, EC3M 7DQ, United Kingdom. She also previously served as a Non-Executive Director of Arden Holdings Limited from 2007 until 2014. The business of Arden Holdings Limited is insurance and reinsurance and the business address is Union Plaza, 6th Floor, 1 Union Wynd, Aberdeen, AB10 1DQ, United Kingdom. She was formerly the Chief Financial Officer of both the Swiss Re Group and Northern Rock during the initial phase of its public ownership. Ms. Godbehere is a citizen of Canada and the United Kingdom.

Savio Kwan, (69), Independent Non-Executive Director. Mr. Kwan was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in January 2014. He is a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committees. He was the Co-Founder of and has served as the Chief Executive Officer of A&K Consulting Co Ltd since 2005. The business of A&K Consulting Co Ltd is consulting and the business address is 19th Floor, 3, Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Mr. Kwan has been a visiting Professor at Henley Business School since 2008. The business of Henley Business School is business education and the business address is University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6UD,

 

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United Kingdom. Mr. Kwan has been a member of the Governing Board of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund since 2015. The business of Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs fund is an entrepreneur fund and the business address is 26/F Tower One, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. He was a Non-Executive Director of Alibaba.com Limited from 2008 until 2012. The business of Alibaba.com Limited is online business and the address is 699 Wang Shang Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310052, China. Mr. Kwan was Chief Operating Officer of Alibaba Group, China’s largest internet business. He was an Advisory Board member of York International Corp between 2003 and 2006. Mr. Kwan is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Dr. Pedro Malan, (74), Independent Non-Executive Director. Dr. Malan was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in February 2015. He is a member of the Audit and Nominations Committees. He has been a member of the advisory panel of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited since 2012. The business of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited is a wealth fund and the business address is 60B Orchard Road, #06-18 Tower 2, The Atrium@Orchard, Singapore, 238891. He is a Trustee of the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles, and has been a Director and member, acting as trustee, of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company Limited since 2011. The business of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company Limited is media ownership and a trust company, and the business address is 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5EP, United Kingdom. Dr. Malan has been the Chairman of the International Advisory Board of Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A. since 2009. The business of Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A. is banking and the business address is Praça Alfredo Egydio de Souza Aranha, 100, Torre Olavo Setubal, Parque Jabaquara—CEP 04344-902, São Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Malan has been a member of the Board of EDP – Energias do Brasil SA since 2006. The business of EDP – Energias do Brasil SA is electric utilities and the business address is Rua Gomes de Carvalho, 1.996, 7th Floor, Vila Olímpia, São Paulo, Brazil. He previously served as a Non-Executive Director of Mills Estruturas e Servicos de Engenharia SA from 2010 until 2016. The business of Mills Estruturas e Servicos de Engenharia SA is engineering services and the business address is Estrada do Guerenguê, 1381 - Taquara, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil. He served as a Board Member of Souza Cruz from 2010 until 2015. The business of Souza Cruz is tobacco and the business address is Rua Candelária, 66 - Centro, CEP: 20.091-900, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil. He served as a Trustee of International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation from 2008 until 2013. The business of International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation is financial standards and the business address is 30 Cannon Street, London, EC4M 6XH, United Kingdom. Additionally, Dr. Malan served as the Minister of Finance for Brazil, President of the Central Bank of Brazil and Chief External Debt Negotiator for Brazil. Dr. Malan is a citizen of Brazil.

Dimitri Panayotopoulos (65), Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Mr. Panayotopoulos was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in February 2015. He is the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Nominations Committee. He has been a senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group since 2014. The business of Boston Consulting Group is consulting and the business address is Exchange Place, 31st Floor, Boston, MA, 01209, United States. Mr. Panayotopoulos has been a Non-Executive Director and member of the Compensation Committee of Logitech since 2014. The business of Logitech is technology and the business address is Logitch Europe S.A., EPFL - Quartier de l’Innovation, Daniel Borel Innovation Center, CH - 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland. He was previously Vice Chairman and Advisor to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble from 2013 until 2014, and was the Vice Chair of the Global Business Units of Procter & Gamble from 2011 until 2013. The business of Procter & Gamble is consumer goods and the business address is General Offices, Central Building, 1st Floor, 1P&G Plaza, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States. Mr. Panayotopoulos is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Kieran Poynter (66), Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. Poynter was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in 2010 and as the Senior Independent Director in October 2016. He is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominations Committee. He has been a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee of International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. since 2010. The business of International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. is airlines and the business address is CL Camino De La Muñoza, S/N, 28042, Madrid, Spain. He has been Chairman of the Board since 2013 and a member of the Board since 2009 of F&C Asset Management plc, and he also chairs the Nominations, Audit

 

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and Compliance and Risk and Remuneration Committees of F&C Asset Management plc. The business of F&C Asset Management plc is asset management and the business address is 80 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 3BU. He previously held the position of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Nomura International plc from 2011 until 2015, and served as a member of the Board from 2009 until 2015. The business of Nomura Europe Holdings plc is banking and the business address is 1 Angel Lane, London, EC4R 3AB, United Kingdom. A Chartered Accountant, he was Chairman and Senior Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers until 2008 and served on the President’s Committee of the Confederation of British Industry between 2000 and 2008 and as member of an advisory committee for the Chancellor of the Exchequer between 2009 and 2010. Mr. Poynter is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Dr. Marion Helmes (51), Independent Non-Executive Director . Dr. Helmes was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in August 2016. She is a member of the Audit and Nominations Committees. She has been a Supervisory Board member of Uniper SE since 2017. The business of Uniper SE is energy and the business address is E.ON-Platz 1, 40479 Düsseldorf, Germany. She has been a Supervisory Board member and Chairwoman of the Audit Committee of Bilfinger SE since 2016. The business of Bilfinger SE is engineering and the business address is Carl-Reiss-Platz 1-5, Mannheim, 68165, Germany. She has been Vice Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of ProSieben Sat.1 Media SE since 2014. The business of ProSieben Sat. 1 Media SE is media and the business address is Medienallee 7, 85774, Unterföhring, Germany. She has been a Non-Executive Director of NXP Semiconductors N.V. since 2013. The business of NXP Semiconductors N.V. is electronics and the business address is High Tech Campus 60, P.O. Box 80073, 5600 KA Eindhoven, Netherlands. She was previously Chief Financial Officer of Celesio from 2012 until 2014. The business of Celesio is pharmaceuticals and healthcare and the business address is Neckartalstrasse 155, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany. She was the Chief Financial Officer of Q-Cells from 2010 until 2011 and of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Technology from 2006 until 2010. She previously served as a member of the Supervisory Board of Fugro Consult GmbH from 2009 until 2014. Dr. Helmes is a citizen of Germany.

As described above, directors serve in additional roles outside of BAT. From time to time, any such role may give rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest between such director’s duties to BAT and his or her duties arising from such other roles. During the last 12 months, a number of conflicts were notified to BAT in accordance with the conflicts of interest procedures. All matters authorized by the BAT board of directors and the Conflicts Committee were recorded in the register of interests maintained by the Company Secretary.

The BAT board of directors’ conflicts procedures require that if a director becomes aware that they have an actual or potential conflict of interest, such director is required to notify the BAT Company Secretary. Such conflicts can be authorized by the BAT board of directors or the Conflicts Committee under such procedures, in accordance with the requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006 and the BAT articles of association. Each year, the BAT board of directors considers afresh all previously authorized situational conflicts. Directors are excluded from the quorum and the vote in respect of any matters in which they have an interest. The duties owed by the directors do not give rise to any potential conflict of interest with such directors’ private interests and/or other duties.

The business address of the BAT board of directors is Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom.

BAT Group Management Board

The BAT Group management board, chaired by the Chief Executive, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the BAT Group’s strategy and policies set by the BAT board of directors, and for creating the framework for the day-to-day operation of the BAT Group’s operating subsidiaries. Its other members comprise the Finance Director and 11 senior managers, listed below.

Jack Bowles (53), Regional Director, Asia-Pacific. Mr. Bowles was appointed as Regional Director for Asia-Pacific in January 2013. He was Regional Director, Americas from October 2011 after joining the BAT

 

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Group management board originally as Regional Director, Western Europe in October 2009. He joined the BAT Group in 2004, becoming Chairman of British American Tobacco France in 2005 before being appointed Managing Director of British American Tobacco Malaysia in 2007. Mr. Bowles is a citizen of France.

Giovanni Giordano (51), Director, Group Human Resources. Mr. Giordano joined the BAT Group and the BAT Group management board as the Group Human Resources Director in June 2011. Prior to this appointment, his international human resources career included senior roles at Procter & Gamble and Ferrero, where he was Chief Corporate Officer. Mr. Giordano is a citizen of Italy and the United States.

Andrew Gray (52), Director, Marketing. Mr. Gray was appointed as Marketing Director in September 2014. He originally joined the BAT Group management board as Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East in 2008 prior to being appointed Regional Director for EEMEA in January 2011. He has held a number of senior management positions with the BAT Group across South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Malaysia, including President of Souza Cruz in Brazil. Mr. Gray is a citizen of the United Kingdom and Brazil.

Dr. David O’Reilly (50), Group Scientific Director. Dr. O’Reilly joined the BAT Group management board as Group Scientific Director in January 2012. He was previously Head of International Public Health & Scientific Affairs and has held various positions in Group Research & Development, referred to as GR&D, most recently as Head of GR&D. Dr. O’Reilly is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Naresh Sethi (50), Director, Business Development. Mr. Sethi was appointed Business Development Director in December 2016. He joined the BAT Group management board as Group Business Development Director in January 2012, and became Regional Director of Western Europe from 2013 until 2016. He has held various marketing roles with the BAT Group in Australia, India, Indonesia, West Africa and Japan, where he was Marketing Director and, later, General Manager. Mr. Sethi is a citizen of Australia.

Kingsley Wheaton (44), Managing Director, Next Generation Products. Mr. Wheaton was appointed Managing Director, Next Generation Products in January 2015. Mr. Wheaton joined the BAT Group management board as Deputy Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director in January 2012, and in June 2012 he was appointed Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs. Prior to these appointments, he was Global Brand Manager for KENT and VOGUE, and previously also held various marketing roles in the Middle East and West Africa, becoming Marketing Director in Nigeria and Russia and, later, General Manager in Russia. Mr. Wheaton is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Jerome Abelman (53), Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel. Mr. Abelman joined the BAT Group management board as Group Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director in January 2015 and as of May 1, 2015, Mr. Abelman took the role of Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel. Prior to his appointment to the Management Board, he was Regional General Counsel, Asia-Pacific from 2010 until 2014, before becoming Assistant General Counsel of Corporate & Commercial from 2014 until December 2014. He has previously held a number of roles in the Legal function and has been with the BAT Group for 14 years. As a director designated for nomination by B&W under the governance agreement, Mr. Abelman joined the RAI board of directors on February 4, 2016. Mr. Abelman is a citizen of the United States.

Alan Davy (53), Director, Operations. Mr. Davy joined the BAT Group management board as Group Operations Director in March 2013. Prior to his present appointment, he was Group Head of Supply Chain from 2010 until 2013, and Area Director of Caribbean and Central America from 2010 until 2012. He joined the BAT Group in 1988 and has held various roles in manufacturing, supply chain and general management. Mr. Davy is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Tadeu Marroco (51), Regional Director, Western Europe. Mr. Marroco was appointed Western Europe Regional Director in December 2016. He held the position of Group Head of Strategy and Planning of Mergers and Acquisitions from 2014 until 2016. He joined the BAT Group management board as Business Development

 

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Director in September 2014. He joined the BAT Group in 1992, holding various senior finance positions including Regional Finance Controller, EEMEA and Group Finance Controller, a position he held from 2012 until 2014. Mr. Marroco is a citizen of Brazil.

Ricardo Oberlander (53), Regional Director, Americas. Mr. Oberlander joined the BAT Group management board as Regional Director for the Americas in January 2013 having first joined the BAT Group over 25 years ago. He was previously Global Consumer Director from 2012 until 2013, General Manager in France from 2010 until 2012 and prior to that Regional Marketing Manager for the Americas. As a director designated for nomination by B&W under the governance agreement, he joined the RAI board of directors in December 2014. Mr. Oberlander is a citizen of Brazil.

Johan Vandermeulen (49), Regional Director, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr. Vandermeulen joined the BAT Group management board as Regional Director for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa in September 2014. He was previously General Manager in Russia, from 2010 until 2014, General Manager in Turkey and Global Brand Director for KENT. He has been with the BAT Group for more than 20 years. Mr. Vandermeulen is a citizen of Belgium.

BAT Group Management Board Remuneration for 2016

Individual disclosure of the remuneration paid by BAT to the members of the BAT Group management board (excluding those who also serve as members of the BAT board of directors) is not required in the United Kingdom and BAT does not otherwise publicly disclose this information. In BAT’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the aggregate remuneration paid or payable to the members of the BAT Group management board (excluding those who also serve as members of the BAT board of directors) as a group was approximately £28,359,492, which includes: salaries paid during such period (£4,954,451), short-term incentives under the IEIS awarded during such period, including amounts deferred under the DSBS, (£8,582,790), long-term incentives under the LTIP awarded during such period (£12,114,744), contributions and accruals by the BAT Group during such period to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits (£2,092,000) and the value of taxable benefits provided during such period (£815,000). In addition, the aggregate value of BAT ordinary shares received by members of the BAT Group management board (excluding those who also serve as members of the BAT board of directors) as a group in settlement of amounts deferred under the DSBS and long-term incentives under the LTIP, in each case, that vested during BAT’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 was approximately £7,308,088. The aggregate amount set aside by the BAT Group to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits in relation to the members of the BAT board of directors and the members of the BAT Group management board as of December 31, 2016 was £58,884,556. For a description of BAT’s ordinary share incentive schemes in which the members of the BAT Group management board participate and the number and type of awards held by each, see the relevant sections of the section entitled “ BAT’s Remuneration Report for 2016; BAT’s Remuneration Policy ” below and “ —Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of BAT Directors and the BAT Group Management Board ” below.

BAT’s Remuneration Report 2016; BAT’s Remuneration Policy

The following disclosure is based on BAT’s Summary Policy Report and Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended December 31, 2016, and has been prepared in accordance with the relevant provisions of the UK Companies Act 2006 and as prescribed in The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Group (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.

The Remuneration Policy for the Executive Directors and the Non-Executive Directors was approved by BAT shareholders at the annual general meeting of BAT on April 27, 2016.

BAT has summarized the key elements below to facilitate the understanding of the Annual Report on Remuneration 2016 as set out below.

 

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BAT’s Principles of Remuneration—Summary

The Remuneration Committee’s remuneration principles seek to reward the delivery of the BAT Group’s strategy in a simple and straightforward manner which is aligned to BAT shareholders’ long-term sustainable interests.

The remuneration structure comprises fixed and variable elements. These rewards are structured and designed to be both transparent and stretching, while recognizing the skills and experience of the Executive Directors and ensuring a market competitiveness for talent. The fixed elements comprise base salary, pension and other benefits; the variable elements are provided via two performance-based incentive schemes (a single cash and share incentive annual bonus plan and a single long term incentive scheme).

In applying these principles, the Remuneration Committee maintains an appropriate balance between fixed pay and the opportunity to earn performance-related remuneration with the performance-based elements forming, at maximum opportunity, between 75% and 85% of the Executive Directors’ total remuneration. An annual review is conducted to ensure application and alignment of the Remuneration Policy with the business needs to promote the long-term success of BAT.

How Each Key Element of BAT’s Remuneration Supports its Strategic Priorities

 

Fixed remuneration: base salary pension benefits  

•    attract and retain high caliber individuals to deliver BAT’s strategic plans by offering market competitive levels of guaranteed cash to reflect an individual’s skills, experience and role within BAT.

 

•    provide competitive post-retirement benefit arrangements which recognize both the individual’s length of tenure with the BAT Group and the external environment in the context of attracting and retaining senior high caliber individuals to deliver the BAT Group’s strategy.

   

•    provide market competitive benefits consistent with role which: (1) help to facilitate the attraction and retention of high caliber, senior individuals to deliver BAT’s strategic plans; and (2) recognize that such talent is global in source and that the availability of certain benefits (e.g. relocation, repatriation, taxation compliance advice) will from time to time be necessary to avoid such factors being an inhibitor to accepting the role.

Variable remuneration:

short-term incentives

 

•    incentivize the attainment of corporate targets aligned to the strategic objectives of BAT on an annual basis.

 

•    performance-based award in the form of cash and deferred BAT ordinary shares, so that the latter element ensures alignment with BAT shareholders’ long-term interests.

 

•    strong alignment and linkage between individual and corporate annual objectives via the application of an individual performance adjustment factor to the corporate result.

 

•    ensure, overall, a market competitive package to attract and retain high caliber individuals to deliver the BAT Group’s strategy.

   

Variable remuneration:

long-term incentives

 

•    incentivize long-term sustainable growth in BAT’s total shareholder return, referred to as TSR, adjusted diluted earnings per BAT ordinary share, referred to as adjusted EPS, and net turnover, referred to as NTO, together with the achievement of a consistently high measure of average operating cash flow conversion (as defined below) over a three-year period; to

 

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facilitate the appointment of high caliber, senior individuals required to deliver BAT’s strategic plans; and to promote the long-term success of BAT. Certain of these measures are shown at constant rates of exchange, which excludes the impact of currency fluctuations year-on-year.

 

•    adjusted EPS, as discussed above, gives effect to a number of adjusting items impacting profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the BAT Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which are relevant to an understanding of the BAT Group’s underlying financial performance. Adjusted EPS at current exchange rates and adjusted EPS at constant exchange rates are not measures defined by IFRS. Earnings per share is the most comparable IFRS measure to adjusted EPS. Adjusted EPS is described further in note 7 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page FIN-[●].

 

•    NTO, as discussed above, is revenue, which is reported net of duty, excise and other taxes.

 

•    operating cash flow, referred to as OCF, conversion is the ratio of OCF, measured at current rates of exchange, to adjusted profit from operations, measured at current rates of exchange. OCF is cash generated from operations, adjusted for pension funds’ shortfall funding, net interest paid, tax paid, FII GLO and dividends paid to non-controlling interests. Cash generated from operations is free cash flow excluding restructuring costs, dividends and other appropriations from associate undertakings measured at constant rates of exchange. OCF, cash generated from operations and free cash flow are not measures defined by IFRS. Refer to “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” for a reconciliation of free cash flow to net cash generated from operating activities, which is the most directly comparable IFRS measure. Adjusted profit from operations, measured at current rates of exchange, is not a measure defined by IFRS. Refer to “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” for a reconciliation of adjusted profit from operations to profit from operations, which is the most directly comparable IFRS measure.

 
 

•    to put in place a combination of measures with appropriately stretching targets around the long-term plan that provides a balance relevant to BAT’s business and market conditions as well as providing alignment between Executive Directors and BAT shareholders. In setting performance criteria and thresholds/ targets, the Remuneration Committee takes account of the BAT Group’s long-term plans and market expectations.

 

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Fixed Remuneration—Executive Directors   

Base salary

Increases in salary will generally be in the range of the increases in the base pay of other UK-based employees in the BAT Group.

 

The salary of a recently appointed Executive Director as he or she progresses in a role may exceed the top of the range of the salary increases for UK-based employees where the Remuneration Committee considers it appropriate to reflect the accrual of experience.

 

Year-on-year increases for Executive Directors, currently in role, will not exceed 10% per annum during the policy period.

 

A significant change in responsibilities may be reflected in an above average increase (which may exceed 10%) of salary.

 

Promotion leading to a complete change of role would be considered in line with the Remuneration Committee’s approach to recruitment.

   Base salary is normally paid in 12 equal monthly installments during the year and is pensionable. Salaries are normally reviewed annually in February (with salary changes effective from April) or subject to an ad hoc review on a significant change of responsibilities. Salaries are reviewed against appropriate market data including general UK pay trends and a company size and complexity model based on UK companies, as well as a Pay Comparator Group, the constituents of which at February 22, 2017 for use in 2017 are set out below.
  

Pay Comparator Group

  
  

Anheuser-Busch InBev

   Kellogg
  

AstraZeneca

   Kraft-Heinz
  

Bayer

   L’Oreal
  

BP

   LVMH
  

BT

   Mondelēz International
  

Coca-Cola

   Nestlé
  

Colgate-Palmolive

   PepsiCo
  

Danone

   Pernod Ricard
  

Diageo

   Philip Morris International
   GlaxoSmithKline    Procter & Gamble
   Heineken    Reckitt Benckiser
   Imperial Brands    Royal Dutch Shell
   Japan Tobacco International    Unilever
   Johnson & Johnson    Vodafone
   The Remuneration Committee will continue to exercise its judgment to vary the constituents of the Pay Comparator Group over the life of this Remuneration Policy.

 

   

Pension

British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund (BAT pension fund)

 

Unfunded unapproved retirement benefit scheme (UURBS)

 

•    pensionable pay covers base salary only;

 

•    internal appointees as Executive Directors may have existing defined benefit or defined contribution pension entitlements with the BAT Group which may differ marginally from those outlined in the Remuneration Policy and these will ordinarily remain unchanged; and

 

•    pension entitlements for external appointees as Executive Directors will be subject to negotiation taking into account the relevant annual and lifetime allowances; in most cases the pension arrangements will fall within the scope of the Remuneration Policy.

BAT pension fund:

non-contributory defined

benefit section

 

•    accrual rates differ according to individual circumstances but do not exceed 1/40th of pensionable salary for each year of pensionable service;

 

•    retains a scheme specific salary cap (currently £151,200 effective April 1, 2016);

 

•    benefits in excess of the cap are accrued in the UURBS; and

 

•    defined benefit section closed to new members generally—the Remuneration Committee may exercise its judgment to offer, by exception a defined benefit pension to a new externally appointed Executive Director (on appointment where such benefits have been enjoyed by that individual at his/her previous employment).

 

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BAT pension fund:

defined contribution section

 

•    in place since April 2005;

 

•    annual contribution up to the equivalent of 35% of base salary would be made;

 

•    actual level of contribution paid to the BAT pension fund is restricted to take account of the annual allowance and lifetime allowance; and

   

•    balance of contribution payable as a gross cash allowance or accumulated in the UURBS.

UURBS  

•    accrued defined benefits in the UURBS may be received on retirement either as a single lump sum or as an ongoing pension payment; and

   

•    pension accrual in the UURBS is at the same rate as in the BAT pension fund (1/40th per annum).

Benefits

With the exception of the car or car allowance, in line with the UK market and the practice followed for all the BAT Group’s other UK employees, it is also practice to pay the tax that may be due on these benefits.

 

•    BAT currently offers the following range of contractual benefits to Executive Directors (on an individually specific basis) with maximum annual values (subject to periodic inflation-related increases where applicable):

 

•    car or car allowance: £20,000;

 

•    use of a company driver: variable maxima as the actual cost is dependent on the miles driven in any year;

 

•    variable maxima will apply to the cost of private medical insurance, which is dependent on an individual’s circumstances and is provided on a family basis;

 

•    GP “walk-in” medical services located close to the BAT Group’s headquarters in London: £5,000 per annum;

 

•    personal life and accident insurance designed to pay out at a multiple of four and five times base salary, respectively;

 

•    international tax advice as required, but not exceeding £30,000 per annum; and tax equalization payments as agreed by the Remuneration Committee from time to time; and

 

•    relocation and shipment expenses at the beginning and end of service as an Executive Director up to £200,000 and, in addition, housing and education allowances or other similar arrangements, as appropriate to the individual’s family circumstances.

 

Variable Remuneration    Executive Directors
Short-term incentives—IEIS    Chief Executive    Finance Director
IEIS opportunity 50% cash; 50% deferred shares (DSBS)
Percentage of base salary
  

Maximum

250%

  

On-target

125%

  

Maximum

190%

  

On-target

95%

IEIS—performance adjustment and clawback and malus   

Performance adjustment factor: up to 20% uplift possible if individual performance is assessed as outstanding (up to the maximum opportunity of 250% or 190%). Up to 50% reduction possible if individual performance is assessed as poor.

 

Clawback and malus: provisions are in place.

 

 

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IEIS—performance measures and weighting (%)        Measures   Weighting
Two levels of award attainment relative to the measures are defined under the IEIS       

Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange : this is the adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange, included at note 2 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page FIN-[●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange has been chosen as a benchmark for this disclosure given its linkage to the short-term incentive element of remuneration as one of the four performance measures under the IEIS. In addition, this metric is used in the NTO underpin for the LTIP awards, as described below.

 

40%

Threshold

   This must be exceeded to attract any bonus pay-out in respect of that measure.   BAT Group’s share of Key Markets: the BAT Group’s retail market share in the Key Markets, which accounts for around 80% of the volumes of the BAT Group’s subsidiaries.   20%

Maximum

   A level of performance exceeding budget and at which the bonus pay-out for that measure is capped.  

Global drive brands and key strategic brands volumes: comprises: (1) the global drive brands cigarette volumes: DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS, including volumes of the Fine Cut variants of the above brands sold in Western Europe; and (2) the cigarette volumes of STATE EXPRESS 555 and SHUANG XI, being key strategic brands associated with the China National Tobacco Corporation joint venture.

Cash generated from operations : the free cash flow excluding restructuring costs, dividends and other appropriations from associate undertakings measured at constant rates of exchange.

 

20%

 

 

 

20%

 

 

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Long-term Incentives—LTIP      Chief Executive     Finance Director
LTIP opportunity: BAT ordinary shares to a percentage value of base salary at time of award      Awards      2016   2014
and
2015
    Awards      2016   2014
and
2015
       Maximum      500%   400%     Maximum      350%   300%

Dividend equivalent payment Clawback and

malus

    

 

Dividend equivalent payment: on all vesting BAT
ordinary shares.

 

Clawback and malus: provisions are in place.

LTIP Extended Vesting Period: 2016 awards

onwards

    





An additional vesting period of two years applies from
the third anniversary of the date of grant, referred to as
the LTIP Extended Vesting Period. LTIP awards vest
only to the extent that: (1) the performance conditions
are satisfied at the end of the three-year performance
period; and (2) an additional vesting period of two years
from the third anniversary of grant is completed.

 

LTIP Performance Measures   LTIP Awards 2016
   

LTIP measures and performance ranges

  

% of
award

  

Threshold
vesting %

Performance measures—

calculations

 

1.       TSR relative to global Fast Moving Consumer Goods, referred to as FMCG, peers

   20    3
 

Median performance vs. FMCG peer group to upper quartile.

     
  The current constituents of the FMCG peer group as at February 22, 2017 are:          
  Anheuser-Busch InBev    Diageo    Kimberly Clark    Philip Morris International          
  Campbell Soup    Heineken    LVMH    Procter & Gamble          
  Carlsberg    Imperial Brands    Mondelēz International    Reckitt Benckiser          
  Coca-Cola    Japan Tobacco    Nestlé    Unilever          
  Colgate-Palmolive    Johnson & Johnson    PepsiCo               
  Danone    Kellogg    Pernod Ricard               

 

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LTIP measures and performance ranges

   % of
award
   Threshold
vesting %
 

2.       Growth in adjusted EPS at current exchange rates

   20    3
 

5%-10% compound annual growth rate (referred to as CAGR) over the performance period

         
 

3.       Growth in adjusted EPS at constant exchange rates

   20    3
 

5%-10% CAGR over the performance period

         
 

4.       Growth in NTO

   20    3
 

3%-5% CAGR over the performance period

         
 

5.       OCF conversion

   20    3
 

85%-95% of OCF over the performance period

         
             

 

  

 

  Total    100    15
             

 

  

 

 

Other Elements of Remuneration   
All-employee BAT ordinary share schemes    Executive Directors are eligible to participate in BAT’s all-employee BAT ordinary share schemes.
   Sharesave Scheme —an HM Revenue & Customs approved scheme where eligible employees are granted savings-related share options to subscribe for BAT ordinary shares.
     SIP —an HM Revenue & Customs approved plan incorporating: (1) the Partnership Scheme and (2) the Share Reward Scheme (referred to as the SRS).
Shareholding requirements    BAT ordinary shares awarded but not yet vested and for which performance conditions have already been met under the DSBS element of the IEIS are included in the calculation of the threshold for the shareholding guidelines for the Executive Directors.
   The estimated notional net number of BAT ordinary shares held by an Executive Director in the LTIP Extended Vesting Period will also count towards the respective shareholding requirements.
  

Chief Executive
% of salary

  

Finance Director
% of salary

  
   500    350   
   
External Board appointments    Each Executive Director is limited to one external appointment, with the permission of the BAT board of directors. Any fees from such appointments are retained by the individual in recognition of the increased level of personal commitment required.

 

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Other Policy Provisions in Relation to BAT Directors’ Pay

Flexibility Judgment and Discretion

As the Remuneration Policy needs to be capable of operating over a three-year period, the Remuneration Committee requires practical tools to implement the Remuneration Policy over that prospective lifetime and so has built in degrees of adaptability under the categories of flexibility, judgment and discretion.

 

Category

   Basic description
Flexibility    Those areas of the Remuneration Policy which include a degree of flexibility with reference to specific examples and situations regarding pay, benefits and pension arrangements, the IEIS bonus plan and the LTIP.
Judgment    Examples when the Remuneration Committee will be required to exercise its judgment over the life of the Remuneration Policy in considering, assessing and determining items such as specific levels, measures, weightings, performances and percentages across the fixed and variable remuneration.
Discretion    Instances where the Remuneration Committee has reserved discretion which may be exercised either upwards or downwards (to ensure fair outcomes for both BAT directors and shareholders) notwithstanding the application of the Remuneration Policy in certain instances.
     Whenever the Remuneration Committee exercises its discretion in relation to an Executive Director, it will disclose the rationale for doing so in its annual report on remuneration the following year.

Approach to Remuneration of BAT Directors on Recruitment

Factor/Event    Basic description
Principles    In making an Executive Director appointment (whether an internal or external appointee) the Remuneration Committee will follow a set of principles based on those summarized under “— BAT’s Principles of Remuneration .”
External appointment to role of Executive Director    Where the individual has variable remuneration arrangements with his or her previous employer that will be lost on joining BAT.
Relocation—to the United Kingdom from overseas and return on retirement or departure from the BAT Group    BAT may provide appropriate relocation support across specified categories.

Service Contracts— Executive Directors

 

Factor/Event    Basic description
Current Executive Directors    Employed on a one-year rolling contract, executed at the time of the original appointment. The Remuneration Committee may exercise its discretion to award two- or three-year contracts in the event that an Executive Director is recruited externally or from overseas; contracts with an initial period of longer than one year will then reduce to a one-year rolling contract after the expiry of the initial period.

 

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Under the current contracts BAT has agreed to certain described obligations, any of which could give rise to, or impact upon, the remuneration or payments for loss of office    It is not currently intended that future service contracts for Executive Directors would contain terms differing materially from the Remuneration Policy.
Inspection of service contracts    The latest service contracts are included as Exhibits 10.9, 10.10 and 10.11 to the registration statement on Form F-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part; these contracts are amended annually following the salary review.
   The dates of the latest service contracts are shown below:
  

Executive Directors

  

Execution date of current service
contract

   Nicandro Durante    December 10, 2010
   Ben Stevens (1)    March 26, 2008
   (1) Contract as amended by a side letter dated July 23, 2010.

 

Policy on Payment for Loss of Office

Factor/Event    Basic description
Principles    The principles on which the Remuneration Committee will approach the determination for payments on termination are as follows:
  

•    compensation for loss of office in service contracts is limited to no more than twelve months’ salary and benefits excluding pension;

  

•    in the event that the contract is terminated for cause (such as gross misconduct), BAT may terminate the contract with immediate effect and no compensation would be payable; and

    

•    the service contracts of the Executive Directors are terminable on the expiry of twelve months’ notice from either the Executive Director or BAT—which means that, where an internal successor has not been identified, BAT would have sufficient time to replace the Executive Director through an orderly external recruitment process and ideally have a period of handover.

Treatment of awards under the BAT ordinary share incentive schemes: IEIS/DSBS and LTIP All-employee scheme: SRS    Executive Directors do not have contractual rights to the value inherent in any awards held under the BAT ordinary share incentive schemes. The release of awards is dependent on “leaver” status and is at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee.
   The Remuneration Committee retains discretion in deciding “good leaver” status other than in cases of automatic “good leavers” as set out in the applicable provisions of the DSBS and LTIP rules. The discretionary powers are intended to provide flexibility as Executive Directors may leave employment for a broad variety of reasons which may not necessarily fall

 

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   within the prescribed category of “good leaver.” The Remuneration Committee exercises its discretion by reference to guidelines which set out its agreed relevant factors to assist in the determination of a leaver’s status.
   In exercising its discretion, the Remuneration Committee will also take into account the individual’s overall performance as well as their contribution to BAT during their total period of employment.
   Details of how leavers are assessed as “good leavers” are set in the Remuneration Policy.
Other discretionary powers    The Remuneration Committee retains discretion to settle any other amounts reasonably due to an individual Executive Director as specified in the Remuneration Policy.
     In certain circumstances, the Remuneration Committee may approve new contractual arrangements with departing Executive Directors, potentially including (but not limited to) settlement, confidentiality, restrictive covenants and/or consultancy arrangements; these arrangements would only be entered into where the Remuneration Committee believes that it is in the best interests of BAT and its shareholders to do so.

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors

 

    

Chairman

Fee   

•    considered annually by the Remuneration Committee using data from the FTSE 30 companies and taking into account the breadth of that role coupled with its associated levels of personal commitment and expertise in the overall context of international reach and the “ambassadorial” aspect of the role.

  

•    the Chairman is currently expected to make an annual time commitment of about 100 days.

    

•    he does not participate in any discussions on his level of remuneration.

Benefits, travel and related expenses   

•    reimbursed for the cost of travel and related expenses incurred by him in respect of attendance at BAT board of directors, committee and general meetings, including the cost of return airline tickets to London from his home in Ireland in connection with his duties as Chairman.

  

•    entitled to the use of a company driver; private medical insurance and personal accident insurance benefits; the provision of home and personal security; and general practitioner “walk-in” medical services based a short distance from BAT’s Group headquarters in London.

  

•    Richard Burrows’ spouse may, from time to time, accompany him to participate in a partners’ program occasionally organized in conjunction with overseas or UK-based meetings of the BAT board of directors and otherwise at hospitality functions during the year.

  

•    when considering the appointment of a new Chairman, the Remuneration Committee will offer the components set out in respect of the current Chairman, as appropriate, and may also offer housing allowances for a limited period and other relocation benefits.

 

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Non-Executive Directors

Fees

It is anticipated that any future aggregate increase to any of the fees for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors will be within the salary range which governs BAT’s annual salary reviews for UK-based staff and will not exceed the equivalent of 10% per annum in aggregate.

  

•    Non-Executive Directors receive a base fee and an appropriate committee membership fee. The Chairs of the Audit Committee of the BAT board of directors and the Remuneration Committee receive an additional supplement and an additional supplement is also paid to the Senior Independent Director of the BAT board of directors.

  

•    quantum and structure of Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration primarily assessed against the same pay comparator group of companies used for setting the remuneration of Executive Directors; the BAT board of directors may also make reference to and take account of relevant research and analysis on Non-Executive Directors’ fees in FTSE 100 companies published by remuneration consultants from time to time.

  

•    fees for the Non-Executive Directors are reviewed annually, usually in April; the review does not always result in an increase in the board or committee fees.

  

•    the BAT board of directors as a whole considers the policy and structure for the Non-Executive Directors’ fees on the recommendation of the Chairman and the Chief Executive; Non-Executive Directors do not participate in discussions on their specific levels of remuneration.

Travel and related expenses

In instances where any reimbursements or expenses are classified by HM Revenue & Customs as a benefit to the BAT director, it is also the practice of BAT to pay any tax due on any such benefits.

  

•    Non-Executive Directors are generally reimbursed for the cost of travel and related expenses incurred by them in respect of attendance at board, committee and general meetings.

  

•    it is the policy of the BAT board of directors that the partners of the Non-Executive Directors may, from time to time, accompany the directors to participate in a partners’ program occasionally organized in conjunction with overseas or UK-based board meetings and otherwise at hospitality functions during the year.

  

•    Non-Executive Directors are also eligible for general practitioner “walk-in” medical services based a short distance from BAT Group’s headquarters in London; Non-Executive Directors receive no other benefits.

Remuneration types and shareholding requirements   

•    remuneration of the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors is paid in cash.

  

•    no formal requirements or guidelines to hold BAT ordinary shares; neither the Chairman nor the Non-Executive Directors participate in the BAT ordinary share schemes, bonus schemes or incentive plans and they are not members of any BAT Group pension plan.

BAT’s Remuneration Report 2016; BAT’s Annual Report on Remuneration 2016

This section sets out the remuneration of the BAT directors for the financial year ended December 31, 2016.

Role

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for:

 

    agreeing and proposing the Remuneration Policy (covering salary, benefits, performance-based variable rewards and pensions) for BAT shareholder approval;

 

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    determining, within the terms of the agreed Remuneration Policy, the specific remuneration packages for the Chairman and the Executive Directors, both on appointment and on review and, if appropriate, any compensation payment due on termination of appointment;

 

    the setting of targets applicable for BAT’s performance-based variable reward scheme and determining achievement against those targets, exercising discretion where appropriate and as provided by the applicable scheme rules and the Remuneration Policy; and

 

    monitoring and advising the BAT board of directors on any major changes to the policy on employee benefit structures for the BAT Group.

Remuneration Committee current members

 

Dimitri Panayotopoulos (Chairman)

  

Sue Farr

  

Ann Godbehere

  

Savio Kwan

  

Attendance at Meetings in 2016

 

Name

   Member
since
   Attendance/
Eligible to attend

Sue Farr (2)(b)

   2016    3/3

Ann Godbehere

   2011    5/5

Savio Kwan (2)(b)

   2016    3/3

Christine Morin-Postel (2)(c)

   2007-2016    2/2

Dimitri Panayotopoulos (2)(e)

   2015    5/5

Kieran Poynter (2)(d)

   2011-2016    3/3

 

Notes:

(1) Number of meetings 2016: the Remuneration Committee held five meetings, one of which was convened at short notice.
(2) Membership: (a) all members of the Remuneration Committee are independent non-executive directors in accordance with UK Corporate Governance Code Provision D.2.1.; (b) Sue Farr and Savio Kwan joined the Remuneration Committee on April 28, 2016; (c) Christine Morin-Postel ceased to be a member on April 28, 2016; (d) Kieran Poynter stood down as Chairman and ceased to be a member on October 1, 2016; and (e) Dimitri Panayotopoulos became Chairman on October 1, 2016, having been a member since February 2, 2015.
(3) Other attendees: the Chairman, the Chief Executive, the BAT Group Human Resources Director, the BAT Group Head of Reward and other BAT senior management, including the Company Secretary, may be consulted and provide advice, guidance and assistance to the Remuneration Committee. They may also attend Remuneration Committee meetings (or parts thereof) by invitation; neither the Chairman nor any Executive Director plays any part in determining his own remuneration.
(4) Deloitte LLP: as the Remuneration Committee’s remuneration consultants, they may attend meetings of the Remuneration Committee. As a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group (referred to as the RCG), Deloitte agrees to the RCG Code of Conduct which seeks to clarify the scope and conduct of the role of executive remuneration consultants when advising UK-listed companies.

 

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Remuneration Committee- Advisers during 2016

 

Independent external
advisers

  

Services provided to the
Remuneration Committee

  

Fees

  

Other services provided to BAT

Deloitte LLP

   General advice on remuneration matters including: market trends and comparator group analysis; policy review and shareholder engagement perspectives; and independent measurement of TSR performance conditions.   

2016: £89,050

2015: £178,750

   Up to February 2016, specified procedures to assist in the assessment of the calculations of the IEIS bonus outcomes and future targets. This service is now provided by KPMG.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP    Advice in respect of share plan regulations is provided to BAT and is available to the Remuneration Committee.    Fees relate to advice given to BAT    General corporate legal and tax advice principally in the United Kingdom.

Ernst & Young LLP

   Provision of personal tax advice regarding Executive Directors’ international pension planning.    Fees relate to advice given to BAT    Tax, corporate finance and consulting services to the BAT Group companies worldwide.

KPMG

   Specified procedures to assist in the assessment of the calculations of the IEIS bonus outcomes and future targets.   

2016: £15,000

2015: n/a

   Audit and tax services and other non-audit services. External auditor from March 27, 2015.

Remuneration Committee- Activities in 2016

Regular Work Program

 

    reviewed salaries for the Executive Directors from April 1, 2016 taking into account both the Pay Comparator Group positioning and the pay and employment conditions elsewhere in the BAT Group, particularly in the United Kingdom, resulting in a 0% increase;

 

    reviewed the Chairman’s fee from April 1, 2016, resulting in a 0% increase;

 

    assessed the achievement against the targets for the 2015 IEIS award and set the IEIS targets for 2016;

 

    assessed and agreed that no award of an individual performance element for the Executive Directors was appropriate for 2015 as the IEIS payout was at the maximum level;

 

    assessed the achievement against the performance conditions for the vesting of the LTIP 2013 award, determined the contingent level of LTIP awards for May 2016 under the new LTIP and confirmed the associated performance conditions;

 

    assessed the achievement against the targets for the 2015 SRS and set the targets for the 2016 award;

 

    monitored the continued application of BAT’s shareholding guidelines for the Executive Directors;

 

    reviewed BAT’s Annual Statement, BAT’s Policy Report and BAT’s Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended December 31, 2015 prior to its approval by the BAT board of directors and subsequent shareholder submission to the BAT annual general meeting on April 27, 2016;

 

    analyzed the 2016 BAT annual general meeting results on remuneration voting and reviewed market trends in the context of that annual general meeting season;

 

    reviewed the salary and incentives market data and current trends for Executive Directors;

 

    reviewed the achievement against the performance measures for the six months to June 30, 2016 for the IEIS 2016 and the outstanding LTIP awards;

 

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    approved a rebasing of the notional Brazilian salary (with effect from April 1, 2015) in respect of the application of that element to the UURBS pension entitlement of the Chief Executive;

 

    previewed the positioning of the salaries for Executive Directors for 2017; and

 

    reviewed the report on the effectiveness of the Remuneration Committee.

Remuneration Policy Matters

 

    discussed the outcomes of the consultation with major investors in respect of the proposed changes to the Remuneration Policy;

 

    agreed and approved the rules of the new LTIP which included: (1) two new performance measures: (a) adjusted EPS at constant rates of exchange; and (b) OCF conversion; (2) an increased maximum award level (500% of salary, other than in connection with offering replacement awards granted on the recruitment of an eligible employee); (3) value of vesting award for threshold performance reduced from 20% to 15% of the award; and (4) the introduction of an additional period of two years after the three-year performance period so that vesting may take place no earlier than five years from the date of grant of an award;

 

    agreed and approved the rules of a new Sharesave Scheme to replace the current Sharesave Scheme for all employees due to expire in 2017; and

 

    finalized the content of the new Remuneration Policy approved by BAT shareholders at the 2016 annual general meeting.

Other Incentive Matter

 

    noted BAT’s proposals in respect of the reduction in the tax allowances available for pension contributions in the United Kingdom for senior managers together with the related program of consultation with affected employees.

BAT TSR performance: January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2016

 

LOGO

 

Notes:

(1) Performance and pay chart: this shows the performance of a hypothetical investment of £100 in BAT’s ordinary shares (as measured by the TSR for BAT) against a broad equity market index (the FTSE 100 Index) over a period of eight financial years starting from January 1, 2009 through to December 31, 2016 based on 30 trading day average values.
(2) BAT TSR: this is measured according to the return index calculated by Datastream and has been reviewed by the Remuneration Committee’s remuneration consultants. It is measured on the basis that all BAT’s dividends are reinvested in BAT ordinary shares. The return is the percentage increase in BAT’s index over the eight-year period. A local currency basis is used for the purposes of the TSR calculation making it consistent with the approach to TSR measurement for the LTIP.

 

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Chief Executive’s Pay—Comparative Figures 2009 to 2016

 

Year

  2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016  

Chief Executive “single figure” of total remuneration (£’000)

 

Paul Adams (1) (to February 28, 2011)

    7,713       8,858       5,961       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a  

Nicandro Durante (2) (from March 1, 2011)

    n/a       n/a       5,589       6,340       6,674       3,617       4,543 *       7,630  

Annual bonus (IEIS) paid against maximum opportunity (%)

 

Paul Adams (1) (to February 28, 2011)

    67.7       87.0       100       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a  

Nicandro Durante (2) (from March 1, 2011)

    n/a       n/a       100       85.0       81.3       73.2       100       100  

Long-term incentive (LTIP) paid against maximum opportunity (%)

 

Paul Adams (1) (to February 28, 2011)

    100       100       100       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a  

Nicandro Durante (2) (from March 1, 2011)

    n/a       n/a       100       87.1       49.2       00.0       8.7       46.0  

 

Notes:
(1) Paul Adams: (a) historic data is taken from BAT’s Remuneration Reports for the relevant years and is recast (as appropriate) on the basis of the “single figure” calculation as prescribed in the UK Regulations; (b) he retired as Chief Executive on February 28, 2011 which affected his short-term (annual bonus—IEIS) and long-term (LTIP) incentives as follows in accordance with the rules of those schemes: (i) his performance-related bonus (IEIS) for the year ended December 31, 2010 was paid as a 100% cash bonus instead of 50% in cash and 50% in deferred BAT ordinary shares; (ii) the outstanding LTIP awards of BAT ordinary shares vested immediately on his retirement either in full (2008 Award) or on a time-apportioned basis (2009 Award and 2010 Award); and (iii) the LTIP dividend equivalent payments for the LTIP awards which vested at his retirement were also paid in full and/or on a pro-rated time and performance basis.
(2) Nicandro Durante: (a) historic data is taken from BAT’s Remuneration Reports for the relevant years and is recast (as appropriate) on the basis of the “single figure” calculation as prescribed in the UK Regulations; (b) he became Chief Executive on March 1, 2011 and his “single figure” remuneration for the year ended December 31, 2011 has accordingly been time-apportioned.
* Long-term incentives 2015: in accordance with the UK Regulations, estimates for the values of the vesting 2013 LTIP awards were given in BAT’s Annual Report on Remuneration 2015; these amounts have been re-presented to show the actual market value on the dates of exercise in 2016.

Relative Importance of Spend on Pay

To illustrate the relative importance of the remuneration of the BAT directors in the context of the BAT Group’s finances overall, the Remuneration Committee makes the following disclosure:

 

Item

   2016
£m
     2015
£m
     % change  

Remuneration of BAT Group employees (1)

     2,274        2,039        12  

Remuneration of Executive Directors

     12        8        50  

Remuneration of Chairman and Non-Executive Directors

     2        2         

Dividends paid in the year

     2,910        2,770        5  

Profit for the year

     4,839        4,522        7  

Profit from operations

     4,655        4,557        2  

Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange (2)

     5,197        4,992        4  

 

Notes:
(1) Total remuneration of BAT Group employees: the increase is principally the result of translational foreign exchange movements and one-off adjusting items associated with various reorganization activities undertaken with the BAT Group during 2016.
(2) Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange: this is the adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page FIN-[●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange has been chosen as a benchmark for this disclosure given its linkage to the short-term incentive element of remuneration as one of the four performance measures under the IEIS. Adjusted profit from operations and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange are not measures defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure is profit from operations. These measures are described under “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT Key—Non-IFRS Measures ” and a reconciliation from adjusted profit from operations to profit from operations under “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT .”

 

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BAT Directors’ Remuneration for the Year ended December 31, 2016

‘Single Figure’ Table for Executive Directors’ Remuneration: Aggregate

The following table shows a single figure of remuneration for the Executive Directors in respect of qualifying services for the year ended December 31, 2016 together with comparative figures for 2015. The aggregate BAT directors’ emoluments are shown below in the table called “— Aggregate BAT directors’ emoluments .” Details of the fees for the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors are set out in separate tables later in this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Single figure for
Executive Directors

  Salary £’000     Taxable
benefits
£’000
    Short-term
incentives
£’000
    Long-term
incentives (1)
£’000
    Pension
£’000
    Other
emoluments (2)
£’000
    Total £’000  
    2016     2015     2016     2015     2016     2015     2016     2015*     2016     2015     2016     2015     2016     2015  

Nicandro Durante

    1,190       1,181       235       155       2,975       2,380       2,879       414       325       392       26       21       7,630       4,543

Ben Stevens

    867       861       100       104       1,647       1,560       1,604       233       309       544       18       30       4,545       3,332  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total remuneration

    2,057       2,042       335       259       4,622       3,940       4,483       647       634       936       44       51       12,175       7,875  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Notes:
(1) Long-term incentives: these include cash dividend equivalent payments made under the LTIP.
(2) Other emoluments: include (1) life insurance; and (2) the value of BAT ordinary shares received under the SRS during the year.
* Long-term incentives 2015: in accordance with the UK Regulations, estimates for the values of the vesting 2013 LTIP awards were given in BAT’s Annual Report on Remuneration 2015; these amounts have been re-presented to show the actual market value on the dates of exercise in 2016.

 

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Analysis by Individual BAT Director

 

Nicandro Durante    2016
£’000
    2015
£’000
 

Salary (1)

     1,190       1,181  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Taxable benefits

    

Cash

    

–car allowance

     16       16  

Non-cash

    

–health insurance/provision of “walk-in” health services

     8       8  

–tax advice

     28       20  

–the use of a company driver

     68       59  

–home and personal security in the United Kingdom and Brazil (3)

     109       35  

–other expenses incurred in connection with individual and/or accompanied attendance at certain business functions and/or corporate events

     6       17  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total taxable benefits (2)

     235       155  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short-term incentives

    

IEIS: annual performance-related bonus—cash receivable March 2017 (YE 2016); cash received March 2016 (YE 2015)

     1,487 .5      1,190  

DSBS: annual performance-related bonus—award of deferred BAT ordinary shares at full market value March 2017 (YE 2016) and March 2016 (YE 2015) (4)

     1,487 .5      1,190  

IEIS: no award of individual performance uplift for YE 2016 and YE 2015

     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total short-term incentives

     2,975       2,380  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term incentives

    

LTIP: award March  28, 2014 of 135,052 BAT ordinary shares; performance period 2014/2016; award will vest on March 28, 2017 at 46.0% resulting in 62,123 BAT ordinary shares; estimated value shown for the purposes of this disclosure based on the average BAT ordinary share price for the last three months for the year ended December 31, 2016 of 4,561.10p

     2,833       —    

LTIP: award March  22, 2013 of 119,828 BAT ordinary shares; performance period 2013/2015; award vested March 22, 2016 at 8.7% resulting in 10,425 BAT ordinary shares; the award was exercised on March 22, 2016 at an execution price of 3,973.50p per BAT ordinary share (5)

     —         414  

LTIP: cash dividend equivalent - a cash sum equivalent to the aggregated dividends that an LTIP participant would have received as a BAT shareholder over the three-year period on the actual number of BAT ordinary shares that vest under an LTIP award; 2016: (LTIP award March 22, 2013; vested at 8.7% on March 22, 2016); 2015: (LTIP award March 28, 2012; vested at 00.0% on March 28, 2015)

     46       —    

Total long-term incentives

     2,879       414  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension-related benefits

    

UURBS (6)

     325       392  

Total pension-related benefits

     325       392  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other emoluments

    

Life insurance

     22       19  

SRS: value of BAT ordinary shares received during the year

     4       2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other emoluments

     26       21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total remuneration

     7,630       4,543  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Notes:

(1) Salary: base salary from April 1, 2016: £1,190,000 (+0%) (from April 1, 2015: £1,190,000); UK-based employees received salary increases averaging around 3% and within a range of 0% to 8% with effect from April 1, 2016.
(2) Benefits: the figures shown are gross amounts as in line with the UK market; it is the normal practice of BAT to pay the tax which may be due on any benefits, with the exception of the car or car allowance.
(3) Security: includes the installation and maintenance of enhanced additional home and personal security arrangements in Brazil to reflect the current security profile in that country.
(4) DSBS: an award of deferred BAT ordinary shares attracts a payment of a cash sum equivalent to the dividend on the after-tax position on all unvested BAT ordinary shares comprised in the BAT ordinary share award held by the participant at each dividend record date and paid on or after the relevant dividend payment date.
(5) LTIP: award March 22, 2013: an estimated value of £394,000 was disclosed in BAT’s Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended December 31, 2015; these amounts have been re-presented to show the actual market value on the dates of exercise in 2016.
(6) UURBS pension-related benefits: these represent the net accrual for the period, being the differential between the individual’s total pension entitlements as at December 31, 2015 (adjusted for inflation) and as at December 31, 2016, multiplied by 20 in accordance with the UK Regulations.
(7) External directorship: Nicandro Durante is a non-executive director of Reckitt Benckiser Group. He retains the fees for this appointment, 2016: £110,000 (2015: £102,500).

 

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Analysis by Individual BAT Director

 

Ben Stevens    2016
£’000
    2015
£’000
 

Salary (1)

     867       861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Taxable benefits

    

Cash

    

–car allowance

     14       14  

Non-cash

    

–health insurance/provision of “walk-in” health services

     8       8  

–the use of a company driver

     73       76  

–home and personal security in the United Kingdom

     3       3  

–other expenses incurred in connection with individual and/or accompanied attendance at certain business functions and/or corporate events

     2       3  

Total taxable benefits (2)

     100       104  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short-term incentives

    

IEIS: annual performance-related bonus—cash receivable March 2017 (YE 2016); cash received March 2016 (YE 2015)

     823 .5      780  

DSBS: annual performance-related bonus—award of deferred BAT ordinary shares at full market value March 2017 (YE 2016) and March 2016 (YE 2015) (3)

     823 .5      780  

IEIS: no award of individual performance uplift for YE 2016 and YE 2015

     —         —    

Total short-term incentives

     1,647       1,560  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term incentives

    

LTIP: award March  28, 2014 of 75,230 BAT ordinary shares; performance period 2014/2016; award will vest on March 28, 2017 at 46.0% resulting in 34,605 BAT ordinary shares; estimated value shown for the purposes of this disclosure based on the average BAT ordinary share price for the last three months for the year ended December 31, 2016 of 4,561.10p

     1,578       —    

LTIP: award March  22, 2013 of 66,932 BAT ordinary shares; performance period 2013/2015; award vested March 22, 2016 at 8.7% resulting in 5,823 BAT ordinary shares; the award was exercised on March 24, 2016 at an execution price of 3,995.164p per BAT ordinary share (4)

     —         233  

LTIP: cash dividend equivalent - a cash sum equivalent to the aggregated dividends that an LTIP participant would have received as a BAT shareholder over the three-year period on the actual number of BAT ordinary shares that vest under an LTIP award; 2016: (LTIP award March 22, 2013; vested at 8.7% on March 22, 2016); 2015: (LTIP award March 28, 2012; vested at 00.0% on March 28, 2015)

     26       —    

Total long-term incentives

     1,604       233  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension-related benefits (5)

    

BAT pension fund

     —         9  

UURBS

     309       535  

Total pension-related benefits

     309       544  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other emoluments

    

Life insurance

     14       9  

SRS: value of BAT ordinary shares received during the year

     4       2  

Sharesave Scheme: grant of options on March 23, 2015 over 495 BAT ordinary shares at an option price of 3,026.0p per BAT ordinary share; options were awarded at a discount of 20% of the market value (3,782.0p per BAT ordinary share) in accordance with the rules of the Sharesave Scheme

     —         19  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other emoluments

     18       30  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total remuneration

     4,545       3,332  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Notes:

(1) Salary: base salary from April 1, 2016: £867,000 (+0%) (from April 1, 2015: £867,000); UK-based employees received salary increases averaging around 3% and within a range of 0% to 8% with effect from April 1, 2016.
(2) Benefits: the figures shown are gross amounts as in line with the UK market; it is the normal practice of BAT to pay the tax which may be due on any benefits, with the exception of the car or car allowance.
(3) DSBS: an award of deferred BAT ordinary shares attracts a payment of a cash sum equivalent to the dividend on the after-tax position on all unvested BAT ordinary shares comprised in the BAT ordinary share award held by the participant at each dividend record date and paid on or after the relevant dividend payment date.
(4) LTIP: award March 22, 2013: an estimated value of £220,000 was disclosed in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year ended December 31, 2015; these amounts have been re-presented to show the actual market value on the dates of exercise in 2016.
(5) Pension-related benefits: these represent the net accrual for the period, being the differential between the individual’s total pension entitlements as at December 31, 2015 (adjusted for inflation) and as at December 31, 2016, multiplied by 20 in accordance with the UK Regulations.
(6) External directorship: Ben Stevens was appointed a non-executive director of ISS A/S on April 5, 2016. He retains the fees for this appointment, 2016: DKK 525,000 (£58,833) (2015: DKK nil).

Base Salary

The Executive Directors’ salary review in February 2016 agreed the following, effective from April 1, 2016.

 

Executive Directors—salaries

   Base salary
from
April 1, 2016
£
     Percentage
change
%
     Base salary
from
April 1, 2015
£
 

Nicandro Durante

     1,190,000        —          1,190,000  

Ben Stevens

     867,000        —          867,000  

Salaries with Effect from April 1, 2017

The Remuneration Committee determined the following salaries for the Executive Directors: Nicandro Durante £1,250,000 (+5%) and Ben Stevens £893,000 (+3%). The increase for Nicandro Durante recognizes his “Outstanding” performance in 2016, in particular his individual leadership of the business in the year and his pivotal role in driving the BAT Group’s growth agenda. The increase for Ben Stevens reflects his very strong individual performance and his unique contribution to the BAT Group’s growth objectives. UK employees received salary rises based on a 3% increase budget, varying within a range extending from 0% to up to 8%, dependent on individual performance, time at grade and position relative to the external market.

Additional Requirements in Respect of the Single Total Figure Table

This section sets out supporting information and details for the single total figure for remuneration for the Executive Directors with particular reference to: the annual IEIS short-term incentive payments; the extent to which performance conditions have been satisfied for the LTIP; and further details on pension entitlements.

 

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Short-term incentives: IEIS

IEIS Performance Review—Basics, Measurement and Process

 

IEIS awards

  

Year ended 2016

Performance period

   Financial year ended December 31, 2016.

Payment

   March 2017; no element of the bonus award is guaranteed.

Type

   Variable performance-related.

 

Delivery

  

50% in cash; 50% in BAT ordinary shares—deferred BAT ordinary shares through the DSBS.

 

DSBS element: comprises free BAT ordinary shares normally held in trust for three years and no further performance conditions apply in that period.

 

Forfeiture may apply if a participant resigns before the end of the three-year period. Malus provisions: DSBS BAT ordinary share awards made for 2014 onwards.

 

Clawback provisions: from 2016 cash awards and BAT ordinary share awards for performance ended 2015 onwards.

Review

   By Remuneration Committee in February 2017 on basis of an internal report augmented by an assessment by the BAT Group’s external auditors of the relevant calculations.

Payout

   Determined by actual performance for each measure, relative to that measure’s performance points.

Discretion

   The Remuneration Committee is able to override a proposed pay-out in circumstances where, in its judgment, the overall performance of BAT justifies a different outcome, whether higher or lower than that determined by the bonus formula.

Individual performance element

  

Awarded for “Outstanding” performance, by adjusting upwards by up to 20% of the annual corporate IEIS result subject to the applicable maximum award limit; paid in cash.

 

Individual performance rated as “Requires Improvement” results in the corporate IEIS result being reduced by 50%.

 

The Remuneration Committee also reviews the personal performance of each Executive Director against his or her operational and strategic measures; which are agreed at the start of the year and which depend on the priorities for each Executive Director’s area of responsibility, in the context of the delivery of the BAT Group strategy.

IEIS Performance Review—Presentation of Outcomes

Bonus Targets and Results 2015 and 2016

 

The Remuneration Committee considers annually the question of commercial confidentiality and the sensitivity of bonus targets and results. This review is considered against a background of the BAT Group operating in a highly consolidated industry and being the second largest tobacco company in the world outside China with its two key competitors (the largest and third largest global tobacco companies) not subject to the same regulatory disclosures.

 

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Specific performance measures, their weightings and actual performance/results achieved in 2016 are disclosed.
The specific performance targets for each measure are considered to be commercially sensitive. The Remuneration Committee considers that its competitors would gain significant commercial insights into the BAT Group’s specific objectives and key priorities for its brands and markets if actual targets were disclosed year on year; such disclosure would be prejudicial to the interests of BAT and its shareholders.
The specific performance targets for each measure will only be disclosed retrospectively, at the earliest, in BAT’s Annual Report on Remuneration which relates to the period of twelve months after the end of the relevant IEIS performance period. The Remuneration Committee has therefore agreed to disclose the specific threshold and maximum targets for the IEIS performance period ended December 31, 2015. These are shown in the following table.
It is expected that the specific Threshold and Maximum targets (as described below) for the IEIS performance period ended December 31, 2016 will be published in March 2018 in BAT’s Annual Report 2017.

 

 

IEIS: Performance Measures and Targets Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

IEIS: performance measure

  

Description of measure and target 2015

Adjusted profit from operations
(growth over prior year)
Weighting: 40%
   Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange is the adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange for the year ended December 31, 2015 included in the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page FIN-[●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange has been chosen as a benchmark for this disclosure given its linkage to the short-term incentive element of remuneration as one of the four performance measures under the IEIS.
   IEIS target 2015   
   Threshold    1% growth over 2014   
     Maximum    4% growth over 2014     
BAT Group’s share of Key Markets
(growth over prior year)
Weighting: 20%
   The BAT Group’s retail market share in its Key Markets accounts for around 80% of the volumes of the BAT Group’s subsidiaries. The BAT Group’s share is calculated from data supplied by retail audit service providers and is rebased as and when the BAT Group’s Key Markets change. When rebasing does occur, BAT will also restate history and provide fresh comparative data on the markets.
   IEIS target 2015   
   Threshold    0 bps growth over 2014   
     Maximum    10 bps growth over 2014     
Global drive brands and
key strategic brands volumes (growth over prior year)
Weighting: 20%
  

Global drive brands volumes comprise the cigarette volumes of DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS, and include volumes of the Fine Cut variants of those brands sold in Western Europe.

 

Key strategic brands volumes comprise the cigarette volumes of STATE EXPRESS 555 and SHUANG XI associated with the joint venture with China National Tobacco Corporation in China.

 

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IEIS: performance measure

  

Description of measure and target 2015

   IEIS target 2015   
   Threshold    0.0% growth over 2014   
     Maximum    1.7% growth over 2014     
Cash generated from operations
(as against adjusted budget)
Weighting: 20%
   Cash generated from operations is defined as the free cash flow excluding restructuring costs, dividends and other appropriations from associate undertakings measured at constant rates of exchange.   
   IEIS target 2015   
   Threshold    5% less than 2015 budget   
     Maximum    5% above 2015 budget     

 

IEIS: performance measures, weightings and results year ended December 31, 2016

 

IEIS: performance measure

  

Description of measure 2016

  

Actual performance 2016

Adjusted profit from operations (growth over prior year) Weighting: 40%

 

Strategic target or objective The medium- to long-term target is to grow adjusted profit from operations on average by 5-7% per year.

   Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange is the adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange for the year ended December 31, 2016 included in the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page FIN-[●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange has been chosen as a benchmark for this disclosure given its linkage to the short-term incentive element of remuneration as one of the four performance measures under the IEIS.    

Growth over the prior year of 4%

 

BAT Group’s share of Key Markets (growth over prior year) Weighting: 20%    The BAT Group’s retail market share in its Key Markets accounts for around 80% of the volumes of the BAT Group’s subsidiaries. The BAT Group’s share is calculated from data supplied by retail audit service providers and is rebased as and when the BAT Group’s Key Markets change. When rebasing does occur, BAT will also restate history and provide fresh comparative data on the markets.    Global market share in key markets grew by 52 bps
Strategic target or objective To continue to grow market share.          
Global drive brands and key strategic brands volumes (growth over prior year) Weighting: 20%    Global drive brands volumes comprise the cigarette volumes of DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS and include volumes of the Fine Cut variants of those brands sold in Western Europe.    Global drive brands and key strategic brands volumes grew by 7.2%

 

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IEIS: performance measure

  

Description of measure 2016

  

Actual performance 2016

Strategic target or objective To increase the BAT Group’s global drive brands and key strategic brands volumes faster than the rest of the portfolio.    Key strategic brands volumes comprise the cigarette volumes of STATE EXPRESS 555 and SHUANG XI associated with the joint venture with China National Tobacco Corporation in China.     

 

 

IEIS: performance measures, weightings and results year ended December 31, 2016

 

IEIS: performance measure

  

Description of measure 2016

  

Actual performance 2016

Cash generated from operations (as against adjusted budget) Weighting: 20%

 

Strategic target or objective A specific target is set at each year for this measure with the aim to generate the optimal level cash flow while continuing to invest to support the short-, medium- and long-term requirements of the business.

   Cash generated from operations is defined as the free cash flow excluding restructuring costs, dividends and other appropriations from associate undertakings measured at constant rates of exchange.   

The improvement in cash generated from operations was 29.7%

 

 

 

IEIS outcomes 2016—Nicandro Durante

 

     % of base
salary
     2016
£’000
     % of base
salary
     2015
£’000
 

Corporate result

           

50% in cash; 50% in deferred BAT ordinary shares (DSBS)

     250.0        2,975        200.0        2,380  

Individual performance element

           

up to 20% performance uplift on the corporate result (cash)

           00.0     

2016 assessment: no individual performance uplift.

     00.0        —          

Total IEIS result

     250.0        2,975        200.0        2,380  

Maximum opportunity

     250.0                 200.0           

 

 

IEIS outcomes 2016—Ben Stevens

 

     % of base
salary
     2016
£’000
     % of base
salary
     2015
£’000
 

Corporate result

           

50% in cash; 50% in deferred BAT ordinary shares (DSBS)

     190.0        1,647        180.0        1,560  

Individual performance element

           

up to 20% performance uplift on the corporate result (cash)

           00.0     

2016 assessment: no individual performance uplift.

     00.0        —          

Total IEIS result

     190.0        1,647        180.0        1,560  

Maximum opportunity

     190.0           180.0     

 

Notes:

(1) IEIS payouts: these are expressed as a percentage of salary with the actual payouts shown in the individual analysis tables on pages [●] and [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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(2) DSBS: awards made under the DSBS are in the form of free BAT ordinary shares that normally vest after three years and no further performance conditions apply in that period. In certain circumstances, such as resigning before the end of the three-year period, participants may forfeit all of the BAT ordinary shares. Malus-only provisions apply for DSBS BAT ordinary share awards made for 2014 and 2015 and clawback provisions operate from 2016 IEIS cash awards and DSBS BAT ordinary share awards for performance ended 2015.

Long-term Incentives: LTIP

Vesting of the 2014 LTIP Awards in 2017: Outcomes Against Performance Measures

 

2014 LTIP awards

  

Performance measures

Award date: March 28, 2014 Vesting date: March 28, 2017   

TSR

 

Relative to a peer group of international FMCG companies
25% of award

  

Adjusted EPS

 

Compound annual growth measured at current rates of exchange 50% of award

  

NTO

 

Compound annual growth measured on an organic basis (3) at constant rates of exchange 25% of award

  

NTO underpin

 

Vesting is triggered if (on the assumption that threshold or above is achieved in respect of the NTO measure) the corresponding three-year constant CAGR of underlying operating profit exceeds the CAGR of the threshold performance level for underlying operating profit, as approved annually in the IEIS and approved by the BAT board of directors. Underlying operating profit is adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange

         
Performance period: January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2016   

Ranked 3/23 Below median: nil vests

 

At median: 6% vests

 

At upper quartile: 25% vests

  

4.5% Less than 5% adjusted EPS: nil vests

 

From 5% to 10% adjusted EPS: 8%-50% vests pro rata between these two points

  

4.4% Less than 2% CAGR: nil vests

 

From 2% to 5% CAGR: 6% to 25% vests pro rata between these two points

   The underlying operating profit performance underpin for the NTO measure was exceeded with reference to the IEIS outcomes for 2014, 2015 and 2016

 

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2014 LTIP awards

  

Performance measures

Percentage maximum achieved at end of performance period December 31, 2016: total vesting 46.0%    25%    00.0%    21.0%     

 

 

 

Vesting of 2014 LTIP awards held by Executive Directors

   Number of
BAT ordinary
shares awarded
   Number of
BAT ordinary
shares vesting/
% vesting
  Number of
BAT ordinary
shares lapsing/
% lapsing
  Value of BAT
ordinary
shares vesting
£’000
Nicandro Durante    135,052    62,123

46.0%

 

  72,929

54.0%

  2,833
  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Stevens    75,230    34,605

46.0%

  40,625

54.0%

  1,578

 

Notes:

(1) 2014 LTIP awards: these had not vested at the date of this report. The average BAT ordinary share price for the last three months of the financial year has been used to determine the value of the 2014 LTIP awards for the purposes of the single total figure.
(2) The average BAT ordinary share price for the last three months for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 4,561.10p.
(3) Excludes the contribution of acquired businesses.

 

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Current Position on Outstanding LTIP Awards

The tables below show the current position against the performance targets for the outstanding LTIP awards for 2015 and 2016 for Executive Directors as at December 31, 2016.

 

2015 LTIP awards: performance measures

  

Threshold

  

Maximum

   Indicative to
Dec 31, 2016
2015 Award
  Indicative %
achieved at
Dec 31, 2016
2015 Award
TSR ranking —a peer group of international FMCG companies at the beginning of the three-year performance period (January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017): 25% of award.    At median (6% of award vests)    At upper quartile (25% of award vests)         
TSR outcome: the comparison is based on three months’ average values. BAT achieved an upper quartile annualized TSR of 17.9%. One company in the comparator group has delisted during the performance period to date, December 31, 2016.              Ranked 4/23   25.0%
Adjusted EPS Growth (current)— compound annual growth measured at current rates of exchange, referred to as Adjusted EPS Growth (current): 50% of award.   

At 5% Adjusted

EPS Growth (current) (8% of award vests)

   At 10% Adjusted EPS Growth (current) (50% of award vests)         
Adjusted EPS Growth (current) outcome: this element of the award will vest in full if Adjusted EPS Growth (current) over the three-year performance period is at least 10% per annum. 8% of the award will vest if the Adjusted EPS Growth (current) over the performance period is 5%. An award will vest on a pro rata basis between these two points. None of the adjusted EPS (current) portion of an award vests if Adjusted EPS Growth (current) is less than 5% per annum.              11.3%   50.0%
NTO —compound annual growth measured at constant rates of exchange: 25% of award.    At 2% (6% of award vests)    At 5% (25% of award vests)         
NTO outcome: this element of the award will vest in full if CAGR over the three-year performance period is at least 5% per annum. 6% of the award will vest if CAGR over the performance period is 2%. An award will vest on a pro-rata basis between these points. There is an underpin to this measure; vesting will only be triggered if (on the assumption that threshold or above is achieved in respect of the measure) the corresponding three-year constant CAGR of underlying operating profit exceeds the CAGR of the threshold performance level for underlying operating profit, as defined annually in the IEIS, and is approved by the BAT board of directors. Underlying operating profit is adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange              5.3%   25.0%
          

 

Total            100.0%
          

 

 

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2016 LTIP awards (1) : performance measures

  

Threshold

  

Maximum

   Indicative to
Dec 31, 2016
2016 Award
  Indicative %
achieved at
Dec 31, 2016
2016 Award
 
TSR ranking —a peer group of international FMCG companies at the beginning of the three-year performance period (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018): 20% of award.    At median (3% of award vests)    At upper quartile (20% of award vests)             
TSR outcome: the comparison is based on three months’ average values prior to the start and at the final year of the performance period. BAT achieved an upper-quartile annualized TSR of 25%. One company in the comparator group has delisted during the performance period to date, December 31, 2016.              Ranked 1/23     20.0%  
Adjusted EPS Growth (current rates)— the CAGR in adjusted EPS measured in sterling at current rates of exchange: 20% of award.    At 5% CAGR (3% of award vests)    At 10% CAGR (20% of award vests)             
Adjusted EPS Growth outcome (current rates): this element of the award will vest in full if the Adjusted EPS Growth (current rates) over the three-year performance period is at least 10% per annum. 3% of the award will vest if the Adjusted EPS Growth (current rates) over the performance period is 5%. An award will vest on a pro rata basis between these two points. None of the adjusted EPS (constant rates) portion of an award vests if the Adjusted EPS Growth (current rates) is less than 5% per annum.              13.7%     20.0%  
Adjusted EPS Growth (constant rates) —the CAGR in adjusted EPS measured in sterling at constant rates of exchange, referred to as Adjusted EPS Growth (constant rates): 20% of award.    At 5% CAGR (3% of award vests)    At 10% CAGR (20% of award vests)             
Adjusted EPS Growth outcome (constant rates): this element of the award will vest in full if the Adjusted EPS Growth (constant rates) over the three-year performance period is at least 10% per annum. 3% of the award will vest if the Adjusted EPS Growth (constant rates) over the performance period is 5%. An award will vest on a pro rata basis between these two points. None of the adjusted EPS (constant rates) portion of an award vests if the Adjusted EPS Growth (constant rates) is less than 5% per annum.              8.4%     14.5%  
NTO —CAGR measured at constant rates of exchange: 20% of award.    At 3% NTO (3% of award vests)    At 5% NTO (20% of award vests)             
NTO outcome: this element of the award will vest in full if CAGR over the three-year performance period is at least 5% per annum. 3%              4.9%     19.5

 

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2016 LTIP awards (1) : performance measures

  

Threshold

  

Maximum

   Indicative to
Dec 31, 2016
2016 Award
    Indicative %
achieved at
Dec 31, 2016
2016 Award
 
of the award will vest if the CAGR over the performance period is 3%. An award will vest on a pro rata basis between these two points. None of the NTO portion of an award vests if CAGR is less than 3% per annum. There is an underpin to this measure; vesting will only be triggered if (on the assumption that threshold or above is achieved in respect of the measure) the corresponding three-year CAGR of underlying operating profit exceeds the CAGR of the threshold performance level for underlying operating profit, as defined annually in the IEIS, and is approved by the BAT board of directors. Underlying operating profit is adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange                           
OCF conversion 20% of award.    At 85% OCF (3% of award vests)    At 95% OCF (20% of award vests)                 
OCF outcome: this element of the award will vest in full if BAT achieves OCF conversion of 95% or more on average over the performance period. 3% of the award will vest if OCF conversion is 85% on average over the performance period. An award will vest on a pro rata basis between these two points. None of the OCF portion of an award vests if OCF conversion is less than 85%.                92.5     15.8
          

 

 

 

Tota l

             89.8
          

 

 

 

 

Note:

(1) LTIP Extended Vesting Period: there is an additional vesting period of two years from the third anniversary of the date of grant. The LTIP award will vest only to the extent that: (1) the performance conditions or measures are satisfied at the end of the three-year performance period; (2) an additional vesting period of two years from the date of the third anniversary of the date of grant has been completed, i.e., the LTIP Extended Vesting Period. The LTIP award is therefore only exercisable once the total period of five years from the date of grant has been completed.

Vesting of past LTIP awards for the years ended 2012 to 2016

The following table shows the historical vesting of awards over the five-year period for the years ended December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2016, inclusive.

 

LTIP award date

   March 28,
2014
   March 22,
2013
   March 28,
2012
   May 13,

2011

   March 25,
2010

Year ended

   December 31,
2016
   December 31,
2015
   December 31,
2014
   December 31,
2013
   December 31,
2012

Performance period

   2014/2016    2013/2015    2012/2014    2011/2013    2010/2012

Vesting date

   March 28,
2017
   March 22,
2016
   March 28,
2015
   May 13, 2014    March 25,
2013

Total vesting percentage

   46.0    8.7    00.0    49.2    87.1

 

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All-employee BAT Ordinary Share Schemes

BAT operates the following all-employee BAT ordinary share schemes in which the Executive Directors participate, as shown as at December 31, 2016.

 

Executive Directors

  

Nicandro Durante

   Ben Stevens

All-employee BAT ordinary share schemes:

     

Sharesave Scheme

     

SIP (Partnership Scheme)

     

SIP (SRS)

     

Percentage Change in the Chief Executive’s Remuneration

The following table shows the percentage change in the Chief Executive’s remuneration measured against a comparator group comprising the UK employee population on UK employment contracts (2016: 2,022 individuals; 2015: 1,971 individuals(1)). This comparator group is considered to be the most appropriate group as Executive Directors are employed on UK contracts. Using a more widely drawn group encompassing the worldwide nature of the BAT Group’s business would also present practical difficulties in collation as well as presenting a less relevant comparator given the significant variations in employee pay across the BAT Group and the differing economic conditions and wide variations in gross domestic product per capita.

 

     Base salary      Taxable benefits      Short-term
incentives
 
     2016
£’000
     2015
£’000
    Change
%
     2016
£’000
     2015
£’000
     Change
%
     2016
£’000
     2015
£’000
    Change
%
 

Nicandro Durante (Chief Executive)

     1,190        1,181       0.8        235        155        51.6        2,975        2,380       25.0  

UK-based employees

     70        69 (1)       1.4        4        4        -        25        23 (1)       8.7  

 

Notes:

UK-based employees:

(1) The data for the 2015 comparator has been updated to reflect actual individual employee numbers and costs in 2015.
(2) The data for this comparator group is made up as follows as at December 31, 2016: (a) the weighted average base salaries; (b) the average taxable benefits per grade; and (c) an estimated weighted average target bonus based on that population as at that date.
(3) UK-based employees were awarded performance-based pay increases in the range 0% to 8% with an average of around 3%.

 

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“Single Figure” Table for Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration: Aggregate

The following table shows a single figure of remuneration for the Non-Executive Directors in respect of qualifying services for the year ended December 31, 2016 together with comparative figures for 2015. The aggregate BAT directors’ emoluments are shown below in the table “— Aggregate BAT Directors’ Emoluments ” on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Non-Executive Directors (1)

   Base fee (2)
£’000
     Chair/
Committee
membership
fees (2)

£’000
     Taxable
benefits (3)
£’000
     Total
remuneration
£’000
 
     2016      2015      2016      2015      2016      2015      2016      2015  

Sue Farr (from February 2, 2015)

     93        85        13        11        1        2        107        98  

Ann Godbehere

     93        93        18        18        1        2        112        113  

Marion Helmes (from August 1, 2016)

     39        n/a        5        n/a        5        n/a        49        n/a  

Savio Kwan

     93        93        13        12        37        42        143        147  

Pedro Malan (from February 2, 2015)

     93        85        13        11        44        42        150        138  

Gerry Murphy

     93        93        13        20        1        1        107        114  

Dimitri Panayotopoulos (from February 2, 2015)

     93        85        19        11        4        13        116        109  

Kieran Poynter

     93        93        48        42        0        —          141        135  

Retired Non-Executive Directors

                       

Karen de Segundo (to April 27, 2016)

     30        93        10        31        0        —          40        124  

Christine Morin-Postel (to December 6, 2016)

     86        93        59        64        9        16        154        173  

Richard Tubb (to April 27, 2016)

     30        93        4        12        20        35        54        140  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     836        906        215        232        122        153        1,173        1,291  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:
(1) Committee memberships: are shown, together with changes during the year, in the reports of the respective committees in the Governance sections of BAT’s Directors’ Report. The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee was removed as a committee of the BAT board of directors with effect from April 28, 2016.
(2) Non-Executive Directors’ fees structure 2016: set out in the table below.

 

     To
May 1,
2016

£
     From
May 1,
2016
£
 

Base fee

     92,700        92,700  

Senior Independent Director – supplement

     30,000        32,000  

Audit Committee: Chairman

     30,000        32,000  

Audit Committee: Member

     6,000        7,000  

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee: Chairman (up to Apr 28, 2016)

     25,000        n/a  

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee: Member (up to Apr 28, 2016)

     6,000        n/a  

Nominations Committee: Chairman

     —          —    

Nominations Committee: Member

     6,000        7,000  

Remuneration Committee: Chairman

     30,000        32,000  

Remuneration Committee: Member

     6,000        7,000  

 

(3) Benefits

 

  (a) In line with the Remuneration Policy, the figures shown are gross amounts (as appropriate) as in line with the UK market, as it is the normal practice of BAT to pay the tax that may be due on any benefits.
  (b) Taxable benefits: comprise travel expenses and ‘walk-in’ medical services.
  (c) “Walk-in” medical services: the Non-Executive Directors received this benefit in 2016 to the value of £262 each (2015: £255).

 

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“Single Figure” Table for the Chairman’s Remuneration: Aggregate

The following table shows a single figure of remuneration for the Chairman in respect of qualifying services for the year ended December 31, 2016 together with comparative figures for 2015. The aggregate BAT directors’ emoluments are shown below.

 

Chairman- Richard Burrows

   2016
£’000
     2015
£’000
 

Fees

£645,000 (from April 1, 2016)

     645        642  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Taxable benefits

     

–health insurance and “walk-in” medical services (2)

     14        13  

–use of a company driver

     69        55  

–home and personal security in the United Kingdom and Ireland

     6        4  

–hotel accommodation and related expenses incurred in connection with individual and/or accompanied attendance at certain business functions and/or corporate events

     9        4  

–commuting flights to London (3)

     8        9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total remuneration

     751        727  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1) Benefits: in line with the Remuneration Policy, the figures shown for taxable benefits are gross amounts (as appropriate) as it is the normal practice of BAT to pay any tax due on such benefits.
(2) “Walk-in” medical services: Richard Burrows received this benefit in 2016 to the value of £262 (2015: £255).
(3) Commuting flights to London: treated as a taxable benefit from April 6, 2015.
(4) Salary with effect from April  1, 2017: in keeping with the level of pay awards granted to UK employees based on a 3% increase budget, varying within a range extending from 0% to up to 8% (dependent on individual employee time in grade, performance during the preceding year and position relative to the external market) the Remuneration Committee determined the Chairman’s fee at £665,000 (+3.1%).

Aggregate BAT Directors’ Emoluments

The following table shows the aggregate emoluments of the BAT directors.

 

    Executive Directors     Chairman     Non-Executive Directors     Total  
    2016
£’000
    2015
£’000
    2016
£’000
    2015
£’000
    2016
£’000
    2015
£’000
    2016
£’000
    2015
£’000
 

Salary; fees; benefits; incentives

               

Salary

    2,057       2,042               2,057       2,042  

Fees

        645       642       1,051       1,138       1,696       1,780  

Taxable benefits

    335       259       106       85       122       153       563       497  

Short-term incentives

    4,622       3,940               4,622       3,940  

Long-term incentives

    4,483       647               4,483       647  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

    11,497       6,888       751       727       1,173       1,291       13,421       8,906  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pension; other emoluments

               

Pension

    634       936               634       936  

Other emoluments

    44       51               44       51  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

    678       987       678       987  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total emoluments

    12,175       7,875       751       727       1,173       1,291       14,099       9,893  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Total Pension Entitlements

Executive Directors’ Pension Entitlements

 

Pension values

   Accrued pension
at year end
December 31, 2016
£’000
     Additional value of
pension on early
retirement
 

Nicandro Durante (normal retirement age: 60)

     

UURBS

     122        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     122        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nicandro Durante’s UURBS pension entitlements are derived as follows:

 

(1) Effective from March 1, 2006 (being the date of his appointment as a member of the BAT Group management board), an accrual of 0.65% for each year of service on a basic sterling salary comparable to that of a General Manager of Souza Cruz S.A. At retirement the pension will be based on a 12 months’ average and will be provided through the UURBS.

 

(2) With effect from January 1, 2011 (being the date of his appointment as Chief Executive Designate) Nicandro Durante commenced an accrual of 2.5% for each year of service on a basic salary in excess of that stated in (1) above. At retirement the pension is based on a 12 months’ average and will be provided through UURBS.

Total accrued pension is the amount of pension that would be paid annually on retirement based on service to the end of the year. The pension-related benefits disclosed in the single figures for BAT directors’ remuneration represent Nicandro Durante’s net accrual for the period, being the differential between his total pension entitlements as at December 31, 2015 (adjusted for inflation) and as at December 31, 2016, multiplied by 20 in accordance with the UK Regulations.

Nicandro Durante receives a pension in payment from the Fundação Albino Souza Cruz (FASC) from Souza Cruz S.A., a Brazilian registered wholly-owned subsidiary of the BAT Group. This pension benefit has been in payment since April 2012 and currently amounts to approximately £318,500 per annum (after adjusting for currency exchange) reflecting his 31 years’ service at Souza Cruz.

 

Pension values

   Accrued pension
at year end
December 31,
2016 £’000
     Additional value
of pension on
early retirement
 

Ben Stevens (normal retirement age: 60)

     

BAT pension fund

     98        —    

UURBS

     280        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     378        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ben Stevens joined the BAT pension fund after 1989 and before the closure of its non-contributory defined benefit section to new members in April 2005. As a result, prior to April 6, 2006, he was subject to the HM Revenue & Customs cap on pensionable earnings (notionally £151,200 for the tax year 2016/17). In addition, he has an unfunded pension promise from BAT in respect of earnings above the cap on an equivalent basis to the benefits provided by the BAT pension fund. This is provided through membership of the UURBS. Further to the changes to the applicable tax regulations, Ben Stevens has reached his lifetime allowance of £1.8 million and therefore has ceased accrual in the BAT pension fund with all future benefits being provided through membership of the UURBS. During the year, there has been no change to the overall pension entitlement of Ben Stevens.

Total accrued pension is the amount of pension that would be paid annually on retirement based on service to the end of the year. The pension-related benefits disclosed in the single figures for BAT directors’

 

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remuneration represent Ben Stevens’ net accrual for the period, being the differential between his total pension entitlements as at December 31, 2015 (adjusted for inflation) and as at December 31, 2016, multiplied by 20 in accordance with the UK Regulations.

These commitments are included in note 12 of the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. BAT pension fund members are entitled to receive increases in their pensions once in payment, in line with price inflation (as measured by the Retail Prices Index) up to 6% per annum.

 

Note:

1. BAT pension fund: this is non-contributory. Voluntary contributions paid by an Executive Director and resulting benefits are not shown. No excess retirement benefits have been paid to or are receivable by an Executive Director or past Executive Director.

BAT Directors’ Shareholdings and Scheme Interests

Executive Directors’ Shareholding Guidelines

Executive Directors are encouraged to build up a high level of personal BAT shareholding to ensure a continuing alignment of interests with BAT shareholders. The shareholding guidelines require Executive Directors to hold BAT ordinary shares equal to the value of a percentage of salary as set out in the table below.

 

     Shareholding
requirements
(% of base salary
December 31, 2016)
   No. of eligible BAT
ordinary shares

held at December 31,
2016
   Value of eligible
BAT ordinary shares

held at December 31,
2016 £m
   Actual percentage
(%) of base salary at

December 31, 2016

Nicandro Durante

   500    280,580    13.0    1092.4

Ben Stevens

   350    105,827      4.9      565.2

 

Notes:

(1) Eligibility of BAT ordinary shares: (a) BAT ordinary shares earned but not yet vested and for which performance conditions have already been met under the DSBS element of the IEIS are included in the calculation of the threshold for the shareholding guidelines for Executive Directors; (b) BAT ordinary shares earned but not yet vested under the LTIPs are not eligible and do not count towards the shareholding requirement although the estimated notional net number of BAT ordinary shares held by an Executive Director in the LTIP Extended Vesting Period will count towards the respective shareholding requirements; and (c) BAT ordinary shares held in trust under the SIP are not eligible and do not count towards the shareholding requirement.
(2) C losing mid-market price: at December 30, 2016 (being the last trading day of the year) was 4,621.5p.
(3) Meeting the guidelines: if an Executive Director does not, at any time, meet the requirements of the shareholding guidelines, the individual may, generally, only sell a maximum of up to 50% of any BAT ordinary shares vesting (after tax) under BAT ordinary share plans until the threshold required under the shareholding guidelines has been met.
(4) Waiver of compliance with guidelines: this is permitted with the approval of the Remuneration Committee in circumstances where a restriction on a requested BAT ordinary share sale could cause undue hardship. No such applications were received from the Executive Directors during 2016.
(5) Non-Executive Directors: are not subject to any formal shareholding requirements although they are encouraged to build a small interest in BAT ordinary shares during the term of their appointment.

 

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Table of Contents

Executive Directors’ BAT Ordinary Share Interests

The interests of the Executive Directors who served during the year ended December 31, 2016 in BAT ordinary shares (beneficial, family and any connected persons) are as follows:

 

    At January 1,
2016
    Awarded
on March 29,
2016
    Released
March 22,
2016 (2)
    At
December 31,
2016
    Changes from
December 31,
2016 (5)
 

Nicandro Durante

         

BAT ordinary shares held (1)

    188,959           204,005    

SIP BAT ordinary shares (3) —held in employee benefit trust

    1,724           1,917       6  

DSBS: deferred BAT ordinary shares—unvested, subject to continued employment

    72,363       29,690       (25,478     76,575    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total BAT ordinary share interests

    263,046           282,497    
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

Ben Stevens

         

BAT ordinary shares held (1)

    72,136           55,271    

SIP BAT ordinary shares (3) —held in employee benefit trust

    535           549       6  

DSBS: deferred BAT ordinary shares—unvested, subject to continued employment

    48,167       19,468       (17,079     50,556    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total BAT ordinary share interests

    120,838           106,376    
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

Notes:

(1) BAT ordinary shares held —owned outright: these have not been pledged as security against loans.
(2) DSBS—deferred BAT ordinary shares: the closing mid-market price on the date of release (March 22, 2016) was 3,983.0p.
(3) SIP BAT ordinary shares: these comprise vested and unvested BAT ordinary shares in the SIP (which consists of the Partnership Share Scheme and SRS).
(4) SRS: based on the performance for the year ended December 31, 2016, the Executive Directors will each be awarded a number of BAT ordinary shares to the value of £3,600 on April 3, 2017.
(5) Changes from December  31, 2016 through March  16, 2017: these relate to purchases by Nicandro Durante and Ben Stevens of a total of 6 BAT ordinary shares each under the Partnership Share Scheme on January 4, 2017 and February 1, 2017.
(6) BATGET: on December 31, 2016, the BAT Group’s employee BAT ordinary share ownership trust, referred later in this proxy statement/prospectus, held a total of 5,137,602 BAT ordinary shares. All participating employees, including the Executive Directors, are deemed to have a beneficial interest in these BAT ordinary shares.

 

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Table of Contents

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors’ BAT Ordinary Share Interests

The interests of the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors who served during the year ended December 31, 2016 in BAT ordinary shares (beneficial, family and any connected persons) are as follows:

 

     At January 1,
2016
     At
December 31,
2016
 

Chairman

BAT ordinary shares held (1)

     

Richard Burrows

     15,000        15,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Executive Directors

BAT ordinary shares held (1)

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sue Farr

     —          —    

Ann Godbehere (2)

     3,100        3,100  

Marion Helmes (from August 1, 2016)

     n/a        4,500  

Savio Kwan

     3,040        3,148  

Pedro Malan

     —          —    

Gerry Murphy

     5,000        5,000  

Dimitri Panayotopoulos

     3,300        3,300  

Kieran Poynter

     5,000        5,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Former Non-Executive Directors

BAT ordinary shares held (1)

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Karen de Segundo (to April 27, 2016)

     2,000        n/a  

Christine Morin-Postel (to December 6, 2016)

     3,000        n/a  

Richard Tubb (to April 27, 2016)

     —          n/a  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1) BAT ordinary shares held - owned outright: these have not been pledged as security against loans.
(2) Ann Godbehere: these BAT ordinary share interests consist of 1,550 ADRs, each of which, from February 14, 2017, represents one BAT ordinary share. Prior to that date, each ADR represented two BAT ordinary shares.
(3) Changes from December  31, 2016 through February 22, 2017: there were no changes in the BAT ordinary share interests of the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors.

 

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Scheme Interests—BAT Ordinary Share Incentive Awards

The scheme interests of the Executive Directors who served during the year ended December 31, 2016 in BAT ordinary shares under the LTIP and who received LTIP awards during the year ended December 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

LTIP awards (1)

   LTIP
BAT
ordinary
shares
balance
January 1,
2016
     LTIP
BAT
ordinary
shares
awarded
in 2016
     Award
date
    LTIP BAT
ordinary
shares
vested at
8.7%
on March 22,
2016
     LTIP
BAT
ordinary
shares
lapsed
in 2016
     LTIP
BAT
ordinary
shares
exercised
in
2016 (2)
     LTIP BAT
ordinary
shares
balance
December 31,
2016
 

Nicandro Durante

     119,828           March 22, 2013       10,425        109,403        10,425        —    
     135,052           March 28, 2014                135,052  
     127,448           March 27, 2015                127,448  
        140,529        May 12, 2016 3                140,529  
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     382,328        140,529          10,425        109,403        10,425        403,029  
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ben Stevens

     66,932           March 22, 2013       5,823        61,109        5,823        —    
     75,230           March 28, 2014                75,230  
     69,641           March 27, 2015                69,641  
        71,669        May 12, 2016 (3)                71,669  
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     211,803        71,669          5,823        61,109        5,823        216,540  
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1) LTIP awards and interests

 

Award date

   Performance period      Exercisable     LTIP
Scheme
 

March 22, 2013

     January 1, 2013–December 31, 2015        March 22, 2016–March 21, 2023       2007  

March 28, 2014

     January 1, 2014–December 31, 2016        March 28, 2017–March 27, 2024       2007  

March 27, 2015

     January 1, 2015–December 31, 2017        March 27, 2018–March 26, 2025       2007  

May 12, 2016

     January 1, 2016–December 31, 2018        May 12, 2021–May 11, 2026 (c)       2016  

(a) Awards of BAT ordinary shares made under the LTIP are for nil consideration. (b) The performance conditions for the LTIP awards made in 2014 and 2015 and the awards made in 2016 under the new LTIP are detailed in the “ Summary of the Future Policy Table ” set out above on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus; there have been no other variations in the terms and conditions of the LTIP interests during 2016. (c) LTIP Extended Vesting Period: there is an additional vesting period of two years from the third anniversary of the date of grant. The LTIP award will vest only to the extent that: (1) the performance conditions or measures are satisfied at the end of the three-year performance period; (2) an additional vesting period of two years from the date of the third anniversary of the date of grant has been completed, i.e., the LTIP Extended Vesting Period. The LTIP award is therefore only exercisable once the total period of five years from the date of grant has been completed.

(2)  Aggregate gains on LTIP BAT ordinary shares exercised in the year

 

     Award      Exercised LTIP
BAT ordinary
shares
     Exercise date      Price per BAT
ordinary share (p)
     Aggregate gain £  

Nicandro Durante

     March 22, 2013        10,425        March 22,2016        3,973.500        414,237  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ben Stevens

     March 22, 2013        5,823        March 24,2016        3,995.164        232,638  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(3)  Award May 12, 2016

 

     BAT ordinary
shares
awarded
   Multiple of base
salary
  Price per
BAT ordinary
share (p) (a)
   Face value of
award £m
   Percentage of
award vesting at
threshold
performance

Nicandro Durante

   140,529    500%   4,234.00    5,950    15%

Ben Stevens

     71,669    350%   4,234.00    3,034    15%

(a) the price per BAT ordinary share is calculated by reference to the closing mid-market price of BAT’s ordinary shares, being an average over the three dealing days preceding the date of grant of the award.

Scheme interests—BAT Ordinary Share Options

The scheme interests of the Executive Directors who served during the year ended December 31, 2016 in BAT ordinary shares under the Sharesave Scheme are as follows:

 

Sharesave
options (1)

  At
January 1,
2016
Number of
BAT
ordinary
shares
    Grant
date
    Grant
price
(p)
    Granted
in 2016
    Exercised
in 2016
    Lapsed
in
2016
    At
December 31,
2016

Number
of BAT
ordinary
shares
    Date from
which
exercisable
    Latest
expiry date
 

Nicandro Durante

    591       March 28, 2012       2,536.0                         591       May 2017       October 2017  
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
    543       August 26, 2014       2,787.0                         543       October 2019       March 2020  
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

    1,134                 1,134      
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ben Stevens

    543       August 26, 2014       2,787.0                         543       October 2019       March 2020  
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
    495       March 23, 2015       3,026.0                         495       May 2020       October 2020  
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

    1,038                 1,038      
 

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

Note:

(1) Sharesave: (a) there were no variations in the terms and conditions of these interests in BAT ordinary share options during the year; (b) no Sharesave options were exercised by the Executive Directors in the year—the total aggregate gains on the exercise of BAT ordinary share options was £nil (2015: £22,235); (c) options granted under the Sharesave Scheme are exercisable in conjunction with a three-year or five-year savings contract up to a monthly limit of £500; (d) options are normally granted at a discount of 20% to the market price at the time of invitation, as permitted by the rules of the Sharesave Scheme (2012: 3,170.0p; 2014: 3,483.0p; and 2015: 3,782.0p).

Shareholder Dilution—Options and Awards Outstanding

 

Satisfaction of BAT ordinary share plan awards in accordance with The Investment Association’s Principles of Remuneration   New BAT ordinary shares issued by BAT during the year ended December 31, 2016
•    by the issue of new BAT ordinary shares; or

 

•    BAT ordinary shares issued from treasury only up
to a maximum of 10% of BAT’s issued ordinary
share capital in a rolling 10-year period;

 

•    within this 10% limit, BAT can only issue (as
newly issued BAT ordinary shares or from
treasury) 5% of its issued ordinary share capital to
satisfy awards under discretionary or executive
plans; and

  •    152,784 BAT ordinary shares issued by BAT in
relation to the Sharesave Scheme;

 

•    a total of 825,888 Sharesave Scheme options over
BAT ordinary shares were outstanding at
December 31, 2016, representing 0.04% of BAT’s
issued ordinary share capital (excluding BAT
ordinary shares held in treasury); and

 

•    the rules of the DSBS do not allow for the satisfaction of awards by the issue of new BAT ordinary shares.

 

 

•    options outstanding under the Sharesave Scheme are exercisable until the end of October 2021 at option prices ranging from 2,536p to 3,132p.

 

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The BATGET

 

BATGET       
Function   

•    used to satisfy the vesting and exercise of awards of BAT ordinary shares under the DSBS and LTIP; and

     

    

•    a committee of senior management reporting to BAT’s board of directors Share Schemes Committee monitors the number of BAT ordinary shares held in BATGET to satisfy outstanding awards.

     

Funding   

•    funded by interest-free loan facilities from BAT totalling £1 billion;

     

  

•    this enables BATGET to facilitate the purchase of BAT ordinary shares to satisfy the future vesting or exercise of options and awards;

     

  

•    loan to BATGET: £369.5 million at December 31, 2016 (2015: £313 million);

     

  

•    the loan is either repaid from the proceeds of the exercise of options or, in the case of BAT ordinary shares acquired by BATGET to satisfy the vesting and exercise of awards, BAT will subsequently waive the loan provided over the life of the awards; and

     

    

•    if any options lapse, BAT ordinary shares may be sold by BATGET to cover the loan repayment.

     

BAT ordinary shares held in BATGET        
January 1,
2016
 
 
    
December 31,
2016
 
 
   Number of BAT ordinary shares      5,365,084        5,137,602  
   Market value of BAT ordinary shares    £ 202.0m      £ 237.4m  
   % of issued ordinary share capital of BAT      0.26        0.25  
Dividends   

•    BATGET currently waives dividends on the BAT ordinary shares held by it;

     

  

•    final dividend 2015: £5.5 million in May 2016; and

     

    

•    interim dividend 2016: £2.7 million in September 2016.

     

Voting rights   

•    the trustee does not exercise any voting rights while BAT ordinary shares are held in BATGET; and

     

    

•    BAT ordinary share scheme participants may exercise the voting rights attaching to those BAT ordinary shares once the BAT ordinary shares have been transferred out of BATGET.

     

 

Notes:

(1) BAT ordinary share-based payment arrangements: details of the material equity-settled BAT ordinary share-based and cash-settled BAT ordinary share-based arrangements are set out in note 25 of the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(2) Closing mid-market price at December 30, 2016 (being the last trading day of the year) was 4,621.5p (December 31, 2015: 3,771.0p).

Other Required Disclosures

Payments to Former BAT Directors and Payments for Loss of Office

In October 2016, BAT agreed to make a one-off payment to Robert Lerwill (a former Non-Executive Director of BAT from 2005 to 2013) of £171,000. This payment was made in respect of Robert Lerwill’s service as the BAT Group’s nominee director of ITC Limited (an associate undertaking of the BAT Group) which position he had vacated for personal reasons in June 2016. BAT did not make: (1) any other payments of money or other assets to former BAT directors; or (2) any payments to BAT directors for loss of office during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

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Voting on the Remuneration Report at the 2017 Annual General Meeting of BAT and Engagement with Shareholders

At the annual general meeting of BAT on April 26, 2017, the shareholders considered and voted on the Remuneration Report as set out in the table below. No other resolutions in respect of BAT directors’ remuneration and incentives were considered at the 2017 annual general meeting of BAT.

 

     Approval of
Directors’
Remuneration
Report (2)
 
     2017  

Percentage for

     92.05  

Votes for (including discretionary)

     1,346,502,332  

Percentage against

     7.95  

Votes against

     116,220,156  
  

 

 

 

Total votes cast excluding votes withheld

     1,462,722,488  
  

 

 

 

Votes withheld (3 )

     13,100,905  

Total votes cast including votes withheld

     1,475,823,393  
  

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1) Directors’ Remuneration Report: was approved by shareholders at the annual general meeting of BAT on April 26, 2017.
(2) Votes withheld: these are not included in the final proxy figures as they are not recognized as a vote in law.

During the latter part of 2015 and early 2016, BAT undertook a program of engagement and consultation with about 60% of its shareholders regarding proposals for changes to the previous Remuneration Policy which included the introduction of a new LTIP. These changes are described in detail in BAT’s Remuneration Report 2015 in the context of three principal discussion themes: (1) a current LTIP that did not function effectively to incentivize and reward management to drive the strategic fundamentals was not in the interests of shareholders; (2) measured over several years, BAT’s underlying performance had remained extremely strong; and (3) a need to increase the award potential for Executive Directors to ensure competitiveness in the market.

The consultation process elicited a diverse range of views and opinions which crystallized into positive support for the new Remuneration Policy (90% of votes) and the new LTIP (91% of votes) at the annual general meeting of BAT on April 27, 2016.

BAT Directors’ Remuneration in the Year Ending December 31, 2017

Proposed Implementation of Remuneration Policy in 2017

The forward looking Remuneration Policy for the Executive Directors and the Non-Executive Directors was approved by shareholders at the 2016 annual general meeting of BAT. In accordance with the UK Regulations, a Remuneration Policy will be put to shareholders again no later than the 2019 annual general meeting of BAT.

Related party transactions

The BAT Group has a number of transactions and relationships with related parties, all of which are undertaken in the normal course of business. Details of these are set out below (transactions with CTBAT are not included in these disclosures as it is a joint operation).

 

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Transactions with Associates

Transactions and balances with associates relate mainly to the sale and purchase of cigarettes and tobacco leaf. Amounts receivable from associates in respect of dividends included in the table below were £221 million (compared to £145 million in 2015). The BAT Group’s share of dividends from associates, included in other net income in the table below, was £1,024 million (compared to £640 million in 2015).

 

Transactions

   Year Ended December 31,  
           2016                  2015        
     (£ million)  

–revenue

     370        38  

–purchases

     (298      (270

–other net income

     1,023        639  

–Amounts receivable at December 31

     270        190  

–Amounts payable at December 31

     (2      (20

Additional Information Regarding Transactions with RAI

See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Certain Relationships between BAT and RAI ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Key Management Personnel

BAT’s key management personnel consist of the members of the BAT board of directors and the members of the BAT Group management board. No such person had any material interest during 2016, 2015 or 2014 in a contract of significance (other than a service contract) with the BAT Group. The term key management personnel in this context includes the respective members of their households.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
           2016                  2015        
     (£ million)  

The total compensation for key management personnel, including directors, was:

     

–salaries and other short-term employee benefits

     18        20  

–post-employment benefits

       3          4  

–share-based payments

     12        11  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     33        35  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contributions to the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund

Contributions to the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund are secured by a charge over the BAT Group head office (Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom) up to a maximum of £150 million.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF BAT

The following discussion and analysis of the BAT Group’s financial condition and results of operations is based on and should be read in conjunction with the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements, beginning on page FIN-[ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, which may differ in material respects from generally accepted accounting principles in other jurisdictions, including the United States. The consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 have been audited. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 are unaudited (see further discussion at “About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information” beginning on page [ ] of this proxy statement/prospectus).

This discussion and analysis contains certain forward-looking statements which, although based on assumptions that the BAT Group considers reasonable, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or conditions to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this proxy statement/prospectus, see particularly “Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” beginning on pages [ ] and [ ], respectively of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The financial information and related discussion and analysis contained in this section are presented in pounds sterling, and many of the amounts and percentages have been rounded for convenience of presentation.

Overview

BAT is the parent holding company of the BAT Group, a global tobacco and next generation products group with brands sold in over 200 markets. According to the BAT Group’s internal estimates, the BAT Group is a market leader in more than 55 countries by volume, producing the cigarette chosen by one in eight of the world’s one billion smokers. The BAT Group, excluding the BAT Group’s associated undertakings, is organized into four regions: Asia-Pacific, Americas, Western Europe and EEMEA.

In 2016, the BAT Group sold approximately 665 billion cigarettes (excluding sales of its associates) of which approximately 630 billion cigarettes were produced by 44 factories in 42 countries. In 2016, the BAT Group’s five global drive brands—DUNHILL, KENT, LUCKY STRIKE, PALL MALL and ROTHMANS—accounted for 49% of the BAT Group’s total cigarette volume. The BAT Group’s range of products covers all segments, from value-for-money to premium with a portfolio of international, regional and local tobacco brands to meet a broad array of adult tobacco consumer preferences wherever the BAT Group operates. The BAT Group is investing in building a portfolio of innovative new types of tobacco and nicotine products alongside its traditional tobacco business. These next generation products include vapor products (such as e-cigarettes) and tobacco heating products.

The BAT Group manages a globally integrated supply chain and the BAT Group’s products are distributed to retail outlets worldwide. During 2016, the BAT Group employed around 50,000 people worldwide.

Key Factors Affecting Results of Operations

The BAT Group believes that the following factors have had and will continue to have a material effect on its results of operations and financial condition. In addition, important factors that could cause the BAT Group’s actual operations or financial conditions to differ materially from those expressed or implied below, include, but are not limited to, factors described under “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Business Combinations and Acquisitions

The BAT Group’s growth strategy is to increase volume and share of the global tobacco market through organic growth and mergers and acquisitions where it makes financial and strategic sense. During 2016 and 2015, the BAT Group’s financial condition and the comparability of results of operations between years have been affected by business combinations, particularly Souza Cruz and TDR, and may be so affected in the future by these and future business combinations.

 

    In April 2016, the BAT Group announced it had acquired Ten Motives, a UK based e-cigarette business with particular strength in traditional grocery and convenience channels. The fair value of the consideration payable was £56 million, of which £6 million is contingent on post-acquisition targets being met.

 

    During 2015, the BAT Group invested £1.7 billion to acquire the shares it did not already own in its Brazilian subsidiary, Souza Cruz, and de-listed the company. Following a public auction in October 2015, the BAT Group acquired sufficient shares to cancel Souza Cruz’s registration as a publicly listed company, with a total shareholding of 99.1%. The compulsory acquisition of the remaining minority shares was approved on February 5, 2016, with Souza Cruz becoming a wholly owned subsidiary at that date.

 

    In November 2015, the BAT Group acquired 100% of Blue Nile Cigarette Company Limited, a tobacco manufacturing and distribution company in the Republic of Sudan. The fair value of the consideration payable was £45 million, of which £8 million was contingent on achievement of certain post-acquisition targets.

 

    In September 2015, the BAT Group announced that it had signed a conditional agreement to acquire 100% of the CHIC Group, a leading vapor product business in Poland. The transaction was completed on December 30, 2015. The fair value of the consideration payable was £82 million, of which £30 million was contingent on achievement of certain post-acquisition targets.

 

    In September 2015, the BAT Group completed the acquisition of TDR d.o.o., a cigarette manufacturer in Central Europe, and other tobacco and retail assets, referred to as TDR, from Adris Grupa d.d. for a total enterprise value of €550 million.

Industry Trends Affecting Revenue and Profit

The BAT Group’s revenue and profit have been and will continue to be affected by various industry trends including tobacco consumption rates, regulatory developments, taxation, litigation, illicit trade, macro-economic challenges and competitive dynamics. Changes in these factors could adversely restrict or otherwise affect BAT’s business. Please refer to “ Business of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for a fuller description of the industry, the competitive environment and the key laws and regulations to which the BAT Group’s operations are subject.

According to Euromonitor International and the BAT Group’s internal estimates, the global cigarette industry sells around 5,450 billion cigarettes each year and the retail value of the global tobacco market (including cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco and vapor products) for 2016 was estimated at $785 billion. Since 1995, the world market for cigarettes has grown, predominantly due to growth in China, which has offset the reducing volume of cigarettes in the rest of the world, especially in developed markets, such as Western Europe. Over the coming years, the BAT Group expects volumes of cigarettes outside China to continue to decline as a lower percentage of the total adult population will choose to smoke cigarettes and individual smokers will consume fewer cigarettes; these dynamics will be partially offset by the impact of population growth.

In 2016, the four biggest international manufacturers, outside of China, India and the United States, according to the BAT Group’s internal estimates, were Philip Morris International with a share of the global

 

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market excluding China, India and the United States of approximately 31%, the BAT Group (excluding associates) with approximately 25%, Japan Tobacco with approximately 19% and Imperial Brands with approximately 10%, based on sales by volume. Collectively, these four players held around 41% of the global market, or approximately 84% of the market outside of China, India and the United States. According to Euromonitor International, China accounts for approximately 45% of global cigarette volume and is the world’s largest cigarette market. The international tobacco companies have a very small presence in the Chinese market, where the industry is state-owned. According to Euromonitor International, India accounts for approximately 1.5% of global cigarette volume and ITC accounts for approximately 79% of India’s market share. The BAT Group has an approximate 30% interest in ITC. According to Euromonitor International, the United States accounts for approximately 5% of global cigarette volume. For 2016, the RAI Group accounted for approximately 34% of the United States’ cigarette market share, according to MSAi. The BAT Group has an approximate 42% interest in RAI. The global tobacco industry operates in a challenging environment. The BAT Group competes primarily on the basis of product quality, brand recognition brand loyalty, taste, innovation, packaging, service, marketing, advertising and retail price. The size of the global cigarette market is impacted by a number of factors, including increased regulation, litigation, rising excise rates on its products and illicit trade.

The tobacco industry is also exposed to significant product liabilities litigation, including in the United States. The BAT Group anticipates that it will continue to be exposed to new litigation. The BAT Group’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be materially affected in a particular reporting period by an unfavorable outcome or settlement of certain pending or future litigation. See “Business of BAT—Legal Proceedings” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Tobacco products are subject to substantial duty, excise and other taxes in most markets in which the BAT Group operates. Increases to duty, excise and other taxes affect the size of tobacco markets. Significant and sustained increases in taxes in markets where tobacco prices are already high may lead adult tobacco consumers to switch to cheaper brands. This can lead to the growth in sales of lower margin products and decreases in sales of higher margin products. Additionally, increases in tobacco taxes can lead to adult tobacco consumers rejecting legitimate tax paid products and switching to products from illegal sources.

Trafficking of tobacco products includes the trade in counterfeit products, smuggled genuine products, including “illicit whites” (also known as “made for smuggling brands”), and locally manufactured products on which applicable taxes are evaded. Illicit trade remains a key challenge for the legitimate tobacco industry. Illicit trade is driven by many factors, including tax-driven price increases, weak criminal penalties, poor enforcement of border controls, weak laws, corruption, loosely regulated free trade zones, a less rigorous approach to intellectual property rights protection and the use of the internet as a medium of trading. Euromonitor International estimates that approximately 456 billion cigarettes per year are smuggled, manufactured illegally or counterfeited.

The BAT Group believes that quality and innovation will play an increasing role in delivering market share, as tobacco companies operate in a highly competitive marketplace. This involves cigarette innovations such as capsule products, additive-free products, tube filters and slims. Substantial investments have also been made in developing next generation products.

Foreign Exchange Movements

The BAT Group’s results are impacted by currency exposures arising from the translation of profits earned in foreign currency subsidiaries and associates and joint ventures into the BAT Group’s reporting currency, the pound sterling. Also, in order to prepare its consolidated financial information, the BAT Group translates the net assets of foreign currency subsidiaries and associates into the pound sterling. The BAT Group’s primary financial statement translation exposures are to the U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, Danish krone, Swiss franc, South African rand, Russian ruble, Brazilian real, Australian dollar, Malaysian ringgit, Singaporean dollar and Indian

 

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rupees. Additionally, the BAT Group’s exposure also arises from foreign currency denominated trading transactions undertaken by subsidiaries and forecast dividend flows from subsidiaries.

As a result of the global nature of the BAT Group’s business, the BAT Group expects to continue to be exposed to foreign currency fluctuations.

Restructuring and Integration Costs

Profit for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was impacted by initiatives to improve effectiveness and efficiency as a globally integrated enterprise, including the implementation of a new operating model, which includes revised organization structures, standardized processes and shared back-office services underpinned by a global single instance of SAP. These initiatives also include a review of manufacturing operations, supply chain overheads and indirect costs, organizational structure and systems and software used.

In 2016, restructuring and integration costs were £603 million, compared to £367 million in 2015 and £452 million in 2014. Restructuring and integration costs have principally related to the implementation of the new operating model and the cost of initiatives in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in the BAT Group. In 2016, the costs also cover factory closure and downsizing activities in Germany, Malaysia and Brazil, certain exit costs and asset write-offs related to the change in approach to the commercialization of VOKE, an innovative nicotine inhaler product licensed as a medicine, uncertainties surrounding regulatory changes and restructurings in Japan and Australia. In 2015, the costs included those related to factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, acquisition related costs, and restructurings in Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Germany. In 2014, these costs included those related to factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and restructurings in Argentina, Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Germany.

Discussion of Principal Income Statement Items

Revenue

Revenue principally comprises sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products to external customers. Revenue is net of duty, excise and other taxes and is after deducting rebates, returns and other similar discounts. Revenue is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to a third party.

Raw Materials and Consumables Used

Raw materials and consumables used include, among other things, tobacco leaf, paper, filters and other packaging materials, and the freight costs of transporting these materials. These costs represented 25.6%, 24.5% and 22.1% of revenue in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Employee Benefit Costs

Employee benefit costs include wages and salaries, social security costs, pension and other retirement benefit costs and share based payments. These costs represented 15.4%, 15.6% and 15.7% of revenue in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses consist of other costs not separately disclosed on the BAT Group’s income statement and include such items as marketing spend and other costs of secondary supply chains. These costs represented 24.8%, 25.0% and 27.6% of revenue in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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Results of Associates and Joint Ventures

Associates principally comprise RAI and ITC. In 2016, the BAT Group’s interest in ITC decreased from 30.1% in 2015 to 29.9% in 2016 as a result of ITC issuing ordinary shares under its employee share option scheme. In 2016, the BAT Group’s interest in RAI remained at approximately 42.2%. The BAT Group’s ownership interest in RAI and ITC means the BAT Group may be affected by their businesses and respective financial performances, as they are subject to tobacco-related industry and business risks similar to those the BAT Group faces.

Key Non-IFRS Measures

Adjusted Profit from Operations

To supplement the BAT Group’s results from operations presented in accordance with IFRS, the BAT Group management board, as the chief operating decision maker, reviews current and prior year adjusted profit from operations to evaluate the performance of the group and its geographic segments, to allocate resources to the overall business and to communicate financial performance to investors. Adjusted profit from operations is not a measure defined by IFRS. The BAT Group’s most directly comparable IFRS measure to adjusted profit from operations is profit from operations. Adjusted profit from operations is defined as profit from operations before adjusting items in profit from operations. Adjusting items, as identified in accordance with the BAT Group’s accounting policies, represent certain items of income and expense which the BAT Group considers distinctive based on their size, nature or incidence. In identifying and quantifying adjusting items, the BAT Group consistently applies a policy that defines criteria that are required to be met for an item to be classified as adjusting and provides details of items that are specifically excluded from being classified as adjusting items. Adjusting items in profit from operations include restructuring and integration costs, amortization of trademarks and similar intangibles, a gain on deemed partial disposal of a trademark, and a payment and release of a provision relating to non-tobacco litigation. The definition of adjusting items is explained within note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group management board believes that this additional measure is useful to investors, and is used by the BAT Group management board as described above, because it excludes the impact of adjusting items in profit from operations, which have less bearing on the routine operating activities of the BAT Group, thereby enhancing users’ understanding of underlying business performance. The BAT Group management board also believes that adjusted profit from operations provides information that enables investors to better compare the BAT Group’s business performance across periods.

Additionally, the BAT Group management board believes that similar measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to the BAT Group, many of which present an adjusted operating profit-related performance measure when reporting their results.

Adjusted profit from operations has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS, is not a measure of financial condition or liquidity and should not be considered as an alternative to profit for the year or profit from operations as determined in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted profit from operations is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this performance measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the BAT Group’s results of operations as determined in accordance with IFRS. See “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information about adjusted profit from operations, as well as a reconciliation to profit from operations.

Results on a Constant Translational Currency Basis

As discussed above, movements in foreign exchange rates have impacted the BAT Group’s profit from operations. The BAT Group management reviews certain of its results, including revenue and adjusted profit

 

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from operations, at constant rates of exchange. The BAT Group calculates these financial measures at constant rates of exchange based on a retranslation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year results of the BAT Group and its segments. The BAT Group does not adjust for the normal transactional gains and losses in operations that are generated by exchange movements. Although the BAT Group does not believe that these measures are a substitute for IFRS measures, the BAT Group does believe that such results excluding the impact of currency fluctuations year-on-year provide additional useful information to investors regarding the operating performance on a local currency basis. Accordingly, the constant rates of exchange financial measures appearing in the following discussion of the BAT Group results of operations should be read in conjunction with the information provided in note 2 Segmental Analyses to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, results were affected by translational exchange rate movements. In 2016, at the prevailing exchange rates, revenue increased by 12.6%, profit from operations increased by 2.2% and adjusted profit from operations increased by 9.8% versus 2015. At constant rates of exchange, revenue would have increased by 6.9%, profit from operations would have decreased by 2.9% and adjusted profit from operations would have increased by 4.1%. This higher growth rate at prevailing exchange rates reflects the translational benefit as a result of the relative weakness of the pound sterling. In 2015, at the prevailing exchange rate, revenue decreased by 6.2%, profit from operations increased by 0.2% and adjusted profit from operations decreased by 7.6% versus 2014. At constant rates of exchange, revenue in 2015 would have increased by 5.4%, profit from operations would have increased by 13.6% and adjusted profit from operations would have increased by 4.0%. The lower growth rate at prevailing exchange rates reflects the devaluation of currencies, including in Russia, Nigeria, Ukraine, Venezuela and the eurozone.

Free Cash Flow

The BAT Group uses free cash flow to illustrate the cash flows before transactions relating to borrowings. Free cash flow is not a measure defined by IFRS. BAT defines free cash flow as net cash generated from operating activities adjusted for dividends paid to non-controlling interests, net interest paid, net capital expenditure (offset by sales of assets in the period) and proceeds from associates’ share buy-backs. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to free cash flow is net cash generated from operating activities. The BAT Group management board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally, is useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them understand the underlying business performance and can provide insight into the cash flow available to, among other things, reduce debt and pay dividends. Free cash flow has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with IFRS. Free cash flow is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the BAT Group’s results of operations or cash flows as determined in accordance with IFRS. See “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information about free cash flow, as well as a reconciliation to net cash generated from operating activities.

Net Debt

The BAT Group uses net debt to assess its financial capacity. Net debt is not a measure defined by IFRS. The most directly comparable IFRS measure to net debt is total borrowings. The BAT Group defines net debt as total borrowings, including related derivatives, less cash and cash equivalents and current available-for-sale investments. The BAT Group management board believes that this additional measure, which is used internally, is useful to the users of the financial statements in helping them to see how business financing has changed over the year. Net debt has limitations as an analytical tool. It is not a presentation made in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to borrowings or total liabilities determined in accordance with IFRS. Net debt is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, you should not consider this measure in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the BAT Group’s measures of

 

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financial position or liquidity as determined in accordance with IFRS. See “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information about net debt, as well as a reconciliation to total borrowings.

Consolidated Results of Operations for the BAT Group

The discussion of the BAT Group’s consolidated results from operations is based on its historical results. Except as set out below, the financial data discussed in this section for 2016, 2015 and 2014 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The discussion should be read in conjunction with “Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT,” “About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information” and “Business of BAT , beginning on pages [●], [●] and [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, respectively.

 

     Year Ended December 31, (1)  
     2016      2015      2014  
     (£ millions)  

Revenue (2)

     14,751        13,104        13,971  

Raw materials and consumables used

     (3,777      (3,217      (3,088

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

     44        184        58  

Employee benefit costs

     (2,274      (2,039      (2,194

Depreciation, amortization and impairment costs

     (607      (428      (523

Other operating income

     176        225        178  

Other operating expenses

     (3,658      (3,272      (3,856
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit from operations

     4,655        4,557        4,546  

Net finance (costs)/income

     (637      62        (417

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     2,227        1,236        719  

Profit before taxation

     6,245        5,855        4,848  

Taxation on ordinary activities

     (1,406      (1,333      (1,455
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Profit for the year

     4,839        4,522        3,393  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusting items in profit from operations

     825        435        857  

Adjusted profit from operations (3)

     5,480        4,992        5,403  

 

Note:

(1) The above historical financial data has been extracted from the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The historical financial data for 2014 is unaudited. See further discussion at “ About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(2) Revenue is net of duty, excise and other taxes of £32,136 million, £27,896 million and £28,535 million in the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(3) Adjusted profit from operations is a non-IFRS measure. See “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information about adjusted profit from operations, as well as a reconciliation to profit from operations.

 

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Volume by Brand and Other Measures

In addition to revenue and the other measures discussed in this proxy statement/prospectus, BAT Group management focuses on volume as a key measure to evaluate performance. Volume is an unaudited operating measure and is calculated as the total global cigarette volume of the BAT Group’s brands sold by its subsidiaries. The BAT Group believes that volume is a measure commonly used by analysts and investors in the industry. Accordingly, this information has been disclosed to permit a more complete analysis of the BAT Group’s operating performance.

 

     2016      2015      2014  
     (billions (1) )  

DUNHILL

     57        59        55  

KENT

     66        66        64  

LUCKY STRIKE

     36        32        31  

PALL MALL

     92        92        92  

ROTHMANS

     73        52        36  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total global drive brands

     324        301        278  

Total other

     341        362        389  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total volume

     665        663        667  

Organic volume (2)

     658        661        667  

 

Note:

(1) Data relating to volume for 2016, 2015 and 2014 is unaudited and has been extracted from the BAT Group’s marketing records.
(2) Organic volume excludes contributions from TDR in 2016 and 2015 and Blue Nile in 2016.

The BAT Group also uses market share to evaluate its performance. The BAT Group evaluates changes in its retail market share, or market share, in its key markets for tobacco products, based on the latest available data from a number of internal and external sources. Key markets consist of approximately 40 territories across all geographical segments, and represent approximately 80% of the BAT Group’s global volume. Growth in these markets is largely driven by the global drive brands. The BAT Group also highlights drivers for change in specific markets (e.g., volume or market share). For next generation products, the BAT Group monitors its performance in select countries (e.g., UK, Germany, Italy) based upon category retail market share, based on the latest available data from a number of internal and external sources. In addition, the BAT Group’s performance is affected by global pricing, which is impacted by discounts, terms of credit with customers, excise taxes and other competitive, market-driven and regulatory factors. In certain markets, the BAT Group has experienced increases or decreases in average prices resulting from changes in product mix, also referred to as price mix. The BAT Group believes that pricing and market share are measures commonly used by analysts and investors in the industry.

2016 Compared with 2015

Revenue

Revenue increased by £1,647 million, or 12.6%, from £13,104 million for 2015 to £14,751 million for 2016, driven by improved pricing, with price mix increasing to over 6%, and reflecting the positive currency effects resulting from the relative weakness of the pound sterling. At constant rates of exchange revenue would have increased by 6.9% to £14,008 million. Over the same period, duty, excise and other taxes paid increased by £4,240 million, or 15.2%, from £27,896 million for 2015 to £32,136 million for 2016.

In 2016, overall volume increased by 2 billion, or 0.2%, from 663 billion for 2015 to 665 billion for 2016, with the industry estimated to be down by 3.0%. Market share in the BAT Group’s key markets increased by

 

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over 50 basis points, or bps. Global drive brands volume increased by 7.5% in 2016, driven by increased sales of ROTHMANS and LUCKY STRIKE. This increase was partially offset by a volume decrease for brands other than the global drive brands of 5.8%.

In 2016, volume of DUNHILL declined by 3.3%, with market share flat, driven mainly by industry declines in Malaysia and Brazil, more than offsetting growth in South Korea and continued growth in Indonesia. KENT’s 2016 volume increased by 1.0%, due to growth in Chile, Turkey, Japan and Russia. KENT’s market share was up 10 bps. LUCKY STRIKE, the BAT Group’s original American brand, saw an increase of 13.5% to 36 billion in 2016, with growth in Indonesia, Colombia, Egypt, France, Croatia and Italy, more than offsetting lower volume in Argentina and Russia. LUCKY STRIKE market share grew 10 bps. In 2016, PALL MALL volume increased by 0.1% and is the BAT Group’s leading brand in terms of volume, as growth in Venezuela, Poland, Iran, Mexico and Romania more than offset reductions in Pakistan and the migration to ROTHMANS in Italy. PALL MALL market share was up 10 bps. In 2016, ROTHMANS volume was up by 36.9% or 21 billion, driven by growth in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Nigeria, Turkey and South Korea. ROTHMANS market share was up 70 bps.

Raw Materials and Consumables Used

Raw materials and consumables used increased by £560 million, or 17.4%, from £3,217 million in 2015 to £3,777 million in 2016, impacted by the increase in volume and changes in foreign exchange. Raw materials and consumables used as a percentage of revenue increased to 25.6% in 2016 from 24.5% in 2015.

Employee Benefit Costs

Employee benefit costs increased by £235 million, or 11.5%, from £2,039 million in 2015 to £2,274 million in 2016. The increase is principally the result of translational foreign exchange movements and adjusting items associated with various reorganization activities undertaken within the BAT Group during 2016. As a percentage of revenue, these costs represented 15.4% in 2016 and 15.6% in 2015.

Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Costs

Depreciation, amortization and impairment costs increased by £179 million, or 41.8%, primarily due to trademarks and similar intangibles, where amortization and impairment increased by £84 million, from £65 million in 2015 to £149 million in 2016, including the impact of a £33 million impairment. Acquisitions including Ten Motives, CHIC Group, TDR, Bentoel, Tekel and Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S, referred to as ST, resulted in the capitalization of trademarks and similar intangibles which are amortized over their expected useful lives, which do not exceed 20 years. The amortization and impairment charge for trademarks and similar intangibles of £149 million (2015: £65 million) is included in depreciation, amortization and impairment costs in profit from operations. The increase was also driven by depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, which increased by £103 million, from £274 million in 2015 to £377 million in 2016, impacted by the depreciation of acquired property, plant and equipment. The increase in depreciation, amortization and impairment is partially offset by a decrease of £8 million in amortization and impairment of other intangibles.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses increased by £386 million, or 11.8%, from £3,272 million for 2015 to £3,658 million for 2016 due to increases in certain overhead costs and the impact of foreign exchange. As a percentage of revenue, these costs represented 24.8% in 2016 and 25.0% in 2015.

Profit from Operations

As a result of the above, profit from operations increased by £98 million, or 2.2%, from £4,557 million for 2015 to £4,655 million for 2016.

 

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Net Finance Costs/Income

Net finance costs increased by £699 million, from net finance income of £62 million for 2015 to net finance costs of £637 million for 2016. This movement was impacted by an increase in finance costs related to fair value changes on derivative financial instruments and hedged items of £213 million. In addition, net finance costs were impacted by adjusting items, including a deemed gain related to the investment in RAI of £601 million in 2015 that did not recur in 2016. For more information on adjusting items in net finance costs/income, see note 4(b) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Results of Associates and Joint Ventures

Associates are principally comprised of RAI and ITC. The BAT Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures, included at the pre-tax profit level under IFRS, was £2,227 million in 2016, compared to £1,236 million in 2015. This increase of £991 million, or 80.3%, was principally driven by an improvement in the results of RAI, whose profit on ordinary activities before taxation increased by £2,861 million, and an adjusting item resulting from RAI’s gain on the sale of the international rights to NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT in 2016, of which BAT’s share was £941 million (net of tax), compared to 2015, when BAT’s share of RAI’s gain on divestiture was £371 million (net of tax). For more information on adjusting items in the results of associates and joint ventures, see note 5(a) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Taxation on Ordinary Activities

Taxation on ordinary activities was £1,406 million in 2016, compared to £1,333 million in 2015. The BAT Group’s effective tax rate was 22.5% in 2016, compared to 22.8% in 2015, both of which were affected by the inclusion of the share of associates’ post-tax profit in the BAT Group’s pre-tax results and by adjusting items, notably the deemed gain related to the investment in RAI of £601 million in 2015, discussed above. Excluding these, the underlying tax rate for subsidiaries was 29.8% and 30.5% in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The BAT Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures was £2,227 million in 2016 and £1,236 million in 2015. Adjusting items in taxation were £61 million and £22 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, resulting from additional deferred tax charge on potential distributions of undistributed earnings from the BAT Group’s share of the gain on divestitures of intangibles and other assets by RAI. For more information on adjusting items in taxation, see note 6(d) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Profit for the Year

As a result of the above, profit for the year increased by £317 million, or 7.0% from £4,522 million for 2015 to £4,839 million for 2016.

Adjusting Items in Profit from Operations

In 2016, adjusting items in profit from operations increased by £390 million from £435 million in 2015 to £825 million in 2016, or 89.7%. This increase was driven primarily by a £236 million increase in restructuring and integration costs. In addition to costs related to implementation of a new operating model and the cost of initiatives in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in both 2016 and 2015, restructuring and integration costs in 2016 included factory closure and downsizing activities in Germany, Malaysia and Brazil, certain exit costs and asset write-offs related to the change in approach to the commercialization of VOKE (as announced on January 5, 2017), uncertainties surrounding regulatory changes and restructurings in Japan and Australia. In 2015, restructuring and integration costs also included factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, certain costs related to the acquisitions undertaken (including TDR in Croatia) and restructurings in Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Germany.

 

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In addition to this increase in restructuring and integration costs, adjusting items in profit from operations were impacted by an £84 million increase in amortization and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles. Acquisitions including Ten Motives, CHIC, TDR, Bentoel, Tekel and ST resulted in the capitalization of trademarks and similar intangibles which are amortized over their expected useful lives, which do not exceed 20 years. The amortization and impairment charge of £149 million (2015: £65 million) is included in depreciation, amortization and impairment costs in profit from operations.

2015 Compared with 2014

Revenue

Revenue decreased by £867 million, or 6.2%, from £13,971 million for 2014 to £13,104 million for 2015. The BAT Group’s results were impacted by the adverse movement of a number of key currencies and this is reflected in an adverse translational exchange rate movement. Revenue would have been up 5.4% at £14,720 million at constant rates of exchange, driven by a price mix increase to 5.9%. Over the same period, the amount of duty, excise and other taxes paid decreased by £639 million, or 2.2%, from £28,535 million for 2014 to £27,896 million for 2015.

In 2015, overall volume declined by 4 billion, or 0.5%, from 667 billion for 2014 to 663 billion for 2015, with the industry estimated to have declined by approximately 3%, based on the BAT Group’s internal estimates. Market share in the BAT Group’s key markets increased by over 40 bps. Global drive brands volume grew by 8.5% in 2016 to 301 billion. The BAT Group’s other brands experienced a decrease in volume of 6.9%.

In 2015, DUNHILL volume increased by 6.0% to 59 billion, with market share higher by 30 bps, driven mainly by increased volume in Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa, offsetting lower volume in South Korea, Malaysia and Russia. KENT’s volume in 2015 was 66 billion, up by 3.3% as volume growth in Iran, Turkey, Japan and Chile was partially offset by lower volume in Russia and Ukraine. KENT’s market share was flat in 2015. In 2015, volume for LUCKY STRIKE grew by 3.7%, up to 32 billion, with increases in Belgium, France and Chile more than offsetting decreases in Russia and Argentina. LUCKY STRIKE market share grew 10 bps in 2015. In 2015, volume for PALL MALL increased by 0.4% at 92 billion, as growth in Pakistan, Venezuela, Poland and Mexico was partly offset by the effect of the brand migration to ROTHMANS in Italy. PALL MALL market share was up 10 bps. In 2015, ROTHMANS had growth of 46.5%, with volume of 52 billion, led by increases in Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Italy, Kazakhstan, Australia, Algeria and the United Kingdom. ROTHMANS market share was up 70 bps during 2015.

Raw Materials and Consumables Used

Raw materials and consumables used increased by £129 million, or 4.2%, from £3,088 million for 2014 to £3,217 million for 2015, impacted by increasing costs and foreign exchange movements. Raw materials and consumables used as a percentage of revenue increased from 22.1% for 2014 to 24.5% for 2015.

Employee Benefit Costs

Employee benefit costs decreased by £155 million, or 7.1%, from £2,194 million for 2014 to £2,039 million for 2015. This decrease was the result of the impact of exchange rate movements, local remuneration agreements, varying employment costs and a reduction in headcount across end markets and regions. Employee benefit costs as a percentage of revenue decreased slightly from 15.7% for 2014 to 15.6% for 2015.

Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Costs

Depreciation, amortization and impairment costs decreased by £95 million, or 18.2%, from £523 million for 2014 to £428 million for 2015. This was primarily driven by a decrease in depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment of £122 million, from £396 million in 2014 to £274 million in 2015. This decrease was partially offset by a £27 million increase in amortization and impairment of intangible assets.

 

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Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses decreased by £584 million, or 15.1%, from £3,856 million for 2014 to £3,272 million for 2015, impacted by movements in foreign exchange. Other operating costs as a percentage of revenue decreased from 27.6% for 2014 to 25.0% for 2015.

Profit from Operations

As a result of the above, profit from operations increased by £11 million, or 0.2%, from £4,546 million for 2014 to £4,557 million for 2015.

Net Finance Costs/Income

Net finance costs decreased by £479 million, or 114.9% from net finance cost of £417 million in 2014 to net finance income of £62 million in 2015. This movement was impacted by adjusting items in 2015, including a deemed gain related to the investment in RAI of £601 million, as well as £104 million of costs in relation to the funding of the acquisition of the shares not owned by the BAT Group in Souza Cruz and investment in RAI. For more information on adjusting items in net finance costs/income, see note 4(b) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Results of Associates and Joint Ventures

Associates are principally comprised of RAI and ITC. The BAT Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures, included at the pre-tax profit level under IFRS, was £1,236 million in 2015, compared to £719 million in 2014. This increase of £517 million, or 71.9%, was principally driven by an adjusting item resulting from RAI’s gain on divestiture in 2015, of which BAT’s share was £371 million (net of tax). For more information on adjusting items in the results of associates and joint ventures, see note 5(a) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Taxation on Ordinary Activities

Taxation on ordinary activities was £1,333 million in 2015, compared to £1,455 million in 2014. The BAT Group’s effective tax rates were 22.8% in 2015 and 30.0% in 2014, which were affected by the inclusion of the share of associates’ post-tax profit in the BAT Group’s pre-tax results and by adjusting items, notably the deemed gain related to the investment in RAI of £601 million in 2015 discussed above. Excluding these, the underlying tax rate for subsidiaries was 30.5% and 30.6% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The slight decrease in 2015 is the result of a change in the mix of profits. The BAT Group’s share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures was £1,236 million in 2015 and £719 million in 2014. Adjusting items in taxation totaled £22 million in 2015 (£nil in 2014), resulting from additional deferred tax charge on potential distributions of undistributed earnings from the BAT Group’s share of the gain on divestiture by RAI. For more information on adjusting items in taxation, see note 6(d) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Profit for the Year

As a result of the above, profit for the year increased by £1,129 million, or 33.3%, from £3,393 million for 2014 to £4,522 million for 2015.

Adjusting Items in Profit from Operations

In 2015, adjusting items in profit from operations decreased by £422 million from £857 million in 2014 to £435 million in 2015, or 49.2%. This decrease was driven primarily by a £371 million decrease in Flintkote charges, due to a BAT Group subsidiary entering into a settlement agreement in connection with various legal cases related to a former non-tobacco business in Canada.

 

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The decrease in adjusting items in profit from operations was also driven by restructuring and integration costs, which decreased by £85 million in 2015 to £367 million, down from £452 million in 2014. In addition to costs related to implementation of a new operating model and the cost of initiatives in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in both 2015 and 2014, restructuring and integration costs in 2015 included factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, certain costs related to the acquisitions undertaken (including TDR in Croatia) and restructurings in Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Germany. In 2014, restructuring and integration costs also included factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and restructurings in Argentina, Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Germany.

Results of Operations by Geographic Region

The BAT Group, excluding the BAT Group’s associated undertakings, is currently organized into four geographic regions: Asia-Pacific, Americas, Western Europe and EEMEA. The four geographic regions are the reportable segments for the BAT Group as they form the focus of the BAT Group’s internal reporting systems and are the basis used by the BAT Group management board, which functions collectively as the chief operating decision maker for assessing performance and allocating resources. The BAT Group management board reviews, among other data, segmental revenue, segmental profit from operations, segmental adjusted profit from operations, and segmental revenue and segmental adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange based on a retranslation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year results of the BAT Group. Refer to note 2 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for further discussion of the segmental results and for the reconciliation of segmental revenue at constant rates of exchange to segmental revenue, and of adjusted profit from operations at current and constant rates of exchange to segmental profit from operations and to group profit for the year.

The following tables set forth a breakdown of the volume, revenue, profit from operations, adjusted profit from operations and movements at constant rates of exchange by geographic region for 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

     Volume (1)      Revenue (2)    Increase/(decrease) in
revenue at constant

rates of exchange (2)(3)
     2016      2015      2014      2016    2015    2014    2016   2015
     (billions)      (£ millions)    (£ millions)

Asia-Pacific

     196        198        197        4,266      3,773      3,873      (3)       1

Americas

     113        124        131        2,868      2,720      2,990    294   350

Western Europe

     120        112        112        3,867      3,203      3,359    268   117

EEMEA

     236        229        227        3,750      3,408      3,749    345   281

Total

     665        663        667      14,751    13,104    13,971    904   749

 

Notes:

(1) Data relating to volume by region for 2016, 2015 and 2014 is unaudited and has been extracted from the BAT Group’s marketing records.
(2) The above historical segmental financial data has been extracted from note 2, Segmental Analyses, to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The historical financial data for 2014 is unaudited. See further discussion at “ About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(3) Revenue at constant rates of exchange is a non-IFRS measure. Revenue at constant rates of exchange for 2016 is based on a retranslation at 2015 exchange rates of the 2016 results of BAT. Revenue at constant rates of exchange for 2015 is based on a retranslation at 2014 exchange rates of the 2015 results of BAT.

 

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     Profit from operations (1)      Adjusted profit from operations (1)(2)    Increase/(decrease) in
adjusted profit from

operations at
constant rates of
exchange (1)(2)(3)
     2016      2015      2014      2016    2015    2014    2016    2015
     (£ millions)      (£ millions)    (£ millions)

Asia-Pacific

     1,432        1,361        1,360      1,630    1,469    1,548      19      (2)

Americas

     1,017        1,082        1,197      1,172    1,169    1,286      33    140

Western Europe

     1,044        990        1,018      1,389    1,146    1,189      90      60

EEMEA

     1,182        1,127        1,318      1,289    1,208    1,380      63      19

Total

     4,675        4,560        4,893      5,480    4,992    5,403    205    217

 

Notes:

(1) The above historical segmental financial data has been extracted from note 2 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The historical financial data for 2014 is unaudited. See further discussion at “ About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(2) Adjusted profit from operations is a non-IFRS measure. See “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information about adjusted profit from operations, as well as a reconciliation to profit from operations.
(3) Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange is a non-IFRS measure. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange for 2016 is based on a retranslation at 2015 exchange rates of the 2016 results of the BAT Group. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange for 2015 is based on a retranslation at 2014 exchange rates of the 2015 results of the BAT Group.

2016 Compared with 2015

Asia-Pacific

In Asia-Pacific, profit from operations increased by £71 million to £1,432 million in 2016. In addition to the impact of adjusting items and foreign exchange movements, profit from operations was impacted by improved underlying business performances in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and South Korea, which were partially offset by declining underlying business performance in Malaysia following a change in excise and the adverse impact of foreign exchange on raw materials and consumables used in a number of markets including Japan and New Zealand. Adjusted profit from operations increased by £161 million to £1,630 million in 2016, which excludes the impact of adjusting items in profit from operations of £198 million (2015: £108 million), resulting from South Korea sales tax, restructurings in Japan and Australia, downsizing in Malaysia and amortization of trademarks and similar intangibles. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted profit from operations in 2016 would have increased by £19 million, or 1.3%, to £1,488 million, up from adjusted profit from operations of £1,469 million in 2015. Volume at 196 billion was down by 0.9% from 2015, as volume increases in Bangladesh, Vietnam, South Korea and Indonesia were offset by volume declines in Pakistan and Malaysia.

Results in Asia-Pacific were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Australia—market share returned to growth, driven by ROTHMANS. Pricing in the second half of the year was offset by lower volume due to the market contraction and down-trading, leading to a reduction in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Malaysia—volume and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange were down as tax-driven price increases led to a reduction in the total market and higher illicit trade. Market share fell despite growth in PETER STUYVESANT as DUNHILL was impacted by down-trading.

 

    Japan—market share of combustibles grew, driven by KENT. Lower volume and adverse foreign exchange movements affecting raw materials and consumables used led to a reduction in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

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    New Zealand—pricing, an increase in market share and stable volume were more than offset by the adverse impact of foreign exchange on raw materials and consumables used, with adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange marginally lower.

 

    Bangladesh—volume, market share and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange continued to increase.

 

    Pakistan—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange increased as a result of pricing and cost savings. Market share grew, driven by PALL MALL. Market contraction led to lower volume as illicit trade increased significantly following excise-led price increases.

 

    Vietnam—higher adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was driven by an increase in volume, pricing and favorable product mix. Market share was stable as STATE EXPRESS 555 continued to perform well in the premium segment.

 

    South Korea—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was up, driven by higher volume, including in DUNHILL, and productivity initiatives. Market share fell despite growth in ROTHMANS.

 

    Indonesia—volume and market share grew, driven by DUNHILL and LUCKY STRIKE, with the favorable product mix and pricing leading to an improvement in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Philippines—market share was marginally higher, driven by PALL MALL. Pricing and productivity initiatives more than offset a decline in volume, leading to an improvement in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

Americas

In the Americas, profit from operations decreased by £65 million to £1,017 million in 2016. In addition to the impact of adjusting items and foreign exchange movements, particularly the devaluation of the bolivar in Venezuela, profit from operations was impacted by improved underlying business performances in Canada, Chile and Peru, which was more than offset by declining underlying business performance in Brazil. Adjusted profit from operations was marginally ahead of the prior year at £1,172 million, which excludes the impact of adjusting items in profit from operations of £155 million (2015: £87 million), including the downsizing in Brazil and the amortization and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles. At constant rates, adjusted profit from operations would have increased by £33 million, or 2.8%, to £1,202 million in 2016, up from adjusted profit from operations of £1,169 million in 2015. Volume in 2016 in the Americas was down by 8.8% at 113 billion, as higher volume in Mexico and Colombia was more than offset by declines in Brazil and Venezuela.

Results in the Americas were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Brazil—LUCKY STRIKE grew market share, with DUNHILL growing within the premium segment, although total market share declined. Lower consumer disposable income, higher VAT and excise-led price increases drove market contraction and higher illicit trade, adversely impacting volume and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Canada—growth in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was driven by pricing and cost reductions, which offset lower volume. Market share fell, despite growth in PALL MALL.

 

    Chile—pricing and an improvement in mix led to higher adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. Total volume fell but market share was up, driven by KENT following the successful migration from BELMONT.

 

    Venezuela—pricing, to offset currency devaluation and inflation, led to higher adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. PALL MALL volume grew although, due to the reduction in consumer disposable income, total volume fell.

 

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    Mexico—volume was up, driven by the continued growth in PALL MALL. A delay in pricing increases in line with costs led to stable adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Colombia—higher volume, an improvement in market share and pricing were more than offset by the adverse impact of foreign exchange on raw materials and consumables used, with adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange down.

 

    Argentina—excise-led price increases drove a decrease in the total market and a decline in volume. Market share was marginally lower despite ROTHMANS growth following launch in 2016.

Western Europe

In Western Europe, profit from operations increased by £54 million to £1,044 million in 2016. In addition to the impact of adjusting items and foreign exchange movements, particularly the relative weakness in the pound sterling against the euro, profit from operations was impacted by improved underlying business performances in several markets including Germany, Romania, Italy and France. Adjusted profit from operations increased by £243 million to £1,389 million, which excludes adjusting items in profit from operations of £345 million (2015: £156 million), including costs of factory closure and downsizing in Germany and amortization of trademarks and similar intangibles in 2016. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted profit from operations would have increased by £90 million, or 7.8%, to £1,236 million in 2016, compared to adjusted profit from operations of £1,146 million in 2015, reflecting the strength of the euro in 2016. Volume was up by 6.7% to 120 billion in 2016, with growth in Poland and Romania more than offsetting lower volume in the United Kingdom, Denmark and Germany.

Results in Western Europe were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Germany—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange grew primarily resulting from pricing, with volume marginally lower. Market share was flat as growth by LUCKY STRIKE was offset by declines in the local brands. Fine Cut volume and market share fell due to increased price competition. VYPE was launched nationally, growing to 7% category retail market share.

 

    Switzerland—price discounting by competitors at retail led to lower volume, a fall in market share and a decline in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    France—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange and volume were marginally higher. Market share was up, driven by the continued growth in LUCKY STRIKE.

 

    Romania—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange increased, driven by pricing and higher volume. PALL MALL and DUNHILL increased market share, more than offsetting a decline in KENT.

 

    Italy—higher volume and pricing drove an increase in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. Growth in ROTHMANS market share was more than offset by declines in the rest of the local portfolio with total market share down. VYPE distribution was expanded. PEBBLE was launched and the first flagship store was opened.

 

    Denmark—volume, market share and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange were down due to down-trading leading to the growth of the low-priced segment.

 

    Netherlands—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange grew, driven by a lower cost base. Market share growth in PALL MALL and LUCKY STRIKE was more than offset by a decline in KENT and local brands, reducing total market share.

 

    Belgium—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange fell, driven by lower volume. Market share fell as the decline in KENT more than offset the continued growth in LUCKY STRIKE.

 

   

United Kingdom—a challenging pricing environment led to a decline in market share, with adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange stable as cost reductions offset lower volume. Total

 

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retail market share of the next generation products business grew to nearly 40% driven by the continued growth of VYPE and the acquisition of Ten Motives.

 

    Spain—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was marginally higher, driven by cost savings. Volume and market share were stable.

 

    Poland—market share grew with volume higher due to the success of PALL MALL. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange improved driven by the improved volume and pricing.

 

    Croatia/Balkans—the integration of TDR is now substantially complete, with the migration to the global drive brands portfolio on track, driving an increase in total market share.

EEMEA

In EEMEA, profit from operations increased by £55 million to £1,182 million in 2016. In addition to the impact of adjusting items and foreign exchange movements, particularly currency devaluation in Russia, Nigeria and Ukraine, profit from operations for the year was positively impacted by pricing across the region and improved underlying business performance in several markets. Adjusted profit from operations increased by £81 million to £1,289 million, which excludes the impact of adjusting items in profit from operations of £107 million (2015: £81 million), including amortization of trademark and similar intangibles and restructuring costs in South Africa. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted profit from operations would have increased by £63 million, or 5.3%, to £1,271 million in 2016, up from adjusted profit from operations of £1,208 million in 2015. EEMEA volume at 236 billion in 2016 was 3.0% higher than 2015, as growth in a number of markets including Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and Algeria were partially offset by lower volume in South Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Results in EEMEA were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Russia—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange increased, driven by pricing and an increase in volume more than offsetting the continuing adverse impact of foreign exchange on raw materials and consumables used. Market share continued to grow, driven by improved market share by ROTHMANS with KENT premium segment share increasing.

 

    South Africa—volume fell, driven by down-trading to the low-priced segment and higher illicit trade. DUNHILL, PALL MALL and BENSON & HEDGES all grew market share although total market share fell. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was down due to lower volume and the adverse transactional impact of foreign exchange on raw materials and consumables used, partially offset by pricing.

 

    Gulf Cooperation Council—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was flat as pricing and cost savings were offset by lower volume. Market share fell as DUNHILL was impacted by down-trading following tax driven price increases.

 

    Nigeria—volume growth and pricing were offset by the adverse impact of foreign exchange on raw materials and consumables used, with adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange in line with prior year.

 

    Iran—volume and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange were lower due to the retrospective application of an increase in excise.

 

    Ukraine—volume and market share growth was driven by ROTHMANS. Geopolitical instability continued to impact the financial performance, with a significant deterioration in currency and intense price competition leading to a decline in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Turkey—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was up, driven by pricing and higher volume. Market share grew, driven by KENT and ROTHMANS.

 

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    Egypt—an improvement in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was driven by higher volume, pricing and an enhanced mix.

 

    Kazakhstan—ROTHMANS drove an increase in volume and market share. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange improved as pricing and higher volume more than offset the effect of down-trading.

 

    Algeria—volume growth and pricing drove an increase in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

2015 Compared with 2014

Asia-Pacific

In Asia-Pacific, profit from operations was £1,361 million in 2015, slightly up from £1,360 million in 2014. In addition to the impact of adjusting items and foreign exchange movements, including adverse foreign exchange rates in a number of markets, profit from operations was impacted by improved underlying business performances in Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and a challenging environment in Australia. Adjusted profit from operations decreased by £79 million to £1,469 million, due to a decrease in the impact of adjusting items in profit from operations, which totaled £108 million (2014: £188 million), including restructuring costs in Australia, which decreased from 2014, and downsizing in Malaysia. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted profit from operations in 2015 was consistent with the prior year at £1,546 million in 2015, compared to adjusted profit from operations of £1,548 million in 2014. Volume in 2015 was marginally ahead of 2014 at 198 billion, as increases in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan were offset by Pakistan, Malaysia and South Korea, where lower volume was due to market decline.

Results in Asia-Pacific were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Australia—volume fell due to market contraction. Excise-led price increases, a challenging environment and continued high prevalence of illicit trade led to down-trading and a significant reduction in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. Market share was flat.

 

    New Zealand—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was higher as pricing offset lower volume. Increases in ROTHMANS led to an increase in market share.

 

    Malaysia—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was stable, as the introduction of excise–led price increases were offset by a reduction in volume, which was partly due to an increase in illicit trade. Market share was up, driven by PETER STUYVESANT.

 

    Japan—growth in market share was driven by KENT, supported by innovations. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was down mainly due to the adverse exchange rate impact on raw materials and consumables used, which was partly mitigated by productivity savings.

 

    Vietnam—volume was up, in line with the industry. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was higher due to increased volume, pricing and an improvement in mix.

 

    South Korea—market share grew, driven by DUNHILL and VOGUE. Volume declined as a result of significant industry contraction following high excise-driven price increases, leading to lower adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Philippines—market share increased driven by PALL MALL, leading to an improvement in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Pakistan—high excise-driven pricing led to market contraction and an increase in illicit trade. Volume decline was lower than the market, leading to an increase in market share, particularly in PALL MALL. The full-year effect of pricing taken in 2014 and cost efficiencies drove adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange higher.

 

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    Bangladesh—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange continued to increase, driven by higher volume, significant market share growth and higher pricing.

 

    Indonesia—volume and market share were up and adjusted profit from operations improved as DUNHILL continued to grow, driving an improvement in mix and offsetting the decline in local brands.

 

    Taiwan—market share was higher driven by PALL MALL. Pricing was offset by marketing investment, leading to a small decline in profit from operations.

Americas

In the Americas, profit from operations declined by £115 million to £1,082 million in 2015. In addition to the impact of adjusting items and foreign exchange movements, particularly adverse movements in Brazil, Canada and Venezuela, profit from operations was impacted by improved underlying business performances in Canada, Mexico, Venezuela and Chile. Adjusting items in profit from operations, which totaled £87 million (2014: £89 million), included restructurings in Canada. Adjusted profit from operations declined by £117 million to £1,169 million in 2015, in line with the decrease in profit from operations. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted profit from operations would have increased by £140 million, or 10.9%, to £1,426 million in 2015 compared to adjusted profit from operations of £1,286 million in 2014, as adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange in 2015 excludes the impact of adverse foreign exchange rate movements. Volume was lower by 5.2% at 124 billion, mainly due to Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Canada, partially offset by higher volume in Mexico.

Results in the Americas were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Brazil—DUNHILL and MINISTER performed well with higher market share, but were more than offset by the rest of the portfolio. Market contraction due to the effects of illicit trade and the deterioration in the economic environment led to lower volume and a reduction in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Canada—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange grew driven by pricing and cost reductions, offsetting lower volume. Market share fell, despite growth in PALL MALL.

 

    Mexico—market share was up, driven by the continued growth in PALL MALL and LUCKY STRIKE. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was higher driven by pricing and higher volume.

 

    Argentina—pricing more than offset the impact of lower volume and led to higher adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. LUCKY STRIKE grew market share, continuing to perform well in the premium segment.

 

    Chile—growth in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was due to pricing and up-trading to capsule offers, offsetting lower volume and the effect of adverse exchange rates on raw materials and consumables used. KENT, LUCKY STRIKE and PALL MALL all grew market share.

 

    Venezuela—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was higher, as pricing changes were required to offset the combined effects of local inflation and the devaluation of the bolivar following the introduction of the SIMADI exchange rate mechanism. Volume was marginally lower.

 

    Colombia—market share growth was partly driven by KOOL and LUCKY STRIKE, with volume flat despite industry decline. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was up as pricing offset the impact of adverse foreign exchange on raw materials and consumables used.

 

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Western Europe

In Western Europe, profit from operations decreased by £28 million to £990 million in 2015. In addition to the impact of adjusting items and foreign exchange movements, particularly the devaluation of the euro, profit from operations was impacted by the effect of lower volume in Italy and the Netherlands, partially offset by improved underlying business performances in a number of markets, including Denmark, Germany and Romania. Adjusting items in profit from operations, which totaled £156 million (2014: £171 million), included certain costs related to the acquisition of TDR and restructurings in Switzerland and Germany. Adjusted profit from operations declined by £43 million to £1,146 million due to the decrease in profit from operations and a decrease in adjusting items in profit from operations. At constant exchange rates, adjusted profit from operations would have increased by £60 million, or 5.1%, to £1,249 million in 2015 compared to adjusted profit from operations of £1,189 million in 2014. Total volume was up by 0.5% at 112 billion, but, excluding the acquisition of TDR, would have declined by 1.1%. Fine Cut volume was lower by 3.9% at 20 billion sticks equivalent.

Results in Western Europe were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Italy—the migration of PALL MALL to ROTHMANS progressed well, with an increase in the brands’ combined market share. Total volume fell, with adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange down partly due to increased marketing investment.

 

    Germany—volume and market share were higher, driven by LUCKY STRIKE and PALL MALL, which, coupled with pricing, led to an increase in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. Fine Cut volume was lower.

 

    France—volume was higher as LUCKY STRIKE continued to perform well, driving an increase in total market share. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange fell, partly due to down-trading and increased marketing investment.

 

    Spain—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was stable as pricing was offset by lower volume and reduction in market share.

 

    Switzerland—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was up as pricing offset lower volume and a decline in market share.

 

    Belgium—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was stable, as pricing offset lower volume. Market share declined as growth in LUCKY STRIKE was more than offset by the rest of the local portfolio.

 

    Netherlands—LUCKY STRIKE and PALL MALL market share improved. Industry decline led to lower volume and a reduction in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Poland—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange improved, as pricing more than offset a fall in volume, which was in part due to further industry contraction. PALL MALL continued to demonstrate momentum with an increase in market share.

 

    Denmark—volume and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange were higher following the trade de-stocking in 2014. Market share declined driven by competitive pricing activity at the low end of the market.

 

    Romania—market share grew, driven by PALL MALL and DUNHILL, consolidating the BAT Group’s leadership position. Pricing and a marginal increase in volume drove adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange higher.

 

    United Kingdom—ROTHMANS drove an increase in market share, with adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange higher as pricing offset marginally lower volume, due to industry decline.

 

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EEMEA

In EEMEA, profit from operations decreased by £191 million to £1,127 million in 2015. In addition to the impact of adjusting items, profit from operations was positively impacted by pricing across the region and improved underlying business performances in a number of markets, which was more than offset by the impact of foreign exchange movements, particularly the effect of currency devaluation in Russia, Nigeria and Ukraine. Adjusting items in profit from operations, totaling £81 million (2014: £62 million), included amortization of trademarks and similar intangibles. Adjusted profit from operations in EEMEA decreased by £172 million to £1,208 million in 2015, principally as a result of the decrease in profit from operations. At constant rates of exchange, adjusted profit from operations would have increased by £19 million, or 1.3%, to £1,399 million in 2015 compared to adjusted profit from operations of £1,380 million in 2014. Volume was 1.1% higher at 229 billion, with growth in a number of markets including Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan and Ukraine offsetting lower volume in Egypt, Russia, Nigeria and South Africa.

Results in EEMEA were impacted by the following developments:

 

    Russia—market share continued to grow, driven by increased performance from ROTHMANS. Industry volume decline was due to excise-led price increases, with the BAT Group’s volume falling at a lower rate than the market. Pricing partially offset the significant adverse effect of devaluation on raw materials and consumables used, leading to a decrease in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

 

    Ukraine—geopolitical instability continued to impact performance, with a significant deterioration in currency and intense price competition leading to a decline in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. Volume was up, driven by ROTHMANS, and market share grew.

 

    Turkey—higher volume and market share growth were driven by KENT and ROTHMANS. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange fell due to the continued part absorption of excise.

 

    Gulf Cooperation Council—higher volume, driven by JPGL and ROTHMANS, and the full-year effect of pricing taken in 2014 more than offset negative mix to deliver an increase in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange. Total market share declined.

 

    Egypt—volume, market share and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange declined, due to down-trading following the change in the excise regime in 2014.

 

    Nigeria—adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange was down, partly due to the effect of adverse exchange rates on raw materials and consumables used and a reduction in volume, which was driven by market contraction. Market share was up.

 

    South Africa—market share was down despite good growth from Benson & Hedges, following the launch in 2014, and PALL MALL. Lower volume and down-trading were offset by pricing and cost savings, with adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange flat on prior year.

 

    Iran—KENT continued to perform well with higher volume driving an increase in adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange despite a change in excise that was partly borne by the industry.

 

    Kazakhstan—ROTHMANS drove an increase in volume and market share. Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange improved as higher volume more than offset the effect of down-trading.

 

    Algeria—market share growth drove an increase in volume and adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of exchange.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The BAT Group’s cash inflows derive principally from operating activities. They are supplemented when required by cash flows from financing activities, typically to support acquisitions. The principal sources of

 

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liquidity for the BAT Group are cash flows generated from the operating business and proceeds from issuances of debt securities described below under “—Capital Resources.” Cash flows from operating activities are believed to be sufficient for the foreseeable future to fund the BAT Group’s activities.

The treasury function is responsible for raising finance for the BAT Group, managing cash resources and the financial risks arising from underlying operations. All these activities are carried out under defined policies, procedures and limits.

The BAT Group board of directors reviews and agrees the overall treasury policies and procedures, delegating appropriate oversight to the Finance Director and the treasury function. The treasury policies include a set of financing principles and key performance indicators. Clear parameters have been established, including levels of authority, on the type and use of financial instruments to manage the financial risks facing the BAT Group. Such instruments are only used if they relate to an underlying exposure; speculative transactions are expressly forbidden under the BAT Group’s treasury policy. The BAT Group’s treasury position is monitored by a Corporate Finance Committee chaired by the Finance Director. Treasury operations are subject to periodic independent reviews and audits, both internal and external.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, all contractual borrowing covenants were met and none are expected to inhibit the BAT Group’s operations or funding plans.

Cash Flow

 

     Year Ended December 31, (1)  
     2016      2015      2014  
     (£ millions)  

Cash generated from operations

     4,893        5,400        4,634  

Dividends received from associates

     962        593        515  

Tax paid

     (1,245      (1,273      (1,433

Net cash generated from operating activities

     4,610        4,720        3,716  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (640      (3,991      (470

Net cash used in financing activities

     (4,229      (219      (3,467

Net cash flows (used in)/from operating, investing and financing activities

     (259      510        (221

Differences on exchange

     180        (272      (63

Increase/(decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents in the year

     (79      238        (284

Opening net cash and cash equivalents (2)

     1,730        1,492        1,776  

Closing net cash and cash equivalents (2)

     1,651        1,730        1,492  

Other data:

        

Total borrowings

     19,495        17,001        12,258  

Free cash flow (3)

     3,389        3,481        2,507  

Net debt (4)

     16,767        14,794        10,165  

 

Notes:

(1) The financial data above has been extracted from the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The financial data for 2014 is unaudited. See further discussion at “ About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(2) In the BAT Group cash flow statement, net cash and cash equivalents are shown after deducting bank overdrafts and accrued interest where applicable. See note 18 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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(3) Free cash flow is a non-IFRS measure. See “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information about free cash flow, as well as a reconciliation to net cash generated from operating activities.
(4) Net debt is a non-IFRS measure. See “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for additional information about net debt, as well as a reconciliation to total borrowings.

Net Cash Generated from Operating Activities

Net cash generated from operating activities decreased by £110 million, or 2.3%, to £4,610 million in 2016, principally due to the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order receipts, referred to as FII GLO receipts, of £963 million in 2015 that did not recur in 2016, partially offset by the decrease in trade and other receivables of £87 million (2015: increase in trade and other receivables of £508 million). For details on the FII GLO receipts, see note 6(b) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Broadly in line with the movement in net cash generated from operating activities, free cash flow decreased in 2016 by £92 million, or 2.6%, to £3,389 million, as free cash flow was impacted by the FII GLO receipts in 2015 that did not recur in 2016. Net debt increased by £1,973 million in 2016, largely due to exchange rate effects, including movements in respect of debt-related derivatives, of £1,684 million.

Net cash generated from operating activities increased by £1,004 million, or 27.0%, to £4,720 million in 2015, driven principally by FII GLO receipts of £963 million in 2015. Free cash flow increased in 2015 by £974 million, or 38.9%, to £3,481 million, predominantly due to the FII GLO receipts of £963 million in 2015 and the settlements of non-tobacco litigation in 2014. Net debt increased by £4,629 million in 2015, principally due to the investment in RAI, the buy-out of non-controlling interests in Souza Cruz and the acquisition of TDR in Croatia.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased by £3,351 million, or 84.0%, to £640 million in 2016 compared to £3,991 million to 2015. This decrease was largely due to cash outflows of £3,508 million related to investments in associates and the acquisitions of subsidiaries in 2015. In 2015, net cash used in investing activities increased by £3,521 million, up from £470 million in 2014. The increase was largely attributable to cash outflows of £3,508 million related to investments in associates and the acquisitions of subsidiaries in 2015.

In 2016, cash outflows from investment in associates and acquisition of subsidiaries totaled £57 million, primarily due to the acquisition of Ten Motives Limited and 10 Motives Limited, a UK based e-cigarette business. Cash flows from investment in associates and acquisitions of subsidiaries of £3,508 million in 2015 resulted from £3,015 million invested into RAI to maintain the BAT Group’s percentage holding of approximately 42%, and from cash outflows of £493 million resulting from business combinations during the year. In October 2015, the BAT Group acquired TDR d.o.o., a cigarette manufacturer in Central Europe, for cash consideration of £404 million. In December 2015, BAT acquired CHIC, an e-cigarette business based in Poland, for £52 million and Blue Nile Cigarette Company Limited, a cigarette business based in the Republic of Sudan, for £37 million. In 2014, there was £nil million cash outflow related to investment in associates and acquisition of subsidiaries.

Purchases of and proceeds on disposals of investments include a net cash outflow in respect of current investments of £87 million in 2016. This compares to a net cash outflow of £54 million for 2015 and a net cash inflow of £3 million in 2014.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities increased by £4,010 million in 2016 to £4,229 million, up from £219 million in 2015. This increase was largely attributable to a decrease in proceeds from increases in and new borrowings of £3,455 million in 2016, as well as an increase in cash outflows from reductions in and repayments

 

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of borrowings of £1,812 million in 2016. In 2015, net cash used in financing activities decreased by £3,248 million, down from £3,467 million in 2014. This decrease was principally due to cash inflows from the proceeds from increases in and new borrowings, which totaled £6,931 million in 2015 compared to £1,967 million in 2014. Those cash inflows were partially offset by cash outflows related to the purchases of non-controlling interests of £1,677 million in 2015, and an increase in the reductions in and repayments of borrowings of £728 million from 2014 to 2015.

In 2016, the purchase of non-controlling interests led to cash outflows of £70 million, resulting from the acquisition of the remaining minority shares of Souza Cruz S.A. In 2015, the purchase of non-controlling interests of £1,677 million relates to the acquisition of a portion of the non-controlling interest in Souza Cruz S.A. (£1,660 million), part of the non-controlling interest in BAT Chile Operaciones S.A. (£1 million) and part of the non-controlling interests in BAT Central America S.A. (£16 million). In 2014, the purchase of non-controlling interest of £4 million relates to the capital injection to BAT Algérie S.P.A.

Cash outflows related to purchases of the BAT Group’s own shares totaled £64 million in 2016, compared to £46 million in 2015 and £849 million in 2014. In 2016 and 2015, the outflows resulted entirely from the purchase of shares to be held in employee share ownership trusts, whereas in 2014, the outflow of £800 million was attributable to BAT’s share-buyback program.

Dividends paid during 2016 of £3,057 million, compared to £3,005 million in 2015 and £2,961 million in 2014. Of the total dividends paid in 2016, £2,910 million was paid to the BAT Group’s shareholders in 2016, compared to £2,770 million in 2015 and £2,712 million in 2014, and £147 million was paid to non-controlling interests in 2016, compared to £235 million in 2015 and £249 million in 2014.

As of December 31, 2016, a total of £254 million of commercial paper was outstanding under the $3 billion commercial paper program and the £1 billion euro commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2015, a total of £505 million of commercial paper was outstanding (compared to a balance of £160 million as of December 31, 2014).

In March 2016, a one-year extension option was exercised for the £3 billion revolving credit facility, extending the final maturity to May 2021. The facility was undrawn as at December 31, 2016.

In March 2016, a $300 million bond was repaid at maturity. In July 2016, B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., a wholly owned subsidiary of the BAT Group, issued a £500 million 1.750% bond maturing in 2021, with two further bonds issued in September 2016 (a $650 million 1.625% bond maturing in 2019 and a £650 million 2.250% bond maturing in 2052). The BAT Group repaid on maturity a CHF 350 million bond in August 2016 and a £325 million bond in September 2016. On July 19, 2016, the BAT Group exercised the make-whole provision for its $700 million 9.500% bond originally issued in 2008 pursuant to rule 144A of the Securities Act. The bond was redeemed on August 18, 2016, prior to its original maturity date of November 15, 2018.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents were £2,204 million, £1,963 million and £1,818 million at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary undertaking or other currencies as shown below:

 

     Year Ended December 31, (1)  
     2016      2015      2014  
     (£ millions)  

Functional currency

     1,748        1,679        1,559  

US dollar

     195        167        115  

Euro

     159        50        47  

Other currency

     102        67        97  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,204        1,963        1,818  

 

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Notes:

(1) The financial data above has been extracted from the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The financial data for 2014 is unaudited. See further discussion at “ About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Capital Expenditure

Gross capital expenditures include purchases of property, plant and equipment and purchases of intangibles, net of proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment and proceeds on disposals of investments. The BAT Group’s gross capital expenditures for 2016, 2015 and 2014 were £652 million, £591 million and £689 million, respectively, representing investment in the BAT Group’s global operational infrastructure (including, but not limited to, the manufacturing network, trade marketing and IT systems) . The BAT Group expects gross capital expenditures in 2017 of approximately £620 million. These 2017 expenditures do not include any expected amounts related to RAI and are primarily related to investment in the BAT Group’s global operational infrastructure and are expected to be funded by operating cash flows and, where applicable, from the BAT Group’s existing credit facilities.

Research and Development

The BAT Group has spent £446 million on research and development over the past three years (£144 million in 2016, £148 million in 2015 and £154 million in 2014), with a focus on products that could potentially reduce the risk associated with smoking conventional cigarettes.

Hedging Instruments

As discussed in note 23 to the BAT Group’s audited consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, the BAT Group hedges its exposure to interest rate movements and currency movements. BAT’s cash flow hedges are principally in respect of sales or purchases of inventory and certain debt instruments. A certain number of forward foreign currency contracts were used to manage the currency profile of external borrowings. Interest rate swaps have been used to manage the interest rate profile of external borrowings, while cross currency swaps have been used to manage the currency profile of external borrowings.

Capital Resources

Policy

It is the BAT Group’s policy to maximize financial flexibility and minimize refinancing risk by issuing debt with a range of maturities, generally matching projected cash flows, and obtaining this financing from a wide range of providers. The BAT Group has a target average centrally managed debt maturity of at least five years with no more than 20% of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling 12 months. As of December 31, 2016, the average centrally managed debt maturity was 8.2 years and the highest proportion of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling 12 months was 18.1%. The BAT Group continues to maintain an investment-grade credit rating. On January 17, 2017, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded its rating of the BAT Group to Baa2 (stable outlook) and on January 23, 2017, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services downgraded its rating of the BAT Group to BBB+ (stable outlook).

The BAT Group defines capital as net debt and equity. As discussed in note 23 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, the only externally imposed capital requirement the BAT Group has is in respect of its centrally managed banking facilities, which

 

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require a gross interest cover of 4.5 times. BAT targets a gross interest cover, as calculated under its key central banking facilities, of greater than 5 times. For 2016 it is 12.2 times, compared to 11.6 times in 2015 and 12.0 times in 2014.

The BAT Group utilizes cash pooling and zero balancing bank account structures in addition to intercompany loans and borrowings to ensure that there is the maximum mobilization of cash within the BAT Group. The key objectives of treasury in respect of cash and cash equivalents, are to protect the principal value of the BAT Group’s cash and cash equivalents, to concentrate cash at the center to minimize the required long-term debt issuance and to optimize the yield earned. The amount of debt the BAT Group issues is determined by forecasting the net debt requirement after the mobilization of cash.

Subsidiary companies are funded by share capital and retained earnings, loans from the central finance companies on commercial terms, or through local borrowings by the subsidiaries in appropriate currencies. All contractual borrowing covenants have been met and none are expected to inhibit the BAT Group’s operations or funding plans.

Borrowings

The following table sets out the BAT Group’s long- and short-term borrowings as of the dates indicated:

 

                As of December 31, (1)  
   

Currency

 

Maturity

dates

 

Interest rates at

December 31,

2016

  2016     2015     2014  
                (£ millions)  

Eurobonds (4)

  Euro   2017 to 2045   0.4% to 5.4%     7,704       6,603       5,211  
  Euro   2018   3m EURIBOR +50bps     341       294       309  
  UK pound sterling   2019 to 2055   1.8% to 7.3%     4,241       3,413       3,083  
  U.S. dollar   2019   1.6%     527       203       192  
  Swiss franc (2)   2016       —         238       226  
  Swiss franc   2021 to 2026   0.7% to 1.4%     526       446       419  

U.S. dollar bonds (4)

  U.S. dollar   2017 to 2025   1.9% to 4.0%     4,472       4,208       1,726  
  U.S. dollar   2018   3m USD LIBOR +51bps     405       339       —    

Commercial Paper (3)(4)

          254       505       160  

Other loans

          110       236       223  

Bank loans

          336       258       374  

Bank Overdrafts

          553       232       325  

Finance leases

          26       26       10  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

          19,495       17,001       12,258  
       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1) The financial data above has been extracted from the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The financial data for 2014 is unaudited. See further discussion at “ About this Proxy Statement/Prospectus—Presentation of Financial Information ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(2) The Swiss franc bonds with a maturity date of 2016 referred to above had an interest rate of 3m CHF LIBOR+ 16 basis points prior to their repayment in 2016.
(3) The interest on the commercial paper referred to in the table above is based on U.S.$ LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 22 and 77 basis points (2015: between 25 and 43 basis points, 2014 (unaudited): 10 and 43 basis points).
(4) The issuer of these borrowings is B.A.T. International p.l.c. British American Tobacco p.l.c. is the ultimate guarantor.

 

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Litigation and Settlements

As discussed in note 28 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, various legal proceedings or claims are pending or may be instituted against the BAT Group. See note 28 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus and “ Business of BAT—Legal Proceedings .”

Governmental Activity

The marketing, sale, taxation and use of tobacco products have been subject to substantial regulation by government and health officials for many years. For information about risks related to regulation, see “ Business of BAT—Regulation ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Related Party Transactions

As discussed in note 27 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, the BAT Group has a number of transactions and relationships with related parties, all of which are undertaken in the normal course of business. See note 27 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Commitments

Except for operating leases, the BAT Group has no significant off-balance sheet arrangements. The BAT Group has contractual obligations to make future payments on debt agreements. In the normal course of business, the BAT Group enters into contractual arrangements where the BAT Group commits to future purchases of services from unaffiliated and related parties.

The BAT Group’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

     Payments Due by Period
(£ millions)
 
     Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      Thereafter  

Long-term notes and other borrowings, exclusive of interest (1)

     19,334        2,789        3,142        3,465        9,938  

Interest payments related to long-term notes (1)

     5,156        798        948        788        2,621  

Finance lease obligations

     26        10        16                

Operating lease obligations (2)

     240        64        74        52        50  

Purchase obligations (3)

     2,291        1,613        630        48         

Total cash obligations

     27,047        5,274        4,804        4,359        12,610  

 

Notes:
(1) For more information about the BAT Group’s long-term debt, see note 20 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(2) Operating lease obligations represent estimated lease payments primarily related to vehicles, office space, warehouse space and equipment. See note 28 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.
(3) Purchase obligations primarily include commitments to acquire tobacco leaf. Purchase orders for the purchase of other raw materials and other goods and services are not included in the table, as the BAT Group’s operating subsidiaries are not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as purchase orders typically represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements.

 

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The table above does not include any amounts that the BAT Group may pay to fund its retirement benefit plans as the timing and amount of any such future fundings are unknown and dependent on, among other things, the future performance of defined benefit pension plan assets, interest rate assumptions and other factors. The net retirement benefit scheme liabilities totaled £371 million as of December 31, 2016, which is net of pension assets of £455 million. The BAT Group expects to be required to contribute £173 million to its defined benefit plans during 2017. These expected contributions do not include any expected amounts related to RAI. See note 12 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] for further information.

Dividends and Dividend Policy

The BAT board of directors’ dividend policy is to ensure that the BAT shareholders benefit from the successful growth of the business, while continuing to provide sufficient funds to invest in future growth. The BAT Group’s dividend policy is to pay dividends of 65% of long-term sustainable earnings, calculated with reference to the adjusted diluted earnings per share. Currently, in relation to interim dividends, the BAT board of directors’ policy is that the interim dividend will be approximately one-third of the total dividends declared for the previous financial year. Beginning in 2018, BAT will pay four interim quarterly dividends with respect to BAT ordinary shares and BAT ADSs. BAT will announce the dividend amount as part of its preliminary results announcement for the year ending December 31, 2017 in February 2018 and the dividend amount will be paid in four equal installments in May 2018, August 2018, November 2018 and February 2019. As part of the transition to quarterly dividend payments, and to ensure BAT shareholders receive the equivalent amount of total cash payments in 2018 as they would have under the previous payment policy, an additional interim dividend will be announced in December 2017 for payment in February 2018 and will be calculated as 25% of the total cash dividend paid in 2017.

With the approved final dividend of 118.1 pence, the total dividends per share for 2016 are 169.4 pence, compared to a total dividend of 154.0 pence in 2015 and 148.1 pence for 2014. This leads to a total dividend growth of 10.0%, compared to 4.0% in 2015 and 6% in 2014, and a pay-out ratio of 68.4% for 2016, compared to 74% in 2015 and 65.7% in 2014.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The BAT Group presents the discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations based upon its consolidated financial information, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS.

In order to prepare the BAT Group’s consolidated financial information in accordance with the accounting policies set out therein, management has used estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The most significant items include:

 

    the review of asset values, especially goodwill and impairment testing. The key assumptions used in respect of goodwill and impairment testing are the determination of cash-generating units, the budgeted cash flows of these units, the long-term growth rate for cash flow projections and the rate used to discount the cash flow projections. These are described in note 9 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the estimation of and accounting for retirement benefit costs. The determination of the carrying value of assets and liabilities, as well as the charge for the year, and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income, involves judgments made in conjunction with independent actuaries. These involve estimates about uncertain future events based on the environment in different countries, including life expectancy of scheme members, salary and pension increases, inflation, as well as discount rates and asset values at the year end. The assumptions the BAT Group uses and its sensitivity analysis are described in note 12 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

   

the estimation of amounts to be recognized in respect of taxation and legal matters, and the estimation of other provisions for liabilities and charges are subject to uncertain future events, may extend over

 

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several years and so the amount and/or timing may differ from current assumptions. The accounting policy for taxation is explained in note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The recognized deferred tax assets and liabilities, together with a note of unrecognized amounts, are shown in note 13 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, and a contingent tax asset is explained in note 6(b) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Other provisions for liabilities and charges are as set out in note 21 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The accounting policy on contingent liabilities, which are not provided for, is set out in note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, and the BAT Group’s contingent liabilities are explained in note 28 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The application of these accounting policies to the payments made and credits recognized under the MSA by RAI is described in note 5(b) to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the identification and quantification of adjusting items as defined by the BAT Group’s accounting policy as explained within note 1 of the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus (see also “ Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data of BAT ”);

 

    the estimation of the fair values of acquired net assets arising in a business combination and the allocation of the purchase consideration between the underlying net assets acquired, including intangible assets other than goodwill, on the basis of their fair values. These estimates are prepared in conjunction with the advice of independent valuation experts, where appropriate. The relevant transactions are described in notes 24 and 11 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the determination as to whether control (subsidiaries), joint control (joint arrangements), or significant influence (associates) exists in relation to the investments held by the BAT Group. This is assessed after taking into account the BAT Group’s ability to appoint directors to the entity’s board, its relative shareholding compared with other shareholders, any significant contracts or arrangements with the entity or its other shareholders and other relevant facts and circumstances. The application of this judgment in respect of the BAT Group’s investment in RAI is explained in note 11 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus; and

 

    the review of applicable exchange rates for transactions with and translation of entities in territories where there are restrictions on the free access to foreign currency, or multiple exchange rates.

Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that the BAT Group believe to be reasonable in the circumstances and constitute the BAT Group’s best judgment as of the date of the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions, which could affect such financial statements as the original estimates and assumptions are modified, as appropriate, in the year in which the circumstances change.

The key estimates and assumptions are set out in the accounting policies which can be found at note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. Information relating to recently issued accounting guidance can be found at note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Information on the BAT Group’s financial risk management policies can be found in note 23 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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RAI PROPOSAL II: NON-BINDING, ADVISORY VOTE ON TRANSACTION-RELATED NAMED

EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

Golden Parachute Compensation

RAI is providing its shareholders with the opportunity to cast a vote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, to approve the transaction-related named executive officer compensation as disclosed in the table titled “ Golden Parachute Compensation—RAI ” and the accompanying footnotes under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, as required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, which was enacted as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.

Through this proposal, RAI is asking its shareholders to indicate their approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the various RAI change in control-related benefits, equity acceleration and other payments which RAI’s named executive officers will or may be eligible to receive in connection with the merger as indicated in the table referred to above. In general, the various plans and arrangements pursuant to which these compensation payments may be made have previously formed part of RAI’s overall compensation program for its named executive officers, which has been disclosed to RAI shareholders as required by the rules of the SEC in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and related sections of RAI’s annual proxy statements, RAI’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2016, which was filed on Form 10-K with the SEC on February 9, 2017 and the Form 10-K/A, which was filed by RAI with the SEC on March 20, 2017, or are required pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement.

You should review carefully the information regarding the transaction-related named executive officer compensation disclosed in this proxy statement/prospectus. The RAI board of directors unanimously recommends that RAI shareholders approve the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the shareholders of RAI approve, solely on an advisory, non-binding basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation which will or may be paid by RAI or BAT to RAI’s named executive officers in connection with the merger, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K in the table titled “ Golden Parachute Compensation—RAI ” and the accompanying footnotes under “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Interests of Certain RAI Directors and Executive Officers ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.”

The vote on the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is a vote separate and apart from the vote on the approval of the merger agreement. Accordingly, you may vote to approve the merger agreement and vote not to approve the transaction-related named executive officer compensation and vice versa. Because the vote on the transaction-related named executive officer compensation is advisory only, it will not be binding on either BAT or RAI. Accordingly, if the merger agreement is approved and the merger is completed, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation will or may be paid by RAI or BAT, subject only to the conditions applicable thereto, regardless of the outcome of the non-binding, advisory vote of RAI shareholders.

The affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the shares of RAI common stock represented at the special meeting and entitled to vote thereon is required to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the transaction-related named executive officer compensation.

The RAI board of directors unanimously recommends that RAI shareholders vote “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the transaction-related named executive officer compensation.

 

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RAI PROPOSAL III: ADJOURNMENT OF SPECIAL MEETING

RAI shareholders are being asked to approve a proposal that will give the RAI board of directors authority to adjourn the special meeting one or more times, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement at the time of the special meeting.

Whether or not a quorum is present, the affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting with respect to the proposal is required to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement. If the adjournment proposal is approved, the special meeting could be adjourned by the RAI board of directors. In addition, the RAI board of directors, as permitted under the terms of the merger agreement, could postpone the special meeting before it commences, whether for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies or for other reasons.

If the special meeting is adjourned or postponed, RAI shareholders who have already submitted their proxies will be able to revoke them at any time prior to their use. If you sign and return a proxy and do not indicate how you wish to vote on any proposal, or if you indicate that you wish to vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement but do not indicate a choice on the adjournment proposal, your shares of RAI common stock will be voted in favor of the adjournment proposal. RAI does not intend to call a vote on this proposal if the proposal to approve the merger agreement has been approved at the special meeting.

The RAI board of directors unanimously recommends that RAI shareholders vote “FOR” the approval of the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.

 

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BAT UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following BAT unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information gives effect to the merger of BAT and RAI whereby RAI shareholders, other than the BAT Group and excluded holders, will receive a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash, without interest, for each of their shares of RAI common stock.

The Pro Forma Financial Information is based on the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements, and has been prepared to reflect the merger, including the financing structure established to fund the merger.

The Pro Forma Financial Information should be read in conjunction with:

 

    the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements as well as the related “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of BAT ,” beginning on pages FIN-[●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus;

 

    the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements, as well as Part II, Item 7 “ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ” of RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, attached as Annex G to and incorporated by reference in, respectively, this proxy statement/prospectus; and

 

    the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus.

The BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS. The RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Pro Forma Financial Information includes adjustments to convert the financial information of RAI from U.S. GAAP to IFRS as well as reclassifications to conform RAI’s historical accounting presentation to BAT’s accounting presentation.

The merger will be accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations, which requires that one company is designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes. BAT will be treated as the accounting acquirer, and accordingly, the RAI assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be adjusted based on preliminary estimates of fair value. The actual fair values will be determined after the completion of the merger and may vary materially from these preliminary estimates.

The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon the best available information and certain assumptions that BAT believes to be reasonable. There can be no assurance that the final allocation of the purchase price and the fair values will not materially differ from the preliminary amounts reflected in the Pro Forma Financial Information. Adjustments included in the Pro Forma Financial Information are based on items that are factually supportable and directly attributable to the merger, and for the purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement (referred to in this section of this proxy statement/prospectus as the Pro Forma Income Statement), are expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results. The Pro Forma Financial Information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position or results of operations that would have been realized had the merger occurred as of the dates indicated, nor is it meant to be indicative of any anticipated combined financial position or future results of operations that the combined company will experience after the completion of the merger. The Pro Forma Financial Information is based on the BAT Group’s accounting policies. Further review may identify additional differences between the accounting policies of the BAT Group and the RAI Group that, when conformed, could have a material impact on the financial statements of the combined company. The Pro Forma Financial Information does not reflect any adjustment for liabilities or related costs of any integration and similar activities, or benefits, including potential synergies that may be derived in future periods, from the merger.

 

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BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT

GIVING EFFECT TO THE MERGER FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

 

(in millions)    Historical
BAT

(IFRS)
    RAI
(IFRS) (2)
    Pro forma
adjustments
         Total pro
forma
combined
 
         Financing     Merger         

Revenue

   £     14,751     £     9,233     £     —       £ (182   4 (c)    £     23,802  

Raw materials and consumables used

     (3,777     (3,407     —         182     4 (c)      (7,002

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

     44       (11     —         —            33  

Employee benefit costs

     (2,274     (694     —         (19   4 (b)(iii)      (2,987

Depreciation, amortization and impairment costs

     (607     (91     —         (58   4 (b)(vi)      (756

Other operating income

     176       3,587 (6)       —         (9   4 (c)      3,754  

Other operating expenses

     (3,658     (916     —         88     4 (a) ,   4 (c)      (4,486
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Profit from operations

     4,655       7,701 (6)       —         2          12,358  

Net finance (costs)/income

     (637     (648     (344     46     3 (b) ,   4 (b)(iv)      (1,583

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     2,227       —         —         (1,880   4 (b)(x)      347  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

     6,245       7,053       (344     (1,832        11,122  

Taxation on ordinary activities

     (1,406     (2,631     97       10          (3,930
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Profit for the year

     4,839       4,422       (247     (1,822        7,192  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Attributable to:

             

Owners of the parent

     4,648       4,422       (247     (1,822        7,001  

Non-controlling interests

     191       —         —         —            191  

Earnings per share

             

Basic (pence)

     250.2                305.4 (5)  

Diluted (pence)

     249.2                304.0 (5)  

Weighted average shares outstanding, in millions of shares

             

Basic

     1,858           434          2,292 (5)  

Diluted

     1,865           438          2,303 (5)  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

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BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

GIVING EFFECT TO THE MERGER AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016

 

(in millions)   Historical
BAT
(IFRS)
    RAI
(IFRS) (2)
    Pro forma adjustments         Total pro
forma
combined
 
        Financing     Merger        

Assets

           

Non-current assets

           

Intangible assets

  £     12,117     £ 36,782     £ —       £     75,530     4 (b)(vi) , 4 (b)(ix)   £     124,429  

Property, plant and equipment

    3,661       1,069       —         —           4,730  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

    9,507       —         —         (8,051   4 (b)(x)     1,456  

Retirement benefit assets

    455       —         —         —           455  

Deferred tax assets

    436       —         —         —           436  

Trade and other receivables

    599       59       —         —           658  

Available-for-sale investments

    43       —         —         —           43  

Derivative financial instruments

    596       —         —         —           596  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

    27,414       37,910       —         67,479         132,803  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Current assets

           

Inventories

    5,793       1,423       —         476     4 (b)(v)     7,692  

Income tax receivable

    69       —         —         —           69  

Trade and other receivables

    3,884       439       —         (98   4 (c)     4,225  

Available-for-sale investments

    15       —         —         —           15  

Derivative financial instruments

    375       —         —         —           375  

Cash and cash equivalents

    2,204       1,659       20,169       (19,591   4 (a) ,   4 (b)     4,441  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 
    12,340       3,521       20,169       (19,213       16,817  

Assets classified as held-for-sale

    19       —         —         —           19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current assets

    12,359       3,521       20,169       (19,213       16,836  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    39,773       41,431       20,169       48,266         149,639  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Equity

           

Capital and reserves

           

Share capital

    507       —         —         109     4 (d)     616  

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

    3,931       14,794       —         8,203     4 (d)     26,928  

Other reserves

    413       (183     —         183     4 (d)     413  

Retained earnings

    3,331       3,023       —         19,845     4 (d)     26,199  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

    8,182       17,634       —         28,340         54,156  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

    224       —         —         —           224  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total equity

    8,406       17,634       —         28,340         54,380  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities

           

Non-current liabilities

           

Borrowings

    16,488       10,246       8,056       952     3 (a) , 4 (b)(iv)     35,742  

Retirement benefit liabilities

    826       1,512       —         —           2,338  

Deferred tax liabilities

    652       7,817       —         19,134     4 (b)(vii)     27,603  

Other provisions for liabilities and charges

    386       11       —         (31   4 (c)     366  

Trade and other payables

    1,040       66       —         —           1,106  

Derivative financial instruments

    119       —         —         —           119  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

    19,511       19,652       8,056       20,055         67,274  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Current liabilities

           

Borrowings

    3,007       405       12,113       2     3 (a) ,   4 (b)(iv)     15,527  

Income tax payable

    558       —         —         —           558  

Other provisions for liabilities and charges

    407       2,133       —         (33   4 (c)     2,507  

Trade and other payables

    7,335       1,607       —         (98   4 (c)     8,844  

Derivative financial instruments

    549       —         —         —           549  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    11,856       4,145       12,113       (129       27,985  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

    39,773       41,431       20,169       48,266         149,639  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information.

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 1. Basis of presentation

The Pro Forma Financial Information set forth herein is based upon the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and has been prepared to illustrate the effects of the merger, including the financing structure established to fund the merger, as if it had occurred on January 1, 2016 in respect of the Pro Forma Income Statement, and as if it had occurred on December 31, 2016 in respect of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet (referred to in this section of this proxy statement/prospectus as the Pro Forma Balance Sheet). The Pro Forma Financial Information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the combined company’s financial position or results of operations that would have been realized had the merger occurred as of the dates indicated, nor is it meant to be indicative of any anticipated combined financial position or future results of operations that the combined company will experience after the completion of the merger.

The merger will be accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with IFRS under IFRS 3, which requires that one of the two companies in the merger be designated as the acquirer for accounting purposes based on the evidence available. BAT will be treated as the accounting acquirer, and accordingly, the RAI assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been adjusted based on preliminary estimates of fair value. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recognized as goodwill. The detailed valuation studies necessary to arrive at required estimates of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from RAI in the merger have not been completed. Significant assets and liabilities that are subject to preparation and completion of valuation studies to determine appropriate fair value adjustments include property, plant and equipment, identifiable intangible assets and debt obligations. Changes to the fair values of these assets and liabilities will also result in changes to goodwill and deferred income taxes. The actual fair values will be determined upon the completion of the merger and may vary materially from these preliminary estimates.

Pro forma adjustments reflected in the Pro Forma Balance Sheet are based on items that are factually supportable and directly attributable to the merger. Pro forma adjustments reflected in the Pro Forma Income Statement are based on items that are factually supportable, which are directly attributable to the merger and which are expected to have a continuing impact on BAT’s results of operations. Any nonrecurring items directly attributable to the merger are included in the Pro Forma Balance Sheet, but not in the Pro Forma Income Statement. In contrast, any adjusting items that were already included in the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements or the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and not directly related to the merger have not been eliminated—see Note 6. The Pro Forma Financial Information does not reflect the cost of any integration activities or benefits from the merger, including potential synergies that may be generated in future periods.

The BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS. The RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Pro Forma Financial Information includes adjustments to convert the financial information of RAI from U.S. GAAP to IFRS as well as reclassifications to conform RAI’s historical accounting presentation to BAT’s accounting presentation.

The Pro Forma Financial Information is based on the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements and the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements, which are included in and attached to, respectively, this proxy statement/prospectus.

The estimated income tax impacts of the pre-tax adjustments that are reflected in the Pro Forma Financial Information are calculated using an estimated blended statutory rate, which is based on preliminary assumptions related to the jurisdictions in which the income (expense) adjustments will be recorded. The estimated blended statutory rate and the effective tax rate of the combined group could be significantly different depending on the post-transaction activities and geographical mix of profit before taxes.

 

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RAI’s presentation currency is U.S. dollars, while BAT’s presentation currency is the pound sterling. BAT has used exchange rates of £0.73801/$1 and £0.80906/$1, being the mid-market weighted average rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the spot rate at December 31, 2016, respectively, to translate the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and all associated financing and merger adjustments. These exchange rates may differ from future exchange rates, which would have an impact on the Pro Forma Financial Information, and would also impact purchase accounting upon the completion of the merger. As an example, using the closing exchange rate at March 31, 2017 of £0.79971/$1 would increase the translated amounts of RAI’s net earnings attributable to BAT and reduce RAI’s total assets presented in Note 2 by £370 million and £476 million, respectively.

Note 2. Adjustments to the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements

The financial statements below illustrate the impact of adjustments made to the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements in order to present them on a basis consistent with BAT’s accounting policies under IFRS. These adjustments reflect BAT’s best estimates based upon the information currently available to BAT, and could be subject to change once more detailed information is obtained.

 

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Note 2. Adjustments to the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (continued)

Unaudited Adjusted RAI Income Statement

For the Year ended December 31, 2016

 

(in millions)    Historical
RAI,
USD

(U.S.
GAAP)
    Reclassifications and U.S. GAAP to IFRS adjustments           RAI,
GBP

(IFRS)
 
     Reclassifications
(2a)
    LIFO
inventories
(2b)
    Pensions
(2c, 2d)
    Revenue
recognition
(2e)
    RAI,
USD

(IFRS)
   

Net sales (1)

   $     12,277     $ (12,277   $   —     $     $   —     $     £  

Net sales, related party

     226       (226                              

Revenue

           12,503                   8       12,511       9,233  

Raw materials and consumables used

           (4,594     (15           (8     (4,617     (3,407

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

           (15                       (15     (11

Cost of products sold (1)

     (4,841     4,841                                

Employee benefit costs

           (821           (119           (940     (694

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (1,931     1,931                                

Gain on divestiture

     4,861       (4,861                              

Depreciation, amortization and impairment costs

           (123                       (123     (91

Amortization expense

     (23     23                                

Other operating income

                4,861                         4,861       3,587  

Other operating expenses

           (1,242                       (1,242     (916
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit from operations

     10,569             (15     (119           10,435       7,701  

Interest and debt expense

     (626     626                                

Interest income

     8       (8                              

Other income/expenses, net

     (260     260                                

Net finance (costs)/income

           (878                       (878     (648

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

                                          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

     9,691             (15     (119           9,557       7,053  

Provision for income taxes

     (3,618     3,618                    

Taxation on ordinary activities

           (3,618     6       47             (3,565     (2,631
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year

     6,073             (9     (72           5,992       4,422  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

              

Owners of the parent

     6,073             (9     (72           5,992       4,422  

Non-controlling interests

                                          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Excludes duty, excise and other taxes of $4,343 million (£3,205 million).

 

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Note 2. Adjustments to the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (continued)

Unaudited Adjusted RAI Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016

 

(in millions)   Historical
RAI,
USD

(U.S. GAAP)
    Reclassifications and U.S. GAAP to IFRS adjustments     RAI,
USD

(IFRS)
    RAI,
GBP

(IFRS)
 
    Reclassifications
(2a)
    LIFO
inventories
(2b)
    Pensions
(2c, 2d)
    Revenue
recognition
(2e)
     

Assets

             

Non-current assets

             

Goodwill

  $     15,992     $     (15,992   $     —     $     —     $     —     $     £  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

    29,444       (29,444                              

Intangible assets

          45,463                         45,463       36,782  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    1,348       (1,348                              

Property, plant and equipment

          1,321                         1,321       1,069  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

                                         

Retirement benefit assets

                                         

Deferred tax assets

                                         

Other assets and deferred charges

    73       (73                              

Trade and other receivables

          73                         73       59  

Available-for-sale investments

                                         

Derivative financial instruments

                                         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

    46,857                               46,857       37,910  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

             

Inventories

    1,645             139             (25     1,759       1,423  

Income tax receivable

                                         

Accounts receivable

    66       (66                              

Accounts receivable, related party

    113       (113                              

Other receivables

    10       (10                              

Other current assets

    353       (353                              

Trade and other receivables

          542                         542       439  

Available-for-sale investments

                                         

Derivative financial instruments

                                         

Deferred income taxes, net

                                         

Cash and cash equivalents

    2,051                               2,051       1,659  

Assets classified as held-for-sale

                                         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

    4,238             139             (25     4,352       3,521  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    51,095             139             (25     51,209       41,431  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Note 2. Adjustments to the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (continued)

Unaudited Adjusted RAI Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016

 

(in millions)   Historical
RAI,
USD

(U.S.
GAAP)
    Reclassifications and U.S. GAAP to IFRS adjustments     RAI,
USD

(IFRS)
    RAI,
GBP

(IFRS)
 
    Reclassifications
(2a)
    LIFO
inventories
(2b)
    Pensions
(2c, 2d)
    Revenue
recognition
(2e)
     

Equity

             

Capital and reserves

             

Share capital

  $     $     $     —     $     —     $     —     $     £  

Paid-in capital

    18,285       (18,285                              

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

          18,285                         18,285       14,794  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (314     314                                

Other reserves

          (314           88             (226     (183

Retained earnings

    3,740             85       (88           3,737       3,023  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

    21,711             85                   21,796       17,634  

Non-controlling interests

                                         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

    21,711             85                   21,796       17,634  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

             

Non-current liabilities

             

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

    12,664       (12,664                              

Borrowings

          12,664                         12,664       10,246  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

    1,869       (1,869                              

Retirement benefit liabilities

          1,869                         1,869       1,512  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

    9,607       (9,607                              

Deferred tax liabilities

          9,607       54                   9,661       7,817  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

    39       (39                              

Other noncurrent liabilities

    220       (220                              

Other provisions for liabilities and charges

          39                   (25     14       11  

Trade and other payables

          82                         82       66  

Derivative financial instruments

                                         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

    24,399       (138     54             (25     24,290       19,652  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

             

Current maturities of long-term debt

    501       (501                              

Borrowings

          501                         501       405  

Income tax payable

                                         

Tobacco settlement accruals

    2,498       (2,498                              

Other current liabilities

    1,036       (1,036                              

Other provisions for liabilities and charges

          2,636                         2,636       2,133  

Accounts payable

    221       (221                              

Due to related party

    7       (7                              

Deferred revenue, related party

    66       (66                              

Dividends payable on common stock

    656       (656                              

Trade and other payables

          1,986                         1,986       1,607  

Derivative financial instruments

                                         
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    4,985       138                         5,123       4,145  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

    51,095             139             (25     51,209       41,431  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Note 2. Adjustments to the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (continued)

 

(a) The classification of certain items presented by RAI under U.S. GAAP has been modified in order to align with the presentation used by BAT under IFRS.

Modification to RAI’s historical income statement presentation include:

 

    Presentation of net sales and net sales, related party together within revenue;

 

    Separate presentation of components of cost of sales into raw materials and consumables used, changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress, employee benefit costs and depreciation, amortization and impairment costs;

 

    Separate presentation of components of selling, general and administrative expenses into employee benefit costs, depreciation, amortization and impairment costs and other operating expenses;

 

    Presentation of gain on divestiture in other operating income;

 

    Presentation of amortization expense and asset impairment charges within depreciation, amortization and impairment costs; and

 

    Presentation of interest and debt expense, interest income and other income/expenses (net) within net finance (costs)/income.

Modification to RAI’s historical balance sheet presentation include:

 

    Presentation of goodwill within intangible assets;

 

    Presentation of trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, within intangible assets;

 

    Presentation of other assets and deferred charges, other receivables, accounts receivable, accounts receivable (related party) and other current assets together within trade and other receivables (current and non-current as applicable);

 

    Presentation of tobacco settlement accruals, other current liabilities and liabilities for uncertain tax benefits together within other provisions for liabilities and charges (current);

 

    Presentation of liabilities for uncertain tax benefits from other noncurrent liabilities to other provisions for liabilities and charges (current); and

 

    Presentation of accounts payable, due to related party, deferred revenue related party and dividends payable on common stock together within other provisions for liabilities and charges (non-current).

 

(b) Under U.S. GAAP, RAI has historically accounted for the cost of tobacco inventories principally under the last-in, first-out, or LIFO method. The LIFO method of accounting for inventory is not allowable under IFRS, and BAT accounts for these inventories based on the weighted average cost method. Consequently, RAI’s LIFO reserve of $139 million, the related impact to deferred tax liabilities of $54 million and the related benefit to raw materials and consumables used of $15 million have been reversed with a related impact to provision for income taxes of $6 million. The net impact to retained earnings is $85 million.

 

(c) Under U.S. GAAP, the expected return on pension plan assets is used to calculate the return component of net periodic benefit costs, with the difference between the actual and expected rate of return recognized as a component of actuarial gains and losses within accumulated other comprehensive income with subsequent recognition in the income statement to the extent the net gains or losses are in excess of the corridor. Under IFRS as applied by BAT, net interest cost on defined benefit plans, a component of defined benefit costs, is calculated by applying the discount rate assumption to the net defined benefit liability. The difference between actual return on plan assets and the component of net interest derived from plan assets is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of remeasurement gains and losses. IFRS does not permit recognition of remeasurement gains and losses in profit in current or future periods.

 

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As a result, employee benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 reflects an increase of $80 million. This comprises a combination of a debit to net periodic benefit cost of $125 million and the reversal of RAI’s “mark to market” adjustment to record actuarial gains in excess of corridor amounting to $45 million in 2016. The related impact to taxation on ordinary activities is $32 million.

 

(d) Under U.S. GAAP, prior service costs are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date of the adoption of the plan amendment and then amortized into income as employee benefit costs. Under IFRS, prior service costs cannot be spread over a future service period but rather are recognized immediately. Accordingly, employee benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 reflect an increase of $39 million to reverse prior service cost gains, which were amortized to income in the period as employee benefit costs. The related impact to taxation on ordinary activities is $15 million. Additionally, accumulated prior service cost gains of $88 million (net of tax) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income relating to periods prior to and including 2016 have been reclassified to retained earnings.

 

(e) RAI has deferred certain related party sales transactions for which the U.S. GAAP revenue recognition criteria have not been met. This is primarily because shipment of the related inventory has not occurred. Under IFRS as applied by BAT, these transactions are determined to meet the revenue recognition criteria requiring the transfer of risks and rewards to the customer prior to period end and have been recognized accordingly.

Note 3. Pro forma adjustments related to financing

 

  (a) Sources of funding

A $25.0 billion acquisition facility has been entered into by members of the BAT Group with a syndicate of banks to provide financing certainty for the merger. The acquisition facility consists of four credit facilities:

 

  (1) a $15.0 billion bridge facility, referred to as Facility A, which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 12 months after the earlier of (a) the date that the merger completes, referred to as the Closing Date, and (b) the business day falling six months after January 16, 2017, the earlier of (a) and (b) being referred to as the Start Date;

 

  (2) a $5.0 billion bridge facility, referred to as Facility B, which, subject to two six-month extension options exercisable at BAT’s option, matures on the date falling 24 months after the Start Date;

 

  (3) a $2.5 billion term loan, referred to as Facility C, which matures on the date falling 36 months after the Start Date; and

 

  (4) a $2.5 billion term loan, referred to as Facility D, which matures on the date falling 60 months after January 16, 2017.

The acquisition facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR (or in the case of euro-denominated borrowings, EURIBOR) plus the applicable margin, which, based on BAT’s current ratings as assessed by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service, are as follows: (1) Facility A: between 0.3625% and 1.5625% per annum based on the applicable borrowing period; (2) Facility B: between 0.4125% and 2.2125% per annum based on the applicable borrowing period; (3) Facility C: 0.70% per annum; and (4) Facility D: 0.80% per annum. These rates are subject to adjustments in accordance with the terms of the acquisition facility based on the applicable credit rating assigned to the BAT Group. If the LIBOR or EURIBOR rate is below zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero. A copy of this acquisition facility agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of Form F-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part.

BAT separately entered into a £5.68 billion revolving credit facility which has two revolving facilities to be used for the general corporate purposes of the BAT Group: (1) a £2.84 billion 364-day facility, which is a new facility, referred to as Revolving Facility A; and (2) a £2.84 billion facility maturing on May 29, 2021, which

 

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effectively replaces BAT’s existing £3 billion revolving credit facility entered into on May 29, 2014. A copy of this revolving credit facility agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement on Form F-4 of which this proxy statement/prospectus forms a part.

BAT has assumed this new revolving credit facility will not be drawn on with respect to the merger and accordingly this facility has been excluded from the debt financing adjustments below.

The financing adjustments to cash and debt reflected in the Pro Forma Balance Sheet are as follows:

 

( in £ millions )    Financing
adjustments
 

Proceeds from Facility A

     12,136  

Proceeds from Facility B

     4,045  

Proceeds from Facility C

     2,023  

Proceeds from Facility D

     2,023  
  

 

 

 

Total sources of funding

     20,227  

Debt issuance costs

     (58 ) (1)  
  

 

 

 

Total sources of funding, net

     20,169  
  

 

 

 

Presented as:

  

Current portion of debt adjustment

     12,113  

Non-current portion of debt adjustment

     8,056  

 

(1) In relation to Facility A, Facility B, Facility C and Facility D, debt issuance costs are assumed to be £30 million, £12 million, £7 million and £9 million, respectively.

 

  (b) Financing charges

Interest expense in the Pro Forma Income Statement has been adjusted as follows based on the expected sources of funding described above:

 

(in £ millions )    Average
principal
     Interest
rate
    Interest
expense
 

Facility A

     12,136        1.62     180  

Facility B

     4,045        1.67     62  

Facility C

     2,023        1.85     34  

Facility D

     2,023        1.95     36  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     20,227          312  

Debt issuance cost amortization:

       

Facility A

          21  

Facility B

          4  

Facility C

          1  

Facility D

          1  
       

 

 

 

Total interest expense adjustment

          339  
       

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2017, the BAT Group’s credit rating was BBB+ and Baa2 with Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s Investors Service, respectively. For purposes of the interest expense calculation, BAT has assumed an interest rate based on the opening margin within the applicable margin matrix for each facility for an average credit rating of BBB+/Baa2 with increases at each period specified in the acquisition facility agreement. BAT has also considered the variability of the applicable margin based on the BAT Group’s credit rating in accordance with each applicable margin matrix, which each include a maximum rating of “A-/A3” to a minimum rating of “BBB-/Baa3 or below.” A change in the credit rating to BBB-/Baa3 or lower (or no rating) from BBB+/

 

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Baa2 would increase the interest expense for the Pro Forma Income Statement by approximately £33 million. A change in the credit rating of the BAT Group to A-/A3 from BBB+/Baa2 would decrease the interest expense for the Pro Forma Income Statement by approximately £11 million.

For the purposes of calculating the above interest expense, a three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rate of 1.15% as of March 31, 2017 has been assumed, which may differ from the rates in place when actually utilizing the facilities. A hypothetical change in interest rates of 0.125% would increase or decrease total interest expense for the Pro Forma Income Statement by approximately £23 million.

In addition to incremental interest charges, BAT has also recorded a pro forma adjustment for debt issuance cost amortization for each facility, which will be deferred and amortized over the duration of the borrowings in accordance with IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement.

For the purposes of the Pro Forma Financial Information, BAT has assumed that the new borrowings under the facilities will remain unchanged during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

BAT may continue to seek alternatives to refinance the facilities in order to achieve its long term capital structure target. For the purposes of this Pro Forma Financial Information, BAT has assumed that no such financings, refinancings or repayments have occurred.

In addition, BAT has assumed £5 million in facility fees will be incurred with respect to Revolving Facility A.

The tax benefit on the total financing charges was £97 million.

 

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Note 4. Pro forma adjustments related to the merger

 

(a) Transaction and related costs

It has been estimated that total transaction and related costs of £214 million (£169 million after tax) will be incurred collectively by BAT and RAI in connection with the merger, which include advisory, legal, audit, valuation and other professional fees. BAT and RAI incurred £11 million and £4 million of transaction and related costs, respectively (£9 million and £3 million after tax, respectively) in the year ended December 31, 2016. As a result, an adjustment has been made to remove the expenses from the Pro Forma Income Statement.

Total transaction costs estimated to be incurred by BAT in conjunction with the merger are £128 million (£103 million net of tax). An adjustment of £94 million has been presented in the Pro Forma Balance Sheet as a reduction to cash and a corresponding reduction to retained earnings to represent the estimated total after tax transaction and related costs, net of those that have already been incurred by BAT. Total transaction costs estimated by RAI in conjunction with the merger are £86 million (£66 million net of tax). An adjustment of £63 million has been presented in the Pro Forma Balance Sheet as a reduction to cash and a corresponding increase to goodwill as these transaction costs will reduce RAI’s retained earnings prior to the consummation of the merger.

 

(b) Preliminary purchase consideration and allocation

The merger will be accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with IFRS. Under this method, the RAI assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been recorded based on preliminary estimates of fair value. In accordance with IFRS, BAT measures fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The final fair values will be determined upon the completion of the merger and may vary materially from these estimates.

Preliminary Purchase Price

The estimated purchase consideration is calculated as follows:

 

(in £ millions, except per share data and share price)       

RAI shares outstanding as of March 31, 2017, other than those held by BAT

     825,471,093  

Exchange ratio

     0.5260  
  

 

 

 

Total BAT ordinary shares to be issued to RAI shareholders, other than BAT

     434,197,795  

BAT ADS closing price as of March 31, 2017

   £ 53.08  
  

 

 

 

Total equity consideration

     23,047 (i)  

Cash consideration

     19,434 (ii)  

Additional consideration for stock compensation

     59 (iii)  
  

 

 

 

Total purchase consideration

     42,540  
  

 

 

 

Add: Fair market value of total debt assumed

     11,605 (iv)  

Less: Total cash acquired

     (1,659
  

 

 

 

Purchase consideration, including debt assumed and net of cash acquired

     52,486  
  

 

 

 

Fair value of 42.2% BAT equity interest already held

     30,949 (x)  
  

 

 

 

Total purchase consideration and fair value of BAT equity interest already held

     73,489  
  

 

 

 

 

(i)

The total equity consideration for each share of RAI common stock was estimated using the closing price of BAT ADSs on the NYSE MKT as of March 31, 2017 after giving effect to the BAT ADS ratio change converted to pounds sterling using the mid-market exchange rate at March 31, 2017 of £0.79971/$1,

 

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  and the number of shares outstanding not held by the BAT Group as of March 31, 2017 which was the last practicable date prior to the issuance of this Pro Forma Financial Information. The actual purchase consideration will be determined upon the completion of the merger. A hypothetical 5% change in the price of BAT ADSs, all other factors remaining constant, would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in the total purchase consideration of £1.2 billion.

No fractional BAT ADSs will be issued in the merger, and RAI shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional BAT ADSs. The amount of cash required to be disbursed for the fractional BAT ADSs from the sale of such BAT ADSs is not expected to be material, cannot be determined until the closing of the merger and is not included in the Pro Forma Financial Information. See “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Exchange of Shares in the Merger .”

 

(ii) The total cash consideration was estimated using the shares of RAI common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2017, other than those held by the BAT Group, and the $29.44 due to RAI shareholders for each share of RAI common stock other than those held by the BAT Group, converted to pounds sterling using the mid-market exchange rate at March 31, 2017 of £0.79971/$1. A hypothetical 5% change in the exchange rate, all other factors remaining constant, would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in the total purchase consideration of £777 million.

 

(iii) Upon completion of the merger, each cash-out RSU will be canceled and converted into the right to receive merger consideration and cash for any accrued dividend equivalent right in respect of such cash-out RSU, in each case less any required withholding taxes.

Rollover RSUs will be converted into a restricted stock unit of BAT with respect to a target number of BAT ADS equal to the product of (1) the target number of shares of RAI common stock subject to the rollover RSUs immediately prior to the completion of the merger and (2) the RSU exchange ratio subject to adjustment as provided in the merger agreement to prevent dilution. The portion of the award that has been included as part of the consideration has been determined by multiplying the fair value of the award as of March 31, 2017 by the portion of the requisite service period that elapsed prior to the merger divided by the total service period.

The estimated portion of the award attributable to post-combination services resulted in additional compensation expense of £19 million in employee benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2016. This adjustment has been tax affected using a statutory tax rate of 39.5% resulting in a net adjustment of £11 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

RAI also has an equity incentive award plan for directors of RAI which provides grants of RAI DSUs. These units are settled in either cash or shares of RAI common stock on the later of January 2 of a specified year or January 2 following a director’s last year of service on the board. As these units can be cash settled they are accrued and recorded in other current and other non-current liabilities on the historical RAI balance sheet. Upon completion of the merger, these RAI DSUs will be converted to the right to receive merger consideration, or another form of payment as may be required by the applicable benefit plan that is equal in value to the merger consideration, less any required withholding taxes, for each share of RAI common stock subject to such RAI DSU. Accordingly, no adjustment has been recorded in the Pro Forma Financial Information.

 

(iv) The estimated fair value of RAI’s debt is estimated to be £11.6 billion, or a net increase of £954 million compared to the carrying value of £10.7 billion. An adjustment of £2 million and £952 million to the current and non-current portion of long-term debt, respectively, is recorded to adjust the carrying value to reflect the fair value of debt assumed, with a net increase in deferred tax asset of £377 million. As a result of the step-up in fair value of existing RAI debt, annual interest expense is reduced by £40 million, with an associated £16 million increase in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2016. Interest expense is further reduced to reflect the elimination of amortization related to RAI’s previously deferred debt issuance costs of £6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 (£4 million net of tax). For the purpose of the Pro Forma Financial Information, BAT has assumed there are no amounts outstanding as of the completion of the merger under RAI’s revolving credit facility.

 

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Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price

The preliminary allocation of purchase consideration to estimated fair value of acquired assets and liabilities is as follows:

 

(in £ millions)       

Estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

  

Inventory

     1,899 (v)  

Identifiable intangible assets

     71,393 (vi)  

Borrowings

     (11,605 ) (iv)  

Deferred taxes, net

     (26,951 ) (vii)  

Other net liabilities assumed

     (2,103 ) (viii)  

Goodwill

     40,856 (ix)  
  

 

 

 

Total allocation

     73,489  
  

 

 

 

 

(v) BAT’s pro forma fair value adjustment to inventory of £476 million is based on RAI’s inventory as of December 31, 2016 with a carrying value of £1.4 billion. As BAT sells the acquired inventory, its cost of sales will reflect the increased valuation of RAI’s inventory, which will temporarily reduce BAT’s gross margins until such inventory is sold. This is considered a non-recurring adjustment and, as such, is not included in the Pro Forma Income Statement.

 

(vi) The estimated fair value of RAI’s intangible assets is estimated to be £71.4 billion, or a net increase of £47.6 billion compared to a carrying value of £23.8 billion. The primary intangible assets include brands and trademarks, for which the fair value estimates of identifiable intangible assets have been determined based on publicly available benchmark data using the income approach. The assumptions used by BAT to arrive at the estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets have been derived primarily from publicly available information, including market transactions of varying degrees of comparability. However, a detailed analysis has not been completed and actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

The RAI Group holds a number of internally developed patents and technologies, particularly in relation to its next generation products business. BAT does not have sufficient information at this time nor has it identified any appropriately comparable market transactions to perform any valuation analysis. These factors could result in differences between fair value and net book value. Accordingly, for the purposes of this Pro Forma Financial Information, BAT believes, to the best of its knowledge that the current RAI carrying values represent the best estimate of fair value. This estimate is preliminary and subject to change and could vary materially from the actual adjustment on the effective date of the merger.

The fair value and weighted average estimated useful life of identifiable intangible assets are estimated as follows:

 

     Fair value     Weighted-
average
estimated
useful life
     Annual
amortization
     (in £ millions)     (in years)      (in £ millions)

Trademarks and similar intangibles

     70,669       Indefinite     

Trademarks and similar intangibles

     570       20      29

Trademarks and similar intangibles

     154       5-15      29
  

 

 

      

 

Total acquired identifiable intangible assets

     71,393        58
       

 

Less: RAI’s historical net book value of intangible assets

     (23,844     
  

 

 

      

Adjustment to intangible assets, net

     47,549       
  

 

 

      

 

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Based on the estimated respective fair values of identified intangible assets and the weighted average estimated useful lives, an increase to amortization expense of £58 million has been included in the Pro Forma Income Statement. The related estimated net decrease to income tax expense for the Pro Forma Income Statement is £23 million. This adjustment will recur for the life of the underlying assets.

 

(vii) A net adjustment of £19.1 billion to non-current deferred tax liabilities has been recorded on the net fair value step-up on RAI’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed. This adjustment includes the recognition of a deferred tax liability of £28.2 billion relating to the estimated gross fair value of RAI’s identified intangible assets, a deferred tax asset of £377 million resulting from the fair value step-up of existing RAI debt as discussed in Note 4(b)(iv) and a deferred tax liability of £188 million resulting from the fair value step-up of RAI inventory as discussed in Note 4(b)(v), offset by the reversal of RAI’s historical deferred tax balance of £8.9 billion on its historical value of identified intangible assets. Additionally, £1.1 billion of historical deferred tax assets were acquired.

 

(viii) Total net liabilities assumed excluding inventory, identifiable intangible assets, borrowings, net deferred taxes and goodwill was £2.1 billion. Fair value approximated carrying value; therefore, no adjustments were required for these balances. Property, plant and equipment is required to be measured at fair value unless those assets are classified as held-for-sale on the acquisition date. The acquired assets can include assets that are not intended to be used or sold, or that are intended to be used or sold, or that are intended to be used in a manner other than their highest and best use. BAT does not have sufficient information at this time as to the specific nature, age, condition or location of the land and land improvements, buildings and leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment and construction-in-process, and BAT does not know the appropriate valuation premise, in use or in exchange, as the valuation premise requires a certain level of knowledge about the assets being evaluated, as well as a profile of the associated market participants. All of these factors could result in differences between fair value and net book value. Accordingly, for the purposes of this Pro Forma Financial Information, BAT believes, to the best of its knowledge that the current RAI carrying values represent the best estimate of fair value. This estimate is preliminary and subject to change and could vary materially from the actual adjustment on the effective date of the merger.

 

(ix) The goodwill balance arising from the merger is estimated to be £40.8 billion, which represents an adjustment of £27.9 billion. The goodwill has been calculated as the excess of the sum of the purchase consideration of £42.5 billion and the £30.9 billion fair value of the equity interest already held by BAT at the time of the merger over the fair value of the net assets acquired of £32.6 billion. Goodwill represents a strategic premium for access to the U.S. market in which BAT previously did not operate and a premium paid for cost synergies expected to be achieved in the combined operations of BAT and RAI. Goodwill also arises due to the recognition of deferred tax liabilities in relation to the preliminary fair value adjustments on acquired intangible assets for which the amortization does not qualify as a tax deductible expense.

 

(x) As part of the merger, BAT’s previous equity method investment in RAI will be eliminated as part of the step acquisition. A step acquisition occurs when a controlling ownership interest is gained over a period of time. The accounting guidance requires that the previously held equity interest be remeasured at fair value and any difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the previously held equity interest be recognized as a gain or loss in the income statement. The implied value of BAT’s 42.2% of equity interest in RAI was determined using the value of the merger consideration of 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share and $29.44 in cash, without interest, for each share of RAI common stock based on the closing share price of BAT ADSs on the NYSE MKT, and the mid-market exchange rate of £0.79971/$1, each as of March 31, 2017, which was the last practicable date prior to the issuance of this Pro Forma Financial Information. A hypothetical 5% change in the price of a BAT share, all other factors remaining constant, would result in a corresponding increase or decrease in fair value of approximately £840 million. The carrying value of BAT’s equity interest of £8.1 billion and £1.9 billion in profit after tax representing BAT’s share of RAI’s earnings has been eliminated in the Pro Forma Financial Information. The resulting gain of £22.8 billion from the step acquisition is excluded from the Pro Forma Income Statement as it is nonrecurring in nature.

 

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(c) Intercompany eliminations

Sales between, and balance due to and due from BAT and RAI have been eliminated in the Pro Forma Financial Information. Sales from BAT to RAI amounted to £15 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and sales from RAI to BAT amounted to £167 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The associated payable and receivable positions as of December 31, 2016 of £31 million have been eliminated in the Pro Forma Balance Sheet.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, BAT and RAI agreed to an early termination of a contract manufacturing agreement and as a result BAT agreed to make a compensation payment of $90 million to RAI, which BAT recognized in expense immediately and RAI recognized in deferred revenue. RAI is recognizing the deferred revenue into income pro-rata through December 31, 2018. Adjustments to eliminate this transaction from the Pro Forma Income Statement reverse the £73 million charge recorded by BAT and the £9 million of other income recognized by RAI. Adjustments to eliminate this transaction from the Pro Forma Balance Sheet reverse the £31 million of non-current and £33 million of current deferred revenue recorded by RAI to retained earnings and eliminate the £67 million of receivables and payables between BAT and RAI.

 

(d) Impact to shareholders’ equity

The estimated impact to total shareholders’ equity is summarized as follows:

 

    Merger  
in £ millions   Transaction
and related
costs (1)
    Eliminate
RAI historical
equity (2)
    Issuance of
BAT common
stock (3)
    Gain on
elimination of
associate (4)
    Contract
manufacturing
agreement (5)
    Total merger
adjustments
to equity
 

Share capital

  £     —     £ —       £ 109     £ —       £     —     £ 109  

Share premium

          (14,794     22,997       —               8,203  

Other reserves

          183       —         —               183  

Retained earnings

    (94     (3,023     —         22,898       64       19,845  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

    (94     (17,634     23,106       22,898       64       28,340  

Non-controlling interest

          —         —         —               —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

    (94     (17,634     23,106       22,898       64       28,340  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Refer to Note 4(a).
(2) Refer to Pro Forma Balance Sheet.
(3) Refer to Note 4(b)(i) and 4(b)(iii).
(4) Refer to Note 4(b)(x).
(5) Refer to Note 4(c).

Note 5. Pro forma earnings per share

The weighted average number of BAT ordinary shares used in computing basic earnings per share has been calculated using the weighted average number of BAT ordinary shares issued and outstanding during the period and the number of shares of RAI common stock issued and outstanding as at the period end, giving effect to the exchange ratio established in the merger agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the BAT pro forma basic earnings per share was calculated using 2,292 million weighted average shares, which reflects the 1,858 million weighted average of BAT ordinary shares issued and outstanding for the period and the 825 million shares of RAI common stock outstanding other than those held by BAT at December 31, 2016, converted to 434 million shares per the merger agreement.

The 2,303 million weighted average number of BAT ordinary shares used in computing diluted earnings per share has been calculated using the 2,292 million basic average number of BAT ordinary shares as per the paragraph above, adjusted for the dilutive impact of 7 million relevant to BAT, and 4 million relevant to RAI RSUs converted to 4 million shares per the exchange ratio set out in the merger agreement.

 

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Note 6. Adjusting items

Adjusting items are defined in note 1 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

As disclosed in note 3 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, adjusting items in the BAT Group’s 2016 operating profit include:

 

    Restructuring and integration costs, totaling £603 million;

 

    Amortization and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles charges totaling £149 million;

 

    Charges related to Fox River totaling £20 million; and

 

    South Korea sales tax charges totaling £53 million.

As disclosed in note 5 to the BAT Group’s consolidated financial statements beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, adjusting items in RAI’s 2016 operating profit include:

 

    Gain in relation to the sale of the international rights to NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT to JT International Holding BV, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco Inc., of $4,861 million (£3,600 million);

 

    Implementation costs of $36 million (£27 million);

 

    Costs in respect of a number of Engle progeny lawsuits and other tobacco litigation charges that amounted to $86 million (£64 million);

 

    Income of $6 million (£4 million) related to the Non-Participating Manufacturer (NPM) Adjustment claims of the states no longer challenging the findings of non-diligence entered against them by an Arbitration Panel;

 

    Transaction costs of $5 million (£4 million), connected with the merger; and

 

    Income relating to the early termination of the manufacturing agreement between BATUS Japan Inc. and RJR Tobacco Company of $90 million (£67 million).

These adjusting items are not directly related to the merger, and as such have not been adjusted for in the Pro Forma Financial Information, with the exception of the income related to the early termination of the manufacturing agreement, which is discussed above in Note 4(c).

 

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DESCRIPTION OF BAT ORDINARY SHARES

The following is a summary of the material terms of (1) the BAT ordinary shares as set forth in the BAT articles of association; (2) English law insofar as it applies to the BAT ordinary shares; and (3) the BAT articles of association, which were adopted pursuant to a special resolution (as defined below) on April 28, 2010. Please note that this is only a summary, and may not contain all of the information relevant to you. Accordingly, you should read the more detailed provisions of the BAT articles of association.

BAT Articles of Association

The BAT articles of association are attached as Annex F to this proxy statement/prospectus. BAT is registered in England and Wales under the UK Companies Act 2006 with company registration number 3407696. BAT’s purposes and objects are not restricted.

Share Capital

As at May 9, 2017, the issued and fully paid share capital of BAT was 2,027,075,539 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 25 pence. Of this number, 162,645,590 BAT ordinary shares were registered as treasury shares. There are no acquisition rights or obligations in relation to the issue of BAT ordinary shares in the capital of BAT or an undertaking to increase the capital of BAT. There are no convertible securities, exchangeable securities or securities with warrants in BAT.

History of BAT Share Capital

Save as disclosed below, during the three years immediately preceding the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, BAT has not issued any of its share capital and there are, and have been, save in connection with BAT employee share plans, no options outstanding to acquire any share capital of BAT.

As at January 1, 2014, the issued share capital of BAT consisted of 2,026,456,406 BAT ordinary shares. During the year ended December 31, 2014, BAT repurchased 23,129,245 BAT ordinary shares, representing 1.24% of the issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at December 31, 2014 and at a value of £795.2 million, excluding transaction costs. In accordance with BAT’s policy, none of these repurchased shares were canceled and all of these shares are held as treasury shares and as at December 31, 2014 the number of treasury shares was 162,645,590. In connection with BAT employee share plans, 236,623 new BAT ordinary shares were issued during the year ended December 31, 2014 to satisfy remuneration awards. As at December 31, 2014, BAT had an allotted and fully paid share capital of 2,026,693,029 BAT ordinary shares (including 162,645,590 treasury shares).

BAT’s buy-back program was suspended with effect from July 30, 2014. As a result, no BAT ordinary shares were repurchased in 2015. In connection with BAT employee share plans, 173,695 new BAT ordinary shares were issued during the year ended December 31, 2015 to satisfy remuneration awards. As at December 31, 2015, BAT had an allotted and fully paid share capital of 2,026,866,724 BAT ordinary shares (including 162,645,590 treasury shares).

As at December 31, 2016, BAT had an allotted and fully paid share capital of 2,027,019,508 BAT ordinary shares (including 162,645,590 treasury shares). In connection with BAT employee share plans, 152,784 BAT ordinary shares were issued during the year ended December 31, 2016 to satisfy remuneration awards.

For more information about the issue of shares in connection with BAT employee share plans, see “ Business of BAT—Directors and Management Board—BAT’s Remuneration Report 2016; BAT’s Remuneration Policy.

Liability of Shareholders

The liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held by them. Shareholders are referred to as members in the BAT articles of association and the UK Companies Act 2006. All

 

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BAT ordinary shares are, and all BAT ordinary shares that will be issued in connection with the merger will be, fully paid and, accordingly, no further contribution of capital may be required by BAT from the holders of BAT ordinary shares.

Further Issuances of Share Capital and Preemptive Rights

Pursuant to the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT’s directors are, with certain exceptions, not permitted to allot any equity securities without express authorization from BAT’s shareholders. Further, under the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT may not issue shares for cash (other than pursuant to an employee share scheme) without first making an offer to existing shareholders to allot such shares to them on the same or more favorable terms in proportion to their respective shareholdings, unless this requirement is waived by a special resolution of the shareholders. See “— Voting Rights ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for an explanation of the requirements for approval of a special resolution.

On April 26, 2017 at the annual general meeting of BAT:

 

  1. an ordinary resolution was passed granting directors the authority to allot shares in the capital of BAT up to a maximum nominal amount of £310,729,750 representing the Investment Association guideline limit of approximately two-thirds of BAT’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at March 15, 2017. Of this amount £155,364,875, representing approximately one-third of the BAT’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares), can only be allotted pursuant to a rights issue; and

 

  2. a special resolution was passed granting directors the authority to allot shares for cash or by way of sale of treasury shares without complying with the pre-emption rights in the UK Companies Act 2006 in certain circumstances. The authority permits the directors to allot: (a) shares up to a nominal amount of £310,729,750 representing approximately two-thirds of BAT’s issued share capital, on an offer to existing shareholders on a pre-emptive basis. However, unless the shares are allotted pursuant to a rights issue (rather than an open offer), the directors may only allot shares up to a nominal amount of £155,364,875 representing approximately one-third of BAT’s issued share capital; and (b) shares up to a maximum nominal value of £23,304,731 representing approximately 5% of the issued ordinary share capital of BAT (excluding treasury shares) as at March 15, 2017, otherwise than in connection with an offer to existing shareholders.

Subject to receipt of authorization from BAT’s shareholders, the directors may issue shares with such rights or restrictions, including shares that are redeemable at the option of BAT or the shareholder, as the directors or BAT by ordinary resolution may determine. See “— Voting Rights ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for an explanation of the requirements for approval of an ordinary resolution. Throughout this section, references to shares of BAT refer to any shares that may be issued out of the capital of BAT, including BAT ordinary shares.

BAT intends to ask its shareholders to authorize the directors to issue and allot 435,735,236 new fully paid BAT ordinary shares, which will be delivered as the stock portion of the merger consideration. Assuming the merger is completed, BAT’s issued and fully paid share capital (including 162,645,590 treasury shares) will consist of 2,462,810,775 BAT ordinary shares.

Changes to the Share Capital

Shareholder approval by ordinary resolution is required for BAT to:

 

    consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger nominal amount than its existing shares;

 

    sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller nominal amount than its existing shares; and

 

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    determine that, as between the shares resulting from such a sub-division, any of the shares may have any preference or advantage as compared with the others.

The UK Companies Act 2006 contains the procedural requirements for a reduction of capital. The reduction of capital must be approved by shareholders by special resolution, and must be approved by a court. The decision to approve the reduction is at the court’s discretion, and it will consider whether (a) the reduction is for a discernible purpose, (b) all shareholders are treated equally, (c) the reduction has been properly explained to shareholders and (d) the company’s creditors are safeguarded. Subject to these requirements, BAT may reduce its share capital, its capital redemption reserve and any share premium account in any way.

Repurchase of Shares

Once approved by BAT shareholders by ordinary resolution and subject to certain procedural requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT may repurchase its own shares, including any BAT ordinary shares and any redeemable shares that may be issued. Any shares which have been repurchased may be held as treasury shares or, if not so held, must be canceled immediately upon the completion of the purchase, thereby reducing the amount of BAT’s issued share capital.

Dividends

BAT shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the shareholders but no dividends shall exceed the amount recommended by the directors. No dividend shall be paid other than out of profits available for distribution as specified in the UK Companies Act 2006. The directors may pay interim dividends or dividends payable at a fixed rate, if it appears to them that they are justified by the profits of BAT available for distribution. If the directors act in good faith, they shall not incur any liability to the holders of shares conferring preferred rights for any loss they may suffer by the lawful payment of an interim dividend on any shares having deferred or non-preferred rights, including the BAT ordinary shares.

BAT ordinary shares carry the right to receive dividends and distributions that have been declared by BAT on a pro rata basis but have no other right to share in the profits of BAT and are not entitled to any fixed income. BAT may issue shares that rank prior to the BAT ordinary shares in respect of payment of dividends.

BAT shareholders may, at a general meeting declaring a dividend, upon the recommendation of the directors and by ordinary resolution, direct that the payment of all or any part of the dividend be satisfied by the distribution of specific assets and, where any difficulty arises in regard to the distribution, the directors may settle the same as they think fit.

The directors may, with the approval of BAT shareholders by ordinary resolution, offer any holders of BAT ordinary shares the right to elect to receive BAT ordinary shares, credited as fully paid, instead of cash in respect of the whole (or some part, to be determined by the directors) of any dividend. BAT or the directors may fix a date as the record date by reference to which a dividend will be declared or paid or a distribution, allotment or issue made, and that date may be before, on or after the date on which the dividend, distribution, allotment or issue is declared.

No dividend or other money payable in respect of a share shall bear interest against BAT, unless otherwise provided by the rights attached to the share. Dividends or other distributions paid in respect of BAT ordinary shares do not bear interest.

The directors may elect to pay dividends solely by means of electronic transfer, or such other method as the directors deem appropriate and which method may be different for different holders or groups of holders of shares, to an account nominated in writing by the holder of the shares. Amounts due to shareholders who provide no, or invalid, account details may be held in an account in BAT’s name until such shareholders nominate a valid account.

 

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BAT may cease sending dividend payments in respect of any shares if these payments have been returned undelivered to, or left uncashed by, the shareholder on at least two consecutive occasions or, if following one such occasion, reasonably inquiries have failed to establish a shareholder’s new address. BAT must recommence sending payments for dividends payable on that share if the person(s) entitled so request and have supplied in writing a new address or account to be used for that purpose.

Any dividend which has remained unclaimed for 12 years from the date when it became due for payment will, if the directors so resolve, be forfeited and cease to remain owing by BAT.

Voting Rights

All BAT ordinary shares have equal voting rights and are entitled to attend and vote at all general meetings of BAT. BAT may issue, subject to the restrictions discussed above under the caption “Share Capital—Further issuances of share capital and preemptive rights” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, shares with preferential voting rights. This section assumes that all shares have equal voting rights and that no preferential shares are issued.

Under English law, resolutions to be voted on by shareholders at a general meeting can be either an ordinary resolution, which means that the resolution must be passed by a simple majority of shareholders or holders of a simple majority of the shares (depending on whether the vote is by a show of hands or by a poll) present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the general meeting, or a special resolution, which means that the resolution must be passed by a majority of not less than 75% of the shareholders or holders of 75% of the shares (depending on whether the vote is by a show of hands or by a poll) present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the general meeting. For a resolution to be regarded as a special resolution, the notice of the general meeting must specify the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution.

A resolution put to the vote of a general meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless either the notice of the meeting specifies that a poll will be called on such resolution or a poll is (before the resolution is put to the vote on a show of hands or immediately after the result of a show of hands on that resolution is declared) demanded by:

 

    the chairman of the meeting;

 

    a majority of the directors present at the meeting;

 

    not less than five shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting;

 

    a shareholder or shareholders representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting (excluding any voting rights attached to any shares in BAT held as treasury shares); or

 

    a shareholder or shareholders holding shares conferring a right to vote on the resolution on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right (excluding any shares in BAT conferring a right to vote at the meeting which are held as treasury shares).

On a show of hands, every shareholder who is present in person has one vote regardless of the number of shares held by such shareholder. Every proxy duly appointed by one or more shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution and present has one vote, except that if the proxy has been duly appointed by more than one shareholder entitled to vote and is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote for the resolution and by one or more others to vote against it, or is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote in one way and is given discretion as to how to vote by one or more others (and wishes to use that discretion to vote in the other way) he has one vote for and one vote against the resolution.

On a poll every shareholder present in person or by duly appointed proxy has one vote for every share held by the shareholder. A shareholder or his, her or its duly appointed proxy entitled to more than one vote need not use all his, her or its votes or cast all the votes he, she or it uses the same way.

 

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For the purposes of determining which persons are entitled to attend or vote at a general meeting, BAT may specify in the notice convening the meeting a time, not more than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting (not including any part of a day that is not a working day), by which a person must be entered on the register in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting.

In the case of joint holders, the most senior of the joint holders who tenders a vote shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names of the holders stand in the register of shareholders.

If any shares are issued by BAT that are not fully paid, holders of those shares will not be permitted to vote at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the holders of that class of shares, either in person or by proxy, unless all amounts presently payable by such holder in respect of that share have been paid.

Neither English law nor BAT’s articles of association impose any limitation on the rights of non-UK residents or foreign shareholders to own BAT ordinary shares, including the rights to hold or exercise voting rights on the BAT ordinary shares.

Transfer of the Shares

A share in certificated form may be transferred by an instrument of transfer which may be in any usual form or in any other form approved by the directors, executed by or on behalf of the transferor and, where the share is not fully paid, by or on behalf of the transferee. A share in uncertificated form may be transferred by means of the relevant system concerned. The transfer may not be in favor of more than four transferees.

In their absolute discretion, the directors may refuse to register the transfer of a share in certificated form which is not fully paid provided that if the share is listed on the Official List of the UKLA such refusal does not prevent dealings in the shares from taking place on an open and proper basis. The directors may also refuse to register a transfer of a share in certificated form (whether fully paid or not) unless the instrument of transfer:

 

    is lodged, duly stamped, at the registered office of BAT or such other place as the directors may appoint and is accompanied by the certificate for the share to which it relates and such other evidence as the directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

    is in respect of only one class of share; and

 

    is not in favor of more than four transferees.

The directors may refuse to register a transfer of a share in uncertificated form to a person who is to hold it thereafter in certificated form in any case where BAT is entitled to refuse to register the transfer under the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

If the directors refuse to register a transfer of a share, they shall as soon as practicable and in any event within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with BAT (in the case of a transfer of a share in certificated form) or the date on which the operator-instruction was received by BAT (in the case of a transfer of a share in uncertificated form which will be held thereafter in certificated form) send to the transferee notice of the refusal together with reasons for the refusal. The directors shall send to the transferee such further information about the reasons for the refusal to the transferee as the transferee may reasonably request.

No fee shall be charged for the registration of any instrument of transfer or other document or instruction relating to or affecting the title to any share.

For uncertificated shares, transfers shall be registered only in accordance with the terms of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.

 

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Distribution of Assets on a Winding-up

If BAT is wound up, the liquidator may, with the approval of shareholders by a special resolution and any other approvals required by law, divide among the shareholders in specie the whole or any part of the assets of BAT and may, for that purpose, value any assets and determine how the division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders. The liquidator may, with such approvals, vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as he may with the like sanction determine, but no shareholder shall be compelled to accept any assets upon which there is a liability.

Disclosure of Shareholding Ownership

There are no provisions in BAT’s articles of association whereby persons acquiring, holding or disposing of a certain percentage of BAT ordinary shares are required to make disclosure of their ownership percentage, although there are such requirements under statute and regulation. For a description of these requirements, including the consequences of failing to comply with these requirements, see “ Comparison of Shareholder Rights—Disclosure Interest in Shares ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Untraced Shareholders

BAT is entitled to sell at the best price reasonably obtainable any share held by a shareholder, or any share to which a person is entitled by transmission of the title of such share if:

 

    for a period of 12 years, no payment for amounts payable in respect of the share sent and payable in a manner authorized by the articles of association has been cashed or effected and no communication has been received by BAT from the shareholder or person concerned;

 

    during that period BAT has paid at least three cash dividends (whether interim or final) and no such dividend has been claimed by the shareholder or person concerned;

 

    BAT has, after the expiration of that period, by advertisement in a national newspaper published in the United Kingdom and in a newspaper circulating in the area of the registered address or last known address of the shareholder or person concerned, given notice of its intention to sell such share, and the advertisements, if not published on the same day, shall have been published within 30 days of each other; and

 

    BAT has not, during the further period of three months following the date of publication of the advertisements (or, if published on different dates, the later or latest of them) and prior to the sale of the share, received any communication from the shareholder or person concerned.

BAT will be indebted to the former shareholder or other person previously entitled to the share for an amount equal to the net proceeds of the sale, but no trust or duty to account shall arise and no interest shall be payable in respect of the proceeds of sale.

If, on three consecutive occasions, notices, documents or information sent or supplied to a shareholder have been returned undelivered, the shareholder shall not be entitled to receive any subsequent notice, document or information until he has supplied to BAT (or its agent) a new registered address, or a postal address within the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa, or shall have informed BAT of an electronic address.

Variation of Rights

If at any time the capital of BAT is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class may be varied, either while BAT is a going concern or during or in contemplation of a winding up in such manner (if any) as may be provided by those rights (depending on the drafting of those rights, they may be more significant than is required by law) or if there are no such provisions either with the consent in writing of the

 

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holders of three-quarters in nominal value of the issued shares of that class (not including any treasury shares), or with the approval of shareholders by a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of such shares, but not otherwise.

To every such separate meeting the provisions of the articles of association relating to general meetings shall apply, except that the quorum for any such meeting shall be two persons together holding or representing by proxy at least one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of the class in question (excluding treasury shares). At an adjourned meeting, the quorum shall be one person holding shares of the class in question (excluding treasury shares) or his, her or its proxy.

Unless otherwise expressly provided by the rights attached to any class of shares, those rights shall be deemed not to be varied by the purchase by BAT of any of its own shares or the holding of such shares in treasury.

Material Tax Consequences

For a discussion that summarizes material U.S. federal income tax consequences and material UK tax consequences to U.S. holders related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of BAT ordinary shares, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ” and “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material UK Tax Consequences ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Change of Control and Takeovers

BAT is subject to the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, which governs the conduct of mergers and takeovers in the UK.

An English public limited company such as BAT may be acquired in a number of ways, including by means of a scheme of arrangement (as defined below) between the company and its shareholders or by means of a takeover offer.

A scheme of arrangement is a statutory procedure under the UK Companies Act 2006 pursuant to which the English courts may approve an arrangement between an English company and some or all of its shareholders. In a scheme of arrangement, the company would make an initial application to the court to convene a meeting or meetings of its shareholders at which a majority in number of shareholders representing 75% of the voting rights of the shareholders present and voting either in person or by proxy at the meeting must agree to the arrangement by which they will sell their shares in exchange for the consideration being offered by the bidder. If the shareholders so agree, the company will return to court to request the court to sanction the arrangement. Upon such a scheme of arrangement becoming effective in accordance with its terms and the UK Companies Act 2006, it will bind the company and such shareholders.

A takeover offer is an offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of a company (other than shares which at the date of the offer are already held by the bidder). Under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers and in order to squeeze out dissenting shareholders, the offer must be made on identical terms to all holders of shares to which the offer relates. If the bidder, by virtue of acceptances of the offer, acquires or contracts to acquire not less than 90% in value of the shares to which the offer relates representing not less than 90% of the voting rights owned by the shares, the UK Companies Act 2006 allows the bidder to give notice to any non-accepting shareholder that the bidder intends to acquire his, her or its shares through a compulsory acquisition (also referred to as a squeeze out), and the shares of such nonaccepting shareholders will be acquired by the bidder six weeks later on the same terms as the offer, unless the shareholder objects to the English court and the court enters an order that the bidder is not entitled to acquire the shares or specifying terms of the acquisition different from those of the offer.

 

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The UK Companies Act 2006 permits a scheme of arrangement or takeover offer to be made relating only to a particular class or classes of a company’s shares.

As BAT is a UK premium listed company, if it were subject to a takeover bid and the takeover were structured as a contractual takeover offer, under the UKLA Listing Rules a bidder would have to, by virtue of its shareholdings and acceptances of its takeover offer, acquire or agree to acquire shares carrying 75% of the voting rights of BAT before it could cancel BAT’s listing on the Main Market of the LSE.

Where the takeover is by way of a scheme of arrangement, the UKLA Listing Rules do not impose any additional rules as regards shareholder approval or the level of acceptances required before BAT could be delisted, as the scheme procedure provides sufficient protection for shareholders.

There are no provisions in BAT’s articles of association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a takeover by, or change of control of, BAT.

Under English law, BAT’s directors have a statutory and fiduciary duty to take only those actions that are in the interests of BAT as a whole. Generally, anti-takeover measures are not actions that fall within this category.

However, under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, if an acquisition of BAT ordinary shares increases the aggregate holding of an acquirer and persons acting in concert with the acquirer (i.e., persons who, pursuant to an agreement or understanding, cooperate to obtain or consolidate control of a company or to frustrate the successful outcome of an offer for a company) to shares carrying 30% or more of the voting rights in BAT, the acquirer and, depending on the circumstances, its concert parties, would be required (except with the consent of the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers) to make a cash offer for the outstanding BAT ordinary shares at a price not less than the highest price paid for the BAT ordinary shares by the acquirer or its concert parties during the previous 12 months. This requirement would also be triggered by any acquisition of shares by a person holding (together with its concert parties) shares carrying between 30 and 50% of the voting rights in BAT if the effect of such acquisition were to increase that person’s percentage of the voting rights.

General Meetings

An annual general meeting of shareholders must be held every year within a period of six months of the day following BAT’s financial year end (which is December 31), at such place or places, date and time as may be decided by the directors.

Ability to Call General Meetings

The directors may call general meetings. If there are not sufficient directors to form a quorum in order to call a general meeting, any director may call a general meeting. If there is no director, any shareholder of BAT may call a general meeting.

The directors are required to call a general meeting if requested by shareholders representing at least 5% of the paid-up capital of BAT as carries the right of voting at general meetings (excluding any paid-up capital held as treasury shares). Such meeting must be called within 21 days from the date on which the directors become subject to the requirement, and held on a date not more than 28 days after the date of the notice calling the meeting. A meeting called upon the request of shareholders may only deal with the business stated in the request by shareholders, or as proposed by the directors. If the directors fail to call the general meeting requested by the shareholders, the shareholders who requested the meeting, or any of them representing more than one half of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves call a general meeting. Such meeting must be called for a date not more than three months after the date on which the directors become subject to the requirement to call a meeting. Any reasonable expenses incurred by the shareholders requesting the meeting by reason of the failure of the directors duly to call a meeting must be reimbursed by the company.

 

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Notice of General Meetings

Pursuant to the UK Companies Act 2006, an annual general meeting and all other general meetings of BAT must be called by at least 21 clear days’ written notice (the “clear days” rule is set out in section 360 of the UK Companies Act 2006 and excludes the day of the meeting and the day that the notice is given). However, the UK Companies Act 2006 allows for this period of notice for meetings other than annual general meetings to be reduced to 14 clear days’ notice provided that: (1) the company allows its shareholders to make proxy appointments via a website (such as one hosted by its share registrars); and (2) shareholders must pass a special resolution at the annual general meeting every year approving the shortening of the notice period to 14 days.

A special resolution enabling BAT to hold general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days’ notice was approved at the annual general meeting held on April 26, 2017.

The notice shall specify the place, the date and the time of meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted, and in the case of an annual general meeting shall specify the meeting as such. Where BAT has given an electronic address in any notice of meeting, any document or information relating to proceedings at the meeting may be sent by electronic means to that address, subject to any conditions or limitations specified in the relevant notice of meeting. Subject to the provisions of the articles of association described above under “— Untraced shareholders ” and to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares, notices shall be given to all shareholders, to all persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder and to the BAT directors and to the BAT Group’s auditors. Any notice to be given to a shareholder may be given by reference to the register of shareholders as it stands at any time within the period of 21 days before the notice is given; and no change in the register after that time shall invalidate the giving of the notice.

A shareholder whose registered address is not within the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa shall be entitled to receive any notice, document or information from BAT if he, she or it gives BAT an address (not being an electronic address) within the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa at which notices, documents or information may be sent or if the directors are satisfied that the sending or supplying of such notices, documents or information by BAT to such address outside of the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa would not result in BAT breaching any applicable law (whether in the United Kingdom, Republic of South Africa, or elsewhere) or result, directly or indirectly, in BAT being required to comply with additional filing or other regulatory requirements in the United Kingdom, the Republic of South Africa, or any other jurisdiction.

Where, by reason of any suspension or curtailment of postal services, BAT is unable effectively to give notice of a general meeting, the directors may decide that the only persons to whom notice of the affected general meeting must be sent are: the directors; BAT’s auditors; those shareholders to whom notice to convene the general meeting can validly be sent by electronic means and those shareholders to whom notification as to the availability of the notice of meeting on a website can validly be sent by electronic means. In any case, BAT shall also: (a) advertise the general meeting in at least two national newspapers published in the United Kingdom; and (b) send or supply a confirmatory copy of the notice to shareholders in accordance with its articles of association if at least seven clear days before the meeting the posting of notices again becomes practicable.

Quorum

No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present. Two persons entitled to vote upon the business to be transacted, each being a shareholder or a proxy for a shareholder or a duly authorized representative of the corporation which is a shareholder (including for this purpose two persons who are proxies or corporate representatives of the same shareholder), shall be a quorum.

Attendance at General Meetings

All shareholders may attend, speak and vote at BAT general meetings (including annual general meetings). A shareholder is entitled to appoint another person as his, her or its proxy to exercise all or any of his, her or its

 

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rights to attend and to speak and vote at a meeting of BAT. The appointment of a proxy shall be deemed also to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll. Delivery of an appointment of proxy shall not preclude a shareholder from attending and voting at the meeting or at any adjournment of it. A proxy need not be a shareholder. A shareholder may appoint more than one proxy in relation to a meeting, provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares held by him, her or it. An appointment of proxy shall be in writing in any usual form or in any other form which the directors may approve and shall be executed by or on behalf of the appointor which in the case of a corporation may be either under its common seal or under the hand of a duly authorized officer or attorney or other person duly authorized for that purpose. Subject to the provisions of the UK Companies Act 2006, any corporation (other than BAT itself) which is a shareholder of BAT may, by resolution of its directors or other governing body, authorize such person(s) to act as its representative(s) at any meeting of BAT, or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares. BAT may require such person(s) to produce a certified copy of the resolution before permitting him, her or it to exercise his, her or its powers. The directors may (and shall if and to the extent that BAT is required to do so by the UK Companies Act 2006) allow an appointment of proxy to be sent or supplied in electronic form subject to any conditions or limitations as the directors may specify.

The directors or the chairman of the meeting may direct that any person wishing to attend any general meeting should submit to and comply with such searches or other security arrangements as they or he or she consider appropriate in the circumstances. The directors or the chairman of the meeting may in their or his or her absolute discretion refuse entry to, or eject from, any general meeting any person who refuses to submit to a search or otherwise comply with such security arrangements.

The directors or chairman of the meeting may take such action, give such direction or put in place such arrangements as they or he or she consider appropriate to secure the safety of the people attending the meeting and to promote the orderly conduct of the business of the meeting. Any decision of the chairman of the meeting on matters of procedure or matters arising incidentally from the business of the meeting, and any determination by the chairman of the meeting as to whether a matter is of such a nature, shall be final.

The directors may make arrangements for simultaneous attendance and participation by electronic means allowing persons not present together at the same place to attend, speak and vote at the meeting (including the use of satellite meeting places). The arrangements for simultaneous attendance and participation at any place at which persons are participating using electronic means may include arrangements for controlling or regulating the level of attendance at any particular venue provided that such arrangements shall operate so that all shareholders and proxies wishing to attend the meeting are able to attend at one or other of the venues.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF BAT AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

Citibank, N.A. is the depositary bank for the BAT ADSs. Citibank’s depositary offices are located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013. American Depositary Shares are frequently referred to as ADSs and represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit with the depositary bank. ADSs may be represented by certificates that are commonly known as “American Depositary Receipts” or “ADRs.” The depositary bank typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities on deposit. In this case, the custodian is Citibank, N.A., London Branch, located at Citigroup Centre, Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB England.

BAT has appointed Citibank as depositary bank pursuant to the deposit agreement. A copy of the deposit agreement and each amendment thereto is on file with the SEC under cover of a Registration Statement on Form F-6. You may obtain a copy of the deposit agreement and each amendment thereto from the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 and from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Please refer to Registration Number 333-155563 when retrieving such copy.

The following summarizes the material terms of the BAT ADSs and the material rights of owners of BAT ADSs. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the BAT ADSs that is important to you. The rights and obligations of an owner of BAT ADSs will be determined by reference to the terms of the deposit agreement and not by this summary or any other information in this proxy statement/prospectus. You are urged to review the deposit agreement carefully and in its entirety. The portions of this summary description that are italicized describe matters that may be relevant to the ownership of BAT ADSs but that may not be contained in the deposit agreement. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the deposit agreement.

Each BAT ADS represents the right to receive, and to exercise the beneficial ownership interests in, one BAT ordinary share that is on deposit with the depositary bank and/or custodian. A BAT ADS also represents the right to receive, and to exercise the beneficial interests in, any other property (including cash) received by the depositary bank or the custodian on behalf of the owners of BAT ADSs but that has not been distributed to the owners of BAT ADSs because of legal restrictions or practical considerations. The BAT ordinary shares deposited with the depositary bank and/or the custodian and any and all other securities, property and cash held by the depositary bank and/or custodian in respect thereof are referred to as the deposited securities. BAT and the depositary bank may agree to change the ADS-to-BAT ordinary share ratio by amending the deposit agreement. This amendment may give rise to, or change, the depositary bank services fees payable by BAT ADS owners. The custodian, the depositary bank and their respective nominees will hold all deposited securities for the benefit of the holders (i.e., the persons in whose name the BAT ADSs are registered on the books of the depositary bank) and beneficial owners of BAT ADSs. The deposited securities do not constitute the proprietary assets of the depositary bank, the custodian or their nominees. Beneficial ownership in the deposited securities will under the terms of the deposit agreement be vested in the beneficial owners of the BAT ADSs. The depositary bank, the custodian and their respective nominees will be the record holders of the deposited securities represented by the BAT ADSs for the benefit of the holders and beneficial owners of the corresponding BAT ADSs. A beneficial owner of BAT ADSs may or may not be the holder of BAT ADSs. Beneficial owners of BAT ADSs will be able to receive any benefit in, and to exercise beneficial ownership interests in, the deposited securities only through the registered holders of the BAT ADSs, the registered holders of the BAT ADSs (on behalf of the applicable BAT ADS owners) only through the depositary bank, and the depositary bank (on behalf of the owners of the corresponding BAT ADSs) directly, or indirectly, through the custodian or their respective nominees, in each case upon the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary bank and BAT may deem and treat the registered holder of an ADS as the absolute owner of such ADS for all purposes and neither the depositary bank nor BAT will have any obligation or be subject to any liability under the deposit agreement or any ADR to any holder or beneficial owner of ADSs unless, in the case of a holder of ADSs, such holder is the registered holder or, in the case of a beneficial owner, such beneficial owner or its representative is the registered holder.

 

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If you become an owner of BAT ADSs, you will become a party to the deposit agreement and therefore will be bound to its terms and to the terms of any ADR that represents your BAT ADSs. The deposit agreement and the ADRs specify the rights and obligations of BAT as well as your rights and obligations as owner of BAT ADSs and those of the depositary bank. As a BAT ADS holder, you appoint the depositary bank to act on your behalf in certain circumstances.

In addition, applicable laws and regulations may require you to satisfy reporting requirements and obtain regulatory approvals in certain circumstances. You are solely responsible for complying with such reporting requirements and obtaining such approvals. None of the depositary bank, the custodian, BAT or any of their respective agents or affiliates shall be required to take any actions whatsoever on your behalf to satisfy such reporting requirements or obtain such regulatory approvals under applicable laws and regulations.

As an owner of BAT ADSs, BAT will not treat you as one of its shareholders, and you will not have direct shareholder rights. The depositary bank will hold on your behalf the shareholder rights attached to the BAT ordinary shares underlying your BAT ADSs. As an owner of BAT ADSs, you will be able to exercise the shareholders rights for the BAT ordinary shares represented by your BAT ADSs through the depositary bank only to the extent contemplated in the deposit agreement. To exercise any shareholder rights not contemplated in the deposit agreement you will, as a BAT ADS owner, need to arrange for the cancellation of your BAT ADSs and become a direct shareholder of BAT.

As an owner of BAT ADSs, you may hold your BAT ADSs either by means of an ADR registered in your name, through a brokerage or safekeeping account, or through an account established by the depositary bank in your name reflecting the registration of uncertificated BAT ADSs directly on the books of the depositary bank (commonly referred to as the direct registration system or DRS). The direct registration system reflects the uncertificated (book-entry) registration of ownership of BAT ADSs by the depositary bank. Under the direct registration system, ownership of BAT ADSs is evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary bank to the holders of the BAT ADSs. The direct registration system includes automated transfers between the depositary bank and DTC. If you decide to hold your BAT ADSs through your brokerage or safekeeping account, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or bank to assert your rights as BAT ADS owner. Banks and brokers typically hold securities such as the BAT ADSs through clearing and settlement systems such as DTC. The procedures of such clearing and settlement systems may limit your ability to exercise your rights as an owner of BAT ADSs. Please consult with your broker or bank if you have any questions concerning these limitations and procedures. All BAT ADSs held through DTC will be registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. This summary description assumes you have opted to own the BAT ADSs directly by means of a BAT ADS registered in your name and, as such, we refer to you as the “holder.” References to “you” assume the reader owns BAT ADSs and will own BAT ADSs at the relevant time.

The registration of the BAT ordinary shares in the name of the depositary bank or the custodian shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, vest in the depositary bank or the custodian the record ownership in the applicable BAT ordinary shares with the beneficial ownership rights and interests in such BAT ordinary shares being at all times vested with the beneficial owners of the BAT ADSs representing the BAT ordinary shares. The depositary bank or the custodian shall at all times be entitled to exercise the beneficial ownership rights in all deposited securities, in each case only on behalf of the holders and beneficial owners of the BAT ADSs representing the deposited securities.

Dividends and Distributions

As a holder of BAT ADSs, you generally have the right to receive the distributions, including dividends, BAT makes on the deposited securities. Your receipt of these distributions may be limited, however, by practical considerations and legal limitations. Holders of BAT ADSs will receive such distributions under the terms of the deposit agreement in proportion to the number of BAT ADSs held as of the specified record date, after deduction of the applicable fees, taxes and expenses.

 

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Distributions of Cash

Whenever BAT makes a cash distribution, including any cash dividend, on any deposited securities, it will deposit the funds with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of the deposit of the requisite funds, the depositary bank will arrange for the funds received in a currency other than U.S. dollars to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of the U.S. dollars to the holders, subject to the laws and regulations of England and Wales.

The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the United States. The depositary bank will apply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the custodian in respect of any deposited securities. For further information regarding the conversion of funds into U.S. dollars, see “— Foreign Currency Conversion ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The distribution of cash will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary bank will hold any cash amounts it is unable to distribute in a non-interest bearing account for the benefit of the applicable holders and beneficial owners of BAT ADSs until the distribution can be effected or the funds that the depositary bank holds must be escheated as unclaimed property in accordance with the laws of the relevant states of the United States.

Distributions of BAT Ordinary Shares

Whenever BAT makes a free distribution, including any dividend, of BAT ordinary shares on the deposited securities, it will deposit the applicable number of BAT ordinary shares with the custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the depositary bank will either distribute to holders new BAT ADSs representing the BAT ordinary shares deposited or modify the ADS-to-BAT ordinary share ratio, in which case each BAT ADS you hold will represent rights and interests in the additional BAT ordinary shares so deposited. Only whole new BAT ADSs will be distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the proceeds of such sale will be distributed as in the case of a cash distribution.

The distribution of new BAT ADSs or the modification of the ADS-to-BAT ordinary share ratio upon a distribution of BAT ordinary shares will be made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes or governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the new BAT ordinary shares so distributed.

No such distribution of new BAT ADSs will be made if it would violate a law (e.g., the U.S. securities laws). If the depositary bank does not distribute new BAT ADSs as described above, it may sell the BAT ordinary shares received upon the terms described in the deposit agreement and will distribute the proceeds of the sale as in the case of a distribution of cash.

Distributions of Rights

Whenever BAT intends to distribute to the holders of BAT ordinary shares rights to subscribe for additional BAT ordinary shares, it will give prior notice to the depositary bank and will assist the depositary bank in determining whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to distribute rights to subscribe for additional BAT ADSs to holders.

The depositary bank will establish procedures to distribute rights to subscribe for additional BAT ADSs to holders and to enable such holders to exercise such rights if it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make the rights available to holders of BAT ADSs, and if BAT provides all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement (such as opinions to address the lawfulness of the transaction). You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges to subscribe for the new BAT ADSs upon the exercise of your rights. The depositary bank is not obligated to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution and exercise by holders of rights to subscribe for new BAT ordinary shares other than in the form of BAT ADSs.

 

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The depositary bank will not distribute the rights to you if:

 

    BAT does not timely request that the rights be distributed to you;

 

    BAT requests that the rights not be distributed to you;

 

    BAT fails to deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank; or

 

    it is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights.

The depositary bank, upon consultation with BAT, will sell the rights that are not exercised or not distributed if such sale is lawful and reasonably practicable. The proceeds of such sale, net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement, will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary bank is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the rights to lapse.

Elective Distributions

Whenever BAT intends to make a distribution, including any dividend, on BAT ordinary shares payable at the election of shareholders either in cash or in additional BAT ordinary shares, it will give prior notice thereof to the depositary bank and will indicate whether it wishes the elective distribution to be made available to you. In such case, BAT will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.

The depositary bank will make the election available to you only if it is reasonably practicable and if BAT has provided all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement. In such case, the depositary bank will establish procedures to enable you to elect to receive either cash or additional BAT ADSs, in each case as described in the deposit agreement.

If the election is not made available to you, you will receive either cash or additional BAT ADSs, depending on what a shareholder in England and Wales would receive upon failing to make an election, as more fully described in the deposit agreement.

Other Distributions

Whenever BAT intends to distribute to the holders of BAT ordinary shares property other than cash, BAT ordinary shares or rights to subscribe for additional BAT ordinary shares, it will notify the depositary bank in advance and will indicate whether it wishes such distribution to be made to you. If so, BAT will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such distribution to holders is lawful and reasonably practicable.

If it is reasonably practicable to distribute such property to you and if BAT provides to the depositary bank all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will distribute the property to the holders in a manner it deems practicable.

The distribution will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes and governmental charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the property received.

The depositary bank will not distribute the property to you and will sell the property if:

 

    BAT does not request that the property be distributed to you or if BAT requests that the property not be distributed to you;

 

    BAT does not deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank; or

 

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    the depositary bank determines that all or a portion of the distribution to you is not reasonably practicable.

The proceeds of such a sale will be distributed to holders as in the case of a cash distribution.

Redemption

Whenever BAT decides to redeem any of the deposited securities held by the custodian, it will notify the depositary bank in advance. If it is practicable and if BAT provides all of the documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will provide notice of the redemption to the holders.

The custodian will be instructed to surrender the shares being redeemed against payment of the applicable redemption price for deposited securities. The depositary bank will convert any redemption funds received in a currency other than U.S. dollars into U.S. dollars upon the terms of the deposit agreement and will establish procedures to enable holders to receive the net proceeds from the redemption upon surrender of their BAT ADSs to the depositary bank. You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges upon the redemption of your BAT ADSs. If less than all BAT ADSs are being redeemed, the BAT ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, as the depositary bank may determine.

Changes Affecting Deposited Securities

The deposited securities represented by your BAT ADSs may change from time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or par value, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of such deposited securities or a recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets of BAT.

If any such change were to occur, your BAT ADSs would, to the extent permitted by law and the deposit agreement, represent the right to receive the property received or exchanged in respect of the deposited securities. In such circumstances, the depositary bank may, with BAT’s approval and if BAT requests, deliver new BAT ADSs to you, amend the deposit agreement, the ADRs and the applicable Registration Statement(s) on Form F-6, call for the exchange of your existing BAT ADSs for new BAT ADSs and take any other actions that are appropriate to reflect as to the BAT ADSs the change affecting the BAT ordinary shares. If the depositary bank may not lawfully distribute such property to you, the depositary bank may, with BAT’s approval and if BAT requests, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash distribution.

Issuance of BAT ADSs upon Deposit of BAT Ordinary Shares

The depositary bank may create BAT ADSs on your behalf if you or your broker deposit BAT ordinary shares with the custodian. The depositary bank will deliver these BAT ADSs to the person you indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and any charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the BAT ordinary shares to the custodian. Your ability to deposit BAT ordinary shares and receive BAT ADSs may be limited by U.S. and England and Wales legal considerations applicable at the time of deposit.

The issuance of BAT ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank or the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals have been given and that the BAT ordinary shares have been duly transferred to the custodian. The depositary bank will only issue BAT ADSs in whole numbers.

When you make a deposit of BAT ordinary shares, you will be responsible for transferring good and valid title to the depositary bank. As such, you will be deemed to represent and warrant that:

 

    the BAT ordinary shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained;

 

    all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such BAT ordinary shares have been validly waived or exercised;

 

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    you are duly authorized to deposit the BAT ordinary shares;

 

    the BAT ordinary shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the BAT ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, “restricted securities” (as defined in the deposit agreement); and

 

    the BAT ordinary shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements.

If any of the representations or warranties are incorrect in any way, BAT and the depositary bank may, at your cost and expense, take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences of the misrepresentations.

Transfer, Combination and Split Up of ADRs

As an ADR holder, you will be entitled to transfer, combine or split up your ADRs and the BAT ADSs evidenced thereby. For transfers of ADRs, you will have to surrender the ADRs to be transferred to the depositary bank and also must:

 

    ensure that the surrendered ADR is properly endorsed or otherwise in proper form for transfer;

 

    provide any transfer stamps required by the State of New York or the United States; and

 

    pay all applicable fees, charges, expenses, taxes and other government charges payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement and applicable law, upon the transfer of ADRs.

To have your ADRs either combined or split up, you must surrender the ADRs in question to the depositary bank with your request to have them combined or split up, and you must pay all applicable fees, charges, expenses, taxes and other government charges payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement and applicable law, upon a combination or split up of ADRs.

The depositary bank may require a holder to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any signature and such other documents as the depositary bank may deem appropriate before it will transfer, combine or split up ADRs and the BAT ADSs evidenced thereby.

BAT may restrict transfers of BAT ordinary shares where such transfer might result in ownership of BAT ordinary shares exceeding limits imposed by applicable law or the articles of association of BAT. BAT may also restrict, in such manner as it deems appropriate, transfers of BAT ADSs where such transfer may result in the total number of BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs owned by a single holder or beneficial owner to exceed any such limits. BAT may, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable law, instruct the depositary bank to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any holder or beneficial owner in excess of such limits, including the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of BAT ADSs, the removal or limitation of voting rights or mandatory sale or disposition on behalf of a holder or beneficial owner of the BAT ordinary shares represented by the BAT ADSs held by such holder or beneficial owner in excess of such limitations, if and to the extent such disposition is permitted by applicable law and the articles of association of BAT.

Withdrawal of Deposited Securities upon Cancellation of BAT ADSs

As a holder, you will be entitled to present your BAT ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation and then receive the corresponding number of underlying deposited securities at the custodian’s offices. Your ability to withdraw the deposited securities held in respect of the BAT ADSs may be limited by U.S. and England and Wales legal considerations applicable at the time of withdrawal. In order to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your BAT ADSs, you will be required to pay to the depositary bank the fees for cancellation of BAT ADSs and any charges and taxes payable upon the transfer of the deposited securities. You assume the risk for delivery of all funds and securities upon withdrawal. Once canceled, the BAT ADSs will not have any rights under the deposit agreement.

 

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If you hold BAT ADSs registered in your name, the depositary bank may ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any signature and such other documents as the depositary bank may deem appropriate before it will cancel your BAT ADSs. The withdrawal of the deposited securities represented by your BAT ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank receives satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Please keep in mind that the depositary bank will only accept BAT ADSs for cancellation that represent a whole number of deposited securities.

You will have the right to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your BAT ADSs at any time except for:

 

    temporary delays that may arise because (1) the transfer books for the BAT ordinary shares or BAT ADSs are closed, or (2) the deposit of BAT ordinary shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting or a payment of dividends;

 

    obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; and

 

    restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable to BAT ADSs or the withdrawal of the deposited securities.

The deposit agreement may not be modified to impair your right to withdraw the securities represented by your BAT ADSs except to comply with mandatory provisions of law.

Voting Rights

As a holder, you generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights for the BAT ordinary shares represented by your BAT ADSs. For more information on the voting rights of holders of BAT ordinary shares see “ Description of BAT Ordinary Shares Voting Rights ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

At BAT’s request, the depositary bank will distribute to you any notice of shareholders’ meeting (or solicitation of consent or proxy) timely received from BAT together with information explaining how to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting rights of the deposited securities. In lieu of distributing such materials, the depositary bank may distribute to holders of BAT ADSs instructions on how to retrieve such materials upon request.

If the depositary bank timely receives voting instructions from a holder of BAT ADSs, it will, to the extent practicable and permitted under applicable law, the deposit agreement and the BAT articles of association, endeavor to vote the deposited securities (in person or by proxy) represented by the holder’s BAT ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions as follows:

 

    in the event of voting by show of hands , the depositary bank will vote or cause the custodian to vote all BAT ordinary shares held on deposit at that time in accordance with the voting instructions received from a majority of holders of BAT ADSs who provide timely voting instructions; or

 

    in the event of voting by poll , the depositary bank will vote or cause the custodian to vote the BAT ordinary shares held on deposit in accordance with the voting instructions received from the holders of BAT ADSs giving instructions.

Deposited securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be voted. Please note that the ability of the depositary bank to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the deposited securities. BAT cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary bank in a timely manner.

 

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Fees and Charges

As a BAT ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following fees to the depositary bank under the terms of the deposit agreement:

 

Service

  

Fees

•    Issuance of BAT ADSs upon deposit of BAT ordinary shares (excluding issuances as a result of distributions of shares described below)

   Up to U.S. $0.05 per BAT ADS issued (1)

•    Cancellation of BAT ADSs

   Up to U.S. $0.05 per BAT ADS surrendered (1)

•    Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (i.e., sale of rights and other entitlements)

   Up to U.S. $0.05 per BAT ADS held (2)

•    Distribution of BAT ADSs pursuant to (1) stock dividends or other free stock distributions, or (2) exercise of rights to purchase additional BAT ADSs

   Up to U.S. $0.05 per BAT ADS held

•    Distribution of securities other than BAT ADSs or rights to purchase additional BAT ADSs (i.e., spin-off shares)

   Up to U.S. $0.05 per BAT ADS held

•    Depositary bank services

   Up to U.S. $0.05 per BAT ADS held

 

(1) Under the terms of a separate agreement between BAT and the depositary bank, the depositary bank has agreed to waive the fees that would otherwise be payable in connection with the issuance of BAT ADSs upon deposit of BAT ordinary shares and the cancellation of BAT ADSs and corresponding withdrawal of BAT ordinary shares, in each case by BAT or any of its affiliates, officers, directors or employees. The terms of this separate agreement may be amended at any time by BAT and the depositary bank.
(2) While under the deposit agreement cash dividends paid in respect of BAT ADSs are subject to a fee of up to $0.05 per BAT ADS payable to the depositary bank, under the terms of the separate agreement between BAT and the depositary bank referred to above, such dividends are instead subject to a fee of up to $0.02 per BAT ADS per year (a fee of $0.01 per dividend based on the distribution of an interim and a final cash dividend per year or a fee of $0.005 per dividend based on the distribution of four quarterly cash dividends per year). Under such separate agreement, this dividend fee may not be varied by the depositary bank without the consent of BAT.

As a BAT ADS holder you will also be responsible to pay certain charges such as:

 

    taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;

 

    the registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of BAT ordinary shares or other deposited securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of BAT ordinary shares or other deposited securities to or from the name of the custodian, the depositary bank or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;

 

    certain cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses;

 

    the expenses and charges incurred by the depositary bank in the conversion of foreign currency;

 

    the fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to BAT ordinary shares, or other deposited securities, BAT ADSs and ADRs; and

 

    the fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank, the custodian, or any nominee in connection with the servicing or delivery of deposited securities.

 

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ADS fees and charges payable upon (1) the issuance of BAT ADSs, and (2) the cancellation of BAT ADSs are charged to the person to whom the BAT ADSs are issued (in the case of BAT ADS issuances) and to the person whose BAT ADSs are canceled (in the case of BAT ADS cancellations). In the case of BAT ADSs issued by the depositary bank into DTC, the BAT ADS issuance and cancellation fees and charges may be deducted from distributions made through DTC, and may be charged to the DTC participant(s) receiving the BAT ADSs being issued or the DTC participant(s) holding the BAT ADSs being canceled, as the case may be, on behalf of the beneficial owner(s) and will be charged by the DTC participant(s) to the account of the applicable beneficial owner(s) in accordance with the procedures and practices of the DTC participants as in effect at the time. ADS fees and charges in respect of distributions and the depositary bank services fee are charged to the holders as of the applicable ADS record date. In the case of distributions of cash, the amount of the applicable ADS fees and charges is deducted from the funds being distributed. In the case of (1) distributions other than cash and (2) the depositary bank services fee, holders as of the ADS record date will be invoiced for the amount of the ADS fees and charges and such ADS fees and charges may be deducted from distributions made to holders of BAT ADSs. For BAT ADSs held through DTC, the ADS fees and charges for distributions other than cash and the depositary bank services fee may be deducted from distributions made through DTC, and may be charged to the DTC participants in accordance with the procedures and practices prescribed by DTC and the DTC participants in turn charge the amount of such ADS fees and charges to the beneficial owners for whom they hold BAT ADSs.

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary bank’s fees and charges, the depositary bank may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary bank’s fees and charges from any distribution to be made to the BAT ADS holder. Note that the fees and charges you may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by BAT and by the depositary bank (as described in “— Amendments and Termination ” below). You will receive prior notice of such changes. The depositary bank may reimburse BAT for certain expenses incurred by it in respect of the ADR program, by making available a portion of the ADS fees charged in respect of the ADR program or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions as BAT and the depositary bank agree from time to time.

Amendments and Termination

BAT may agree with the depositary bank to modify the deposit agreement at any time without your consent. BAT must give holders 30 days’ prior notice of any modifications that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights under the deposit agreement. BAT will not consider to be materially prejudicial to your substantial rights any modifications or supplements that are reasonably necessary for the BAT ADSs to be registered under the Securities Act or to be eligible for book-entry settlement, in each case without imposing or increasing the fees and charges you are required to pay. In addition, BAT may not be able to provide you with prior notice of any modifications or supplements that are required to accommodate compliance with applicable provisions of law.

You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the deposit agreement become effective. The deposit agreement cannot be amended to prevent you from withdrawing the deposited securities represented by your BAT ADSs (except as permitted by law).

BAT has the right to direct the depositary bank to terminate the deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary bank may in certain circumstances on its own initiative terminate the deposit agreement. In either case, the depositary bank must give notice to the holders at least 30 days before termination. Until termination, your rights under the deposit agreement will be unaffected.

After termination, the depositary bank will continue to collect distributions received (but will not distribute any such property until you request the cancellation of your BAT ADSs) and may sell deposited securities. After the sale, the depositary bank will hold the proceeds from such sale and any other funds then held for the holders of BAT ADSs in a non-interest bearing account. At that point, the depositary bank will have no further

 

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obligations to holders other than to account for the funds then held for the holders of BAT ADSs still outstanding (after deduction of applicable fees, taxes and expenses).

Books of Depositary

The depositary bank will maintain BAT ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the BAT ADSs and the deposit agreement.

The depositary bank will maintain in New York facilities to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of BAT ADSs. These facilities may be closed from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.

Limitations on Obligations and Liabilities

The deposit agreement limits the obligations of BAT and the depositary bank’s obligations to you. Please note the following:

 

    BAT and the depositary bank are obligated only to take the actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement and to do so without negligence or bad faith;

 

    the depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to carry out voting instructions, for any manner in which a vote is cast or for the effect of any vote, provided it acts in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement;

 

    the depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to determine the lawfulness or practicality of any action, for the content of any document forwarded to you on BAT’s behalf or for the accuracy of any translation of such a document, for the investment risks associated with investing in BAT ordinary shares, for the validity or worth of the BAT ordinary shares, for any tax consequences that result from the ownership of BAT ADSs, for the creditworthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse under the terms of the deposit agreement, for the timeliness of any notices from BAT or for BAT’s failure to give notice;

 

    BAT and the depositary bank will not be obligated to perform any act that is inconsistent with the terms of the deposit agreement;

 

    BAT and the depositary bank disclaim any liability if BAT or the depositary bank are prevented or forbidden from or subject to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the deposit agreement, by reason of any provision, present or future of any law or regulation, or by reason of present or future provision of any provision of the BAT articles of association, or any provision of or governing the deposited securities, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond their control;

 

    BAT and the depositary bank disclaim any liability by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the deposit agreement or in the BAT articles of association or in any provisions of or governing deposited securities;

 

    BAT and the depositary bank further disclaim any liability for any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information received from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting ordinary shares for deposit, any holder of BAT ADSs or authorized representatives thereof, or any other person believed by either BAT or the depositary bank in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information;

 

    BAT and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for the inability by a holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit that is made available to holders of deposited securities but is not, under the terms of the deposit agreement, made available to you;

 

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    BAT and the depositary bank may rely without any liability upon any written notice, request or other document believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper parties;

 

    BAT and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement; and

 

    no disclaimer of any Securities Act liability is intended by any provision of the deposit agreement.

Pre-Release Transactions

Subject to the terms and conditions of the deposit agreement, the depositary bank may issue to broker/dealers BAT ADSs before receiving a deposit of BAT ordinary shares or release of BAT ordinary shares to broker/dealers before receiving BAT ADSs for cancellation. These transactions are commonly referred to as pre-release transactions, and are entered into between the depositary bank and the applicable broker/dealer. The depositary bank will normally limit the number of BAT ADSs and BAT ordinary shares involved in such pre-release transactions at any one time to 30% of the BAT ADSs outstanding, provided, however, that the depositary bank reserves the right to change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate and imposes a number of conditions on such transactions (e.g., the need to receive collateral, the type of collateral required, the representations required from brokers, etc.). The depositary bank may retain the compensation received from the pre-release transactions.

Taxes

You will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental charges payable on the BAT ADSs and other deposited securities represented by the BAT ADSs. BAT, the depositary bank and the custodian may deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and may sell any and all property on deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due.

The depositary bank may refuse to issue BAT ADSs, to deliver, transfer, split and combine ADRs or to release deposited securities until all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable holder. The depositary bank and the custodian may take reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds and reduced tax withholding for any distributions on your behalf. However, you may be required to provide to the depositary bank and to the custodian proof of taxpayer status and residence and such other information as the depositary bank and the custodian may require to fulfill legal obligations. You are required to indemnify BAT, the depositary bank and the custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any tax benefit obtained for you.

For a discussion that summarizes material U.S. federal income tax consequences and material UK tax consequences to U.S. holders related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of BAT ADSs, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences ” and “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Material UK Tax Consequences ” beginning on pages [●] and [●], respectively, of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Foreign Currency Conversion

The depositary bank will arrange for the conversion of all foreign currency received into U.S. dollars if such conversion is practical, and it will distribute the U.S. dollars in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. You may have to pay fees and expenses incurred in converting foreign currency, such as fees and expenses incurred in complying with currency exchange controls and other governmental requirements.

If the conversion of foreign currency is not practical or lawful, or if any required approvals are denied or not obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period, the depositary bank may take the following actions in its discretion:

 

    convert the foreign currency to the extent practical and lawful and distribute the U.S. dollars to the holders for whom the conversion and distribution is lawful and practical;

 

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    distribute the foreign currency to holders for whom the distribution is lawful and practical; or

 

    hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for the applicable holders.

Governing Law

The deposit agreement and the ADRs are governed by the laws of the State of New York. The rights of holders of BAT ordinary shares (including BAT ordinary shares represented by BAT ADSs) are governed by the laws of England and Wales and the BAT articles of association. For further information regarding the material terms of the BAT ordinary shares, see “ Description of BAT Ordinary Shares ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS

BAT is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, subject to the provisions of the UK Companies Act 2006. RAI is a North Carolina corporation, subject to the provisions of the NCBCA. If the merger is completed, each share of RAI common stock (other than any shares of RAI common stock owned by the BAT Group or excluded holders) automatically will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration, consisting of (1) a number of BAT ADSs representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest. As a result, RAI shareholders who become BAT shareholders will have their rights as shareholders governed by the laws of England and Wales and the BAT articles of association, which differ from North Carolina law and the RAI articles of incorporation and the RAI bylaws.

Set forth below are the material differences between the rights of a holder of BAT ordinary shares under the BAT articles of association and the UK Companies Act 2006, on the one hand, and the rights of a holder of RAI common stock under the RAI articles of incorporation, the RAI bylaws and the NCBCA, on the other hand.

The following summary does not reflect any rules of the NYSE that may apply to BAT or RAI in connection with the matters discussed, nor certain agreements unless expressly stated, nor does it address any provisions of the governance agreement, which is discussed in “ The Governance Agreement ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus, that may apply to these matters. You should read carefully relevant portions of the NCBCA, the UK Companies Act 2006, the UKLA Listing Rules, the constituent documents of each of BAT and RAI and the governance agreement.

 

BAT

  

RAI

 

Authorized Capital

 

•     As at December 31, 2016, the allotted and fully paid share capital was 2,027,019,508 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 25 pence. Of this number, 162,645,590 were registered as treasury shares.

 

•     As at May 9, 2017, the allotted and fully paid share capital was 2,027,075,539 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 25 pence. Of this number, 162,645,590 were registered as treasury shares.

 

•     BAT has no preferential voting shares but may issue such shares in the future.

 

•     All BAT ordinary shares have equal voting rights and no right to a fixed income.

 

•     BAT has no authorized share capital limit under its articles of association.

 

•     BAT shareholder approval as an ordinary resolution is required to:

 

•     consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger nominal amount than its existing shares;

  

3,200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of which 4,000,000 shares are designated as Series A preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share and 1,000,000 shares are designated as Series B preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. No shares of Series A preferred stock are outstanding as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus, and 1,000,000 shares of Series B preferred stock, and owned solely by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc., are outstanding as of the date of this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

Under the RAI articles of incorporation, the RAI board of directors has the authority to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to establish the designations and powers, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, including voting rights, of each series. These shares of preferred stock would be available for issuance from time to time to any person for such consideration as the RAI board of directors may determine without the requirement of further action by RAI shareholders, as applicable, except as required by the NYSE. Depending on its terms, the

 

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RAI

•    sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller nominal amount than its existing shares; and

 

•    determine that, as between the shares resulting from such a sub-division, any of the shares may have any preference or advantage as compared with the others.

 

•    Under English law, an ordinary resolution means a resolution that is passed by a simple majority of shareholders or holders of a simple majority of the shares (depending on whether the vote is by a show of hands or by a poll) present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

•    The liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held by them. All BAT ordinary shares are, and all BAT ordinary shares that will be issued in connection with the merger will be, fully paid. Accordingly, no further contribution of capital may be required by BAT from the holders of BAT ordinary shares.

 

•    BAT ordinary shares are currently listed on the premium listing segment of the Official List maintained by the UKLA and listed on the LSE’s main market for listed securities, under the symbol of “BATS.”

 

•    BAT ordinary shares have a secondary listing, and are listed, on the Main Board of the JSE, under the abbreviated name “BATS” and the trading code “BTI.”

 

•    BAT ordinary shares trade in the form of BAT ADSs in the United States. The currently-outstanding BAT ADSs have unlisted trading privileges on the NYSE MKT where they trade under the trading symbol “BTI.” None of BAT’s securities are currently listed on any U.S. securities exchange or registered pursuant to the securities laws of the United States. It is a condition to completion of the merger that the BAT ADSs issued as the stock portion of the merger consideration be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.

   issuance of preferred stock may or may not have a dilutive effect on the equity interest or voting power of current RAI shareholders.

Size, Classification and Term of Board of Directors

 

The BAT articles of association provide:

   The RAI articles of incorporation provide:

Unless BAT shareholders determine otherwise by ordinary resolution, the number of directors (disregarding alternate directors) shall not be subject to any maximum but shall not be less than five.

 

The number of directors of the BAT board of directors is currently set at ten.

  

The size of the RAI board of directors is determined by the RAI board, but may not be less than nine nor more than twenty.

 

The number of directors of the RAI board of directors is currently set at fourteen.

 

 

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BAT

  

RAI

 

The business of BAT shall be managed by the directors who, subject to the provisions of the articles of association and to any directions given by BAT shareholders by special resolution to take, or refrain from taking, specified action, may exercise all the powers of BAT. Under English law, a special resolution means a resolution passed by a majority of not less than 75% of the shareholders or holders of 75% of the shares (depending on whether the vote is by a show of hands or by a poll) present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. For a resolution to be regarded as a special resolution, the notice of the meeting must specify the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution.

 

The directors may delegate any of their powers or discretions to committees appointed by them and set the terms of reference for such committees.

 

The BAT board of directors has established three principal board committees: audit committee, nominations committee and remuneration committee.

 

Notwithstanding the fact that there is no age limit requirement for directors to retire, at each BAT annual general meeting, BAT’s articles of association provide that there shall retire from office, by rotation:

 

•    all directors who held office at the time of each of the two preceding annual general meetings and who did not retire at either of them; and

 

•    if the number of directors retiring is less than one-third of the relevant directors (or, if the number of relevant directors is not three or a multiple of three, is less than the number which is nearest to but does not exceed one-third of the relevant directors) such additional number of directors as shall, together with the directors retiring, equal one-third of the relevant directors (or, if the number of relevant directors is not three or a multiple of three, the number which is nearest to but does not exceed one third of the relevant directors).

 

Notwithstanding the above provision in the BAT articles of association, in line with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code, all of the directors wishing to continue serving, and considered eligible by the BAT board of directors, offer themselves for re-election at every annual general meeting.

  

Prior to the amendment of RAI’s articles of incorporation at RAI’s 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, the RAI board was divided into three staggered classes, each with a three-year term. The RAI articles of incorporation were amended to provide for a declassified board, commencing with RAI’s 2017 annual meeting of shareholders.

 

 

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BAT

  

RAI

 

Under English law, any agreement under which a director agrees to perform services (as a director or otherwise) for a company or its subsidiaries is defined as a service agreement. Service agreements with a guaranteed term of more than two years require prior approval by the shareholders by ordinary resolution at a general meeting. English law permits a company to provide for terms of different lengths for its directors.

  

Nomination of Directors

 

No person shall be appointed or reappointed a director at any general meeting unless he is recommended by the directors or notice of the intention to propose such person for appointment or reappointment executed by a shareholder qualified to vote on the appointment or reappointment is given to BAT not less than seven nor more than 35 days before the date appointed for holding the meeting.

 

 

  

The RAI bylaws provide that nominations of persons for election to the RAI board of directors may be made:

 

•    by the RAI board of directors or any committee designated by the RAI board of directors; or

 

•    in the case of an annual meeting, by a shareholder who is a record shareholder or beneficially owns shares of RAI at the time of giving notice and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote for the election of directors at the annual meeting and who gives timely notice in writing to the secretary of RAI and includes in such notice all of the information required by the RAI bylaws to be contained in such notice in the manner set forth in the RAI bylaws.

Election of Directors

 

Subject to the provisions of the BAT articles of association, BAT shareholders may, by ordinary resolution, appoint a person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director.

 

The directors may appoint a person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director, provided that the appointment does not cause the number of directors to exceed any number fixed as the maximum number of directors. A director so appointed shall retire at the next annual general meeting and shall then be eligible for reappointment.

  

The RAI articles of incorporation and the RAI bylaws each provide that each director shall be elected by the vote of the majority of the votes cast with respect to that director’s election at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present; however, in the cases of contested elections (where the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected), directors shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast.

 

Removal of Directors

 

Under the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT shareholders may, by ordinary resolution (of which special notice has been given in accordance with the UK Companies Act 2006), remove any director from office (notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, but without prejudice to    Under the NCBCA, a director may be removed if the number of votes cast by shareholders to remove the director exceeds the number of votes cast not to remove the director unless the RAI articles of

 

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BAT

  

RAI

any claim that the director may have for the breach of such agreement) and appoint another person to fill the vacancy. In the absence of such appointment, the vacancy arising upon the removal of a director from office may be filled as a casual vacancy.

 

In addition to any power of removal under the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT shareholders may, under the articles of association, by special resolution, remove a director before the expiration of his or her period of office and, subject to the articles of association, may by ordinary resolution, appoint another person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, to be a director instead of him or her.

 

  

incorporation provide that the directors may only be removed for cause.

 

As authorized by the NCBCA, the RAI articles of incorporation provide that directors of RAI may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in a vote to remove such directors.

 

Vacancies on the Board of Directors

 

The directors or the shareholders, by ordinary resolution, may appoint a person who is willing to act as a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director. A director appointed by the directors shall retire at the next annual general meeting and shall then be eligible for reappointment.    The RAI articles of incorporation provide that a vacancy on the RAI board of directors for any reason shall be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office (although less than a quorum) or by the sole remaining director and not by the shareholders.

Voting

 

A resolution put to the vote of a general meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless either the notice of the meeting specifies that a poll will be called on such resolution or a poll is (before the resolution is put to the vote on a show of hands or immediately after the result of a show of hands on that resolution is declared) demanded by:

 

•    the chairman of the meeting;

 

•    a majority of the directors present at the meeting;

 

•    not less than five shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting;

 

•    a shareholder or shareholders representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting (excluding any voting rights attached to any shares in BAT held as treasury shares); or

 

•    a shareholder or shareholders holding shares conferring a right to vote on the resolution on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right (excluding any shares in BAT conferring a right to vote at the meeting which are held as treasury shares).

  

Under the NCBCA, holders of a particular class of shares are entitled to vote as a separate class if the rights of such class are affected by mergers, consolidations or amendments to the articles of incorporation, and as otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation.

 

With respect to RAI, in matters other than the election of directors or where a different voting standard is imposed by law, the RAI articles of incorporation or the RAI bylaws, matters are approved if the votes cast within the voting group favoring the action exceed the votes cast opposing the action.

 

 

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BAT

  

RAI

 

On a show of hands, every shareholder who is present in person has one vote regardless of the number of shares held by such shareholder. Every proxy duly appointed by one or more shareholders entitled to vote on the resolution and present has one vote, except that if the proxy has been duly appointed by more than one shareholder entitled to vote and is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote for the resolution and by one or more others to vote against it, or is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote in one way and is given discretion as to how to vote by one or more others (and wishes to use that discretion to vote in the other way) he has one vote for and one vote against the resolution.

 

On a poll every shareholder present in person or by duly appointed proxy or corporate representative has one vote for every share held by the shareholder.

 

A shareholder, proxy or corporate representative entitled to more than one vote need not, if he or she votes, use all his or her votes or cast all the votes he or she uses the same way.

  

Cumulative Voting

 

Under the BAT articles of association, BAT shareholders do not have the right to cumulative voting.   

Under the NCBCA, shareholders have no right of cumulative voting in the election of directors unless otherwise authorized by the articles of incorporation or unless the corporation was incorporated under certain circumstances.

 

   Under the RAI articles of incorporation and the RAI bylaws, RAI shareholders do not have the right to cumulative voting.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent

 

Under English law, shareholders of a public company such as BAT are not permitted to pass resolutions by written consent. All decisions must be taken at the general meeting.    The RAI articles of incorporation provide that RAI shareholders do not have the right to take action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

Amendment of the Articles of Association of BAT and the Articles of Incorporation of RAI

 

Under English law, BAT’s shareholders may, by special resolution alter, delete, substitute, amend or add to its articles of association. The BAT board of directors is not authorized to change its articles of association.

 

If at any time the capital of BAT is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class may be varied, either while BAT is a going concern or during or in contemplation of a winding up in such manner (if any) as may be provided by those rights or if there are no such provisions either with the consent in writing of the holders of three-quarters in nominal value of the

  

Under the NCBCA, directors are generally required to approve any amendments to a corporation’s articles of incorporation and submit the amendments to shareholders for their approval.

 

Under the NCBCA, shareholders constituting a majority of votes cast by RAI shareholders (and, in certain situations, a majority of each voting group entitled to vote, or a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the amendment if such amendment would create appraisal rights) on the amendment may amend the RAI articles of incorporation. However,

 

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BAT

  

RAI

issued shares of that class (not including any treasury shares), or with the approval of a special resolution by the BAT shareholders, passed at a separate meeting of the holders of such shares, but not otherwise.   

the RAI articles of incorporation require the approval of not less than 66  2 3 % of the voting power of the outstanding shares entitled to vote for the election of directors to amend provisions of the RAI articles of incorporation related to the following:

 

•    removing directors only for cause;

 

•    restricting the RAI board of directors from entering into any plan, agreement, contract, bylaw or other arrangement that limits the ability of the board to take action only with the approval of one or more directors who were in office at a particular time or were approved by successors to such director(s);

 

•    restricting the ability of shareholders to take action by written consent; and

 

•    limiting the ability to call a special meeting of shareholders to the RAI board of directors and certain officers of RAI.

Amendment of Bylaws

 

See “ —Amendment of the Articles of Association of BAT ” above.   

The RAI articles of incorporation provide that the RAI bylaws may be amended by:

 

•    a majority of the total number of directors then in office; or

 

•    the holders of not less than 66  2 3 % of the voting power of outstanding shares entitled to vote for the election of directors.

Advance Notice

 

An annual general meeting and all other general meetings of BAT must be called by at least 21 clear days’ written notice (the “clear days” rule is set out in section 360 of the UK Companies Act 2006 and excludes the day of the meeting and the day that the notice is given).

 

However, the UK Companies Act 2006 allows for this period of notice for meetings (other than annual general meetings) to be reduced to 14 clear days’ notice provided that: (1) the company allows its shareholders to make proxy appointments via a website; and (2) shareholders pass a special resolution at the annual general meeting every year approving the shortening of the notice period to 14 clear days.

 

A special resolution enabling BAT to hold general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days’ notice was approved at BAT’s 2017 annual general meeting.

 

   In order to submit any business to an annual meeting of shareholders (including the nomination of any individual for election to the board of directors), the RAI bylaws generally require a shareholder to give notice of such business in writing to the corporation not less than 120 days, nor more than 150 days, prior to the first anniversary of the date of RAI’s proxy statement released to shareholders in connection with the most recent annual meeting of shareholders, except that if no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date selected for the annual meeting has been changed by more than 30 days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous year’s proxy statement, the date for the submission of notice is modified as specified in the RAI bylaws. The RAI bylaws further describe the information that a shareholder must provide in his or her notice to submit business, which generally relates to the shareholder submitting the notice (and any beneficial owner on whose behalf the nomination or

 

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BAT

  

RAI

Subject to the provisions of the articles of association and to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares, notices shall be given to all shareholders, to all persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a shareholder and to the BAT directors and BAT Group’s auditors. Under English law, the notice of a general meeting must specify a time by which a person must be entered on the register in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting. Changes to entries on the register after the time specified in the notice will be disregarded in deciding the rights of any person to attend or vote. The BAT articles of association specify that the relevant time must not be more than 48 hours, excluding any part of a day that is not a working day, before the time fixed for the meeting.

 

All BAT shareholders may attend, speak and vote at BAT general meetings (including annual general meetings).

 

The directors or the chairman of the meeting may direct that any person wishing to attend any general meeting should submit to and comply with such searches or other security arrangements as they or he or she consider appropriate in the circumstances. The directors or the chairman of the meeting may in their or his or her absolute discretion refuse entry to, or eject from, any general meeting any person who refuses to submit to a search or otherwise comply with such security arrangements.

 

The directors or chairman of the meeting may take such action, give such direction or put in place such arrangements as they or he or she consider appropriate to secure the safety of the people attending the meeting and to promote the orderly conduct of the business of the meeting. Any decision of the chairman of the meeting on matters of procedure or matters arising incidentally from the business of the meeting, and any determination by the chairman of the meeting as to whether a matter is of such a nature, shall be final.

 

   proposal of business is being made), and the director nominee or the other business being proposed.

Right to Call a Special Meeting of Shareholders

 

The directors may call general meetings. If there are not sufficient directors to form a quorum in order to call a general meeting, any director may call a general meeting. If there is no director, any shareholder of BAT may call a general meeting.

 

The directors are required to call a general meeting if requested by shareholders representing at least 5% of the paid-up capital of BAT as carries the right of voting

   The RAI articles of incorporation provide that special meetings of shareholders may be called by the RAI board of directors, the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer or the president or the secretary of RAI upon direction of the RAI board of directors, and may not be called by any other person; and whenever holders of one or more classes or series of RAI preferred stock shall have the right, voting separately as a class or series, to elect

 

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at general meetings (excluding any paid-up capital held as treasury shares). Such meeting must be called within 21 days from the date on which the directors become subject to the requirement, and held on a date not more than 28 days after the date of the notice calling the meeting.

 

The meeting may only deal with the business stated in the request by shareholders, or as proposed by the directors.

 

If the directors fail to call the general meeting requested by the shareholders, the shareholders who requested the meeting, or any of them representing more than one half of the total voting rights of all of them, may themselves call a general meeting. Such meeting must be called for a date not more than three months after the date on which the directors become subject to the requirement to call a meeting. Any reasonable expenses incurred by the shareholders requesting the meeting by reason of the failure of the directors duly to call a meeting must be reimbursed by the company.

 

No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present. Two persons entitled to vote upon the business to be transacted, each being a shareholder or a proxy for a shareholder or a duly authorized representative of a corporation which is a shareholder (including for this purpose two persons who are proxies or corporate representatives of the same shareholder), shall be a quorum.

 

The directors may make arrangements for simultaneous attendance and participation by electronic means allowing persons not present together at the same place to attend, speak and vote at the meeting (including the use of satellite meeting places). The arrangements for simultaneous attendance and participation at any place at which persons are participating using electronic means may include arrangements for controlling or regulating the level of attendance at any particular venue provided that such arrangements shall operate so that all shareholders and proxies wishing to attend the meeting are able to attend at one or other of the venues.

 

  

directors, such holders may call, pursuant to the terms of the resolution or resolutions adopted by the RAI board of directors designating the terms of such class or series of stock, special meetings of holders of such preferred stock.

 

The RAI bylaws provide that shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group may take action in a matter only if a quorum of those shares exists with respect to that matter. A majority of the votes entitled to be cast on a matter by the voting group constitutes a quorum of the voting group for action on that matter.

 

Under the NCBCA, shares entitled to vote as a separate voting group may take action on a matter at a meeting only if a quorum of that voting group exists with respect to that matter, except that, in the absence of a quorum at the opening of any meeting of shareholders, such meeting may be adjourned from time to time by the vote of a majority of the votes cast on the motion to adjourn. Unless the articles of incorporation, a bylaw adopted by the shareholders, or the NCBCA provides otherwise, a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter by the voting group constitutes a quorum of that voting group for action on that matter.

Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses; Director Liability

 

Save as described below, under English law, any provision that purports to exempt a director of a company (to any extent) from any liability that would otherwise attach to him or her in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company is void.

 

   The RAI articles of incorporation provide that RAI will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the NCBCA. The RAI articles of incorporation require RAI to indemnify its directors and officers against liability and expenses incurred in an action or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director or officer of RAI. The RAI articles of incorporation and RAI bylaws

 

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Subject to certain exceptions, English law does not permit BAT to indemnify a director against any liability attaching to him or her in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to BAT. The exceptions allow BAT to: (1) purchase and maintain director and officer insurance insuring its directors or the directors of an “associated company” (i.e., a company that is a subsidiary of BAT) against any liability attaching in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust owed to the company of which he or she is a director; (2) provide a qualifying third party indemnity provision which permits BAT to indemnify its directors and directors of an associated company in respect of proceedings brought by third parties (covering both legal costs and the amount of any adverse judgment), except for (a) the legal costs of an unsuccessful defense of criminal proceedings or civil proceedings brought by the company or an associated company, or the legal costs incurred in connection with certain specified applications by the director for relief where the court refuses to grant the relief, (b) fines imposed in criminal proceedings, and (c) penalties imposed by regulatory bodies; (3) loan funds to a director to meet expenditure incurred defending civil and criminal proceedings against him or her (even if the action is brought by the company itself), or expenditure incurred applying for certain specified relief, subject to the requirement that the loan must be on terms that it is repaid if the defense or application for relief is unsuccessful; and (4) provide a qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision, which allows the company to indemnify a director of a company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme against liability incurred in connection with such director’s activities as a trustee of the scheme (subject to certain exceptions).

 

Under the BAT articles of association, subject to the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT may do any or all of the following:

 

•    indemnify to any extent any person who is or was a director, or a director of any associated company, directly or indirectly (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him or her) against any loss or liability, whether in connection with any proven or alleged negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or her or otherwise, in relation to BAT or any associated company;

  

further provide that RAI will advance expenses to its directors and officers in connection with such action or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the directors and officers to repay the amount of such expenses unless it shall ultimately be determined that such person is entitled to be indemnified by RAI against such expenses.

 

The RAI articles of incorporation provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by the NCBCA, no director shall be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of duty. Section 55-2-02 of the NCBCA permits a North Carolina corporation to limit or eliminate a director’s personal liability for monetary damages for breach of duty as a director, except with respect to:

 

•    acts or omissions that the director at the time of the breach knew or believed were clearly in conflict with the corporation’s best interests;

 

•    any liability for unlawful distributions under Section 55-8-33 of the NCBCA;

 

•    any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit (the term “improper personal benefit” does not include a director’s reasonable compensation or other reasonable incidental benefit for or on account of his or her services as one of the corporation’s directors, officers, employees, independent contractors, attorneys or consultants); or

 

•    acts or omissions occurring prior to the date the provision in the corporation’s articles of incorporation became effective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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•    indemnify to any extent any person who is or was a director of an associated company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme, directly or indirectly (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him or her) against any liability incurred by him or her in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of an occupational pension scheme; and

 

•    purchase and maintain insurance for any person who is or was a director, or a director of any associated company, against any loss or liability or any expenditure he or she may incur, whether in connection with any proven or alleged negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or her or otherwise, in relation to BAT or any associated company.

  

Appraisal and Dissenters Rights

 

English law does not generally provide for appraisal rights.

 

However, in the event of a compulsory acquisition or “squeeze out,” under the UK Companies Act 2006, where (a) a “takeover offer” is made for the shares of a company incorporated in the UK, and (b) the offeror has acquired or unconditionally contracted to acquire at least 90% in value of the shares of any class to which the offer relates representing at least 90% of the voting rights carried by those shares, the offeror may, within three months beginning on the day after the last day on which the offer could be accepted, require shareholders who did not accept the offer to transfer their shares to the offeror on the terms of the offer. A dissenting shareholder may object to the transfer or its proposed terms by applying to the court within six weeks of the date on which notice of the required transfer was given by the offeror.

 

The court may, on receiving such an application, order (a) that the offeror is not entitled and bound to acquire the shares to which the notice relates or (b) that the terms on which the offeror is entitled and bound to acquire the shares shall be such as the court thinks fit.

 

A minority shareholder is entitled, in circumstances similar to the “squeeze out” described above, to require the offeror to acquire his or her shares on the same terms as those contained in the original offer. The period within which the offeree shareholder must exercise his or her rights is the later of: (a) three months from the

  

Under the NCBCA, when a corporation participates in certain major corporate transactions, a shareholder of the corporation, may, in various circumstances, be entitled to the right of appraisal, by which the shareholder, after properly asserting such appraisal rights, will be entitled to receive the fair value of the shares held by such shareholder (plus interest) as estimated by such corporation in accordance with the NCBCA or as otherwise determined by a court in lieu of the consideration that would otherwise be received as a result of the transaction.

 

Pursuant to the NCBCA, appraisal is not available with respect to shares that are listed on a national securities exchange or that are held by at least 2,000 shareholders, have a market value of at least $20 million and are traded in an organized market. However, this “market out” exception to appraisal rights does not apply if the shares would be exchanged for anything other than cash or shares that would satisfy the exception’s listing or liquidity standards or if the transaction is an interested transaction. An interested transaction is a corporate action, which includes certain mergers, share exchanges, dispositions of assets, amendments to articles of incorporation, and conversions but excludes certain short form mergers, involving an interested person (as defined below) and in which any of the shares or assets of the corporation are being acquired or converted. Under the NCBCA, an interested person is a person, or an affiliate of a person, who at any time during the one-year period

 

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close of the offer and (b) three months from when the bidder gives the shareholder notice of his or her rights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate action met any of the following conditions: (i) was the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the voting power of the corporation, other than as owner of excluded shares, (ii) had the power, contractually or otherwise, other than as owner of excluded shares, to cause the appointment or election of 25% or more of the directors to the board of directors of the corporation, or (iii) was a senior executive or director of the corporation or a senior executive of any affiliate thereof, and that senior executive or director will receive, as a result of the corporate action, a financial benefit not generally available to other shareholders (excluding certain employment, consulting or retirement benefits, or in the case of a director who becomes a director of the acquiring entity, the benefits generally afforded to other directors of the acquiring entity).

Dividends and Repurchases

 

Pursuant to the BAT articles of association, the shareholders may, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends but may not declare dividends in excess of the amount recommended by the directors. The directors may also pay interim dividends if it appears that such dividends are justified by the profits available for distribution. No dividend shall be paid otherwise than out of profits available for distribution as specified under the provisions of the UK Companies Act 2006.

 

Once approved by BAT shareholders by ordinary resolution and subject to certain procedural requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT may repurchase its own shares, including any BAT ordinary shares and any redeemable shares that may be issued. Shareholders may approve two different types of such share purchases: on-market purchases or off-market purchases. A purchase is an on-market purchase if it is made on a recognized investment exchange and is not an off-market purchase. A purchase is off-market if the shares are not purchased on a recognized investment exchange or are purchased on a recognized investment exchange but are not subject to a marketing arrangement on that exchange.

 

A resolution passed at BAT’s 2017 annual general meeting provides the directors with authority to purchase up to 10% of the BAT ordinary shares in issue (excluding any treasury shares) as at March 15, 2017.

 

BAT can redeem or repurchase shares only (1) if the shares are fully paid and (2) out of (a) distributable

   Under the NCBCA, a corporation may not make a distribution (including a dividend or a repurchase of its shares) if the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they come due in the usual course of business or if the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were dissolved, to satisfy the preferential rights of other shareholders.

 

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profits or (b) the proceeds of a new issue of shares made for the purpose of the repurchase or redemption.

 

  

Required Shareholder Votes for Certain Transactions

 

The following matters, among others, require shareholder approval and, for a UK listed company, therefore have to be exclusively approved at a general meeting:

 

Matters requiring special resolution:

 

•    amendments to the articles of association;

 

•    change to the company’s name;

 

•    reducing the notice period required to call a general meeting (other than the annual general meeting) from 21 days to not less than 14 days;

 

•    reductions of capital; and

 

•    disapplication (or renewal of disapplication) of preemption rights where directors are acting under a general authority to allot.

 

   Under the NCBCA, the affirmative vote of a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast (and, in certain situations, a majority of each voting group entitled to vote separately) of RAI is required to approve mergers and share exchanges involving RAI, the dissolution of RAI and the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the property of RAI.

Matters requiring ordinary resolution:

 

•    removal of directors;

 

•    approval of directors’ long-term service contracts;

 

•    approvals of loans, quasi loans, credit transaction, substantial property transactions, etc., with directors;

 

•    approval of directors’ remuneration report;

 

•    authorization of political donations or expenditure;

 

•    appointment and removal of auditors;

 

•    fixing remuneration of auditors;

 

•    authority to directors to allot shares;

 

•    authority to directors to determine the terms, conditions and manner of redemption of shares; and

 

•    authority to directors to make market purchase of shares.

  

The NCBCA contains an exception to its voting requirement for the surviving corporation in a merger (unless otherwise provided in the corporation’s articles of incorporation) if each of the following requirements is satisfied:

 

•    the articles of incorporation will not be changed, except for amendments permitted to be adopted by the board of directors without shareholder approval;

 

•    each shareholder who was a shareholder before the effective date of the merger will hold the same shares, with identical preferences, limitations and relative rights, after the merger;

 

•    the number of voting shares outstanding after the merger plus the number of voting shares issuable as a result of the merger will not exceed by more than 20% the number of voting shares of the surviving corporation outstanding prior to the merger; and

 

•    the number of participating shares outstanding after the merger plus the number of participating shares issuable as a result of the merger will not exceed by more than 20% the number of participating shares of the surviving corporation outstanding prior to the merger.

 

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The RAI articles of incorporation do not provide otherwise.

 

Under the NCBCA, a 90%-owned (with respect to each class and series of outstanding shares) subsidiary may be merged into its parent corporation without the approval of shareholders of either corporation.

State Antitakeover Statutes and Certain Articles of Incorporation Provisions

 

Under English law, BAT’s directors have a fiduciary duty to take only those actions that are in the interests of the company as a whole. Generally, antitakeover measures are not actions that fall within this category.

BAT is subject to the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, which governs the conduct of mergers and takeovers in the UK. Any takeover of BAT would have to be in accordance with this Code.

 

There are no provisions in the BAT articles of association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a takeover by, or change of control of, BAT.

 

There are two principal ways to effect a takeover of a UK public company. A takeover can be implemented by way of a contractual takeover by the bidder for the shares of the target. Alternatively, a takeover can be effected by a scheme of arrangement under which the Court, using a statutory procedure, gives effect to the takeover.

 

As BAT is a UK premium listed company, if it were subject to a takeover bid and the takeover were structured as a contractual takeover offer, under the UKLA Listing Rules a bidder would have to, by virtue of its shareholdings and acceptances of its takeover offer, acquire or agree to acquire shares carrying 75% of the voting rights of BAT before it could cancel BAT’s listing on the Main Market of the LSE.

 

Where the takeover is by way of a scheme of arrangement, the UKLA Listing Rules do not impose any additional rules as regards shareholder approval or the level of acceptances required before BAT could be delisted, as the scheme procedure provides sufficient protection for shareholders.

 

  

North Carolina has two primary anti-takeover statutes, the Shareholder Protection Act and the Control Share Acquisition Act. Under the Shareholder Protection Act, a shareholder who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the voting shares of the corporation is generally prohibited from engaging in a business combination with the corporation absent the satisfaction of certain “fair price” provisions or the affirmative vote of 95% of the voting shares of the corporation. Under the Control Share Acquisition Act, a shareholder who acquires “control shares” generally loses the right to vote those shares unless voting rights are restored by a vote of the shareholders.

 

In the RAI articles of incorporation, RAI has opted out of both such statutes. As such, RAI is not subject to the anti-takeover effects of such statutes.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

English law provides for statutory preemption rights that apply on an allotment of equity securities. Such rights can be disapplied by a special resolution passed by shareholders at a general meeting.    Under the NCBCA, shareholders do not have preemptive rights to acquire newly issued capital stock of RAI unless otherwise authorized by the articles of incorporation or unless the corporation was incorporated under certain circumstances.

 

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On April 26, 2017 at the annual general meeting of BAT:

 

1.      an ordinary resolution was passed granting directors the authority to allot shares in the capital of BAT up to a maximum nominal amount of £310,729,750 representing the Investment Association guideline limit of approximately two-thirds of BAT’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares) as at March 15, 2017. Of this amount £155,364,875, representing approximately one-third of BAT’s issued ordinary share capital (excluding treasury shares), can only be allotted pursuant to a rights issue; and

 

2.      a special resolution was passed granting directors the authority to allot shares for cash or by way of sale of treasury shares without complying with the pre-emption rights in the UK Companies Act 2006 in certain circumstances. The authority permits the directors to allot: (a) shares up to a nominal amount of £310,729,750 representing approximately two-thirds of BAT’s issued share capital, on an offer to existing shareholders on a pre-emptive basis. However, unless the shares are allotted pursuant to a rights issue (rather than an open offer), the directors may only allot shares up to a nominal amount of £155,364,875 representing approximately one-third of BAT’s issued share capital; and (b) shares up to a maximum nominal value of £23,304,731 representing approximately 5% of the issued ordinary share capital of BAT (excluding treasury shares) as at March 15, 2017, otherwise than in connection with an offer to existing shareholders.

 

This allotment authority expires on the earlier of (1) the 2018 annual general meeting of BAT renewing this authority; and (2) July 26, 2018.

 

The BAT directors have confirmed their intention to follow the provisions of the Pre-Emption Group’s Statement of Principles (the “Principles”) regarding cumulative usage of authorities within a rolling three-year period. The Principles provide that companies should not issue shares for cash representing more than 7.5% of a company’s issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) in any rolling three-year period, other than to existing shareholders, without prior consultation with shareholders.

 

  

 

Under the RAI articles of incorporation and the RAI bylaws, RAI shareholders do not have preemptive rights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fiduciary Duties

 

Under English law, BAT’s directors have a statutory and fiduciary duty to take only those actions that are in the interests of the company as a whole. See also “ —Corporate Opportunity ” below.

 

Pursuant to the UK Companies Act 2006, directors must:

 

•    act in a way he or she considers, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole;

 

•    act in accordance with the company’s constitution and exercise powers only for the purposes for which they are conferred;

 

•    exercise independent judgment;

 

•    exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence;

 

•    avoid conflicts of interest;

 

•    not accept benefits from third parties; and

 

•    declare an interest in a proposed transaction with the company.

 

  

North Carolina law is similar to the laws of most other states in requiring directors to discharge their duties in good faith, with the care of an ordinarily prudent person in a like position under similar circumstances and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation. Directors are entitled to rely on information provided by legal counsel, accountants, officers, employees, committees of the board or other persons as to matters that the directors reasonably believe are within their respective areas of competence, unless the directors have actual knowledge that makes such reliance unwarranted.

 

The duties of a director of a North Carolina corporation in a situation involving a change of control of the corporation are not any different, nor is the standard of care any higher, than the director’s standard fiduciary duties under North Carolina law. As such, directors of a North Carolina corporation in a change of control situation may not be subject to directors’ heightened duties like directors in Delaware, but the directors would continue to be subject to the fiduciary duties imposed under North Carolina law noted above. In addition, a director of a North Carolina corporation also may be permitted to consider such transaction’s impact on various constituencies under certain circumstances.

 

Under North Carolina law, certain transactions in which a director has a direct or indirect interest are not void or voidable solely because of such interest, provided that certain conditions are met, such as obtaining the approval of disinterested directors or shareholders after full disclosure or establishing that such transaction was fair to the corporation.

Exclusive Forum

 

BAT’s articles of association do not stipulate an exclusive forum for a derivative action brought by a BAT shareholder pursuant to the UK Companies Act 2006. However, the Companies Act 2006 requires that a shareholder of a company who brings a derivative claim or seeks to continue a claim as a derivative claim must apply to the courts of England and Wales for permission to continue the claim.

  

The RAI bylaws provide that unless RAI consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for:

 

•    any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of RAI;

 

•    any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of RAI to RAI or RAI shareholders;

 

•    any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the NCBCA, the RAI bylaws, or the RAI articles of incorporation (as each may be amended from time to time); or

 

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•      any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine,

 

shall only be the state courts of North Carolina or the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

 

Actions filed in any North Carolina state court shall be subject to designation or assignment to the North Carolina Business Court.

Corporate Opportunity

 

Under English law, a director is under a duty to avoid a situation in which he or she has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the company and is obliged to declare his or her interest in a proposed or ongoing transaction to the other directors. It is an offense to fail to declare an interest.

 

A director shall not vote at a meeting of the directors on any resolution concerning a matter in which he or she has, directly or indirectly, a material interest (other than an interest in shares, debentures or other securities of, or otherwise in or through, BAT) unless his or her interest arises only because the case falls within one or more of the exceptions listed in the articles of association.

 

The duty to avoid a conflict of interest is not infringed if the situation cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest or if the matter has been authorized by the directors in accordance with the articles of association.

 

Provided that the director has declared his or her interest to the other directors, a director notwithstanding his or her office may, generally (i) be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the company or in which the company is directly or indirectly interested; or (ii) be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise be interested in, any body corporate in which the company is directly or indirectly interested.

  

Section 55-2-02 of the NCBCA and its official comment generally authorize the articles of incorporation to set forth any provision not inconsistent with law relevant to the authority of the corporation, its officers and board of directors, and to the management of the corporation’s internal affairs. The NCBCA does not expressly prohibit a corporation from renouncing in its articles of incorporation any interest, expectancy or opportunity to participate in specified business opportunities that are presented to the corporation or its officers, directors or shareholders.

 

The RAI articles of incorporation provide that:

 

•      neither BAT, its affiliates nor any of their directors or employees has any duty to present to RAI any business opportunities not primarily relating to the United States;

 

•      RAI renounces any expectancy or interest in such business opportunities; and

 

BAT and its affiliates shall be entitled to act upon such business opportunities and will not be liable to RAI or RAI shareholders for taking or acting upon such opportunities.

Non-competition Provisions

 

The BAT articles of association do not contain any non-competition provisions.    The RAI articles of incorporation limit the purpose of the corporation by prohibiting RAI from engaging in any activity that is prohibited under any restrictive covenant or non-competition agreement running to BAT or its subsidiaries, unless such activity is approved by BAT.

 

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RAI is not currently subject to any non-competition agreement in favor of BAT or its subsidiaries.

Corporate Governance

 

The BAT articles of association, as amended from time to time, and English law govern the rights of holders of the BAT ordinary shares.

 

There are no provisions in the BAT articles of association that restrict non-resident shareholders from holding or exercising voting rights in relation to BAT ordinary shares.

 

BAT applies the Main Principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code, as amended from time to time.

   RAI’s articles of incorporation, as amended from time to time, RAI’s bylaws, and the NCBCA govern the rights of the shareholders of RAI. There are no provisions in RAI’s articles of incorporation or bylaws that restrict non-resident shareholders from holding or exercising voting rights with respect to their shares.

Rights of Inspections

 

Under English law, a company must retain and keep available for inspection by shareholders free of charge, and by any other person on payment of a prescribed fee, its register of shareholders. It must also keep available for inspection by shareholders free of charge records of all resolutions and meetings by shareholders and for a fee, provide copies of the minutes to shareholders who request them. Shareholders may also inspect the service contracts of directors at BAT’s registered offices during business hours.

 

In each case, the records of all resolutions and meetings by shareholders should be kept for at least ten years. These records may be kept in electronic form, as long as they are capable of being produced in hard copy form.

 

The BAT articles of association provide that no shareholder of BAT or other person shall have any right to inspect any accounting or other book or document of the company except as conferred by statute or ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or authorized by the directors or shareholders.

 

 

  

Under the NCBCA, RAI’s shareholders are granted statutory inspection rights in two separate and distinct categories. First, certain shareholders are granted the statutory right to inspect certain fundamental corporate documents without first asserting a particular purpose deemed proper. These are generally referred to as “absolute rights” of inspection. Also granted are more limited “qualified rights” of inspection of other corporate documents and records for a proper purpose.

 

Both the absolute rights and the qualified rights are granted only to a qualified shareholder, with one exception. For this purpose, the term “qualified shareholder” means a shareholder who has been such for at least six months immediately preceding such shareholder’s demand for inspection or who is the holder of at least 5% of RAI’s outstanding shares.

 

Any shareholder, whether or not a qualified shareholder, has the right, for a period beginning two business days after notice of a shareholders’ meeting has been given and continuing through the meeting, to inspect and copy the alphabetical list of the names and addresses of and number of shares held by all shareholders entitled to notice of the meeting, arranged by voting group and by class and series within each voting group.

 

RAI is required to keep certain records at its principal office, and a qualified shareholder is entitled to inspect and copy any of those records at the principal office during regular business hours if the shareholder gives the corporation written notice of the demand for inspection at least five business days before the date on which the shareholder wishes to inspect and copy. Those records are the following:

 

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•    articles of incorporation with all amendments;

 

•    bylaws with all amendments;

 

•    directors’ resolutions creating and defining any class or series of shares that are outstanding pursuant to those resolutions;

 

•    minutes of all shareholders’ meetings and records of all action by shareholders without a meeting for the past three years;

 

•    financial statements required to be made available to shareholders and all written communications to shareholders generally, all within the past three years;

 

•    list of names and business addresses of the current directors and officers; and

 

•    most recent annual report.

 

A qualified shareholder is entitled to inspect and copy certain corporate records during regular business hours at a reasonable location specified by the corporation if the shareholder gives the corporation written notice of the demand at least five business days before the date on which the shareholder wishes to inspect and copy and if the shareholder meets certain other statutory requirements, including that the shareholder’s demand is made in good faith and for a proper purpose. The corporate records subject to this right of inspection are:

 

•    records of any final action taken by the board of directors or by a committee of the board acting in place of the board on behalf of the corporation;

 

•    minutes of any shareholders’ meetings and records of action by shareholders without a meeting more than three years old;

 

•    accounting records of the corporation; and

 

•    record of shareholders.

 

A proper purpose must relate either to some individual interest of the shareholder as a shareholder or to some corporate interest.

 

A shareholder of a public corporation does not have any statutory or common-law right to inspect or copy (a) any accounting records of the corporation or (b) any records of the corporation with respect to any matter that the corporation determines in good faith

 

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   may, if disclosed, adversely affect the corporation in the conduct of its business or may constitute material nonpublic information at the time the shareholder’s demand for inspection is received by the corporation.

Shareholder Suits

 

The UK Companies Act 2006 provides limited circumstances in which a shareholder of a company may bring a derivative claim on behalf of the company. Such a claim may only be brought in respect of a cause of action arising from an actual or proposed act or omission involving negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by a director of the company. It is immaterial whether the cause of action arose before or after the person seeking to bring the claim became a shareholder of the company. A person seeking to bring a derivative claim must obtain the permission of the courts of England and Wales to continue that claim after issue.

 

The courts of England and Wales must refuse the claim if the action would not promote the success of the company, or the company authorized the director’s action or omission before it occurred, or has since ratified the action or omission (in both cases provided the act is capable of authorization or ratification). If there is no absolute bar to continuing the claim, the courts of England and Wales must consider the following (non-exhaustive) factors: (a) whether the shareholder is acting in good faith, (b) the importance that a person acting in accordance with the duty to promote the success of the company would accord to the proposed claim, (c) whether a proposed or past act or omission would be likely to be authorized or ratified, (d) whether the company has decided not to pursue the claim, (e) whether the shareholder has a cause of action that he or she may pursue in his or her own right rather than on behalf of the company and (f) the views of the shareholders of the company who have no personal direct or indirect interest in the matter.

 

The UK Companies Act 2006 also permits a shareholder to apply to the courts of England and Wales for relief on the grounds that: (1) the company’s affairs are being or have been conducted in a manner unfairly prejudicial to the interests of all or some shareholders, including the shareholder making the claim or (2) any act or omission of the company is or would be so prejudicial.

 

The UK Limitation Act 1980 imposes a limitation period, with certain exceptions, of civil claims. The period is six years in respect of actions in contract and tort, and twelve years for breach of any obligation

  

The NCBCA provides under certain circumstances the ability of a shareholder of RAI to bring a derivative claim on behalf of the corporation. A derivative action cannot be commenced unless a written demand has been made on the corporation to take suitable action and 90 days has expired, unless the corporation rejects the demand or irreparable injury to the corporation would result.

 

Under North Carolina law, individual shareholders may have the ability to bring a class action on behalf of themselves and other similarly situated shareholders if they can show that the shareholders have suffered a direct injury that is distinct from any injury to the corporation, and if they satisfy the other requirements for a class action under applicable North Carolina law. A shareholder class action, like an individual action, involves a claim that belongs directly to individual shareholders, instead of to the corporation, and typically is asserted by less than all of the injured shareholders as representatives of the group. All such class actions are governed in the North Carolina state courts by Rule 23(a) and (c) of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and in the federal courts by Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and by the case law interpreting those statutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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contained in a deed. The period starts to run on the date that the action accrued. In the case of contract, this is the date on which the breach occurred, and in tort this is the date on which the damage occurred.

 

  

Disclosure Interest in Shares

 

There are no provisions in the BAT articles of association whereby persons acquiring, holding or disposing of a certain percentage of the BAT ordinary shares are required to make disclosure of their ownership percentage, although there are such requirements under statute and regulation.

 

The basic disclosure requirement under Rule 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and the Transparency Rules referred to as the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules made by the UKLA under Part VI of FSMA, imposes a statutory obligation on a person to notify BAT and the Financial Conduct Authority of the percentage of the voting rights in BAT he or she holds or is deemed to hold, through his or her direct or indirect holding of certain financial instruments, if the percentage of those voting rights:

 

•    reaches, exceeds or falls below 3% and/or any subsequent whole percentage figure as a result of an acquisition or disposal of shares or financial instruments; or

 

•    reaches, exceeds or falls below any such threshold as a result of any change in the number of voting rights attached to shares in BAT.

 

The Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules set out in detail the circumstances in which an obligation of disclosure will arise, as well as certain exemptions from those obligations for specified persons.

 

Under Section 793 of the Companies Act 2006, BAT may, by notice in writing, require a person that BAT knows or has reasonable cause to believe has or had during the three years preceding the date of notice an interest in BAT ordinary shares, to indicate whether or not that is the case and, if that person does or did hold an interest in BAT ordinary shares, to provide certain information as set out in that Act.

 

Under the Listing Rules made by the UKLA, BAT is required to disclose in its annual report the interests of each of its directors and their connected persons. The Market Abuse Regulation imposes an obligation of disclosure on “persons discharging managerial responsibility” (including directors) and their “closely

  

Acquirers of RAI common stock are subject to disclosure requirements under Section 13(d)(1) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-1 thereunder, which provide that any person who becomes the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock must, within 10 days after such acquisition and subject to certain exceptions, file a Schedule 13D with the SEC disclosing specified information, and send a copy of the Schedule 13D to RAI and to each securities exchange on which RAI common stock is traded. Amendments to Schedule 13D representing changes in co-ownership or intentions with respect to RAI must be filed promptly.

 

RAI is required by the rules of the SEC to disclose in the proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of shareholders the identity and number of shares of RAI voting securities beneficially owned by:

 

•    each of its directors;

 

•    its principal executive officer;

 

•    its principal financial officer;

 

•    each of its three most highly compensated executive officers other than its principal executive officer and its principal financial officer;

 

•    all of its directors and executive officers as a group; and

 

•    any beneficial owner of 5% or more of the RAI voting securities of which RAI is aware.

 

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associated” persons (in each case, as defined therein) to notify BAT and the Financial Conduct Authority of every transaction relating to the shares or debt instruments of BAT.

 

The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers also imposes strict disclosure requirements with regard to dealings in the securities of an offeror or offeree company on all parties to a takeover and also on their respective associates during the course of an offer period.

  

Related Party Transactions

 

Under the UKLA Listing Rules, the definition of a related party includes significant shareholders (i.e., any person who is entitled to exercise, or to control the exercise of, 10% or more of the votes able to be cast at general meetings of BAT), directors and former directors, anyone who “exercises significant influence over the company” or any associate of a related party.

 

Certain tests are used to assess the impact of the related party transaction on the listed company, or class tests.

 

BAT’s reporting obligations would be dependent on the outcome of the class tests. Depending on the size of the transaction, no action may be required; BAT may have to obtain confirmation from a sponsor that the terms of the proposed transaction are fair and reasonable and announce details relating to the transaction as soon as possible; or BAT may need to obtain shareholder approval at a general meeting prior to entering into the transaction.

 

Further, under the UK Companies Act 2006, certain transactions between a director and a related company of which he or she is a director are prohibited unless approved by the shareholders, such as loans, credit transactions and substantial property transactions.

  

The RAI board of directors adopted a related person transaction approval policy, effective February 6, 2007. The definition of a related person includes a director or director nominee of RAI, an executive officer of RAI, a greater than 5% shareholder of RAI or an immediate family member of any of the foregoing. This definition is based upon the definition set forth in the applicable rules of the SEC.

 

The policy requires approval in advance of transactions in which (1) RAI, or one of its subsidiaries, is a participant and (2) a related person has a direct or indirect interest.

 

Certain dollar value thresholds determine whether the transaction must be approved by a designated executive officer of RAI, the RAI audit committee, the RAI board of directors or a sub-set of the RAI board of directors.

 

RAI is required to disclose certain information regarding related party transactions in accordance with SEC rules.

Reporting Requirements

 

BAT is required to meet continuing obligations under UK law, including making notifications and announcements with respect to:

 

•    Financial reporting—BAT must publish an annual report as soon as possible and in any event within four months after the end of each financial year. The annual report must include consolidated audited accounts, a management report and a responsibility statement. BAT must also publish a half-yearly report as soon as possible and in any event no later than three months after the end of the period to which it relates;

 

  

As a U.S. public company and a large accelerated filer under SEC rules, RAI must file with the SEC, among other reports and notices:

 

•    an Annual Report on Form 10-K within 60 days after the end of the fiscal year; and

 

•    a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q within 40 days after the end of each fiscal quarter.

 

These reports are RAI’s principal disclosure documents, and in addition to financial statements, these reports include details of RAI’s business, its capitalization and recent transactions; management’s discussion and analysis of RAI’s financial condition and operating results; and officer certifications

 

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•    Inside Information—BAT must publicly disclose via a regulated information service, referred to as an “RIS,” information of a precise nature which is not generally available, which relates, directly or indirectly, to BAT and which would, if generally available, be likely to have a significant effect on the price of BAT ordinary shares;

 

•    Disclosure of Interests—any person (including directors) in their capacity as holders of securities in, or relating to, BAT, is required to disclose details of their holdings of shares and financial instruments in the company, where those holdings reach, exceed or fall below 3% and any subsequent whole percentage figure of the voting share capital. BAT must then announce this via an RIS;

 

•    Changes to the BAT board of directors—BAT must disclose as soon as possible via an RIS after it has made any decision about the appointment of a new director; the resignation, removal or retirement of a director; or any important change in the functions or executive responsibilities of a director;

 

•    Repurchase of shares—any decision by the BAT board of directors to submit to shareholders a proposal for BAT to be authorized to purchase its own equity shares, other than the renewal of an existing authority, must be disclosed via an RIS immediately;

 

•    Directors’ dealings—BAT must notify an RIS of any information notified to it by directors, other persons discharging management responsibilities, and persons closely associated with them, of the occurrence of all transactions conducted on their own account in the shares of the company, or derivatives or any other financial instruments linked to them;

 

•    Disclosure of regulated information—BAT must disseminate all regulated information (that is information to which the UKLA Listing Rules or Disclosure Requirements or Transparency Rules apply) in unedited, full text through an RIS;

 

•    Significant transactions—significant acquisitions and disposals by BAT or one of its subsidiaries must be publicly disclosed;

  

regarding disclosure controls and procedures, among other matters.

 

In addition, RAI must file with the SEC:

 

•    a proxy statement in connection with the annual shareholders meeting containing information regarding RAI’s executive compensation and the holdings of RAI securities by RAI’s directors, executive officers, and greater than 5% shareholders; and

 

•    Current Reports on Form 8-K within four business days of the occurrence of specified or other important corporate events.

 

The corporate events required to be disclosed on Form 8-K include, among other things:

 

•    entry into a material agreement;

 

•    unregistered sales of equity securities;

 

•    changes in control;

 

•    changes in the composition of the board of directors or executive officers; and

 

•    amendments to articles of incorporation or bylaws.

 

Further, RAI’s officers, directors and 10%

shareholders are subject to the reporting and

“short-swing” profit recovery provisions of

Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules

thereunder with respect to their purchases and

sales of RAI common stock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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•    Transactions with related parties—where any transaction or arrangement over a certain size is proposed between a listed company (or any of its subsidiary undertakings) and a related party, an RIS announcement, a shareholder circular and the prior approval of the company in general meeting will generally be required. A “related party” to the company includes significant shareholders, directors and former directors, anyone who “exercises significant influence over the company” or any associate of a related party; and

 

•    Corporate Governance—BAT is required to make a statement in its annual report regarding its compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

 

BAT will also be subject to certain periodic reporting requirements under U.S. securities laws. For a more detailed discussion about U.S. securities laws, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Listing of BAT Ordinary Shares, Listing of BAT ADSs and Delisting and Deregistration of RAI Common Stock—Periodic Reporting under United States Securities Laws ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

  

Proxy Statements and Reports

 

On a poll, every proxy appointed by a shareholder and present at a general meeting has one vote for every share of which he or she is the holder or in respect or which his or her appointment as proxy or corporate representative has been made. On a show of hands, every proxy appointed by a shareholder and present at a general meeting has one vote, except that if the proxy has been duly appointed by more than one shareholder entitled to vote on the resolution and is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote for the resolution and by one or more others to vote against it, or is instructed by one or more of those shareholders to vote in one way and is given discretion as to how to vote by one or more others (and wishes to use that discretion to vote in the other way), he or she has one vote for and one vote against the resolution.

 

Under English law, there is no regulatory regime for the solicitation of proxies.

  

Under the Exchange Act proxy rules, RAI must comply with notice and disclosure requirements relating to the solicitation of proxies for stockholder meetings. Each outstanding share of RAI common stock is entitled to one vote. In the case of director elections, holders of RAI common stock may specify whether their shares should be voted for or against, or whether they abstain from voting with respect to, each of the director nominees. In the case of other proposals, holders of RAI common stock may specify whether their shares should

be voted for or against, or whether they abstain from voting with respect to, such other proposals.

 

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Board Remuneration

 

Until otherwise determined by BAT shareholders by ordinary resolution, there shall be paid to the directors who do not hold executive office (other than alternate directors) such fees for their services in the office of director as the directors may determine (not exceeding in the aggregate an annual sum of £2,500,000 or such larger amount as BAT shareholders may by ordinary resolution decide) divided between the directors as they may determine, or, failing such determination, equally. The remuneration of the executive directors is determined by the Remuneration Committee, which comprises independent Non-Executive Directors.

 

The directors may also be paid all reasonable expenses properly incurred by them in connection with their attendance at meetings of the directors or of committees of the directors or general meetings or separate meetings of the holders of any class of shares and any reasonable expenses properly incurred by them otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their responsibilities in relation to BAT.

 

  

RAI provides to its nonemployee directors (other than employees of BAT) compensation for their service on the board of directors in the form of retainers and meeting fees, and certain equity awards. RAI’s non-employee directors (other than employees of BAT) are collectively referred to as outside directors. RAI does not compensate any director who is an employee of RAI or any of its subsidiaries in his or her capacity as a director, except that RAI does reimburse all directors for actual expenses incurred in connection with attendance at board of directors and committee meetings, including transportation, food and lodging expenses. RAI also reimburses outside directors for the fees and expenses incurred by them in connection with their attendance at one director education program per year.

 

In general, in consideration for the service of the BAT employee directors on the board of directors, RAI pays BAT an annual fee, paid on a quarterly basis, per director. Such amounts generally are paid to BAT in lieu of any other compensation (other than the reimbursement of certain expenses) to which the BAT employee directors otherwise would be entitled in their capacities as members of the RAI board of directors.

 

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APPRAISAL RIGHTS

RAI Shareholders Have Appraisal Rights

Holders of RAI common stock who are entitled to vote on the merger agreement, who timely deliver notice to RAI of their intent to demand payment for their shares, who do not vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, and who otherwise comply with the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA will be entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger under Article 13 of the NCBCA. In order to assert and perfect appraisal rights, a shareholder must follow the steps summarized in this proxy statement/prospectus in a timely manner. In addition, a participant in the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, with shares of RAI common stock that are considered allocated to such participant’s account under the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, who instructs the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to not vote the shares of RAI common stock that are considered allocated to such participant’s account in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement may further instruct the trustee of the RAI Savings Plan or the custodian of the Puerto Rico SIP, as applicable, to exercise appraisal rights in connection with the merger under and in compliance with Article 13 of the NCBCA.

Under Article 13 of the NCBCA, where a merger agreement is to be submitted for approval at a meeting of shareholders and where the corporation concludes that shareholders are entitled to assert appraisal rights, the corporation must notify each of its shareholders entitled to appraisal rights that appraisal rights are available to them, include in the notice a copy of Article 13 of the NCBCA and provide the corporation’s most recently available annual financial statements and the latest available quarterly financial statements, if any. This proxy statement/prospectus constitutes such notice. A copy of the full text of Article 13 of the NCBCA is attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus and copies of the RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements (together with the report of RAI’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding such statements) contained in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the RAI Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in RAI’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, are attached as Annex G and Annex H, respectively, to this proxy statement/prospectus.

A shareholder who properly asserts appraisal rights has no assurance that such holder will receive an amount more than the merger consideration and, in fact, may receive an amount the same as or even less than the merger consideration.

The following summary is a description of the law pertaining to appraisal rights under the NCBCA and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of Article 13 of the NCBCA, which is attached as Annex E to this proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated by reference herein. The following summary does not constitute legal or other advice, nor does it constitute a recommendation on whether to assert appraisal rights under Article 13 of the NCBCA.

ANY SHAREHOLDER WHO WISHES TO DEMAND PAYMENT FOR HIS, HER OR ITS SHARES OR ASSERT APPRAISAL RIGHTS, OR WHO WISHES TO PRESERVE SUCH HOLDER’S RIGHT TO DO SO, SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANNEX E BECAUSE FAILURE TO TIMELY AND PROPERLY COMPLY WITH THE PROCEDURES SPECIFIED COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF APPRAISAL RIGHTS. MOREOVER, BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE PROCEDURES FOR APPRAISAL, RAI BELIEVES THAT, IF A SHAREHOLDER CONSIDERS ASSERTING SUCH RIGHTS, SUCH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSIDER SEEKING THE ADVICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL.

Requirements of Appraisal Rights

Under Article 13 of the NCBCA, any shareholder who (1) is entitled to vote on approval of the merger agreement, (2) delivers to RAI, before the vote to approve the merger agreement is taken, written notice of the

 

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shareholder’s intent to demand payment if the merger is effectuated, (3) does not vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement and (4) otherwise follows the procedures set forth in Article 13 of the NCBCA will be entitled to receive payment in cash of the fair value of those shares (excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the merger unless such exclusion would be inequitable), together with interest, if any, to be paid upon the conclusion of the process set forth in Article 13 of the NCBCA. Shareholders who receive a fair value cash payment will not be entitled to receive any merger consideration.

In order to assert appraisal rights, a shareholder must not vote, or cause or permit to be voted, any of his, her or its shares in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement. A failure to vote will satisfy this requirement, as will a vote against the proposal to approve the merger agreement or an abstention, but a vote in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement (in person or by proxy) or the return of a signed proxy which does not specify a vote against the proposal to approve the merger agreement or contain a direction to abstain (which, as specified under “ Special Meeting—Voting of Shares ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus will result in your proxy being voted in favor of the proposal to approve the merger agreement), will constitute a waiver of the shareholder’s appraisal rights.

If the above requirements are not satisfied and the merger becomes effective, a shareholder will not be entitled to payment for such holder’s shares under the provisions of Article 13 of the NCBCA.

Notice of Shareholder Intent to Demand Payment

Any shareholder wishing to assert a demand for payment and appraisal rights must deliver to RAI, before the vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement at the special meeting, a written notice of intent to demand appraisal of the shareholder’s shares. Written notices of intent to demand payment pursuant to Article 13 of the NCBCA should be addressed to:

Reynolds American Inc.

Attention: Corporate Secretary

401 North Main Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

A record holder, such as a broker, who holds shares of RAI common stock as a nominee for others, may assert appraisal rights with respect to the shares held by all or less than all beneficial owners of shares as to which such person is the record holder, provided such record holder asserts appraisal rights with respect to all shares beneficially owned by any particular beneficial owner. In such case, the notice submitted by such nominee as record holder must set forth the name and address of the beneficial owner who is demanding payment. A beneficial owner may assert appraisal rights only if such beneficial owner also submits to RAI the record holder’s written consent to such assertion not later than the “Demand Deadline” (as hereinafter defined) and may assert appraisal rights only with respect to all shares of RAI common stock of which it is the beneficial owner. If you hold your shares of RAI common stock in “street name” through an account with a bank, broker or other nominee and wish to assert your appraisal rights, you are urged to consult with your bank, broker or other nominee to determine the appropriate procedures for the making of a demand for appraisal.

Neither voting against the proposal to approve the merger agreement, nor abstaining from voting or failing to vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement, will in and of itself constitute a notice of intent to demand payment for appraisal satisfying the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA. The written notice of intent to demand appraisal must be in addition to and separate from any proxy or vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement. A shareholder’s failure to deliver the notice of intent to demand appraisal prior to the taking of the vote on the proposal to approve the merger agreement at the special meeting will constitute a waiver of appraisal rights.

 

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Appraisal Notice from RAI

If the merger is completed, RAI will be required to deliver a written appraisal notice and form to all shareholders who have satisfied the requirements described above under “— Requirements of Appraisal Rights and “— Notice of Shareholder Intent to Demand Payment .” The appraisal notice and form must be sent by RAI no earlier than the date the merger becomes effective and no later than ten days after that date. See “ The Merger Agreement—Closing of the Merger ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The appraisal notice and form must:

 

    specify the first date of any announcement of the principal terms of the merger to the shareholders. If such an announcement was made, the form must require the shareholder to certify whether beneficial ownership of the shares was acquired before that date. For more information regarding this requirement, see “— After-Acquired Shares ” below;

 

    require the shareholder to certify that the shareholder did not vote for or consent to the merger;

 

    disclose where the appraisal form is to be returned, where certificates for certificated shares must be deposited and the date by which such certificates must be deposited and, in the case of non-certificated shares represented by book-entry, the extent to which transfer of the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received;

 

    disclose a date by which RAI must receive the appraisal form from the shareholder, known as the “Demand Deadline.” The Demand Deadline may not be less than 40 nor more than 60 days after the date the appraisal notice and form are sent to shareholders;

 

    disclose that if the appraisal form is not received by RAI by the specified date, the shareholder will be deemed to have waived the right to demand appraisal;

 

    disclose RAI’s estimate of the fair value of the shares;

 

    disclose that, if requested in writing by the shareholder, RAI will provide within 10 days after the Demand Deadline the number of shareholders who have returned their appraisal forms and the total number of shares of RAI common stock owned by them;

 

    disclose a date within 20 days after the Demand Deadline by which shareholders can withdraw the request for appraisal; and

 

    include a copy of Article 13 of the NCBCA.

A shareholder who receives an appraisal notice from RAI must demand payment by signing and returning the appraisal form included with the notice and, in the case of certificated shares, deposit his, her or its share certificates in accordance with the terms of the appraisal notice. Shareholders should respond to the appraisal form’s request discussed above regarding when beneficial ownership of the shares was acquired. A failure to provide this certification allows RAI to treat the shares as “after-acquired shares” subject to RAI’s authority to delay payment as described below under “— After-Acquired Shares .” Once a shareholder returns the signed appraisal form and deposits his, her or its certificates or, in the case of non-certificated shares represented by book-entry, returns the signed appraisal form, the shareholder loses all rights as a shareholder unless a timely withdrawal occurs as described below. A shareholder who does not sign and return the appraisal form and, in the case of certificated shares, fails to deposit the shares, is not entitled to payment under Article 13 of the NCBCA.

A shareholder who has complied with all the steps required for appraisal may thereafter decline to assert appraisal rights and withdraw from the appraisal process by notifying RAI in writing. The appraisal notice will include a date by which the withdrawal notice must be received. Following this date, a shareholder may only withdraw from the appraisal process with RAI’s consent.

 

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RAI’s Payment to Shareholders

Within 30 days after the Demand Deadline, RAI is required to pay each shareholder that has complied with the requirements summarized above the amount that RAI estimates to be the fair value of such shareholder’s shares, plus interest accrued from the date the merger became effective to the date of payment. The payment will be accompanied by the following:

 

    RAI’s most recently available balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows as of the end of or for the fiscal year ending not more than 16 months before the date of payment, and the latest available quarterly balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows, if any;

 

    a statement of RAI’s estimate of the fair value of the shares, which must equal or exceed RAI’s estimate in the earlier-circulated appraisal notice; and

 

    a statement that the shareholder has the right to submit a final payment demand as described below and that the shareholder will lose the right to submit a final payment demand if he, she or it does not act within the specified time frame.

Final Payment Demand by Shareholder

A shareholder who is dissatisfied with the amount of the payment received from RAI must notify RAI in writing of such shareholder’s own estimate of the fair value of its shares of RAI common stock and the amount of interest due, and demand payment of the excess of this estimate over the amount previously paid by RAI. A shareholder who does not submit a final payment demand within 30 days after receiving RAI’s payment is only entitled to the amount previously paid.

After-Acquired Shares

RAI may withhold payment with respect to any shares of RAI common stock which a shareholder failed to certify on the appraisal form as being beneficially owned prior to the date stated in the appraisal notice as the date on which the principal terms of the merger were first announced. If RAI withholds payment, it must, within 30 days after the Demand Deadline, provide affected shareholders with RAI’s estimate of fair value of the shares and RAI’s most recently available balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows as of the end of or for the fiscal year ending not more than 16 months before the date of payment, and the latest available quarterly balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows, if any. RAI must also inform such shareholders that they may accept RAI’s estimate of the fair value of their shares of RAI common stock, plus interest, in full satisfaction of their claim or submit a final payment demand. Shareholders who wish to accept the offer must notify RAI of their acceptance within 30 days after receiving the offer. RAI must send payment to such shareholders within ten days after receiving their acceptance. Shareholders who are dissatisfied with the offer must reject the offer and demand payment of the shareholder’s own estimate of the fair value of the shares of RAI common stock, plus interest, within 30 days after receiving RAI’s offer of payment. If a shareholder does not explicitly accept or reject RAI’s offer, the shareholder will be deemed to have accepted the offer. RAI must send payment to these shareholders within 40 days after sending the notice regarding withholding of payment.

Judicial Appraisal of Shares

If RAI does not pay the amount demanded pursuant to a shareholder’s final payment demand, RAI must commence a proceeding in North Carolina Superior Court within 60 days after receiving the final demand. The purpose of the proceeding is to determine the fair value of the shares of RAI common stock and the interest due. If RAI does not commence the proceeding within the 60-day period, it must pay each shareholder demanding appraisal the amount demanded, plus interest.

All shareholders whose payment demands remain unsettled will be parties to the proceeding. The proceeding is against the shareholders’ shares of RAI common stock and not against the shareholders personally.

 

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There is no right to a jury trial. Each shareholder who is a party to the proceeding will be entitled to judgment for the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of the shareholder’s shares of RAI common stock, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by RAI to the shareholder for the shares of RAI common stock.

The court will determine all court costs of the proceeding and will assess the costs against RAI, except that the court may assess costs against some or all of the shareholders demanding appraisal, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds such shareholders acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by Article 13 of the NCBCA. The court may also assess expenses (including legal fees) for the respective parties, in the amounts the court finds equitable: (1) against RAI if the court finds that it did not substantially comply with the statutes or (2) against RAI or the shareholder demanding appraisal, if the court finds that the party against whom expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith. If the court finds that the expenses incurred by any shareholder were of substantial benefit to other shareholders similarly situated and that the expenses should not be assessed against RAI, it may direct that the expenses be paid out of the amounts awarded to the shareholders who were benefited.

If RAI fails to make a required payment to a shareholder under Article 13 of the NCBCA, the shareholder entitled to payment can commence an action against RAI directly for the amount owed and recover the expenses of that action.

Determination of Fair Value

The North Carolina Superior Court may appoint one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers shall have the powers described in the order appointing them, or in any amendment to it. The shareholders demanding appraisal rights are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings in North Carolina.

In determining fair value, the North Carolina Superior Court will consider the value of the shares of RAI common stock (1) immediately before the completion of the merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the merger unless exclusion would be inequitable, (2) using customary and current valuation concepts and techniques generally employed for similar business in the context of the merger, and (3) without discounting for lack of marketability or minority status except, if appropriate, for amendments to the articles pursuant to Section 55-13-02(a)(5) of the NCBCA. Such fair value could be less than, equal to or more than the consideration being offered pursuant to the merger agreement.

THE SUMMARY SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 13 OF THE NCBCA RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS DEMANDING APPRAISAL AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF THE NCBCA, WHICH ARE ATTACHED AS ANNEX E TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. SHAREHOLDERS INTENDING TO ASSERT APPRAISAL RIGHTS ARE URGED TO REVIEW ANNEX E CAREFULLY AND TO CONSULT WITH LEGAL COUNSEL SO AS TO BE IN STRICT COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.

 

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OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE PARTIES

Directors of BAT and the BAT Group management board

The current business address of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and each of its directors and members of the BAT Group management board is Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom, and the business telephone number of each such entity or person is +44 (0) 20 7845 1000. The beneficial ownership, if any, of each such entity or person of RAI common stock is described in greater detail in the section titled “ Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. The current business address of BAT’s agent for service of process and authorized representative in the United States for this proxy statement/prospectus, Puglisi & Associates, is 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware, 19711, Attention: Service of Process Department.

The names, citizenship and material occupations, positions, offices or employment during the past five years of the directors of BAT and members of the BAT Management Board are described in the section titled “ Business of BAT—Directors and Management Board ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

Directors and Executive Officers of Merger Sub, BATUS, B&W and Louisville

The current business address of Merger Sub and each of its executive officers and directors is Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Suite 2300, 150 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, and the business telephone number of each such entity or person is (919) 821-6731. The current business address of BATUS, a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware, and each of its executive officers and directors is 103 Foulk Road, Suite 201-3, Wilmington, Delaware 19803 and the current business telephone number of such entity or persons is (302) 691-6327. The current business address of B&W, a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware, and each of its executive officers and directors is 103 Foulk Road, Suite 201-3, Wilmington, Delaware 19803 and the business telephone number of each such entity or person is (302) 691-6325. The current business address of Louisville, a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales, and each of its executive officers and directors is Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London, WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom, and the business telephone number of each such entity or person is +44 (0) 20 7845 1000.

The principal business of Merger Sub, BATUS, B&W and Louisville as members of the BAT Group is the manufacture and sale of traditional tobacco products, which are comprised of cigarettes, fine cut (roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco), Swedish-style snus and cigars, alongside next generation products, including vapor products and tobacco heating products.

The beneficial ownership, if any, of each such entity or person of RAI common stock is described in greater detail in the section titled “ Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The names, citizenship and material occupations, positions, offices or employment during the past five years of the directors and executive officers of Merger Sub, BATUS, B&W and Louisville are as follows:

Michael Joseph Walter (58), Director and Treasurer, BATUS, and Secretary, Treasurer and Director, Merger Sub. Mr. Walter has been a Director of BATUS since 2006, Treasurer since 2016 and was President from 2013 until 2016. Mr. Walter became Secretary, Treasurer and a Director of Merger Sub in 2017. Mr. Walter has been a Consultant for Louisville Corporate Services, Inc., referred to as LCSI, since 2016, where he previously was President from 2013 until 2016, and Divisional Vice President of Tax and Treasury of LCSI from 2004 until 2013. The principal business of LCSI is corporate services for BAT wholly owned subsidiaries and the current business address is 401 South 4th Street, Suite 1010, Louisville, KY 40202. Mr. Walter is a citizen of the United States.

 

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Loren Brent Cotton (60), Director and President, BATUS, Director and President, Merger Sub, and Treasurer, B&W. Mr. Cotton has been President of BATUS since 2016 and a Director since 2015. He originally joined BATUS as Assistant Secretary in 2007 and previously held the position of Treasurer from 2013 until 2016. Mr. Cotton has been President and a Director of Merger Sub since January 2017. Mr. Cotton joined B&W as Treasurer in 2006. Mr. Cotton has been President of LCSI, since 2016 and a Director since 2013. He was previously Secretary and Treasurer of LCSI from 2013 until 2016, and Assistant Secretary from 2007 to 2013. The principal business of LCSI is corporate services for BAT wholly owned subsidiaries and the current business address is 401 South 4th Street, Suite 1010, Louisville, KY 40202. Mr. Cotton is a citizen of the United States.

Lisa M. Oakes (51), Director and Secretary, BATUS . Ms. Oakes was appointed Secretary and a Director of BATUS in 2004. Ms. Oakes has been Vice President Client Services and Internal Compliance officer at CSC Entity Services, referred to as CSC, since 2004, and Workflow Leader since 2011. The principal business of CSC, a subsidiary of Corporation Services Company, is corporate services. The current business address of CSC is 103 Foulk Road, Suite 101, Wilmington, DE 19803. Ms. Oakes is a citizen of the United States.

Andrew T. Panaccione (56), Director and Secretary, B&W. Mr. Panaccione has been a Director and Secretary of B&W since 2004. Mr. Panaccione has been Chief Financial Officer of W Bar E Inc., referred to as W Bar E, since 2015. The principal business of W BAR E is diversified industrials and realty investments. The current business address of W BAR E is 1600 Union Meeting Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Mr. Panaccione held the position of Vice President at Corporation Service Company, referred to as CSC, from 2013 until 2015. The principal business of CSC is corporate services and the current business address is 103 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Mr. Panaccione is a citizen of the United States.

Timothy James Hazlett (56), Director and President, B&W . Mr. Hazlett has been President and a Director of B&W since 2004. Mr. Hazlett began T.J. Hazlett, LLC, referred to as T.J. Hazlett, as the Managing Member in 2010. The principal business of T. J. Hazlett is consulting and director services and the current business address is 627 Eagle Watch Lane, Osprey, FL 34229. Mr. Hazlett began Hazlett Corporate Counsel, PLLC as the Managing Member in 2007. The principal business of Hazlett Corporate Counsel, PLLC is legal services and the current business address is 401 South 4th Street, Suite 1010, Louisville, KY 40202. Mr. Hazlett is a citizen of the United States.

Robert Casey (68), Director, Louisville, and Director, B&W . Mr. Casey has been a director of B&W since 2004. Mr. Casey has been a director of Louisville since 2002. Mr. Casey has been an Assistant General Counsel-Corporate for BAT since 2001. Mr. Casey is a citizen of the United States.

Steven Dale (49), Director, Louisville. Mr. Dale has served as a Director of Louisville since July 2016. Mr. Dale has been the Head of Corporate Tax for BAT since 2015, prior to which he was the Commercial Tax Manager from 2012 until 2014. Mr. Dale is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

Directors and Executive Officers of Reynolds American Inc.

The RAI board of directors presently consists of 14 members. The name, current principal occupation or employment and material occupations, positions, offices or employment for the past five years of each director of RAI is set forth in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2017, incorporated by reference herein. See “ Where You Can Find More Information .” The merger agreement provides, however, that the directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the initial directors of the surviving corporation immediately following the merger until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

The merger agreement provides that the officers of RAI immediately prior to the completion of the merger will be the initial officers of the surviving corporation immediately following the merger. The name, current

 

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principal occupation or employment and material occupations, positions, offices or employment for the past five years of each executive officer of RAI is set forth in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on February 9, 2017, incorporated by reference herein. See “ Where You Can Find More Information .” Following the merger, each executive officer will serve until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified, as the case may be.

All of the directors and executive officers of RAI can be reached at c/o RAI, 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101 and each of the directors and executive officers is a citizen of the United States, except for Ricardo Oberlander, who is a citizen of Brazil; Jean-Marc Lévy, who is a citizen of Switzerland; Luc Jobin, who is a citizen of Canada; Cressida J. Lozano, who is a citizen of both the United States and Great Britain; and McDara P. Folan, III, who is a citizen of both the United States and Ireland.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Security Ownership of BAT Ordinary Shares

As of May 9, 2017, BAT had a total of 2,027,075,539 ordinary shares in issue, listed on the LSE and the JSE.

As of May 9, 2017, there were 40,584 record holders of BAT ordinary shares listed on the LSE (including Citibank as the depositary bank for the BAT ADSs) and 1,781,414,884 of such BAT ordinary shares outstanding. As of such date, to BAT’s knowledge, 298 record holders, representing 0.02% of the BAT ordinary shares listed on the LSE, had a registered address in the United States. As of May 9, 2017, there were 941 record holders of BAT ordinary shares listed on the JSE (including PLC Nominees (Proprietary) Limited as the nominee for the dematerialized BAT ordinary shares listed on the JSE) and 245,660,655 of such BAT ordinary shares outstanding. As of such date, to BAT’s knowledge, no record holders of the BAT ordinary shares listed on the JSE had a registered address in the United States. As of May 9, 2017, based on information received from Citibank, there were 793 record holders of BAT ADSs and 56,925,226 BAT ADSs outstanding. As of such date, based on information received from Citibank, 782 record holders, representing 99.99% of BAT ADSs representing BAT ordinary shares, had a registered address in the United States.

The tables below set forth the beneficial ownership of certain BAT shareholders. Percentage of ownership is based on 1,864,429,949 BAT ordinary shares outstanding (excluding 162,645,590 treasury shares) as of May 9, 2017.

Security Ownership of BAT Principal Shareholders

The table below presents, to the knowledge of BAT’s management on the basis of notification received under the UK Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, referred to as the DTRs, information regarding the total amount of BAT shares directly or indirectly owned by BAT’s major shareholders, including, in accordance with applicable UK regulations, each shareholder that is known to BAT to have voting rights of 3% or more as of May 9, 2017.

Brokers or other nominees may hold BAT ordinary shares in “street name” for customers who are the beneficial owners of the shares. As a result, BAT may not be aware of each person or group of affiliated persons who own more than 3% of BAT ordinary shares. BAT’s major shareholders do not have different voting rights from BAT’s other shareholders.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of
Ordinary Shares
     Percentage of
Issued Share Capital (1)

BlackRock, Inc.

     132,891,526      7.13

Reinet Investments S.C.A.

     76,518,264      4.10

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

     94,321,111      5.06

 

(1) The percentage of issued share capital excludes treasury shares.

To the knowledge of BAT’s management, none of the above shareholders hold voting rights which are different from those held by BAT’s other shareholders and there are no shareholdings that carry special rights relating to control of BAT.

 

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Significant Changes in Ownership

In accordance with the DTRs, share transfers by major shareholders of greater than 1% must be reported to BAT. The following table sets out the notifications received by BAT during the past three years to the best of BAT’s knowledge.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Date of
notification
    Nature of
threshold
crossed/reached
as a result of
share transfers
    Number of
ordinary shares
immediately
following
notification
    Percentage of
issued share
capital
immediately
following
notification

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

    August 25, 2015       Above 4     75,240,878     4.04

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

    March 3, 2016       Above 5     94,321,111     5.06

Security Ownership of BAT Directors and the BAT Group management board

The following table presents information regarding the total amount of BAT ordinary shares beneficially owned (outright, by their family or by connected persons) by each current director of BAT, each member of the BAT Group management board and all directors and the BAT Group management board as a group, as of May 9, 2017. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each director and member of the BAT Group management board listed is: c/o British American Tobacco p.l.c., Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom. The address for Jack Bowles is 16 th Floor, 2 IFC, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.

 

     Number
of
Ordinary
Shares
     Percentage
of Class (7)
 

BAT Directors

     

Richard Burrows

     15,000        0.0008  

Nicandro Durante (1)(2)

     254,698        0.0137  

Ben Stevens (1)

     84,335        0.0045  

Sue Farr

     —          —    

Ann Godbehere (3)

     3,100        0.0002  

Marion Helmes

     4,500        0.0002  

Savio Kwan

     6,148        0.0003  

Pedro Malan

     —          —    

Dimitri Panayotopoulos

     3,300        0.0002  

Kieran Poynter

     5,000        0.0003  

BAT Group management board

     

Jerome Abelman (4)

     35,987        0.0019  

Jack Bowles (4)

     30,278        0.0016  

Alan Davy (4)

     43,186        0.0023  

Giovanni Giordano (4)(5)(6)

     30,579        0.0016  

Andrew Gray (4)

     47,750        0.0026  

Tadeu Marroco (4)

     12,980        0.0007  

David O’Reilly (4)

     20,251        0.0011  

Ricardo Oberlander (4)(5)

     53,706        0.0029  

Naresh Sethi (4)(5)

     48,758        0.0026  

Johan Vandermeulen (4)

     6,258        0.0003  

Kingsley Wheaton (4)

     7,235        0.0004  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

All BAT Directors and BAT Group management board as a group (21 Persons)

     713,049        0.0382  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Notes:

(1)

The number of BAT ordinary shares beneficially owned by the Executive Directors include BAT ordinary shares awarded and required to be held for a period of at least three years in a UK-based trust under the SIP.

 

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  BAT ordinary shares cannot be sold or transferred out of the trust until the end of the three-year holding period. The amounts above include the following BAT ordinary shares held in the trust under the SIP: (a) 2,042 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Durante, of which 401 have been held for less than three years; and (b) 519 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Stevens, of which 267 have been held for less than three years. In all cases, the beneficial owner of BAT ordinary shares under the SIP may direct the trust to exercise its voting rights in accordance with his instructions. See footnote (5) to the table below under the heading “ —Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of BAT Directors and the BAT Group Management Board ” for additional details regarding the SIP and the BAT ordinary shares held thereunder.
(2) The number of BAT ordinary shares beneficially owned by Mr. Durante includes 591 options granted under the Sharesave Scheme that have vested and may be exercised within 60 days of May 9, 2017. Each option is convertible into one BAT ordinary share upon exercise. See footnote (2) to the table below under the heading “ —Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of BAT Directors and the BAT Group Management Board ” for additional details regarding the Sharesave Scheme.
(3) The BAT ordinary shares beneficially owned by Ms. Godbehere are represented by BAT ADSs, each of which represents one BAT ordinary share.
(4) The number of BAT ordinary shares beneficially owned by the members of the BAT Group management board include BAT ordinary shares awarded and required to be held for a period of at least three years in a UK-based trust under the SIP. BAT ordinary shares cannot be sold or transferred out of the trust until the end of the three-year holding period. The amounts above include the following BAT ordinary shares held in the trust under the SIP: (a) 306 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Abelman, of which 217 have been held for less than three years; (b) 475 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Bowles, of which 235 have been held for less than three years; (c) 489 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Davy, of which 243 have been held for less than three years; (d) 704 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Giordano, of which 260 have been held for less than three years; (e) 757 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Gray, of which 271 have been held for less than three years; (f) 434 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Marroco, of which 230 have been held for less than three years; (g) 1,553 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. O’Reilly, of which 355 have been held for less than three years; (h) 377 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Oberlander, of which 231 have been held for less than three years; (i) 1,212 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Sethi, of which 316 have been held for less than three years; (j) 305 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Vandermeulen, of which 180 have been held for less than three years; and (k) 617 BAT ordinary shares for Mr. Wheaton, of which 256 have been held for less than three years. In all cases, the beneficial owner of BAT ordinary shares under the SIP may direct the trust to exercise its voting rights in accordance with his instructions. See footnote (5) to the table below under the heading “ —Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of BAT Directors and the BAT Group Management Board ” for additional details regarding the SIP and the BAT ordinary shares held thereunder.
(5) The number of BAT ordinary shares beneficially owned by the members of the BAT Group management board include the following number of options granted under the LTIP and the Sharesave Scheme that have vested and may be exercised within 60 days of May 9, 2017: (a) 236 options under the Sharesave Scheme for Mr. Giordano; (b) 14,118 options under the LTIP for Mr. Oberlander; and (c) 14,648 options under the LTIP and 346 options under the Sharesave Scheme for Mr. Sethi. Each option is convertible into one BAT ordinary share upon exercise. See footnotes (1) and (2) to the table below under the heading “ —Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of BAT Directors and the BAT Group Management Board ” for additional details regarding the LTIP and the Sharesave Scheme, respectively.
(6) 8,000 BAT ordinary shares held by Mr. Giordano are represented by BAT ADSs, each of which represents one BAT ordinary share.
(7) The information in this column is based on 1,864,429,949 BAT ordinary shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares) as of May 9, 2017. Any securities not outstanding subject to options, warrants, rights or conversion privileges that give the beneficial owner the right to acquire the securities within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding securities of the class owned by such person but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class by any other person.

 

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Outstanding Share-based Awards and Options-based Awards of BAT Directors and the BAT Group Management Board

The following table presents information regarding the options and the restricted share awards held by the BAT Directors and the BAT Group management board as of May 9, 2017. The following BAT Directors (being the Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors) have not been granted share-based Awards or Options-based Awards over BAT ordinary shares: Mr. Burrows, Ms. Farr,
Ms. Godbehere, Dr. Helmes, Mr. Kwan, Dr. Malan, Mr. Panayotopoulos and Mr. Poynter.

 

    Number
of
Options
Held
    Date of
Grant/Award
    Option
Exercise
Price £
    Market
Price at
Date of
Grant of
Option £
    Number
of Shares
Awarded
    Exercisable
(LTIP/Sharesave)
Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
 

BAT Directors

           

Nicandro Durante

           

LTIP (1)

    127,448       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    140,529       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2021 - 11 May 2026  
    114,181       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2022 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    591       28-Mar-12       25.36       31.70       —         1 May 2017 - 31 Oct 2017  
    543       26-Aug-14       27.87       34.83       —         1 Oct 2019 - 31 Mar 2020  
    369       24-Mar-17       40.56       50.70       —         1 May 2022 - 31 Oct 2022  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    383,661            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         19,419       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         29,690       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         28,545       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         21       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         44       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         23       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         43       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         20       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         43       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            78,055    
         

 

 

   

Ben Stevens

           

LTIP (1)

    69,641       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    71,669       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2021 - 11 May 2026  
    58,232       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2022 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    543       26-Aug-14       27.87       34.83       —         1 Oct 2019 - 31 Mar 2020  
    495       23-Mar-15       30.26       37.82       —         1 May 2020 - 31 Oct 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    200,580            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         12,732       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         19,468       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         15,805       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         7       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         15       8-May-18  

 

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    Number
of
Options
Held
    Date of
Grant/Award
    Option
Exercise
Price £
    Market
Price at
Date of
Grant of
Option £
    Number
of Shares
Awarded
    Exercisable
(LTIP/Sharesave)
Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
 
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         7       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         13       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         6       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         12       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            48,272    
         

 

 

   

BAT Group management board

           

Jerome Abelman

           

LTIP (1)

    23,448       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    22,732       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    19,583       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    991       23-Mar-15       30.26       37.82       —         1 May 2020 - 31 Oct 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    66,754            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         1,706       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         8,164       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         6,658       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         3       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         2       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         5       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            16,745    
         

 

 

   

Jack Bowles

           

LTIP (1)

    35,517       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    31,943       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    26,463       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    93,923            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         7,359       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         11,473       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         8,997       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         3       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         7       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         3       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         6       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         3       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         6       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            28,064    
         

 

 

   

 

418


Table of Contents
    Number
of
Options
Held
    Date of
Grant/Award
    Option
Exercise
Price £
    Market
Price at
Date of
Grant of
Option £
    Number
of Shares
Awarded
    Exercisable
(LTIP/Sharesave)
Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
 

Alan Davy

           

LTIP (1)

    25,862       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    23,027       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    19,099       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    543       26-Aug-14       27.87       34.83       —         1 Oct 2019 - 31 Mar 2020  
    221       24-Mar-17       40.56       50.70       —         1 May 2020 - 31 Oct 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    68,752            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         5,358       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         8,270       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         6,493       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         3       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         7       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         5       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         7       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         4       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         10       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            20,364    
         

 

 

   

Giovanni Giordano

           

LTIP (1)

    34,137       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    30,113       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    24,966       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    236       28-Mar-12       25.36       31.70       —         1 May 2017 - 31 Oct 2017  
    475       23-Mar-15       30.26       37.82       —         1 May 2018 - 31 Oct 2018  
    88       24-Mar-17       40.56       50.70       —         1 May 2020 - 31 Oct 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    90,015            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         7,073       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         10,815       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         8,488       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         5       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         10       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         6       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         12       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         6       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         14       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            26,636    
         

 

 

   

 

419


Table of Contents
    Number
of
Options
Held
    Date of
Grant/Award
    Option
Exercise
Price £
    Market
Price at
Date of
Grant of
Option £
    Number
of Shares
Awarded
    Exercisable
(LTIP/Sharesave)
Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
 

Andrew Gray

           

LTIP (1)

    37,241       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    32,829       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    27,197       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    576       28-Mar-14       26.00       32.50       —         1 May 2019 - 31 Oct 2019  
    543       26-Aug-14       27.87       34.83       —         1 Oct 2019 - 31 Mar 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    98,386            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         7,716       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         11,791       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         9,247       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         7       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         13       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         8       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         14       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         7       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         15       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            29,025    
         

 

 

   

Tadeu Marroco

           

LTIP (1)

    24,137       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    21,315       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    21,109       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    534       26-Mar-13       28.07       35.08       —         1 May 2018 - 31 Oct 2018  
    495       23-Mar-15       30.26       37.82       —         1 May 2020 - 31 Oct 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    67,590            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         3,825       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         7,655       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         7,177       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         1       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         3       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         3       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         5       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         3       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         8       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            18,887    
         

 

 

   

 

420


Table of Contents
    Number
of
Options
Held
    Date of
Grant/Award
    Option
Exercise
Price £
    Market
Price at
Date of
Grant of
Option £
    Number
of Shares
Awarded
    Exercisable
(LTIP/Sharesave)
Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
 

David O’Reilly

           

LTIP (1)

    24,137       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    21,315       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    17,674       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    63,126            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         5,001       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         7,655       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         6,009       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         16       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         34       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         18       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         33       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         15       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         32       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            19,020    
         

 

 

   

Ricardo Oberlander

           

LTIP (1)

    30,693       28-Mar-14       0.00       32.58       —         28 Mar 2017 - 27 Mar 2024  
    29,482       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    26,511       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    21,996       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    534       26-Mar-13       28.07       35.08       —         1 May 2018 - 31 Oct 2018  
    495       23-Mar-15       30.26       37.82       —         1 May 2020 - 31 Oct 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    109,711            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         6,108       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         9,522       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         7,478       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         2       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         5       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         2       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         5       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         3       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         7       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            23,339    
         

 

 

   

Naresh Sethi

           

LTIP (1)

    31,844       28-Mar-14       0.00       32.58       —         28 Mar 2017 - 27 Mar 2024  
    29,482       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    26,009       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  

 

421


Table of Contents
    Number
of
Options
Held
    Date of
Grant/Award
    Option
Exercise
Price £
    Market
Price at
Date of
Grant of
Option £
    Number
of Shares
Awarded
    Exercisable
(LTIP/Sharesave)
Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
 
    21,545       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    346       28-Mar-14       26.00       32.50       —         1 May 2017 - 31 Oct 2017  
    322       26-Aug-14       27.87       34.83       —         1 Oct 2017 - 31 Mar 2018  
    369       24-Mar-17       40.56       50.70       —         1 May 2022 - 31 Oct 2022  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    109,917            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         6,108       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         9,341       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         7,325       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         12       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         24       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         13       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         24       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         11       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         25       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            23,090    
         

 

 

   

Johan Vandermeulen

           

LTIP (1)

    28,620       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    25,094       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    21,195       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  

Sharesave (2)

    991       23-Mar-15       30.26       37.82       —         1 May 2020 - 31 Oct 2020  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    75,900            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         5,892       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         9,013       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         7,206       27-Mar-20  

SIP (5)

    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         17       1-Apr 18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         2       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         2       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         4       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            22,291    
         

 

 

   

Kingsley Wheaton

           

LTIP (1)

    29,482       27-Mar-15       0.00       36.25       —         27 Mar 2018 - 26 Mar 2025  
    25,242       12-May-16       0.00       42.34       —         12 May 2019 - 11 May 2026  
    21,382       27-Mar-17       0.00       52.11       —         27 Mar 2020 - 26 Mar 2027  
 

 

 

           

Total Options (3)

    76,106            
 

 

 

           

DSBS (4)

    —         27-Mar-15       —         —         5,158       27-Mar-18  
    —         29-Mar-16       —         —         9,066       29-Mar-19  
    —         27-Mar-17       —         —         7,270       27-Mar-20  

 

422


Table of Contents
    Number
of
Options
Held
    Date of
Grant/Award
    Option
Exercise
Price £
    Market
Price at
Date of
Grant of
Option £
    Number
of Shares
Awarded
    Exercisable
(LTIP/Sharesave)
Vesting (DSBS/SIP)
 

SIP (5)

    —         30-Sep-14       —         —         5       30-Sep-17  
    —         1-Apr-15       —         —         52       1-Apr-18  
    —         8-May-15       —         —         10       8-May-18  
    —         30-Sep-15       —         —         6       30-Sep-18  
    —         1-Apr-16       —         —         88       1-Apr-19  
    —         9-May-16       —         —         11       9-May-19  
    —         28-Sep-16       —         —         5       28-Sep-19  
    —         3-Apr-17       —         —         67       3-Apr-20  
    —         4-May-17       —         —         12       4-May-20  
         

 

 

   

Total Restricted Share Awards (6)

            21,750    
         

 

 

   

 

Notes:

Options

(1) LTIP: Grants or awards of BAT ordinary shares under the LTIP are for nil consideration. The number of options shown is the maximum that may be exercised subject to the completion of the applicable performance period and conditions under the rules of the LTIP. The number of options which may vest and become exercisable may be less than the numbers of BAT ordinary shares shown in the table.
(2) Sharesave Scheme: Grants of options under the Sharesave Scheme are: (a) normally granted at a discount of 20% to the market price of BAT ordinary shares at the time of invitation, as permitted by the rules of the Sharesave Scheme; and (b) are exercisable at the end of a three-year or five-year savings contract up to a monthly limit of £500.
(3) Each of the LTIP and Sharesave Scheme contains provisions which permit the BAT board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the BAT board of directors to establish further plans for the benefit of overseas employees based on the relevant share plan but modified as necessary or desirable to take account of overseas tax, exchange control or securities laws. Any new BAT ordinary shares issued under such plans would not count towards any applicable plan limits under the LTIP or the Sharesave Scheme.

Restricted Share Awards

(4) DSBS: Awards of deferred shares are made through the DSBS and comprise free BAT ordinary shares normally held in trust for three years and no further performance conditions apply in that period. The BAT ordinary shares carry no rights to vote in that period.
(5) SIP: The SIP is an all-employee plan which includes the SRS under which eligible employees receive an award of BAT ordinary shares, referred to as Free Shares, in April of each year in which the plan operates in respect of performance in the previous financial year. The Free Shares are held in a UK-based trust from the date of the award for a minimum period of three years. During that time the SIP participant is entitled to receive dividends on those BAT ordinary shares which are re-invested by such trust to buy further BAT ordinary shares, referred to as Dividend Shares, on behalf of the SIP participant. The Dividend Shares are also held in the trust from the date of acquisition for a minimum period of three years. During the three-year holding periods, the SIP participant may not remove the Free Shares or the Dividend Shares from the trust, but may direct the trust to exercise its voting rights in accordance with his or her instructions. In addition to the Free Shares and Dividend Shares, participants in the SIP are also eligible to purchase additional BAT ordinary shares from their pre-tax salary up to an annual statutory limit, referred to as Partnership Shares. The SIP also provides that BAT has the right to offer additional BAT ordinary shares to a participant at no cost for each Partnership Share the participant purchases, at a ratio of two such BAT ordinary shares for each Partnership Share purchased, referred to as Matching Shares. BAT does not currently provide any Matching Shares.

 

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(6) BAT has established similar plans to the SIP for non-UK employees and specific plans for employees in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Each of these plans has been modified to take account of overseas tax, exchange control and securities laws.

Security Ownership of RAI Common Stock

As of May 5, 2017, RAI had 11,600 record holders and 1,426,762,156 shares outstanding. As of such date, to RAI’s knowledge, 11,517 record holders, representing 89.14% of outstanding RAI common stock, had a registered address in the United States.

The tables below set forth the beneficial ownership of certain RAI shareholders. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. RAI common stock that may be acquired by an individual or group within 60 days of May 5, 2017, including but not limited to pursuant to (1) the exercise of options, warrants or rights, (2) the conversion of a security, (3) the power to revoke a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement or (4) automatic termination of a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement, deemed to be beneficially owned and deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table. Percentage of ownership is based on 1,426,762,156 shares of RAI common stock outstanding on May 5, 2017.

Security Ownership of RAI Principal Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of RAI common stock as of May 5, 2017 by each shareholder known by RAI to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of RAI common stock.

Brokers or other nominees may hold RAI common stock in “street name” for customers who are the beneficial owners of the shares. As a result, RAI may not be aware of each person or group of affiliated persons who own more than 5% of RAI common stock. Other than the BAT Group (as described in “ The Governance Agreement ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus), RAI’s major shareholders do not have different voting rights from RAI’s other shareholders. .

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

   Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership (1)
    

Percentage
of Class (2)

British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Globe House, 4 Temple Place,
London WC2R 2PG United Kingdom

     601,368,171      42.15%

Louisville Securities Limited
Globe House, 4 Temple Place,
London WC2R 2PG United Kingdom

     601,368,171      42.15%

Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.
103 Foulk Road, Suite 201-3
Wilmington, Delaware 19803

     446,668,038      31.31%

 

(1)

(a) Louisville and BAT hold shared dispositive and shared voting power over 601,368,171 shares, comprised of the 154,700,133 shares held by Louisville and the 446,668,038 shares held by B&W, (b) B&W, Louisville and BAT hold shared dispositive and shared voting power over the 446,668,038 shares held by B&W, (c) Louisville is the record owner of 154,700,133 shares and the beneficial owner of 601,368,171 shares (the 154,700,133 shares plus the 446,668,038 shares held by B&W) by virtue of its indirect ownership of all of the equity and voting power of B&W, (d) B&W is the record and beneficial

 

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  owner of 446,668,038 shares, and (e) BAT is the beneficial owner of 601,368,171 shares by virtue of its indirect ownership of all of the equity and voting power of Louisville and B&W. B&W is a wholly owned subsidiary of BATUS Holdings Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Louisville. Louisville is a wholly owned subsidiary of British-American Tobacco (Holdings) Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of B.A.T Industries p.l.c., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Weston (2009) Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco (2009) Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco (2012) Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco (1998) Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco p.l.c. Subsequently, for purposes of this disclosure, British American Tobacco p.l.c. may be deemed to beneficially own those shares.

The address of BATUS Holdings Inc. is 103 Foulk Road, Suite 201-3, Wilmington, DE 19803. The address of B&W is 103 Foulk Road, Suite 117, Wilmington DE 19803. The address of Louisville, British-American Tobacco (Holdings) Limited, B.A.T Industries p.l.c., Weston (2009) Limited, British American Tobacco (2009) Limited, British American Tobacco (2012) Limited and British American Tobacco (1998) Limited is Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London, WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom.

 

(2) Information in this column is based on 1,426,762,156 shares of RAI common stock outstanding on May 5, 2017.

Other than as set forth in the following table, as of May 5, 2017, BAT, Merger Sub, BATUS, B&W and Louisville and their respective associates, directors or executive officers, controlling persons and subsidiaries, as applicable, and the BAT Group management board, did not beneficially own any RAI common stock.

Security Ownership of RAI Directors and Executive Officers

The following table indicates the number of shares of RAI common stock beneficially owned as of May 5, 2017, by each current director of RAI, each named executive officer of RAI and all directors and executive officers of RAI as a group, based on information provided to RAI by these individuals. Except as described in the footnotes to the table, each person has sole investment and voting power over the shares for which he or she is shown as beneficial owner. RAI’s directors and executive officers do not have different voting rights from RAI’s other shareholders. The directors and executive officers of RAI and their affiliates collectively own a total of (1) less than 1.0% of RAI’s 1,427,762,156 shares of outstanding capital stock and (2) less than 1.0% of RAI’s 1,426,762,156 shares of common stock entitled to vote to approve the merger agreement as of May 5, 2017. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each director and executive officer listed is: c/o Reynolds American Inc., 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
     Percentage
of Class (4)
 

Non-Employee Directors

     

Jerome B. Abelman

     0        *        

John A. Boehner (1)

     0        *        

Martin D. Feinstein (1)

     56,000        *        

Luc Jobin (1)

     86,000        *        

Murray S. Kessler (1)

     68,516        *        

Holly Keller Koeppel (1)

     16,000        *        

Jean-Marc Lévy (1)

     9,169        *        

Nana Mensah (1)

     103,280        *        

Lionel L. Nowell, III (1)

     33,149        *        

Ricardo Oberlander

     0        *        

Ronald S. Rolfe (1)

     25,927        *        

John J. Zillmer (1)

     114,000        *        

 

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Name of Beneficial Owner

   Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
     Percentage
of Class (4)
 

Named Executive Officers

     

Susan M. Cameron (1)

     477,773        *        

Debra A. Crew (2)

     59,228        *        

Andrew D. Gilchrist (2)

     42,000        *        

Martin L. Holton III (2)

     57,153        *        

Joseph P. Fragnito (2)

     0        *        

Jeffery S. Gentry (2)

     0        *        

All directors and executive officers as a group (consisting of 27 persons) (3)

     1,494,213        *        

 

* Less than 1%
(1) The shares of RAI common stock beneficially owned do not include the following RAI DSUs, which upon the completion of the merger to the extent (a) attributable to the DCP, will be converted into a number of deferred stock units tracking the value of BAT ADSs, determined by multiplying such RAI DSU by the RSU exchange ratio, and the resulting deferred stock units will become payable in accordance with the terms of the DCP and applicable existing deferral elections, (b) attributable to an initial stock award, a pro rata annual stock award or an annual stock award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive either (i) cash equal in value to the merger consideration, (ii) BAT ADSs, with the number of BAT ADSs received based on the RSU exchange ratio, or (iii) the merger consideration, in all cases payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger and pursuant to each director’s election, less any applicable withholding taxes and (c) attributable to a quarterly equity award under the EIAP will be converted into the right of the holder to receive cash equal in value to the merger consideration, payable as soon as practicable upon the completion of the merger, less any applicable withholding taxes: (i) 4,932 units for Ms. Cameron; (ii) 14,150 units for Speaker Boehner; (iii) 149,639 units for Mr. Feinstein; (iv) 22,416 units for Mr. Jobin; (v) 1,490 units for Mr. Kessler; (vi) 135,566 units for Ms. Koeppel; (vii) 380 units for Mr. Lévy; (viii) 57,877 units for Mr. Mensah; (ix) 186,206 units for Mr. Nowell; (x) 11,429 units for Mr. Rolfe; and (xi) 26,793 units for Mr. Zillmer. In the case of Ms. Cameron, the RAI DSUs noted above were awarded in 2013 and 2014 for her service on the RAI board of directors prior to her re-appointment as the President and Chief Executive Officer of RAI. Mr. Abelman and Mr. Oberlander do not currently participate in either the EIAP or the DCP.
(2) The shares of RAI common stock beneficially owned do not include the following RAI performance shares (and RAI RSUs in the case of Ms. Crew and Mr. Fragnito), granted under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Plan, which upon vesting will be paid to the participant in RAI common stock except as provided in connection with the completion of the merger: (a) 281,641 RAI performance shares and RAI RSUs for Ms. Crew; (b) 146,327 RAI performance shares for Mr. Gilchrist; (c) 96,888 RAI performance shares for Mr. Holton; (d) 62,957 RAI performance shares and RAI RSUs for Mr. Fragnito; and (e) 13,689 RAI performance shares for Dr. Gentry.
(3) The shares of RAI common stock beneficially owned by all directors and executive officers as a group: (a) do not include an aggregate of 610,884 RAI DSUs awarded to directors under the EIAP or credited to directors under the DCP; (b) do not include an aggregate of 1,044,743 RAI performance shares (and RAI RSUs in the case of Ms. Crew and Mr. Fragnito) granted to executive officers under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Plan; and (c) include 816 shares of RAI common stock (as to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed) held by the spouse of an executive officer.
(4) The information in this column is based on 1,426,762,156 shares of RAI common stock outstanding on May 5, 2017. For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of RAI common stock held by each person named in the table, any security that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days is deemed to be held by such person, but is not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

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Transactions in RAI Common Stock

Transactions in RAI Common Stock During the Past 60 Days

Neither RAI nor any executive officer, director, affiliate or subsidiary of RAI, nor any of RAI’s or any subsidiary’s pension, profit sharing, or similar plan, has engaged in any transaction in RAI common stock during the sixty (60) days ended May 5, 2017, except for the transactions described below by directors and executive officers of RAI.

 

Transactions by Directors and Officers

(sixty- d ay period en d ed May 5, 2017)

   Date of
Transaction
     Number of
Shares
    Price  

Michael P. Auger

     3/13/2017        7,804 (1)     $ 60.6765  

John A. Boehner

     3/31/2017        382.85 (2)     $ 61.708  
     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (4)     $ 0.00  

Lisa J. Caldwell

     3/13/2017        26,888 (1)     $ 60.6752  
     3/13/2017        1,216 (1)(5)     $ 60.7089  
     3/14/2017        1,658 (6)     $ 0.00  

Susan M. Cameron

     5/4/2017        329,682 (7)     $ 0.00  
     5/4/2017        136,910 (8)     $ 64.38  
     5/5/2017        16,000 (9)     $ 0.00  

Debra A. Crew

     3/6/2017        17,393 (1)     $ 61.2046  

Daniel A. Fawley

     3/10/2017        400 (6)     $ 0.00  
     3/13/2017        14,297 (1)     $ 60.675  

Martin D. Feinstein

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (9)     $ 0.00  

McDara P. Folan, III

     3/13/2017        14,821 (1)     $ 60.6748  

Andrew D. Gilchrist

     3/6/2017        50,030 (1)     $ 61.205  
     3/7/2017        4,000 (10)     $ 61.24  

Nancy H. Hawley

     3/13/2017        5,586 (1)     $ 60.6763  

Daniel J. Herko

     3/13/2017        22,923 (1)     $ 60.6761  

Martin L. Holton III

     3/13/2017        38,519 (1)     $ 60.6756  

Luc Jobin

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (9)     $ 0.00  

Murray S. Kessler

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (9)     $ 0.00  

Holly K. Koeppel

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     3/31/2017        589.47 (2)     $ 61.708  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (9)     $ 0.00  

Jean-Marc Lévy

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (9)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        2,400 (11)     $ 64.77  

Nana Mensah

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (9)     $ 0.00  

Lionel L. Nowell, III

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     3/31/2017        737.34 (2)     $ 61.708  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (4)     $ 0.00  

Ronald S. Rolfe

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     3/31/2017        486.16 (2)     $ 61.708  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (4)     $ 0.00  

Frederick W. Smothers

     3/13/2017        15,877 (1)     $ 60.5756  

John J. Zillmer

     3/31/2017        162.05 (3)     $ 0.00  
     5/5/2017        8,000 (9)     $ 0.00  

 

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(1) Sale effected pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.
(2) Phantom stock units (one unit represents one share of RAI common stock) awarded based on deferral by director of cash compensation into units under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors. Units bear quarterly dividends at the same rate as RAI common stock, but the dividends are paid in the form of additional units.
(3) Phantom stock units (one unit represents one share of RAI common stock) awarded on a quarterly basis under the Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors. Units bear quarterly dividends at the same rate as RAI common stock, but the dividends are paid in the form of additional units.
(4) Phantom stock units (one unit represents one share of RAI common stock) awarded on an annual basis under the Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors. Units bear quarterly dividends at the same rate as RAI common stock, but the dividends are paid in the form of additional units.
(5) Shares owned by spouse.
(6) Disposition by gift.
(7) Performance shares (each equal 1 share of RAI common stock) earned based on May 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017 performance period.
(8) Payment of tax liability by withholding securities incident to the vesting of the individual’s performance shares.
(9) Deferred stock units (phantom stock) granted as an annual equity incentive award and elected to be received in the form of shares of RAI common stock under the terms of RAI’s Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors.
(10) Open market or private sale.
(11) Payment of tax liability by withholding securities incident to the issuance of the individual’s annual equity incentive award.

No director or executive officer has indicated that he or she intends to sell any RAI securities of which he or she is a beneficial owner.

Transactions in RAI Common Stock During the Past Two Years

As of May 5, 2017, the BAT Group had purchased a total of 155,360,518 shares of RAI common stock since January 1, 2015 for approximately $4.7 billion. The following table summarizes BAT’s purchases of RAI common stock for the past two years through of May 5, 2017:

 

Quarter

   BAT Group entity    Amount of RAI
common stock
purchased
   Range of
prices ($)
   Average
price ($)

April 1, 2015—June 30, 2015*

   Louisville Securities Limited    155,360,518    30.08    30.08

July 1, 2015—September 30, 2015

           

October 1, 2015—December 31, 2015

           

January 1, 2016—March 31, 2016

           

April 1, 2016—June 30, 2016

           

July 1, 2016—September 30, 2016

           

October 1, 2016—December 31, 2016

           

January 1, 2017—March 31, 2017

           

April 1, 2017—May 5, 2017

           

 

* Adjusted to reflect two-for-one stock split of RAI common stock on August 31, 2015 for such period

 

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On July 25, 2016, the RAI board of directors authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of outstanding shares of RAI common stock, pursuant to which RAI may spend up to $2 billion by December 31, 2018. Under the merger agreement, RAI is not allowed to repurchase shares under such program, subject to certain exceptions. In February 2017, RAI and BAT entered into a letter waiving certain of such share repurchase restrictions. For more information, see “ Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Dividends and Share Repurchases ” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus. As of May 5, 2017, RAI had repurchased a total of 9,142,889 shares of RAI common stock since January 1, 2015 for approximately $454 million, including fees, where applicable. The following table summarizes RAI’s repurchases of RAI common stock for the past two years through May 5, 2017:

 

Quarter

   Amount of RAI
common stock
repurchased
     Range of prices
($)
     Average
price ($)
 

April 1, 2015—June 30, 2015*

     209,858      $ 37.06      $ 37.06  

July 1, 2015—September 30, 2015

     0        N/A        N/A  

October 1, 2015—December 31, 2015

     1,874,140      $ 37.68 - $46.14      $ 45.03  

January 1, 2016—March 31, 2016

     2,462,116      $ 50.43 - $51.71      $ 50.80  

April 1, 2016—June 30, 2016

     474,013      $ 49.83 - $50.61      $ 50.13  

July 1, 2016—September 30, 2016

     1,567,454      $ 47.27 - $50.97      $ 48.04  

October 1, 2016—December 31, 2016

     28,469      $ 47.15 - $55.65      $ 49.73  

January 1, 2017—March 31, 2017

     1,199,759      $ 60.03 - $62.84      $ 61.36  

April 1, 2017—May 5, 2017

     478,790      $ 62.88 - $64.77      $ 64.01  

 

* Adjusted to reflect two-for-one stock split of RAI common stock on August 31, 2015 for such period

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of BAT ordinary shares issuable pursuant to the merger will be passed upon for BAT by Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

 

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PROVISIONS FOR UNAFFILIATED SHAREHOLDERS

No provision has been made (1) to grant unaffiliated RAI shareholders access to the corporate files of RAI, any other party to the merger or any of their respective affiliates or (2) to obtain counsel or appraisal services at the expense of RAI or any other such party or affiliate.

 

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HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS

Some banks, brokerage firms or other nominees may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements. This means that only one copy of this proxy statement/prospectus may have been sent to multiple RAI shareholders sharing the same address. RAI will promptly deliver a separate copy of this proxy statement/prospectus to you if you direct your request to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at (866) 540-7095, or in writing at Broadridge, Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. If you want to receive separate copies of an RAI proxy statement in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, or you may contact RAI at the above address and telephone number.

 

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EXPERTS

BAT

The consolidated financial statements of BAT and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2016, included in this proxy statement/prospectus have been audited by KPMG LLP (United Kingdom) (“KPMG”), independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report appearing herein. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon the report of such firm upon its authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

KPMG audited the consolidated financial statements of BAT for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 and were in compliance with the independence requirements of the United Kingdom (the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standards and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics) for such periods and when the respective audit reports included in this proxy statement/prospectus were issued. In addition, for 2016, KPMG was required to be independent under SEC and PCAOB independence Rules and Regulations. However, during 2016, certain of KPMG’s affiliates, referred to as KPMG member firms, provided non-audit services for consolidated subsidiaries of BAT and a subsidiary of an entity in which BAT has a material equity interest, which were not in accordance with the auditor independence standards of Regulation S-X and of the PCAOB. These impermissible non-audit services relate to illicit trade reporting, tobacco regulation excise reporting, data hosting, payroll services, immigration services, tax services, legal advice, company secretarial administration services and vendor selection services and were undertaken on a fixed fee basis. Together, KPMG member firms earned fees of approximately $1.56 million in 2016 in relation to these non-audit services. These non-audit services ceased completely prior to the issuance of the audit report in relation to the consolidated financial statements of BAT for the year ended December 31, 2016. The audit committee of the BAT board of directors and KPMG have separately considered the impact that these non-audit services may have had on KPMG’s independence with respect to BAT. Both the audit committee of the BAT board of directors and KPMG have concluded these non-audit services did not affect KPMG’s ability to exercise objective and impartial judgment on all issues encompassed within the audit engagement performed by KPMG for the consolidated financial statements of BAT for the year ended December 31, 2016. In making this determination, both the audit committee of the BAT board of directors and KPMG considered, among other things, that: (1) KPMG did not act as an advocate for BAT or any of its affiliates; (2) BAT retained all decisions with regard to any advice provided by KPMG member firms; (3) the services provided did not relate to any matters that were material to the financial statements that were subject to audit by KPMG; (4) the fees earned by the KPMG member firms during the period of professional engagement were de minimis to both KPMG member firms and BAT; and (5) the services provided were permissible under the independence standards known to be applicable at the time the services were provided.

RAI

The RAI Group’s consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) as of December 31, 2016, have been attached as Annex G and incorporated by reference to this proxy statement/prospectus, in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP (United States), independent registered public accounting firm, also attached as Annex G and incorporated by reference to this proxy statement/prospectus, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

BAT is a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales with its registered office in the United Kingdom and with its principal executive offices located in London.

United States

The majority of BAT directors and the BAT Group management board reside outside the United States. A substantial portion of BAT’s assets and the assets of those non-resident persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon BAT or those persons or to enforce against BAT or them, either inside or outside the United States, judgments obtained in U.S. courts, or to enforce in U.S. courts, judgments obtained against them in courts in jurisdictions outside the United States, in any action predicated upon civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States.

For a more detailed discussion of the rights of shareholders under North Carolina law and English law in relation to the bringing of shareholder suits, see “Comparison of Shareholder Rights” beginning on page [●] of this proxy statement/prospectus for further information. In particular, under English law, the proper claimant for wrongs committed against BAT, including by BAT directors, is considered to be BAT itself. English law only permits a shareholder of a company to initiate a lawsuit on behalf of that company in limited circumstances, and requires court permission to do so.

The United States and England do not currently have a treaty providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments (as opposed to arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. BAT has been advised by its English solicitors, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (as to English law), that, both in original actions and in actions for the enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, there is doubt as to whether civil liabilities predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws are enforceable in England. In addition, punitive damage awards in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere may be unenforceable in England.

 

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FUTURE SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

RAI

RAI is not expected to hold its 2017 annual meeting of shareholders if the merger is completed on the timeline currently contemplated.

If RAI’s 2017 annual meeting of shareholders is held, shareholder proposals will be considered for inclusion in RAI’s 2017 annual meeting proxy materials for the meeting so long as they are provided to RAI on a timely basis and satisfy the other conditions set forth in applicable SEC rules. For a shareholder proposal to have been included in RAI’s 2017 annual meeting proxy statement and form of proxy, it must have been received by RAI’s Office of the Secretary, in writing, no later than November 23, 2016, at RAI’s corporate offices: Reynolds American Inc., P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990. The rules of the SEC contain detailed requirements for submitting proposals for inclusion in RAI’s 2017 proxy statement and permit RAI to exclude proposals from RAI’s proxy statement in specified circumstances.

In accordance with the RAI bylaws, shareholders who do not submit a proposal for inclusion in RAI’s 2017 annual meeting proxy statement, as described in the immediately preceding paragraph, but who intend to present a proposal, nomination for director or other business for consideration at RAI’s 2017 annual meeting, must have notified RAI’s Office of the Secretary, in writing, that they intended to submit their proposal, nomination or other business at RAI’s 2017 annual meeting by no earlier than October 24, 2016, and no later than November 23, 2016. The RAI bylaws contain detailed requirements that a shareholder’s notice must satisfy. If a shareholder does not comply with the notice requirements, including the deadlines specified above, then the persons named as proxies in the form of proxy for the 2017 annual meeting will use their discretion in voting the proxies on any such matters raised at RAI’s 2017 annual meeting. Any shareholder notice should be in writing and addressed to RAI’s Office of the Secretary, Reynolds American Inc., P.O. Box 2990, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990. The RAI bylaws can be found in the “Governance” section of RAI’s website at www.reynoldsamerican.com or may be obtained, free of charge, from RAI’s Office of the Secretary. The web address of RAI has been included as an inactive textual reference only. RAI’s website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

BAT has filed a registration statement on Form F-4 to register with the SEC the BAT ordinary shares to be issued to RAI shareholders as the stock portion of the merger consideration. This proxy statement/prospectus is a part of that registration statement and constitutes a prospectus of BAT in addition to being a proxy statement of RAI for its special meeting. The registration statement, including the attached annexes and exhibits, contains additional relevant information about BAT and the BAT ordinary shares. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow BAT and RAI to omit certain information included in the registration statement from this proxy statement/prospectus.

RAI files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. You may read and copy any of this information at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including RAI, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that website is www.sec.gov . Investors may also consult BAT’s and RAI’s websites for more information about BAT or RAI, respectively, as well as the merger transaction website. BAT’s website is www.bat.com . RAI’s website is www.reynoldsamerican.com . The merger transaction website is www.batreynolds.transactionannouncement.com .

The web addresses of the SEC, BAT, RAI and the merger transaction have been included as inactive textual references only. These websites and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this proxy statement/prospectus. Except as specifically incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus, information on those websites is not part of this proxy statement/prospectus.

The SEC allows BAT and RAI to “incorporate by reference” into this proxy statement/prospectus information that RAI files with the SEC, which means that important information can be disclosed to you by referring you to those documents and those documents will be considered part of this proxy statement/prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this proxy statement/prospectus. Certain information that is subsequently filed with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this proxy statement/prospectus and in earlier filings with the SEC. This proxy statement/prospectus also contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the BAT or RAI documents described in this proxy statement/prospectus, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of these summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual documents.

The information and documents listed below, which RAI has filed with the SEC, are incorporated by reference into this prospectus:

RAI SEC Filings (File No. 1-32258)

 

    RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on February 9, 2017;

 

    RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2017;

 

    RAI’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on May 3, 2017;

 

    RAI’s Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 17, 2017, February 8, 2017, March 9, 2017, April 5, 2017 and May 4, 2017 (other than the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed); and

 

    the description of RAI common stock contained in RAI’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on July 29, 2004, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such descriptions.

 

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In addition, all documents filed by RAI with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this proxy statement/prospectus and before the date of the special meeting shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus and made a part of this proxy statement/prospectus from the respective dates of filing; provided, however, that RAI is not incorporating any information furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K unless specifically stated otherwise. These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.

BAT has supplied all information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus relating to BAT, as well as the Pro Forma Financial Information, and RAI has supplied all such information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus relating to RAI.

Documents incorporated by reference are available from BAT or RAI, as the case may be, without charge, excluding any exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Shareholders may obtain these documents incorporated by reference by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate party at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Office of the Secretary

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London WC2R 2PG

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7845 1000

Reynolds American Inc.

Office of the Secretary

P.O. Box 2990

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27102-2990

Tel.: (336) 741-2000

If you would like to request documents, please do so by no later than five business days before the date of the special meeting (which is [●], 2017). In addition, if you have any questions concerning the merger, the merger agreement, the non-binding, advisory vote on the transaction-related named executive officer compensation, the vote to adjourn the special meeting if necessary or appropriate, the special meeting or the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus, or if you would like additional copies of the accompanying proxy statement/prospectus (at no charge) or need help submitting a proxy to have your shares of RAI common stock voted, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc., RAI’s proxy solicitor, toll-free at (800) 322-2885 or collect at (212) 929-5500.

You should not rely on information that purports to be made by or on behalf of BAT or RAI other than the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this proxy statement/prospectus. Neither BAT nor RAI has authorized anyone to provide you with information on behalf of BAT or RAI, respectively, that is different from what is contained in this proxy statement/prospectus.

If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to exchange or sell, or solicitations of offers to exchange or purchase, the securities offered by this proxy statement/prospectus or solicitations of proxies are unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this proxy statement/prospectus does not extend to you.

This proxy statement/prospectus is dated [●], 2017. You should not assume that the information in it is accurate as of any date other than that date or the date of a document that is incorporated by reference, as applicable, and neither its mailing to shareholders nor the issuance of BAT ordinary shares in the merger will create any implication to the contrary.

 

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INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BAT AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     FIN-2  

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

     FIN-3  

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

     FIN-4  

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

     FIN-5  

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015

     FIN-7  

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

     FIN-8  

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR DECEMBER 31, 2014

     FIN-9  

See “ Where You Can Find More Information ” beginning on page [●] on this proxy statement/prospectus.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

British American Tobacco p.l.c.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and subsidiaries (collectively the ‘Company’) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

/s/ KPMG LLP

London, United Kingdom

March 20, 2017

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

          For the years ended 31 December  
    

Notes

   2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Revenue (1)

   2      14,751       13,104       13,971  

Raw materials and consumables used

        (3,777     (3,217     (3,088

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

        44       184       58  

Employee benefit costs

   3(a), 3(d)      (2,274     (2,039     (2,194

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs

   3(b), 3(d), 3(e)      (607     (428     (523

Other operating income

   3(d)      176       225       178  

Other operating expenses

   3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(h), 3(g)      (3,658)       (3,272)       (3,856)  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit from operations

   2      4,655       4,557       4,546  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net finance (costs)/income

   4      (637     62       (417

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

   2, 5      2,227       1,236       719  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

        6,245       5,855       4,848  

Taxation on ordinary activities

   6      (1,406     (1,333     (1,455
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit for the year

        4,839       4,522       3,393  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

         

Owners of the parent

        4,648       4,290       3,115  

Non-controlling interests

        191       232       278  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        4,839       4,522       3,393  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share

         

Basic

   7      250.2p       230.9p       167.1p  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   7      249.2p       230.3p       166.6p  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Revenue is net of duty, excise and other taxes of £32,136 million, £27,896 million and £28,535 million for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

            For the years ended 31 December  
     Notes      2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Profit for the year

        4,839       4,522       3,393  

Other comprehensive income

         

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

        1,760       (849     (327

Differences on exchange

         

—subsidiaries

        1,270       (1,006     (539

—associates

        1,425       336       113  

Cash flow hedges

         

—net fair value gains/(losses)

        29       (99     57  

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

        38       15       (67

—reclassified and reported in net assets

        (12     (45     8  

Available-for-sale investments

         

—net fair value gains in respect of subsidiaries

        —         14       —    

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

        —         (10     —    

—net fair value (losses)/gains in respect of associates, net of tax

        (10     1       15  

Net investment hedges

         

—net fair value (losses)/gains

        (837     (118     2  

—differences on exchange on borrowings

        (124     42       60  

Tax on items that may be reclassified

     6(f)        (19     21       24  

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

        (173     263       (458

Retirement benefit schemes

         

—net actuarial (losses)/gains in respect of subsidiaries

     12        (228     283       (428

—surplus recognition and minimum funding obligations in respect of subsidiaries

     12        (1     —         7  

—actuarial gains/(losses) in respect of associates, net of tax

     5        20       3       (124

Tax on items that will not be reclassified

     6(f)        36       (23     87  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

        1,587       (586     (785
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

        6,426       3,936       2,608  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to:

         

Owners of the parent

        6,180       3,757       2,349  

Non-controlling interests

        246       179       259  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
        6,426       3,936       2,608  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

 

          Attributable to owners of the parent              

Unaudited

  Notes     Share
capital
£m
    Share
premium,
capital
redemption
and merger
reserves
£m
    Other
reserves
£m
    Retained
earnings
£m
    Total
attributable
to owners
of parent
£m
    Non-controlling
interests
£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

Balance at 1 January 2014

      507       3,919       (190     2,398       6,634       301       6,935  

Total comprehensive income for the year comprising:

      —         —         (308     2,657       2,349       259       2,608  

Profit for the year

      —         —         —         3,115       3,115       278       3,393  

Other comprehensive income for the year

      —         —         (308     (458     (766     (19     (785

Employee share options

               

—value of employee services

    25       —         —         —         66       66       —         66  

—proceeds from shares issued

      —         4       —         1       5       —         5  

Dividends and other appropriations

               

—ordinary shares

    8       —         —         —         (2,712     (2,712     —         (2,712

—to non-controlling interests

      —         —         —         —         —         (260     (260

Purchase of own shares

               

—held in employee share ownership trusts

      —         —         —         (49     (49     —         (49

—share buy-back programme

      —         —         —         (800     (800     —         (800

Non-controlling interests - acquisitions

    24(d     —         —         —         (4     (4     —         (4

Non-controlling interests - capital injections

    24(d     —         —         —         —         —         4       4  

Other movements

      —         —         —         21       21       —         21  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2014

      507       3,923       (498     1,578       5,510       304       5,814  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          Attributable to owners of the parent              
    Notes     Share
capital
£m
    Share
premium,
capital
redemption
and merger
reserves
£m
    Other
reserves
£m
    Retained
earnings
£m
    Total
attributable
to owners
of parent
£m
    Non-controlling
interests
£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

Balance at 1 January 2015

      507       3,923       (498     1,578       5,510       304       5,814  

Total comprehensive income for the year comprising:

      —         —         (796     4,553       3,757       179       3,936  

Profit for the year

      —         —         —         4,290       4,290       232       4,522  

Other comprehensive income for the year

      —         —         (796     263       (533     (53     (586

Employee share options

               

—value of employee services

    25       —         —         —         50       50       —         50  

—proceeds from shares issued

      —         4       —         —         4       —         4  

Dividends and other appropriations

               

—ordinary shares

    8       —         —         —         (2,770     (2,770     —         (2,770

—to non-controlling interests

      —         —         —         —         —         (238     (238

Purchase of own shares

               

—held in employee share ownership trusts

      —         —         —         (46     (46     —         (46

Non-controlling interests - acquisitions

    24(d     —         —         —         (1,642     (1,642     (107     (1,749

Other movements

      —         —         —         31       31       —         31  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2015

      507       3,927       (1,294     1,754       4,894       138       5,032  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

 

          Attributable to owners of the parent              
    Notes     Share
capital
£m
    Share
premium,
capital
redemption
and merger
reserves

£m
    Other
reserves
£m
    Retained
earnings

£m
    Total
attributable
to owners
of parent
£m
    Non-controlling
interests

£m
    Total
equity

£m
 

Balance at 1 January 2016

      507       3,927       (1,294     1,754       4,894       138       5,032  

Total comprehensive income for the year comprising:

      —         —         1,707       4,473       6,180       246       6,426  

Profit for the year

      —         —         —         4,648       4,648       191       4,839  

Other comprehensive income for the year

      —         —         1,707       (175     1,532       55       1,587  

Employee share options

               

—value of employee services

    25       —         —         —         71       71       —         71  

—proceeds from shares issued

      —         4       —         —         4       —         4  

Dividends and other appropriations

               

—ordinary shares

    8       —         —         —         (2,910     (2,910     —         (2,910

—to non-controlling interests

      —         —         —         —         —         (156     (156

Purchase of own shares

               

—held in employee share ownership trusts

      —         —         —         (64     (64     —         (64

Non-controlling interests - acquisitions

    24(d     —         —         —         4       4       (4     —    

Other movements

      —         —         —         3       3       —         3  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2016

      507       3,931       413       3,331       8,182       224       8,406  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

            31 December  
     Notes      2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Assets

        

Intangible assets

     9        12,117        10,436  

Property, plant and equipment

     10        3,661        3,021  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

     11        9,507        6,938  

Retirement benefit assets

     12        455        408  

Deferred tax assets

     13        436        326  

Trade and other receivables

     14        599        248  

Available-for-sale investments

     15        43        37  

Derivative financial instruments

     16        596        287  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

        27,414        21,701  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Inventories

     17        5,793        4,247  

Income tax receivable

        69        74  

Trade and other receivables

     14        3,884        3,266  

Available-for-sale investments

     15        15        35  

Derivative financial instruments

     16        375        209  

Cash and cash equivalents

     18        2,204        1,963  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
        12,340        9,794  

Assets classified as held-for-sale

        19        20  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

        12,359        9,814  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

        39,773        31,515  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity - Capital and reserves

        

Share capital

        507        507  

Share premium, capital redemption and merger reserves

        3,931        3,927  

Other reserves

        413        (1,294

Retained earnings

        3,331        1,754  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

        8,182        4,894  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-controlling interests

        224        138  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     19        8,406        5,032  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Borrowings

     20        16,488        14,806  

Retirement benefit liabilities

     12        826        653  

Deferred tax liabilities

     13        652        563  

Other provisions for liabilities and charges

     21        386        296  

Trade and other payables

     22        1,040        1,029  

Derivative financial instruments

     16        119        130  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

        19,511        17,477  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Borrowings

     20        3,007        2,195  

Income tax payable

        558        414  

Other provisions for liabilities and charges

     21        407        273  

Trade and other payables

     22        7,335        5,937  

Derivative financial instruments

     16        549        187  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

        11,856        9,006  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

        39,773        31,515  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

FIN-7


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

 

            For the years ended
31 December
 
     Notes      2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Profit from operations

        4,655       4,557       4,546  

Adjustments for

         

—depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs

        607       428       523  

—increase in inventories

        (638     (520     (405

—decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

        87       (508     (36

—increase in amounts recoverable in respect of Quebec class action

     14        (242     (55     —    

—increase in trade and other payables

        428       732       203  

—FII GLO receipts

     6        —         963       —    

—decrease in net retirement benefit liabilities

        (145     (191     (170

—increase/(decrease) in provisions for liabilities and charges

        141       48       (76

—other non-cash items

        —         (54     49  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash generated from operations

        4,893       5,400       4,634  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends received from associates

        962       593       515  

Tax paid

        (1,245     (1,273     (1,433
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

        4,610       4,720       3,716  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

         

Interest received

        62       64       61  

Dividends received from investments

        —         —         2  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

        (586     (483     (529

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment

        93       108       62  

Purchases of intangibles

        (88     (118     (163

Purchases of investments

        (109     (99     (31

Proceeds on disposals of investments

        22       45       34  

Investment in associates and acquisitions of subsidiaries

        (57     (3,508     —    

Proceeds from associates’ share buy-backs

     11        23       —         94  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

        (640     (3,991     (470
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Interest paid

        (641     (596     (571

Proceeds from increases in and new borrowings

        3,476       6,931       1,967  

(Outflows)/inflows relating to derivative financial instruments

        (26     201       244  

Purchases of own shares

        —         —         (800

Purchases of own shares held in employee share ownership trusts

        (64     (46     (49

Reductions in and repayments of borrowings

        (3,840     (2,028     (1,300

Dividends paid to owners of the parent

     8        (2,910     (2,770     (2,712

Purchases of non-controlling interests

        (70     (1,677     (4

Non-controlling interests - capital injection

        —         —         4  

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

        (147     (235     (249

Other

        (7     1       3  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

        (4,229     (219     (3,467
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows (used in)/generated from operating, investing and financing activities

        (259     510       (221

Differences on exchange

        180       (272     (63
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease)/Increase in net cash and cash equivalents in the year

        (79     238       (284

Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

        1,730       1,492       1,776  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

     18        1,651       1,730       1,492  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

FIN-8


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) (“IFRS”).

The consolidated statement of income, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and the cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2014 included in these consolidated financial statements, as well as information relating to the year ended 31 December 2014 within the accompanying notes, are unaudited.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention except as described in the accounting policy below on financial instruments.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The key estimates and assumptions are set out in the accounting policies below, together with the related notes to the accounts.

The most significant items include:

 

    the review of asset values, especially goodwill and impairment testing. The key assumptions used in respect of goodwill and impairment testing are the determination of cash-generating units, the budgeted cash flows of these units, the long-term growth rate for cash flow projections and the rate used to discount the cash flow projections. These are described in note 9;

 

    the estimation of and accounting for retirement benefit costs. The determination of the carrying value of assets and liabilities, as well as the charge for the year, and amounts recognised in other comprehensive income, involves judgments made in conjunction with independent actuaries. These involve estimates about uncertain future events based on the environment in different countries, including life expectancy of scheme members, salary and pension increases, inflation, as well as discount rates and asset values at the year end. The assumptions used by the Group and sensitivity analysis are described in note 12;

 

    the estimation of amounts to be recognised in respect of taxation and legal matters, and the estimation of other provisions for liabilities and charges are subject to uncertain future events, may extend over several years and so the amount and/or timing may differ from current assumptions. The accounting policy for taxation is explained below. The recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities, together with a note of unrecognised amounts, are shown in note 13, and a contingent tax asset is explained in note 6(b). Other provisions for liabilities and charges are as set out in note 21. The accounting policy on contingent liabilities, which are not provided for, is set out below and the contingent liabilities of the Group are explained in note 28. The application of these accounting policies to the payments made and credits recognised under the Master Settlement Agreement by Reynolds American Inc. is described in note 5;

 

    the identification and quantification of adjusting items as defined by the Group’s accounting policy, which is explained below. The impact of these on the calculation of adjusted earnings is described in note 7;

 

    the estimation of the fair values of acquired net assets arising in a business combination and the allocation of the purchase consideration between the underlying net assets acquired, including intangible assets other than goodwill, on the basis of their fair values. These estimates are prepared in conjunction with the advice of independent valuation experts where appropriate. The relevant transactions for 2016 and 2015 are described in note 24 and in note 11;

 

   

the determination as to whether control (subsidiaries), joint control (joint arrangements), or significant influence (associates) exists in relation to the investments held by the Group. This is assessed after taking

 

FIN-9


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

 

into account the Group’s ability to appoint directors to the entity’s board, its relative shareholding compared with other shareholders, any significant contracts or arrangements with the entity or its other shareholders and other relevant facts and circumstances. The application of this judgement in respect of the Group’s investment in Reynolds American Inc. is explained in note 11; and,

 

    the review of applicable exchange rates for transactions with and translation of entities in territories where there are restrictions on the free access to foreign currency, or multiple exchange rates.

Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances and constitute management’s best judgement at the date of the financial statements. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions, which could affect the financial statements as the original estimates and assumptions are modified, as appropriate, in the year in which the circumstances change.

These consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on March 20, 2017.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial information includes the financial statements of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and its subsidiary undertakings, together with the Group’s share of the results of its associates and joint arrangements.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

Associates comprise investments in undertakings, which are not subsidiary undertakings or joint arrangements, where the Group’s interest in the equity capital is long term and over whose operating and financial policies the Group exercises a significant influence. They are accounted for using the equity method.

Joint arrangements comprise contractual arrangements where two or more parties have joint control and where decisions regarding the relevant activities of the entity require unanimous consent. Joint operations are jointly-controlled arrangements where the parties to the arrangement have rights to the underlying assets and obligations for the underlying liabilities relating to the arrangement. The Group accounts for its share of the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of any such arrangement. Joint ventures comprise arrangements where the parties to the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. They are accounted for using the equity method.

Foreign currencies

The functional currency of the Parent Company is sterling and this is also the presentation currency of the Group. The income and cash flow statements of Group undertakings expressed in currencies other than sterling are translated to sterling using exchange rates applicable to the dates of the underlying transactions. Average rates of exchange in each year are used where the average rate approximates the relevant exchange rate at the date of the underlying transactions. Assets and liabilities of Group undertakings are translated at the applicable rates of exchange at the end of each year. In territories where there are restrictions on the free access to foreign currency or multiple exchange rates, the applicable rates of exchange are regularly reviewed.

For hyperinflationary countries, the financial statements in local currency are adjusted to reflect the impact of local inflation prior to translation into sterling.

 

FIN-10


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

The differences between retained profits translated at average and closing rates of exchange are taken to reserves, as are differences arising on the retranslation to sterling (using closing rates of exchange) of overseas net assets at the beginning of the year, and are presented as a separate component of equity. They are recognised in the income statement when the gain or loss on disposal of a Group undertaking is recognised.

Foreign currency transactions are initially recognised in the functional currency of each entity in the Group using the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of foreign currency assets and liabilities at year end rates of exchange are recognised in the income statement, except when deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges, on intercompany net investment loans and qualifying net investment hedges. Foreign exchange gains or losses recognised in the income statement are included in profit from operations or net finance costs depending on the underlying transactions that gave rise to these exchange differences.

Revenue

Revenue principally comprises sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products to external customers. Revenue excludes duty, excise and other taxes and is after deducting rebates, returns and other similar discounts. Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to a third party.

Retirement benefit costs

The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes including post-retirement healthcare schemes. The net deficit or surplus for each defined benefit pension scheme is calculated in accordance with IAS 19 based on the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of the scheme assets adjusted, where appropriate, for any surplus restrictions or the effect of minimum funding requirements.

For defined benefit schemes, the actuarial cost charged to profit from operations consists of current service cost, net interest on the net defined benefit liability or asset, past service cost and the impact of any settlements.

Some benefits are provided through defined contribution schemes and payments to these are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Share-based payments

The Group has equity-settled and cash-settled share-based compensation plans.

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of awards that will eventually vest. For plans where vesting conditions are based on total shareholder returns, the fair value at date of grant reflects these conditions, whereas earnings per share vesting conditions are reflected in the calculation of awards that will eventually vest over the vesting period. For cash-settled share-based payments, a liability equal to the portion of the services received is recognised at its current fair value determined at each balance sheet date. Fair value is measured by the use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model, except where vesting is dependent on market conditions when the Monte-Carlo option pricing model is used. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

 

FIN-11


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

Research and development

Research expenditure is charged to income in the year in which it is incurred. Development expenditure is charged to income in the year it is incurred, unless it meets the recognition criteria of IAS 38.

Taxation

Taxation is that chargeable on the profits for the period, together with deferred taxation.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements operate and generate taxable income.

Deferred taxation is provided in full using the liability method for temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for taxation purposes. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised.

Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or deferred tax liability is settled.

Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in other comprehensive income or changes in equity.

The Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery of a number of taxes. Liabilities or assets for these payments or recoveries are recognised at such time as an outcome becomes probable and when the amount can reasonably be estimated.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on acquisitions is capitalised and any impairment of goodwill is recognised immediately in the income statement and is not subsequently reversed.

Goodwill in respect of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. In respect of associates and joint ventures, goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in the associated company or joint venture. On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or joint venture, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

Intangible assets other than goodwill

The intangible assets shown on the Group balance sheet consist mainly of trademarks and similar intangibles, including certain intellectual property, acquired by the Group’s subsidiary undertakings and computer software.

Acquired trademarks and similar assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Trademarks with indefinite lives are not amortised but are reviewed annually for impairment. Other trademarks and similar assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives, consistent with the pattern of economic benefits expected to be received, which do not exceed 20 years. Any impairments of trademarks are recognised in the income statement but increases in trademark values are not recognised.

 

FIN-12


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

Computer software is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment, and, with the exception of global software solutions, is amortised on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three years to five years. Global software solutions are software assets designed to be implemented on a global basis and used as a standard solution by all of the operating companies in the Group. These assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over periods not exceeding ten years.

The investments in associates and joint ventures shown in the Group balance sheet include trademarks arising from the combination of Brown & Williamson (B&W) and R J Reynolds (RJR) in 2004 to form Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), as well as those arising on the acquisition by RAI of Conwood 2006 and Lorillard in 2015. Most of the carrying value of these assets relates to intangibles which are deemed to have indefinite lives and each trademark is subject to an annual impairment test.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the assets over their useful economic life. No depreciation is provided on freehold land or assets classified as held-for-sale. Freehold and leasehold property are depreciated at rates between 2.5 per cent and 4 per cent per annum, and plant and equipment at rates between 7 per cent and 25 per cent per annum.

Capitalised interest

Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of intangible assets or plant, property and equipment that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale, are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset.

Leased assets

Assets where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased asset are classified as finance leases and are included as part of property, plant and equipment. Finance lease assets are initially recognised at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, then depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their estimated useful lives. Leasing payments consist of capital and finance charge elements and the finance element is charged to the income statement.

Rental payments under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of a cash-generating unit may not be recoverable. In addition, assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash flows which are largely independent of the cash flows from other assets or groups of assets. At the acquisition date, any goodwill acquired is allocated to the relevant cash-generating unit or group of cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition for the purpose of impairment testing of goodwill.

 

FIN-13


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date, or whenever events indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost is considered as an indicator that the investment is impaired.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the weighted average cost incurred in acquiring inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition, which will include raw materials, direct labour and overheads, where appropriate. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less costs to completion and sale. Tobacco inventories which have an operating cycle that exceeds 12 months are classified as current assets, consistent with recognised industry practice.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the relevant instrument and derecognised when it ceases to be a party to such provisions. Such assets and liabilities are classified as current if they are expected to be realised or settled within 12 months after the balance sheet date. If not, they are classified as non-current.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value, plus directly attributable transaction costs where applicable, with subsequent measurement as set out below.

Non-derivative financial assets are classified on initial recognition as available-for-sale investments, loans and receivables or cash and cash equivalents as follows:

Available-for-sale investments: available-for-sale investments are those non-derivative financial assets that cannot be classified as loans and receivables or cash and cash equivalents.

Loans and receivables: these are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market.

Cash and cash equivalents: cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held on call, together with other short-term highly liquid investments including investments in certain money market funds. Cash equivalents normally comprise instruments with maturities of three months or less at date of acquisition. In the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts, which are included as current borrowings in the liabilities section on the balance sheet.

Apart from available-for-sale investments, non-derivative financial assets are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, subject to reduction for allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. These estimates for irrecoverable amounts are recognised when there is objective evidence that the full amount receivable will not be collected according to the original terms of the asset. Available-for-sale investments are stated at fair value, with changes in fair value being recognised directly in other comprehensive income. When such investments are derecognised (e.g. through disposal) or become impaired, the accumulated gains and losses, previously recognised in other comprehensive income, are reclassified to the income statement within ‘finance income’. Dividend and interest income on available-for-sale investments are included within ‘finance income’ when the Group’s right to receive payments is established.

 

FIN-14


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

Fair values for quoted investments are based on observable market prices. If there is no active market for a financial asset, the fair value is established by using valuation techniques principally involving discounted cash flow analysis.

Non-derivative financial liabilities are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method. For borrowings, their carrying value includes accrued interest payable, as well as unamortised issue costs.

Derivative financial assets and liabilities are initially recognised, and subsequently measured, at fair value, which includes accrued interest receivable and payable where relevant. Changes in their fair values are recognised as follows:

 

    for derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in their fair values are recognised directly in other comprehensive income, to the extent that they are effective, with the ineffective portion being recognised in the income statement. Where the hedged item results in a non-financial asset, the accumulated gains and losses, previously recognised in other comprehensive income, are included in the initial carrying value of the asset (basis adjustment) and recognised in the income statement in the same periods as the hedged item. Where the underlying transaction does not result in such an asset, the accumulated gains and losses are reclassified to the income statement in the same periods as the hedged item;

 

    for derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, the carrying value of the hedged item is adjusted for the fair value changes attributable to the risk being hedged, with the corresponding entry being made in the income statement. The changes in fair value of these derivatives are also recognised in the income statement;

 

    for derivatives that are designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations, the changes in their fair values are recognised directly in other comprehensive income, to the extent that they are effective, with the ineffective portion being recognised in the income statement. Where non-derivatives such as foreign currency borrowings are designated as net investment hedges, the relevant exchange differences are similarly recognised. The accumulated gains and losses are reclassified to the income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of; and

 

    for derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, the changes in their fair values are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they arise.

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required to document prospectively the relationship between the item being hedged and the hedging instrument. The Group is also required to demonstrate an assessment of the relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument, which shows that the hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is reperformed periodically to ensure that the hedge has remained, and is expected to remain, highly effective.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when a hedging instrument is derecognised (e.g. through expiry or disposal), or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Where the hedged item is a highly probable forecast transaction, the related gains and losses remain in equity until the transaction takes place, when they are reclassified to the income statement in the same manner as for cash flow hedges as described above. When a hedged future transaction is no longer expected to occur, any related gains and losses, previously recognised in other comprehensive income, are immediately reclassified to the income statement.

Derivative fair value changes recognised in the income statement are either reflected in arriving at profit from operations (if the hedged item is similarly reflected) or in finance costs.

 

FIN-15


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

Dividends

Final dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, while interim dividend distributions are recognised in the period in which the dividends are declared and paid.

Segmental analysis

The Group is organised and managed on the basis of its geographic regions. These are the reportable segments for the Group as they form the focus of the Group’s internal reporting systems and are the basis used by the chief operating decision maker, identified as the Management Board, for assessing performance and allocating resources.

The Group is primarily a single product business providing cigarettes and other tobacco products. While the Group has clearly differentiated brands, global segmentation between a wide portfolio of brands is not part of the regular internally reported financial information. The results of Next-Generation Products are not currently material to the Group.

The prices agreed between Group companies for intra-group sales of materials, manufactured goods, charges for royalties, commissions, services and fees, are based on normal commercial practices which would apply between independent businesses. Royalty income, less related expenditure, is included in the region in which the licensor is based.

Adjusting items

Adjusting items are significant items in the profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance because of their size, nature or incidence. In identifying and quantifying adjusting items, the Group consistently applies a policy that defines criteria that are required to be met for an item to be classified as adjusting and provides details of items that are specifically excluded from being classified as adjusting items. These items are separately disclosed in the segmental analyses or in the notes to the accounts as appropriate.

The Group believes that these items are useful to users of the Group financial statements in helping them to understand the underlying business performance and are used to derive the Group’s principal non-GAAP measures of adjusted profit from operations and adjusted diluted earnings per share.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when either a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event exists at the balance sheet date, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reasonable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

Subsidiaries and associates companies are defendants in tobacco-related and other litigation. Provision for this litigation (including legal costs) would be made at such time as an unfavourable outcome became probable and the amount could be reasonably estimated.

 

FIN-16


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Accounting policies  (continued)

 

Contingent assets are possible assets whose existence will only be confirmed by future events not wholly within the control of the entity and are not recognised as assets until the realisation of income is virtually certain.

Where a provision has not been recognised, the Group records its external legal fees and other external defence costs for tobacco-related and other litigation as these costs are incurred.

Repurchase of share capital

When share capital is repurchased the amount of consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares which are not cancelled, or shares purchased for the employee share ownership trusts, are classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity.

Future changes to accounting policies

Certain changes to IFRS will be applicable to the Group financial statements in future years. Set out below are those which are considered to be most relevant to the Group.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments . This standard was finalised and published in July 2014 as the replacement for IAS 39, and the mandatory effective date of implementation is 1 January 2018. The Standard is largely retrospective in application. Further due diligence will be carried out before implementation, but the anticipated impact from restatement on the Group’s reported profit and equity for 2016 and 2015 is not expected to be material.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers . This standard was published in May 2014 as the replacement to IAS 18, and the mandatory effective date of implementation is 1 January 2018. The Standard is retrospective in application. Further due diligence will be carried out before implementation, but the anticipated impact from restatement on the Group’s reported profit for 2016 and 2015 is not expected to be material. However, this standard may require changes to the allocation of costs between operating expenses and deductions from revenue including, for example, payments to customers currently classed as expenses.

IFRS 16 Leases . This standard was finalised and published in January 2016 and is a major revision to the way that entities will account for leases. The distinction between operating leases and finance leases enshrined in current accounting requirements (IAS 17) is removed with the effect that virtually all leasing arrangements will be brought on to the balance sheet as financial obligations and ‘right-to-use’ assets. Further due diligence will be carried out before implementation, but the anticipated impact from restatement on the Group’s reported profit and net assets for 2016 and 2015 is not expected to be material, although assets and liabilities would have been grossed up by approximately £180 million in 2016 and £200 million in 2015 based on current leasing commitments as disclosed in note 28. The Standard is retrospective in application, but allows for implementation either as a single cumulative amount at the date of initial application or as an adjustment to each prior reporting period. The expected mandatory effective date of implementation is 1 January 2019.

Amendment to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows . This amendment to IAS 7, issued in January 2016, was generated by the IASB’s “Disclosure Initiative” project and requires reporting entities to provide disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, by disclosing changes arising from cash flows as well as non-cash changes. The expected mandatory effective date of implementation is 1 January 2017.

In addition, a number of other interpretations and revisions to existing standards have been issued which will be applicable to the Group’s financial statements in future years, but will not have a material effect on reported profit or equity or on the disclosures in the financial statements.

 

FIN-17


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2 Segmental analyses

As the chief operating decision maker, the Management Board reviews external revenues and adjusted profit from operations to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources to the overall business. The results of Next Generation Products as a separate segment are currently not material to the Group and therefore it is not considered a reportable segment that requires separate disclosure under the requirements of IFRS 8 Operating segments . Interest income, interest expense and taxation are centrally managed and accordingly such items are not presented by segment as they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability.

The four geographic regions are the reportable segments for the Group as they form the focus of the Group’s internal reporting systems and are the basis used by the Management Board for assessing performance and allocating resources. The Management Board reviews current and prior year segmental revenue, adjusted profit from operations of subsidiaries and joint operations, and adjusted post-tax results of associates and joint ventures at constant rates of exchange. The constant rate comparison provided for reporting segment information is based on a retranslation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year results of the Group, including intercompany royalties payable in foreign currency to UK entities. However, the Group does not adjust for the normal transactional gains and losses in operations which are generated by movements in exchange rates.

The following table shows 2016 revenues at current rates, and 2016 revenues translated using 2015 rates of exchange. The 2015 figures are stated at the 2015 rates of exchange and are, therefore, unadjusted from those published for 2015.

 

     2016      2015  
     Revenue
Constant
rates

£m
     Translation
exchange
£m
    Revenue
Current
rates

£m
     Revenue
£m
 

Asia-Pacific

     3,770        496       4,266        3,773  

Americas

     3,014        (146     2,868        2,720  

Western Europe

     3,471        396       3,867        3,203  

EEMEA

     3,753        (3     3,750        3,408  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue

     14,008        743       14,751        13,104  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table shows 2015 revenues at current rates, and 2015 revenues translated using 2014 rates of exchange. The 2014 figures are stated at the 2014 rates of exchange and are, therefore, unadjusted from those published for 2014.

 

     2015      Unaudited
2014
 
     Revenue
Constant
rates
£m
     Translation
exchange
£m
    Revenue
Current
rates
£m
     Revenue
£m
 

Asia-Pacific

     3,874        (101     3,773        3,873  

Americas

     3,340        (620     2,720        2,990  

Western Europe

     3,476        (273     3,203        3,359  

EEMEA

     4,030        (622     3,408        3,749  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue

     14,720        (1,616     13,104        13,971  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

FIN-18


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2 Segmental analyses  (continued)

 

The following table shows 2016 profit from operations and adjusted profit from operations at current rates, and as translated using 2015 rates of exchange. The 2015 figures are stated at the 2015 rates of exchange and are, therefore, unadjusted from those published for 2015.

 

     2016     2015  
     Adjusted*
segment
result
Constant
rates

£m
    Translation
exchange
£m
    Adjusted*
segment
result

Current
rates

£m
    Adjusting***
items

£m
    Segment
result

Current
rates

£m
    Adjusted*
segment
result
£m
    Adjusting***
items
£m
    Segment
result
£m
 

Asia-Pacific

     1,488       142       1,630       (198     1,432       1,469       (108     1,361  

Americas

     1,202       (30     1,172       (155     1,017       1,169       (87     1,082  

Western Europe

     1,236       153       1,389       (345     1,044       1,146       (156     990  

EEMEA

     1,271       18       1,289       (107     1,182       1,208       (81     1,127  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,197       283       5,480       (805     4,675       4,992       (432     4,560  

Fox River**

           (20     (20       —         —    

Flintkote**

           —         —           (3     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit from operations

     5,197       283       5,480       (825     4,655       4,992       (435     4,557  

Net finance (costs)/income

     (494     (35     (529     (108     (637     (427     489       62  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Asia-Pacific

     307       24       331       11       342       286       16       302  

Americas

     877       114       991       889       1,880       656       277       933  

Western Europe

     4       (1     3       —         3       —         —         —    

EEMEA

     2       —         2       —         2       1       —         1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     1,190       137       1,327       900       2,227       943       293       1,236  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

     5,893       385       6,278       (33     6,245       5,508       347       5,855  

Taxation on ordinary activities

             (1,406         (1,333
          

 

 

       

 

 

 

Profit for the year

             4,839           4,522  
          

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

* The adjustments to profit from operations, net finance (costs)/income and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures are explained in notes 3(d) to 3(g), note 4(b) and note 5, respectively.
** The Fox River charge in 2016 (see note 3(f) and note 28) and the Flintkote charge in 2015 (see note 3(h)) have not been allocated to any segment as they neither relate to current operations nor the tobacco business. They are presented separately from the segmental reporting which is used to evaluate segment performance and to allocate resources, and is reported to the chief operating decision maker on this basis.
*** Refer to notes 3 through 7 below.

 

FIN-19


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2 Segmental analyses  (continued)

 

The following table shows 2015 profit from operations and adjusted profit from operations at current rates, and as translated using 2014 rates of exchange. The 2014 figures are stated at the 2014 rates of exchange and are, therefore, unadjusted from those published for 2014.

 

    2015     Unaudited
2014
 
    Adjusted*
segment
result
Constant
rates
£m
    Translation
exchange
£m
    Adjusted*
segment
result
Current
rates
£m
    Adjusting***
items
£m
    Segment
result
Current
rates
£m
    Adjusted*
segment
result
£m
    Adjusting***
items
£m
    Segment
result
£m
 

Asia-Pacific

    1,546       (77     1,469       (108     1,361       1,548       (188     1,360  

Americas

    1,426       (257     1,169       (87     1,082       1,286       (89     1,197  

Western Europe

    1,249       (103     1,146       (156     990       1,189       (171     1,018  

EEMEA

    1,399       (191     1,208       (81     1,127       1,380       (62     1,318  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    5,620       (628     4,992       (432     4,560       5,403       (510     4,893  

Fox River**

          —         —           27       27  

Flintkote**

          (3     (3       (374     (374
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit from operations

    5,620       (628     4,992       (435     4,557       5,403       (857     4,546  

Net finance (costs)/income

    (464     37       (427     489       62       (417     —         (417
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Asia-Pacific

    278       8       286       16       302       277       14       291  

Americas

    610       46       656       277       933       431       (7     424  

EEMEA

    1       —         1       —         1       4       —         4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

    889       54       943       293       1,236       712       7       719  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

    6,045       (537     5,508       347       5,855       5,698       (850     4,848  

Taxation on ordinary activities

            (1,333         (1,455
         

 

 

       

 

 

 

Profit for the year

            4,522           3,393  
         

 

 

       

 

 

 
* The adjustments to profit from operations, net finance income/(costs) and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures are explained in notes 3(e) to 3(h), note 4(b) and note 5, respectively.
** The Fox River credit in 2014 (see note 3(g) and note 30) and the Flintkote charge in 2014 and 2015 (see note 3(h) and note 30) have not been allocated to any segment as they neither relate to current operations nor the tobacco business. They are presented separately from the segmental reporting which is used to evaluate segment performance and to allocate resources, and is reported to the chief operating decision maker on this basis.
*** Refer to notes 3 through 7 below.

 

FIN-20


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2 Segmental analyses  (continued)

 

Adjusted profit from operations at constant rates of £5,197 million (2015: £4,992 million; 2014: £5,403 million) excludes certain depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges as explained in notes 3(d) and 3(e). These are excluded from segmental profit from operations at constant rates as follows:

 

    2016     2015  
    Adjusted
depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
Constant
rates
£m
    Translation
exchange
£m
    Adjusted
depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment

Current
rates

£m
    Adjusting
items

£m
    Depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment

Current
rates

£m
    Adjusted
depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
£m
    Adjusting
items
£m
    Depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
£m
 

Asia-Pacific

    96       9       105       51       156       95       33       128  

Americas

    83       3       86       44       130       84       9       93  

Western Europe

    100       9       109       103       212       75       39       114  

EEMEA

    96       (1     95       14       109       83       10       93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    375       20       395       212       607       337       91       428  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    2015     Unaudited
2014
 
    Adjusted
depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
Constant
rates
£m
    Translation
exchange
£m
    Adjusted
depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
Current rates
£m
    Adjusting
items
£m
    Depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
Current rates
£m
    Adjusted
depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
£m
    Adjusting
items
£m
    Depreciation,
amortisation
and
impairment
£m
 

Asia-Pacific

    95       —       95       33       128       96       52       148  

Americas

    96       (12     84       9       93       106       17       123  

Western Europe

    81       (6     75       39       114       96       50       146  

EEMEA

    97       (14     83       10       93       98       8       106  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    369       (32     337       91       428       396       127       523  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

External revenue and non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred tax assets and retirement benefit assets are analysed between the UK and all foreign countries at current rates of exchange as follows:

 

     United Kingdom      All foreign countries      Group  
                   Unaudited                    Unaudited                    Unaudited  

Revenue is based on location of sale

   2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2014
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2014
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2014
£m
 

External revenue

     272        190        143        14,479        12,914        13,828        14,751        13,104        13,971  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     United Kingdom      All foreign countries      Group  
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Intangible assets

     551        580        11,566        9,856        12,117        10,436  

Property, plant and equipment

     371        378        3,290        2,643        3,661        3,021  

Investments in associates and joint ventures

     —          —          9,507        6,938        9,507        6,938  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

In 2016, there is no foreign operation that requires separate disclosure under the requirements of IFRS 8 Operating Segments .

 

FIN-21


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

2 Segmental analyses  (continued)

 

The main acquisitions comprising the goodwill balance of £11,023 million (2015: £9,324 million; 2014: £9,842 million), included in intangible assets, are provided in note 9. Included in investments in associates and joint ventures are amounts of £8,051 million (2015: £5,749 million; 2014: £1,361 million) attributable to the investment in Reynolds American Inc. and £1,394 million (2015: £1,136 million; 2014: £991 million) attributable to the investment in ITC Ltd. Further information is provided in note 11.

 

3 Profit from operations

Enumerated below are movements in costs that have impacted profit from operations in 2016, 2015 and 2014. These include changes in our underlying business performance, as well as the impact of adjusting items, as defined in note 1, in profit from operations (note 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g) and 3(h)).

(a) Employee benefit costs

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Wages and salaries

     1,882        1,667        1,776  

Social security costs

     207        174        212  

Other pension and retirement benefit costs (note 12)

     101        138        132  

Share-based payments - equity and cash-settled (note 25)

     84        60        74  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,274        2,039        2,194  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(b) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs

 

    

2016

£m

  

2015

£m

  

Unaudited
2014

£m

Intangibles                

  

—amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles (note 3(e))

   149    65    58
  

—amortisation and impairment of other intangibles

   81    89    69

Property, plant and equipment                

  

—depreciation and impairment

   377    274    396
     

 

  

 

  

 

   607    428    523
     

 

  

 

  

 

 

FIN-22


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

3 Profit from operations  (continued)

 

(c) Other operating expenses include:

 

     2016
£m
    2015
£m
     Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Research and development expenses (excluding employee benefit costs and depreciation)

     53       60        74  

Exchange differences

     (2     10        7  

Rent of plant and equipment (operating leases)

       

—minimum lease payments

     20       20        28  

Rent of property (operating leases)

       

—minimum lease payments

     51       52        69  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fees payable for audit services pursuant to legislation:

       

—fees payable to KPMG LLP for parent company and Group audit

     2.0       2.0        —    

—fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for parent company and Group audit

     —         —          2.0  

—fees payable to other KPMG LLP firms and associates for local statutory and Group reporting audits

     7.2       6.7        —    

—fees payable to other PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP firms and associates for local statutory and Group reporting audits

     —         —          7.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Audit fees payable to KPMG LLP firms and associates

     9.2       8.7        0.3  

Audit fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP firms and associates

     —         0.6        9.3  

Audit fees payable to other firms

     —         —          0.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total audit fees payable

     9.2       9.3        9.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fees payable to KPMG LLP (2016 and 2015)/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2014) firms and associates for other services:

       

—audit-related assurance services

     0.2       0.2        0.3  

—other assurance services

     0.1       0.1        0.1  

—tax advisory services

     0.2       0.6        3.8  

—tax compliance

     0.3       0.4        0.8  

—other non-audit services

     1.4       2.0        0.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2.2       3.3        5.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The total fees payable to KPMG firms and associates included above are £11.4 million (2015: £12.0 million; 2014: £0.3 million). The total fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP firms and associates included above in 2015 are £0.6 million (2014: £14.5 million).

Total research and development costs including employee benefit costs and depreciation are £144 million (2015: £148 million; 2014: £154 million).

(d) Restructuring and integration costs

Restructuring costs reflect the costs incurred as a result of initiatives to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of the Group as a globally integrated enterprise, including the relevant operating costs of implementing the new operating model. These costs represent additional expenses incurred, which are not related to the normal business and day-to-day activities.

The new operating model is underpinned by a global single instance of SAP with full deployment occurring during 2016 with benefits already realised within the business and future savings expected in the years to come.

 

FIN-23


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

3 Profit from operations  (continued)

 

The initiatives also include a review of the Group’s manufacturing operations, supply chain, overheads and indirect costs, organisational structure and systems and software used.

The costs of the Group’s initiatives together with the costs of integrating acquired businesses into existing operations, including acquisition costs, are included in profit from operations under the following headings:

 

     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Employee benefit costs

     240       159       223  

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs

     64       26       69  

Other operating expenses

     325       228       180  

Other operating income

     (26     (46     (20
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     603       367       452  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Restructuring and integration costs in 2016 principally relate to the restructuring initiatives directly related to implementation of a new operating model and the cost of initiatives in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in the Group. The costs also cover factory closure and downsizing activities in Germany, Malaysia and Brazil, certain exit costs and asset write-offs related to the change in approach to the commercialisation of Voke (as announced on 5 January 2017), uncertainties surrounding regulatory changes and restructurings in Japan and Australia.

Restructuring and integration costs in 2015 principally related to the restructuring initiatives directly related to implementation of a new operating model and the cost of initiatives in respect of permanent headcount reductions and permanent employee benefit reductions in the Group. The costs also cover factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, certain costs related to the acquisitions undertaken (including TDR in Croatia) and restructurings in Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Germany. In 2014, the costs also cover factory closure and downsizing activities in Australia, Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and restructurings in Argentina, Indonesia, Canada, Switzerland and Germany.

Other operating income in 2016 includes gains from the sale of land and buildings in Malaysia. In 2015, other operating income includes gains from the sale of land and buildings in Australia. In 2014, other operating income includes gains from the sale of land and buildings in Turkey, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

(e) Amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles

Acquisitions including Ten Motives (see note 24), CHIC, TDR, Bentoel, Tekel and ST resulted in the capitalisation of trademarks and similar intangibles which are amortised over their expected useful lives, which do not exceed 20 years. The amortisation and impairment charge of £149 million (2015: £65 million; 2014: £58 million) is included in depreciation, amortisation and impairment costs in profit from operations.

(f) Fox River

As explained in note 28, a Group subsidiary has certain liabilities in respect of indemnities given on the purchase and disposal of former businesses in the United States and in 2011, the subsidiary provided £274 million in respect of claims in relation to environmental clean-up costs of the Fox River.

 

FIN-24


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

3 Profit from operations  (continued)

 

On 30 September 2014, a Group subsidiary, NCR, Appvion and Windward Prospects entered into a Funding Agreement with regard to the costs for the clean-up of Fox River. Based on this Funding Agreement, £17 million has been paid in 2016, which includes legal costs of £11 million (2015: £17 million, including legal costs of £8 million; 2014: £56 million, including legal costs of £7 million).

In 2016, NCR and Appvion entered into a settlement agreement with certain other defendants (the “Settling 5”) to release claims amongst those parties. In January 2017, NCR and Appvion also entered into a consent decree with the US Government to resolve how the remaining clean-up will be funded and to resolve further outstanding claims between them, although this consent decree requires approval from the District Court of Wisconsin. The agreements reduce the Group’s exposure under the Funding Agreement. However, this is offset by the devaluation of Sterling against the US Dollar, leading to a net charge of £20 million (2015: £nil; 2014: gain of £27 million). Considering these developments, the provision is £163 million at 31 December 2016 (up £3 million against prior year).

On 10 February 2017, a decision was delivered on the further hearing related to a payment of dividends by Windward to Sequana in May 2009. Further details are provided in note 28.

(g) South Korea sales tax

In 2016, the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea (“BAI”) concluded its tax assessment in relation to the 2014 year-end tobacco inventory, and imposed additional sales tax (excise and VAT) and penalties. This resulted in the recognition of a £53 million charge by a Group subsidiary. Management deems the tax and penalties to be unfounded and has appealed to the tax tribunal against the assessment. Based on the legal opinion from a local law firm, management believes that this appeal will be successful, and that the findings of the BAI will be reversed.

On grounds of materiality and the high likelihood of the tax and penalties being reversed in future, the Group has classified the tax and penalties charge as an adjusting item in 2016.

(h) Flintkote

In December 2014, a Group subsidiary entered into a settlement agreement in connection with various legal cases related to a former non-tobacco business in Canada. Under the terms of the settlement, the subsidiary will obtain protection from current and potential future Flintkote related asbestos liability claims in the US. The settlement was finalised in 2015 when approvals of certain courts in the US were obtained. This agreement has led to a charge of £nil in 2016 (2015: £3 million; 2014: £374 million).

 

FIN-25


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4 Net finance costs/(income)

(a) Net finance costs/(income)

 

     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Interest payable

     645       573       579  

Option costs and fees (see note 4(b)(iv))

     —         104       —    

Facility fees

     5       9       9  

Interest related to FIIGLO (see note 4(b)(i))

     25       8       —    

Loss on bond redemption (see note 4(b)(ii))

     101       —         —    

Fair value changes on derivative financial instruments and hedged items

     (458     (245     (154

Exchange differences on financial liabilities

     363       135       50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance costs

     681       584       484  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest and dividend income

     (68     (79     (67

Hedge ineffectiveness (see note 4(b)(iii))

     (18     —         —    

Deemed gain related to the investment in RAI (see note 4(b)(v))

     —         (601     —    

Exchange differences on financial assets

     42       34       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance income

     (44     (646     (67
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net finance costs/(income)

     637       (62     417  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Group manages foreign exchange gains and losses and fair value changes on a net basis excluding adjusting items, which are explained in note 4(b) and the derivatives that generate the fair value changes are as in note 16.

Facility fees principally relate to the Group’s central undrawn banking facilities of £3 billion and $150 million (2015: £3 billion and $150 million; 2014: £3 billion and $150 million).

(b) Adjusting items included in net finance costs/(income)

Adjusting items are significant items in net finance costs/(income) which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance.

In 2016, the following adjusting items have been recognised:

 

(i) as described in note 6, in 2015 the Group received £963 million from HM Revenue & Customs in relation to the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO). Interest of £25 million (2015: £8 million) has been accrued and treated as an adjusting item;

 

(ii) the Group redeemed a $700 million bond, prior to its original maturity date of 15 November 2018. This led to a loss of $130 million (£101 million), which has been treated as an adjusting item; and

 

(iii) the Group experienced significant hedge ineffectiveness, driven by the market volatility in the first six months of the year. The gain of £18 million has been deemed to be adjusting, as it is not representative of the underlying performance of the business through the twelve months to 31 December 2016.

In 2015, the following adjusting items have been recognised:

 

(iv) costs of £104 million in relation to financing activities, which includes costs on the acquisition of the non-controlling interests in the Group’s Brazilian subsidiary, Souza Cruz S.A. and the Group’s activities to maintain the current ownership in RAI following its acquisition of Lorillard, Inc.; and

 

FIN-26


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

4 Net finance costs/(income)  (continued)

 

(v) the Group’s investment of $4.7 billion in cash in RAI has realised a deemed gain of $931 million (£601 million). The deemed gain reflects the difference between the fixed price paid by the Group to RAI and the market value of RAI shares on the day of the transaction (see note 11).

 

5 Associates and joint ventures

 

     2016     2015     Unaudited
2014
 
     Total
£m
    Group’s
share
£m
    Total
£m
    Group’s
share
£m
    Total
£m
    Group’s
share
£m
 

Revenue

     16,491       5,997       11,186       4,215       9,201       3,402  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit from operations

     9,379       3,740       6,117       2,391       3,166       1,163  

Net finance costs

     (477     (200     (335     (139     (169     (70
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

     8,902       3,540       5,782       2,252       2,997       1,093  

Taxation on ordinary activities

     (3,280     (1,308     (2,545     (1,013     (1,006     (370
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation

     5,622       2,232       3,237       1,239       1,991       723  

Non-controlling interests

     (17     (5     (12     (3     (11     (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     5,605       2,227       3,225       1,236       1,980       719  

Comprised of:

            

Adjusted share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     3,461       1,327       2,501       943       1,951       712  

Issue of shares and change in shareholding

     36       11       74       22       46       14  

Gain on disposal of assets

     2,231       941       879       371       —         —    

Other

     (123     (52     (229     (100     (17     (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     5,605       2,227       3,225       1,236       1,980       719  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Adjusting items

In 2016, the Group’s interest in ITC Ltd. (ITC) decreased from 30.06% to 29.89% (2015: 30.26% to 30.06%; 2014: 30.74% to 30.26%) as a result of ITC issuing ordinary shares under the company’s Employee Share Option Scheme. The issue of these shares and change in the Group’s share of ITC resulted in a gain of £11 million (2015: gain of £22 million; 2014: gain of £14 million), which is treated as a deemed partial disposal and included in the income statement.

In 2016, Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) recognised a gain in relation to the sale of the international rights to Natural American Spirit to the Japan Tobacco Group of companies (JT) of $4,861 million. The Group’s share of this net gain amounted to £941 million (net of tax). In 2015, RAI recognised a gain on the related divestiture of assets, following the Lorillard, Inc. (“Lorillard”) acquisition, of $3,288 million. The Group’s share of this net gain amounted to £371 million (net of tax).

RAI has also recognised amounts in the Group’s consolidated statements of income as “other”. In 2016, this includes income relating to the early termination of the Manufacturing Agreement between BATUS Japan Inc. and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (see note 27) of $90 million, the Group’s share of which is £18 million (net of tax) (2015: $nil and £nil, respectively; 2014: $nil and £nil, respectively), restructuring charges of $36 million, the Group’s share of which is £7 million (net of tax) (2015: $223 million, the Group’s share of which is £39 million (net of tax); 2014: $nil and £nil, respectively) and costs in respect of a number of Engle progeny

 

FIN-27


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

5 Associates and joint ventures  (continued)

 

lawsuits and other tobacco litigation charges that amounted to $86 million, the Group’s share of which is £17 million (net of tax) (2015: $152 million, the Group’s share of which is £26 million (net of tax); 2014: $102 million, the Group’s share of which is £16 million (net of tax)). Additionally, there is income of $6 million (2015: $108 million; 2014: $nil) related to the Non-Participating Manufacturer (NPM) Adjustment claims of the states no longer challenging the findings of non-diligence entered against them by an Arbitration Panel, the Group’s share of which is £2 million (2015: £18 million; 2014: £nil) (net of tax). The remaining costs in 2016 are transaction costs of $5 million (2015: $54 million; 2014: $nil) and financing costs of $243 million (2015: $60 million; 2014: $nil), connected with the acquisition of Lorillard, the Group’s share (net of tax) of which is £1 million of transaction costs (2015: £12 million; 2014: £nil) and £47 million of financing costs (2015: £10 million; 2014: £nil). The remaining costs in 2015 of $99 million are primarily in respect of asset impairment and exit charges, the Group’s share of which is £25 million (net of tax). The remaining costs in 2014 of $43 million are primarily in respect of a 2013 MSA liability and discontinued activities offset by restructuring activities, the Group’s share of which is £9 million (net of tax).

(b) Master Settlement Agreement

In 1998, the major US cigarette manufacturers (including R J Reynolds, Lorillard and Brown & Williamson, businesses which are now part of RAI) entered into the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with attorney generals representing most US states and territories. The MSA imposes a perpetual stream of future payment obligations on the major US cigarette manufacturers. The amounts of money that the participating manufacturers are required to annually contribute are based upon, amongst other things, the volume of cigarettes sold and market share (based on cigarette shipments in that year). Given these facts, the Group’s accounting for the MSA payments is to accrue for them in the cost of products sold as the products are shipped and no provision is made in respect of potential payments relating to future years. The event which gives rise to the obligation is the actual sales of products shipped and the MSA payments are therefore recognised as part of the costs of those business operations.

During 2013, RAI, various other tobacco manufacturers, 19 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico reached a final agreement related to RAI’s 2003 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) activities. Under this agreement RAI will receive credits, currently estimated to be more than $1 billion, in respect of its Non-Participating Manufacturer (NPM) Adjustment claims related to the period from 2003 to 2012. These credits will be applied against the company’s MSA payments over a period of five years from 2013, subject to, and dependent upon, meeting the various ongoing performance obligations.

During 2014, two additional states agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2003 to 2012. It is estimated that RAI will receive $170 million in credits, which will be applied over a five-year period from 2014.

During 2015, another state agreed to settle NPM disputes related to claims for the period 2004 to 2014. It is estimated that RAI will receive $285 million in credits, which will be applied over a four-year period from 2015.

During 2016, there were no settlements paid or any new states agreeing to settle NPM disputes.

Credits in respect of future years’ payments and the NPM Adjustment claims would be accounted for in the applicable year and will not be treated as adjusting items. Only credits in respect of prior year payments are included as adjusting items.

 

FIN-28


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

5 Associates and joint ventures  (continued)

 

(c) Other financial information

 

     2016     2015      Unaudited
2014
 
     Group’s
share
£m
    Group’s
share
£m
     Group’s
share
£m
 

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation

       

—attributable to owners of the Parent

     2,227       1,236        719  

Other comprehensive income:

       

Differences on exchange

     1,425       336        113  

Net fair value (losses)/gains on available-for-sale investments

     (10     1        15  

Actuarial gains/(losses) relating to pensions and other post-retirement benefits (note 19)

     20       3        (124
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (note 11)

     3,662       1,576        723  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Summarised financial information of the Group’s associates and joint ventures is shown below. The Group’s share of the results of associates and joint ventures is shown on [FIN-27] and in the table above.

 

   

2016

 
   

RAI

£m

 

ITC

£m

  Others
£m
    Total
£m
 

Revenue

  9,224   5,350     1,917       16,491  

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

  7,111   1,743     48       8,902  

Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

  4,457   1,114     34       5,605  

Other comprehensive income

  3,125   712     (178     3,659  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

  7,582   1,826     (144     9,264  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

   

2015

 
   

RAI

£m

 

ITC

£m

  Others
£m
    Total
£m
 

Revenue

  6,986   3,839     361       11,186  

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

  4,250   1,505     27       5,782  

Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

  2,203   1,005     17       3,225  

Other comprehensive income

  684   43     (24     703  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

  2,887   1,048     (7     3,928  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Unaudited
2014
 
    RAI
£m
    ITC
£m
    Others
£m
    Total
£m
 

Revenue

    5,132       3,777       292       9,201  

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation

    1,551       1,389       57       2,997  

Post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

    1,000       938       42       1,980  

Other comprehensive income

    (166     184       (29     (11
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

    834       1,122       13       1,969  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-29


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6 Taxation on ordinary activities

(a) Summary of taxation on ordinary activities

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

UK corporation tax

     7        5       —    

Overseas tax

     1,395        1,324       1,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprising:

       

—current year tax expense

     1,382        1,317       1,439  

—adjustments in respect of prior periods

     13        7       11  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current tax

     1,402        1,329       1,450  

Deferred tax

     4        4       5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprising:

       

—deferred tax relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences

     4        (11     7  

—deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates

     —          15       (2
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,406        1,333       1,455  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(b) Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order

The Group is the principal test claimant in an action in the United Kingdom against HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO). There are 25 corporate groups in the FII GLO. The case concerns the treatment for UK corporate tax purposes of profits earned overseas and distributed to the UK.

The original claim was filed in 2003. The trial of the claim was split broadly into issues of liability and quantification. The main liability issues were heard by the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in the UK and the European Court of Justice in the period to November 2012. The detailed technical issues of the quantification mechanics of the claim were heard by the High Court during May and June 2014 and the judgment handed down on 18 December 2014. The High Court determined that in respect of issues concerning the calculation of unlawfully charged corporation tax and advance corporation tax, the law of restitution including the defence on change of position and questions concerning the calculation of overpaid interest, the approach of the Group was broadly preferred. The conclusion reached by the High Court would, if upheld, produce an estimated receivable of £1.2 billion for the Group. Appeals on a majority of the issues were made to the Court of Appeal, which heard the arguments in June 2016. The Court of Appeal determined in November 2016 on the majority of issues that the conclusion reached by the High Court should be upheld. The outcome of the Court of Appeal has not reduced the estimated receivable. Permission has been sought by HMRC to appeal almost all issues on which it was unsuccessful to the Supreme Court.

During 2015, HMRC paid to the Group a gross amount of £1,224 million in two separate payments. The payments made by HMRC have been made without any admission of liability and are subject to refund were HMRC to succeed on appeal. The second payment in November 2015 followed the introduction of a new 45% tax on the interest component of restitution claims against HMRC. HMRC held back £261 million from the second payment contending that it represents the new 45% tax on that payment, leading to total cash received by the Group of £963 million. Actions challenging the legality of the 45% tax have been lodged by both the Group and other participants in the FII GLO which will be heard in 2017.

 

FIN-30


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

6 Taxation on ordinary activities  (continued)

 

Due to the uncertainty of the amounts and eventual outcome the Group has not recognised any impact in the Income Statement in the current or prior period. The receipt, net of the deduction by HMRC, is held as deferred income as disclosed in note 22. Any future recognition as income will be treated as an adjusting item, due to the size of the amount, with interest of £25 million for the 12 months to 31 December 2016 (2015: £8 million; 2014: £nil) accruing on the balance, which was also treated as an adjusting item.

(c) Factors affecting the taxation charge

The taxation charge differs from the standard 20% (2015: 20%; 2014: 21%) rate of corporation tax in the UK. The major causes of this difference are listed below:

 

     2016     2015     Unaudited
2014
 
     £m     %     £m     %     £m     %  

Profit before tax

     6,245         5,855         4,848    

Less: share of post-tax results of associates and joint ventures

     (2,227       (1,236       (719  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     4,018         4,619         4,129    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tax at 20% (2015: 20%; 2014: 21%) on the above

     804       20.0       924       20.0       867       21.0  

Factors affecting the tax rate:

            

Tax at standard rates other than UK corporation tax rate

     93       2.3       231       5.0       236       5.7  

Other national tax charges

     74       1.9       77       1.7       69       1.7  

Permanent differences

     143       3.6       (147     (3.2     4       0.1  

Overseas tax on distributions

     41       1.0       28       0.6       25       0.6  

Overseas withholding taxes

     200       5.0       145       3.1       157       3.8  

Double taxation relief on UK profits

     (8     (0.2     (6     (0.1     (9     (0.2

Unutilised tax losses

     32       0.8       32       0.7       45       1.1  

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

     13       0.3       7       0.2       11       0.2  

Deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates

     —         —         15       0.3       (2     —    

Additional net deferred tax charges

     14       0.3       27       0.6       52       1.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,406       35.0       1,333       28.9       1,455       35.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 2016, permanent differences include non-tax deductible expenses for a number of items including expenditure relating to restructuring and integration costs such as factory rationalisation and the implementation of a new operating model, together with the net charge in respect of Fox River, South Korea sales tax assessment and uncertain items connected with the Group’s trading business. In 2015 and 2014, permanent differences includes the deemed gain as explained in note 6(e).

(d) Adjusting items included in taxation

IFRS requires entities to provide deferred taxation on the undistributed earnings of associates and joint ventures. In 2016, the Group’s share of the gain on the divestiture of intangibles and other assets by RAI to Japan Tobacco International is £941 million. Given that the profit on this item is recognised as an adjusting item by the Group, the additional deferred tax charge of £61 million on the potential distribution of these undistributed earnings has also been treated as an adjusting item. In 2015, the Group’s share of the gain on the divestiture of intangibles and other assets by RAI to ITG Brands LLC, a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, is £371 million, with the additional deferred tax charge of £22 million on the potential distribution of these undistributed earnings also being treated as adjusting.

 

FIN-31


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

6 Taxation on ordinary activities  (continued)

 

(e) Tax on adjusting items

In addition, the tax on adjusting items, separated between the different categories, as per note 7, amounted to £128 million (2015: £80 million; 2014: £69 million). As described in note 4(b), in 2015, the Group’s investment of $4.7 billion in cash in RAI has realised a deemed gain of $931 million (£601 million). The adjustment to the adjusted earnings per share (see note 7) also includes £1 million (2015: £3 million; 2014: £5 million) in respect of the non-controlling interests’ share of the adjusting items net of tax.

(f) Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Current tax

     (53      7        17  

Deferred tax

     70        (9      94  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credited/(charged) to other comprehensive income

     17        (2      111  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The tax relating to each component of other comprehensive income is disclosed in note 19.

7 Earnings per share

 

    2016     2015     Unaudited
2014
 
    Earnings
£m
    Weighted
average
number
of shares

m
    Earnings
per share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Weighted
average
number
of shares
m
    Earnings
per
share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Weighted
average
number
of
shares
m
    Earnings
per
share
pence
 

Basic earnings per share (ordinary shares of 25p each)

    4,648       1,858       250.2       4,290       1,858       230.9       3,115       1,864       167.1  

Share options

    —       7       (1.0     —       5       (0.6     —       6       (0.5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

    4,648       1,865       249.2       4,290       1,863       230.3       3,115       1,870       166.6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-32


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

7 Earnings per share  (continued)

 

Adjusted earnings per share calculation

Earnings have been affected by a number of adjusting items, which are described in notes 3 to 6. Adjusting items are significant items in the profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance. The Group believes that these items are useful to users of the Group financial statements in helping them to understand the underlying business performance. To illustrate the impact of these items, an adjusted earnings per share calculation is shown below.

 

           Diluted  
           2016     2015     Unaudited
2014
 
     Notes     Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per
share

pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per
share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per
share
pence
 

Unadjusted earnings per share

       4,648       249.2       4,290       230.3       3,115       166.6  

Effect of restructuring and integration costs

     3 (d)      603       32.3       367       19.7       452       24.2  

Tax and non-controlling interests on restructuring and integration costs

       (90     (4.8     (74     (4.0     (67     (3.6

Effect of amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles

     3 (e)      149       8.0       65       3.5       58       3.1  

Tax on amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles

       (32     (1.7     (9     (0.5     (7     (0.4

Effect of Fox River

     3 (f)      20       1.1       —         —         (27     (1.4

Effect of Flintkote

     3 (h)      —         —         3       0.2       374       20.0  

South Korean sales tax

     3 (g)      53       2.9       —         —         —         —    

Tax effect of South Korean sales tax

       (5     (0.3     —         —         —         —    

Effect of deemed gain related to investment in RAI

     4 (b)      —         —         (601     (32.3     —         —    

Effect of additional deferred tax charge from gain on divestiture of assets by associate (RAI)

     6 (d)      61       3.3       22       1.2       —         —    

Effect of associates’ adjusting items net of tax

     5 (a)      (900     (48.3     (293     (15.7     (7     (0.4

Effect of interest on FII GLO settlement

     4 (b)      25       1.3       8       0.4       —         —    

Effect of certain costs and fees related to the acquisition of NCI in Souza Cruz and investment in RAI

     4 (b)      —         —         104       5.6       —         —    

Effect of US bond buy back

     4 (b)      101       5.5       —         —         —         —    

Effect of hedge ineffectiveness

     4 (b)      (18     (1.0     —         —         —         —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings per share (diluted)

       4,615       247.5       3,882       208.4       3,891       208.1  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-33


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

7 Earnings per share  (continued)

 

            Basic  
            2016     2015     Unaudited
2014
 
     Notes      Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per share
pence
 

Unadjusted earnings per share

        4,648       250.2       4,290       230.9       3,115       167.1  

Effect of restructuring and integration costs

     3(d)        603       32.4       367       19.7       452       24.2  

Tax and non-controlling interests on restructuring and integration costs

        (90     (4.9     (74     (4.0     (67     (3.6

Effect of amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles

     3(e)        149       8.0       65       3.5       58       3.1  

Tax on amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles

        (32     (1.7     (9     (0.5     (7     (0.4

Effect of Fox River

     3(f)        20       1.1       —         —         (27     (1.4

Effect of Flintkote

     3(h)        —         —         3       0.2       374       20.1  

South Korean sales tax

     3(g)        53       2.9       —         —         —         —    

Tax effect of South Korean sales tax

        (5     (0.3     —         —         —         —    

Effect of deemed gain related to investment in RAI

     4(b)        —         —         (601     (32.3     —         —    

Effect of additional deferred tax charge from gain on divestiture of assets by associate (RAI)

     6(d)        61       3.3       22       1.2       —         —    

Effect of associates’ adjusting items net of tax

     5(a)        (900     (48.4     (293     (15.8     (7     (0.4

Effect of interest on FII GLO settlement

     4(b)        25       1.3       8       0.4       —         —    

Effect of certain costs and fees related to the acquisition of NCI in Souza Cruz and investment in RAI

     4(b)        —         —         104       5.6       —         —    

Effect of US bond buy back

     4(b)        101       5.5       —         —         —         —    

Effect of hedge ineffectiveness

     4(b)        (18     (1.0     —         —         —         —    
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings per share (basic)

        4,615       248.4       3,882       208.9       3,891       208.7  
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-34


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

7 Earnings per share  (continued)

 

Headline earnings per share as required by the JSE Limited

The presentation of headline earnings per share, as an alternative measure of earnings per share, is mandated under the JSE Listing Requirements. It is calculated in accordance with Circular 2/2016 ‘Headline Earnings’, as issued by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. There is no impact of the new circular on the prior year headline earnings per share.

 

     Diluted  
     2016     2015     Unaudited
2014
 
     Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per share
pence
 

Unadjusted earnings per share

     4,648       249.2       4,290       230.3       3,115       166.6  

Effect of impairment of intangibles, property, plant and equipment, and assets held for sale

     126       6.8       27       1.4       107       5.7  

Tax and non-controlling interests on impairment of intangibles, and property, plant and equipment

     (35     (1.9     (6     (0.3     (20     (1.0

Effect of gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

     (59     (3.2     (60     (3.2     (34     (1.9

Tax and non-controlling interests on disposal of property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

     30       1.6       19       1.0       9       0.5  

Effect of gains reclassified from the available-for-sale reserve

     —         —         (10     (0.6     —         —    

Tax and non-controlling interests on gains reclassified from the available-for-sale reserve

     —         —         3       0.2       —         —    

Share of associates’ impairment losses and non-current investments

     —         —         17       0.9       —         —    

Share of associates’ gains on disposal of assets

     (941     (50.4     (371     (19.9     —         —    

Tax effect of associates’ disposal of assets

     61       3.3       22       1.2       —         —    

Issue of shares and change in shareholding in associate

     (11     (0.6     (22     (1.2     (14     (0.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Headline earnings per share (diluted)

     3,819       204.8       3,909       209.8       3,163       169.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-35


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

7 Earnings per share  (continued)

 

     Basic  
     2016     2015     Unaudited
2014
 
     Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per
share

pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per
share
pence
    Earnings
£m
    Earnings
per
share
pence
 

Unadjusted earnings per share

     4,648       250.2       4,290       230.9       3,115       167.1  

Effect of impairment of intangibles, property, plant and equipment, and assets held for sale

     126       6.8       27       1.4       107       5.7  

Tax and non-controlling interests on impairment of intangibles, and property, plant and equipment

     (35     (1.9     (6     (0.3     (20     (1.0

Effect of gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

     (59     (3.2     (60     (3.2     (34     (1.8

Tax and non-controlling interests on disposal of property, plant and equipment and held-for-sale assets

     30       1.6       19       1.0       9       0.5  

Effect of gains reclassified from the available-for-sale reserve

     —         —         (10     (0.6     —         —    

Tax and non-controlling interests on gains reclassified from the available-for-sale reserve

     —         —         3       0.2       —         —    

Share of associates’ impairment losses and non-current investments

     —         —         17       0.9       —         —    

Share of associates’ gains on disposal of assets

     (941     (50.6     (371     (19.9     —         —    

Tax effect of associates’ disposal of assets

     61       3.3       22       1.2       —         —    

Issue of shares and change in shareholding in associate

     (11     (0.6     (22     (1.2     (14     (0.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Headline earnings per share (basic)

     3,819       205.6       3,909       210.4       3,163       169.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

8 Dividends and other appropriations

 

     2016      2015      Unaudited
2014
 
     Pence
per share
     £m      Pence
per share
     £m      Pence
per share
     £m  

Ordinary shares

                 

Interim

                 

2016 paid 28 September 2016

     51.3        961              

2015 paid 30 September 2015

           49.4        908        

2014 paid 30 September 2014

                 47.5        881  

Final

                 

2015 paid 5 May 2016

     104.6        1,949              

2014 paid 7 May 2015

           100.6        1,862        

2013 paid 8 May 2014

                 97.4        1,831  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     155.9        2,910        150.0        2,770        144.9        2,712  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Directors have recommended to shareholders a final dividend of 118.1 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 2016. If approved, this dividend will be paid to shareholders on 4 May 2017. This dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and therefore, in accordance with IAS 10, it

 

FIN-36


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

8 Dividends and other appropriations  (continued)

 

has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. The total estimated dividend to be paid is £2,194 million, which takes the total dividends declared in respect of 2016 to £3,155 million (2015: £2,851 million; 2014: £2,747 million) representing 169.4 pence per share (2015: 154.0 pence per share; 2014: 148.1 pence per share).

9 Intangible assets

 

    2016  
    Goodwill*
£m
    Computer
software
£m
    Trademarks
and
similar
intangibles

£m
    Assets in
the course of
development
£m
    Total
£m
 

1 January

         

Cost

    9,324       918       1,015       180       11,437  

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

    —         (569     (432     —         (1,001
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 1 January

    9,324       349       583       180       10,436  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Differences on exchange

    1,690       2       96       7       1,795  

Additions

         

—internal development

    —         11       —         49       60  

—acquisitions (note 24)

    9       —         33       —         42  

—separately acquired

    —         1       21       —         22  

Reallocations

    —         147       29       (176     —    

Amortisation charge

    —         (72     (133     —         (205

Impairment

    —         —         (33     —         (33

Disposals

    —         —         —         —         —    

31 December

         

Cost

    11,023       1,054       1,255       60       13,392  

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

    —         (616     (659     —         (1,275
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 31 December

    11,023       438       596       60       12,117  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* The cost of Goodwill is shown net of impairment charges made in prior years.

 

FIN-37


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

9 Intangible assets  (continued)

 

    2015  
    Goodwill*
£m
    Computer
software
£m
    Trademarks
and
similar
intangibles
£m
    Assets in
the course of
development
£m
    Total
£m
 

1 January

         

Cost

    9,842       735       844       305       11,726  

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

    —         (530     (392     —         (922
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 1 January

    9,842       205       452       305       10,804  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Differences on exchange

    (681     (3     (36     —         (720

Additions

         

—internal development

    —         1       —         102       103  

—acquisitions (note 24)

    163       —         237       —         400  

—separately acquired

    —         2       —         —         2  

Reallocations

    —         225       2       (227     —    

Amortisation charge

    —         (66     (68     —         (134

Impairment

    —         (10     (4     —         (14

Disposals

    —         (5     —         —         (5

31 December

         

Cost

    9,324       918       1,015       180       11,437  

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

    —         (569     (432     —         (1,001
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 31 December

    9,324       349       583       180       10,436  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* The cost of Goodwill is shown net of impairment charges made in prior years.

Included in computer software and assets in the course of development are internally developed assets with a carrying value of £484 million (2015: £517 million). The costs of internally developed assets include capitalised expenses of employees working full time on software development projects, third party consultants, as well as software licence fees from third party suppliers.

Included in the net book value of trademarks and similar intangibles are trademarks relating to the acquisition of TDR d.o.o £105 million (2015: £144 million), Sudan £37 million (2015: £34 million), Chic Group £40 million (2015: £45 million), Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni (ST) £244 million (2015: £229 million), Tekel £16 million (2015: £19 million), Bentoel £15 million (2015: £19 million) and Protabaco £30 million (2015: £54 million). The Group has no future contractual commitments (2015: £15 million) related to intangible assets.

Impairment testing for intangible assets with indefinite lives including goodwill

Goodwill of £11,023 million (2015: £9,324 million) is included in intangible assets in the balance sheet, of which the following are the significant acquisitions: Rothmans Group £4,809 million (2015: £4,131 million); Imperial Tobacco Canada £2,420 million (2015: £1,964 million); ETI (Italy) £1,406 million (2015: £1,216 million) and ST (principally Scandinavia) £1,061 million (2015: £913 million). The principal allocations of goodwill in the Rothmans’ acquisition are to the cash-generating units of Eastern Europe, Western Europe and South Africa, with the remainder mainly relating to operations in the domestic and export markets in the United Kingdom and operations in Asia-Pacific.

 

FIN-38


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

9 Intangible assets  (continued)

 

In 2016 goodwill was allocated for impairment testing purposes to 18 (2015:14) individual cash-generating units—five in Asia-Pacific (2015: five), five in the Americas (2015: five), three in Western Europe (2015: two), three in EEMEA (2015: two) and two related to Next Generation Products (2015: nil).

 

     2016      2015  
     Carrying amount
£m
     Pre-tax discount
rate

%
     Carrying amount
£m
     Pre-tax discount
rate
%
 

Cash Generating Unit

           

Canada

     2,420        8.2        1,964        8.5  

Western Europe

     3,770        8.6        3,249        8.6  

Eastern Europe

     967        8.8        832        8.5  

South Africa

     656        10.1        485        9.6  

Australia

     785        8.6        661        8.6  

Singapore

     598        7.2        511        7.2  

Malaysia

     425        8.6        372        8.7  

Other

     1,402           1,250     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     11,023           9,324     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

The recoverable amounts of all cash-generating units have been determined on a value-in-use basis. The key assumptions for the recoverable amounts of all units are the budgeted volumes, operating margins and long-term growth rates, which directly impact the cash flows, and the discount rates used in the calculation. The long-term growth rate used is purely for the impairment testing of goodwill under IAS 36 and does not reflect long-term planning assumptions used by the Group for investment proposals or for any other assessments.

Pre-tax discount rates of between 7.2% and 20.0% (2015: 7.2% and 14.7%) were used, based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, taking into account the cost of capital and borrowings, to which specific market-related premium adjustments are made. These adjustments are derived from external sources and are based on the spread between bonds (or credit default swaps, or similar indicators) issued by the US or comparable governments and by the local government, adjusted for the Group’s own credit market risk. For ease of use and consistency in application, these results are periodically calibrated into bands based on internationally recognised credit ratings. The long-term growth rates and discount rates have been applied to the budgeted cash flows of each cash-generating unit. These cash flows have been determined by local management based on experience, specific market and brand trends, pricing expectations and costs, and have been endorsed by Group management as part of the consolidated Group budget.

The value in use calculations use cash flows based on detailed financial budgets prepared by management covering a one year period extrapolated over a 10-year horizon with growth of 5% in year 2. Cash flows for years 3 to 10 are extrapolated from year 2 cash flows for each relevant operating unit at 4% (2015: 4%) per annum, including 1% inflation (2015: 1% inflation), where after a total growth rate of 2% (2015: 2%) has been assumed. A 10-year horizon is considered appropriate based on the Group’s history of profit and cash growth, its well balanced portfolio of brands and the industry in which it operates.

In some instances, such as recent acquisitions, start-up ventures or in other specific cases, the valuation is expanded to reflect the medium-term plan of the country or market management, spanning five years or beyond. If discounted cash flows for cash-generating units should fall by 10 per cent, or the discount rate was increased at a post-tax rate of 1 per cent, there would be no impairment.

 

FIN-39


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

10 Property, plant and equipment

 

     2016  
     Freehold
property
£m
    Leasehold
property
£m
    Plant and
equipment
£m
    Assets in
the
course of
construction
£m
    Total
£m
 

1 January

          

Cost

     944       256       3,976       617       5,793  

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

     (288     (126     (2,343     (15     (2,772
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 1 January

     656       130       1,633       602       3,021  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Differences on exchange

     79       6       263       77       425  

Additions

          

—acquisitions (note 24)

     —         —         —         —         —    

—separately acquired

     13       4       168       470       655  

Reallocations

     76       6       358       (440     —    

Depreciation

     (20     (9     (308     —         (337

Impairment

     —         (5     (71     (4     (80

Disposals

     3       (4     (11     (1     (13

Net reclassifications as held-for-sale

     (4     (5     (1     —         (10

31 December

          

Cost

     1,163       239       5,022       725       7,149  

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

     (360     (116     (2,991     (21     (3,488
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 31 December

     803       123       2,031       704       3,661  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     2015  
     Freehold
property
£m
    Leasehold
property
£m
    Plant and
equipment
£m
    Assets in
the
course of
construction
£m
    Total
£m
 

1 January

          

Cost

     998       260       4,109       570       5,937  

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

     (343     (132     (2,439     (19     (2,933
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 1 January

     655       128       1,670       551       3,004  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Differences on exchange

     (62     —         (125     (62     (249

Additions

          

—acquisitions (note 24)

     76       —         23       4       103  

—separately acquired

     6       7       129       353       495  

Reallocations

     23       9       211       (243     —    

Depreciation

     (19     (10     (242     —         (271

Impairment

     —         (2     (17     7       (12

Disposals

     (15     (2     (15     (8     (40

Net reclassifications as held-for-sale

     (8     —         (1     —         (9

31 December

          

Cost

     944       256       3,976       617       5,793  

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

     (288     (126     (2,343     (15     (2,772
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value at 31 December

     656       130       1,633       602       3,021  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net book value of assets held under finance leases for 2016 was £27 million (2015: £24 million).

 

FIN-40


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

10 Property, plant and equipment  (continued)

 

The Group’s finance lease arrangements relate principally to the lease of vehicles and tobacco vending machines by the Group’s subsidiaries in Canada and Japan respectively. Assets held under finance leases are secured under finance lease obligations included in note 20.

As explained in note 12, contributions to the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund are secured by a charge over the Group’s Head Office (Globe House). Globe House is included in freehold property above with a carrying value of £188 million (2015: £189 million).

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Cost of freehold land within freehold property on which no depreciation is provided

     202        193  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Leasehold property comprises

     

—net book value of long leasehold

     80        119  

—net book value of short leasehold

     43        11  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     123        130  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contracts placed for future expenditure

     29        71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

11 Investments in associates and joint ventures

 

     2016
£m
    2015
£m
 

1 January

     6,938       2,400  

Total comprehensive income (note 5)

     3,662       1,576  

Dividends

     (1,024     (640

Share buy-backs

     (24     —    

Additions

     —         3,628  

Other equity movements

     (45     (26
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December

     9,507       6,938  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets

     17,831       14,800  

Current assets

     2,439       2,818  

Non-current liabilities

     (8,552     (8,692

Current liabilities

     (2,211     (1,988
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     9,507       6,938  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reynolds American Inc. (Group’s share of the market value is £27,275 million (2015: £18,850 million))

     8,051       5,749  

ITC Ltd. (Group’s share of the market value is £10,430 million (2015: £8,112 million))

     1,394       1,136  

Other listed associates (Group’s share of the market value is £142 million (2015: £86 million))

     17       14  

Unlisted associates

     45       39  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     9,507       6,938  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The principal associate undertakings of the Group are Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) and ITC Ltd. (ITC) as shown under principal associate undertakings.

 

FIN-41


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

11 Investments in associates and joint ventures  (continued)

 

Reynolds American Inc.

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Non-current assets

     34,046        28,666  

Current assets

     3,480        4,242  

Non-current liabilities

     (20,089      (20,430

Current liabilities

     (3,845      (3,459
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     13,592        9,019  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Group’s share of Reynolds American Inc. (42.2%)

     5,733        3,804  

Goodwill

     2,318        1,945  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Group’s share of Reynolds American Inc.

     8,051        5,749  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

On 30 July 2004, the Group completed the agreement to combine the US domestic business of Brown and Williamson (B&W), one of its subsidiaries, with RJ Reynolds. This combination resulted in the formation of RAI, which was 58% owned by RJ Reynolds’ shareholders and 42% owned by the Group. The Group has concluded that it does not have de facto control of RAI because of the operation of the governance agreement between the Group and RAI which ensures that the Group does not have the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of RAI; in particular, the Group cannot nominate more than five of the directors (out of 13 or proportionally less if there are less than 13 directors) unless it owns 100% of RAI or some other party owns more than 50%. In addition, there are no other contractual arrangements which would give the Group the ability to direct RAI’s operations. Manufacturing and cooperation agreements between RAI and the Group have been agreed on an arm’s length basis. However, details of the termination of the manufacturing agreement are disclosed in note 27.

On 12 June 2015, RAI completed its acquisition of Lorillard, Inc. (“Lorillard”) and related divestiture transactions to ITG Brands LLC, a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, after receiving the required regulatory approval. At the same time, the intention of which was announced on 15 July 2014, the Group invested $4.7 billion (£3.0 billion) of cash in RAI to maintain its 42% equity position in the enlarged business.

The Group recognised a deemed gain of $931 million (£601 million), as part of the cost of investment. This has arisen as the contract to acquire shares is deemed to be a financial instrument and was fair valued through the profit and loss, in compliance with IAS 39. This has been treated as an adjusting item, in line with the Group’s policy as described in note 4. Goodwill of $529 million (£336 million) has also been recognised, being the difference between the Group’s share of the net assets acquired by RAI, and the deemed fair value of the consideration paid.

RAI recognised a gain on divestiture of assets of $4,861 million (2015: $3,288 million; 2014: $nil). The Group’s share of this net gain amounted to £941 million (2015: £371 million; 2014: £nil) (net of tax). This has been treated as an adjusting item, in line with the Group’s policy, as described in note 5.

The Group recognised a reduction in the investment in RAI of £24 million (2015: £nil) in respect of the Group’s participation in the share buy-back programme conducted by RAI during the year.

ITC Ltd.

ITC was incorporated as a 100% owned BAT subsidiary in 1910 as the Imperial Tobacco Company of India. Over the years, ITC has diversified into several businesses, and currently maintains a presence in cigarettes,

 

FIN-42


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

11 Investments in associates and joint ventures  (continued)

 

hotels, paper & packaging, agri-business and other fast-moving goods (e.g., confectionery, IT, branded apparel, personal care, greetings cards and safety matches). In the 1970s, BAT’s interest in ITC was decreased to 40% as a result of a change in law. Since that time, as a result of ITC issuing shares under various employee stock option schemes, BAT’s shareholding has decreased to 29.89%.

ITC prepares accounts on a quarterly basis with a 31 March year end. As permitted by IAS 28, results up to 30 September 2016 have been used in applying the equity method. This is driven by the availability of information at the half year, to be consistent with the treatment in the Group’s interim accounts. Any further information available after the date used for reporting purposes is reviewed and any material items adjusted for in the final results. The latest published information available is at 31 December 2016.

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Non-current assets

     3,730        2,432  

Current assets

     2,834        3,044  

Non-current liabilities

     (258      (250

Current liabilities

     (1,643      (1,447
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     4,663        3,779  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Group’s share of ITC Ltd. (2016: 29.89% (2015: 30.06%))

     1,394        1,136  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

12 Retirement benefit schemes

The Group’s subsidiary undertakings operate around 170 retirement benefit arrangements worldwide. The majority of scheme members belong to defined benefit schemes, most of which are funded externally and many of which are closed to new entrants. The Group also operates a number of defined contribution schemes.

The liabilities arising in the defined benefit schemes are determined in accordance with the advice of independent, professionally qualified actuaries, using the projected unit credit method. All schemes are formally valued at least every three years.

The principal schemes are in the UK, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Together schemes in these territories account for over 85% of the total obligations of the Group’s defined benefit schemes. These obligations consist mainly of final salary pension schemes which provide benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed level of pension payable for life. The level of benefits provided depends on members’ length of service and their salary in the final years leading up to retirement.

In addition, the Group operates several healthcare benefit schemes, of which the most significant are in Canada. The liabilities in respect of healthcare benefits are also assessed by qualified independent actuaries, applying the projected unit credit method.

All of these arrangements, including funded schemes where formal trusts or equivalents are required, have been developed and are operated in accordance with local practices and regulations where applicable in the countries concerned. For example, in the UK, the main pension scheme is the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund, which is established under trust law and has a corporate trustee that is required to run the scheme in accordance with the Scheme’s Trust Deed and Rules and to comply with the Pension Scheme Act 1993, Pensions Act 1995, Pension Act 2004 and all the relevant legislation.

 

FIN-43


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Retirement benefit schemes  (continued)

 

Responsibility for the governance of the schemes, including investment decisions and contribution schedules, lies with the trustees. The trustees for each arrangement will usually consist of representatives appointed by both the sponsoring company and the beneficiaries.

The majority of schemes are subject to local regulation regarding funding deficits. Contributions to defined benefit schemes are determined after consultation with the respective trustees and actuaries of the individual externally funded schemes and after taking into account regulatory requirements.

Contributions to the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund have been agreed with the Trustee as part of a recovery plan to include £30 million a year to cover on-going service costs and additional contributions to eliminate a funding shortfall. Additional contributions were £78 million in 2016 and are planned to be £78 million in each of 2017 and 2018. These contributions will be used to achieve the statutory funding objective and thereafter to support attaining a lower risk investment strategy (noted below) and may be subject to renegotiation, dependant on funding levels. Total contributions payable are secured by a charge over the Group’s Head Office (Globe House) up to a maximum of £150 million. The charge would be triggered in the event that the Group defaults on agreed contributions due to the Fund or if an insolvency event occurs with respect to the UK entity responsible for making the payments. The charge is due to be released in 2039 but may be released earlier by negotiation or if the assets of the Fund are sufficient to achieve certain funding levels. Under the rules of the scheme, any future surplus would be returnable to the Group by refund at the end of the life of the scheme. The funding commitment is therefore not considered onerous and in accordance with IFRIC 14 no additional liabilities have been recognised in respect of this commitment.

Payments made to pensioners by the operating companies in Germany, net of income on scheme assets, are deemed to be company contributions to the Contractual Trust Arrangements and are anticipated to be around £30 million in 2017 and £37 million per annum for the four years after that. Contributions to pension schemes in Canada, the Netherlands and Switzerland in total are anticipated to be around £13 million in 2017 and then £13 million per annum for the four years after that. Group contributions to pension schemes in 2017 are expected to be £173 million in total compared to £181 million in 2016.

The majority of benefit payments are from trustee administered funds; however, there are also a number of unfunded schemes where the sponsoring company meets the benefit payment obligation as it falls due. For unfunded schemes in the UK and Canada, 29% of the liabilities reported at year end are expected to be settled by the Group within ten years, 27% between ten and twenty years, 21% between twenty and thirty years, and 23% thereafter.

The funded arrangements in the Group have policies on investment management, including strategies over a preferred long term investment profile, and schemes in certain territories including Canada and the Netherlands manage their bond portfolios to match the weighted average duration of scheme liabilities. In addition, the main scheme in the UK has a target investment strategy such that, by 31 December 2018, the scheme will have moved to 20% return-seeking assets and 80% risk-reducing assets. Investments are diversified by type of investment, by investment sector, and where appropriate by country.

Through its defined benefit pension schemes and healthcare schemes, the Group is exposed to a number of risks, including:

Asset volatility: the plan liabilities are calculated using discount rates set by reference to bond yields; if plan assets underperform this yield e.g. due to stock market volatility, this will create a deficit. However, most schemes hold a proportion of assets which are expected to outperform bonds in the long term, and the majority of schemes by value are subject to local regulation regarding funding deficits.

 

FIN-44


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Retirement benefit schemes  (continued)

 

Changes in bond yields: a decrease in corporate bond yields will increase scheme liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the schemes’ bond holdings or other hedging instruments.

Inflation risk: some of the Group’s pension obligations are linked to inflation and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities, although, in most cases, caps on the level of inflationary increases are in place in the scheme rules, while some assets and derivatives provide specific inflation protection.

Life expectancy: the majority of the schemes’ obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase in the plans’ liabilities. Assumptions regarding mortality and mortality improvements are regularly reviewed in line with actuarial tables and scheme specific experience.

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are determined as follows:

 

     Pension schemes     Healthcare schemes     Total  
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
 

Present value of funded scheme liabilities

     (7,139     (5,944     (16     (12     (7,155     (5,956

Fair value of funded scheme assets

     7,264       6,076       14       10       7,278       6,086  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     125       132       (2 )       (2     123       130  

Unrecognised funded scheme surpluses

     (18     (11     —         —         (18     (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     107       121       (2 )       (2     105       119  

Present value of unfunded scheme liabilities

     (371     (276     (105     (88     (476     (364
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (264 )       (155     (107 )       (90     (371 )       (245
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
The above net liability is recognised in the balance sheet as follows:      

—retirement benefit scheme liabilities

     (719     (563     (107     (90     (826     (653

—retirement benefit scheme assets

     455       408       —         —         455       408  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (264 )       (155     (107 )       (90     (371 )       (245
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The net liabilities of funded pension schemes by territory are as follows:

 

     Liabilities     Assets      Total  
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
 

—UK

     (3,529     (2,995     3,853        3,291        324       296  

—Germany

     (1,020     (822     872        704        (148     (118

—Canada

     (796     (654     806        661        10       7  

—Netherlands

     (737     (588     777        641        40       53  

—Switzerland

     (370     (347     293        278        (77     (69

—Rest of Group

     (687     (538     663        501        (24     (37
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded schemes

     (7,139     (5,944     7,264        6,076        125       132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Of the Group’s unfunded pension schemes 64% (2015: 62%) relate to arrangements in the UK, while 84% (2015: 83%) of the Group’s unfunded Healthcare arrangements relate to arrangements in Canada.

 

FIN-45


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Retirement benefit schemes  (continued)

 

The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

 

     Pension schemes     Healthcare schemes     Total  
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Defined benefit schemes

                  

Service cost

                  

—current service cost

     85       85       81       1       1       1       86       86       82  

—past service cost

     (43     (10     (2     (1     —         (3     (44     (10     (5

Net interest on the net defined benefit liability

                  

—interest on scheme liabilities

     229       215       261       6       5       6       235       220       267  

—interest on scheme assets

     (230     (201     (252     (1     (1     (1     (231     (202     (253

—interest on unrecognised funded scheme surpluses

     2       1       1       —         —         —         2       1       1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     43       90       89       5       5       3       48       95       92  

Defined contribution schemes

     53       43       40       —         —         —         53       43       40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total amount recognised in the income statement (note 3(a))

     96       133       129       5       5       3       101       138       132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The above charges are recognised within employee benefit costs in note 3(a) and include a credit of £17 million in 2016 (2015: £16 million charge; 2014: £4 million charge) in respect of settlements, past service costs and defined contribution costs reported as part of the restructuring costs charged in arriving at profit from operations (see note 3(d)).

The movements in scheme liabilities are as follows:

 

     Pension schemes     Healthcare schemes     Total  
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
 

Present value at 1 January

     6,220       6,881       100       113       6,320       6,994  

Differences on exchange

     574       (215     22       (13     597       (228

Current service cost

     88       86       1       1       89       87  

Past service credit

     (44     (9     —         —         (44     (9

Settlements

     (33     (20     (1     —         (34     (20

Interest on scheme liabilities

     238       211       6       4       244       215  

Contributions by scheme members

     4       3       —         —         4       3  

Benefits paid

     (381     (339     (8     (6     (389     (345

Actuarial (gains)/losses

            

—arising from changes in demographic assumptions

     (7 )       13       —         —         (7 )       13  

—arising from changes in financial assumptions

     911       (335     1       1       912       (334

Experience gains

     (61     (56     (1     —         (62     (56
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Present value at 31 December

     7,510       6,220       120       100       7,630       6,320  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in financial assumptions principally relate to discount rate movements in both years.

 

FIN-46


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Retirement benefit schemes  (continued)

 

Scheme liabilities by scheme membership:

 

     Pension schemes      Healthcare schemes      Total  
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Active members

     1,358        1,139        22        20        1,380        1,159  

Deferred members

     1,306        900        2        2        1,308        902  

Retired members

     4,846        4,181        96        78        4,942        4,259  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Present value at 31 December

     7,510        6,220        120        100        7,630        6,320  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Approximately 95% of scheme liabilities in both years relate to guaranteed benefits.

The movements in funded scheme assets are as follows:

 

     Pension schemes     Healthcare schemes     Total  
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
    2016
£m
    2015
£m
 

Fair value of scheme assets at 1 January

     6,076       6,253       10       13       6,086       6,266  

Differences on exchange

     541       (209     5       (3     546       (212

Settlements

     (33     (19     —         —         (33     (19

Interest on scheme assets

     238       197       1       1       239       198  

Company contributions

     181       262       —         —         181       262  

Contributions by scheme members

     5       4       —         —         5       4  

Benefits paid

     (360     (318     (1     (1     (361     (319

Actuarial gains/(losses)

     616       (94     (1     —         615       (94
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of scheme assets at 31 December

     7,264       6,076       14       10       7,278       6,086  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of scheme assets by category:

 

     Pension schemes      Healthcare schemes      Total  
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Equities—listed

     1,697        1,559        5        4        1,702        1,563  

Equities—unlisted

     630        557        —          —          630        557  

Bonds—listed

     3,948        3,092        4        3        3,952        3,095  

Bonds—unlisted

     109        43        —          —          109        43  

Other assets—listed

     403        94        —          3        403        97  

Other assets—unlisted

     477        731        5        —          482        731  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of scheme assets at 31 December

     7,264        6,076        14        10        7,278        6,086  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Scheme assets have been diversified into equities, bonds and other assets and are typically invested via fund investment managers into both pooled and segregated mandates of listed and unlisted equities and bonds. In addition, certain scheme assets, including a portion of the assets held in the main UK pension scheme, are further diversified by investing in equities listed on non-UK stock exchanges via investment funds. In the above analysis investments via equity-based investment funds are shown under listed equities, and investments via bond-based

 

FIN-47


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Retirement benefit schemes  (continued)

 

investment funds are shown under listed bonds. Other assets include cash and other deposits, derivatives and other hedges (including liability driven investments funds and inflation opportunity funds), recoverable taxes, reinsurance contracts, infrastructure investments and investment property.

The actuarial gains and losses in both years principally relate to movements in the fair values of scheme assets and actual returns are stated net of applicable taxes and fund management fees. The fair values of listed scheme assets were derived from observable data including quoted market prices and other market data, including market values of individual segregated investments and of pooled investment funds where quoted. The fair values of unlisted assets were derived from cash flow projections of estimated future income after taking into account the estimated recoverable value of these assets.

The movements in the unrecognised scheme surpluses, recognised in other comprehensive income, are as follows:

 

     Pension schemes     Healthcare schemes      Total  
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
    2016
£m
     2015
£m
     Unaudited
2014
£m
     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Unrecognised funded scheme surpluses at 1 January

     (11     (13     (19     —          —          —          (11     (13     (19

Differences on exchange

     (4     3           —          —          —          (4     3       —    

Interest on unrecognised funded scheme surpluses

     (2     (1     (1     —          —          —          (2     (1     (1

Movement in year (note 19)

     (1         7       —          —          —          (1     —         7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrecognised funded scheme surpluses at 31 December

     (18     (11     (13     —          —          —          (18     (11     (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The principal actuarial assumptions (weighted to reflect individual scheme differences) used in the following principal countries are shown below. In both years, discount rates are determined by reference to normal yields on high quality corporate bonds at the balance sheet date. For countries where there is not a deep market in such corporate bonds, the yield on government bonds is used.

 

    2016     2015  
    UK     Germany     Canada     Netherlands     Switzerland     UK     Germany     Canada     Netherlands     Switzerland  

Rate of increase in salaries (%)

    3.3       2.5       3.0       2.0       1.3       4.6       2.3       3.3       2.0       1.3  

Rate of increase in pensions in payment (%)

    3.3       1.8       Nil       1.1       Nil       3.1       1.5       Nil       1.1       Nil  

Rate of increase in deferred pensions (%)

    2.5       Nil       Nil       1.1       —         2.3       Nil       Nil       1.1       —    

Discount rate (%)

    2.6       1.7       3.7       1.9       0.6       3.8       2.3       3.8       2.5       0.7  

General inflation (%)

    3.3       1.8       2.0       2.0       1.0       3.1       1.5       2.3       2.0       0.9  

Weighted average duration of liabilities (years)

    18.2       14.0       11.2       18.3       13.4       16.9       13.0       11.1       17.9       14.6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-48


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Retirement benefit schemes  (continued)

 

For healthcare inflation in Canada, the assumption is 4.8% (2015: 4.5%). For the remaining pension schemes, typical assumptions are that real salary increases will be from 0% to 5.2% (2015: 0% to 6.5%) per annum and discount rates will be from 0% to 7.7% (2015: 0% to 7.7%) above inflation. Pension increases, where allowed for, are generally assumed to be in line with inflation.

Mortality assumptions are subject to regular review. The principal schemes used the following tables:

 

UK    91.5% S1NA (year of birth) table with the Continuous Mortality Investigation (2013) model with a 1.75% long- term improvement rate (both years)
Germany    Heubeck tables 2005G (both years)
Canada    CPM-2014 Private Table (both years)
Netherlands    2016: AG Prognosetafel 2016
   2015: AG Prognosetafel 2014
Switzerland    2016: LPP/BVG 2015 Generational
   2015: LPP 2010 tables

Based on the above, the weighted average life expectancy, in years, for mortality tables used to determine benefit obligations is as follows:

 

     UK      Germany      Canada      Netherlands      Switzerland  
     Male      Female      Male      Female      Male      Female      Male      Female      Male      Female  

31 December 2015

                             

Member age 65 (current life expectancy)

     23.7        26.3        19.0        23.1        21.2        23.7        20.9        24.8        21.5        24.0  

Member age 45 (life expectancy at age 65)

     26.4        29.1        21.7        25.6        22.3        24.7        23.4        26.8        23.3        25.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

31 December 2016

                             

Member age 65 (current life expectancy)

     23.8        26.4        19.1        23.2        21.3        23.7        20.6        24.7        22.3        24.4  

Member age 45 (life expectancy at age 65)

     26.5        29.2        21.8        25.7        22.4        24.7        23.1        26.9        24.2        26.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation of retirement benefit schemes involves judgements about uncertain future events. Sensitivities in respect of the key assumptions used to measure the principal pension schemes as at 31 December 2016 are set out below. These sensitivities show the hypothetical impact of a change in each of the listed assumptions in isolation, with the exception of the sensitivity to inflation which incorporates the impact of certain correlating assumptions such as salary increases. While each of these sensitivities holds all other assumptions constant, in practice such assumptions rarely change in isolation, while asset values also change, and the impacts may offset to some extent.

 

     1 year
increase
£m
     1 year
decrease
£m
    0.25
percentage
point
increase
£m
    0.25
percentage
point
decrease
£m
 

Average life expectancy—increase/(decrease) of scheme liabilities

     228        (227     —         —    

Rate of inflation—increase/(decrease) of scheme liabilities

     —          —         213       (199

Discount rate—(decrease)/increase of scheme liabilities

     —          —         (256     273  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-49


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Retirement benefit schemes  (continued)

 

A one percentage point increase in healthcare inflation would increase healthcare scheme liabilities by £14 million, and a one percentage point decrease would decrease liabilities by £12 million. The income statement effect of this change in assumption is not material.

13 Deferred tax

Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) comprise:

 

     Stock
relief
£m
    Excess of
capital
allowances
over
depreciation
£m
    Tax
losses
£m
    Undistributed
earnings of
associates
and
subsidiaries
£m
    Retirement
benefits
£m
    Fair value
losses/(gains)
£m
    Other
temporary
differences
£m
    Total
£m
 

At 1 January 2015

     23       (142     46       (204     79       39       (25     (184

Differences on exchange

     (3     12       (9     4       (2     3       (9     (4

Credited/(charged) to the income statement

     10       (2     16       (55     (6     (13     46       (4

(Charged)/credited to other comprehensive income

     —         —         —         —         (23     14       —         (9

Subsidiaries acquired (note 24)

     —         —         —         —         —         —         (36     (36
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At 31 December 2015

     30       (132     53       (255     48       43       (24     (237
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At 1 January 2016

     30       (132     53       (255     48       43       (24     (237

Differences on exchange

     6       (18     13       (41     4       11       (14     (39

(Charged)/credited to the income statement

     (5     98       23       (96     1       (22     (3     (4

Credited/(charged) to other comprehensive income

     —         —         —         —         64       10       (4     70  

Subsidiaries acquired (note 24)

     —         (6     —         —         —         —         —         (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At 31 December 2016

     31       (58     89       (392     117       42       (45     (216
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The net deferred tax liabilities are reflected in the Group balance sheet as follows: deferred tax asset of £436 million and deferred tax liability of £652 million (2015: Deferred tax asset of £326 million and Deferred tax liability of £563 million), after offsetting assets and liabilities where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and where the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority.

Deferred tax expected to be recovered within 12 months includes deferred tax assets of £119 million (2015: £133 million) and deferred tax liabilities of £372 million (2015: £348 million).

At the balance sheet date, the Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of unused tax losses of £542 million (2015: £804 million) which have no expiry date and unused tax losses of £761 million (2015: £698 million) which will expire within the next 10 years.

At the balance sheet date, the Group has not recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of deductible temporary differences of £534 million (2015: £737 million), which have no expiry date and £191 million (2015: £173 million), which will expire within the next 10 years.

At the balance sheet date, the Group has unused tax credits of £80 million (2015: £80 million) which have no expiry date. No amount of deferred tax has been recognised in respect of these unused tax credits.

 

FIN-50


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

13 Deferred tax  (continued)

 

At the balance sheet date, the aggregate amount of undistributed earnings of subsidiaries which would be subject to dividend withholding tax was £0.7 billion (2015: £2 billion). No liability has been recognised in respect of this withholding tax because the Group is in a position to control the timing of these distributions and it is probable that these distributions will not be made in the foreseeable future.

14 Trade and other receivables

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Trade receivables

     2,696        2,355  

Loans and other receivables

     1,619        984  

Prepayments and accrued income

     168        175  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     4,483        3,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     3,884        3,266  

Non-current

     599        248  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     4,483        3,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in loans and other receivables, is £326 million (2015: £55 million) in respect of payments made by a Group subsidiary in relation to the Quebec Class Action, as detailed in note 28. The Group has determined that these payments are recoverable on conclusion of the on-going appeal and the deposit has not been discounted. While there is uncertainty over the timeframe of the appeal process, it is estimated that had discounting been applied the carrying value of the asset would have been reduced by approximately £20 million (2015: £4 million).

Amounts receivable from related parties including associated undertakings are shown in note 27.

Trade and other receivables have been reported in the balance sheet net of allowances as follows:

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Gross trade and other receivables

     4,570        3,565  

Allowance account

     (87      (51
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net trade and other receivables per balance sheet

     4,483        3,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The movements in the allowance account are as follows:

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

1 January

     51        54  

Differences on exchange

     11        (9

Provided in the year

     26        8  

Amounts reversed during the year

     (1      (2
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

31 December

     87        51  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

FIN-51


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

14 Trade and other receivables  (continued)

 

As at 31 December 2016, trade and other receivables of £60 million (2015: £75 million) were past their contractual payment date but not impaired. These relate to a number of external parties where there is no expectation of default. The aged analysis of these trade receivables is as follows:

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Less than three months

     39        64  

Between three and six months

     11        5  

Between six months and one year

     7        4  

Greater than one year

     3        2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Group holds bank guarantees, other guarantees and credit insurance in respect of some of the past due debtor balances.

Trade and other receivables are predominantly denominated in the functional currencies of subsidiary undertakings apart from the following: US dollar: 3.8% (2015: 4.5%), UK sterling: 5.4% (2015: 5.9%), Euro: 2.8% (2015: 1.8%) and other currencies: 3.8% (2015: 5.0%).

There is no material difference between the above amounts for trade and other receivables and their fair value due to the short-term duration of the majority of trade and other receivables as determined using discounted cash flow analysis. There is no concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables as the Group has a large number of internationally dispersed customers.

15 Available-for-sale investments

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

1 January

     72        86  

Differences on exchange

     10        —    

Additions and advances

     4        17  

Revaluations

     —          14  

Disposals and repayments

     (28      (45
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

31 December

     58        72  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     15        35  

Non-current

     43        37  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     58        72  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The classification of these investments under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy is given in note 23.

There is no material difference between the maturity profile of investments in the table above and the maturity profile on a gross contractual basis where the values in each year include the investments maturing in that year together with forecast interest receipts on all investments which are due for all or part of that year.

Investments are all denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary undertaking holding the investments.

 

FIN-52


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

16 Derivative financial instruments

The fair values of derivatives are determined based on market data (primarily yield curves, implied volatilities and exchange rates) to calculate the present value of all estimated flows associated with each derivative at the balance sheet date. In the absence of sufficient market data, fair values would be based on the quoted market price of similar derivatives. The classification of these derivative assets and liabilities under the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy is given in note 23.

 

     2016      2015  
     Assets
£m
     Liabilities
£m
     Assets
£m
     Liabilities
£m
 

Fair value hedges

           

—interest rate swaps

     179        14        217        23  

—cross-currency swaps

     261        —          40        38  

Cash flow hedges

           

—interest rate swaps

     2        —          —          —    

—cross-currency swaps

     106        —          9        —    

—forward foreign currency contracts

     120        118        77        70  

Net investment hedges

           

—forward foreign currency contracts

     23        233        40        75  

Held-for-trading*

           

—interest rate swaps

     71        90        52        70  

—cross-currency swaps

     173        174        4        11  

—forward foreign currency contracts

     36        39        57        30  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     971        668        496        317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     375        549        209        187  

Non-current

     596        119        287        130  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     971      668      496      317
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives

           

—in respect of net debt

     809        300        373        164  

—other

     162        368        123        153  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     971        668        496        317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
* IFRS requires derivatives which do not meet the tests for hedge accounting under IAS 39 to be classified as instruments held-for-trading with fair value change included in the income statement. These derivatives principally consist of forward foreign currency contracts which have been designated as hedges due to their value changes offsetting with other components of net finance costs relating to financial assets and financial liabilities. The Group do not use derivatives for speculative purposes. All derivatives are undertaken for risk management purposes.

For cash flow hedges, the timing of expected cash flows is as follows: Assets of £228 million (2015: £86 million) of which £99 million (2015: £73 million) is expected within one year, and £106 million (2015: £9 million) beyond 5 years and Liabilities of £118 million (2015: £70 million) of which £105 million (2015: £65 million) is expected within one year.

The Group’s cash flow hedges are principally in respect of sales or purchases of inventory and certain debt instruments. A certain number of forward foreign currency contracts were used to manage the currency profile of external borrowings and are reflected in the currency table in note 20. Interest rate swaps have been used to manage the interest rate profile of external borrowings and are reflected in the re-pricing table in note 20.

 

FIN-53


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

16 Derivative financial instruments  (continued)

The tables below set out the maturities of the Group’s derivative financial instruments on an undiscounted contractual basis, based on spot rates.

The maturity dates of all gross-settled derivative financial instruments are as follows:

 

     2016     2015  
     Assets     Liabilities     Assets     Liabilities  
     Inflow
£m
     Outflow
£m
    Inflow
£m
     Outflow
£m
    Inflow
£m
     Outflow
£m
    Inflow
£m
     Outflow
£m
 

Within one year

                    

—forward foreign currency contracts

     7,168        (6,943     11,419        (12,024     5,294        (5,133     4,358        (4,491

—cross-currency swaps

     391        (534     499        (354     9        (21     359        (362

Between one and two years

                    

—forward foreign currency contracts

     1,152        (1,104     571        (630     107        (103     323        (332

—cross-currency swaps

     37        (36     —          —         368        (373     361        (368

Between two and three years

                    

—forward foreign currency contracts

     24        (22     13        (12     —          —         28        (28

—cross-currency swaps

     66        (69     —          —         15        (32     16        (16

Between three and four years

                    

—cross-currency swaps

     35        (40     —          —         29        (47     30        (32

Between four and five years

                    

—cross-currency swaps

     802        (770     —          —         14        (35     16        (18

Beyond five years

                    

—cross-currency swaps

     1,429        (1,244     —          —         1,465        (1,500     458        (537
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     11,104        (10,762     12,502        (13,020     7,301        (7,244     5,949        (6,184
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The maturity dates of net-settled derivative financial instruments, which primarily relate to interest rate swaps, are as follows:

 

     2016    2015
     Assets
Inflow
£m
   Liabilities
Outflow
£m
   Assets
Inflow
£m
   Liabilities
Outflow
£m

Within one year

   102      29      82      46

Between one and two years

     71      15      62      25

Between two and three years

     64      14      49      11

Between three and four years

     46      13      37        9

Between four and five years

     26      11      20        8

Beyond five years

     40      22      28      19
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   349    104    278    118
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

FIN-54


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

17 Inventories

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Raw materials and consumables

     2,230        1,635  

Finished goods and work in progress

     3,312        2,359  

Goods purchased for resale

     251        253  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     5,793        4,247  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Inventories pledged as security for liabilities amount to £nil (2015: £8 million). Write-offs taken to other operating expenses in the Group income statement comprise £127 million (2015: £73 million; 2014: £47 million), including amounts relating to restructuring costs.

18 Cash and cash equivalents

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Cash and bank balances

     1,628        1,325  

Cash equivalents

     576        638  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,204        1,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair value.

Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary undertaking or other currencies as shown below:

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Functional currency

     1,748        1,679  

US dollar

     195        167  

Euro

     159        50  

Other currency

     102        67  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,204        1,963  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In the Group cash flow statement, net cash and cash equivalents are shown after deducting bank overdrafts and accrued interest where applicable, as follows:

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Cash and cash equivalents as above

     2,204        1,963  

Less overdrafts and accrued interest

     (553      (233
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash and cash equivalents

     1,651        1,730  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents include restricted amounts of £157 million (2015: £169 million), principally due to exchange control regulations in certain countries.

 

FIN-55


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity

 

     Attributable to owners of the parent              

Unaudited

   Share
capital
£m
     Share
premium,
capital
redemption
and merger
reserves
£m
     Other
reserves
£m
    Retained
earnings
£m
    Total
attributable
to owners
of the
parent
£m
    Non-
controlling
interests
£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

1 January 2014

     507        3,919        (190     2,398       6,634       301       6,935  

Comprehensive income and expense

                

Profit for the year

     —          —          —         3,115       3,115       278       3,393  

Differences on exchange

                

—subsidiaries

     —          —          (526     —         (526     (13     (539

—associates

     —          —          113       —         113       —         113  

Cash flow hedges

                

—net fair value gains/(losses)

     —          —          75       —         75       (18     57  

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

     —          —          (76     —         (76     9       (67

—reclassified and reported in net assets

     —          —          8       —         8       —         8  

Available-for-sale investments

                

—net fair value gains in respect of associates

     —          —          15       —         15       —         15  

Net investment hedges

                

—net fair value gains

     —          —          2       —         2       —         2  

—differences on exchange on borrowings

     —          —          60       —         60       —         60  

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

     —          —          21       —         21       3       24  

Retirement benefit schemes

                

—net actuarial losses in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

     —          —          —         (428     (428     —         (428

—surplus recognition and minimum funding obligations in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

     —          —          —         7       7       —         7  

—actuarial losses in respect of associates net of tax (note 5)

     —          —          —         (124     (124     —         (124

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

     —          —          —         87       87       —         87  

Other changes in equity

                

Employee share options

                

—value of employee services

     —          —          —         66       66       —         66  

—proceeds from shares issued

     —          4        —         1       5       —         5  

Dividends and other appropriations

                

—ordinary shares (note 8)

     —          —          —         (2,712     (2,712     —         (2,712

—to non-controlling interests

     —          —          —         —         —         (260     (260

Purchase of own shares

                

—held in employee share ownership trusts

     —          —          —         (49     (49     —         (49

—share buy-back prgoramme

     —          —          —         (800     (800     —         (800

Non-controlling interests—acquisitions (note 24(d))

     —          —          —         (4     (4     —         (4

Non-controlling interests—capital injections (note 24(d))

     —          —          —         —         —         4       4  

Other movements

     —          —          —         21       21       —         21  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2014

     507        3,923        (498     1,578       5,510       304       5,814  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-56


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

     Attributable to owners of the parent  
     Share
capital
£m
     Share
premium,
capital
redemption
and merger
reserves
£m
     Other
reserves
£m
    Retained
earnings
£m
    Total
attributable
to owners
of the
parent
£m
    Non-controlling
interests
£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

1 January 2015

     507        3,923        (498     1,578       5,510       304       5,814  

Comprehensive income and expense

                

Profit for the year

     —          —          —         4,290       4,290       232       4,522  

Differences on exchange

                

—subsidiaries

     —          —          (953     —         (953     (53     (1,006

—associates

     —          —          336       —         336       —         336  

Cash flow hedges

                

—net fair value losses

     —          —          (98     —         (98     (1     (99

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

     —          —          14       —         14       1       15  

—reclassified and reported in net assets

     —          —          (45     —         (45     —         (45

Available-for-sale investments

                

—net fair value gains in respect of subsidiaries

     —          —          14       —         14       —         14  

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

     —          —          (10     —         (10     —         (10

—net fair value gains in respect of associates net of tax

     —          —          1       —         1       —         1  

Net investment hedges

                

—net fair value losses

     —          —          (118     —         (118     —         (118

—differences on exchange on borrowings

     —          —          42       —         42       —         42  

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

     —          —          21       —         21       —         21  

Retirement benefit schemes

                

—net actuarial gains in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

     —          —          —         283       283       —         283  

—actuarial gains in respect of associates net of tax (note 5)

     —          —          —         3       3       —         3  

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

     —          —          —         (23     (23     —         (23

Other changes in equity

                

Employee share options

                

—value of employee services

     —          —          —         50       50       —         50  

—proceeds from shares issued

     —          4        —         —         4       —         4  

Dividends and other appropriations

                

—ordinary shares (note 8)

     —          —          —         (2,770     (2,770     —         (2,770

—to non-controlling interests

     —          —          —         —         —         (238     (238

Purchase of own shares

                

—held in employee share ownership trusts

     —          —          —         (46     (46     —         (46

Non-controlling interests—acquisitions (note 24(d))

     —          —          —         (1,642     (1,642     (107     (1,749

Other movements

     —          —          —         31       31       —         31  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2015

     507        3,927        (1,294     1,754       4,894       138       5,032  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-57


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

     Attributable to owners of the parent              
     Share
capital

£m
     Share
premium,
capital
redemption
and merger
reserves
£m
     Other
reserves
£m
    Retained
earnings
£m
    Total
attributable
to owners
of the
parent

£m
    Non-
controlling
interests

£m
    Total
equity
£m
 

1 January 2016

     507        3,927        (1,294     1,754       4,894       138       5,032  

Comprehensive income and expense

                

Profit for the year

     —          —          —         4,648       4,648       191       4,839  

Differences on exchange

                

—subsidiaries

     —          —          1,218       —         1,218       52       1,270  

—associates

     —          —          1,425       —         1,425       —         1,425  

Cash flow hedges

                

—net fair value gains

     —          —          28       —         28       1       29  

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

     —          —          38       —         38       —         38  

—reclassified and reported in net assets

     —          —          (12     —         (12     —         (12

Available-for-sale investments

                

—net fair value losses in respect of associates net of tax

     —          —          (10     —         (10     —         (10

Net investment hedges

                

—net fair value losses

     —          —          (837     —         (837     —         (837

—differences on exchange on borrowings

     —          —          (124     —         (124     —         (124

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

     —          —          (19     —         (19     —         (19

Retirement benefit schemes

                

—net actuarial losses in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

     —          —          —         (231     (231     3       (228

—surplus recognition and minimum funding obligations in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

     —          —          —         —         —         (1     (1

—actuarial gains in respect of associates net of tax (note 5)

     —          —          —         20       20       —         20  

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

     —          —          —         36       36       —         36  

Other changes in equity

                

Employee share options

                

—value of employee services

     —          —          —         71       71       —         71  

—proceeds from shares issued

     —          4        —         —         4       —         4  

Dividends and other appropriations

                

—ordinary shares (note 8)

     —          —          —         (2,910     (2,910     —         (2,910

—to non-controlling interests

     —          —          —         —         —         (156     (156

Purchase of own shares

                

—held in employee share ownership trusts

     —          —          —         (64     (64     —         (64

Non-controlling interests—acquisitions (note 24(d))

     —          —          —         4       4       (4     —    

Other movements

     —          —          —         3       3       —         3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2016

     507        3,931        413       3,331       8,182       224       8,406  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-58


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

(a) Share premium account, capital redemption reserves and merger reserves comprise:

 

     Share
premium
account
£m
   Capital
redemption
reserves
£m
   Merger
reserves
£m
   Total
£m

1 January 2014 (Unaudited)

   70    101    3,748    3,919

31 December 2014 (Unaudited)

   74    101    3,748    3,923

31 December 2015

   78    101    3,748    3,927

31 December 2016

   82    101    3,748    3,931
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

The share premium account includes the difference between the value of shares issued and their nominal value. The increase of £4 million (2015: £4 million; 2014: £4 million) relates solely to ordinary shares issued under the Company’s share option schemes.

On the purchase of own shares as part of the share buy-back programme for shares which are cancelled, a transfer is made from retained earnings to the capital redemption reserve equivalent to the nominal value of shares purchased. Purchased shares which are not cancelled are classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity.

Total equity attributable to owners of the parent is stated after deducting the cost of treasury shares which include £4,845 million (2015: £4,845 million; 2014: £4,845 million) for shares repurchased and not cancelled and £208 million (2015: £204 million; 2014: £228 million) in respect of the cost of own shares held in employee share ownership trusts.

In 1999, shares were issued for the acquisition of the Rothmans International B.V. Group, and the difference between the fair value of shares issued and their nominal value was credited to merger reserves.

During 2014, 23 million shares were bought back at a cost of £795 million, excluding transaction costs of £5 million. The share buy-back programme was suspended from 30 July 2014. As at 31 December 2016, treasury shares include 5,137,602 (2015: 5,356,084) of shares held in trust and 162,645,590 (2015: 162,645,590) of shares repurchased and not cancelled as part of the Company’s share buy-back programme.

 

FIN-59


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

Other movements in shareholders’ funds principally relate to the release of treasury shares as a result of the exercise of share options.

 

Called up share capital

   Ordinary
shares of 25p each
Number of shares
     £m  

Allotted and fully paid

     

1 January 2014 (Unaudited)

     2,026,456,406        506.61  

Changes during the year (Unaudited)

     

—share option schemes (Unaudited)

     236,623        0.06  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

31 December 2014 (Unaudited)

     2,026,693,029        506.67  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Allotted and fully paid

     

1 January 2015

     2,026,693,029        506.67  

Changes during the year

     

—share option schemes

     173,695        0.04  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

31 December 2015

     2,026,866,724        506.71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Allotted and fully paid

     

1 January 2016

     2,026,866,724        506.71  

Changes during the year

     

—share option schemes

     152,784        0.04  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

31 December 2016

     2,027,019,508        506.75  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

(b) Information on the principal components of non-controlling interests is provided in note 29.

 

FIN-60


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

Movements in other reserves and retained earnings (which are after deducting treasury shares) shown above comprise:

 

                                        Retained
earnings
 

Unaudited

  Translation
reserve
£m
    Hedging
reserve
£m
    Available-
for-sale
reserve
£m
    Revaluation
reserve
£m
    Other
£m
    Total
other
reserves
£m
    Treasury
shares
£m
    Other
£m
 

1 January 2014

    (1,015     44       29       179       573       (190     (4,325     6,723  

Comprehensive income and expense

               

Profit for the year

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         3,115  

Differences on exchange

               

—subsidiaries

    (526     —         —         —         —         (526     —         —    

—associates

    113       —         —         —         —         113       —         —    

Cash flow hedges

               

—net fair value gains

    —         75       —         —         —         75       —         —    

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

    —         (76     —         —         —         (76     —         —    

—reclassified and reported in net assets

    —         8       —         —         —         8       —         —    

Available-for-sale investments of associates

               

—net fair value gains in respect of associates

    —         —         15       —         —         15       —         —    

Net investment hedges

               

—net fair value gains

    2       —         —         —         —         2       —         —    

—differences on exchange on borrowings

    60       —         —         —         —         60       —         —    

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

    (3     24       —         —         —         21       —         —    

Retirement benefit schemes

               

—net actuarial losses in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (428

—surplus recognition and minimum funding obligations in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         7  

—actuarial losses in respect of associates net of tax (note 5)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (124

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         87  

Other changes in equity

               

Employee share options

               

—value of employee services

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         66  

—proceeds from shares issued

    —         —         —         —         —         —         1       —    

Dividends and other appropriations

               

—ordinary shares

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (2,712

Purchase of own shares

               

—held in employee share ownership trusts

    —         —         —         —         —         —         (49     —    

—share buy-back programme

    —         —         —         —         —         —         (800     —    

Non-controlling interests—acquisitions (note 29)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (4

Other movements

    —         —         —         —         —         —         100       (79
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2014

    (1,369     75       44       179       573       (498     (5,073     6,651  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-61


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

                                        Retained earnings  
    Translation
reserve
£m
    Hedging
reserve
£m
    Available-
for-sale
reserve
£m
    Revaluation
reserve
£m
    Other
£m
    Total
other
reserves
£m
    Treasury
shares
£m
    Other
£m
 

1 January 2015

    (1,369     75       44       179       573       (498     (5,073     6,651  

Comprehensive income and expense

               

Profit for the year

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         4,290  

Differences on exchange

               

—subsidiaries

    (953     —         —         —         —         (953     —         —    

—associates

    336       —         —         —         —         336       —         —    

Cash flow hedges

               

—net fair value losses

    —         (98     —         —         —         (98     —         —    

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

    —         14       —         —         —         14       —         —    

—reclassified and reported in net assets

    —         (45     —         —         —         (45     —         —    

Available-for-sale investments

               

—net fair value gains

    —         —         15       —         —         15       —         —    

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

    —         —         (10     —         —         (10     —         —    

Net investment hedges

               

—net fair value losses

    (118     —         —         —         —         (118     —         —    

—differences on exchange on borrowings

    42       —         —         —         —         42       —         —    

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

    —         21       —         —         —         21       —         —    

Retirement benefit schemes

               

—net actuarial losses in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         283  

—actuarial losses in respect of associates net of tax (note 5)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         3  

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (23

Other changes in equity

               

Employee share options

               

—value of employee services

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         50  

Dividends and other appropriations

               

—ordinary shares (note 8)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (2,770

Purchase of own shares

               

—held in employee share ownership trusts

    —         —         —         —         —         —         (46     —    

Non-controlling interests—acquisitions (note 24(d))

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (1,642

Other movements

    —         —         —         —         —         —         70       (39
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2015

    (2,062     (33     49       179       573       (1,294     (5,049     6,803  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-62


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

                                        Retained
earnings
 
    Translation
reserve
£m
    Hedging
reserve
£m
    Available-
for-sale
reserve
£m
    Revaluation
reserve
£m
    Other
£m
    Total
other
reserves

£m
    Treasury
shares
£m
    Other
£m
 

1 January 2016

    (2,062     (33     49       179       573       (1,294     (5,049     6,803  

Comprehensive income and expense

               

Profit for the year

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         4,648  

Differences on exchange

               

—subsidiaries

    1,218       —         —         —         —         1,218       —         —    

—associates

    1,425       —         —         —         —         1,425       —         —    

Cash flow hedges

               

—net fair value gains

    —         28       —         —         —         28       —         —    

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

    —         38       —         —         —         38       —         —    

—reclassified and reported in net assets

    —         (12     —         —         —         (12     —         —    

Available-for-sale investments

               

—net fair value losses in respect of associates net of tax

    —         —         (10     —         —         (10     —         —    

Net investment hedges

               

—net fair value losses

    (837     —         —         —         —         (837     —         —    

—differences on exchange on borrowings

    (124     —         —         —         —         (124     —         —    

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

    (2     (17     —         —         —         (19     —         —    

Retirement benefit schemes

               

—net actuarial losses in respect of subsidiaries (note 12)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (231

—actuarial gains in respect of associates net of tax (note 5)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         20  

Tax on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (note 6(f))

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         36  

Other changes in equity

               

Employee share options

               

—value of employee services

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         71  

Dividends and other appropriations

               

—ordinary shares (note 8)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (2,910

Purchase of own shares

               

—held in employee share ownership trusts

    —         —         —         —         —         —         (64     —    

Non-controlling interests—acquisitions (note 24(d))

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         4  

Other movements

    —         —         —         —         —         —         60       (57
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2016

    (382     4       39       179       573       413       (5,053     8,384  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The translation reserve is as explained in the accounting policy on foreign currencies in note 1. The hedging reserve and the available-for-sale reserve are as explained in the accounting policy on financial instruments in note 1. The revaluation reserve relates to the acquisition of the cigarette and snus business of ST in 2008.

Of the amounts released from the hedging reserve during the year, losses of £142 million (2015: £50 million loss; 2014: £21 million gain) and £2 million (2015: £22 million gain; 2014: £27 million gain) were reported within revenue and raw materials and consumables respectively, together with a loss of £6 million (2015: £8 million loss; 2014: £13 million loss) reported in other operating expenses, a gain of £9 million (2015: £nil; 2014: £nil) reported in other operating income and a gain of £93 million (2015: £18 million gain; 2014: £31 million gain) reported within net finance costs.

 

FIN-63


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

19 Capital and reserves—reconciliation of movement in total equity  (continued)

 

Other reserves comprise:

(a) £483 million which arose in 1998 from merger accounting in a Scheme of Arrangement and Reconstruction whereby British American Tobacco p.l.c. acquired the entire share capital of B.A.T Industries p.l.c. and the share capital of that company’s principal financial services subsidiaries was distributed, so effectively demerging them; and

(b) In the Rothmans transaction, convertible redeemable preference shares were issued as part of the consideration. The discount on these shares was amortised by crediting other reserves and charging retained earnings. The £90 million balance in other reserves comprises the accumulated balance in respect of the preference shares converted during 2004.

The tax attributable to components of other comprehensive income is as follows:

 

     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Translation reserve

      

Net investment hedges

      

—net fair value losses

     (2     —         (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (2     —         (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Hedging reserve

      

Cash flow hedges

      

—net fair value (losses)/gains

     (11     38       (3

—reclassified and reported in profit for the year

     (6     (17     27  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (17     21       24  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Retained earnings

      

—actuarial gains/(losses) in respect of subsidiaries

     36       (23     89  

—surplus recognition and minimum funding obligations in respect of subsidiaries

     —         —         (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     36       (23 )       87  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Owners of the parent

     17       (2     108  

Non-controlling interests

     —         —         3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total tax recognised in other comprehensive income for the year (note 6(f))

     17       (2     111  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-64


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

20 Borrowings

 

     Currency      Maturity dates      Interest rates      2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Eurobonds

     Euro        2017 to 2045        0.4% to 5.4%        7,704        6,603  
     Euro        2018        3m EURIBOR +50bps        341        294  
     UK sterling        2019 to 2055        1.8% to 7.3%        4,241        3,413  
     US dollar        2019        1.6%        527        203  
     Swiss franc        2016        CHF 3m LIBOR + 16bps      —          238  
     Swiss franc        2021 to 2026        0.7% to 1.4%        526        446  

Bonds issued pursuant to Rule 144A and RegS under the US Securities Act (as amended)

     US dollar        2017 to 2025        1.9% to 9.5%        4,472        4,208  
     US dollar        2018        USD 3m LIBOR + 51bps        405        339  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Bonds and notes

              18,216        15,744  

Commercial paper

              254        505  

Other loans

              110        236  

Bank loans

              336        258  

Bank overdrafts

              553        232  

Finance leases

              26        26  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 
              19,495        17,001  
           

 

 

    

 

 

 

The interest on the commercial paper referred to in the table above is based on USD LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 22 and 77 basis points and EURIBOR plus a margin ranging between 20 and 29 basis points (2015: USD LIBOR plus a margin ranging between 25 and 43 basis points).

Current borrowings per the balance sheet include interest payable of £229 million at 31 December 2016 (2015: £210 million). Included within borrowings are £7,157 million (2015: £7,394 million) of borrowings subject to fair value hedges where their amortised cost has been increased by £295 million (2015: £201 million) in the table above.

The fair value of borrowings is estimated to be £20,592 million (2015: £20,448 million). £19,126 million (2015: £19,059 million) has been calculated using quoted market prices and is within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. £1,466 million (2015: £1,389 million) has been calculated based on discounted cash flow analysis and is within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The amounts secured on Group assets as at 31 December 2016 is £26 million (2015: £34 million), including finance leases of £26 million (2015: £26 million) and amounts secured on certain inventory of the Group (see note 17).

 

FIN-65


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

20 Borrowings  (continued)

 

Borrowings are repayable as follows:

 

     Per balance sheet      Contractual gross
maturities
 
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Within one year

     3,007        2,195        3,587        2,451  

Between one and two years

     1,391        1,337        1,870        1,905  

Between two and three years

     1,756        1,619        2,220        2,110  

Between three and four years

     1,577        1,141        1,961        1,519  

Between four and five years

     1,925        1,325        2,292        1,665  

Beyond five years

     9,839        9,384        12,560        11,902  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     19,495        17,001        24,490        21,552  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The contractual gross maturities in each year include the borrowings maturing in that year together with forecast interest payments on all borrowings which are outstanding for all or part of that year.

Borrowings are denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary undertaking or other currencies as shown below:

 

     Functional

currency

£m

    US
dollar
£m
     UK
sterling
£m
    Euro
£m
    Canadian
dollar
£m
     Other
currencies
£m
    Total
£m
 

31 December 2016

                

Total borrowings

     5,088       5,524        —         8,066       —          817       19,495  

Effect of derivative financial instruments

                

—cross-currency swaps

     1,866       18        —         (1,895     —          (255     (266

—forward foreign currency contracts

     (770     524        —         (547     220        497       (76
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     6,184       6,066        —         5,624       220        1,059       19,153  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2015

                

Total borrowings

     5,858       4,872        330       4,974       —          967       17,001  

Effect of derivative financial instruments

                

—cross-currency swaps

     2,215       15        (325     (1,637     —          (217     51  

—forward foreign currency contracts

     (401     541        —         (481     178        161       (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     7,672       5,428        5       2,856       178        911       17,050  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

FIN-66


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

20 Borrowings  (continued)

 

The exposure to interest rate changes when borrowings are re-priced is as follows:

 

     Within
1 year
£m
     Between
1-2 years
£m
    Between
2-3 years
£m
    Between
3-4 years
£m
    Between
4-5 years
£m
    Beyond
5 years
£m
    Total
£m
 

31  December 2016

Total borrowings

     3,753        624       1,756       1,576       1,925       9,861       19,495  

Effect of derivative financial instruments

               

—interest rate swaps

     2,241        (202     (250     (1,119     (755     85       —    

—cross-currency swaps

     1,884        —         —         (17     —         (2,133     (266
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     7,878        422       1,506       440       1,170       7,813       19,229  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2015

               

Total borrowings

     2,988        1,337       986       1,140       1,324       9,226       17,001  

Effect of derivative financial instruments

               

—interest rate swaps

     4,196        35       (509     (250     (1,940     (1,532     —    

—cross-currency swaps

     1,333        —         —         (15     —         (1,267     51  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     8,517        1,372       477       875       (616     6,427       17,052  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance lease liabilities per the balance sheet and on a contractual gross maturity basis are payable as follows:

Finance lease liabilities per the balance sheet and on a contractual gross maturity basis with £10 million (2015: £7 million) repayable within one year, £16 million (2015: £18 million) repayable between one and five years, and £nil (2015: £1 million) repayable beyond five years. There is no material difference between the repayable principal and the total gross cash flows shown above.

The Group’s undrawn committed borrowing facilities (see note 23) total £3,212 million (2015: £3,260 million) with £3,000 million (2015: £3,000 million) expiring between four and five years.

The Group defines net debt as follows:

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Total borrowings

     19,495        17,001  

Derivatives in respect of net debt:

     

—assets (note 16)

     (809      (373

—liabilities (note 16)

     300        164  

Cash and cash equivalents (note 18)

     (2,204      (1,963

Current available-for-sale investments (note 15)

     (15      (35
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     16,767        14,794  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

FIN-67


Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

21 Provisions for liabilities and charges

 

     Restructuring
of existing
businesses
£m
    Employee
related
benefits
£m
    Fox River
£m
    Other
provisions
£m
    Total
£m
 

1 January 2015

     104       40       177       167       488  

Differences on exchange

     (6     (3     —         (22     (31

Subsidiaries acquired

     30       1       —         1       32  

Provided in respect of the year

     15       9       —         167       191  

Utilised during the year

     (54     (9     (17     (31     (111
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2015

     89       38       160       282       569  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Analysed on the balance sheet as

          

—current

     54       17       22       180       273  

—non-current

     35       21       138       102       296  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     89       38       160       282       569  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1 January 2016

     89       38       160       282       569  

Differences on exchange

     15       8       —         46       69  

Provided in respect of the year

     120       14       20       150       304  

Utilised during the year

     (34     (20     (17     (78     (149
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

31 December 2016

     190       40       163       400       793  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Analysed on the balance sheet as

          

—current

     86       27       19       275       407  

—non-current

     104       13       144       125       386  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     190       40       163       400       793  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The restructuring provisions relate to the restructuring and integration costs incurred and reported as adjusting items in the income statement. The principal restructuring activities in 2016 and 2015 are as described in note 3(d). While some elements of the non-current provisions of £104 million will unwind over several years, as termination payments are made over extended periods in some countries, it is estimated that approximately 65% will unwind within five years.

Employee related benefits mainly relate to employee benefits other than post-employment benefits. The principal components of these provisions are gratuity and termination awards, and ‘jubilee’ payments due after a certain service period. It is estimated that approximately 17% of the non-current provisions of £13 million will unwind within five years.

A provision of £274 million was made in 2011 for a potential claim under a 1998 settlement agreement entered into by a Group subsidiary in respect of the clean-up of sediment in the Fox River. On 30 September 2014, the Group, NCR, Appvion and Windward Prospects entered into the Funding Agreement. The details of this agreement are explained in note 28. This agreement led to payments of £6 million in 2016 (2015: £9 million; 2014: £56 million). In addition, the Group incurred legal costs of £11 million (2015: £8 million; 2014: £7 million) which were also charged against the provision. In light of the conclusion of the Funding Agreement, the sums that the Group agreed to pay thereunder, as well as the available information in relation to the extent of the clean-up related costs, the Group reviewed the Fox River provision and increased the provision by £20 million in 2016 owing to the significant devaluation of the GBP against the USD. It is expected that the non-current provision will unwind within five years.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

21 Provisions for liabilities and charges  (continued)

 

On 10 February 2017, a decision was delivered on the further hearing related to a payment of dividends by Windward to Sequana in May 2009. Further details are provided in note 28.

Other provisions comprise balances set up in the ordinary course of general business that cannot be classified within the other categories, such as sales returns, onerous contracts, together with amounts in respect of supplier, excise and other disputes. The nature of the amounts provided in respect of disputes is such that the extent and timing of cash flows is difficult to estimate and the ultimate liability may vary from the amounts provided.

Amounts provided above are shown net of reversals of unused provisions which include reversals of £41 million (2015: £18 million) for restructuring of existing businesses, £2 million (2015: £nil) for employee benefits and £61 million (2015: £6 million) for other provisions.

22 Trade and other payables

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Trade payables

     1,281        1,056  

Duty, excise and other taxes

     4,573        3,481  

Accrued charges and deferred income

     1,140        931  

FII GLO deferred income (note 6(b))

     963        963  

Social security and other taxation

     21        15  

Sundry payables

     397        520  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     8,375        6,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current

     7,335        5,937  

Non-current

     1,040        1,029  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     8,375        6,966  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accrued charges and deferred income include £19 million of deferred income (2015: £14 million) and £8 million (2015: £10 million) in respect of interest payable. FII GLO deferred income of £963 million relates to receipts in 2015, in respect of the Franked Investment Income Government Litigation Order (see note 6(b)). Amounts payable to related parties including associated undertakings are shown in note 27.

There is no material difference between the above amounts for trade and other payables and their fair value due to the short-term duration of the majority of trade and other payables, as determined using discounted cash flow analysis.

Trade and other payables are predominantly denominated in the functional currencies of subsidiary undertakings with less than 5% in other currencies (2015: less than 7%).

23 Financial instruments and risk management

Management of financial risks

One of the principal responsibilities of Treasury is to manage the financial risks arising from the Group’s underlying operations. Specifically Treasury manages, within an overall policy framework set by the Group’s Main Board and Corporate Finance Committee (CFC), the Group’s exposure to funding and liquidity, interest rate, foreign exchange and counterparty risks. The Group’s treasury position is monitored by the CFC which meets regularly throughout the year and is chaired by the Group Finance Director. The approach is one of risk reduction within an overall framework of delivering total shareholder return.

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Financial instruments and risk management  (continued)

 

The Group defines capital as net debt (see note 20) and equity (see note 19). The only externally imposed capital requirement for the Group is interest cover as described under interest rate risk below. The Group assesses its financial capacity by reference to cash flow, net debt and interest cover. Group policies include a set of financing principles and key performance indicators including the monitoring of credit ratings, interest cover and liquidity. These provide a framework within which the Group’s capital base is managed and, in particular, the policies on dividends (as a percentage of long-term sustainable earnings) and share buy-back are decided. The key objective of the financing principles is to appropriately balance the interests of equity and debt holders in driving an efficient financing mix for the Group. The Group’s average cost of debt in 2016 is 3.1% (2015: 3.1%).

The Group manages its financial risks in line with the classification of its financial assets and liabilities in the Group’s balance sheet and related notes. The Group’s management of specific risks is dealt with as follows:

Liquidity risk

It is the policy of the Group to maximise financial flexibility and minimise refinancing risk by issuing debt with a range of maturities, generally matching the projected cash flows of the Group and obtaining this financing from a wide range of providers. The Group has a target average centrally managed debt maturity of at least five years with no more than 20% of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling year. As at 31 December 2016, the average centrally managed debt maturity was 8.2 years (2015: 7.9 years) and the highest proportion of centrally managed debt maturing in a single rolling year was 18.1% (2015: 15.0%).

It is Group policy that short-term sources of funds (including drawings under both the Group $3 billion US commercial paper programme, and the Group £1 billion euro commercial paper (ECP) programme) are backed by undrawn committed lines of credit and cash. Commercial paper is issued by B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and guaranteed by British American Tobacco p.l.c. At 31 December 2016, commercial paper of £254 million was outstanding (2015: £505 million).

The Group utilises cash pooling and zero balancing bank account structures in addition to intercompany loans and borrowings to mobilise cash efficiently within the Group. The key objectives of Treasury in respect of cash and cash equivalents are to protect their principal value, to concentrate cash at the centre to minimise the required long-term debt issuance and to optimise the yield earned. The amount of debt issued by the Group is determined by forecasting the net debt requirement after the mobilisation of cash.

The Group continues to target a solid investment-grade credit rating. In October 2016, following the proposed offer to acquire the remaining 57.8% of Reynolds American Inc. not already own by the Group, Moody’s placed the rating (A3) under review for downgrade. S&P also placed the credit rating (A-) on Credit Watch with negative implications. Following announcement of the agreement in January 2017, Moody’s and S&P revised the Group’s rating to Baa2 and BBB+ with stable outlook respectively. The Group intends to follow disciplined deleveraging post completion of the transaction and is seeking to recover to Baa1/BBB+ in the medium term. The Group is confident of its continued ability to successfully access the debt capital markets.

As part of its short-term cash management, the Group invests in a range of cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds, which are regarded as highly liquid and are not exposed to significant changes in fair value. These are kept under continuous review as described in the credit risk section below. At 31 December 2016, cash and cash equivalents include £193 million invested in money market funds (2015: £334 million).

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Financial instruments and risk management  (continued)

 

Subsidiary companies are funded by share capital and retained earnings, loans from the central finance companies on commercial terms, or through local borrowings by the subsidiaries in appropriate currencies. All contractual borrowing covenants have been met and none of them is expected to inhibit the Group’s operations or funding plans.

Currency risk

The Group is subject to exposure on the translation of the net assets of foreign currency subsidiaries and associates into its reporting currency, sterling. The Group’s primary balance sheet translation exposures are to the US dollar, Canadian dollar, euro, Danish krone, Swiss franc, South African rand, Russian rouble, Brazilian real, Australian dollar, Malaysian ringgit, Singaporean dollar and Indian Rupees. These exposures are kept under continuous review. The Group’s policy on borrowings is to broadly match the currency of these borrowings with the currency of cash flows arising from the Group’s underlying operations. Within this overall policy, the Group aims to minimise all balance sheet translation exposure where it is practicable and cost-effective to do so through matching currency assets with currency borrowings. The main objective of these policies is to protect shareholder value by increasing certainty and minimising volatility in earnings per share. At 31 December 2016, the currency profile of the Group’s gross debt, after taking into account derivative contracts, was 31% (2015: 32%) US dollar, 29% (2015: 30%) euro, 1% (2015: 1%) Canadian dollar, 28% (2015: 30%) sterling, and 11% (2015: 7%) other currencies.

The Group faces currency exposures arising from the translation of profits earned in foreign currency subsidiaries and associates and joint arrangements; these exposures are not normally hedged. Exposures also arise from:

(i) foreign currency denominated trading transactions undertaken by subsidiaries. These exposures comprise committed and highly probable forecast sales and purchases, which are offset wherever possible. The remaining exposures are hedged within the Treasury policies and procedures with forward foreign exchange contracts and options, which are designated as hedges of the foreign exchange risk of the identified future transactions; and

(ii) forecast dividend flows from subsidiaries to the centre. To ensure cash flow certainty, the Group enters into forward foreign exchange contracts which are designated as net investment hedges of the foreign exchange risk arising from the investments in these subsidiaries.

IFRS 7 requires a sensitivity analysis that shows the impact on the income statement and on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income of hypothetical changes of exchange rates in respect of non-functional currency financial assets and liabilities held across the Group. All other variables are held constant although, in practice, market rates rarely change in isolation. Financial assets and liabilities held in the functional currency of the Group’s subsidiaries, as well as non-financial assets and liabilities and translation risk, are not included in the analysis. The Group considers a 10% strengthening or weakening of the functional currency against the non-functional currency of its subsidiaries as a reasonably possible change. The impact is calculated with reference to the financial asset or liability held as at the year end, unless this is unrepresentative of the position during the year.

A 10% strengthening of functional currencies against non-functional currencies would result in pre-tax profit being £2 million higher (2015: £3 million lower; 2014: £2 million higher) and items recognised directly in other comprehensive income being £413 million higher (2015: £326 million higher; 2014: £49 million higher). A 10% weakening of functional currencies against non-functional currencies would result in pre-tax profit being £4 million lower (2015: £2 million higher; 2014: £3 million lower) and items recognised directly in other comprehensive income being £505 million lower (2015: £398 million lower; 2014: £59 million lower).

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Financial instruments and risk management  (continued)

 

The exchange sensitivities on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income relate to hedging of certain net asset currency positions in the Group as well as on cash flow hedges in respect of future transactions, but does not include sensitivities in respect of exchange on non-financial assets or liabilities.

Interest rate risk

The objectives of the Group’s interest rate risk management policy are to lessen the impact of adverse interest rate movements on the earnings, cash flow and economic value of the Group and to safeguard against any possible breach of its financial covenants. Additional objectives are to minimise the cost of hedging and the associated counterparty risk.

The Group targets an interest cover ratio, as calculated under its key central banking facilities, of greater than 5 and for 2016 it is 12.2 times (2015: 11.6 times; 2014: 12.0 times). The only externally imposed capital requirement the Group has is in respect of its centrally managed banking facilities, which require a gross interest cover of at least 4.5 times.

In order to manage its interest rate risk, the Group maintains both floating rate and fixed rate debt. The Group sets targets (within overall guidelines) for the desired ratio of floating to fixed rate debt on both a gross and net basis (at least 50% fixed on a net basis in the short to the medium-term) as a result of regular reviews of market conditions and strategy by the Corporate Finance Committee and the board of the main central finance company. At 31 December 2016, the relevant ratios of floating to fixed rate borrowings were 26:74 (2015: 44:56) on a gross basis and 15:85 (2015: 33:67) on a net basis. Underlying borrowings are arranged on both a fixed rate and a floating rate basis and, where appropriate, the Group uses derivatives, primarily interest rate swaps, to vary the fixed and floating mix. The interest rate profile of liquid assets is taken into account in determining the net interest rate exposure.

IFRS 7 requires a sensitivity analysis that shows the impact on the income statement and on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income of hypothetical changes of interest rates in respect of financial assets and liabilities of the Group. All other variables are held constant although, in practice, market rates rarely change in isolation. For the purposes of this sensitivity analysis, financial assets and liabilities with fixed interest rates are not included. The Group considers a 100 basis point change in interest rates a reasonably possible change except where rates are less than 100 basis points. In these instances it is assumed that the interest rates increase by 100 basis points and decrease to zero for the purpose of performing the sensitivity analysis. The impact is calculated with reference to the financial asset or liability held as at the year end, unless this is unrepresentative of the position during the year.

A 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in pre-tax profit being £37 million lower (2015: £65 million lower; 2014: £35 million lower). A 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, or less where applicable, would result in pre-tax profit being £16 million higher (2015: £40 million higher; 2014: £20 million higher). The effect of these interest rate changes on items recognised directly in other comprehensive income is not material in either year.

Credit risk

The Group has no significant concentrations of customer credit risk. Subsidiaries have policies in place requiring appropriate credit checks on potential customers before sales commence. The process for monitoring and managing credit risk once sales to customers have been made varies depending on local practice in the countries concerned.

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Financial instruments and risk management  (continued)

 

Certain territories have bank guarantees, other guarantees and credit insurance provided in the Group’s favour in respect of Group trade receivables, the issuance and terms of which are dependent on local practices in the countries concerned. All derivatives are subject to ISDA agreements or equivalent documentation.

Cash deposits and other financial instruments give rise to credit risk on the amounts due from the related counterparties. Generally the Group aims to transact with counterparties with strong investment grade credit ratings. However, the Group recognises that due to the need to operate over a large geographic footprint, this will not always be possible. Counterparty credit risk is managed on a global basis by limiting the aggregate amount and duration of exposure to any one counterparty, taking into account its credit rating. The credit ratings of all counterparties are reviewed regularly.

The Group ensures that it has sufficient counterparty credit capacity of requisite quality to undertake all anticipated transactions throughout its geographic footprint, while at the same time ensuring that there is no geographic concentration in the location of counterparties.

With the following exceptions, the maximum exposure to the credit risk of financial assets at the balance sheet date is reflected by the carrying values included in the Group’s balance sheet. In 2014, the Group entered into a guarantee arrangement in respect of the borrowings of the non-controlling interest in relation to the capital injection made to the Group’s Algerian business. The maximum exposure under the arrangement would be £4 million (2015: £3 million). In addition, the Group has entered into short term risk participation agreements in relation to certain leaf supply arrangements and the maximum exposure under these would be £105 million (2015: £105 million).

Price risk

The Group is exposed to equity price risk on equity investments held by the Group, which are included in available-for-sale investments on the consolidated balance sheet, but the quantum of such is not material.

Hedge accounting

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required to document prospectively the relationship between the item being hedged and the hedging instrument. The Group is also required to demonstrate an assessment of the relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument, which shows that the hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is repeated periodically to ensure that the hedge has remained, and is expected to remain highly effective.

Fair value estimation

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities with maturities of less than one year, other than derivatives, are assumed to approximate their book values. For other financial instruments which are measured at fair value in the balance sheet, the basis for fair values is described below.

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Financial instruments and risk management  (continued)

 

Fair value hierarchy

The following table presents the Group’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in accordance with the IFRS 13 classification hierarchy:

 

     2016      2015  
     Level 1
£m
     Level 2
£m
     Level 3
£m
     Total
£m
     Level 1
£m
     Level 2
£m
     Level 3
£m
     Total
£m
 

Assets at fair value

                       

Available-for-sale investments (note 15)

     15        —          43        58        35        —          37        72  

Derivatives relating to

                 —          —          —       

—interest rate swaps (note 16)

     —          252        —          252        —          269        —          269  

—cross-currency swaps (note 16)

     —          540        —          540        —          53        —          53  

—forward foreign currency contracts (note 16)

     —          179        —          179        —          174        —          174  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets at fair value

     15        971        43        1,029        35        496        37        568  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities at fair value

                       

Derivatives relating to

                       

—interest rate swaps (note 16)

     —          104        —          104        —          93        —          93  

—cross-currency swaps (note 16)

     —          174        —          174        —          49        —          49  

—forward foreign currency contracts (note 16)

     —          390        —          390        —          175        —          175  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities at fair value

     —          668        —          668        —          317        —          317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Level 2 financial instruments are not traded in an active market, but the fair values are based on quoted market prices, broker/dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. The Group’s level 2 financial instruments include OTC derivatives.

Netting arrangements of derivative financial instruments

The gross fair value of derivative financial instruments as presented in the Group balance sheet, together with the Group’s rights of offset associated with recognised financial assets and recognised financial liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements, is summarised as follows:

 

    2016     2015  
    Amount
presented
in the
Group
balance
sheet*

£m
    Related
amounts
not offset in
the Group
balance
sheet

£m
    Net
amount

£m
    Amount
presented
in the
Group
balance
sheet*
£m
    Related
amounts
not offset in
the Group
balance
sheet
£m
    Net amount
£m
 

Financial Assets

           

- Derivative Financial Instruments (note 16)

    971       (502     469       496       (272     224  

Financial Liabilities

           

- Derivative Financial Instruments (note 16)

    (668     502       (166     (317     272       (45
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    303       —       303       179       —       179  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
* No financial instruments have been offset in the Group balance sheet.

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Financial instruments and risk management  (continued)

 

The Group is subject to master netting arrangements in force with financial counterparties with whom the Group trades derivatives.

The master netting arrangements determine the proceedings should either party default on their obligations. In case of any event of default: the non-defaulting party will calculate the sum of the replacement cost of outstanding transactions and amounts owed to it by the defaulting party. If that sum exceeds the amounts owed to the defaulting party, the defaulting party will pay the balance to the non-defaulting party. If the sum is less than the amounts owed to the defaulting party, the non-defaulting party will pay the balance to the defaulting party.

24 Business combinations, disposals and other changes in the Group

(a) Ten Motives

On 20 April 2016, the Group completed the acquisition of 100% of Ten Motives Limited and 10 Motives Limited, comprising a UK based e-cigarette business with particular strength in traditional grocery and convenience channels. The fair value of consideration payable was £56 million, of which £6 million is contingent on post-acquisition targets being met. The fair values and book values of net assets acquired were not materially different except for the recognition of trademarks and similar intangibles of £33 million. Provisional goodwill of £21 million arising on this transaction represents a strategic premium to increase the Group’s share of the UK non-tobacco market.

(b) TDR d.o.o. (“TDR”)

On 30 May 2015, the Group signed an agreement to acquire TDR and other tobacco and retail assets from Adris Grupa d.d. for a total enterprise value of €550 million. TDR is the leading independent cigarette manufacturer in Central Europe with a market leading position in Croatia and a position of scale in Bosnia and Serbia which will provide the Group with the opportunity to significantly grow its business in the region. The transaction was completed on 30 September 2015. Part of the consideration is contingent upon certain targets being met post-acquisition, and £5 million of this was paid in January 2017. Part of the transaction was still subject to final agreement of adjustments for certain liabilities. This occurred in 2016 with an adjustment of £12 million to net assets acquired and a corresponding reduction to goodwill.

(c) Other acquisitions

On 22 September 2015, the Group announced the agreement to acquire 100% of the CHIC Group from private shareholders and the transaction concluded on 30 December 2015. The fair value of the consideration payable was £82 million, of which £30 million is contingent on achievement of certain post-acquisition targets. £6 million of this was paid during 2016. The fair value and book values of net assets acquired were not materially different except for the recognition of trademarks and similar intangibles of £45 million and the recognition of a deferred tax liability of £8 million. Goodwill of £40 million arising on this transaction represents a strategic premium to enter the non-tobacco market.

In addition, on 17 November 2015, the Group acquired 100% of Blue Nile Cigarette Company Limited from a private shareholder. The fair value of the consideration payable was £45 million of which £8 million is contingent on achievement of certain post-acquisition targets. The fair value and book values of net assets acquired were not materially different except for the recognition of trademarks and similar intangibles of £34 million. Goodwill of £7 million arising on this transaction represents a strategic premium to enter this market and acquire a manufacturing base in Sudan.

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

24 Business combinations, disposals and other changes in the Group  (continued)

 

(d) Non-controlling interests

Souza Cruz S.A.

On 16 October 2015, the Group announced that it had concluded the auction related to its public tender offer in Brazil to acquire up to all of the 24.7% of Souza Cruz shares not currently owned by the Group and to delist the company. As at 31 December 2015 the Group owned 99.1% of Souza Cruz. The cost of acquiring these shares up to end of December 2015 was £1,660 million. The compulsory acquisition of the remaining minority shares was approved on 5 February 2016, with Souza Cruz becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary as at that date. The cost of acquiring the remaining shares was £70 million.

BAT Chile Operaciones, S.A.

During 2015, the Group acquired a further 0.2% interest in BAT Chile Operaciones, S.A. at a cost of £1 million. This increased the Group’s shareholding to 99%. This transaction is shown as a £1 million reduction to reserves attributable to the owners of the parent in note 19.

BAT Central America S.A.

During 2015, the Group acquired a further 9% interest in BAT Central America S.A. at a cost of £16 million. This increased the Group’s shareholding to approximately 88%. This transaction is shown as a £14 million reduction to reserves attributable to the owners of the parent and a £2 million reduction in reserves attributable to non-controlling interests in note 19.

(e) Associates and joint ventures

Reynolds American Inc. (“RAI”)

As explained in note 11, on 12 June 2015 the Group invested $4.7 billion (£3.0 billion) of cash into RAI to maintain its 42% equity position in the enlarged business.

25 Share-based payments

The Group operates a number of share-based payment arrangements of which the two principal ones are:

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Nil-cost options exercisable after three years from date of grant with a contractual life of ten years. Payout is subject to performance conditions based on earnings per share (40% of grant (2015: 50%; 2014: 50%)), operating cash flow (20% of grant (2015: 0%; 2014: 0%)), total shareholder return (20% of grant (2015: 25%; 2014: 25%)) and net turnover (20% of grant (2015: 25%; 2014: 25%)). Total shareholder return combines the share price and dividend performance of the Company by reference to one comparator group. Participants are not entitled to dividends prior to the exercise of the options. A cash equivalent dividend accrues through the vesting period and is paid on vesting. Both equity and cash-settled LTIPs were granted in May of 2016 (2015: March).

Deferred Share Bonus Scheme (DSBS)

Free ordinary shares released three years from date of grant and may be subject to forfeit if a participant leaves employment before the end of the three year holding period. Participants receive a separate payment equivalent to a proportion of the dividend payment during the holding period. Both equity and cash-settled deferred shares are granted in March each year.

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

25 Share-based payments  (continued)

 

The Group also has a number of other arrangements which are not material for the Group and these are as follows:

Sharesave Scheme (SAYE)

Options granted in March each year from 2011 onwards (previously November until 2009 and no options were granted during 2010) by invitation at a 20% discount to the market price. Options to this equity-settled scheme are exercisable at the end of a three year or five year savings contract. Participants are not entitled to dividends prior to the exercise of the options. The maximum amount that can be saved by a participant in this way is £6,000 in any tax year.

Share Reward Scheme (SRS) and International Share Reward Scheme (ISRS)

Free shares granted in April each year (maximum £3,600 in any year (2015: £3,000; 2014: £3,000)) under the equity-settled scheme are subject to a three year holding period. Participants receive dividends during the holding period which are reinvested to buy further shares.

Partnership Share Scheme

Open to all eligible employees, where employees can allocate part of their pre-tax salary to purchase shares in British American Tobacco p.l.c. The maximum amount that can be allocated in this way to any individual is £1,800 in any tax year. The shares purchased are held in a UK-based trust and are normally capable of transfer to participants tax free after a five year holding period.

Share-based payment expense

The amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of share-based payments were as follows:

 

     2016    2015    Unaudited
2014
     Equity-settled
£m
   Cash-settled
£m
   Equity-settled
£m
   Cash-settled
£m
   Equity-settled
£m
   Cash-settled
£m

LTIP (note (a))

   25      6      1      3      6    1

DSBS (note (b))

   40      7    44      7    54    7

Other schemes

     6    —        5    —        6    —  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total recognised in the income statement (note 3(a))

   71    13    50    10    66    8
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Share-based payment liability

The Group issues to certain employees cash-settled share-based payments that require the Group to pay the intrinsic value of these share-based payments to the employee at the date of exercise. The Group has recorded liabilities in respect of vested and unvested grants at the end of 2016 and 2015:

 

     2016    2015
     Vested
£m
   Unvested
£m
   Vested
£m
   Unvested
£m

LTIP

   1.1      8.9    1.3      3.5

DSBS

   0.3    11.3    0.1    10.4
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total liability

   1.4    20.2    1.4    13.9
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

25 Share-based payments  (continued)

 

(a) Long-Term incentive Plan

Details of the movements for the equity and cash-settled LTIP scheme during the years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     Equity-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
     Cash-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
     Equity-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
     Cash-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
 

Outstanding at start of year

        5,225             414             5,198             485    

Granted during the period

        1,772             139             2,141             160    

Exercised during the period

        (262           (77           (255           (92  

Forfeited during the period

        (1,398           (69           (1,859           (139  
     

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

   

Outstanding at end of year

        5,337             407             5,225             414    
     

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

   

Exercisable at end of year

        148             23             189             34    
     

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

   

The weighted average British American Tobacco p.l.c. share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the period was £45.80 (2015: £35.39; 2014: £34.40) for equity-settled and £47.00 (2015: £35.52; 2014: £34.57) for cash-settled options.

The outstanding shares for the year ended 31 December 2016 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.2 years (2015: 8.2 years; 2014: 8.4 years) for the equity-settled scheme and 7.9 years (2015: 7.9 years; 2014: 8.0 years) for the cash-settled share-based payment arrangements.

(b) Deferred Share Bonus Scheme

Details of the movements for the equity and cash-settled DSBS scheme during the years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     Equity-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
     Cash-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
     Equity-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
     Cash-settled
Number
of options
in thousands
 

Outstanding at start of year

        3,395             451             4,262             555    

Granted during the period

        1,316             148             1,072             172    

Exercised during the period

        (1,395           (161           (1,874           (260  

Forfeited during the period

        (91           (15           (65           (16  
     

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

   

Outstanding at end of year

        3,225             423             3,395             451    
     

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

   

Exercisable at end of year

        35             4             22             1    
     

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

   

The weighted average British American Tobacco p.l.c. share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised during the financial year was £42.26 (2015: £35.05; 2014: £33.70) for equity-settled and £41.97 (2015: £34.42; 2014: £33.43) for cash-settled options.

The outstanding shares for the year ended 31 December 2016 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.3 years (2015: 1.2 years; 2014: 1.1 years) for the equity-settled scheme and 1.2 years (2015: 1.3 years; 2014: 1.0 year) for the cash-settled scheme.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

25 Share-based payments  (continued)

 

Valuation assumptions

Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes models to determine the fair value of share options at grant date were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     LTIP      DSBS      LTIP      DSBS  

Expected volatility (%)

     18        17        17        17  

Average expected term to exercise (years)

     3.5        3.0        3.5        3.0  

Risk-free rate (%)

     0.6        0.6        0.8        0.7  

Expected dividend yield (%)

     3.6        3.7        4.0        4.0  

Share price at date of grant (£)

     42.34        40.08        36.25        36.25  

Fair value at grant date (£)

     26.53        35.82        14.29        32.15  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Market condition features were incorporated into the Monte-Carlo models for the total shareholder return elements of the LTIP, in determining fair value at grant date. Assumptions used in these models were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  
     LTIP      LTIP  

Average share price volatility FMCG comparator group (%)

     19        19  

Average correlation FMCG comparator group (%)

     36        33  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair values determined from the Black-Scholes and Monte-Carlo models use assumptions revised at the end of each reporting period for cash-settled share-based payment arrangements.

The expected British American Tobacco p.l.c. share price volatility was determined taking account of the return index (the share price index plus the dividend reinvested) over a five year period. The FMCG share price volatility and correlation was also determined over the same periods. The average expected term to exercise used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural conditions, forfeiture and historical experience.

The risk-free rate has been determined from market yield curves for government gilts with outstanding terms equal to the average expected term to exercise for each relevant grant. The expected dividend yield was determined by calculating the yield from the last two declared dividends divided by the grant share price.

In addition to these valuation assumptions, LTIP awards contain earnings per share performance conditions. As these are non-market performance conditions they are not included in the determination of fair value of share options at the grant date, however they are used to estimate the number of awards expected to vest. This pay-out calculation is based on expectations published in analysts’ forecasts.

26 Group employees

The average number of persons employed by the Group and its associates during the year, including Directors, was 85,335 (2015: 87,577).

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

26 Group employees  (continued)

 

     2016
Number
     2015
Number
 

Asia-Pacific

     13,002        14,671  

Americas

     14,691        15,662  

Western Europe

     13,444        12,645  

EEMEA

     11,569        11,691  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Subsidiary undertakings

     52,706        54,669  

Associates

     32,629        32,908  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     85,335        87,577  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included within the employee numbers for Western Europe are certain employees in the UK in respect of central functions. Some of the costs of these employees are allocated or charged to the various regions and markets in the Group.

27 Related party disclosures

The Group has a number of transactions and relationships with related parties, as defined in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures , all of which are undertaken in the normal course of business. Transactions with CTBAT International Limited are not included in these disclosures as it is a joint operation.

As explained in note 30, the Group announced the proposed merger with Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) on 17 January 2017.

Transactions and balances with associates relate mainly to the sale and purchase of cigarettes and tobacco leaf. Amounts receivable from associates in respect of dividends included in the table below were £221 million (2015: £145 million; 2014: £96 million). The Group’s share of dividends from associates, included in other net income in the table below, was £1,024 million (2015: £640 million; 2014: £518 million).

 

     2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Transactions

      

—revenue

     370       38       38  

—purchases

     (298     (270     (279

—other net income

     1,023       639       512  

Amounts receivable at 31 December

     270       190       98  

Amounts payable at 31 December

     (2     (20     (25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

On 17 December 2012, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, BATUS Japan Inc. (BATUSJ), entered into an Amendment and Extension Agreement (referred to as the Amendment) with a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (referred to as RJRTC). The Amendment modifies the American blend Cigarette Manufacturing Agreement (referred to as the 2010 Agreement), effective as of 1 January 2010.

Prior to the Amendment, the term of the 2010 Agreement was scheduled to expire on 31 December 2014, subject to early termination and extension provisions. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Manufacturing Agreement would remain in effect beyond 31 December 2014, provided that either RJRTC or BATUSJ may terminate the Manufacturing Agreement by furnishing three years’ notice to the other party, such notice was given in

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

27 Related party disclosures  (continued)

 

January 2016. As a result of early termination of this agreement the Group agreed to a compensation payment of $90 million of which $7 million were paid to RJRTC on 22 September 2016, with the Group recognising the full expense of $90 million as required by IFRS in 2016. The balance is due in March 2017.

During 2016, the Group received proceeds of £23 million in respect of its participation in the share buy-back programme conducted by RAI. This programme ceased in the fourth quarter of 2016.

During 2016, the Group acquired the remaining 1% interest in Souza Cruz at a cost of £70 million. This transaction is shown as a £4 million increase in reserves attributable to the owners of the parent and a £4 million reduction in reserves attributable to non-controlling interests in note 19.

For comparative purposes, prior year’s acquisitions are disclosed in note 24.

As explained in note 12, contributions to the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund are secured by a charge over the Group’s Head Office (Globe House) up to a maximum of £150 million.

The key management personnel of British American Tobacco consist of the members of the Board of Directors of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and the members of the Management Board. No such person had any material interest during the year in a contract of significance (other than a service contract) with the Company or any subsidiary company. The term key management personnel in this context includes the respective members of their households.

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
     Unaudited
2014
£m
 

The total compensation for key management personnel, including Directors, was:

        

—salaries and other short-term employee benefits

     18        20        20  

—post-employment benefits

     3        4        3  

—share-based payments

     12        11        13  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     33        35        36  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments

 

  1. The Group is subject to contingencies pursuant to requirements that it complies with relevant laws, regulations and standards.

 

  2. Failure to comply could result in restrictions in operations, damages, fines, increased tax, increased cost of compliance, interest charges, reputational damage or other sanctions. These matters are inherently difficult to quantify. In cases where the Group has an obligation as a result of a past event existing at the balance sheet date, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation and if the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated, a provision will be recognised based on best estimates and management judgement.

 

  3. There are, however, contingent liabilities in respect of litigation, taxes in some countries and guarantees for which no provisions have been made.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

General Litigation

Product Liability Litigation

 

  4. Group companies, notably Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. (formerly Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation) (“B&W”) as well as other leading cigarette manufacturers, are defendants in a number of product liability cases. In a number of these cases, the amounts of compensatory and punitive damages sought are significant.

Indemnity

 

  5. On 30 July 2004, B&W completed the combination of the assets, liabilities and operations of its US tobacco business with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (“RJRT”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc., pursuant to which Reynolds American Inc. was formed (the “Business Combination”). As part of the Business Combination, B&W contributed to RJRT all of the assets and liabilities of its US cigarette and tobacco business, subject to specified exceptions, in exchange for a 42 per cent. equity ownership interest in Reynolds American Inc.

 

  6. As a result of the Business Combination, RJRT assumed all liabilities of B&W (except liabilities to the extent relating to businesses and assets not contributed by B&W to RJRT and other limited categories of liabilities) and contributed subsidiaries or otherwise to the extent related to B&W’s tobacco business as conducted in the United States on or prior to 30 July 2004. In addition, RJRT agreed to indemnify B&W and each of its associates (other than Reynolds American Inc. and its subsidiaries) against, among other matters, all losses (including those arising from Environmental Tobacco Smoke (“ETS”) claims), liabilities, damages, expenses, judgments, attorneys’ fees, etc., to the extent relating to or arising from such assumed liabilities or the assets contributed by B&W to RJRT (the “RJRT Indemnification”).

 

  7. The scope of the RJRT Indemnification includes all expenses and contingent liabilities in connection with litigation to the extent relating to or arising from B&W’s US tobacco business as conducted on or prior to 30 July 2004, including smoking and health tobacco litigation, whether the litigation is commenced before or after 30 July 2004 (the “Tobacco Litigation”).

 

  8. Pursuant to the terms of the RJRT Indemnification, RJRT is liable for any possible judgments, the posting of appeal bonds or security, and all other expenses of and responsibility for managing the defence of the Tobacco Litigation. RJRT has assumed control of the defence of the Tobacco Litigation involving B&W, to which RJRT is also a party in most (but not all) of the same cases.

 

  9. Included in the US Litigation section below are all significant cases where B&W and/or a UK company is named as a defendant and all cases where RJRT is named as a defendant as a successor to B&W (the “RJRT Successor Cases”). The RJRT Successor Cases are covered by the RJRT Indemnification.

US Litigation

 

  10.

The total number of US tobacco product liability cases pending at 31 December 2016 involving B&W was approximately 4,925 (compared to approximately 5,237 in 2015). Of these, 2,020 cases are RJRT Successor Cases. For all of the 4,925 cases involving B&W, British American Tobacco Group companies have the protection of the RJRT Indemnification. As at 31 December 2016, British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited (“Investments”) has been served as a co-defendant in one of those cases (2015:1). No other UK-based Group company has been served as a co-defendant in any US tobacco product liability case pending as at 31 December 2016. Since many of these pending cases

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

  seek unspecified damages, it is not possible to quantify the total amounts being claimed, but the aggregate amounts involved in such litigation are significant, possibly totalling billions of US dollars. The cases fall into four broad categories: medical reimbursement cases; class actions; individual cases and other claims.

(a) Medical Reimbursement Cases

 

  11. These civil actions seek to recover amounts spent by government entities and other third party providers on healthcare and welfare costs claimed to result from illnesses associated with smoking.

 

  12. At 31 December 2016, one US medical reimbursement suit was pending against B&W by an Indian tribe in an Indian tribal court in South Dakota. No other suits are pending against B&W by county or other political subdivisions of the states.

(b) Class Actions

 

  13. At 31 December 2016, B&W was named as a defendant in five separate actions attempting to assert claims on behalf of classes of persons allegedly injured or financially impacted through smoking or where classes of tobacco claimants have been certified. If the classes are or remain certified, separate trials may be needed to assess individual plaintiffs’ damages. Two of the five class actions against B&W allege that the use of the terms ‘lights’ and ‘ultralights’ constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices. Similar class action suits have been filed in a number of states against individual cigarette manufacturers and their parent corporations.

 

  a. Black is a ‘lights’ class action filed in November 2000, which in 2008, the Circuit Court, City of St. Louis, Missouri stayed pending US Supreme Court review in Good v Altria Group, Inc. A status conference is scheduled for 5 June 2017.

 

  b. Howard is a ‘lights’ class action filed in February 2000 in the Circuit Court, Madison County, Illinois, currently stayed pending resolution of Price v Philip Morris, Inc.

 

  c. Jones is a case filed in December 1998 in the Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri; the action was brought by tobacco product users and purchasers on behalf of all similarly situated Missouri consumers alleging that the plaintiffs’ use of the defendants’ tobacco products has caused them to become addicted to nicotine, and seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. There has been limited activity in this case.

 

  d. Parsons is a case filed in February 1998 in the Circuit Court, Ohio County, West Virginia currently stayed pending final resolution of a motion brought by the plaintiffs, and because three defendants filed bankruptcy petitions.

 

  e. Young is a case filed in November 1997 in the Circuit Court, Orleans Parish, Louisiana. This Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) class action on behalf of all residents of Louisiana who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, have been exposed to second-hand smoke from cigarettes manufactured by the defendants, and who allegedly suffered injury as a result of that exposure, seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages, and has been stayed since 2004.

 

  14.

Engle Class Action (Florida): In 2000 three class representatives in the Engle class action were awarded $12.7 million in compensatory damages and punitive damages against B&W were assessed at $17.6 billion. This decision was appealed and ultimately resulted in the Supreme Court in July 2006

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

  decertifying the class and allowing judgments entered for only two of the three Engle class representatives to stand. Putative Engle class members were permitted to file individual lawsuits against the Engle defendants within one year of the Supreme Court’s decision (subsequently extended to 11 January 2008).

Engle progeny cases, as at 31 December 2016:

 

     Engle progeny cases in which B&W
has been served (both state and
federal courts in Florida)
   Engle progeny cases in which
RJRT is named as a successor
to B&W

Number of cases

   30    2,008

Total number of plaintiffs in all cases

   86    2,618

Phase three trials of individual Engle class members, as at 31 December 2016:

 

     Additional Phase 3 Engle Trials naming RJRT
as successor to B&W proceeding to verdict
 

Total number of trials

     109  

Number of trials resulting in plaintiffs’ verdicts

     62  

Total damages awarded in final judgments against RJRT as successor to B&W (approximately)

     $283,252,767  

Amount of overall damages comprising ‘compensatory damages’ (approximately)

  

 

$143,915,963 (of
overall $283,252,767)

 
 

Amount of overall damages comprising ‘punitive damages’ (approximately)

  

 

$139,336,803 (of
overall $283,252,767)

 
 

Number of adverse judgements appealed by RJRT

     48

Number of adverse judgements (not yet appealed), in which RJRT still has time to file an appeal

     13  

* Of the 48 adverse judgements appealed by RJRT:

a. 22 appeals remain undecided (including 2 that have petitions for review pending in the Florida Supreme Court); and

b. 26 were decided and/or closed. Of these 26 appeals, 21 had the judgments affirmed in favour of plaintiffs, 6 had the liability findings affirmed but the damages award vacated and the matter remanded to the trial court and 3 were reversed and the matter remanded to the trial court for a new trial on all issues. One appeal was voluntarily dismissed. RJRT has paid damages to plaintiffs in 16 cases that are now closed. The total damages awarded may vary depending on the outcome of pending appeals.

 

  15. The Florida legislature applies a $200 million bond cap to all phase three Engle progeny cases in the aggregate. Individual bond caps for individual cases vary depending on the number of judgments in effect at a given time. Judicial attempts by several plaintiffs in the Engle progeny cases to challenge the bond cap as violating the Florida Constitution have failed, and legislation has been introduced in the Florida legislature to modify or eliminate the Engle progeny bond cap.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

(c) Individual Cases

 

     As at the:     
  Total number
of cases
 
 
   

Cases pending against B&W which were filed by or on behalf of individuals and in which it is contended that diseases or deaths have been caused by cigarette smoking or by exposure to ETS

   31 December
2015
     2,995              
   31 December
2016
     2,899       2,407     ETS cases brought by flight attendants who were members of a class action (Broin) that was settled on terms that allow compensatory but not punitive damages claims by class members.
          393     Cases brought in consolidated proceedings in West Virginia, where the first phase of the trial began on 15 April 2013 and on 15 May 2013 the jury returned a verdict for defendants on all but one of plaintiffs’ claims; the verdict is currently on appeal.
          30     Engle progeny cases that have been filed directly against B&W (please see earlier table on page 145).
          69     Cases filed by other individuals.

 

  16. In addition to the 2,008 Engle progeny cases which name RJRT as successor to B&W, there are 12 cases filed by other individuals naming RJRT as successor to B&W. These cases are subject to the RJRT Indemnification and are not detailed here.

UK—Based Group Companies

 

  17. As at 31 December 2016, Investments has been served in one dormant individual action in the US (Perry) in which there has been no activity since 1998 following the plaintiff’s death in 1997.

 

  18. In December 2016, the Company received a complaint in an individual personal injury action pending in state court in Seattle, Washington (Ratcliff). The plaintiff asserts various claims, including state law product liability, fraud and statutory claims, against multiple defendants, including the Company, and alleges that she developed malignant mesothelioma from amongst other things her exposure to asbestos found in certain talc-containing cosmetic products and powders. The case is currently in discovery. The Company filed a motion to dismiss for improper service and lack of personal jurisdiction on 8 February 2017, which motion remains pending.

Product Liability Outside the United States

 

  19. As at 31 December 2016:

 

  a. active product liability claims against the Group’s companies existed in 13 markets outside the US. The only markets with more than five claims were Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Italy and Nigeria.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

  b. medical reimbursement actions are being brought in Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Nigeria and South Korea.

 

  c. class actions are being brought in Brazil, Canada, Italy and Venezuela.

 

(a) Medical reimbursement cases

Angola

 

  20. In or about November 2016, BAT Angola affiliate Sociedade Unificada de Tabacos de Angola (“SUT”) was served with a collective action filed in the Provincial Court of Luanda, 2nd Civil Section, by the consumer association Associação Angolana dos Direitos do Consumidor (“AADIC”). The lawsuit seeks damages allegedly incurred by the Angolan Instituto Nacional do Controlo do Cancro (“INCC”) for the cost of treating tobacco-related disease, non-material damages allegedly suffered by certain individual smokers on the rolls of INCC, and the mandating of certain cigarette package warnings. SUT filed its answer to the claim on or about 5 December 2016. The case remains pending.

Argentina

 

  21. In 2007, the non-governmental organisation the Argentina Tort Law Association (“ATLA”) and Emma Mendoza Voguet brought a reimbursement action against Nobleza Piccardo S.A.I.C.y.F. (“Nobleza”) and Massalín Particulares. The case is being heard in the Contentious Administrative Court and is currently at the evidentiary stage.

Brazil

 

  22. In August 2007, the São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office filed a medical reimbursement claim against Souza Cruz S.A. (“Souza Cruz”). A similar claim was lodged against Philip Morris. On 4 October 2011, the Court dismissed the action against Souza Cruz, with a judgment on the merits. The plaintiffs’ appeal to the Court of Appeal failed by unanimous vote (3 to 0). The Public Prosecutor’s Office has since filed a Special Appeal to the Superior Court of Justice.

Canada

 

  23. Following the implementation of legislation enabling provincial governments to recover healthcare costs directly from tobacco manufacturers ten actions for recovery of healthcare costs arising from the treatment of smoking and health-related diseases have been brought. These proceedings name various Group companies as defendants, including the Company, Investments, B.A.T Industries p.l.c. (“Industries”), Carreras Rothmans Limited (collectively the “UK Companies”) and Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited (“Imperial”), the Group’s operating company in Canada, and are proceeding in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (“PEI”). The enabling legislation is in force in all ten provinces. In addition, legislation has received Royal Assent in two of the three territories in Canada, but has yet to be proclaimed into force. In Quebec, three Canadian manufacturers, including Imperial, challenged the enabling legislation. This challenge was dismissed.

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

Canadian province

  

Act pursuant to which
Claim

was brought

  

Companies named as
Defendants

  

Current stage

British Columbia    Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2000   

Imperial

 

Investments

 

Industries

 

Other former Rothmans Group companies

 

All have been served.

   The underlying medical reimbursement action remains at a preliminary case management stage. Damages have not been quantified by the province, but the federal government is seeking CAD$5 million jointly from all the defendants in respect of costs. On 13 February 2017 the province delivered an expert report dated October 2016, quantifying its damages in the amount of CAD$118 billion. No hearing date has been set.
New Brunswick    Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2006    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    Both Imperial’s and the UK Companies’ defences have been filed, document production is underway and discoveries are substantially complete. Damages have recently been calculated by the province as in the range of $25-$60 billion from 1954 to 2060. No trial date has been set.
Ontario    Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2009    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    This case is at an early case management stage and Imperial and the UK Companies have filed defences. The province has stated its claim to be worth CAD$50 billion. No trial date has been set.
Newfoundland and Labrador    Tobacco Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2006    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    The case is now under case management and Imperial and the UK Companies have filed defences. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.
Saskatchewan    Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2012    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement was negotiated under which defences were filed and the matter will remain in abeyance until document production begins in September 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.
Manitoba    Tobacco Damages Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2006    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement has been negotiated, under which defences were filed and the matter will remain in abeyance until document production begins in early 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

 

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Canadian province

  

Act pursuant to which
Claim

was brought

  

Companies named as
Defendants

  

Current stage

Alberta    Crown’s Right of Recovery Act 2009    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    This case is at an early case management stage and Imperial and the UK Companies have filed defences. The province has stated its claim to be worth CAD$10 billion. No trial date has been set.
Quebec    Tobacco Related Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2005    Imperial, Investments, Industries, and Carreras Rothmans Limited have been named as defendants and served.    Imperial and the other Canadian manufacturers’ constitutional challenge to the Quebec Medicaid Legislation was unsuccessful at both first instance and on appeal. Another manufacturer sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Leave was refused on 5 May 2016. This case is at an early case management stage. Defences have been filed. Motions over admissibility of documents and damages discovery have been filed but not heard. The province is seeking CAD$60 billion. No trial date has been set.

Prince Edward Island

   Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2009    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement has been negotiated. Defences were filed in February 2015 and the next step will be document production, which will commence on or before 1 September 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

Nova Scotia

   Tobacco Health Care Costs Recovery Act 2005    Imperial and the UK Companies have all been named as defendants and served.    This case is at an early case management stage. A standstill agreement has been negotiated. Defences were filed in July 2015 and the next step will be document production, which will commence on or before 1 September 2017. Damages have not been quantified by the province. No trial date has been set.

Nigeria

 

  24. As at 31 December 2016, six medical reimbursement actions filed by the federal government and five Nigerian states (Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Oyo, Ogun) were pending in the Nigerian courts. British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited (“BAT Nigeria”), the Company and Investments have been named as defendants in each of the cases. The plaintiffs in the six cases seek a total of approximately £38 billion in damages, including special, anticipatory and punitive damages, restitution and disgorgement of profits, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief.

 

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  25. The federal action was filed on 6 November 2007 in the Federal High Court, and the five state actions were commenced in their respective High Courts on 9 May 2007 (Kano), 30 May 2007 (Oyo), 13 March 2008 (Lagos), 17 October 2008 (Gombe), and 28 February 2009 (Ogun). The suits claim that the state and federal government plaintiffs incurred costs related to the treatment of smoking-related illnesses resulting from allegedly tortious conduct by the defendants in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of tobacco products in Nigeria, and assert that the plaintiffs are entitled to reimbursement for such costs. The plaintiffs assert causes of action for negligence, negligent design, fraud and deceit, fraudulent concealment, breach of express and implied warranty, public nuisance, conspiracy, strict liability, indemnity, restitution, unjust enrichment, voluntary assumption of a special undertaking, and performance of another’s duty to the public.

 

  26. The Company and Investments have made a number of challenges to the jurisdiction of the Nigerian courts. Such challenges are still pending (on appeal) against the federal government and the states of Lagos, Kano, Gombe and Ogun. In the state of Oyo, on 13 November 2015, and 24 February 2017 respectively, the Company’s and Investments’ jurisdictional challenge was successful in the Court of Appeal and the issuance of the writ of summons was set aside. The underlying cases are stayed or adjourned pending the final outcome of these jurisdictional challenges.

South Korea

 

  27. In April 2014, Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (“NHIS”) filed a healthcare recoupment action against KT&G (a Korean tobacco company), PM Korea and BAT Korea (including BAT Korea Manufacturing). The NHIS is seeking damages of roughly 54 billion Korean Won (roughly £37.5 million) in respect of health care costs allegedly incurred by the NHIS treating patients with lung (small cell and squamous cell) and laryngeal (squamous cell) cancer between 2003 and 2012. Court hearings in the case, which constitute the trial, commenced in September 2014 and remain ongoing.

 

(b) Class actions

Brazil

 

  28. There are currently two class actions being brought in Brazil. One is also a medical reimbursement claim (São Paulo Public Prosecutor’s Office), and is therefore discussed above.

 

  29. In 1995, the Associação de Defesa da Saúde do Fumante (“ADESF”) class action was filed against Souza Cruz and Philip Morris in the São Paulo Lower Civil Court alleging that the defendants are liable to a class of smokers and former smokers for failing to warn of cigarette addiction. The case was stayed in 2004 pending the defendants’ appeal from a decision issued by the Lower Civil Court that held that the defendants had not met their burden of proving that cigarette smoking was not addictive or harmful to health.

 

  30. On 12 November 2008, the São Paulo Court of Appeals overturned the lower court’s unfavourable decision of 2004, returning the case to the lower court for production of evidence and a new judgment. Following production of evidence, on 16 May 2011, the lower court granted Souza Cruz’s motion to dismiss the action in its entirety on the merits. The plaintiffs’ appeal to the Sao Paolo Court of Appeals was unsuccessful. The plaintiffs then filed a Special Appeal to the Superior Court of Justice, which was rejected under procedural grounds in February 2017. The plaintiffs filed an appeal in the Superior Court of Justice on 15 March 2017.

Canada

 

  31. There are 11 class actions being brought in Canada against Group companies.

 

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  32. Knight Class  Action: The Supreme Court of British Columbia certified a class of all consumers who purchased Imperial cigarettes in British Columbia bearing ‘light’ or ‘mild’ descriptors since 1974. The plaintiff is seeking compensation for amounts spent on ‘light and mild’ products and a disgorgement of profits from Imperial on the basis that the marketing of light and mild cigarettes was deceptive because it conveyed a false and misleading message that those cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes.

 

  33. On appeal, the appellate court confirmed the certification of the class, but limited any financial liability, if proven, to 1997 onward. Imperial’s third party claim against the federal government was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada. The federal government is seeking a parallel cost order of CAD$5 million from Imperial. After being dormant for several years, the plaintiff delivered a Notice of Intention to Proceed, and Imperial delivered an application to dismiss the action for delay. The application is scheduled to be heard in June 2017.

 

  34. Growers’ Class  Action: In December 2009, Imperial was served with a proposed class action filed by Ontario tobacco farmers and the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board. The plaintiffs allege that Imperial and the Canadian subsidiaries of Phillip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International failed to pay the agreed domestic contract price to the growers used in products manufactured for the export market and which were ultimately smuggled back into Canada. The plaintiffs seek damages in the amount of CAD$50 million. Various preliminary challenges have been heard, the last being a motion for summary judgment on a limitation period. The motion was dismissed and ultimately, leave to appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal was dismissed in November 2016. A certification hearing has yet to be scheduled.

 

  35. Quebec Class  Actions: There are currently two class actions in Quebec. On 21 February 2005, the Quebec Superior Court granted certification in two class actions against Imperial and two other domestic manufacturers, which have a combined value of CAD$21 billion plus interest and costs. The Court certified two classes, which include residents of Quebec who suffered from lung, throat and laryngeal cancer or emphysema as of November 1998 or developed these diseases thereafter and who smoked a minimum of fifteen cigarettes a day for at least five years, and residents who were addicted to nicotine at the time the proceedings were filed and who have since remained addicted. Judgment was rendered on 27 May 2015. The plaintiffs were awarded moral and punitive damages and interest against Imperial and the Canadian subsidiaries of Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International in the amount of CAD$15.6 billion, of which Imperial’s share is CAD$10.4 billion. An appeal of the judgment was filed on 26 June 2015. The Court also awarded provisional execution pending appeal of CAD$1.131 billion, of which Imperial’s share was approximately CAD$742 million. This order was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal. Following the cancellation of the order for provisional execution, the plaintiffs filed a motion against Imperial and one other manufacturer seeking security in the amount of CAD $5 billion to guarantee, in whole or in part, the payment of costs of the appeal and the judgment. On 27 October 2015, the Court of Appeal ordered the parties to post security in the amount of CAD$984 million, of which Imperial’s share is CAD$758 million to be paid in 7 equal quarterly instalments. The first instalment, of just over CAD$108 million, was paid on 31 December 2015 with subsequent instalments made on 31 March 2016, 30 June 2016, 30 September 2016 and 31 December 2016—see note 14. Imperial filed its Factum on Appeal on 11 December 2015 and the appeal was heard in November 2016. A decision is under reserve.

 

  36.

Other Canadian Smoking and Health Class  Actions: In June 2009, four new smoking and health class actions were filed in Nova Scotia (Semple), Manitoba (Kunta), Saskatchewan (Adams) and Alberta (Dorion) against Canadian and foreign manufacturers and foreign companies, including the UK

 

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  Companies and Imperial. In Saskatchewan, the Company and Carreras Rothmans Limited have been released from the action. No date has been set for the certification motion hearing. There are service issues in relation to Imperial and the UK Companies in Alberta and in relation to the UK Companies in Manitoba.

 

  37. In July 2010, two further smoking and health class actions in British Columbia were served on Imperial and the UK Companies. The Bourassa claim is allegedly on behalf of all individuals who have suffered chronic respiratory disease and the McDermid claim proposes a class based on heart disease. Both claims state that they have been brought on behalf of those who have “smoked a minimum of 25,000 cigarettes.” The UK Companies and Imperial objected to jurisdiction. Subsequently, the Company and Carreras Rothmans Limited were released from Bourassa and McDermid. Imperial, Industries and Investments remain as defendants in both actions. No certification motion hearing date has been set. The Plaintiffs were due to deliver certification motion materials by 31 January 2015, but have not yet done so. Once the materials are delivered, the motions regarding jurisdiction/abuse of process matters will be dealt with.

 

  38. In June 2012, a new smoking and health class action was filed in Ontario (Jacklin) against the domestic manufacturers and foreign companies, including Imperial and the UK Companies. Imperial was served on 20 November 2012, and the UK Companies were served on 30 November 2012. The claim is presently in abeyance.

Italy

 

  39. In or about June 2010, BAT Italia was served with a class action filed in the Civil Court of Rome by the consumer association, Codacons, and three class representatives. The plaintiffs primarily asserted addiction-related claims. The class action lawsuit was rejected at the first instance (Civil Court of Rome) and appellate (Rome Court of Appeal) court levels. In July 2012, Codacons filed an appeal before the Italian Supreme Court. At a hearing on 21 January 2015, the Public Prosecutor’s Office agreed that the appeal should be rejected, and the Supreme Court reserved its decision. On 1 February 2017, the Supreme Court rejected Codacons’ appeal. Codacon’s deadline to file a motion for rehearing before the Supreme Court is 1 March 2018.

Venezuela

 

  40. In April 2008, the Venezuelan Federation of Associations of Users and Consumers (FEVACU) and Wolfang Cardozo Espinel and Giorgio Di Muro Di Nunno, acting as individuals, filed a class action against the Venezuelan government. The class action seeks regulatory controls on tobacco and recovery of medical expenses for future expenses of treating smoking-related illnesses in Venezuela. Both C.A Cigarrera Bigott Sucs. (“Cigarrera Bigott”) and ASUELECTRIC, represented by its president Giorgio Di Muro Di Nunno (who had previously filed as an individual), have been admitted as third parties by the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice. A hearing date for the action is yet to be scheduled.

(c) Individual personal injury claims

 

  41. As at 31 December 2016, the jurisdictions with the most active individual cases against Group companies were, in descending order: Brazil (81), Italy (23), Chile (10), Argentina (8), Canada (6) and Ireland (2). There were a further three jurisdictions with one active case only.

 

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Non-Tobacco Related Litigation

Reynolds American, Inc./Lorillard, Inc. Shareholder Litigation

 

  42. On 15 July 2014, Reynolds American, Inc. (“Reynolds”) announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with Lorillard, Inc. (“Lorillard”), whereby Reynolds would acquire Lorillard in exchange for a combination of cash and Reynolds’ stock (the “Lorillard Transaction”). As part of this transaction, the Company executed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a sufficient number of Reynolds’ shares to maintain its 42% equity stake in Reynolds after the merger.

 

  43. On 8 August 2014, the Company was named as a defendant in an action in state court in North Carolina stemming from the announcement of the Lorillard Transaction. The action was brought on behalf of a putative class of Reynolds’ shareholders alleging that the Company is a controlling shareholder of Reynolds and breached its fiduciary duty to the other Reynolds’ shareholders in connection with the Lorillard Transaction.

 

  44. On 28 August 2015, the court dismissed all claims against the Company. Among other things, the court found that the plaintiff had not properly alleged that the Company was a controlling shareholder of Reynolds and therefore that the Company did not owe a fiduciary duty to Reynolds’ other shareholders. On 20 December 2016, the North Carolina Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s judgment with respect to the claims against the Company, finding the allegations that the Company was a controlling shareholder and breached its fiduciary duty to be sufficient to warrant further proceedings for the plaintiff to attempt to prove those allegations with evidence. On 4 January 2017, the Company moved to have the North Carolina Court of Appeals rehear the case en banc, and that motion was denied on February 2, 2017. On 17 February 2017, the Company filed a petition for discretionary review with the North Carolina Supreme Court, which the plaintiff opposed on 27 February 2017.

Khosravi

 

  45. In January 2014 an individual named Mehdi Khosravi issued a claim in the English High Court against the Company, as well as Al Aqili Trading LLC, Mohammed Saleh Al Aqili and Mohammed Saeed Mohamed Al Aqili (the “Al Aqili Defendants”). In September 2015 the claimant amended his claim to join B.A.T (U.K. and Export) Limited and B.A.T. Pars Company as defendants and served the claim on the Company and B.A.T (U.K. and Export) Limited (the “BAT UK Defendants”). B.A.T. Pars Company has not been served with the claim and therefore is currently not an active party to the proceedings.

 

  46. The claimant sought damages of up to £1.5 billion for alleged personal injuries and economic loss which, he alleged, were caused by the Al Aqili Defendants acting as agents for the BAT UK Defendants and/or for which the BAT UK Defendants were vicariously liable. On 28 January 2016, the judge dismissed the case against the BAT UK Defendants and ordered that the claimant should pay their legal costs. The claimant then applied for permission to appeal the decision. Permission to appeal was refused on paper on 22 November 2016, but the claimant is entitled to a hearing to consider his application. The hearing is scheduled for 4 July 2017.

Georgian Competition Claim

 

  47.

In July 2016 OGT Ltd (“OGT”), a Georgian tobacco manufacturer, filed a claim in the Tbilisi City Court against British American Tobacco Georgia Limited (“BAT Georgia”) and BAT Georgia’s Representative Office in Tbilisi, as well as T&R Distribution Ltd, BAT Georgia’s exclusive distributor

 

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  in Georgia alleging anti-competitive practices on behalf of the defendants. In January 2017, OGT filed a revised pleading claiming damages of approximately US $101 million. BAT Georgia and its Representative Office filed their revised defence again denying the allegations and a counterclaim in January 2017. On 10 February 2017 judgment was entered against BAT Georgia for US $100,537,172, BAT Georgia’s counterclaim was dismissed and the Georgian court ordered that it would determine the price at which BAT Georgia’s brands would be sold. The judgment will be appealed.

Fox River

Background to environmental liabilities arising out of contamination of the Fox River

 

  48. In Wisconsin, the authorities have identified potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) to fund the clean-up of river sediments in the lower Fox River. The pollution was caused by discharges of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (“PCBs”) from paper mills and other facilities operating close to the river. Among the PRPs is NCR Corporation (“NCR”).

 

  49. In NCR’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2014, the total clean-up costs for the Fox River are estimated at $825 million. This estimate is subject to uncertainties and does not include natural resource damages (“NRDs”). Total NRDs may range from $0 to $246 million, although NCR now only retains residual exposure to NRDs in the form of claims by other PRPs as the US Government has withdrawn its direct claims for NRDs against NCR.

 

  50. Industries’ involvement with the environmental liabilities arises out of indemnity arrangements which it became party to due to a series of transactions that took place from the late-1970s onwards and subsequent litigation brought by NCR against Industries and Appvion Inc (“Appvion”) (a former Group subsidiary) in relation to those arrangements which was ultimately settled. US authorities have never identified Industries as a PRP.

 

  51. There has been a substantial amount of litigation in the United States involving NCR and Appvion regarding the responsibility for the costs of the clean-up operations. The current position can be summarised as follows:

 

  a. As regards the upper portion of the Fox River, the District Court has ruled that NCR is liable in respect of this portion of the river because the river constitutes one site. That notwithstanding, the District Court has since indicated that NCR had no liability for that portion of the river because it did not discharge PCBs there.

 

  b. As regards the mid and lower portions of the Fox River:

 

  i. As a result of the US Government enforcement proceedings against it, NCR has been held jointly and severally liable in respect of the mid and lower portions of the Fox River. Consequently, NCR is responsible for the costs of cleaning-up of the mid and lower portions of the river, subject to any right of contribution it has against other PRPs and any right to appeal.

 

  ii. Appvion on the other hand has been found not liable in respect of the clean-up (including NRDs) in the US Government enforcement proceedings.

 

  iii. The remaining element of the US Government enforcement proceedings (the US Government’s claim against NCR to recover costs it has incurred in relation to the clean-up) was scheduled to go to trial in May 2017 but those proceedings have now been stayed (as explained below).

 

  iv.

NCR’s claims for contribution against the other PRPs in respect of the costs it has incurred in relation to the clean-up (and those PRPs’ cross claims for contribution

 

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  against NCR to recover the costs they have incurred and NRDs they have had to pay) were scheduled to go to trial in May 2017 but those proceedings have also been stayed (as explained below).

 

  v. Appvion’s claims to recover from PRPs other than NCR monies that it spent on the clean-up prior to being held not liable were also due to go to trial at the same time but have been stayed as well.

Recent settlements

 

  52. On 22 December 2016, NCR and Appvion entered into a settlement agreement with certain of the other PRPs pursuant to which those PRPs released their contribution claims against NCR and Appvion released its claims against those PRPs. The provision has been updated accordingly.

 

  53. On 17 January 2017, NCR and Appvion entered into a Consent Decree (a form of settlement agreement) with the US Government to resolve how the remaining clean-up will be funded and to resolve all outstanding claims between them.

 

  54. The Consent Decree requires approval from the District Court in Wisconsin in order to be made final. The public has 30 days (until 22 February 2017) to comment on the proposal, after which the Court will make a determination. It is anticipated that the Court approval process will take several months. The US Government enforcement action and the PRPs’ contribution claims have been stayed pending the outcome of the Court approval process.

 

  55. If the Consent Decree is approved its principal effects will, in summary, be as follows:

 

  a. NCR will perform and fund all of the remaining Fox River remediation work by itself.

 

  b. The US Government enforcement proceedings will be settled, with NCR having no liability to meet the US Government’s claim for costs it has incurred in relation to the clean-up to date and only a secondary responsibility to meet certain future costs. NCR will have no liability to the US Government for NRDs.

 

  c. NCR will cease to pursue its contribution claims against the other PRPs and in return will receive contribution protection which means that the other PRPs will not be able to pursue their contribution claims against NCR. NCR will, however, have the right to reinstate its contribution claims if the other PRPs decide to continue to pursue certain contractual claims against NCR.

 

  d. Appvion will also cease to pursue its claims against the other PRPs to recover monies that it has spent on the clean-up and in return will receive contribution protection. Appvion will, however, have the right to reinstate its claims if the other PRPs decide to continue to pursue certain claims against Appvion.

Industries’ involvement with environmental liabilities arising out of the contamination of the Fox River

 

  56. NCR has taken the position that, under the terms of a 1998 Settlement Agreement between it, Appvion and Industries and a 2005 arbitration award, Industries and Appvion generally had a joint and several obligation to bear 60%. of the Fox River environmental remediation costs imposed on NCR and of any amounts NCR has to pay in respect of other PRPs’ contribution claims.

 

  57. Until May 2012, Appvion and the AWA Entities paid the 60%. share of the clean-up costs and Industries was never required to contribute. Around that time Appvion refused to continue to pay clean-up costs, leading to NCR demanding that Industries pay a 60% share.

 

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  58. Industries commenced proceedings against Windward and Appvion in December 2011 seeking indemnification in respect of any liability it might have to NCR (the “English Indemnity Proceedings”) pursuant to a 1990 de-merger agreement between those parties.

Funding Agreement of 30 September 2014

 

  59. On 30 September 2014, Industries entered into the Funding Agreement with Windward, Appvion, NCR and BTI 2014 LLC (“BTI”) (a wholly owned subsidiary of Industries). Pursuant to the Funding Agreement, the English Indemnity Proceedings and a counterclaim Appvion had brought in those proceedings, as well as an NCR-Appvion arbitration concerning Appvion’s indemnity to NCR, were discontinued as part of an overall agreement between the parties providing a framework through which they would together fund the ongoing costs of the Fox River clean-up. Under the agreement, NCR has agreed to accept funding by Industries at the lower level of 50% of the ongoing clean-up related costs of the Fox River (rather than the 60% referenced above; this remains subject to an ability to litigate the extent to which a further 10% of the costs ought to be allocated at a later stage). In addition Windward has contributed $10 million of funding and Appvion has contributed $25 million for Fox River and agreed to contribute $25 million for the Kalamazoo River (see further below).

 

  60. The parties also agreed to cooperate in order to maximise recoveries from certain claims made against third parties, including (i) a claim commenced by Windward in the High Court of England & Wales (the High Court) against Sequana and the former Windward directors (the “Windward Dividend Claim”). That claim was assigned to BTI under the Funding Agreement, and relates to dividend payments made by Windward to Sequana of around €443 million in 2008 and €135 million in 2009 (the “Dividend Payments”) and (ii) a claim commenced by Industries directly against Sequana to recover the value of the Dividend Payments alleging that the dividends were paid for the purpose of putting assets beyond the reach of Windward’s creditors (including Industries) (the “BAT section 423 Claim”).

 

  61. A trial of the Windward Dividend Claim and the BAT section 423 Claim took place before the English High Court between February and April 2016. Judgment was handed down by the High Court on 11 July 2016. The Court held that the 2009 Dividend Payment of €135 million was a transaction at an undervalue made with the intention of putting assets beyond the reach of Industries or of otherwise prejudicing Industries’ interests. It therefore contravened Section 423 of the Insolvency Act. The Court dismissed the Windward Dividend Claim. BTI sought permission to appeal in respect of the Judge’s findings in relation to the Windward Dividend Claim. Sequana sought permission to appeal the Judge’s findings in relation to the BAT section 423 Claim.

 

  62. On 13 and 16 January 2017 and 3 February 2017 further hearings took place to determine the precise form of relief to be awarded to Industries and to hear the parties’ applications for permission to appeal. Judgment was handed down on 10 February 2017.    In respect of relief, the Court ordered that Sequana must pay BTI an amount up to the full value of the 2009 Dividend plus interest (which equates to around $185 million). This figure is subject to increase as interest is continuing to accrue. Sequana must make an initial payment of around $138.4 million and further payments going forward as and when Industries makes payments in respect of clean-up costs. In respect of appeals, the Court granted BTI and Sequana permission to appeal. The appeal hearing is expected to take place during 2018. The Court also granted Sequana a stay in respect of the above payments it has been ordered to make pending Sequana’s appeal being resolved. In February 2017, Sequana entered into a process in France seeking court protection (the “Sauvegarde”).

 

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  63. BTI has brought claims against certain of Windward’s former advisers, including Windward’s auditors at the time of the dividend payments, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (which claims were also assigned to BTI under the Funding Agreement). Those claims are currently subject to a stay.

 

  64. The sums Industries has agreed to pay under the Funding Agreement are subject to ongoing adjustment, as clean-up costs can only be estimated in advance of the work being carried out and as certain sums payable are the subject of ongoing US litigation. In 2016, Industries paid £6 million in respect of clean-up costs and is potentially liable for a further £159 million in future clean-up costs. Industries has a provision of £163 million which represents the current best estimate of its exposure—see note 21.

Kalamazoo

 

  65. Industries is aware that NCR is also being pursued by Georgia-Pacific, as the owner of a facility on the Kalamazoo River in Michigan which released PCBs into that river. Georgia-Pacific has been designated as a PRP in respect of the river.

 

  66. Georgia-Pacific contends that NCR is responsible for, or should contribute to, the clean-up costs, because:

 

  a. a predecessor to NCR’s Appleton Papers Division sold “broke” containing PCBs to Georgia-Pacific or others for recycling;

 

  b. NCR itself sold paper containing PCBs to Georgia-Pacific or others for recycling; and/or

 

  c. NCR is liable for sales to Georgia-Pacific or others of PCB-containing broke by Mead Corporation, which, like the predecessor to NCR’s Appleton Papers Division, coated paper with the PCB containing emulsion manufactured by NCR.

 

  67. A full trial on liability took place in February 2013. On 26 September 2013, the Michigan Court held that NCR was liable as a PRP on the basis that broke sales constituted an arrangement for the disposal of hazardous material for the purposes of CERCLA. The decision was based on NCR’s knowledge of the hazards of PCBs from at least 1969, but the Court did not specify directly the entity(ies) whose broke sales form the basis of NCR’s liability. NCR will have the ability to appeal the ruling once a final judgment has been entered or it has been otherwise certified for appeal.

 

  68.

The second phase of the Kalamazoo trial to determine the apportionment of liability amongst NCR, Georgia-Pacific and the other PRPs (International Paper Company and Weyerhaeuser Company) took place between September and December 2015. The parties are currently waiting for the Court to hand down its judgment. The court may or may not also rule on the allocation of future costs. Industries anticipates that NCR may seek to recover from Appvion (subject to a cap of $25 million for “Future Sites” under the Funding Agreement as described above) and/or Industries 60 per cent. of any Kalamazoo clean-up costs for which it is found liable on the basis, it would be asserted, that the river constitutes a “Future Site” for the purposes of the Settlement Agreement. Industries believes it may have defences to any such claim by NCR. The Funding Agreement described above does not resolve any such claims, but does provide an agreed mechanism pursuant to which any surplus from the valuable recoveries of any third party claims that remains after all Fox River related clean-up costs have been paid and Industries and NCR have been made whole may be applied towards Kalamazoo clean-up costs, in the event that NCR were to be successful in any claim for a portion of them from Industries or Appvion (subject to Appvion’s cap). The quantum of the clean-up costs for the Kalamazoo River is presently unclear (as is the extent of NCR’s liability in respect of such costs), but

 

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28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

  could run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. A witness on behalf of Georgia-Pacific testified in the trial concerning apportionment of liability that the cost of performing future remediation in Operable Unit 5 of the Kalamazoo River was in the order of US $670 million. Operable Unit 5 is the Kalamazoo River itself, as distinct from the other Operable Units which are landfills or other facilities adjoining the Kalamazoo River. Remediation of these other operable Units has largely been completed except for monitoring.

 

  69. As detailed above, Industries is taking active steps to protect its interests, including seeking to procure the repayment of the Windward dividends, pursuing the other valuable claims that are now within its control, and working with the other parties to the Funding Agreement to maximise recoveries from third parties with a view to ensuring that amounts funded towards clean up related costs are later recouped under the agreed repayment mechanisms.

General Litigation Conclusion

 

  70. While it is impossible to be certain of the outcome of any particular case or of the amount of any possible adverse verdict, the Group believes that the defences of the Group’s companies to all these various claims are meritorious on both the law and the facts, and a vigorous defence is being made everywhere. An adverse judgment was entered against one Group company, Imperial, in the Quebec class actions and an appeal has been made. If further adverse judgments are entered against any of the Group’s companies in any case, all avenues of appeal will be pursued. Such appeals could require the appellants to post appeal bonds or substitute security (as has been necessary in Quebec) in amounts which could in some cases equal or exceed the amount of the judgment. In any event, as set out in paragraphs 5 to 9, the Group has the benefit of the RJRT Indemnification with regard to US litigation (excluding the litigation brought by the shareholders of Reynolds). At least in the aggregate, and despite the quality of defences available to the Group, it is not impossible that the Group’s results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods could be materially affected by this and by the final outcome of any particular litigation.

 

  71. Having regard to all these matters, with the exception of Fox River, the Group (i) does not consider it appropriate to make any provision in respect of any pending litigation; and (ii) does not believe that the ultimate outcome of this litigation will significantly impair the Group’s financial condition.

Tax Disputes

The Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery of a number of taxes. The Group is and has been subject to a number of tax audits covering, amongst others, excise tax, value added taxes, sales taxes, corporate taxes, withholding taxes and payroll taxes.

The estimated costs of known tax obligations have been provided in these accounts in accordance with Group’s accounting policies. In some countries, tax law requires that full or part payment of disputed tax assessments be made pending resolution of the dispute. To the extent that such payments exceed the estimated obligation, they would not be recognised as an expense.

The following matters may proceed to litigation:

Brazil

The Brazilian Federal Tax Authority has filed claims against Souza Cruz seeking to reassess the profits of overseas subsidiaries to corporate income tax and social contribution tax. The reassessments are for

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

the years 2004 until and including 2012 for a total amount of R$ 1,386 million (£345 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. The 2011 and 2012 reassessments were raised in December 2016.

Souza Cruz appealed all reassessments. Regarding the first assessments (2004-2006) Souza Cruz appeal was rejected in 2013 although the written judgement of that tribunal was received in 2016. Souza Cruz have appealed the decision. The appeal against the second assessments (2007 and 2008) was upheld at the second tier tribunal and was closed. In 2015 a further reassessment for the same period (2007 and 2008) was raised after the 5 year statute of limitation. This has been appealed to the administrative level special chamber.

Souza Cruz received further reassessments in 2014 for the 2009 calendar year and in 2015 an assessment for the 2010 calendar year. Souza Cruz appealed both the reassessments in full. In December 2016, assessments were received for the calendar years 2011 and 2012 which have also been appealed.

South Africa

In 2011 the South African Revenue Service (SARS) challenged the debt financing of British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) and reassessed the years 2006 to 2008. BATSA has objected to and appealed this reassessment. In 2014, SARS also reassessed the years 2009 and 2010. In 2015, BATSA has filed formal Notices of Appeal and detailed objection letters against the 2009 and 2010 assessments and has reserved its right to challenge the constitutionality of the assessment at a later date. In 2016, SARS has filed a Statement of Grounds of Assessment and BATSA is due to file its Statement of Grounds of Appeal in early 2017. Across the period from 2006 to 2010 the reassessments are for R1.92 billion (£112 million) covering both tax and interest.

Netherlands

The Dutch tax authority has issued assessments for the years 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 in the sum of EUR202 million (£172 million) to cover tax, interest and penalties. The assessments relate to a number of inter group transactions. Objection letters have been filed against the 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 assessments.

The Group believes that the Group’s companies have meritorious defences in law and fact in each of the above matters and intends to pursue each dispute through the judicial system as necessary. The Group does not consider it appropriate to make provision for these amounts assessed nor for any potential further amounts which may be assessed in subsequent years.

While the amounts that may be payable or receivable in relation to tax disputes could be material to the results or cash flows of the Group in the period in which they are recognised, the Board does not expect these amounts to have a material effect on the Group’s financial condition.

VAT and Duty Disputes

Bangladesh

The operating company is in receipt of a retrospective notice of imposition and realisation of VAT and supplementary duty on low price category brands from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for approximately £186 million. The company is alleged to have evaded tax by selling the products in the low price segments rather than the mid-tier price segments. Management believe that the claims are

 

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British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

28 Contingent liabilities and financial commitments  (continued)

 

unfounded. Litigation has proceeded during 2016. The issue is currently awaiting outcome from the Supreme Court, and a 10% deposit may have to be paid during 2017 in order to pursue any appeal.

Operating leases

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases comprise leases where payments fall due:

 

     2016
£m
     2015
£m
 

Property

     

Within one year

     45        51  

Between one and five years

     104        102  

Beyond five years

     50        48  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     199        201  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Plant and equipment

     

Within one year

     18        19  

Between one and five years

     23        26  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     41        45  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Performance guarantees

As shown in note 24, as part of the acquisition of TDR in 2015, the Group has committed to keeping the manufacturing facility in Kanfanar, Croatia operational for at least five years following completion of the acquisition. A similar commitment was given in respect of the packaging plant in Rovinj, Croatia. The maximum exposure under these guarantees is £42 million (2015: £38 million).

29 Interests in subsidiaries

Subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests principally arise from the Group’s listed investment in Malaysia (British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad) (where the Group held 50% of the listed holding company in 2016, 2015 and 2014). The Group has assessed that it exercises de facto control over Malaysia as it has the practical ability to direct the business through effective control of the company’s board as a result of the Group controlling the largest shareholding block in comparison to other shareholdings which are widely dispersed. Summarised financial information for Malaysia is shown below as required by IFRS 12. As part of the Group’s reporting processes, Malaysia report consolidated financial information for the Malaysia group which has been adjusted to comply with Group accounting policies which may differ to local accounting practice. Goodwill in respect of Malaysia, which arose as a result of the acquisition of the Rothmans group referred to in note 9, has not been included as part of the net assets below. No adjustments have been made to the information below for the elimination of intercompany transactions and balances with the rest of the Group.

The Group also held 75% of the listed investment in Brazil (Souza Cruz) in 2014, but acquired substantially all of the non-controlling interests in 2015. Financial information for the Souza Cruz Group is not presented for years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 as the Group no longer had a material non-controlling interest.

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

29 Interests in subsidiaries  (continued)

 

     Malaysia Group     Souza Cruz
Group
 

Summarised financial information

   2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Revenue

     334       422       485       1,602  

Profit for the year

     129       152       167       441  

— Attributable to non-controlling interests

     64       76       84       111  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

     146       136       167       380  

— Attributable to non-controlling interests

     73       68       83       95  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     (59     (75     (82     (98
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Malaysia
Group
 

Summarised financial information

   2016
£m
    2015
£m
 

Summary Net Assets:

    

Non-current assets

     31       43  

Current assets

     103       74  

Non-current liabilities

     (4     (8

Current liabilities

     (94     (99

Total equity at the end of the year

     36       10  

—Attributable to non-controlling interests

     18       5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Malaysia Group     Souza Cruz
Group
 

Summarised financial information

   2016
£m
    2015
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
    Unaudited
2014
£m
 

Net cash generated from operating activities

     108       164       182       380  

Net cash generated in investing activities

     45       1       2       211  

Net cash used in financing activities

     (151     (161     (195     (474

Differences on exchange

     1         1       (31
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net cash and cash equivalents

     3       4       (10     86  

Net cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

     5       1       11       358  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

     8       5       1       444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other shareholdings

The Group discloses the effective percentage of equity shares held in subsidiary and other undertakings in Exhibit 21.1 “List of Subsidiaries of British American Tobacco p.l.c.” of this document.

The Group holds 92% (2015: 85%; 2014: 85%) of the equity shares of PT Bentoel Internasional Investama Tbk (“Bentoel”). In 2011, the Group sold 984 million shares, representing approximately 14% of Bentoel’s share capital, for the purposes of fulfilling certain obligations pursuant to Bapepam LK (Indonesia) takeover regulations. The Group simultaneously entered into a total return swap on 971 million of the shares. In June 2016, the Group and other investors participated in a rights issue by Bentoel, increasing its stake in Bentoel to 92%. Simultaneously, the Group amended the total return swap to take account of an addition 1,684 million shares. The shares subject to the total return swap now represent 7% of Bentoel’s issued capital. While the Group

 

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Table of Contents

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

29 Interests in subsidiaries  (continued)

 

does not have legal ownership of these shares, it retains the risks and rewards associated with them which results in the Group continuing to recognise an effective interest in 99% of Bentoel’s net assets and results.The Group holds 42% (2015: 26%) of the equity shares of Tisak d.d. (“Tisak”). During 2016, the Group entered into an agreement with Tisak’s parent Agrokor d.d. (“Agrokor”) to convert certain outstanding trading balances into long term loans and an additional shareholding in Tisak. As part of the agreement, Agrokor has the right to reacquire the additional shareholding in Tisak. As a consequence of this, while the Group has legal ownership of the additional shareholding, it does not consider the shares to provide any additional equity interest and continues to account for 26% of the equity of Tisak.

30 Post balance sheet date developments

On 17 January 2017, the Group announced the agreed terms of a recommended offer for the acquisition of the remaining 57.8% of Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) not already owned by the Group. RAI shareholders will receive for each Reynolds share $29.44 in cash and 0.5260 BAT ordinary shares which shall be represented by BAT American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The parties expect the transaction to close during the third quarter of 2017, subject to: obtaining affirmative votes from BAT and Reynolds shareholders; obtaining anti-trust approvals in the US and Japan; registration of BAT shares with the SEC; approval of the BAT shares for listing on the LSE and the BAT ADRs on the NYSE; and, other customary conditions. The completion of the merger is not subject to any financing condition.

As disclosed in note 28, on 10 February 2017, judgment was entered against the Group for US $101 million in respect of alleged anti-competitive practices in Georgia. The judgment will be appealed.

 

FIN-101


Table of Contents

 

 

Annex A

AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

among

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.,

BATUS HOLDINGS INC.,

FLIGHT ACQUISITION CORPORATION

and

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

 

Dated as of January 16, 2017

 

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I The Merger

     A-8  

SECTION 1.01.

  

The Merger

     A-8  

SECTION 1.02.

  

Closing

     A-8  

SECTION 1.03.

  

Effective Time

     A-9  

SECTION 1.04.

  

Effects

     A-9  

SECTION 1.05.

  

Change in Structure

     A-9  

SECTION 1.06.

  

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation

     A-9  

SECTION 1.07.

  

Directors

     A-9  

SECTION 1.08.

  

Officers

     A-9  

ARTICLE II Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock of the Constituent Corporations

     A-10  

SECTION 2.01.

  

Effect on Capital Stock

     A-10  

SECTION 2.02.

  

Exchange of Shares

     A-11  

ARTICLE  III Representations and Warranties of the Company

     A-15  

SECTION 3.01.

  

Organization, Standing and Power

     A-15  

SECTION 3.02.

  

The Company Subsidiaries; Equity Interests

     A-15  

SECTION 3.03.

  

Capital Structure

     A-16  

SECTION 3.04.

  

Authority; Execution and Delivery; Enforceability

     A-17  

SECTION 3.05.

  

No Conflicts; Consents

     A-17  

SECTION 3.06.

  

SEC Documents; Undisclosed Liabilities

     A-18  

SECTION 3.07.

  

Disclosure Documents

     A-20  

SECTION 3.08.

  

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

     A-20  

SECTION 3.09.

  

Taxes

     A-21  

SECTION 3.10.

  

Benefits and Labor Matters; ERISA Compliance

     A-21  

SECTION 3.11.

  

Litigation

     A-23  

SECTION 3.12.

  

Compliance with Applicable Laws; Regulatory Matters

     A-23  

SECTION 3.13.

  

Title to Properties

     A-23  

SECTION 3.14.

  

Intellectual Property

     A-24  

SECTION 3.15.

  

Contracts

     A-25  

SECTION 3.16.

  

Brokers; Schedule of Fees and Expenses

     A-26  

SECTION 3.17.

  

Opinions of Financial Advisors

     A-26  

SECTION 3.18.

  

Insurance

     A-26  

ARTICLE IV Representations and Warranties of Parent, BATUS and Sub

     A-27  

SECTION 4.01.

  

Organization, Standing and Power

     A-27  

SECTION 4.02.

  

Sub

     A-27  

SECTION 4.03.

  

Capital Structure

     A-28  

SECTION 4.04.

  

Authority; Execution and Delivery; Enforceability

     A-28  

SECTION 4.05.

  

No Conflicts; Consents

     A-29  

SECTION 4.06.

  

Public Reports; Undisclosed Liabilities

     A-30  

SECTION 4.07.

  

Disclosure Documents

     A-31  

SECTION 4.08.

  

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

     A-32  

SECTION 4.09.

  

Taxes

     A-32  

SECTION 4.10.

  

Litigation

     A-33  

SECTION 4.11.

  

Compliance with Applicable Laws; Regulatory Matters

     A-33  

SECTION 4.12.

  

Intellectual Property

     A-33  

SECTION 4.13.

  

Brokers; Schedule of Fees and Expenses

     A-34  

SECTION 4.14.

  

Sufficient Funds; Financing

     A-34  

 

A-2


Table of Contents

ARTICLE V Covenants Relating to Conduct of Business

     A-35  

SECTION 5.01.

  

Conduct of Business

     A-35  

SECTION 5.02.

  

No Solicitation by the Company

     A-39  

SECTION 5.03.

  

No Solicitation by Parent

     A-42  

SECTION 5.04.

  

Parent Recommendation and Vote

     A-45  

SECTION 5.05.

  

Company Subsidiary Vote

     A-45  

ARTICLE VI Additional Agreements

     A-45  

SECTION 6.01.

  

Preparation of Proxy Statement, Form  F-4 and Parent Circular; Shareholders Meeting

     A-45  

SECTION 6.02.

  

Access to Information; Confidentiality

     A-48  

SECTION 6.03.

  

Reasonable Best Efforts; Notification

     A-49  

SECTION 6.04.

  

Financing

     A-50  

SECTION 6.05.

  

Equity-Based Compensation

     A-52  

SECTION 6.06.

  

Employee Benefit Matters

     A-53  

SECTION 6.07.

  

Indemnification

     A-55  

SECTION 6.08.

  

Fees and Expenses

     A-56  

SECTION 6.09.

  

Public Announcements

     A-58  

SECTION 6.10.

  

Stock Exchange Listing

     A-58  

SECTION 6.11.

  

Stock Exchange Delisting and Deregistration

     A-58  

SECTION 6.12.

  

Transaction Litigation

     A-59  

SECTION 6.13.

  

Section 16 Matters

     A-59  

SECTION 6.14.

  

Company’s Auditors

     A-59  

SECTION 6.15.

  

Integration Planning

     A-59  

SECTION 6.16.

  

Company Capitalization

     A-59  

SECTION 6.17.

  

Governance Matters

     A-59  

ARTICLE VII Conditions Precedent

     A-60  

SECTION 7.01.

  

Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Consummate the Merger

     A-60  

SECTION 7.02.

  

Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Sub

     A-60  

SECTION 7.03.

  

Conditions to Obligation of the Company

     A-61  

ARTICLE VIII Termination, Amendment and Waiver

     A-62  

SECTION 8.01.

  

Termination

     A-62  

SECTION 8.02.

  

Effect of Termination

     A-63  

SECTION 8.03.

  

Amendment

     A-63  

SECTION 8.04.

  

Extension; Waiver

     A-64  

SECTION 8.05.

  

Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver

     A-64  

ARTICLE IX General Provisions

     A-64  

SECTION 9.01.

  

Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties

     A-64  

SECTION 9.02.

  

Notices

     A-64  

SECTION 9.03.

  

Definitions

     A-66  

SECTION 9.04.

  

Interpretation

     A-70  

SECTION 9.05.

  

Severability

     A-70  

SECTION 9.06.

  

Counterparts

     A-70  

SECTION 9.07.

  

Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     A-70  

SECTION 9.08.

  

Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction

     A-71  

SECTION 9.09.

  

Assignment

     A-71  

SECTION 9.10.

  

Enforcement

     A-71  

SECTION 9.11.

  

Waiver of Jury Trial

     A-71  

 

A-3


Table of Contents

Index of Defined Terms

 

Defined Term

   Section

Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement

   5.02(a)

Action

   9.03

Adjusted RSU

   6.05(c)

ADS Ratio

   9.03

affiliate

   9.03

Agreement

   Preamble

Antitrust Laws

   6.03(c)

Antitrust Restriction

   7.02(c)

Articles of Merger

   1.03

BATUS

   Preamble

Book-Entry Shares

   2.01(f)

Business Day

   9.03

Cash-Out RSU

   9.03

Certificate

   2.01(f)

Clean Team Agreement

   9.03

Closing

   1.02

Closing Date

   1.02

Code

   2.02(h)

Commonly Controlled Entity

   9.03

Company

   Preamble

Company Adverse Recommendation Change

   5.02(b)

Company Benefit Plans

   9.03

Company Board

   Recitals

Company Bylaws

   3.01

Company Capital Stock

   3.03(a)

Company Charter

   3.01

Company Common Stock

   3.03(a)

Company Disclosure Letter

   Article III

Company DSU

   9.03

Company Indemnified Party

   6.07(a)

Company Material Adverse Effect

   9.03

Company Material Contract

   3.15(b)

Company Notice

   5.02(b)

Company Pension Plan

   3.10(c)

Company Performance Share

   9.03

Company Personnel

   9.03

Company Recommendation

   3.04(b)

Company Registered Intellectual Property

   3.14(a)

Company RSU

   9.03

Company SEC Documents

   3.06(a)

Company Shareholder Approval

   3.04(c)

Company Shareholders Meeting

   6.01(c)

Company Stock Awards

   9.03

Company Stock Plans

   9.03

Company Subsidiary

   3.01

Company Takeover Proposal

   5.02(e)

Company Termination Fee

   6.08(b)

Company Voting Debt

   3.03(a)

Confidentiality Agreement

   9.03

 

A-4


Table of Contents

Defined Term

   Section

Confidentiality/Antitrust Protocol

   9.03

Consent

   3.05(b)

Continuing Employees

   6.06(a)

Contract

   3.05(a)

Deposit Agreement

   9.03

Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules

   9.03

Dissenting Shares

   2.01(g)

EBITDA

   5.02(e)

Effective Time

   1.03

Employee Benefit Plans

   9.03

End Date

   8.01(b)(i)

Environmental Law

   9.03

ERISA

   9.03

Excess Shares

   2.02(i)

Exchange Act

   3.05(b)

Exchange Agent

   2.02(a)

Exchange Fund

   2.02(a)

Exchange Ratio

   9.03

FCA

   4.05(b)

Filed Company Contract

   3.15(a)

Filed Company SEC Documents

   3.06(c)

Financing

   9.03

Form 8-A

   4.05(b)

Form F-4

   4.05(b)

Form F-6

   4.05(b)

FSMA

   9.03

FY2016 Bonuses

   6.06(d)(i)

FY2017 Bonuses

   6.06(d)(ii)

GAAP

   3.06(b)

Governance Agreement

   Recitals

Governmental Entity

   3.05(b)

HSR Act

   3.05(b)

HSR Filing

   6.03(a)

IFRS

   4.06(a)

Indebtedness

   9.03

Intellectual Property

   9.03

IRS

   3.10(a)

Judgment

   3.05(a)

Knowledge

   9.03

Law

   3.05(a)

Liens

   3.02(a)

Listing Rules

   9.03

LSE

   4.06(d)

Market Abuse Regulation

   9.03

Material Adverse Effect

   9.03

Maximum Premium

   6.07(b)

Menthol Regulatory Action

   9.03

Merger

   Recitals

Merger Consideration

   2.01(c)

Multiemployer Plan

   9.03

NCBCA

   1.01

 

A-5


Table of Contents

Defined Term

   Section

New Plans

   6.06(c)

New Term Loan Facility

   9.03

NYSE

   2.02(i)

Parent

   Preamble

Parent ADSs

   Recitals

Parent Adverse Recommendation Change

   5.03(a)

Parent Alternative Proposal

   5.03(e)

Parent Alternative Transaction

   5.03(e)

Parent Articles

   4.03(a)

Parent Board

   Recitals

Parent Circular

   4.05(b)

Parent Disclosure Letter

   Article IV

Parent Entities

   Preamble

Parent Material Adverse Effect

   9.03

Parent Notice

   5.03(b)

Parent Ordinary Shares

   Recitals

Parent Prospectus

   4.05(b)

Parent Public Reports

   4.06(a)

Parent Recommendation

   4.04(b)

Parent Registered Intellectual Property

   4.12(a)

Parent Share Awards

   9.03

Parent Share Plans

   4.03(a)

Parent Shareholder Approval

   4.04(d)

Parent Shareholders Meeting

   4.05(b)

Parent Subsidiary

   4.01(b)

Parent Termination Fee

   6.08(c)

Parent Voting Debt

   4.03(a)

PBGC

   6.06(e)

Per Share Cash Consideration

   2.01(c)(ii)

Per Share Stock Consideration

   2.01(c)(i)

Permits

   3.01

person

   9.03

Plan of Merger

   Recitals

Prospectus Rules

   9.03

Proxy Statement

   3.05(b)

Regulatory Requirement

   6.03(c)

Representatives

   5.02(a)

Required Company Shareholder Approvals

   3.04(c)

Restraints

   7.01(f)

Required Payments

   4.14(a)

Rollover RSU

   9.03

RSU Exchange Ratio

   9.03

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

   3.06(b)

Schedule 13E-3

   3.05(b)

SEC

   3.05(b)

Securities Act

   3.06(b)

Series A Preferred Stock

   3.03(a)

Series B Preferred Stock

   3.03(a)

Sub

   Preamble

Sub Board

   Recitals

Sub Shareholder Approval

   4.04(c)

 

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Defined Term

   Section

subsidiary

   9.03

Superior Parent Alternative Proposal

   5.03(e)

Superior Proposal

   5.02(e)

Surviving Common Stock

   2.01(a)

Surviving Corporation

   1.01

Tax Return

   9.03

Taxes

   9.03

Tobacco Litigation

   9.03

Transaction Committee

   Recitals

Transactions

   1.01

UKLA

   4.05(b)

Unaffiliated Shareholder Approval

   3.04(c)

 

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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of January 16, 2017, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“ Parent ”), BATUS Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“ BATUS ” and, together with Parent, the “ Parent Entities ”), Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“ Sub ”), and Reynolds American Inc., a North Carolina corporation (the “ Company ”).

WHEREAS as of the date hereof, Parent, together with certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, owns 601,368,171 shares of Company Common Stock;

WHEREAS the board of directors of the Company (the “ Company Board ”), having received the unanimous recommendation of the transaction committee (the “ Transaction Committee ”) of the Company Board, which Transaction Committee is comprised exclusively of all of the Other Directors (as defined in the Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Parent, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and the Company (as amended from time to time, the “ Governance Agreement ”)), has adopted the plan of merger contained in this Agreement (the “ Plan of Merger ”), whereby Sub shall be merged with and into the Company (the “ Merger ”), and recommended that the holders of Company Capital Stock approve the Plan of Merger, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS the board of directors of Sub (the “ Sub Board ”) has adopted the Plan of Merger and recommended that the sole shareholder of Sub adopt and approve the Plan of Merger, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;

WHEREAS the board of directors of Parent (the “ Parent Board ”) has approved the Plan of Merger and the other Transactions (including the issuance of American depositary shares of Parent (“ Parent ADSs ”) in accordance with the Deposit Agreement, with each such Parent ADS representing, as of the date of this Agreement, two ordinary shares, par value 25 pence per share, of Parent (the “ Parent Ordinary Shares ”), and the issuance of the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs pursuant to the Merger) and recommended that the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares approve the Transactions, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS the Parent Entities, Sub and the Company desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the Merger and also to prescribe various conditions to the Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

The Merger

SECTION 1.01. The Merger. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with the North Carolina Business Corporations Act, as amended (the “ NCBCA ”), Sub shall be merged with and into the Company at the Effective Time. At the Effective Time, as a result of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Sub shall cease and the Company shall continue as the surviving corporation (the “ Surviving Corporation ”). The Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement are referred to in this Agreement collectively as the “ Transactions ”.

SECTION 1.02. Closing. The closing (the “ Closing ”) of the Merger shall take place at the offices of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10019 at 10:00 a.m. on the third Business Day following the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted herein and by applicable Law, waiver) of the

 

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conditions set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted herein and by applicable Law, waiver) of those conditions), or at such other place, time and date as shall be agreed in writing between Parent and the Company; provided , however , that if and to the extent necessary to consummate all or any portion of the Financing (as determined by Parent in its sole discretion), the Closing shall instead occur on any Business Day specified by Parent (on no less than three Business Days’ prior written notice to the Company) during the five Business Day period beginning on the date of the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted herein and by applicable Law, waiver) of the conditions set forth in Article VII (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction (or, to the extent permitted herein and by applicable Law, waiver) of those conditions). The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to in this Agreement as the “ Closing Date ”.

SECTION 1.03. Effective Time. Prior to the Closing, the Parent Entities shall prepare, and, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, on the Closing Date the Parent Entities and the Company shall file with the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina, the articles of merger relating to the Merger (the “ Articles of Merger ”) executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the NCBCA and shall make all other filings or recordings required under the NCBCA as soon as practicable on or after the Closing Date. The Merger shall become effective at such time as the Articles of Merger are duly filed with such Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina, or at such other time as Parent and the Company shall agree and specify in the Articles of Merger (the time the Merger becomes effective being the “ Effective Time ”).

SECTION 1.04. Effects. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in Section 55-11-06 of the NCBCA.

SECTION 1.05. Change in Structure. At any time prior to the Effective Time, Parent may change the structural method of effecting the combination with the Company contemplated hereby (including by making appropriate amendments to the provisions of this Article I and of Article II to reflect such alternative structure and to provide for such other changes necessitated thereby) if and to the extent Parent deems such alternative structure to be desirable; provided , however , that no such change shall (a) alter or change in any way (including as to the amount or kind) the Merger Consideration, (b) adversely affect the Tax treatment of holders of Company Common Stock or Company Stock Awards as a result of the Transactions, (c) reasonably be expected to delay the Closing, (d) adversely affect any party’s ability to satisfy any of the conditions set forth in Article VII or (e) require any further Parent Shareholder Approval in the event that the Parent Shareholder Approval has already been obtained, or require any additional action by the holders of Company Common Stock (other than Parent and any Parent Subsidiary); provided , further , that Parent shall provide at least three Business Days notice to the Company prior to making any change pursuant to this Section 1.05.

SECTION 1.06. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. (a) The Company Charter as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the articles of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable Law.

(a) The Bylaws of Sub as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable Law, except that references to the name of Sub shall be replaced by the name of the Surviving Corporation.

SECTION 1.07. Directors. The directors of Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case may be.

SECTION 1.08. Officers. The officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified, as the case may be.

 

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ARTICLE II

Effect of the Merger on the Capital Stock of the Constituent Corporations

SECTION 2.01. Effect on Capital Stock. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Company, the Parent Entities, Sub or the holder of any shares of Company Capital Stock or any shares of capital stock of Sub:

(a) Capital Stock of Sub. Each share of capital stock of Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and become one fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation (“ Surviving Common Stock ”).

(b) Parent-Owned Company Common Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each issued and outstanding share of Company Common Stock that is owned by Parent or any Parent Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to be outstanding and automatically be canceled at the Effective Time, and no consideration shall be delivered or deliverable in exchange therefor (including, for the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to Section 2.01(c)).

(c) Conversion of Company Common Stock. Subject to Sections 2.01(b), 2.01(g) and 2.02(i), each share of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the Company, the Parent Entities, Sub or the holder of any shares of Company Capital Stock, be converted into the right to receive the following consideration (collectively, the “ Merger Consideration ”):

(i) the number of Parent ADSs equal to (A) the Exchange Ratio divided by (B) the ADS Ratio (the “ Per Share Stock Consideration ”), subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2.01(h); and

(ii) $29.44 in cash, without interest (the “ Per Share Cash Consideration ”), subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2.01(h).

(d) Series B Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each share of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will remain issued and outstanding as one share of Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation.

(e) Discharge of BATUS’s Obligations . BATUS’s obligation to deliver the Merger Consideration may be discharged by BATUS causing such Merger Consideration or any part thereof to be provided by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary to the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of Company Common Stock, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article II; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 2.01(e) shall relieve BATUS of its obligations hereunder.

(f) Cancelation of Company Common Stock. As of the Effective Time, all shares of Company Common Stock converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 2.01(c) shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each holder of (i) a certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented any such shares of Company Common Stock (each, a “ Certificate ”) or (ii) any such shares of Company Common Stock held in book-entry form (“ Book-Entry Shares ”), in each case, other than any Certificates or Book-Entry Shares representing Dissenting Shares, shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive (i) the Merger Consideration upon surrender of such Certificate or Book-Entry Share in accordance with Section 2.02, (ii) any dividends or other distributions in accordance with Section 2.02(c) and (iii) any cash to be paid in lieu of any fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs in accordance with Section 2.02(i), in each case without interest.

(g) Dissenting Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of Company Common Stock owned by Parent or any Parent Subsidiaries) and which are held by holders of Company

 

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Common Stock who shall have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of Company Common Stock in favor of adoption of the Plan of Merger at the Company Shareholders Meeting and who shall have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) his, her or its appraisal rights for such shares in accordance with Article 13 of the NCBCA (any such shares of Company Common Stock, collectively, the “ Dissenting Shares ”) shall not be converted into or represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 2.01(c). Such holders of Dissenting Shares instead shall only be entitled to receive such consideration as may be determined to be due with respect to such Dissenting Shares pursuant to and subject to the requirements of Article 13 of the NCBCA and in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.01(g), except that all Dissenting Shares held by holders of Company Common Stock who shall have failed to perfect or who effectively shall have withdrawn or otherwise lost his, her or its right to dissent from the Merger under Article 13 of the NCBCA shall cease to be Dissenting Shares, holders of such shares shall not be entitled to appraisal of such shares of Company Common Stock under Article 13 of the NCBCA and such shares shall be deemed to be converted into and represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration, without any interest thereon, in the manner provided for in Section 2.01(c). From and after the Effective Time, the Dissenting Shares shall automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist and any holder of Dissenting Shares shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto except (i) as provided in Article 13 of the NCBCA, (ii) as provided in the prior sentence and (iii) the right to receive payment of any dividends or other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time that may have been declared or made by the Company on such Dissenting Shares in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or prior to the date of this Agreement and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time. The Company shall (i) give Parent prompt notice of any notice or demand for appraisal of any shares of Company Common Stock or any withdrawals of such demands received by the Company, (ii) give Parent the opportunity to direct and control all negotiations and proceedings with respect to any such demands (provided that Parent shall reasonably consult with the Company with respect to any such proceedings and the Company shall not be required to pay any amounts prior to the Closing in settlement of any such negotiations or proceedings) and (iii) not, without the prior written consent of Parent, make any payment with respect to, or settle, offer to settle or otherwise negotiate any such demands. Each holder of Dissenting Shares who becomes entitled to payment for such shares pursuant to Article 13 of the NCBCA shall receive cash payment therefor from the Surviving Corporation from funds provided by BATUS (but only after the amount of the consideration required therefor shall have been agreed upon or finally determined pursuant to the NCBCA).

(h) Adjustments to Prevent Dilution . If at any time during the period between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, any change in the number or class of outstanding Parent Ordinary Shares, Parent ADSs or Company Common Stock shall occur by reason of any reclassification, recapitalization, split or combination (including a reverse stock split), exchange, merger, consolidation or readjustment of shares, or any stock dividend thereon with a record date during such period, or any similar transaction or event, the Exchange Ratio, the Per Share Stock Consideration, the Per Share Cash Consideration, the RSU Exchange Ratio and any other similarly dependent items, as the case may be, shall be appropriately and equitably adjusted to provide the holders of Company Common Stock the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event. Nothing in this Section 2.01(h) shall be construed as permitting the Company, any Parent Entity or Sub to take any action or enter into any transaction otherwise prohibited by this Agreement.

SECTION 2.02. Exchange of Shares. (a)  Exchange Agent. Not less than 30 days prior to the anticipated Effective Time, Parent shall appoint a bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to the Company to act as exchange agent (the “ Exchange Agent ”) for the purpose of exchanging shares of Company Common Stock for the Merger Consideration. As of the Effective Time, (i) Parent, on behalf of BATUS, shall have deposited with or provided to the Exchange Agent, or shall have caused to be deposited with or provided to the Exchange Agent, in escrow for the benefit of the holders of Company Common Stock, the aggregate number of Parent ADSs (rounded up to the nearest whole number) to be issued as Merger Consideration, and (ii) BATUS shall have deposited with or provided to the Exchange Agent, in escrow for the benefit of the holders of Company Common

 

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Stock, an amount of cash in U.S. dollars equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of Company Common Stock owned by Parent or any Parent Subsidiaries and any Dissenting Shares) and (y) the Per Share Cash Consideration. Parent’s issuance of the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration to the depositary of the Parent ADSs shall be in its capacity as nominee, in which case beneficial ownership to such Parent ADSs shall vest at the Effective Time to the applicable holders of Company Common Stock; provided , however , that the vesting of legal title to such Parent ADSs to such holders of Company Common Stock shall be conditional upon compliance by such holders with Section 2.02(b). Following the Effective Time, the Parent Entities shall promptly deposit with the Exchange Agent, from time to time as needed, cash in U.S. dollars sufficient to pay any dividends and other distributions pursuant to Section 2.02(c). All cash and Parent ADSs deposited with or provided to the Exchange Agent by or on behalf of BATUS shall be referred to in this Agreement as the “ Exchange Fund ”. The Parent Entities will instruct the Exchange Agent to pay the Merger Consideration out of the Exchange Fund in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and the Exchange Fund shall not be used for any purpose other than the delivery of the Merger Consideration and of any dividends and other distributions pursuant to Section 2.02(c).

(b) Exchange Procedures. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, but in any event no later than three Business Days following the Effective Time:

(i) the Parent Entities shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of shares of Company Common Stock represented by Certificates as of the Effective Time, (A) a letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of such Certificates to the Exchange Agent and shall be in customary form as approved by the Parent Entities and the Company) and (B) instructions for surrendering such Certificates in exchange for Merger Consideration, including cash in lieu of fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs pursuant to Section 2.02(i). Upon the surrender of such Certificates for cancelation to the Exchange Agent together with such letter of transmittal, duly executed and completed and such other documents as may reasonably be required pursuant to such instructions, the holder of such Certificates shall be entitled to receive as promptly as practicable in exchange therefor (1) the number of Parent ADSs representing, in the aggregate, the whole number of Parent ADSs, if any, that such holder has the right to receive as Merger Consideration and (2) an amount of cash, in U.S. dollars, that such holder has the right to receive as Merger Consideration, including cash payable in lieu of fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs pursuant to Section 2.02(i) and dividends and other distributions payable pursuant to Section 2.02(c) (less any required Tax withholding), pursuant to this Article II. In the event of a transfer of ownership of a Certificate that is not registered in the transfer records of the Company, payment may be made to a person other than the person in whose name such Certificate so surrendered is registered, if such Certificate shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for transfer, and the person requesting such payment shall pay any transfer or other Taxes required by reason of the payment to a person other than such registered holder or establish to the satisfaction of Parent that such Tax has been paid or is not applicable. Until surrendered as contemplated by this Section 2.02, each share of Company Common Stock represented by a Certificate converted into the right to receive Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 2.01(c) shall be deemed at any time after the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender the Merger Consideration, cash in lieu of fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs pursuant to Section 2.02(i) and any dividends or other distributions pursuant to Section 2.02(c) as contemplated by this Article II. No dividends or other distributions declared or made with respect to Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs with a record date after the Effective Time will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the shares of Parent ADSs issuable upon surrender thereof and in respect of such holder’s Book-Entry Shares until after the surrender of such Certificate in accordance with this Article II. No interest shall be paid or accrue on the cash payable upon surrender of any Certificate.

(ii) the Parent Entities shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of Book-Entry Shares as of the Effective Time (other than any Book-Entry Shares representing Dissenting Shares) (A) a notice of the effectiveness of the Merger, (B) a statement reflecting the whole number of Parent ADSs, if

 

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any, in the name of such record holder that such holder has the right to receive as Merger Consideration and (C) an amount in cash, in U.S. dollars, that such holder has the right to receive as Merger Consideration, including cash payable in lieu of fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs pursuant to Section 2.02(i) and dividends and other distributions payable pursuant to Section 2.02(c) (less any required Tax withholding), pursuant to this Article II. Holders of Company Common Stock who hold all of their shares of Company Common Stock as Book-Entry Shares will not be required to take any action to receive the Merger Consideration in respect of such shares. Any holder of both shares of Company Common Stock represented by Certificates and by Book-Entry Shares will be required to complete the exchange procedures outlined in paragraph (i) above for such Certificates before such holder will receive the Merger Consideration, including any cash payable in lieu of fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs pursuant to Section 2.02(i) and dividends and other distributions payable pursuant to Section 2.02(c) (less any required Tax withholding), pursuant to this Article II.

(c) No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock. The Merger Consideration paid in accordance with the terms of this Article II shall be deemed to have been paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of Company Common Stock converted into the right to receive Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 2.01(c), subject , however , to the Surviving Corporation’s obligation to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time that may have been declared or made by the Company on such shares of Company Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or prior to the date of this Agreement and which remain unpaid at the Effective Time, and after the Effective Time there shall be no further registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the Surviving Corporation of shares of Company Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, any Certificates are presented to the Surviving Corporation or the Exchange Agent for any reason, they shall be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article II.

(d) Investment of Exchange Fund. The Exchange Agent shall invest any cash included in the Exchange Fund, as directed by BATUS, on a daily basis; provided that (i) such investments will be in obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States of America or rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Corporation, respectively, and (ii) no gain or loss thereon shall affect the amounts payable to the holders of Company Common Stock following completion of the Merger pursuant to this Article II and the Parent Entities shall take all actions necessary to ensure that the Exchange Fund includes cash sufficient to satisfy BATUS’s obligation under this Article II. Subject to the Parent Entities’ respective obligations pursuant to this Article II, any interest and other income resulting from such investments shall be paid to BATUS.

(e) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains undistributed to the holders of Company Common Stock after one year after the Effective Time shall be delivered upon demand to BATUS, as nominee for any holder of Company Common Stock who has not theretofore complied with this Article II, and any such holder of Company Common Stock shall thereafter look only to BATUS, or if BATUS has insufficient funds to satisfy any such claim, Parent, for payment of its claim for Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs and any dividends or other distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Article II, in each case without any interest thereon and subject to applicable Law. If any Certificate or Book-Entry Share has not been surrendered prior to five years after the Effective Time (or immediately prior to such earlier date on which Merger Consideration in respect of such Certificate or Book-Entry Share would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any Governmental Entity), any such Parent ADSs, cash, dividends or other distributions in respect of such Certificate or Book-Entry Share shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear of all claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto; provided that, to the extent that any such Parent ADSs in respect of such Certificate or Book-Entry Share cannot become the property of the Surviving Corporation under applicable Law, such Parent ADSs shall be sold, on behalf of such holders of Company Common Stock, and the proceeds shall become the property of the Surviving Corporation, free and clear of all claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto.

 

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(f) No Liability. None of Parent, BATUS, Sub, the Company or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any person in respect of any portion of the Exchange Fund delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.

(g) Lost Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Surviving Corporation, the posting by such person of a bond in such reasonable amount as the Surviving Corporation may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Surviving Corporation will cause the Exchange Agent to deliver in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the applicable Merger Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional entitlements to Parent ADSs and any dividends or other distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to this Article II.

(h) Withholding Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Parent, any Parent Subsidiary or the Exchange Agent, as applicable, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable to any holder of Company Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement any amounts that may be required to be deducted and withheld with respect to the making of such payment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), or under any provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law. Any such amounts deducted and withheld shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to such holder of Company Common Stock. Notwithstanding the above, if Parent determines that any deduction or withholding is required in respect of a payment pursuant to this Agreement and the Transactions contemplated herein, the parties hereto shall cooperate with one another and use reasonable efforts to reduce or eliminate such deduction or withholding to the extent allowed under applicable Law.

(i) No Fractional Shares . No certificates, American depositary receipts or scrip representing fractional Parent ADSs shall be distributed upon the conversion of Company Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.01, no dividends or other distributions of Parent shall relate to such fractional Parent ADS interests and such fractional Parent ADS interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to any rights of a shareholder of Parent. All fractional entitlements to a Parent ADS to which a single record holder of Company Common Stock would be otherwise entitled to receive shall be aggregated by the Exchange Agent and rounded to three decimal points. In lieu of such fractional Parent ADS entitlements, the Parent Entities shall pay to each holder of a Certificate (upon surrender thereof as provided in this Article II) or Book-Entry Share an amount in cash in U.S. dollars, without interest, rounded to the nearest cent, as determined below. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall determine the excess of (i) the aggregate number of Parent ADSs (rounded up to the nearest whole number) to be issued as Merger Consideration over (ii) the aggregate whole number of Parent ADSs to be distributed to holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares pursuant to the provisions of this Article II and after giving effect to this Section 2.02(i) (such excess being herein referred to as the “ Excess Shares ”). As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent, as agent for the applicable holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares, shall sell the Excess Shares at then-prevailing prices on the New York Stock Exchange (the “ NYSE ”), all in the manner provided herein. The sale of the Excess Shares by the Exchange Agent shall be executed on the NYSE and shall be executed in round lots to the extent practicable. Until the net proceeds of any such sale or sales have been distributed to such holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares, the Exchange Agent shall hold such proceeds in escrow for the benefit of such holders. The net proceeds of any such sale or sales of Excess Shares to be distributed to such holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares shall be reduced by any and all commissions, transfer Taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs, as well as any expenses, of the Exchange Agent incurred in connection with such sale or sales. The Exchange Agent shall determine the portion of such net proceeds (subject to customary rounding) to which each applicable holder of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares shall be entitled, if any, by multiplying the amount of the net proceeds from the sale of Excess Shares on the NYSE as contemplated above by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the fractional Parent ADS interest to which such holder of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares is entitled (after taking into account all Certificates and Book-Entry Shares exchanged by such holder) and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of fractional Parent ADS interests to which all applicable holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares are entitled. As soon as practicable after the determination of the

 

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amount of cash to be paid to such holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares with respect to any fractional Parent ADS interests, the Exchange Agent shall promptly pay such amounts, subject to customary rounding, to such holders subject to and in accordance with this Section 2.02(i). The parties hereto acknowledge that payment of the cash consideration in lieu of issuing fractional Parent ADS entitlements is not separately bargained-for consideration but merely represents a mechanical rounding off as the Deposit Agreement does not permit the issuance of fractional Parent ADSs.

ARTICLE III

Representations and Warranties of the Company

The Company represents and warrants to the Parent Entities and Sub that, except (a) as set forth in the disclosure letter dated the date of this Agreement (with specific reference to the particular Section or subsection of this Agreement to which the information set forth in such disclosure letter relates; provided , however , that any information set forth in one section of such disclosure letter shall be deemed to apply to each other Section or subsection thereof or hereof to which its relevance is reasonably apparent) delivered by the Company to the Parent Entities and Sub prior to the execution of this Agreement (the “ Company Disclosure Letter ”) or (b) as disclosed in the Filed Company SEC Documents (excluding any disclosures contained in any part of any Filed Company SEC Document entitled “Risk Factors”, disclosures set forth in any “Forward-Looking Statements” disclaimer or any other disclosures set forth in the Filed Company SEC Documents to the extent they are cautionary, non-specific or predictive in nature; it being understood that any factual information contained within such headings, disclosures or statements shall not be excluded):

SECTION 3.01. Organization, Standing and Power. Each of the Company and each subsidiary of the Company (each, a “ Company Subsidiary ”) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized (in the case of good standing, to the extent such jurisdiction recognizes such concept), except, in the case of the Company Subsidiaries, where the failure to be so organized, existing or in good standing, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company and each Company Subsidiary has all requisite corporate power and authority and has obtained all governmental franchises, licenses, permits, authorizations, variances, exemptions, orders, registrations, clearances and approvals (collectively, “ Permits ”) necessary to enable it to own, operate, lease or otherwise hold its properties and assets and to conduct its businesses as presently conducted, other than such Permits the lack of which, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or license necessary, other than jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made available to Parent true and complete copies of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (the “ Company Charter ”) and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (the “ Company Bylaws ”), in each case as amended through the date of this Agreement.

SECTION 3.02. The Company Subsidiaries; Equity Interests. (a) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, each Company Subsidiary have been validly issued and are fully paid and, to the extent applicable, nonassessable, and are owned by the Company, by another Company Subsidiary or by the Company and another Company Subsidiary, free and clear of all pledges, claims, liens, charges, mortgages, encumbrances, hypothecation, assignments and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever (collectively, “ Liens ”) and free and clear of any other restriction (including any restriction on the right to vote, sell or dispose of such capital stock or other equity, voting or ownership interests), except for restrictions imposed by applicable securities Laws or pursuant to the Governance Agreement.

 

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(b) Except for the capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, the Company Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary owns, as of the date of this Agreement, directly or indirectly, any capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, any person.

SECTION 3.03. Capital Structure. (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 3,200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001, of the Company (the “ Company Common Stock ”) and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (such preferred stock, together with the Company Common Stock, the “ Company Capital Stock ”), of which 4,000,000 shares are designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the “ Series A Preferred Stock ”) and 1,000,000 shares are designated as Series B Preferred Stock (the “ Series B Preferred Stock ”). At the close of business on January 12, 2017, (i) 1,425,934,305 shares of Company Common Stock were outstanding, none of which were held by any Company Subsidiary, (ii) 7,073,244 shares of Company Common Stock were reserved and available for issuance pursuant to the Company Stock Plans in respect of outstanding awards, including (A) Company RSUs with respect to 137,686 shares of Company Common Stock, (B) 390,449 shares of Company Common Stock with respect to Company DSUs that are settled in Company Common Stock and 246,049 shares of Company Common Stock with respect to Company DSUs that are settled in cash, and (C) Company Performance Shares with respect to 6,299,060 shares of Company Common Stock, assuming achievement of applicable performance goals at maximum level, (iii) no shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding and (iv) 1,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which were held by a Company Subsidiary. Except as set forth above, at the close of business on January 12, 2017, no shares of capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, the Company were issued, reserved for issuance or outstanding. All outstanding shares of Company Capital Stock are, and all such shares that may be issued prior to the Effective Time will be when issued, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the NCBCA, the Company Charter, the Company Bylaws or any Contract to which the Company is a party or otherwise bound (other than any Contracts to which Parent or any Parent Subsidiary is a party or otherwise bound). There is no Indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which holders of Company Capital Stock may vote (“ Company Voting Debt ”). Except as set forth above, as of the date of this Agreement there are no options, warrants, rights, convertible or exchangeable securities, other securities, “phantom” stock rights, stock appreciation rights, stock-based performance units, commitments, Contracts, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them is bound (other than any Contracts, arrangements or undertakings to which Parent or any Parent Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them is bound) (x) other than as may be required by the Governance Agreement, obligating the Company or any Company Subsidiary to issue, grant, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, granted, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock of or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, or any security convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into any capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interest in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any Company Voting Debt, (y) obligating the Company or any Company Subsidiary to issue, grant, sell, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, security, unit, commitment, Contract, arrangement or undertaking or (z) that give any person the right to receive any economic benefit or right similar to or derived from the economic benefits and rights accruing to holders of the capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary. As of the date of this Agreement, there are not any outstanding contractual obligations of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to (i) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary or (ii) vote or dispose of any shares of capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interest in, any Company Subsidiaries.

(b) During the period from the close of business on January 12, 2017 to the date of this Agreement, there have been no issuances, distributions or dividends by the Company of any shares of capital stock of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, the Company other than issuances of shares of Company Common Stock in connection with the vesting or settlement of Company Stock Awards in accordance with their terms. To

 

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the Knowledge of the Company, there are no irrevocable proxies and no voting agreements with respect to any shares of the capital stock or other voting securities of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, other than pursuant to the Governance Agreement.

SECTION 3.04. Authority; Execution and Delivery; Enforceability. (a) The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transactions, subject, in the case of the Merger, to receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Company of the Transactions have been or will be duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, subject, in the case of the Merger, to receipt of the Company Shareholder Approval. The Company has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and, assuming this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Parent Entities and Sub, this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

(b) The Company Board, having received the unanimous recommendation of the Transaction Committee, at a meeting duly called and held, duly adopted resolutions (i) adopting this Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the other Transactions, (ii) determining that the terms of the Merger and the other Transactions are fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders (other than Parent and its affiliates), (iii) recommending that the Company’s shareholders approve the Plan of Merger (the “ Company Recommendation ”) and (iv) declaring that this Agreement and the Plan of Merger are advisable, which resolutions have not been subsequently rescinded, modified or withdrawn in any way except as permitted by Section 5.02. The Company is not subject to the restrictions set forth in Article 9 or Article 9A of the NCBCA, and no other “fair price”, “moratorium”, “control share acquisition” or other similar antitakeover statute or regulation enacted under state or Federal Laws in the United States applicable to the Company is applicable to this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions. To the Knowledge of the Company, no other state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation applies or purports to apply to the Company with respect to this Agreement, the Merger or any other Transaction.

(c) The only votes of holders of any class or series of Company Capital Stock necessary to approve this Agreement and the Plan of Merger are the approval of the Plan of Merger by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Capital Stock entitled to vote thereon (the “ Company Shareholder Approval ”) and by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock entitled to vote thereon and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the Company Shareholders Meeting that are not owned, directly or indirectly, by Parent, any Parent Subsidiary or any Company Subsidiary (the “ Unaffiliated Shareholder Approval ” and, together with the Company Shareholder Approval, the “ Required Company Shareholder Approvals ”). The Required Company Shareholder Approvals are the only approvals required by the holders of Company Capital Stock, or any of them, to consummate the Merger.

SECTION 3.05. No Conflicts; Consents. (a) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not, and the consummation of the Merger and the other Transactions and compliance with the terms hereof and thereof will not (i) conflict with, or result in any violation of any provision of, the Company Charter, the Company Bylaws or the comparable organizational documents of any Company Subsidiary (assuming the Company Shareholder Approval is obtained), (ii) conflict with, or result in any violation of or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancelation or acceleration of any obligation under, or loss of a material benefit under, or to increased, additional, accelerated or guaranteed rights or entitlements of any person under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any Company Subsidiary under, any provision of any material contract, commitment, obligation, lease, license, indenture, note, debenture, bond, guarantee, agreement, permit, concession, franchise or other instrument (a “ Contract ”) to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their respective properties or assets is bound (other than any material Contracts to which Parent or any Parent Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their respective

 

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properties or assets is bound) or (iii) conflict with, or result in any violation of any provision of, subject to the filings and other matters referred to in Section 3.05(b), any judgment, order or decree (“ Judgment ”) or statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation (“ Law ”), in each case applicable to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or their respective properties or assets (assuming that the Company Shareholder Approval is obtained), other than, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, any such items that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect (it being agreed that for purposes of this Section 3.05(a), effects resulting from or arising in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, as set forth in clause (d) of the definition of the term “Material Adverse Effect”, will not be excluded in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur) and would not prevent or materially impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or consummate the Merger.

(b) No consent, waiver, approval, license, Permit, order or authorization (“ Consent ”) of or from, or registration, declaration, notice or filing with or made to any domestic or foreign (whether national, Federal, state, provincial, local or otherwise) government or any court of competent jurisdiction, administrative agency, taxing authority or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality, domestic or foreign (a “ Governmental Entity ”) or the expiry of any related waiting period is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to the Company or any Company Subsidiary in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions, other than (i) compliance with and filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “ HSR Act ”) and any other mandatory or appropriate merger control filings and notifications in respect of the Transactions, (ii) the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) of (A) a proxy statement relating to the approval of this Agreement by the Company’s shareholders (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “ Proxy Statement ”), (B) a Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement on Schedule 13E-3 relating to the Merger (the “ Schedule 13E-3 ”) and (C) such reports under Section 13 and Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”) as may be required in connection with this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions, (iii) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina and appropriate documents with the relevant authorities of the other jurisdictions in which the Company is qualified to do business, (iv) such filings with and approvals of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, state licensing authorities and state taxing authorities as are required to consummate the Transactions, (v) compliance with and such filings as may be required under applicable Environmental Laws and (vi) such other items that the failure of which to obtain or make, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect (it being agreed that for purposes of this Section 3.05(b), effects resulting from or arising in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as set forth in clause (d) of the definition of the term “Material Adverse Effect”, will not be excluded in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur) and would not prevent or materially impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or consummate the Merger.

SECTION 3.06. SEC Documents; Undisclosed Liabilities. (a) The Company has furnished or filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents (including exhibits and other information incorporated therein) required to be furnished or filed with the SEC by the Company since January 1, 2015 (such documents, together with any documents filed with the SEC during such period by the Company on a voluntary basis on a Current Report on Form 8-K, being referred to collectively as the “ Company SEC Documents ”).

(b) Each Company SEC Document (i) at the time filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing or amendment prior to the date of this Agreement or the Closing Date, then at the time of such filing or amendment), complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “ Sarbanes-Oxley Act ”), the Exchange Act and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), as the case may be, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to such Company SEC Document, and (ii) did not at the time it was filed (or if amended or superseded by a filing or amendment prior to the date of this Agreement or the Closing Date, then at the time of such filing

 

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or amendment) contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the Company SEC Documents comply as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“ GAAP ”) (except, in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods shown (subject, in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments). Each of the principal executive officer of the Company and the principal financial officer of the Company (or each former principal executive officer of the Company and each former principal financial officer of the Company, as applicable) has made all certifications required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE with respect to the Company SEC Documents and the statements contained in such certifications are complete and correct. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “principal executive officer” and “principal financial officer” shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

(c) Except as set forth in the Company SEC Documents filed by the Company with the SEC and publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement (the “ Filed Company SEC Documents ”), or as incurred in the ordinary course of business since the date of the last balance sheet included in the Filed Company SEC Documents, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has any liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) that are required by GAAP to be set forth on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries or in the notes thereto and that, individually or in the aggregate, have had or would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(d) The Company maintains a system of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) sufficient to provide reasonable assurance (i) that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP, consistently applied, (ii) that transactions are executed only in accordance with the authorization of management and (iii) regarding prevention or timely detection of the unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s properties or assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

(e) The “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) utilized by the Company are reasonably designed to ensure that all information (both financial and non-financial) required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that all such information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the management of the Company, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to enable the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company to make the certifications required under the Exchange Act with respect to such reports. To the Knowledge of the Company, as of the date of this Agreement, none of the Company SEC Documents is the subject of ongoing SEC review or outstanding SEC investigation and there are no outstanding or unresolved comments received from the SEC with respect to any of the Company SEC Documents.

(f) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to, any joint venture, off-balance sheet partnership or any similar Contract (including any Contract or arrangement relating to any transaction or relationship between or among the Company and any of the Company Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any unconsolidated affiliate, including any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity or person, on the other hand, or any “off-balance sheet arrangements” (as defined in Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act)), where the result, purpose or intended effect of such Contract is to avoid disclosure of any material transaction involving, or material liabilities of, the

 

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Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries in the Company’s or such Company Subsidiary’s published financial statements or other Company SEC Documents.

(g) Since January 1, 2016, none of the Company, the Company’s independent accountants, the Company Board or the audit committee of the Company Board has received any oral or written notification of any (i) “significant deficiency” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Company, (ii) “material weakness” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Company or (iii) fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees of the Company who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Company.

(h) Except for Lorillard, Inc., none of the Company Subsidiaries is, or has at any time since January 1, 2015, been, subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

(i) The Company is, and since January 1, 2015 has been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable listing and corporate governance rules and requirements of the NYSE.

SECTION 3.07. Disclosure Documents. (a) Each document required to be filed by the Company with the SEC or required to be distributed or otherwise disseminated to the Company’s shareholders in connection with the Merger and the other Transactions, including the Proxy Statement and the Schedule 13E-3, and any amendments or supplements thereto, when filed, distributed or disseminated, as applicable, will comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.

(b) (i) At the time the Proxy Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto is first mailed to holders of Company Capital Stock, and at the time such shareholders vote on adoption of this Agreement, the Proxy Statement, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (ii) at the time the Schedule 13E-3 or any amendment or supplement thereto becomes effective, the Schedule 13E-3, as amended or supplemented, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that no representation or warranty is made by the Company in this Section 3.07 with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by any Parent Entity or Sub specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference in such documents.

(c) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company, any Company Subsidiary or the Company’s Representatives for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Form F-4 will, at the time the Form F-4 is filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or supplemented and at the time it is declared effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading. None of the information supplied or to be supplied by the Company, any Company Subsidiary or the Company’s Representatives for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Parent Circular or the Parent Prospectus will, at the time the Parent Circular is first mailed to holders of Parent Ordinary Shares, at the time the Parent Prospectus is first published, at the time of any amendment or supplement of the Parent Circular or the Parent Prospectus and at the time of the Parent Shareholders Meeting, contain any information which is not in accordance with the facts or which omits anything likely to affect the import of such information.

SECTION 3.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. During the period since January 1, 2016, (a) other than in connection with the Transactions, the Company has conducted its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects and (b) there has not been any change, effect, event, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 3.09. Taxes. (a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has duly filed all U.S. Federal, state, local and foreign Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them, taking into account any extensions of time within which to file (all such Tax Returns being accurate and complete) and has duly paid or made provisions for the payment of all Taxes that have been incurred or are due or claimed to be due from them by Federal, state, foreign or local taxing authorities (other than Taxes that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith, have not been finally determined and are covered by adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP in the Filed Company SEC Documents).

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has agreed to or granted any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any Taxes or Tax Returns, which extension or waiver is currently in effect (other than pursuant to extensions of time to file Tax Returns obtained in the ordinary course of business).

(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has properly and timely withheld or collected and timely paid over to the appropriate taxing authority (or each is properly holding for such timely payment) all amounts of Taxes required to be withheld, collected and paid over by applicable Law.

(d) Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has engaged in a transaction that constitutes a “listed transaction” for purposes of Section 6011 of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law).

(e) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, no written claim has been made in the past three years by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or any Company Subsidiary does not file Tax Returns that any of them is or may be subject to Tax by such jurisdiction.

SECTION 3.10. Benefits and Labor Matters; ERISA Compliance. (a) Section 3.10(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list, as of the date of this Agreement, of each material Company Benefit Plan. The Company has made available to Parent true and complete copies of (i) each material Company Benefit Plan, including any amendment thereto (except that, for Company Benefit Plans that are expressed in form documents that are identical or virtually identical, for more than one participant, the Company has made available the form of such Company Benefit Plan), or, in the case of any unwritten material Company Benefit Plan, a description thereof, (ii) the most recent annual report on Form 5500 (or any comparable form) filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “ IRS ”) (or any comparable Governmental Entity) with respect to each material Company Benefit Plan (if any such report was required), (iii) the most recent summary plan description for each material Company Benefit Plan for which such summary plan description is required, (iv) each trust agreement and group annuity contract relating to each material Company Benefit Plan (if any) and (v) the most recent financial statements and actuarial reports for each material Company Benefit Plan (if any).

(b) Each Company Benefit Plan that is intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code (or qualified or registered under any comparable provision under applicable foreign Law) has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS (or any comparable Governmental Entity) or is entitled to rely upon a favorable advisory or opinion letter issued by the IRS (or any comparable Governmental Entity), and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no fact, development or event has occurred or exists since the date of such determination, advisory or opinion letter that would be reasonably likely to result in the loss of the qualified status of any such Company Benefit Plan.

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of ERISA, Section 302 of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or Section 4971 of the Code (or any comparable provisions under applicable foreign Law) (a “ Company Pension Plan ”) has failed to meet any “minimum funding standards”, as applicable (as such terms are defined in Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived, (ii) none of the Company, any Company Subsidiary, any officer of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any Company Benefit Plans which are subject to ERISA, including the Company Pension Plans, any trust created thereunder or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any trustee or administrator thereof, has engaged in a “prohibited transaction” (as such term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, whether or not subject to ERISA) or any other breach of fiduciary responsibility that could subject the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any officer of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to the Tax or penalty on prohibited transactions imposed by the Code, ERISA or other applicable Law, (iii) within the six-year period ending on the date of this Agreement, no Company Pension Plans or related trusts have been terminated, nor is there any intention or expectation to terminate any Company Pension Plans or related trusts, (iv) no Company Pension Plans or related trusts are the subject of any proceeding by any person, including any Governmental Entity, that would be reasonably expected to result in a termination of any Company Pension Plan or related trust and (v) there has not been any “reportable event” (as that term is defined in Section 4043 of ERISA, whether or not subject to ERISA) with respect to any Company Pension Plan during the last six years as to which the 30-day advance-notice requirement has not been waived.

(d) Neither the Company nor any Commonly Controlled Entity with respect to the Company has, or within the past six years had, contributed to, been required to contribute to or incurred any “withdrawal liability” (within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA) or any other material liability with respect to, any Multiemployer Plan.

(e) No Company Benefit Plan provides medical or other welfare benefits to any Company Personnel, or any spouse or dependent of any such person, beyond their retirement or other termination of service, other than coverage mandated by applicable Law or where the expense of such benefits are fully paid by the recipient of such benefits, and no circumstances exist that would reasonably be expected to result in the Company or any Company Subsidiary becoming obligated to provide such benefits.

(f) Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Company Benefit Plan and its related trust, insurance contract or other funding vehicle has been administered in accordance with its terms and is in compliance with ERISA, the Code and all other Laws applicable to such Company Benefit Plan, (ii) the Company and all Commonly Controlled Entities with respect to the Company are in compliance with ERISA, the Code and all other Laws applicable to the Company Benefit Plans and (iii) all contributions required to be made to any Company Benefit Plan by applicable Law, regulation, any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all premiums due or payable with respect to insurance policies funding any Company Benefit Plan, for any period through the date of this Agreement have been timely made or paid in full or, to the extent not required to be made or paid on or before the date of this Agreement, have been fully reflected on the financial statements set forth in the Filed Company SEC Documents to the extent required by GAAP.

(g) Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened claims by or on behalf of any participant in any of the Company Benefit Plans, or otherwise involving any such Company Benefit Plan or the assets of any Company Benefit Plan, other than routine claims for benefits.

(h) Except as provided by this Agreement, neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions (alone or in combination with any other event, including any termination of employment on or after the Effective Time) will (i) entitle any Company Personnel to any compensation or benefit, (ii) accelerate the time of payment or vesting, or trigger any payment or funding, of any compensation or benefits or trigger any other material obligation under any Company Benefit Plan or (iii) result in any breach or violation of, default under or limit the Company’s right to amend, modify or terminate any Company Benefit Plan.

 

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(i) No Company Personnel (i) is currently receiving any severance or separation pay from the Company or any Company Subsidiary in an amount that is material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) has received any loan from the Company or any Company Subsidiary that has an outstanding balance that is material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (iii) has received or is reasonably expected to receive any payment or benefit from the Company or any Company Subsidiary pursuant to a Company Benefit Plan in effect on or before the Closing Date that would not be deductible by such entity as a result of Section 280G of the Code or (iv) is entitled to receive any gross-up, make-whole or other additional payment by reason of any Tax being imposed on such person as a result of Section 409A or 4999 of the Code.

(j) Except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) there are no labor disputes, strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns or lockouts with respect to any employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened and, since June 12, 2015, there has not been any such action, (ii) to the Knowledge of the Company, there is no union organizing effort pending or threatened against the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (iii) as of the date of this Agreement, there is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint or other Action pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any Company Subsidiary before the National Labor Relations Board or any similar Governmental Entity and (iv) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws respecting (A) employment and employment practices, (B) terms and conditions of employment and (C) unfair labor practices (in each case, including applicable Laws regarding wage and hour requirements, correct classification of independent contractors and of employees as exempt and non-exempt, immigration status, discrimination in employment, workers’ compensation, employee health and safety and collective bargaining).

SECTION 3.11. Litigation. There is no, and since January 1, 2015, there has been no, Action pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any Company Subsidiary, except for (i) Tobacco Litigation and (ii) Actions that individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. There is no, and since January 1, 2015, there has been no, Judgment outstanding against or, to the Knowledge of the Company, investigation by any Governmental Entity involving, the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, except for any Tobacco Litigation. Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has retained or assumed, either contractually or, to the Knowledge of the Company, by operation of Law, any liabilities or obligations that would reasonably be expected to form the basis of any Action against the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, except for liabilities or obligations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.12. Compliance with Applicable Laws; Regulatory Matters. The Company and the Company Subsidiaries are, and since January 1, 2015 have been, in compliance with all applicable Laws and all Permits issued thereunder, except for instances of noncompliance that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has received any written communication during the period since January 1, 2015 from any person that alleges that the Company or a Company Subsidiary has any liability under, or is not in compliance with, any applicable Law or any Permit issued thereunder, except for such liabilities and instances of noncompliance that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. This Section 3.12 does not relate to matters with respect to Taxes, which are the subject of Section 3.09, benefits and labor matters, which are the subject of Section 3.10, or Intellectual Property, which is the subject of SECTION 3.14.

SECTION 3.13. Title to Properties. (a) The Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries has good and valid title to, and with respect to real property owned by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, marketable and insurable fee simple interest in, or valid license or leasehold interests in, all of its tangible properties and assets except for defects in title, easements, restrictive covenants and similar encumbrances or

 

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impediments that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. All such assets and properties, other than assets and properties in which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries has a license or leasehold interests, are free and clear of all conditions, encroachments, easements, rights of way, restrictions and Liens except for such conditions, encroachments, easements, rights of way, restrictions and Liens that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(b) The Company and each of the Company Subsidiaries has complied with the terms of all leases to which it is a party, and all leases to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party are in full force and effect, except for such noncompliance or failure to be in full force and effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The Company and each Company Subsidiary is in possession of the properties or assets purported to be leased under all its leases, except for such failures to have such possession as, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.14. Intellectual Property.

(a) All issued patents, pending patent applications, registered trademarks, pending applications for registration of trademarks, registered copyrights, copyright applications and domain names, in each case, owned directly by the Company or any Company Subsidiary (the foregoing being, collectively, the “ Company Registered Intellectual Property ”) is subsisting and unexpired, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, valid and enforceable, except for, in each case, Company Registered Intellectual Property the failure of which to be subsisting, unexpired, valid or enforceable, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except for matters which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, all Registered Company Intellectual Property is exclusively owned by the Company or a Company Subsidiary.

(b) The Company and the Company Subsidiaries own, or are validly licensed or otherwise have the right to use, in each case free and clear of any Liens other than nonexclusive licenses of Intellectual Property entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, all Intellectual Property used in or necessary to carry on its business as now being conducted and as planned to be conducted, except for Intellectual Property the failure of which to own or have the right to use, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. The consummation of the Transactions will not conflict with the rights of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in its Intellectual Property, except for conflicts that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(c) None of the Company or any Company Subsidiary has, since January 1, 2015, infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise come into conflict with any Intellectual Property or other proprietary information of any other person, except for any such infringement, misappropriation or other conflict that, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. During the period since January 1, 2015 (i) none of the Company or any Company Subsidiary has received any written or, to the Knowledge of the Company, oral charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice alleging any such infringement, misappropriation or other conflict (including any claim that the Company or any Company Subsidiary must license or refrain from using any Intellectual Property or other proprietary information of any other person), and (ii) none of the Company or any Company Subsidiary is party to or the subject of any pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, Action before or by any Governmental Entity with respect to any such infringement, misappropriation or conflict, except for, in the case of each of subclauses (i) and (ii), such charges, complaints, claims, demands, notices and Actions that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of the Company, no other person has, since January 1, 2015, infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise come into conflict with any Intellectual Property owned by, licensed to or otherwise used by the Company or any Company

 

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Subsidiary, except for any such infringement, misappropriation or other conflict that, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect.

(d) (i) The Company and each Company Subsidiary has used commercially reasonable efforts intended to maintain in confidence all confidential information used or held for use by the Company in the operation of its business, and (ii) except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, to the Knowledge of the Company, none of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries has disclosed any material confidential information owned by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to any other person (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and subject to obligations of confidence).

(e) Except for matters which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect, each of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has established privacy compliance policies and is in substantial compliance with, and since January 1, 2015 has been in substantial compliance with, its respective privacy policies and any applicable Laws relating to personally identifiable information. There are no, and since January 1, 2015 have been no, material failures of or interruptions to and, to the Knowledge of the Company there has been no unauthorized access to or use by a third party of, the information technology systems and equipment owned or leased by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries.

SECTION 3.15. Contracts. (a) Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is a party to any Contract required to be filed by the Company as a “Material Contract” pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act that has not been so filed (a “ Filed Company Contract ”).

(b) Section 3.15(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a list as of the date of this Agreement of each of the following types of Contracts (each such Contract and each Filed Company Contract, a “ Company Material Contract ”) to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party (other than any Contracts to which Parent or any Parent Subsidiary is a party):

(i) any material Contract granting any person other than the Company or any Company Subsidiary a right of first refusal, first offer or other right to purchase any asset of the Company or any Company Subsidiary;

(ii) any loan or credit agreement, bond, indenture, note, promissory note or other agreement pursuant to which any Indebtedness of the Company or any Company Subsidiary in excess of $200,000,000 is outstanding or may be incurred;

(iii) any Contract for the purchase or other acquisition by the Company or any Company Subsidiary of goods or services or other assets that provides for annual payments by the Company or any Company Subsidiary in excess of $200,000,000, other than in the ordinary course of business;

(iv) any Contract providing for the sale or other disposition after the date of this Agreement by the Company or any Company Subsidiary to another person of goods or services for an amount in excess of $200,000,000, other than in the ordinary course of business;

(v) any partnership, joint venture or other similar Contract or arrangement involving invested capital of over $50,000,000 or producing over $50,000,000 in annual revenue;

(vi) any Contract relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or purchase of stock, sale or purchase of assets or otherwise) or the making of any capital expenditures, in each case after the date of this Agreement, in excess of $200,000,000;

(vii) any license, assignment or similar Contract pursuant to which any third party has rights under any material Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any Company Subsidiary or through which the Company or any Company Subsidiary acquires rights under any third party Intellectual Property material to

 

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its business, in each case having in excess of $50,000,000 in annual revenue, but excluding (A) Contracts for generally commercially available computer software, (B) confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and similar Contracts, (C) Contracts with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and other service providers entered into in the ordinary course of business, and (D) invention assignment agreements and similar Contracts entered into with officers, employees, consultants, independent contractors or service providers of the Company or any Company Subsidiary;

(viii) any Contract that would restrict the ability of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries to compete in any business or with any person in any geographic area in a manner that would reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or

(ix) any Contract pursuant to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has material continuing “earn-out” or other contingent payment obligations, in each case, with maximum aggregate payments or liabilities in excess of $50,000,000.

(c) None of the Company, any of the Company Subsidiaries or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto is in violation of or in default under (nor does there exist any condition which upon the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would cause such a violation of or default under) any Company Material Contract (including, for purposes of this Section 3.15(c), any Contract entered into after the date of this Agreement that would have been a Company Material Contract if such Contract existed on the date of this Agreement), except for violations or defaults that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect. True and complete copies of each Company Material Contract, as amended through the date of this Agreement, including all attachments, schedules and exhibits thereto, have been made available to Parent prior to the date of this Agreement. Each Company Material Contract (including, for purposes of this Section 3.15(c), any Contract entered into after the date of this Agreement that would have been a Company Material Contract if such Contract existed on the date of this Agreement) is a valid, binding and legally enforceable obligation of the Company or the Company Subsidiary party thereto and, to the Knowledge of the Company, of the other parties thereto, except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity, and is in full force and effect.

SECTION 3.16. Brokers; Schedule of Fees and Expenses. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other similar person, other than Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by the Company, is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the Merger and the other Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company has made available to Parent true and complete copies of all agreements between the Company (or the Transaction Committee) and Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC or Lazard Frères & Co. LLC relating to the Merger and the other Transactions.

SECTION 3.17. Opinions of Financial Advisors. The Transaction Committee has received an opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co., and the Company Board has received separate opinions of each of Goldman, Sachs & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, in each case to the effect that, as of the applicable date of each such opinion, and based upon and subject to the limitations, qualifications, assumptions and conditions set forth therein, the Merger Consideration to be paid to the holders of Company Common Stock (other than Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries) in the Merger or pursuant to this Agreement, as applicable, is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders. Promptly after the execution of this Agreement, the Company will furnish to Parent, solely for informational purposes, true and complete copies of such written opinions.

SECTION 3.18. Insurance. As of the date of this Agreement, no written notice of cancelation or threat thereof in writing with respect to any insurance policy under which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is an insured has been received. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (a) such insurance policies are, and during the periods

 

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of time such policies purported to be in effect, have been continuously, in full force and effect and (b) neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in breach in any material respect or in default, whether as to payment of premium or otherwise, under the terms of any such policy, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, has the Company or any Company Subsidiary done or omitted to do any act or thing which could render any such insurance policy void or voidable.

ARTICLE IV

Representations and Warranties of Parent, BATUS and Sub

Parent, BATUS and Sub, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Company that, except (a) as set forth in the disclosure letter dated the date of this Agreement (with specific reference to the particular Section or subsection of this Agreement to which the information set forth in such disclosure letter relates; provided , however , that any information set forth in one section of such disclosure letter shall be deemed to apply to each other Section or subsection thereof or hereof to which its relevance is reasonably apparent) delivered by Parent to the Company prior to the execution of this Agreement (the “ Parent Disclosure Letter ”) or (b) as disclosed in the Parent Public Reports made publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement (excluding any disclosures contained in any part of any Parent Public Report entitled “Risk Factors”, disclosures set forth in any “Forward-Looking Statements” disclaimer or any other disclosures set forth in the Parent Public Reports to the extent they are cautionary, non-specific or predictive in nature; it being understood that any factual information contained within such headings, disclosures or statements shall not be excluded):

SECTION 4.01. Organization, Standing and Power. (a) Each of Parent, BATUS and Sub is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized (in the case of good standing, to the extent such jurisdiction recognizes such concept). Each of Parent, BATUS and Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority and has obtained all Permits necessary to enable it to own, operate, lease or otherwise hold its properties and assets and to conduct its businesses as presently conducted, other than such Permits the lack of which, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Parent, BATUS and Sub are duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or license necessary, other than jurisdictions in which the failure to be so qualified or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Parent has made available to the Company true and complete copies of the organizational documents of Parent, BATUS and Sub, in each case as amended through the date of this Agreement.

(b) Each subsidiary of Parent (each, a “ Parent Subsidiary ”) other than BATUS and Sub (i) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized (in the case of good standing, to the extent such jurisdiction recognizes such concept), (ii) has all requisite corporate power and authority and has obtained all Permits necessary to enable it to own, operate, lease or otherwise hold its properties and assets and to conduct its businesses as presently conducted and (iii) is duly qualified or licensed to do business in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or license necessary, except for such variances from the matters set forth in any of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) as, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

(c) All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of BATUS have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by Parent or one or more other Parent Subsidiaries.

SECTION 4.02. Sub. (a) Since the date of its incorporation, Sub has not carried on any business or conducted any operations other than the execution of this Agreement, the performance of its obligations hereunder and matters ancillary thereto.

 

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(b) All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Sub have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by Parent or by one or more other Parent Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens.

SECTION 4.03. Capital Structure. (a) At the close of business on January 13, 2017, 2,027,019,539 Parent Ordinary Shares were in issue, including: 162,645,590 Parent Ordinary Shares held in treasury and 64,104,930 Parent Ordinary Shares represented by 31,993,191 Parent ADSs and, of which, 5,301,012 Parent Ordinary Shares were held in trust to satisfy Parent’s share-based compensation arrangements (the “Parent Share Plans”). At the close of business on January 13, 2017, 6,252,884 Parent Share Awards over Parent Ordinary Shares were outstanding which may be satisfied by the allotment of new Parent Ordinary Shares from time to time or by a transfer of Parent Ordinary Shares held in trust. Except as set forth above, at the close of business on January 13, 2017, no Parent Ordinary Shares, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, Parent were issued or reserved for issuance. All Parent Ordinary Shares in issue are, and all such shares that may be issued prior to the Effective Time will be when issued, duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid and not subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the UK Companies Act 2006, the articles of association of Parent (the “ Parent Articles ”) or any Contract to which Parent is a party or otherwise bound (other than any Contracts to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or otherwise bound). The Parent ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration will, when issued, be legally issued, entitle the holders thereof to the rights specified in the Deposit Agreement, and not be subject to or issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or any similar right under any provision of the UK Companies Act 2006, the Parent Articles or any Contract to which Parent is a party or otherwise bound (other than any Contracts to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or otherwise bound). There is no Indebtedness of Parent having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which holders of Parent Ordinary Shares may vote (“ Parent Voting Debt ”). Except for awards pursuant to the Parent Share Plans, as of the date of this Agreement there are no options, warrants, rights, convertible or exchangeable securities, other securities, “phantom” stock rights, stock appreciation rights, stock-based performance units, commitments, Contracts, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which Parent is a party or by which it is bound (other than any Contracts, arrangements or undertakings to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them is bound) (x) obligating Parent to issue, grant, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, granted, delivered or sold, additional shares of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, or any security convertible or exercisable for or exchangeable into any shares of or other equity, voting or ownership interest in, Parent or any Parent Voting Debt, (y) obligating Parent to issue, grant, sell, extend or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, security, unit, commitment, Contract, arrangement or undertaking or (z) that give any person the right to receive any economic benefit or right similar to or derived from the economic benefits and rights accruing to holders of Parent Ordinary Shares. As of the date of this Agreement, there are not any outstanding contractual obligations of Parent to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, Parent.

(b) During the period from the close of business on January 13, 2017 to the date of this Agreement, there have been no dividends, distributions or issuances by Parent of Parent Ordinary Shares, or other equity, voting or ownership interests in, Parent other than issuances of Parent Ordinary Shares in connection with the vesting, settlement or exercise of awards, as applicable, pursuant to Parent Share Plans in accordance with their terms. To the Knowledge of Parent, there are no irrevocable proxies and no voting agreements with respect to any shares of the capital stock or other voting securities of Parent.

SECTION 4.04. Authority; Execution and Delivery; Enforceability. (a) Each of Parent, BATUS and Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the Transactions, subject to receipt of the Parent Shareholder Approval and the Sub Shareholder Approval (which Sub Shareholder Approval shall be obtained promptly after the execution of this Agreement). The execution and delivery by each of Parent, BATUS and Sub of this Agreement, the performance by it of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by them of the Transactions have been

 

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or will be duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of Parent, BATUS or Sub, subject to receipt of the Parent Shareholder Approval and the Sub Shareholder Approval. Each of Parent, BATUS and Sub has duly executed and delivered this Agreement, and, assuming this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Company, this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

(b) The Parent Board, at a meeting duly called and held, duly and unanimously adopted resolutions (i) resolving that this Agreement, including the Plan of Merger, and the other applicable Transactions are advisable and will promote the success of Parent for the benefit of the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares as a whole, (ii) approving and adopting this Agreement, including the Plan of Merger and the other applicable Transactions, and (iii) resolving to recommend without qualification that Parent’s shareholders approve this Agreement and the applicable Transactions as a Class 1 transaction in accordance with the Listing Rules, the Prospectus Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the authorization for the directors to allot and issue Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs constituting the Merger Consideration (the “ Parent Recommendation ”) which resolutions have not been subsequently rescinded, modified or withdrawn in any way except as permitted by SECTION 5.04.

(c) The Sub Board, acting by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting, duly and unanimously adopted resolutions (i) adopting this Agreement, the Plan of Merger and the other applicable Transactions, (ii) determining that the terms of the Merger and the other applicable Transactions are fair to and in the best interests of Sub and its sole shareholder, (iii) recommending that Sub’s sole shareholder approve and adopt the Plan of Merger and (iv) declaring that this Agreement and the Plan of Merger are advisable, which resolutions have not been subsequently rescinded, modified or withdrawn in any way as of the date of this Agreement. BATUS, as the holder of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Sub as of the date of this Agreement, will, immediately following the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the parties hereto, approve the Plan of Merger (the “ Sub Shareholder Approval ”).

(d) The only vote of holders of Parent Ordinary Shares necessary to approve this Agreement and the Plan of Merger, the issuance of the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs constituting Merger Consideration and the Financing is (i) approval of this Agreement and the applicable Transactions as a Class 1 transaction by the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares and (ii) authorization for directors of Parent to allot and issue the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs constituting the Merger Consideration, in each case on a poll by the holders of not less than a majority of Parent Ordinary Shares, present in person or by proxy who are entitled to vote at the Parent Shareholders Meeting (the “ Parent Shareholder Approval ”).

SECTION 4.05. No Conflicts; Consents. (a) The execution and delivery by each of Parent, BATUS and Sub of this Agreement and the performance by them of their obligations hereunder do not, and the consummation of the Merger and the other Transactions and compliance with the terms hereof and thereof will not (i) conflict with, or result in any violation of any provision of, the organizational documents of Parent, BATUS or Sub (assuming the Parent Shareholder Approval is obtained), (ii) conflict with, or result in any violation of or default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancelation or acceleration of any obligation under, or loss of a material benefit under, or to increased, additional, accelerated or guaranteed rights or entitlements of any person under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Parent, BATUS or Sub under, any provision of any material Contract to which Parent, BATUS or Sub is a party or by which any of their respective properties or assets is bound (other than any material Contracts to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their respective properties or assets is bound) or (iii) conflict with, or result in any violation of any provision of, subject to the filings and other matters referred to in Section 4.05(b), any Judgment or Law applicable to Parent, BATUS or Sub or their respective properties or assets (assuming that the Parent Shareholder Approval is obtained), other than, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, any such items that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect (it being

 

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agreed that for purposes of this Section 4.05(a), effects resulting from or arising in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, as set forth in clause (d) of the definition of the term “Material Adverse Effect”, will not be excluded in determining whether a Parent Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur) and would not prevent or materially impair the ability of the Parent Entities and Sub to perform their respective obligations hereunder or consummate the Merger.

(b) No Consent of or from, or registration, declaration, notice or filing with or made to any Governmental Entity or the expiry of any related waiting period is required to be obtained or made by or with respect to Parent, BATUS or Sub in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Parent and Sub of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions, other than (i) compliance with and filings under the HSR Act and any other mandatory or appropriate merger control filings and notifications in respect of the Transactions, (ii) the filing with the SEC of (A) a registration statement on Form F-4, relating to the registration under the Securities Act of the Parent Ordinary Shares to be issued as consideration in the Merger (the “ Form F-4 ”) and declaration of effectiveness of the Form F-4, (B) a registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the registration under the Exchange Act of Parent ADSs to be issued as Per Share Stock Consideration (the “ Form 8-A ”), (C) a registration statement on Form F-6, to be filed by Parent and the depositary of the Parent ADSs relating to the registration under the Securities Act of the Parent ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration and the change in Parent’s SEC reporting status (the “ Form F-6 ”), (D) the Schedule 13E-3 and (E) the filing with the SEC of such other reports required in connection with the Merger under, and such other compliance with, the Exchange Act and the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, (iii) the filing with, and the approval by, the United Kingdom Listing Authority (the “ UKLA ”) of a prospectus (the “ Parent Prospectus ”) and a shareholder circular (the “ Parent Circular ”) relating to the general meeting of Parent’s shareholders to be held for the purpose of obtaining the Parent Shareholder Approval (the “ Parent Shareholders Meeting ”), (iv) compliance with the Listing Rules, the Prospectus Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the Market Abuse Regulation, (v) the application to the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the “ FCA ”) and the LSE for the Parent Ordinary Shares constituting the Merger Consideration to be admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on LSE’s main market for listed securities, respectively, (vi) the application to, and the approval by, JSE Limited for the Parent Ordinary Shares constituting the Merger Consideration to be admitted to listing and trading on the Main Board of JSE Limited, (vii) such filings with and approvals of the NYSE as are required to permit the listing of the Parent ADSs on the NYSE, (viii) the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina and appropriate documents with the relevant authorities of the other jurisdictions in which Parent and Sub are qualified to do business, (ix) such filings with and approvals of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, state licensing authorities and state taxing authorities as are required to consummate the Transactions, (x) compliance with and such filings as may be required under applicable Environmental Laws, (xi) such filings as may be required to be filed with the Registrar of Companies in England & Wales and (xii) such other items that the failure of which to obtain or make, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect (it being agreed that for purposes of this Section 4.05(b), effects resulting from or arising in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, as set forth in clause (d) of the definition of the term “Material Adverse Effect”, will not be excluded in determining whether a Parent Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur) and would not prevent or materially impair the ability of the Parent Entities and Sub to perform their respective obligations hereunder or consummate the Merger.

SECTION 4.06. Public Reports; Undisclosed Liabilities. (a) All circulars, notices, prospectuses, resolutions, reports (including annual financial reports, half yearly financial reports and interim management statements) and other documents prepared by Parent since January 1, 2015, to which the Listing Rules and the rules and regulations promulgated by the UKLA apply (collectively, the “ Parent Public Reports ”) (i) were prepared in accordance with the requirements of the UKLA and other applicable Laws, (ii) timely filed with the UKLA and, if applicable, the Registrar of Companies (where the Parent Public Reports were required by applicable Law or by the UKLA to be so filed), (iii) comprise the only circulars, notices, prospectuses, resolutions, reports and other documents required by the UKLA to be filed or published by Parent since

 

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January 1, 2015 and (iv) in the case of Parent Public Reports which were required by applicable Law or by the UKLA to so be filed, did not, at the time they were filed, contain any information which was not in accordance with the facts or which omitted anything likely to affect the import of such information. For purposes of this Section 4.06(a) and this Agreement where appropriate, “file” and “filing” include, in the case of Parent, any announcement made or required to be made to a regulatory information service. The consolidated financial statements of Parent included in the Parent Public Reports comply as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and applicable Laws with respect thereto, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (“ IFRS ”) (except, in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, as permitted by applicable Laws) applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto), and give a true and fair view, in all material respects, in accordance with IFRS, of the state of the affairs of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the profit and cash flows of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of any unaudited interim financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments).

(b) Except as set forth in Parent Public Reports publicly available prior to the date of this Agreement or as incurred in the ordinary course of business since the date of the last balance sheet included in such Parent Public Reports, neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary has any liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) that are required by IFRS to be set forth on a consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries or in the notes thereto and that, individually or in the aggregate, have had or would reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Parent keeps adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position as required by applicable Law, including the UK Companies Act 2006. Parent has taken reasonable steps (i) to establish procedures which provide a reasonable basis for Parent to make proper judgments on an ongoing basis as to the financial position and prospects of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries and (ii) to maintain a sound system of internal control including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management systems, as required by the Listing Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code dated September 2014.

(d) Parent is, and since January 1, 2015 has been, in compliance in all material respects with all applicable listing and corporate governance rules and requirements of the London Stock Exchange plc (the “ LSE ”) and JSE Limited, with respect to the Parent Ordinary Shares, and the NYSE, with respect to the Parent ADSs.

SECTION 4.07. Disclosure Documents. (a) Each document required to be filed by Parent with the SEC or the UKLA or required to be distributed or otherwise disseminated to Parent’s shareholders in connection with the Merger and the other Transactions, including the Form F-4, the Form 8-A, the Parent Circular, the Parent Prospectus, the Schedule 13E-3, and any amendments or supplements thereto, when filed, distributed or disseminated, as applicable, will comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder (in the case of the Form F-4, the Form 8-A and the Schedule 13E-3) and the applicable requirements of the Listing Rules and the Prospectus Rules (in the case of the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus, respectively).

(b) (i) At the time the Schedule 13E-3 or any amendment or supplement thereto becomes effective, the Schedule 13E-3, as amended or supplemented, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (ii) at the time the Parent Circular or any amendment or supplement thereto is first mailed to the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares, and at the time of the Parent Shareholders Meeting, the Parent Circular, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any information which is not in accordance with the facts or which omits anything likely to affect the import of such information and will contain all particulars and information required by the Listing Rules, (iii) at the time the Parent Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto is first published, the Parent Prospectus, as

 

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amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any information which is not in accordance with the facts or which omits anything likely to affect the import of such information and will contain all such information as is necessary to enable investors to make an informed assessment of the assets and liabilities, financial position, profits and losses and prospects of Parent and its consolidated subsidiaries and the rights attaching to Parent Ordinary Shares, in a form which is comprehensible and easy to analyze and includes a summary that conveys, concisely, in non-technical language and in an appropriate structure, the key information relevant to the Parent Ordinary Shares and (iv) at the time the Form F-4 or any amendment or supplement thereto is filed with the SEC, and at the time the Form F-4, as amended or supplemented, is declared effective under the Securities Act, the Form F-4, as amended or supplemented, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that no representation or warranty is made by Parent in this Section 4.07 with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on information supplied by the Company specifically for inclusion or incorporation by reference in such documents.

(c) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by Parent, the Parent Subsidiaries or Parent’s Representatives for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy Statement will, at the date it is first mailed to holders of Company Capital Stock or at the time of the Company Shareholders Meeting or at the time of any amendment or supplement thereof, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

SECTION 4.08. Absence of Certain Changes or Events. During the period since January 1, 2016, (a) other than in connection with the Transactions, Parent has conducted its business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice in all material respects and (b) there has not been any change, effect, event, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.09. Taxes.

(a) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect, each of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries has duly filed all United Kingdom, U.S. Federal, state, local and foreign Tax Returns required to be filed by any of them, taking into account any extensions of time within which to file (all such Tax Returns being accurate and complete) and has duly paid or made provisions for the payment of all Taxes that have been incurred or are due or claimed to be due from them by Federal, state, foreign or local taxing authorities (other than Taxes that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith, have not been finally determined and are covered by adequate reserves in accordance with IFRS in the Parent Public Reports).

(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect, neither Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has agreed to or granted any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any Taxes or Tax Returns, which extension or waiver is currently in effect (other than pursuant to extensions of time to file Tax Returns obtained in the ordinary course of business).

(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect, each of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries has properly and timely withheld or collected and timely paid over to the appropriate taxing authority (or each is properly holding for such timely payment) all amounts of Taxes required to be withheld, collected and paid over by applicable Law.

(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect, no written claim has been made in the past three years by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction where Parent or any Parent Subsidiary does not file Tax Returns that any of them is or may be subject to Tax by such jurisdiction.

 

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SECTION 4.10. Litigation. There is no, and since January 1, 2015, there has been no, Action pending or, to the Knowledge of Parent, threatened against Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, except for (i) Tobacco Litigation and (ii) Actions that individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. There is no, and since January 1, 2015, there has been no, Judgment outstanding against or, to the Knowledge of Parent, investigation by any Governmental Entity involving, Parent or any Parent Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, except for any Tobacco Litigation. Neither Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has retained or assumed, either contractually or, to the Knowledge of Parent, by operation of Law, any liabilities or obligations that would reasonably be expected to form the basis of any Action against Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries, except for liabilities or obligations that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.11. Compliance with Applicable Laws; Regulatory Matters. Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries are, and since January 1, 2015 have been, in compliance with all applicable Laws and all Permits issued thereunder, except for instances of noncompliance that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary has received any written communication during the period since January 1, 2015 from any person that alleges that Parent or a Parent Subsidiary has any liability under, or is not in compliance with, any applicable Law or any Permit issued thereunder, except for such liabilities and instances of noncompliance that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Parent has established practices and procedures regarding recusal by members of the Parent Board from all discussions or business decisions which would cause them to violate applicable U.S. sanctions laws by virtue of their nationality. This Section 4.11 does not relate to matters with respect to Taxes, which are the subject of Section 4.09, or Intellectual Property, which is the subject of Section 4.12.

SECTION 4.12. Intellectual Property. (a) All issued patents, pending patent applications, registered trademarks, pending applications for registration of trademarks, registered copyrights, copyright applications and domain names, in each case, owned directly by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary (the foregoing being, collectively, the “ Parent Registered Intellectual Property ”) is subsisting and unexpired and, to the Knowledge of Parent, valid and enforceable, except for, in each case, Parent Registered Intellectual Property the failure of which to be subsisting, unexpired, valid or enforceable, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. Except for matters which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, all Parent Registered Intellectual Property is exclusively owned by Parent or a Parent Subsidiary.

(b) Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries own, or are validly licensed or otherwise have the right to use, in each case free and clear of any Liens other than nonexclusive licenses of Intellectual Property entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, all Intellectual Property used in or necessary to carry on its business as now being conducted and as planned to be conducted, except for Intellectual Property the failure of which to own or have the right to use, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. The consummation of the Transactions will not conflict with the rights of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary in its Intellectual Property, except for conflicts that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

(c) None of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary has, since January 1, 2015, infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise come into conflict with any Intellectual Property or other proprietary information of any other person, except for any such infringement, misappropriation or other conflict that, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. During the period since January 1, 2015 (i) none of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary has received any written or, to the Knowledge of Parent, oral charge, complaint, claim, demand or notice alleging any such infringement, misappropriation or other conflict (including any claim that Parent or any Parent Subsidiary must license or

 

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refrain from using any Intellectual Property or other proprietary information of any other person) and (ii) none of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary is party to or the subject of any pending or, to the Knowledge of Parent, threatened, Action before or by any Governmental Entity with respect to any such infringement, misappropriation or conflict, except for, in the case of each of subclauses (i) and (ii), such charges, complaints, claims, demands, notices and Actions that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of Parent, no other person has, since January 1, 2015, infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise come into conflict with any Intellectual Property owned by, licensed to or otherwise used by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, except for any such infringement, misappropriation or other conflict that, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.

(d) (i) Parent and each Parent Subsidiary has used commercially reasonable efforts intended to maintain in confidence all confidential information used or held for use by Parent in the operation of its business and (ii) except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect, to the Knowledge of Parent, none of Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries has disclosed any material confidential information owned by Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries to any other person (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and subject to obligations of confidence).

(e) Except for matters which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, each of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries has established privacy compliance policies and is in substantial compliance with, and since January 1, 2015 has been in substantial compliance with, its respective privacy policies and any applicable Laws relating to personally identifiable information. There are no, and since January 1, 2015 have been no, material failures of or interruptions to and, to the Knowledge of Parent there has been no unauthorized access to or use by a third party of, the information technology systems and equipment owned or leased by Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries.

SECTION 4.13. Brokers; Schedule of Fees and Expenses. No broker, investment banker, financial advisor or other similar person, other than Centerview Partners UK LLP, Deutsche Bank AG and UBS Limited, the fees and expenses of which will be paid by Parent, is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s, financial advisor’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the Merger and the other Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Parent.

SECTION 4.14. Sufficient Funds; Financing.

(a) At the Closing, Parent, together with the Parent Subsidiaries, will have, or will have available to them, the funds necessary to pay (i) the aggregate Per Share Cash Consideration in full in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (ii) any other amounts required to be paid in connection with the consummation of the Merger, (iii) assuming compliance by the Company with Section 5.01(a)(viii), all obligations pursuant to the Company’s Credit Agreement, dated as of December 18, 2014, by and among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto from time to time and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent thereunder, as amended and (iv) any fees and expenses associated with the foregoing (the “ Required Payments ”). Parent has delivered to the Company fully executed, true and complete copies of (x) the New Term Loan Facility dated on or about the date of this Agreement together with any exhibits, annexes, schedules or other attachments thereto, with the financing sources specified therein and (y) any fee, syndication, “flex” or similar letters relating to the New Term Loan Facility together with any exhibits, annexes, schedules or other attachments thereto (with only the fee amounts and certain other provisions redacted, which redacted provisions shall not affect the principal amount or availability of the Financing). The proceeds of the New Term Loan Facility shall be available to finance the Required Payments. As of the date hereof, there are no amendment, modifications or waivers with respect to the New Term Loan Facility. The New Term Loan Facility is the legal, valid and binding obligation of, and enforceable against, Parent, and, to the Knowledge of Parent, each of the other parties thereto except, in each case, as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Parent Entities and Sub acknowledge and agree that it is not a condition to Closing under this Agreement for any Parent Entity to obtain all or any portion of the Financing.

ARTICLE V

Covenants Relating to Conduct of Business

SECTION 5.01. Conduct of Business. (a)  Conduct of Business by the Company. Except as set forth in Section 5.01(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter or otherwise expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by this Agreement or required by applicable Law or with the prior written consent of Parent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, or, if earlier, the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Company shall, and shall cause each Company Subsidiary to, (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course in all material respects consistent with past practice and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organization and advantageous business relationships, including by maintaining its relations and goodwill with all material suppliers, material customers, material licensors, material licensees, material distributors and Governmental Entities and keeping available the services of its current officers and employees. In addition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as forth in Section 5.01(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter or otherwise expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by this Agreement or required by applicable Law or with the prior written consent of Parent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, or, if earlier, the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Company Subsidiary to, do any of the following:

(i) (A) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, stock or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) regular quarterly cash dividends payable by the Company in respect of shares of Company Common Stock with declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with the Company’s current dividend policy and in accordance with Section 5.01(a)(i)(A) of the Company Disclosure Letter and (2) dividends and distributions by any Company Subsidiary to its applicable parent, (B) split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any of its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or other equity interests or voting securities or issue, propose or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for its capital stock, other equity interests or voting securities or (C) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or offer to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, from any third party, any capital stock or voting securities of, or equity interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any securities thereof convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of, or equity interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any such capital stock, securities or interests, other than (x) the withholding of shares of Company Common Stock to satisfy Tax obligations with respect to Company Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Company Stock Plans and (y) the acquisition by the Company of Company Stock Awards granted pursuant to the Company Stock Plans in connection with the forfeiture of such Company Stock Awards;

(ii) issue, deliver, sell, grant, pledge or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien (except for any transaction solely between the Company and a wholly owned Company Subsidiary or between wholly owned Company Subsidiaries) (A) any shares of Company Capital Stock or any other capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (B) any other equity interests or voting securities of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (C) any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (D) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (E) any rights issued by the Company or any

 

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Company Subsidiary that are linked in any way to the price of any class of Company Capital Stock or any shares of capital stock of any Company Subsidiary, the value of the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any part of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any dividends or other distributions declared or paid on any shares of Company Capital Stock or any other capital stock of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or (F) any Company Voting Debt, in each case other than the issuance of shares of Company Common Stock upon the vesting or settlement of Company Stock Awards (x) outstanding on the date of this Agreement and in accordance with the terms of the applicable award in effect on the date of this Agreement or (y) granted after the date of this Agreement in accordance with this Agreement;

(iii) (A) amend the Company Charter or the Company Bylaws or (B) amend in any material respect the charter or organizational documents of any Company Subsidiary;

(iv) except as required to comply with any Contract or Company Benefit Plan in effect on the date of this Agreement, as contemplated by the terms of this Agreement or, solely in respect of subclauses (A), (B), (C) and (E), in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (A) increase the compensation or other benefits payable or provided to any Company Personnel, (B) establish, adopt, enter into, amend (including acceleration of vesting or payment), modify or terminate any Company Benefit Plan or plan, program, policy, agreement or other arrangement that would have been a Company Benefit Plan had it been in effect on the date of this Agreement, other than amendments, renewals and other changes, or the adoption of new Company Benefit Plans, that, in any such case, do not result in a material increase in benefits-related costs, (C) grant, grant any right to receive, or pay to any Company Personnel any severance, termination, change in control, retention or similar compensation or benefits or increase in any manner such compensation or benefits, (D) except to the extent expressly permitted under Section 5.01(a)(ii) of the Company Disclosure Letter, grant any awards under any Company Benefit Plan (including the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units, restricted stock, stock repurchase rights or other stock-based or stock-related awards or the removal or modification of existing restrictions in any Contract, Company Benefit Plan or awards made thereunder), other than any awards provided in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection with the hire or promotion of any Company Personnel or (E) take any action to fund or in any other way secure the payment of compensation or benefits under any Contract or Company Benefit Plan;

(v) make any material change in financial accounting methods, principles or practices, except insofar as may have been required by a change in GAAP (after the date of this Agreement);

(vi) other than pursuant to cash management or investment portfolio activities performed in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, directly or indirectly acquire in any transaction any equity interest in or business of any person or other entity or division thereof or any properties or assets for consideration valued in excess of $50,000,000 in the aggregate (other than purchases of supplies and inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or any transaction solely between the Company and a wholly owned Company Subsidiary or between wholly owned Company Subsidiaries, in each case, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice);

(vii) sell, lease (as lessor), license, mortgage, sell and leaseback or otherwise encumber or subject to any Lien, or otherwise dispose of any material properties, rights or assets of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (other than Intellectual Property, which is the subject of Section 5.01(a)(xiv)), except (A) pursuant to Contracts or commitments in effect on the date of this Agreement (or entered into after the date of this Agreement without violating the terms of this Agreement), (B) for the sale, lease or license of products and services with a fair market value not in excess of $25,000,000 and made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (C) in connection with any waiver, release, assignment, settlement, compromise or Action otherwise permitted under this Section 5.01(a) or (D) in connection with cash management or investment portfolio activities performed in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

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in excess of $1,000,000,000, in the aggregate, (B) other borrowings not in excess of $25,000,000, in the aggregate or (C) intercompany Indebtedness among the Company and any wholly owned Company Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(ix) make any capital expenditure in excess of $10,000,000 individually and $30,000,000 in the aggregate for all such capital expenditures that are not contemplated by the capital plans set forth in Section 5.01(a)(ix) of the Company Disclosure Letter;

(x) make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any person in excess of $5,000,000 individually and $25,000,000 in the aggregate, other than (A) cash management or investment portfolio activities performed in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (B) in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 5.01(a)(vi) or (C) solely between the Company and a wholly owned Company Subsidiary or between wholly owned Company Subsidiaries;

(xi) (A) extend, renew, terminate or materially amend or modify any Company Material Contract or enter into, extend, renew or materially amend or modify any Contract that would have been a Company Material Contract if such Contract had been entered into prior to the date of this Agreement or (B) waive, release or assign any material rights, claims or benefits under any such Contract (solely for purposes of this Section 5.01(a)(xi), the term “Company Material Contract” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of Company Material Contract contained in Section 3.15(b), except that (x) all references in such definition to “$200,000,000” shall be deemed to be references to “$100,000,000” and (y) such definition shall not be deemed to include any Company Material Contract that is a Company Material Contract solely because it is a Filed Company Contract);

(xii) enter into, extend, renew or materially amend or modify any Contract for goods and services (A) providing for aggregate annual payments by the Company or any Company Subsidiaries in excess of $40,000,000 and (B) with durations of greater than one year from the date of such entry, extension, renewal, amendment or modification;

(xiii) waive, release, assign, settle or compromise (A) any Action, other than waivers, releases, assignments, settlements or compromises that do not create obligations of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries other than the payment of monetary damages (x) equal to or less than the amounts reserved with respect thereto on the Company SEC Documents filed prior to the date of this Agreement or (y) not in excess of $25,000,000 for any individual Action and $100,000,000 in the aggregate or (B) any Action relating to the Transactions other than in accordance with Section 6.12;

(xiv) abandon, encumber, convey title (in whole or in part), exclusively license or grant any right or other licenses to any material Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, or enter into Contracts that impose material restrictions upon the Company or any Company Subsidiaries with respect to material Intellectual Property rights owned by any third party, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;

(xv) except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, make or change any material Tax election, change any annual Tax accounting period, change or consent to any material change in any Tax accounting method, file any amended material Tax Return, enter into any closing agreement related to a material Tax, surrender any right to claim a material Tax refund, settle any material Tax liability, request any material Tax ruling or waive, extend or consent to any extension or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Taxes, Tax claim or assessment;

(xvi) enter into any new line of business outside of the existing businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries;

(xvii) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for the dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other similar reorganization of the Company or dissolve or liquidate any material Company Subsidiary;

 

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(xviii) file, issue, release or otherwise publish any projections, forecasts, estimates, guidance or predictions in respect of revenues, earnings, profits or other financial or operating metrics, other than any such projections, forecasts, estimates, guidance or predictions that the Company determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel) is required by applicable Law to be included in the Proxy Statement;

(xix) enter into any material joint venture, partnership or other similar arrangement; or

(xx) authorize any of, or commit, resolve or agree to take any of, the foregoing actions.

(b) Conduct of Business by Parent. Except as set forth in Section 5.01(b) of the Parent Disclosure Letter or otherwise expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by this Agreement or required by applicable Law or with the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, or, if earlier, the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, Parent shall, and shall cause each Parent Subsidiary to, (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course in all material respects consistent with past practice and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organization and advantageous business relationships, including by maintaining its relations and goodwill with all material suppliers, material customers, material licensors, material licensees, material distributors and Governmental Entities and keeping available the services of its current officers and employees. In addition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as forth in Section 5.01(b) of the Parent Disclosure Letter or otherwise expressly permitted or expressly contemplated by this Agreement or required by applicable Law or with the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, or, if earlier, the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, Parent shall not do any of the following:

(i) (A) declare, set aside or pay any dividends on, or make any other distributions (whether in cash, shares or property or any combination thereof) in respect of, any of its shares, other equity interests or voting securities, other than (1) regular half year and annual cash dividends with respect to the Parent Ordinary Shares and Parent ADSs, with amounts and declaration, record and payment dates consistent with past practice and in accordance with Parent’s current publicly announced dividend policy, subject to periodic increases and modifications as determined by the Parent Board in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and Parent’s publicly announced dividend policy and (2) dividends and distributions with record dates after the Effective Time, (B) split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any of its shares, other equity interests or voting securities, or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares or other equity interests or voting securities or issue, propose or authorize the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for shares, other equity interests or voting securities or (C) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, or offer to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, from any third party, any shares or voting securities of, or equity interests in, Parent or any securities thereof convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares or voting securities of, or equity interests in, Parent or any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any such shares, securities or interests, other than the acquisition by Parent of Parent Share Awards granted pursuant to the Parent Share Plans in connection with the forfeiture of such Parent Share Awards;

(ii) issue, deliver, sell or grant (except for any transaction solely between Parent and a wholly owned Parent Subsidiary or between wholly owned Parent Subsidiaries) (A) any shares of capital stock of Parent, (B) any other equity interests or voting securities of Parent, (C) any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Parent, (D) any warrants, calls, options or other rights to acquire any capital stock or voting securities of, or other equity interests in, Parent, (E) any rights issued by Parent that are linked in any way to the price of any class, or any shares, of capital stock of Parent, the value of Parent or any part of Parent or any dividends or other distributions declared or paid on any shares of capital stock of Parent, or (F) any Parent Voting Debt, in each case other than the grant of any Parent Share Award pursuant to the Parent Share Plans and the issuance of any Parent Ordinary Shares or Parent ADSs in connection with any Parent Share Awards;

 

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(iii) amend the Parent Articles, except for such changes as would not reasonably be expected to prevent, delay or impede the Closing or would require approval from the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares;

(iv) make any material change in financial accounting methods, principles or practices, except insofar as may have been required by a change in IFRS (after the date of this Agreement) or as required in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of the Parent Ordinary Shares contemplated by this Agreement;

(v) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for the dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other similar reorganization of Parent; or

(vi) authorize any of, or commit, resolve or agree to take any of, the foregoing actions.

(c) Other Actions. Each of the Company and Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of their respective subsidiaries to, take any action that would, or that would reasonably be expected to, result in any condition set forth in Article VII not being satisfied prior to the End Date (other than as expressly permitted by Section 5.02, Section 5.03 or Section 8.01).

(d) Advice of Changes. Each of Parent and the Company shall promptly advise the other of any change or event, of which it has Knowledge, (i) having or reasonably likely to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or a Company Material Adverse Effect, as the case may be or (ii) that would or would be reasonably likely to cause or constitute a material breach of any of its respective representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement if such material breach would result in the failure of any condition set forth in Section 7.03(a) or Section 7.03(b), or Section 7.02(a) or Section 7.02(b), respectively, by the End Date, except that (A) no such notification will affect the representations, warranties or covenants of the parties (or remedies with respect thereto) or the conditions to the obligations of the parties under this Agreement and (B) a failure to comply with this Section 5.01(d) will not constitute the failure of any condition set forth in Article VII to be satisfied unless the underlying Parent Material Adverse Effect, Company Material Adverse Effect or material breach would independently result in the failure of a condition set forth in Article VII to be satisfied.

(e) Control of Operations . Nothing contained in this Agreement will give Parent or the Company, directly or indirectly, the right to direct or control the other party’s and such party’s subsidiaries’ operations prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each of Parent and the Company will exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its respective operations and the operations of its respective subsidiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, including any of the actions, rights or restrictions set forth herein, will be interpreted in such a way as to place Parent or the Company in violation of any applicable Law.

SECTION 5.02. No Solicitation by the Company.

(a) The Company shall not, nor shall it authorize or permit any Company Subsidiary to, nor shall it authorize or permit any officer, director or employee of, or any investment banker, attorney, accountant or other advisor, agent or representative (collectively, “ Representatives ”) of the Company or any Company Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, induce or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of, any Company Takeover Proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a Company Takeover Proposal, (ii) enter into any agreement with respect to any Company Takeover Proposal (except an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement in accordance with this Section 5.02(a)) or (iii) enter into, participate in or continue any discussions or negotiations with any person (other than the Company’s Representatives) regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person any non-public information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with any person (whether or not a person making a Company Takeover Proposal) with respect to, any Company Takeover Proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a Company Takeover Proposal; provided , however , that, prior to obtaining the Required Company Shareholder Approvals, the Company and its Representatives may, in response to a written Company Takeover Proposal that the Company Board or the Transaction Committee

 

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determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) is bona fide and constitutes, or is reasonably expected to result in or lead to, a Superior Proposal, and which Company Takeover Proposal was unsolicited, was made after the date of this Agreement and did not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 5.02(a), subject to compliance with Section 5.02(c), (x) furnish information with respect to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries to the person making such Company Takeover Proposal and its Representatives ( provided that all such information has been provided to Parent or is provided to Parent prior to or substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to such person) pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement not less restrictive of the person making the Company Takeover Proposal and its Representatives than the Confidentiality Agreement (an “ Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement ”) and (y) participate in discussions regarding the terms of such Company Takeover Proposal and the negotiation of such terms with, and only with, the person (or group of persons) making such Company Takeover Proposal and its Representatives, in each case if and so long as the Company Board or the Transaction Committee, as applicable, determines in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel that providing such information or engaging in such negotiations or discussions is reasonably likely to be required for the directors to comply with their fiduciary duties under applicable Law. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed that any violation of the restrictions set forth in this Section 5.02(a) by any Representative or affiliate of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, whether or not such person is purporting to act on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or otherwise, shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 5.02(a) by the Company. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Company shall, and shall cause each Company Subsidiary and its and their Representatives to, (A) immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions or negotiations with any person conducted prior to the date of this Agreement with respect to a Company Takeover Proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a Company Takeover Proposal, (B) promptly request each person, if any, that has executed a confidentiality agreement in the last 12 months in respect of a Company Takeover Proposal to return or destroy all information heretofore furnished to such person or its Representatives by or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary and (C) reasonably promptly terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any person or its Representatives.

(b) Neither the Company Board nor the Transaction Committee or any other committee thereof will (i) (A) withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to Parent), or propose publicly to withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to Parent), the Company Recommendation or (B) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, any Company Takeover Proposal (any action in this clause (i) being referred to as a “ Company Adverse Recommendation Change ”) or (ii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, or allow the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, alliance agreement, partnership agreement or other similar Contract or arrangement (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement pursuant to Section 5.02(a)) constituting or relating to, or that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to, any Company Takeover Proposal, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, the Company to abandon, terminate, delay or fail to consummate, or that would otherwise impede, interfere with or be inconsistent with, the Transactions, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, the Company to fail to comply with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary herein, at any time prior to obtaining the Required Company Shareholder Approvals, the Company Board or the Transaction Committee may make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change only if the Company Board or Transaction Committee, as applicable, determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor and after giving effect to all of the adjustments to the terms of this Agreement that have been offered in writing by Parent in accordance with this Section 5.02(b), that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law; provided , however , that neither the Company Board nor the Transaction Committee will be entitled to exercise its rights to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change unless (x) the Company delivers to Parent a written notice (a “ Company Notice ”) advising Parent that the Company Board or the Transaction Committee, as applicable, intends to take such action and specifying the reasons therefor, including, in the case of a Superior Proposal, (A) the identity of the party making such Superior

 

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Proposal, (B) the material terms and conditions of the Superior Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action by the Company Board and (C) a copy of the most current version of any proposed definitive agreement(s) with respect to any such Superior Proposal and (y) at or after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fourth Business Day following the day on which the Company delivered the Company Notice (it being understood that for purposes of calculating such four Business Days, the first Business Day will be the first Business Day after the date of such delivery), the Company Board or the Transaction Committee, as applicable, reaffirms in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that (1) in the case of a Superior Proposal, such Company Takeover Proposal continues to constitute a Superior Proposal and (2) the failure to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law (it being understood and agreed that any change in the financial terms or any other material amendment to the terms and conditions of such Superior Proposal will require a new Company Notice and a new two Business Day period (it being understood that any such two Business Day period will be calculated in the same manner as the initial four Business Day period)). In determining whether to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, the Company Board and the Transaction Committee will take into account any changes to the terms of this Agreement proposed in writing by Parent by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the last Business Day of the applicable four Business Day period or two Business Day period, as applicable, in response to a Company Notice, and if requested by Parent, the Company will, and will cause its Representatives to, engage in good faith negotiations with Parent and its Representatives to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement so that any Company Takeover Proposal would cease to constitute a Superior Proposal or that such failure to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change would cease to be inconsistent with the Company Board’s or Transaction Committee’s, as applicable, fiduciary duties under applicable Law. Notwithstanding any Company Adverse Recommendation Change, if the Required Company Shareholder Approvals are obtained, the requirement that the Other Directors (as defined in the Governance Agreement) have approved the Transactions for purposes of Section 2.07 of the Governance Agreement shall be deemed to have been satisfied.

(c) In addition to the obligations of the Company set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.02, the Company shall promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, advise Parent in writing of any Company Takeover Proposal or any request for non-public information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to result in, lead to or that contemplates a Company Takeover Proposal, the identity of the person making any such Company Takeover Proposal, request or inquiry and the material terms of any such Company Takeover Proposal, request or inquiry. The Company shall (i) keep Parent informed in all material respects on a reasonably current basis of the status, including any change to the material terms of, any such Company Takeover Proposal, and (ii) provide to Parent as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery thereof with copies of any draft definitive agreements or term sheets sent or provided to the Company from any third party in connection with any Company Takeover Proposal or sent or provided by the Company to any third party in connection with any Company Takeover Proposal.

(d) Nothing contained in this Section 5.02 shall prohibit the Company from complying with Rule 14e-2(a) and Rule 14d-9 promulgated under the Exchange Act or from making any other disclosure to the holders of Company Capital Stock if, in the good-faith judgment of the Company Board or the Transaction Committee, after consultation with its respective outside legal counsel, failure so to disclose would be inconsistent with its obligations under applicable Law; provided , however , that (x) in no event shall the Company, the Company Board or the Transaction Committee or any other committee thereof take, or agree to take, any action prohibited by Section 5.02(b) and (y) any public disclosure made by or on behalf of the Company that refers to a Company Takeover Proposal will be deemed to be a Company Adverse Recommendation Change (including for purposes of Section 8.01(d)) unless the Company Board expressly reaffirms the Company Recommendation in such disclosure.

(e) For purposes of this Agreement:

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exchange, other business combination or similar transaction involving the Company or any Company Subsidiary, pursuant to which any person or group of persons (or affiliates thereof) would acquire 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“ EBITDA ”) or assets of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) sale, lease, contribution or other disposition, directly or indirectly (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination, partnership, joint venture, sale of capital stock of or other equity interests in a Company Subsidiary or otherwise) of any business or assets of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries representing 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, EBITDA or assets of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (iii) issuance, sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, to any person or group of persons (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) of securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such securities) representing 25% or more of the voting power of the Company, (iv) transaction in which any person or group of persons (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) will acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership, or the right to acquire beneficial ownership, or formation of any group which has beneficial ownership or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership, of 25% or more of the voting power of the Company or (v) combination of the foregoing (in each case, other than the Transactions).

Superior Proposal ” means any bona fide binding written offer (not solicited by or on behalf of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective Representatives or otherwise resulting from a breach of Section 5.02(a)) made by a third party after the date of this Agreement that, if consummated, would result in such third party (or its shareholders) owning, directly or indirectly, a majority of the voting power of the Company Capital Stock then outstanding (or of the stock of the surviving entity in a merger or the direct or indirect parent of the surviving entity in a merger) or a majority of the assets of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, which the Company Board or the Transaction Committee, determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) to be (i) more favorable to the holders of Company Common Stock from a financial point of view than the Merger and the other Transactions (taking into account all of the terms and conditions of, and the likelihood of completion of, such proposal and this Agreement (including any changes to the financial terms of this Agreement proposed by Parent in response to such offer or otherwise)) and (ii) reasonably capable of being completed, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory and other aspects of such proposal.

SECTION 5.03. No Solicitation by Parent.

(a) Parent shall not, nor shall it authorize or permit any Parent Subsidiary to, nor shall it authorize or permit any Representative of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage, induce or facilitate, or furnish or disclose non-public information in furtherance of, any Parent Alternative Proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a Parent Alternative Proposal, (ii) enter into any agreement with respect to any Parent Alternative Proposal (except an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement in accordance with this Section 5.03(a)) or (iii) enter into, participate in or continue any discussions or negotiations with any person (other than the Parent’s Representatives) regarding, or furnish or disclose to any person any non-public information with respect to, or otherwise cooperate in any way with any person (whether or not a person making a Parent Alternative Proposal) with respect to, any Parent Alternative Proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a Parent Alternative Proposal; provided , however , that, prior to obtaining the Parent Shareholder Approval, Parent and its Representatives may, in response to a written Parent Alternative Proposal that the Parent Board determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) is bona fide and constitutes, or is reasonably expected to result in or lead to, a Superior Parent Alternative Proposal, and which Parent Alternative Proposal was unsolicited, was made after the date of this Agreement and did not otherwise result from a breach of this Section 5.03(a), subject to compliance with Section 5.03(c), (x) furnish information with respect to Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries to the person making such Parent Alternative Proposal and its Representatives (provided that all such information has been provided to the Company or is provided to the Company prior to or substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to such person) pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement not less restrictive of the person making the Parent Alternative Proposal and its

 

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Representatives than the Confidentiality Agreement (a “ Parent Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement ”) and (y) participate in discussions regarding the terms of such Parent Alternative Proposal and the negotiation of such terms with, and only with, the person (or group of persons) making such Parent Alternative Proposal and its Representatives, in each case if and so long as the Parent Board determines in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel that providing such information or engaging in such negotiations or discussions is reasonably likely to be required for the directors to comply with their fiduciary duties under applicable Law. Without limiting the foregoing, it is agreed that any violation of the restrictions set forth in this Section 5.03(a) by any Representative or affiliate of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, whether or not such person is purporting to act on behalf of the Parent or any Parent Subsidiary or otherwise, shall be deemed to be a breach of this Section 5.03(a) by Parent. Upon execution of this Agreement, Parent shall, and shall cause each Parent Subsidiary and its and their Representatives to, (A) immediately cease and cause to be terminated all discussions or negotiations with any person conducted prior to the date of this Agreement with respect to a Parent Alternative Proposal or any inquiry or proposal that would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to a Parent Alternative Proposal, (B) promptly request each person, if any, that has executed a confidentiality agreement in the last 12 months in respect of a Parent Alternative Transaction to return or destroy all information heretofore furnished to such person or its Representatives by or on behalf of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary and (C) reasonably promptly terminate all physical and electronic data room access previously granted to any person or its Representatives.

(b) Neither the Parent Board nor any committee thereof will (i) (A) withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to the Company), or propose publicly to withhold or withdraw (or modify or qualify in any manner adverse to the Company), the Parent Recommendation or (B) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, any Parent Alternative Proposal (any action in this clause (i) being referred to as a “ Parent Adverse Recommendation Change ”) or (ii) approve, recommend or declare advisable, or propose publicly to approve, recommend or declare advisable, or allow Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries to execute or enter into, any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option agreement, joint venture agreement, alliance agreement, partnership agreement or other similar Contract or arrangement (other than a Parent Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement pursuant to Section 5.03(a)) constituting or relating to, or that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to result in or lead to, any Parent Alternative Proposal, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, Parent to abandon, terminate, delay or fail to consummate, or that would otherwise impede, interfere with or be inconsistent with, the Transactions, or requiring, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, Parent to fail to comply with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary herein, at any time prior to obtaining the Parent Shareholder Approval, the Parent Board may make a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change only if the Parent Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor and after giving effect to all of the adjustments to the terms of this Agreement that have been offered in writing by the Company in accordance with this Section 5.03(b), that the failure to do so would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law; provided , however , that the Parent Board will not be entitled to exercise its rights to make a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change unless (x) Parent delivers to the Company a written notice (a “ Parent Notice ”) advising the Company that the Parent Board intends to take such action and specifying the reasons therefor, including, in the case of a Superior Parent Alternative Proposal, (A) the identity of the party making such Superior Parent Alternative Proposal, (B) the material terms and conditions of the Superior Parent Alternative Proposal that is the basis of the proposed action by the Parent Board and (C) a copy of the most current version of any proposed definitive agreement(s) with respect to any such Superior Parent Alternative Proposal and (y) at or after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fourth Business Day following the day on which Parent delivered the Parent Notice (it being understood that for purposes of calculating such four Business Days, the first Business Day will be the first Business Day after the date of such delivery), the Parent Board reaffirms in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) that (1) in the case of a Superior Parent Alternative Proposal, such Parent Alternative Proposal continues to constitute a Superior Parent Alternative Proposal and (2) the failure to make a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law (it being understood and agreed that any change in the financial terms or

 

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any other material amendment to the terms and conditions of such Superior Parent Alternative Proposal will require a new Parent Notice and a new two Business Day period (it being understood that any such two Business Day period will be calculated in the same manner as the initial four Business Day period)). In determining whether to make a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change, the Parent Board will take into account any changes to the terms of this Agreement proposed in writing by the Company by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the last Business Day of the applicable four Business Day period or two Business Day period, as applicable, in response to a Parent Notice, and if requested by the Company, Parent will, and will cause its Representatives to, engage in good faith negotiations with the Company and its Representatives to make such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement so that any Parent Alternative Proposal would cease to constitute a Superior Parent Alternative Proposal or that such failure to make a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change would cease to be inconsistent with the Parent Board’s fiduciary duties under applicable Law.

(c) In addition to the obligations of Parent set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.03, Parent shall promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, advise the Company in writing of any Parent Alternative Proposal or any request for material, non-public information or inquiry that would reasonably be expected to result in, lead to or that contemplates a Parent Alternative Proposal, the identity of the person making any such Parent Alternative Proposal, request or inquiry and the material terms of any such Parent Alternative Proposal, request or inquiry. Parent shall (i) keep the Company informed in all material respects on a reasonably current basis of the status, including any change to the material terms of, any such Parent Alternative Proposal, and (ii) provide to the Company as soon as practicable after receipt or delivery thereof with copies of any draft definitive agreements or term sheets sent or provided to Parent from any third party in connection with any Parent Alternative Proposal or sent or provided by Parent to any third party in connection with any Parent Alternative Proposal.

(d) Nothing contained in this Section 5.03 shall prohibit Parent from making any disclosure to the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares if, in the good-faith judgment of the Parent Board, after consultation with its outside legal counsel, failure so to disclose would be inconsistent with its obligations under applicable Law; provided , however , that (x) in no event shall Parent or the Parent Board or any committee thereof take, or agree to take, any action prohibited by Section 5.03(b) and (y) any public disclosure made by or on behalf of Parent that refers to a Parent Alternative Proposal will be deemed to be a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change (including for purposes of Section 8.01(f)) unless the Parent Board expressly reaffirms the Parent Recommendation in such disclosure.

(e) For purposes of this Agreement:

Parent Alternative Proposal ” means any inquiry, proposal or offer (whether or not in writing) with respect to any Parent Alternative Transaction.

Parent Alternative Transaction ” means (i) any (A) tender offer or exchange offer, merger, amalgamation, arrangement, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination or similar transaction involving Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, pursuant to which any person or group of persons (or affiliates thereof) would acquire 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, EBIDTA or assets of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (B) sale, lease, contribution or other disposition, directly or indirectly (including by way of merger, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination, partnership, joint venture, sale of capital stock of or other equity interests in a Parent Subsidiary or otherwise) of any business or assets of Parent or the Parent Subsidiaries representing 25% or more of the consolidated revenues, net income, EBITDA or assets of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (C) issuance, sale or other disposition, directly or indirectly, to any person or group of persons (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) of securities (or options, rights or warrants to purchase, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such securities) representing 25% or more of the voting power of Parent, (D) transaction in which any person or group of persons (or affiliates or stockholders thereof) will acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership, or the right to acquire beneficial ownership, or formation of any group which has beneficial ownership or has the right to acquire beneficial

 

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ownership, of 25% or more of the voting power of Parent or (E) combination of the foregoing, in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (A) through (E), that would require, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, Parent to abandon, terminate, materially delay or fail to consummate the Transactions or that would otherwise be reasonably expected to cause a condition set forth in Article VII to be unsatisfied prior to the End Date, or (ii) any transaction (including any merger, consolidation, share exchange, other business combination, partnership, joint venture, sale or acquisition of capital stock of or other equity interests in any entity) involving Parent, any Parent Subsidiary or their respective assets that (A) is not in the ordinary course of business, (B) is a transaction comparable to the Transactions and (C) would require, or that would reasonably be expected to cause, Parent to terminate, materially delay or fail to consummate the Transactions or that would otherwise be reasonably expected to cause a condition set forth in Article VII to be unsatisfied prior to the End Date.

Superior Parent Alternative Proposal ” means any bona fide binding written offer (not solicited by or on behalf of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary or any of their respective Representatives or otherwise resulting from a breach of Section 5.03(a)) made by a third party with respect to a Parent Alternative Transaction after the date of this Agreement, which the Parent Board, determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisor) to be (i) more favorable to the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares from a financial point of view than the Merger and the other Transactions (taking into account all of the terms and conditions of, and the likelihood of completion of, such proposal and this Agreement (including any changes to the financial terms of this Agreement proposed by the Company in response to such offer or otherwise)) and (ii) reasonably capable of being completed, taking into account all financial, legal, regulatory and other aspects of such proposal.

SECTION 5.04. Parent Recommendation and Vote. Notwithstanding any Parent Adverse Recommendation Change, Parent shall vote (or cause the applicable Parent Subsidiary to vote), in person or by proxy, or deliver a written consent (or cause the applicable Parent Subsidiary to deliver a written consent) covering, all shares of Company Common Stock that are owned by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any such shares held by any Parent Share Plan or any trustee or other fiduciary in such capacity under any Parent Share Plan) as of the record date for the Company Shareholders Meeting, in favor of adoption of the Plan of Merger and any other action of the holders of Company Common Stock requested by the Company in furtherance thereof (other than the Unaffiliated Shareholder Approval).

SECTION 5.05. Company Subsidiary Vote. Notwithstanding any Company Adverse Recommendation Change, to the extent such shares are entitled to vote on the Plan of Merger under Section 55-7-21(b) of the NCBCA, the Company shall cause any applicable Company Subsidiary to vote, in person or by proxy, or to deliver a written consent covering, all shares of Company Capital Stock that are owned by such Company Subsidiary (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any such shares held by any Company Benefit Plan or any trustee or other fiduciary in such capacity under any Company Benefit Plan) as of the record date for the Company Shareholders Meeting in favor of adoption of the Plan of Merger and any other action of the holders of Company Capital Stock requested by the Company in furtherance thereof.

ARTICLE VI

Additional Agreements

SECTION 6.01. Preparation of Proxy Statement, Form F-4 and Parent Circular; Shareholders Meeting.

(a) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC the Proxy Statement in preliminary form and Parent shall prepare and file with the SEC the Form F-4. Parent shall also cause the depositary of the Parent ADSs to prepare and file with the SEC, no later than the date prescribed by the rules and regulations under the Securities Act, the Form F-6. Parent and the Company shall make available to each other all information, and provide such other assistance, as may be reasonably requested in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Proxy Statement and the

 

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Form F-4, and each of Parent and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments of the SEC with respect thereto and to have the Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC, and the Form F-4 declared effective by the SEC, in each case as promptly as reasonably practicable. As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, and concurrently with preparing and filing the Proxy Statement and Form F-4, Parent and the Company shall cooperate to prepare and file with the SEC the Schedule 13E-3 and make available to each other all information reasonably requested with respect thereto, and each of Parent and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments of the SEC with respect thereto and to have the Schedule 13E-3 cleared by the SEC as promptly as reasonably practicable. Parent and the Company shall notify each other promptly of the receipt of any comments from the SEC or its staff and of any request by the SEC or its staff for amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement, Form F-4 or Schedule 13E-3 or for additional information and promptly shall supply each other with copies of all correspondence between it or any of its Representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC or its staff, on the other hand, with respect to the Proxy Statement, Form F-4 or the Schedule 13E-3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to filing or mailing the Schedule 13E-3, the Proxy Statement or Form F-4 (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or responding to any comments of the SEC with respect thereto, each of Parent and the Company, as the case may be, (i) shall provide the other party with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such document or response (including the proposed final version of such document or response), (ii) shall consider in good faith all comments reasonably proposed by such other party and (iii) shall not file or mail such document or respond to the SEC prior to receiving such other party’s approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Each of the Company and Parent will advise the other, promptly after receipt of notice thereof, of the time of effectiveness of the Form F-4, the issuance of any stop order relating thereto or the suspension of the qualification of the Parent ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration (or the underlying Parent Ordinary Shares) for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, and each of the Company and Parent will use its reasonable best efforts to have any such stop order or suspension lifted, reversed or otherwise terminated. Each of the Company and Parent will also take any other action (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified) required to be taken under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws and the rules and regulations thereunder in connection with the Transactions.

(b) If, prior to (i) receipt of the Required Company Shareholder Approvals in the case of the Proxy Statement or Schedule 13E-3 or (ii) the Effective Time in the case of the Form F-4, any event or change occurs that is required to be described in an amendment of, or a supplement to, the Schedule 13E-3, Proxy Statement or Form F-4, Parent or the Company, as the case may be, shall promptly notify the other party of such event or change, and Parent and the Company shall cooperate to promptly prepare and file with the SEC any necessary amendment or supplement to the Schedule 13E-3, Proxy Statement or Form F-4 and, as required by applicable Law, disseminate the information contained in such amendment or supplement to the Company’s shareholders.

(c) The Company shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following effectiveness of the Form F-4 (but subject to Section 6.01(g)), duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the “ Company Shareholders Meeting ”) for the sole purpose of seeking the Required Company Shareholder Approvals and, if applicable, the advisory vote required by Rule 14a-21(c) under the Exchange Act in connection therewith. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Proxy Statement, together with the Schedule 13E-3 and the Form F-4, to be mailed to the Company’s shareholders as soon as reasonably practicable after the Form F-4 is declared effective under the Securities Act, in accordance with applicable Law, the Company Charter and the Company Bylaws. The Proxy Statement mailed to the holders of Company Capital Stock shall include the notice of appraisal rights required to be delivered by the Company pursuant to Article 13 of the NCBCA that complies with all applicable Law. The Company shall also include the Company Recommendation in the Proxy Statement and the Company Board shall solicit the approval of this Agreement by the holders of Company Capital Stock, except to the extent that the Company Board or the Transaction Committee shall have made a Company Adverse Recommendation Change as permitted by Section 5.02(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to compliance with any requirements of applicable Law, the Company Charter and the Company Bylaws, if the Company reasonably believes that (i) it is necessary to

 

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postpone or adjourn the Company Shareholders Meeting to ensure that any required amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement is mailed to the holders of Company Capital Stock within a reasonable amount of time in advance of the Company Shareholders Meeting, (ii) such postponement or adjournment is required by Law or a court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction in connection with any Actions in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions or has been requested by the SEC or its staff, or (iii)(A) the Company will not receive proxies sufficient to obtain the Required Company Shareholder Approvals, whether or not a quorum is present, or (B) the Company will not have sufficient shares of Company Common Stock present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Company Shareholders Meeting, then the Company, after consultation with Parent, may postpone or adjourn, or make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of, the Company Shareholders Meeting, so long as, in the case of any postponement or adjournment under clause (iii) of this Section 6.01(c), the date of the Company Shareholders Meeting is not postponed or adjourned more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days without the prior written consent of Parent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). In the event that during the five Business Days prior to the date that the Company Shareholders Meeting is then scheduled to be held, the Company delivers a notice of an intent to make a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, Parent may direct the Company to postpone the Company Shareholders Meeting for up to six Business Days and, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Company Charter and the Company Bylaws, the Company shall promptly, and in any event no later than the next Business Day, postpone the Company Shareholders Meeting in accordance with Parent’s direction, subject to the Company’s right to postpone the Company Shareholders Meeting for a longer period pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company agrees that its obligations pursuant to this Section 6.01(c) shall not be affected by the commencement, public proposal, public disclosure or communication to the Company of any Company Takeover Proposal or, other than with respect to the fourth sentence of this Section 6.01(c), the making of any Company Adverse Recommendation Change by the Company Board or the Transaction Committee.

(d) As soon as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, Parent shall prepare and file with the UKLA for its approval a draft copy of the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus. The Company shall make available all information, and provide such other assistance, as Parent may reasonably request in connection with the preparation, filing and distribution of the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus, and will cause its accountants and other relevant professional advisors to cooperate with Parent as is reasonably necessary to provide Parent with the financial and other information required for purposes of the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus. Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain formal approval of the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus from the UKLA prior to or concurrently with the effectiveness of the Form F-4. Parent shall notify the Company promptly of the receipt of any comments from the UKLA or its staff and of any request by the UKLA or its staff relating to the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus and promptly shall make available to the Company copies of all correspondence between it or any of its Representatives, on the one hand, and the UKLA or its staff, on the other hand, with respect to the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus. Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to publishing the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), Parent (i) shall provide the Company with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus (including the proposed final version of the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus), (ii) shall consider in good faith all comments reasonably proposed by the Company and (iii) shall not publish the Parent Circular or the Parent Prospectus prior to receiving the Company’s approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(e) If, prior to (i) receipt of the Parent Shareholder Approval in the case of the Parent Circular or (ii) admission of the Parent Ordinary Shares constituting the Merger Consideration to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA in the case of the Parent Prospectus, any event or change occurs that is required to be described in an amendment of, or a supplement to, the Parent Circular or the Parent Prospectus, Parent or the Company, as the case may be, shall promptly notify the other party of such event or change, and Parent and the Company shall cooperate to promptly prepare and file with the UKLA any necessary amendment or supplement to the Parent Circular or the Parent Prospectus and, as required by applicable Law, publish or disseminate the information contained in such amendment or supplement to Parent’s shareholders.

 

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(f) Parent shall, as soon as reasonably practicable following the date on which the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus are approved by the UKLA (but subject to Section 6.01(g)), (i) duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Parent Shareholders Meeting for the purpose of obtaining the Parent Shareholder Approval and (ii) mail the Parent Circular to the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares and publish the Parent Prospectus in accordance with applicable Law. Parent shall include the Parent Recommendation in the Parent Circular and the Parent Board shall solicit the approval of this Agreement and the issuance of the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs constituting the Merger Consideration by holders of Parent Ordinary Shares, except to the extent that the Parent Board shall have made a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change as permitted by Section 5.03(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to compliance with any requirements of applicable Law and Parent’s organizational documents, if Parent reasonably believes that (i) it is necessary to postpone or adjourn the Parent Shareholders Meeting to ensure that any required amendment or supplement to the Parent Circular and the Parent Prospectus is mailed to the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares and published, respectively, within a reasonable amount of time in advance of the Parent Shareholders Meeting, (ii) such postponement or adjournment is required by Law or a court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction in connection with any Actions in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions or (iii)(A) Parent will not receive proxies sufficient to obtain the Parent Shareholder Approval, whether or not a quorum is present, or (B) Parent will not have a sufficient number of Parent Ordinary Shares present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct the business of the Parent Shareholders Meeting, then Parent, after consultation with the Company, may postpone or adjourn, or make one or more successive postponements or adjournments of, the Parent Shareholders Meeting, so long as, in the case of any postponement or adjournment under clause (iii) of this Section 6.01(f), the date of the Parent Shareholders Meeting is not postponed or adjourned more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days without the prior written consent of the Company (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). In the event that during the five Business Days prior to the date that the Parent Shareholders Meeting is then scheduled to be held, Parent delivers a notice of an intent to make a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change, the Company may direct Parent to postpone the Parent Shareholders Meeting for up to six Business Days and, to the extent permitted by applicable Law and Parent’s organizational documents, Parent shall promptly, and in any event no later than the next Business Day, postpone the Parent Shareholders Meeting in accordance with the Company’s direction, subject to Parent’s right to postpone the Parent Shareholders Meeting for a longer period pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Parent agrees that its obligations pursuant to this Section 6.01(f), other than with respect to the second sentence of this Section 6.01(f), shall not be affected by the making of any Parent Adverse Recommendation Change by the Parent Board.

(g) The parties will use their reasonable best efforts to hold the Company Shareholders Meeting and the Parent Shareholders Meeting on the same date.

(h) The Company acknowledges that Parent may seek a further Parent Shareholder Approval if due to material circumstances arising from the date of the Parent Shareholders Meeting until the Closing either Parent has been directed by a Governmental Entity to seek such further approval, or Parent determines in good faith (after consultation with its outside legal counsel) that it is necessary to seek such further approval for the purpose of complying with the Listing Rules, or the Company and Parent have agreed that Parent should seek such further approval.

SECTION 6.02. Access to Information; Confidentiality. Subject to applicable Law, each of Parent and the Company shall, and shall cause each of its respective subsidiaries to, afford to the other party and such party’s Representatives, reasonable access, upon reasonable advance notice, during normal business hours during the period prior to the Effective Time to all of their respective properties, books, Contracts, Tax Returns, commitments, personnel and records; provided , however , that such access (A) shall not unreasonably disrupt the normal operations of any party, (B) shall be subject to any legal restrictions on a party’s ability to provide any information ( provided that the withholding party shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the required consent of such third party to such access) and (C) shall not result in a waiver of the attorney-client privilege or the protection of attorney work-product ( provided that the withholding party shall use its reasonable best efforts

 

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to allow for such access (or as much of it as possible) in a manner that does not result in a loss of attorney client privilege). If any material is withheld by any party pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence, such party shall, to the extent possible without violating legal restrictions or risking a loss of attorney client privilege, inform the other party as to the general nature of what is being withheld. All information exchanged pursuant to this Section 6.02 shall be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement.

SECTION 6.03. Reasonable Best Efforts; Notification. (a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, as promptly as practicable, the Merger and the other Transactions, including (i) the taking of all reasonable acts necessary to cause the conditions set forth in Article VII to be satisfied as soon as reasonably practicable, (ii) the obtaining of all mandatory or appropriate nonactions and Consents from Governmental Entities and the making of all mandatory or appropriate registrations and filings (including filings with Governmental Entities, if any) and the taking of all reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain a Consent from, or to avoid an Action by, any Governmental Entity, (iii) the obtaining of all mandatory or appropriate Consents from third parties, provided that no party shall be required or permitted to incur any significant expense or liability, enter into any significant new commitment or agreement or agree to any significant modification to any contractual arrangement to obtain any such Consents, (iv) the defending of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions, including seeking to have any stay or temporary restraining order entered by any court or other Governmental Entity vacated or reversed and (v) the execution and delivery of any additional instruments mandatory or appropriate to consummate the Transactions and to fully carry out the purposes of this Agreement. In connection with and without limiting the foregoing, the Company and Parent shall duly file, in consultation and cooperation with the other parties hereto, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice the notification and report form (the “ HSR Filing ”) required under the HSR Act with respect to the Transactions as promptly as practicable (and in any event within 15 Business Days) after the date of this Agreement. Each party shall cooperate with the other party to the extent necessary to assist the other party in the preparation of its HSR Filing and any other mandatory or appropriate Consents, to request early termination of the waiting period required by the HSR Act and, if requested, to promptly amend or furnish additional information with respect to the HSR Filing and any other mandatory or appropriate Consents.

(b) In connection with and without limiting the foregoing, the Company and the Company Board and Parent and the Parent Board shall (x) take all action necessary (including by granting any approvals) to ensure that no state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation is or becomes applicable to any Transaction or this Agreement and (y) if any state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation becomes applicable to any Transaction or this Agreement, take all action necessary (including by granting any approvals) to ensure that the Merger and the other Transactions may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to eliminate or minimize the effect of such statute or regulation on the Merger and the other Transactions.

(c) Notwithstanding this Section 6.03 or anything else to the contrary herein, Parent shall not be required to dispose of any of its assets or to limit its freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses, or to consent to any disposition of the Company’s assets or limits on the Company’s freedom of action with respect to any of its businesses or any other Antitrust Restriction, or to commit or agree to any of the foregoing (each, a “ Regulatory Requirement ”), and the Company shall not, and nothing in Section 6.03(a) or Section 6.03(b) shall authorize the Company to, commit or agree to a Regulatory Requirement, to obtain any Consents in connection with, or to remove any impediments to the Transactions relating to, the HSR Act or other antitrust, competition or premerger notification, trade regulation law, regulation or order (“ Antitrust Laws ”) or to avoid the entry of, or to effect the dissolution of, any injunction, temporary restraining order or other order in any Action relating to Antitrust Laws.

 

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(d) Subject to applicable Law, each party shall consult and cooperate with one another, and consider in good faith the views of one another, in connection with obtaining all mandatory or appropriate nonactions and Consents from Governmental Entities, and each party shall (i) keep one another reasonably informed as to the status of and the processes and proceedings relating to obtaining nonactions and Consents from Governmental Entities, (ii) give prompt notice to the other party of any direct or indirect communication with a Governmental Entity in connection with the Transactions or with any person alleging that the consent of such person is or may be required in connection with the Transactions, in each case to the extent such other party is not aware of such matter, (iii) prior to making any direct or indirect substantive communication with a Governmental Entity or submission of any analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs, arguments, opinions, or proposals to a Governmental Entity in connection with the Transactions, provide the other party and its counsel a reasonable opportunity to review, and shall consider in good faith the comments of the other party in connection with any such communications, analyses, appearances, presentations, memoranda, briefs, arguments, opinions, or proposals, and (iv) unless impractical, allow the other party to participate in any substantive teleconference or in-person meetings with a Governmental Entity in connection with the Transactions; provided , however , that no notification pursuant to this Section 6.03(d) shall affect the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties (or remedies with respect thereto) or the conditions to the obligations of the parties under this Agreement.

(e) Notwithstanding this Section 6.03 or anything else to the contrary herein, Parent shall, acting reasonably and in good faith, direct and control all aspects of the parties’ efforts to obtain all mandatory or appropriate nonactions and Consents from Governmental Entities or in any Actions before any Governmental Entity relating to any Antitrust Laws; provided that (i) Parent shall provide the Company with reasonable prior notice of commitments or material actions that Parent proposes to undertake with any Governmental Entity in connection with such efforts and (ii) Parent shall consult with the Company and consider the Company’s views with respect to such matters in good faith.

SECTION 6.04. Financing. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the Financing on a timely basis including (to the extent the proceeds of the term loans thereunder are needed to consummate the Transactions) pursuant to the New Term Loan Facility and if all conditions to funding thereunder have been satisfied (it being understood and agreed that Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to satisfy (or cause to be satisfied) all such conditions on a timely basis), causing the lenders under the New Term Loan Facility to consummate the Financing on or prior to the Closing Date on the terms and conditions described in the New Term Loan Facility (it being understood that it is not a condition to Closing under this Agreement for Parent to obtain all or any portion of the Financing).

(b) Parent will keep the Company reasonably informed of the status of its efforts to arrange the Financing and to satisfy the conditions thereof, including (i) giving the Company prompt notice upon having Knowledge of any breach by any party to the New Term Loan Facility or any termination of the New Term Loan Facility and (ii) upon the Company’s reasonable request, advising and updating the Company, in a reasonable level of detail, with respect to the status of the Financing and the anticipated closing of the Financing (which shall be at or prior to the Closing). Except as set forth in this Section 6.04, Parent shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), voluntarily reduce the committed principal amount of the New Term Loan Facility or amend, modify, supplement or waive any of the conditions or contingencies to funding contained in the New Term Loan Facility or any other provision of, or remedies under, the New Term Loan Facility, in each case to the extent such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver would reasonably be expected to have the effect of directly or indirectly (A) impairing the enforceability of the New Term Loan Facility or reducing the aggregate amount of debt financing under the New Term Loan Facility (except (x) as required thereby or (y) concurrently with the entry into alternative debt financing arrangements described in clause (x) of the proviso at the end of this clause (b), in equal amounts to, and having conditions to funding that are no less favorable to Parent than the New Term Loan Facility), (B) adversely affecting in any material respect the ability of Parent to timely consummate the Transactions, (C) amending, modifying, supplementing or waiving the conditions or contingencies to the

 

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Financing in a manner materially adverse to the Company or (D) materially delaying or impeding the Closing; provided that notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Parent shall be entitled from time to time to (x) substitute other debt financing (in equal amounts to, and having conditions to funding that are no less favorable to Parent than the New Term Loan Facility) for all or any portion of the Financing from the same or alternative financing sources (including, for the avoidance of doubt, one or more issuances of debt securities; provided , that such debt securities shall not be convertible into, exchangeable for or otherwise linked to, any equity securities), and (y) amend, restate, replace, supplement or otherwise modify the New Term Loan Facility for the purpose of adding agents, co-agents, lenders, arrangers, bookrunners or other persons that have not executed the New Term Loan Facility as of the date of this Agreement, in each case, subject to subclauses (A), (B), (C) and (D) above.

(c) Upon any such amendment, restatement, replacement, supplement or modification, in accordance with the terms of this Section 6.04, the term “New Term Loan Facility” shall mean for all purposes of this Agreement the New Term Loan Facility as so amended, restated, replaced, supplemented or modified. Parent shall promptly make available to the Company true and complete copies of any such amendment, restatement, replacement, supplement or modification (with only the fee amounts and certain other provisions redacted, which redacted provisions shall not affect the principal amount or availability of the Financing).

(d) Upon the request of Parent, the Company shall provide, and shall cause the Company Subsidiaries to provide and shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause its and their Representatives to provide, all cooperation reasonably requested by Parent in connection with the arrangement of the Financing in connection with the Transactions, including: (i) participation of the Company’s senior officers in a reasonable number of meetings (including with prospective agents, co-agents, lenders, arrangers, bookrunners, underwriters and other financing sources), drafting sessions, due diligence sessions and rating agency presentations, in each case, to the extent reasonable and customary; (ii) making available to Parent and its underwriters and financing sources any historical financial statements of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries required to be included by Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K under the Securities Act in a registered offering of unsecured debt securities by Parent and any other information (financial or otherwise) regarding the Company that is reasonably available and reasonably necessary for Parent to prepare pro forma financial statements and projections or otherwise as is customarily provided in connection with any financing comparable to the Financing, as well as business and other financial information of the type required by Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K under the Securities Act in a registered offering of unsecured debt securities by Parent; (iii) assisting Parent and its underwriters and financing sources in the preparation of (A) a customary bank information memorandum (as well as a public-side version thereof) for the Financing, (B) materials for rating agency presentations and (C) prospectuses, offering memoranda and private placement memoranda, including using its reasonable best efforts to obtain any consents of accountants for use of their reports in any of the foregoing; provided that Parent shall be primarily responsible for the preparation of any such documentation; (iv) assisting Parent with the preparation of any definitive documents related to the Financing or any offering(s) of debt securities in lieu of the Financing (including any schedules thereto) as may be reasonably requested by Parent; provided that Parent shall be primarily responsible for the preparation of any such documentation; (v) executing and delivering (or using reasonable best efforts to obtain) customary certificates, accountants’ comfort letters (including customary “negative assurance” comfort), consents, legal opinions and negative assurance letters in connection with the Financing; (vi) affording Parent’s underwriters and financing sources with reasonable and customary access (on a reasonable and limited number of occasions), upon reasonable advance notice, during normal business hours to all of its properties, books, Contracts, Tax Returns, commitments, personnel and records; (vii) providing Parent’s underwriters and financing sources with all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities and as reasonably requested by Parent with respect to the Company in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT ACT; and (viii) consenting to the reasonable use of the Company’s trademarks, service marks or logos in connection with the Financing prior to the Closing Date (subject to advance review of and consultation with respect of such use and so long as such marks or logos are used in a manner that is reasonable and customary for such purposes and that is not intended or reasonably likely

 

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to harm or disparage the Company or any Company Subsidiary or the reputation or goodwill of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective products, services, offerings or intellectual property rights); provided that the Company shall not be required to pay any commitment or other similar fee or incur any other liability in connection with the Financing; provided , further , that the effectiveness of any documentation executed by the Company with respect thereto shall be subject to the consummation of the Merger and nothing in this Section 6.04 shall require any cooperation to the extent it would interfere unreasonably with the business or operations of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries. Parent acknowledges and agrees that none of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any of their respective Representatives shall incur any liability or have any obligations to any person under or in connection with the Financing prior to the Closing.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the cooperation set forth in Section 6.04(d) shall not be required to the extent such cooperation (i) unreasonably disrupts the normal operations of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, (ii) would cause any breach of this Agreement or cause any condition of this Agreement to not be satisfied, (iii) conflict with, violate or breach any applicable Law or legal restriction, the charter or similar organizational documents of the Company or any Company Subsidiary or any material Contract to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party or (iv) would result in a waiver of the attorney-client privilege or the protection of attorney work-product ( provided that the withholding party shall use its reasonable best efforts to allow for such access (or as much of it as possible) in a manner that does not result in a loss of attorney client privilege). If any material is withheld by the Company pursuant to this Section 6.04(e), the Company shall, to the extent possible without violating legal restrictions or risking a loss of attorney client privilege, inform the Company as to the general nature of what is being withheld. All information exchanged pursuant to this Section 6.04 shall be subject to the Confidentiality Agreement.

(f) Except in the case of losses arising or resulting from fraud or intentional or willful misrepresentation, gross negligence, willful misconduct or willful concealment with respect to information provided by the Company or any Company Subsidiary in connection with the Financing, in each case, as determined by a final, non-appealable Judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction, Parent shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Company Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, claims, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees), interest, awards, judgments and penalties suffered or incurred by them in connection with the arrangement of the Financing or any offerings of debt securities in lieu of the Financing and any information utilized in connection therewith (other than information provided by or on behalf of the Company expressly for use in connection therewith) in each case, whether or not the Merger is consummated and/or this Agreement is terminated. Parent shall, promptly upon the request of the Company, reimburse the Company for all out-of-pocket costs or expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with cooperation provided for in this Section 6.04.

SECTION 6.05. Equity-Based Compensation.

(a) At the Effective Time, each Cash-Out RSU outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be canceled and converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration for each share of Company Common Stock subject to such Cash-Out RSU (subject to the proviso below) and any dividend equivalent right in respect of such Cash-Out RSU, in full satisfaction of the rights of the applicable holder with respect thereto, subject to any required withholding Taxes (any such withholding Taxes shall be satisfied by having a portion of the Per Share Stock Consideration of the Merger Consideration retained by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, such portion to have a value sufficient to satisfy such withholding Taxes, and, in the event the Per Share Stock Consideration has a value that is less than such withholding Taxes, an amount of cash payable to the holder of such award equal to the value of the remaining Tax withholding shall be retained by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary), provided that, in the case of any Cash-Out RSU that is also a Company Performance Share, the number of shares of Company Common Stock deemed to be subject to such Cash-Out RSU, shall be determined by the Company Board (or the applicable committee thereof) prior to the Effective Time in accordance with the applicable award agreement and after reasonable consultation with Parent (for the avoidance of doubt, taking into account any pro ration required by such award agreement);

 

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(b) At the Effective Time, each Company DSU outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be canceled and converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration (or such other form of payment as is required by the applicable Company Benefit Plan in an amount equal to the value of the Merger Consideration) for each share of Company Common Stock subject to such Company DSU, in full satisfaction of the rights of the applicable holder with respect thereto, subject to any required withholding Taxes (any such withholding Taxes shall be satisfied by having a portion of the Per Share Stock Consideration, if any, of the Merger Consideration retained by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, such portion to have a value sufficient to satisfy such withholding Taxes, and, in the event the Per Share Stock Consideration has a value that is less than such withholding Taxes, an amount of cash payable to the holder of such award equal to the value of the remaining Tax withholding shall be retained by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary), provided that the timing of payment shall be made in accordance with the applicable award agreement and any deferral election made thereunder;

(c) At the Effective Time, each Rollover RSU outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into a restricted stock unit of Parent with respect to a target number of Parent ADSs (rounded down to the nearest whole Parent ADS (with any fractional Parent ADSs settled in cash)) equal to the product of (i) the target number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Rollover RSU immediately prior to the Effective Time and (ii) the RSU Exchange Ratio subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2.01(h) (each, an “ Adjusted RSU ”), subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Rollover RSU immediately prior to the Effective Time (except that the form of payment upon vesting and settlement shall be in Parent ADSs rather than in shares of Company Common Stock), provided that, if such Rollover RSU was subject to performance-based vesting immediately prior to the Effective Time, then the performance conditions applicable to such Adjusted RSU and the number of Adjusted RSUs that may be earned at the end of the applicable performance period shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.01(a)(iv) of the Company Disclosure Letter.

(d) At the Effective Time, Parent shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under the Company Stock Plans, each Adjusted RSU and the agreements evidencing the grants thereof. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall deliver to the holders of Adjusted RSUs appropriate notices setting forth such holders’ rights, and the agreements evidencing the grants of such Adjusted RSUs shall continue in effect on the same terms and conditions (subject to the adjustments required by this Section 6.05 after giving effect to the Merger).

(e) Prior to the Effective Time, the Company Board (or, if appropriate, any committee administering the Company Stock Plans) shall adopt such resolutions and take such other actions as may be required to effect the treatment of the Company Stock Awards described in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this Section 6.05. At the direction of Parent, payment of any cash amounts to be paid pursuant to this Section 6.05 may be made through the Company’s (or the Surviving Corporation’s) payroll, but in no event later than the second standard payroll cycle commencing after the Effective Time.

SECTION 6.06. Employee Benefit Matters.

(a) Following the Effective Time and until December 31, 2018, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, provide employees of the Company or any Company Subsidiary as of the Closing (the “ Continuing Employees ”) with (i) annual base salary (including any portion of a Continuing Employee’s annual base salary that is paid in a lump sum as a result of the cap imposed by the Company on the amount of annual base salary that may be paid to a Continuing Employee) and wages that are no less favorable than those provided to each Continuing Employee as of immediately prior to the Closing, (ii) annual target cash bonus opportunities (excluding any one-time, special or non-recurring bonus) that are no less favorable than those provided to each Continuing Employee as of immediately prior to the Closing, (iii) annual target equity-based opportunities (excluding any one-time, special or non-recurring equity-based awards) that are no less favorable in respect of value to those provided to each Continuing Employee as of immediately prior to Closing and (iv) other employee

 

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benefit plans, programs and arrangements (excluding change in control, transaction bonus and retention arrangements) that are substantially similar in the aggregate to those provided to each Continuing Employee as of immediately prior to the Closing.

(b) Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, honor, in accordance with their terms, all Company Benefit Plans subject, in the case of each Company Benefit Plan, to the right of Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any subsidiary of either to amend or terminate any Company Benefit Plan in accordance with its terms.

(c) For purposes of vesting, eligibility to participate and level of benefits (but excluding benefit accrual for purposes of defined benefit plans) under the employee benefit plans, programs, policies and arrangements providing benefits to any Continuing Employee from and after the Closing Date (the “ New Plans ”), each Continuing Employee shall be credited with his or her years of service with the Company or any Company Subsidiary and their respective predecessors prior to the Closing, to the same extent credit for such service was provided under the Company Benefit Plans as of immediately prior to the Closing, to the extent such service credit would not result in the duplication of benefits under any New Plan. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (i) each Continuing Employee who ceases to be eligible to participate in a Company Benefit Plan shall immediately be eligible to participate, without any waiting period, in any corresponding New Plan to the extent such New Plan is comparable and intended to replace the benefits under any such Company Benefit Plan, (ii) for purposes of any New Plan providing benefits to any Continuing Employee, Parent shall cause all pre-existing condition limitations, exclusions and actively-at-work requirements of such New Plan to be waived for such Continuing Employee and such Continuing Employee’s covered dependents, and (iii) to the extent Parent receives from the Company sufficient information, Parent shall cause any eligible expenses incurred by a Continuing Employee under a Company Benefit Plan during the calendar year in which the Closing Date occurs to be taken into account for purposes of satisfying such calendar year’s deductible, co-payment or co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket limitations under any relevant New Plans in which such Continuing Employee becomes eligible to participate during such calendar year, to the extent credited under the applicable Company Benefit Plan prior to the Effective Time.

(d) Parent and the Company, as applicable, shall cause

(i) all fiscal year 2016 bonus amounts under annual bonus, sales and other cash incentive plans of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (the “ FY2016 Bonuses ”) to be calculated and paid in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to the eligible Continuing Employees; provided , however , that if the Closing Date occurs prior to the date the FY2016 Bonuses are paid in the ordinary course, such bonus amounts shall be calculated based on actual results and performance achieved in respect of fiscal year 2016; and

(ii) all fiscal year 2017 bonus amounts under annual bonus, sales and other cash incentive plans of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries (the “ FY2017 Bonuses ”) to be established and calculated in accordance with Section 5.01(a)(iv) of the Company Disclosure Letter and paid in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to the eligible Continuing Employees.

(e) Parent acknowledges and agrees that a “Change in Control” or “Change of Control” (or other similar phrase) within the meaning of any severance or equity incentive agreement, plan or other arrangement entered into, sponsored by or maintained by the Company or any Company Subsidiary, shall occur as of the Effective Time as a result of the consummation of the Merger contemplated by this Agreement.

(f) From and after the date of this Agreement, the Company will notify Parent promptly of any notice or other communication received by the Company or any Company Subsidiary from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “ PBGC ”) under the PBGC’s Early Warning Program regarding any defined benefit pension plan of the Company or any Company Subsidiary. In the event of any such notice or communication, the Company will consult with Parent with respect to any communications with the PBGC or its Representatives, in accordance with Section 6.06(f) of the Company Disclosure Letter.

 

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(g) Without limiting the generality of Section 9.07, the provisions of this Section 6.06 are solely for the benefit of the parties hereto and no provision of this Section 6.06 shall (i) create any right in any Continuing Employee to continued employment by Parent, the Surviving Corporation, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries or limit the ability of Parent, the Surviving Corporation, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries to terminate the employment of any Continuing Employee, (ii) confer upon any Company Personnel any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement, (iii) except as expressly required by their terms, require Parent, the Surviving Corporation, the Company or any of their respective subsidiaries to continue any Company Benefit Plans or New Plans, as applicable, or prevent the amendment, modification or termination thereof on or after the Closing Date in accordance with their terms or (iv) be treated as a restatement, amendment or waiver of or to any particular Company Benefit Plan or New Plan or other employee benefit plan.

(h) Within ten Business Days of the date hereof, the Company shall provide to Parent a true and complete list, as of the close of business on the date hereof, of (a) all outstanding Company RSUs, the number of shares of Company Common Stock with respect thereto, the grant dates and the names of the holders thereof and the vesting schedule of the Retention RSUs, (b) all outstanding Company DSUs, the number of shares of Company Common Stock with respect thereto, the grant dates and the names of the holders thereof and (c) all outstanding Company Performance Shares, the number of shares of Company Common Stock with respect thereto at target level and maximum level and the grant dates thereof and the names of the holders thereof.

SECTION 6.07. Indemnification. (a) From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation will, and Parent will cause the Surviving Corporation to, (i) indemnify, defend and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, all current or former directors and officers of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and all fiduciaries under any Company Benefit Plan (each, together with such person’s heirs, executors or administrators, a “ Company Indemnified Party ”) against any costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and disbursements), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities to the extent related to any claim or Action arising out of or pertaining to the fact that the Company Indemnified Party is or was a director or officer of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or a fiduciary under any Company Benefit Plan or is or was serving at the request of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries as a director or officer of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other business or non-profit enterprise (including any Company Benefit Plan) at or prior to the Effective Time whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time (including with respect to acts or omissions occurring in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions). Subject to applicable Law, the Surviving Corporation will, and Parent will cause the Surviving Corporation to, pay the fees and expenses of a Company Indemnified Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and disbursements) in advance of the final disposition of any claim or Action that is the subject of the right to indemnification under this Section 6.07(a); provided, however, that such Company Indemnified Party undertakes to reimburse the Surviving Corporation for all amounts so advanced if a court of competent jurisdiction determines by a final, nonappealable Judgment that such Company Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification.

(b) From and after the Effective Time, Parent shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, cause the Surviving Corporation to honor all of the Company’s and the Company Subsidiaries’ obligations to indemnify (including any obligations to advance funds for expenses) each Company Indemnified Party and each past and present employee of the Company and any Company Subsidiary for acts or omissions by such persons occurring prior to the Effective Time to the extent that such obligations of the Company exist on the date of this Agreement, whether pursuant to the Company Charter, the Company Bylaws, individual indemnity agreements (copies of which have been made available by the Company to Parent prior to the date of this Agreement) or otherwise, and such obligations shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of the Company Charter, the Company Bylaws and such individual indemnity agreements from the Effective Time until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations with respect to any claims against such Company Indemnified Party arising out of such acts or omissions.

 

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(c) The Company may in its discretion purchase a “tail” directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy covering the six-year period from and after the Effective Time with respect to claims arising from or related to facts or events which occurred at or before the Effective Time; provided that without Parent’s consent, the cost of such “tail” policy will not exceed 300% of the annual premiums paid as of the date of this Agreement by the Company for such insurance (such 300% amount, the “ Maximum Premium ”). If the Company declines to purchase such a “tail” policy, Parent shall purchase such a “tail” policy or, at Parent’s election in lieu of purchasing such a “tail” policy, for a period of six years after the Effective Time, cause to be maintained in effect the policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance maintained by the Company as of the date of this Agreement ( provided that (i) Parent may substitute therefor policies with reputable and financially sound carriers of at least the same coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are no less advantageous and (ii) the Company shall cooperate with Parent in connection with obtaining such substitute policies, including by providing information reasonably requested by Parent in connection therewith) with respect to claims arising from or related to facts or events which occurred at or before the Effective Time; provided , however , that Parent shall not be obligated to purchase such a “tail” policy if the cost would exceed the Maximum Premium or make annual premium payments for such insurance to the extent such premiums exceed the Maximum Premium. If such insurance coverage cannot be obtained at all, or can only be obtained at an annual premium in excess of the Maximum Premium, Parent shall maintain the most advantageous policies of directors’ and officers’ insurance obtainable for an annual premium equal to the Maximum Premium. To the extent the Company elects to purchase a “tail” policy as described in this Section 6.07(c), the Company shall cooperate and consult with Parent in all respects in connection with obtaining such a “tail” policy, including by designating Parent as a successor in liability thereunder.

(d) In the event that Parent, the Surviving Corporation or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and is not the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then, and in each such case, Parent or the Surviving Corporation will cause proper provision to be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent or the Surviving Corporation, as the case may be, assume the obligations set forth in this Section 6.07.

(e) The provisions of this Section 6.07 (i) will survive consummation of the Merger, (ii) are intended to be for the benefit of, and will be enforceable by, each indemnified or insured party (including the Company Indemnified Parties), his or her heirs and his or her representatives and (iii) are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any such person may have by Law, contract or otherwise.

SECTION 6.08. Fees and Expenses.

(a) Except as provided below, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger and the other Transactions shall be paid by the party incurring such fees or expenses, whether or not the Merger is consummated.

(b) The Company will pay to Parent a fee equal to $1,000,000,000 (the “ Company Termination Fee ”) if:

(i) Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(d); provided that if either the Company or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(i) or Section 8.01(b)(iii), in each case, at any time at which Parent would have been permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(d), this Agreement will be deemed terminated pursuant to Section 8.01(d) for purposes of this Section 6.08(b)(i); or

(ii) (A) this Agreement is terminated by either Parent or the Company pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(i) or Section 8.01(b)(iii) or Section 8.01(c), and, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(i), the conditions set forth in Sections 7.01(e) and 7.01(f) have been satisfied; provided that if either the Company

 

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or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii) at any time at which Parent would have been permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(c), then this Agreement will be deemed terminated pursuant to Section 8.01(c) for purposes of this Section 6.08(b)(ii), (B) a Company Takeover Proposal has been made or made known to the Company or its shareholders after the date of this Agreement (whether or not conditional and whether or not withdrawn) but prior to the date of the Company Shareholders Meeting (in the case of Section 8.01(b)(iii)) or prior to the date this Agreement is terminated (in the case of Section 8.01(b)(i)) or prior to the breach giving rise to such right of termination (in the case of Section 8.01(c)), and (C) within 12 months after such termination, the Company or any Company Subsidiary enters into a definitive Contract with respect to, or consummates, such Company Takeover Proposal (solely for purposes of this Section 6.08(b)(ii), the term “Company Takeover Proposal” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of Company Takeover Proposal contained in Section 5.02(e) except that all references in such definition to “25% or more” shall be deemed to be references to a majority).

Any Company Termination Fee due under this Section 6.08(b) shall be paid by wire transfer of same day funds to an account designated by Parent (x) in the case of a payment as a result of Section 6.08(b)(i), on the Business Day immediately following the date of termination of this Agreement and (y) in the case of a payment as a result of Section 6.08(b)(ii), upon the occurrence of an event set forth in Section 6.08(b)(ii)(C).

(c) Parent will pay to the Company the Parent Termination Fee (as defined below) if:

(i) the Company terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(f); provided that if either the Company or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to (i) Section 8.01(b)(i) or Section 8.01(b)(iv), in each case, at any time at which the Company would have been permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(f), then this Agreement will be deemed terminated pursuant to Section 8.01(f) for purposes of this Section 6.08(c)(i);

(ii) this Agreement is terminated by either Parent or the Company (A) pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(i) and at the time of such termination one or more of the conditions to Closing set forth in Section 7.01(e), Section 7.01(f) (but for purposes of Section 7.01(f) only if each Restraint giving rise to such non-satisfaction is attributable to an Antitrust Law) or Section 7.02(c) shall not have been satisfied, but all other conditions to Closing set forth in Section 7.01 and Section 7.02 shall be satisfied (or, in the case of any condition that by its nature is to be satisfied at the Closing, would be satisfied if the Closing were to occur on the date of such termination), or (B) pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii) if the Restraint giving rise to such non-satisfaction is attributable to an Antitrust Law; provided , however , that no Parent Termination Fee shall be payable pursuant to this Section 6.08(c)(ii) in the event that the Company has not complied in all material respects with its obligations under Section 6.03; or

(iii) (A) this Agreement is terminated by either Parent or the Company pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(i) or Section 8.01(b)(iv) or Section 8.01(e), and, in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(i), the conditions set forth in Sections 7.01(e), 7.01(f) and 7.02(c) have been satisfied; provided that if either the Company or Parent terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii) at any time at which the Company would have been permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(e), then this Agreement will be deemed terminated pursuant to Section 8.01(e) for purposes of this Section 6.08(c)(iii), (B) a Parent Alternative Transaction has been publicly proposed or announced or otherwise publicly disclosed after the date of this Agreement (whether or not conditional and whether or not withdrawn) but prior to the date of the Parent Shareholders Meeting (in the case of Section 8.01(b)(iv)) or prior to the date this Agreement is terminated (in the case of Section 8.01(b)(i)) or prior to the breach giving rise to such right of termination (in the case of Section 8.01(e)), and (C) within 12 months after such termination, Parent or any Parent Subsidiary enters into a definitive Contract with respect to, or consummates, such Parent Alternative Transaction (solely for purposes of this Section 6.08(c)(ii), the term “Parent Alternative Transaction” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of Parent Alternative Transaction contained in Section 5.03(e) except that all references in such definition to “25% or more” shall be deemed to be references to “a majority”).

 

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For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Parent Termination Fee ” shall mean (i) with respect to Sections 6.08(c)(i) and 6.08(c)(iii), $1,000,000,000, and (ii) with respect to Section 6.08(c)(ii), $500,000,000. Any Parent Termination Fee due under this Section 6.08(c) shall be paid by wire transfer of same day funds to an account designated by the Company (x) in the case of a payment as a result of Section 6.08(c)(i) or 6.08(c)(ii), on the Business Day immediately following the date of termination of this Agreement and (y) in the case of a payment as a result of Section 6.08(c)(iii), upon the occurrence of an event set forth in Section 6.08(c)(iii)(C). Any Parent Termination Fee, if payable, shall be inclusive of any applicable value added Tax.

(d) Parent and the Company acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 6.08 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that, without these agreements, neither Parent nor the Company would have entered into this Agreement; accordingly, if the Company fails promptly to pay the Company Termination Fee, if any, or Parent fails to promptly pay the Parent Termination Fee, if any, and, in order to obtain such payment, the person owed such payment commences an Action that results in a Judgment against the other party for the amounts set forth in Section 6.08(b) or 6.08(c), as applicable, the person owing such payment shall pay to the other party interest on the amounts set forth in Section 6.08(b) or 6.08(c), as applicable, at a rate per annum equal to three-month LIBOR (as reported in The Wall Street Journal (Northeast edition) or, if not reported therein, in another authoritative source selected by Parent) on the date such payment was required to be made (or if no quotation for three-month LIBOR is available for such date, on the next preceding date for which such a quotation is available) plus 1.5%. In no event shall either party be obligated to pay more than one termination fee pursuant to this Section 6.08; provided , however , that to the extent (i) Parent or the Company has terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii) at any time at which the Company would have been permitted to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01(e), (ii) Parent has paid to the Company the Parent Termination Fee pursuant to Section 6.08(c)(ii) and (iii) Parent subsequently is obligated to pay to the Company the Parent Termination Fee pursuant to Section 6.08(c)(iii), Parent shall pay such subsequent Parent Termination Fee to the Company, less any amounts previously paid to the Company pursuant to Section 6.08(c)(ii).

SECTION 6.09. Public Announcements. Other than with respect to any Parent Adverse Recommendation Change or any Company Adverse Recommendation Change made in accordance with this Agreement, the Parent Entities and Sub, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, shall consult with each other before issuing, and provide each other the opportunity to review and comment upon, any material press release or other material public statements with respect to this Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions and shall not (and shall not cause or permit their respective Representatives to) issue any such material press release or make any such material public statement prior to such consultation, except as may be required by applicable Law, court process or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with, or rules of, any securities exchange or listing authority or as would not be reasonably practicable as a result of requirements of applicable Law. The Company and Parent agree that the initial press releases to be issued with respect to the Transactions will be in the form heretofore agreed to by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentences of this Section 6.09, Parent and the Company may make any oral or written public announcements, releases or statements without complying with the foregoing requirements if the substance of such announcements, releases or statements, was publicly disclosed and previously subject to the foregoing requirements.

SECTION 6.10. Stock Exchange Listing. Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause, on or prior to the Closing Date (a) the Parent ADSs to be issued as Merger Consideration to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance and (b) the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs constituting the Merger Consideration to be approved for admission to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA in accordance with the Listing Rules and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE in accordance with the Admission and Disclosure Standards of the LSE. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cooperate with Parent in connection with the foregoing, including by providing information reasonably requested by Parent in connection therewith.

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and do or cause to be done all things, necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable Laws and the rules and requirements of the NYSE to cause the delisting of the Company Common Stock from the NYSE as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, and in any event no more than two Business Days after the Closing Date, and the deregistration of the Company Common Stock under the Exchange Act as promptly as practicable after such delisting; provided that the Company shall not cause the Company Common Stock to be delisted from the NYSE prior to the Effective Time. If the Surviving Corporation is required to file any quarterly or annual report by a filing deadline that is imposed by the Exchange Act and which falls on a date within the ten days following the Closing Date, the Company shall make available to Parent, at least five Business Days prior to the Closing Date, a substantially final draft of any such annual or quarterly report reasonably likely to be required to be filed during such period.

SECTION 6.12. Transaction Litigation. In the event that any Action relating to the Transactions is brought against the Company or any of its directors or officers, the Company will promptly notify Parent of such Action and shall keep Parent informed on a reasonably current basis with respect to the status thereof. Subject to applicable Law, the Company shall give Parent the opportunity, at Parent’s cost and expense, to participate in the defense or settlement of any such Action, and no such settlement shall be agreed to without the prior written consent of Parent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). In the event that any Action relating to the Transactions is brought against Parent or any of its directors or officers, Parent will promptly notify the Company of such Action and shall keep the Company informed on a reasonably current basis with respect to the status thereof. Subject to applicable Law, Parent shall give the Company the opportunity, at the Company’s cost and expense, to participate in the defense or settlement of any such Action, and no such settlement shall be agreed to without the prior written consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

SECTION 6.13. Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall take all such steps as may be required and permitted to cause any dispositions of Company Common Stock (including derivative securities with respect thereto) by each director or officer of the Company to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.

SECTION 6.14. Company’s Auditors. From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Company’s auditors to complete their audit for the year ending December 31, 2016 in a timely manner and, at the reasonable request of Parent, to perform a review of the consolidated interim financial statements of the Company for any period beginning thereafter.

SECTION 6.15. Integration Planning. From the date of this Agreement until the Effective Time, Parent and the Company shall establish a mechanism, subject to applicable Law, reasonably acceptable to both parties by which the parties will confer on a regular and continued basis regarding the general status of the ongoing operations and administration of the Company and its subsidiaries (including with respect to the ongoing debt and equity capitalization of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries) and integration planning matters and communicate and consult with specific persons to be identified by each party with respect to the foregoing.

SECTION 6.16. Company Capitalization. The Company shall make available to Parent, at least three Business Days prior to the anticipated Closing Date, an updated list of the information set forth in the first two sentences of Section 3.03(a) as of the most recent practicable date prior to the Closing Date.

SECTION 6.17. Governance Matters. Parent shall take all actions necessary to cause three directors other than the Investor Directors (as defined in the Governance Agreement) serving on the Company Board immediately prior to the Closing to be elected or appointed as members of the Parent Board as of the Effective Time, with such directors to be selected by Parent prior to the Closing and after consultation with the Transaction Committee.

 

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ARTICLE VII

Conditions Precedent

SECTION 7.01. Conditions to Each Party’s Obligation to Consummate the Merger. The respective obligation of each party to consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent legally permissible (and except with respect to the condition set forth in Section 7.01(a)(i), which shall not be waivable), waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) Required Company Shareholder Approvals. Each of the (i) Unaffiliated Shareholder Approval and (ii) Company Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

(b) Parent Shareholder Approval . The Parent Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

(c) U.S. Listing . The Parent ADSs issuable as Merger Consideration shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.

(d) UK Listing . The UKLA and the LSE shall have acknowledged to Parent or its agent (and such acknowledgment shall not have been withdrawn) that the applications for admission of the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs constituting the Merger Consideration to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and to trading on main market for listed securities of the LSE, respectively, have been approved such that such Parent Ordinary Shares shall have been admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the UKLA and trading on the main market for listed securities of the LSE, subject only to the issue of such Parent Ordinary Shares upon completion of the Merger.

(e) Governmental Consents. (i) Any waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Transactions under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or shall have expired and (ii) each of the Consents set forth on Section 7.01(e)(ii) of the Parent Disclosure Letter shall have been obtained from the applicable Governmental Entity (whether by lapse of time or express confirmation of the relevant Governmental Entity) and shall be in full force and effect at the Closing.

(f) No Restraints. No temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other Judgment or Law entered, enacted, promulgated, enforced or issued by any court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction (collectively, “ Restraints ) shall be in effect preventing, making illegal or prohibiting the consummation of the Merger or the issuance of the Parent Ordinary Shares underlying the Parent ADSs as Merger Consideration.

(g) Forms F-4 and F-6 . The Form F-4 and the Form F-6 shall have each been declared effective under the Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement or proceedings seeking such a stop order.

(h) Parent Prospectus and Parent Circular . The Parent Prospectus and the Parent Circular shall have each been filed with and approved by the UKLA, and the Parent Prospectus shall have been made available to the public in accordance with the Prospectus Rules and the Parent Circular shall have been sent to the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares in accordance with the Listing Rules.

SECTION 7.02. Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Sub. The obligations of Parent and Sub to consummate the Merger are further subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent legally permissible, waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company (i) in Section 3.01 (Organization, Standing and Power), Section 3.03 (Capital Structure), Section 3.04 (Authority;

 

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Execution and Delivery; Enforceability), Section 3.16 (Brokers; Schedules of Fees or Expenses) and Section 3.17 (Opinions of Financial Advisors) shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date), (ii) in Section 3.08(b) (Absence of Certain Changes or Events) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date and (iii) in this Agreement (other than the foregoing sections, subsections and sentences) shall be true and correct (ignoring for such purposes any materiality or “Material Adverse Effect” qualifiers set forth therein) at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date), other than for such failures in this clause (iii) to be true and correct (ignoring for such purposes any materiality or “Material Adverse Effect” qualifiers set forth therein) that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect (it being agreed that with respect to any representation or warranty with respect to which effects resulting from or arising in connection with the matters set forth in clause (d) of the definition of the term “Material Adverse Effect” are not excluded for purposes of qualifying such representation or warranty in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur, such effects will similarly not be excluded for purposes of this Section 7.02(a)). Parent shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer of the Company to such effect.

(b) Performance of Obligations of the Company. The Company shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement that are required to be performed on or prior to the Closing Date, and Parent shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer of the Company to such effect.

(c) No Antitrust Restrictions . No Restraint issued or promulgated by a Governmental Entity under any Antitrust Laws will be in effect, in each case as a result of the Merger, that results, directly or indirectly, in (i) any prohibition or limitation on the ownership or operation by the Surviving Corporation, Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries of any portion of the business, properties or assets of the Surviving Corporation, Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries, (ii) the Surviving Corporation, Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries being compelled to dispose of or hold separate any portion of the business, properties or assets of the Surviving Corporation, Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries, (iii) any prohibition or limitation on the ability of Parent to acquire or hold, or exercise full right of ownership of, any shares of the capital stock of the Surviving Corporation or its subsidiaries, including the right to vote such shares or (iv) any prohibition or limitation on Parent effectively controlling the business or operations of the Surviving Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, an “ Antitrust Restriction ”).

SECTION 7.03. Conditions to Obligation of the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Merger is further subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent legally permissible, waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of Parent, BATUS and Sub (i) in Section 4.01(a) (Organization, Standing and Power), Section 4.03 (Capital Structure) and Section 4.04 (Authority; Execution and Delivery; Enforceability) shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date), (ii) in Section 4.08(b) (Absence of Certain Changes or Events) shall be true and correct in all respects as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date and (iii) in this Agreement (other than the foregoing sections, subsections and sentences) shall be true and correct (ignoring for such purposes any materiality or “Material Adverse Effect” qualifiers set forth therein) at and as of the date of this Agreement and at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case as of such earlier date), other than for such failures in this clause (iii) to be true and

 

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correct (ignoring for such purposes any materiality or “Material Adverse Effect” qualifiers set forth therein) that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse Effect (it being agreed that with respect to any representation or warranty with respect to which effects resulting from or arising in connection with the matters set forth in clause (d) of the definition of the term “Material Adverse Effect” are not excluded for purposes of qualifying such representation or warranty in determining whether a Parent Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur, such effects will similarly not be excluded for purposes of this Section 7.03(a)). The Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by the chief executive officer or the finance director of Parent to such effect.

(b) Performance of Obligations of Parent and Sub. Parent and Sub shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by them under this Agreement that are required to be performed on or prior to the Closing Date, and the Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by the chief executive officer or the finance director of Parent to such effect.

ARTICLE VIII

Termination, Amendment and Waiver

SECTION 8.01. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after receipt of the Required Company Shareholder Approvals or the Parent Shareholder Approval:

(a) by mutual written consent of Parent and the Company (in the case of the Company, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee);

(b) by either Parent or the Company (in the case of the Company, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee):

(i) if the Merger is not consummated on or before December 31, 2017 (the “ End Date ”); provided , however , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.01(b)(i) shall not be available to any party whose breach of a representation, warranty or covenant in this Agreement has been a principal cause of or resulted in the failure of the Transactions to be consummated on or before the End Date; provided , further , that in the event that all of the conditions set forth in Article VII have been satisfied but the End Date, by its terms, would occur before the expiration of the five Business Day period contemplated by Section 1.02, the End Date shall be extended by the number of days necessary to provide Parent with the full five Business Day period contemplated thereby;

(ii) if the condition set forth in Section 7.01(f) is not satisfied and the Restraint giving rise to such non-satisfaction shall have become final and nonappealable; provided that the terminating party shall have complied in all material respects with its obligations to use its reasonable best efforts pursuant to Section 6.03;

(iii) if either of the Required Company Shareholder Approvals shall not have been obtained at the Company Shareholders Meeting duly convened therefor or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a proper vote on such matters was taken; or

(iv) if the Parent Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained at the Parent Shareholders Meeting duly convened therefor or at any adjournment or postponement thereof at which a proper vote on such matters was taken;

(c) by Parent, if the Company breaches or fails to perform any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any of the representations or warranties of the Company contained herein fails to be true and correct, which breach or failure to perform (i) would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 7.02(a) or 7.02(b) and (ii) is not reasonably capable of being cured by the Company by the End Date or

 

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has not been cured by the Company within 30 days after the giving of written notice to the Company of such breach ( provided that Parent is not then in material breach of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement and no representation or warranty of Parent contained herein then fails to be true and correct such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.03(a) or 7.03(b) could not then be satisfied);

(d) by Parent, in the event that a Company Adverse Recommendation Change has occurred; provided , however , that Parent will not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.01(d) if both of the Required Company Shareholder Approvals shall have been obtained;

(e) by the Company, if Parent or Sub breaches or fails to perform any of its covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement, or if any of the representations or warranties of Parent contained herein fails to be true and correct, which breach or failure to perform (i) would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 7.03(a) or Section 7.03(b) and (ii) is not reasonably capable of being cured by Parent or Sub by the End Date or has not been cured by Parent or Sub within 30 days after the giving of written notice to Parent of such breach ( provided that the Company is not then in material breach of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement and no representation or warranty of the Company contained herein then fails to be true and correct such that the conditions set forth in Section 7.02(a) or 7.02(b) could not then be satisfied); or

(f) by the Company, in the event that a Parent Adverse Recommendation Change has occurred; provided , however , that the Company will not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.01(f) if the Parent Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained.

The party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of this Section 8.01 shall give written notice of such termination to the other parties in accordance with Section 9.02, specifying the provision of this Agreement pursuant to which such termination is effected.

SECTION 8.02. Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement by either the Company or Parent as provided in Section 8.01, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on the part of Parent, BATUS, Sub or the Company, other than the last sentence of Section 6.02. , the last sentence of Section 6.04(e), Section 6.04(f), Section 6.08, this Section 8.02 and Article IX, which provisions shall survive such termination. Nothing in this Section 8.02 shall be deemed to release any party from any liability for any willful and material breach by such party of the terms and provisions of this Agreement; provided that if either party receives any payments for damages from another party in respect of any such breach of this Agreement and also receives a Company Termination Fee or Parent Termination Fee, as applicable, the amount of such payments for damages made by the applicable party in respect of any such breaches shall be reduced by the amount of such Company Termination Fee or Parent Termination Fee, as applicable. The Company on behalf of the holders of Company Common Stock and Company Stock Awards has the right to seek damages (including claims for damages based on loss of the economic benefits of the Transactions to the holders of Company Shares and Company Stock Awards) in the event of Parent’s, BATUS’s or Sub’s failure to consummate the Merger in breach of this Agreement (whether or not this Agreement has been terminated), which right is hereby expressly acknowledged and agreed by Parent, BATUS and Sub. The rights of third-party beneficiaries referenced in the preceding sentence may be exercised only by the Company (on behalf of the holders of Company Shares and Company Stock Awards as their agent) through action expressly approved by the Transaction Committee, and no shareholder of the Company or holder of Company Stock Awards whether purporting to act in its capacity as a stockholder or holder of Company Stock Awards purporting to assert any right (derivatively or otherwise) on behalf of the Company, shall have any right or ability to exercise or cause the exercise of any such right.

SECTION 8.03. Amendment. Prior to the Effective Time, this Agreement may be amended by the parties (in the case of the Company, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee) at any time before or after receipt of the Required Company Shareholder Approvals or the Parent Shareholder Approval; provided , however , that (a) after receipt of the Required Company Shareholder Approvals, there shall

 

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be made no amendment that by applicable Law requires further approval by the holders of Company Capital Stock without the further approval of such shareholders and (b) after receipt of the Parent Shareholder Approval, there shall be made no amendment that by applicable Law requires further approval by the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares without the further approval of such shareholders. Subject to Section 1.05, this Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties.

SECTION 8.04. Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties (in the case of the Company, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee) may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, (c) waive compliance with any of the covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement or (d) waive the satisfaction of any conditions contained in this Agreement (except with respect to the condition set forth in Section 7.01(a)(i), which shall not be waivable); provided , however , that (i) after receipt of the Required Company Shareholder Approvals, there shall be no waiver that by applicable Law requires further approval by the holders of Company Capital Stock without the further approval of such shareholders and (ii) after receipt of the Parent Shareholder Approval, there shall be no waiver that by applicable Law requires further approval by the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares without the further approval of such shareholders. Termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01 shall not require the approval of the holders of Parent Ordinary Shares or the holders of Company Capital Stock. Any agreement on the part of a party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of such rights, nor shall any single or partial exercise by any party to this Agreement of any of its rights under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise of such rights or any other rights under this Agreement.

SECTION 8.05. Procedure for Termination, Amendment, Extension or Waiver. A termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.01, an amendment of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8.03 or an extension or waiver pursuant to Section 8.04 shall, in order to be effective, require, in the case of Parent, BATUS, Sub or the Company, action by its board of directors (in the case of the Company, acting through or on the recommendation of the Transaction Committee) or the duly authorized designee of its board of directors (in the case of the Company, such designee having been nominated at the request of the Transaction Committee).

ARTICLE IX

General Provisions

SECTION 9.01. Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties. None of the representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations or warranties, shall survive the Effective Time. This Section 9.01 shall not limit Section 8.02 or any covenant or agreement of the parties which by its terms contemplates performance after the Effective Time.

SECTION 9.02. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given upon delivery to the parties at the following addresses or email addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

(a) if to Parent, BATUS or Sub, to

Globe House, 4 Temple Place

London, WC2R 2PG

Attention: Assistant General Counsel, Corporate

Email: Robert_Casey@bat.com

 

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and

Attention: Head of Legal—M&A

Email: Craig_Harris@bat.com

with a copy to (which will not constitute notice to Parent, BATUS or Sub):

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Philip A. Gelston, Esq.

David J. Perkins, Esq.

Ting S. Chen, Esq.

Email:       PGelston@cravath.com

DPerkins@cravath.com

TChen@cravath.com

(b) if to the Company, to

Reynolds American Inc.

401 North Main Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Attention: Martin L. Holton III

Email: holtonm@rjrt.com

with a copy to (which will not constitute notice to the Company):

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

767 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10153

Attention: Michael J. Aiello

Matthew J. Gilroy

Email:       michael.aiello@weil.com

matthew.gilroy@weil.com

and

Jones Day

250 Vesey Street

New York, NY 10281

Attention: Randi C. Lesnick

Lizanne Thomas

Alain A. Dermarkar

Email:       rclesnick@jonesday.com

lthomas@jonesday.com

adermarkar@jonesday.com

 

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SECTION 9.03. Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

Action ” means any claim, suit, action, arbitration, inquiry, investigation or other proceeding of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial, arbitral or otherwise) by or before any Governmental Entity.

ADS Ratio ” means, as of the Effective Time, the number of Parent Ordinary Shares represented by one Parent ADS.

affiliate ” of any person means another person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such first person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, none of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary will be considered an affiliate of the Company or any Company Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary will be considered an affiliate of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary.

Business Day ” means any day except Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State or commercial banks in either New York or London are authorized or required by applicable Law to be closed. Any event the scheduled occurrence of which would fall on a day that is not a Business Day shall be deferred until the next succeeding Business Day.

Cash-Out RSU ” means each Company RSU and each Company Performance Share, in each case, that was granted prior to the date hereof, but excluding any Retention RSUs.

Clean Team Agreement ” means the Clean Team Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of December 26, 2016, among Parent and the Company.

Commonly Controlled Entity ” means, with respect to a person, any other person or entity that, together with such first person, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or any other applicable Law.

Company Benefit Plans ” means any Employee Benefit Plan that is sponsored, maintained or contributed to, or required to be sponsored, maintained or contributed to, by the Company, any Company Subsidiary or any other Commonly Controlled Entity with respect to the Company for the benefit of any Company Personnel.

Company DSU ” means any deferred stock unit that is fully vested and payable in shares of Company Common Stock or the value of which is determined with reference to the value of shares of Company Common Stock, whether granted by the Company under a Company Stock Plan or otherwise.

Company Material Adverse Effect ” means a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company.

Company Performance Share ” means any performance share award subject to performance-based vesting, payable in shares of Company Common Stock or the value of which is determined with reference to the value of shares of Company Common Stock, whether granted by the Company under a Company Stock Plan or otherwise.

Company Personnel ” means any current or former director, officer, employee, individual independent contractor or individual consultant of the Company or any Company Subsidiary.

Company RSU ” means any restricted stock unit award subject solely to time-based vesting and not performance-based vesting (other than performance-based vesting only for purposes of Code Section 162(m)), payable in shares of Company Common Stock or the value of which is determined with reference to the value of shares of Company Common Stock, whether granted by the Company under a Company Stock Plan or otherwise.

 

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Company Stock Awards ” means the Company RSUs, Company DSUs and Company Performance Shares.

Company Stock Plans ” means the Reynolds American Inc. 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, the Reynolds American Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan and the Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc. (Amended and Restated Effective December 5, 2013).

Confidentiality Agreement ” means the letter agreement, dated as of December 14, 2016, among Parent and the Company.

Confidentiality/Antitrust Protocol ” means the letter agreement, dated as of December 16, 2016, among Parent, the Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Deposit Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, by and among Parent, Citibank, N.A., as depositary, and all holders and beneficial owners of Parent ADSs and the related fee letter agreement with respect thereto, dated as of October 25, 2013, in each case, including any amendment, supplement or replacement thereof.

Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules ” means the disclosure guidance and transparency rules made by the FCA under Section 73A of the Financial Services and Markets Companies Act 2000, as amended.

Employee Benefit Plans ” means all (a) employee welfare plans within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA), (b) pension plans within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA), and (c) bonus, incentive, equity or equity related, deferred compensation, vacation, paid time off, stock purchase, stock option, employment, retention, termination, severance, or change of control plans, programs, policies, agreements or other arrangements, other than any such plan, program, policy, agreement or other arrangement that is a “multiemployer plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA, whether or not subject to ERISA (a “ Multiemployer Plan ”)).

Environmental Law ” means any applicable Law, Judgment or Consent issued or promulgated by any Governmental Entity relating to pollution or the protection of the environment (including ambient air, surface water, groundwater or land), the presence, management, release or disposal of, or exposure to, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants, including the Toxic Substances Control Act.

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Exchange Ratio ” means 0.5260.

Financing ” means the financing required to consummate the Merger and the other Transactions and to pay related fees and expenses, including any financing pursuant to the New Term Loan Facility or any alternative or replacement financing in lieu thereof, including through one or more issuances of debt securities (other than any debt securities convertible into, exchangeable for or otherwise linked to, any equity security).

FSMA ” means the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any person, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such person for borrowed money, or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind to such person, (b) all obligations of such person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all capitalized lease obligations of such person or obligations of such person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property and equipment, (d) all obligations of such person pursuant to securitization or factoring programs or arrangements, (e) all guarantees and arrangements having the economic effect of a guarantee of such person of any Indebtedness of any other person, (f) all obligations or undertakings of such person to maintain or cause to be maintained the financial position or covenants of others or to purchase the obligations or property of others,

 

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(g) letters of credit, bank guarantees and similar contractual obligations entered into by or on behalf of such person or (h) net cash payment obligations of such person under swaps, options, derivatives and other hedging agreements or arrangements that will be payable upon termination thereof (assuming they were terminated on the date of determination).

Intellectual Property ” means (a) trademarks (registered or unregistered), service marks, brand names, certification marks, trade dress, designs, assumed names, trade names, domain names and other indications of origin, the goodwill associated with the foregoing and registrations in any jurisdiction of, and applications in any jurisdiction to register, the foregoing, including any extension, modification or renewal of any such registration or application, (b) trade secrets and confidential information and rights in any jurisdiction to limit the use or disclosure thereof by any person, (c) works of authorship (whether or not copyrightable), registrations or applications for registration of copyrights in any jurisdiction, and any renewals or extensions thereof, and database rights, (d) any intellectual property or proprietary rights similar to any of the foregoing and (e) patents (including all reissues, divisions, continuations and extensions thereof), patent rights, processes, technology, inventions and registrations in any jurisdiction of, and applications in any jurisdiction to register, the foregoing, including any extension, modification or renewal of any such registration or application.

Knowledge ” of any person means, with respect to any matter in question, the actual knowledge of the individuals set forth in Section 9.03(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter or Section 9.03 of the Parent Disclosure Letter, as applicable, after having made reasonable inquiry of those persons primarily responsible for such matter, but without further investigation by such individual.

Listing Rules ” means the listing rules issued by the FCA pursuant to Part 6 of the FSMA.

Market Abuse Regulation ” means the Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU) and its implementing and delegated regulations.

Material Adverse Effect ” with respect to any person means any change, effect, event, circumstance, development or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate with all other changes, effects, events, circumstances, developments or occurrences, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial condition of such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; except that in no event will any effect resulting or arising from or relating to any of the following matters be considered, either alone or in combination, to constitute or contribute to a Material Adverse Effect: (a) changes in economic or political conditions or the financing, banking, currency or capital markets in general, including with respect to interest rates or currency exchange rates, (b) changes in Laws or changes in accounting requirements or principles (or interpretation or enforcement thereof), (c) changes affecting industries, markets or geographical areas in which such person or its subsidiaries conduct their respective businesses, (d) the negotiation, announcement, execution, pendency or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions, (e) a decline in the market price, credit rating or trading volume of such person’s securities, except that this clause (e) will not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that any change, effect, event, circumstance, development or occurrence underlying such decline has resulted in or contributed to a Material Adverse Effect, (f) any natural disaster or any conditions resulting from natural disasters, (g) acts of terrorism, sabotage, military action, armed hostilities or war (whether or not declared) or any outbreak, escalation or worsening thereof, (h) any actions required under this Agreement to obtain any approval or authorization under Antitrust Laws for the consummation of the Transactions, except as described in Section 6.03(c), (i) the failure, in and of itself, of such person to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts, estimates, guidance or predictions in respect of revenues, earnings, profits or other financial or operating metrics before, on or after the date of this Agreement (it being understood that the underlying facts giving rise or contributing to such change may be taken into account into determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a “Material Adverse Effect”), (j) any Tobacco Litigation (including any settlement or Judgment related thereto) commenced (i) prior to the date of this Agreement or (ii) on or after the date of this Agreement other than (solely with respect to this subclause (ii)) any Tobacco Litigation brought by or on behalf of any Governmental Entity to

 

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the extent such Tobacco Litigation is not a part of or an extension or expansion of any Tobacco Litigation commenced prior to the date of this Agreement or (k) any Menthol Regulatory Action; provided , however , that changes, effects, events or occurrences referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c), (f) or (g) will be considered in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably expected to be, a “Material Adverse Effect” to the extent that such changes are materially disproportionately adverse to the business, results of operations or financial condition of the such person and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other companies in the industry in which the such person and its subsidiaries primarily operate (in which case only the incremental materially disproportionate impact or impacts may be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a “Material Adverse Effect”).

Menthol Regulatory Action ” means any Law, Judgment or Action enacted, promulgated, proposed or threatened by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other Governmental Entity that could have the effect of banning or materially restricting the use of menthol in any product sold or distributed by the Company or Parent or any of their respective subsidiaries.

New Term Loan Facility ” means the Term Loan Facilities Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2017, among Parent, as guarantor, B.A.T Capital Corporation and B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., as borrowers, HSBC Bank plc, as agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent, and the financial institutions party thereto as mandated lead arrangers and banks.

Parent Material Adverse Effect ” means a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Parent.

Parent Share Awards ” means any options, conditional awards or other rights over Parent Ordinary Shares granted by Parent under the Parent Share Plans or otherwise which Parent may satisfy by the allotment of new Parent Ordinary Shares.

person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, company, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, Governmental Entity, unincorporated organization or other entity.

Prospectus Rules ” means the rules made for purposes of Part 6 of the FSMA in relation to offers of securities to the public and admission of securities to trading on a regulated market.

Retention RSU ” means the Company RSUs granted pursuant to the award agreements listed in Section 9.03(b) of the Company Disclosure Letter.

Rollover RSU ” means any Company RSU or Company Performance Share that, in either case, is not a Cash-Out RSU.

RSU Exchange Ratio ” means the sum of (i) the quotient of (A) the Exchange Ratio over the (B) the ADS Ratio plus (ii) the quotient of (A) the Per Share Cash Consideration over (B) the closing price of one Parent ADS on the last trading date preceding the Closing Date as reported on the NYSE.

subsidiary ” of any person means another person, an amount of the voting securities, other voting ownership or voting partnership interests of which is sufficient to elect at least a majority of its board of directors or other governing body (or, if there are no such voting interests, more than 50% of the equity interests of which) is owned directly or indirectly by such first person. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be a subsidiary of Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries for any purposes under this Agreement.

Tax Return ” means all Tax returns, declarations, statements, reports, schedules, forms and information returns, in each case relating to Taxes and filed or required to be filed with a Governmental Entity, and any amendments thereof.

 

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Taxes ” means all taxes, customs, tariffs, imposts, levies, duties, fees or other like assessments or charges of any kind (in each case, imposed by a Governmental Entity and in the nature of a tax), together with all interest, penalties and additions imposed with respect to such amounts.

Tobacco Litigation ” means the United States v. Philip Morris, et al. , No. 99-02496 (D.D.C.) and any other Actions or Judgments regarding any health or other impacts or alleged health or other impacts, including impacts cognizable under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, from the development, manufacture, distribution, sale, advertising, marketing and/or use of any tobacco product (including products that are derived from tobacco, such as products containing tobacco-derived nicotine), including for the avoidance of doubt any and all Actions or Judgments regarding the presence of or exposure to smoke from any tobacco product.

SECTION 9.04. Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to an Article, Section, subsection, Schedule or Exhibit, such reference shall be to an Article, Section, subsection, Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table of contents, index of defined terms and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”. The words “hereof”, “herein”, “hereto” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The term “or” is not exclusive. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms. Any agreement, instrument or Law defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or Law as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented (other than any amendment to the Filed Company SEC Documents after the date of this Agreement), unless otherwise specifically indicated. References to a person are also to its permitted successors and assigns. References to “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars, unless otherwise specifically indicated. Each of the parties has participated in the drafting and negotiation of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement must be construed as if it is drafted by all of the parties, and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 9.05. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any applicable Law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the Transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party or such party waives its rights under this Section 9.05 with respect thereto. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the Transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties. This Agreement or any counterpart may be executed and delivered by facsimile copies or delivered by electronic communications by portable document format (.pdf), each of which will be deemed an original.

SECTION 9.07. Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement (including the Exhibits hereto), taken together with the Company Disclosure Letter, the Parent Disclosure Letter, the Clean Team Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement and the Confidentiality/Antitrust Protocol (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the Governance Agreement), (a) constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the Transactions and

 

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(b) except for the provisions of Section 6.07 and the last two sentences of Section 8.02, are not intended to confer upon any person (including any shareholder of any party) other than the parties any rights or remedies.

SECTION 9.08. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof, except to the extent the laws of North Carolina or England, or both, are mandatorily applicable to the Transactions. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any Transaction and the rights and obligations arising hereunder, shall be brought and determined exclusively in the Delaware Court of Chancery, or, if the Delaware Court of Chancery declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any Federal court within the State of Delaware, or, if both the Delaware Court of Chancery and the Federal courts within the State of Delaware decline to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any other state court within the State of Delaware, and, in each case, any appellate court therefrom. In addition, each of the parties hereto (a) consents to submit itself to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of such court in the event any dispute arises out of this Agreement or any Transaction, (b) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court, (c) irrevocably and unconditionally waives (and agrees not to plead or claim) any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any Transaction in any such court or that any such action, suit, or proceeding brought in such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum, (d) agrees that it will not bring any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any Transaction in any court other than any such court and (e) agrees that each of the other parties will have the right to bring any action, suit or proceeding for enforcement of a judgment entered by such court. Each of Parent, BATUS, Sub and the Company agrees that a final judgment in any action, suit or proceeding by any such court will be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the Judgment or in any other manner provided by applicable Law.

SECTION 9.09. Assignment. Subject to Section 1.05 and Section 2.01(e), neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by operation of Law or otherwise by any of the parties without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto; provided that Parent, BATUS and Sub may assign their rights and obligations pursuant to this Agreement to any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such subsidiary incorporated after the date of this Agreement) after providing written notice thereof to the Company at least one Business Day prior to such assignment and; provided that no such assignment will relieve Parent or Merger Sub of any of its obligations hereunder. Any purported assignment without such prior written consent shall be void. Subject to the preceding sentences, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and assigns.

SECTION 9.10. Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached, and that monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy therefor. It is accordingly agreed that, prior to the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII, the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, without proof of actual damages (and each party hereby waives any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy), this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. The parties further agree not to assert that a remedy of specific performance is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to Law or inequitable for any reason, nor to assert that a remedy of monetary damages would provide an adequate remedy for any such breach.

SECTION 9.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS. EACH PARTY (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH PARTY WOULD NOT, IN

 

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THE EVENT OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVER AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.11.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, BATUS, Sub and the Company have duly executed this Agreement, all as of the date first written above.

 

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.
by  

/s/ Robert Casey

 

  Name: Robert Casey
  Title: Assistant General Counsel - Corporate

 

BATUS HOLDINGS INC.
by  

/s/ L. Brent Cotton

 

  Name: L. Brent Cotton
  Title: President

 

FLIGHT ACQUISITION CORPORATION
by  

/s/ L. Brent Cotton

 

  Name: L. Brent Cotton
  Title: President

 

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.
by  

/s/ Debra A. Crew

 

  Name: Debra A. Crew
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Annex B

200 West Street | New York, NY 10282-2198

Tel: 212-902-1000 | Fax: 212-902-3000

 

LOGO

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

January 16, 2017

Board of Directors

Transaction Committee of the Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

401 North Main Street

Winston Salem, NC 27101

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders (other than British American Tobacco p.l.c. (“BAT”) and its subsidiaries) of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”), of Reynolds American Inc. (the “Company”) of the Consideration (as defined below) to be paid to such holders pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017 (the “Agreement”), by and among BAT, BATUS Holdings, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, Flight Acquisition Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BAT (“Acquisition Sub”), and the Company. The Agreement provides that Acquisition Sub will be merged with and into the Company (the “Merger”) and each outstanding Share (other than Dissenting Shares (as defined in the Agreement) and Shares held by BAT or its subsidiaries) will be converted into $29.44 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”), and that number of American depositary shares (“BAT ADS”) of BAT (each BAT ADS representing, as of the date of the Agreement, two ordinary shares, par value £0.25 per share (“BAT Ordinary Shares”) of BAT), equal to 0.5260 divided by the ADS Ratio (as defined in the Agreement) (the “Stock Consideration”; together with the Cash Consideration, the “Consideration”).

Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates are engaged in advisory, underwriting and financing, principal investing, sales and trading, research, investment management and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and entities. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities they manage or in which they invest or have other economic interests or with which they co-invest, may at any time purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of the Company, BAT, any of their respective affiliates and third parties, or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the transaction contemplated by the Agreement (the “Transaction”). We have acted as financial advisor to the Transaction Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Transaction Committee”) in connection with, and have participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the Transaction. We expect to receive fees for our services in connection with the Transaction, the principal portion of which is contingent upon consummation of the Transaction, and the Company has agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses arising, and indemnify us against certain liabilities that may arise, out of our engagement. We have provided certain financial advisory and/or underwriting services to the Company and/or its affiliates from time to time for which our Investment Banking Division has received, and may receive, compensation, including having acted as a joint book-running manager with respect to a public offering of the Company’s 2.300% Senior Notes due 2018 (aggregate principal

 

Securities and Investment Services Provided by Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

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Board of Directors

Transaction Committee of the Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

January 16, 2017

Page 2

 

amount $1,250,000,000), 3.250% Senior Notes due 2020 (aggregate principal amount $1,250,000,000), 4.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (aggregate principal amount $1,000,000,000), 4.450% Senior Notes due 2025 (aggregate principal amount $2,500,000,000), 5.700% Senior Notes due 2035 (aggregate principal amount $750,000,000) and 5.850% Senior Notes due 2045 (aggregate principal amount $2,250,000,000) in June 2015; as a lead dealer manager in connection with a tender offer for the Company’s 4.750% Senior Notes due 2042, 3.250% Senior Notes due 2022, 3.750% Senior Notes due 2023, 3.250% Senior Notes due 2020, 4.000% Senior Notes due 2022, 4.450% Senior Notes due 2025 and 4.850% Senior Notes due 2023 (aggregate principal amount $7,873,689,000) in February 2016; and as a participant in the Company’s 364-day senior unsecured term loan bridge facility (aggregate principal amount $9,000,000,000) in September 2014. We may also in the future provide financial advisory and/or underwriting services to the Company, BAT and their respective affiliates for which our Investment Banking Division may receive compensation.

In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the Agreement; the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, by and among BAT, Citibank, N.A., as Depositary, and the holders and beneficial owners of the BAT ADSs issued thereunder; annual reports to stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the Company for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, and annual reports to shareholders of BAT for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2015; certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company, and certain interim reports to shareholders of BAT; certain other communications from the Company and BAT to their stockholders and shareholders, respectively; certain publicly available research analyst reports for the Company and BAT; certain financial information for BAT prepared by its management; and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the Company and BAT prepared by the Company’s management, in each case, as approved for our use by the Company (the “Forecasts”), including certain operating synergies projected by the management of the Company to result from the Transaction, as approved for our use by the Company (the “Synergies”). We have also held discussions with members of the senior managements of the Company and BAT regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the Transaction and the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of the Company and BAT; reviewed the reported price and trading activity for the Shares, the BAT Ordinary Shares and the BAT ADSs; compared certain financial and stock market information for the Company and BAT with similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded; reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the tobacco industry and in other industries; and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as we deemed appropriate.

For purposes of rendering this opinion, we have, with your consent, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal, regulatory, tax, accounting and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by, us, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. In that regard, we have assumed with your consent that the Forecasts, including the Synergies, have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of the Company. We have not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of the Company or BAT or any of their respective subsidiaries and we have not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. We have assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on the Company or BAT or on the expected benefits of the Transaction in any way meaningful to our analysis. We have assumed that the Transaction will be consummated on the terms set forth in the Agreement, without the waiver or modification of any term or condition the effect of which would be in any way meaningful to our analysis.

 

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Board of Directors

Transaction Committee of the Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

January 16, 2017

Page 3

 

Our opinion does not address the underlying business decision of the Company to engage in the Transaction, or the relative merits of the Transaction as compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to the Company; nor does it address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. We were not requested to solicit, and did not solicit, interest from other parties with respect to an acquisition of, or other business combination with, the Company or any other alternative transaction. This opinion addresses only the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders (other than BAT and its subsidiaries) of Shares, as of the date hereof, of the Consideration to be paid to such holders pursuant to the Agreement. We do not express any view on, and our opinion does not address, any other term or aspect of the Agreement or Transaction or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the Agreement or entered into or amended in connection with the Transaction, including, the fairness of the Transaction to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, the holders of any other class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of the Company; nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of the Company, or class of such persons, in connection with the Transaction, whether relative to the Consideration to be paid to the holders (other than BAT and its subsidiaries) of Shares pursuant to the Agreement or otherwise. We are not expressing any opinion as to the prices at which the BAT ADSs or the BAT Ordinary Shares will trade at any time or as to the impact of the Transaction on the solvency or viability of the Company or BAT or the ability of the Company or BAT to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof and we assume no responsibility for updating, revising or reaffirming this opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date hereof. Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the information and assistance of the Transaction Committee and the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with its consideration of the Transaction and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of Shares should vote with respect to the Transaction or any other matter. This opinion has been approved by a fairness committee of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Consideration to be paid to the holders (other than BAT and its subsidiaries) of Shares pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to such holders.

Very truly yours,

 

/s/ Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

(GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.)

 

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Annex C

 

LOGO

January 16, 2017

The Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

401 North Main Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Members of the Board of Directors:

You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to the holders of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Company Common Stock”), of Reynolds American Inc. (the “Company”) (other than the Acquiror or any Parent Subsidiaries (as defined below)) of the consideration to be paid to such holders in the proposed merger (the “Transaction”) of the Company with a wholly-owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the “Acquiror”). Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”), among the Company, the Acquiror, BATUS Holdings Inc. (the “US Acquiror”) and the Acquiror’s subsidiary, Flight Acquisition Corporation (“Acquisition Sub” and, together with the Acquiror and the US Acquiror, the “Acquiror Group”), the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Acquiror, and each outstanding share of Company Common Stock, other than shares of Company Common Stock owned by the Acquiror or any Parent Subsidiaries (as defined in the Agreement) and other than Dissenting Shares (as defined in the Agreement), will be converted into the right to receive consideration per share equal to (i) $29.44 in cash (the “Cash Consideration”) and (ii) a number of American depositary shares of the Acquiror (the “Acquiror ADSs”) equal to 0.5260 divided by the number of ordinary shares, par value 25 British pence per share, of the Acquiror (the “Acquiror Ordinary Shares”) represented by one Acquiror ADS as of the effective time of the Transaction (the “Stock Consideration” and, together with the Cash Consideration, the “Consideration”).

In connection with preparing our opinion, we have (i) reviewed a draft dated January 16, 2017 of the Agreement; (ii) reviewed certain publicly available business and financial information concerning the Company and the Acquiror and the industries in which they operate; (iii) compared the proposed financial terms of the Transaction with the publicly available financial terms of certain transactions involving companies we deemed relevant and the consideration paid for such companies; (iv) compared the financial and operating performance of the Company and the Acquiror with publicly available information concerning certain other companies we deemed relevant and reviewed the current and historical market prices of the Company Common Stock, the Acquiror Ordinary Shares and the Acquiror ADSs and certain publicly traded securities of such other companies; (v) reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the management of the Company relating to the businesses of each of the Company and the Acquiror (which, in the case of the forecasts for the Acquiror, were based in part on certain financial information for the Acquiror prepared by the management of the Acquiror and provided to the Company), as well as the estimated amount and timing of the cost savings and related expenses and synergies expected to result from the Transaction (the “Synergies”); and (vi) performed such other financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as we deemed appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

In addition, we have held discussions with certain members of the management of the Company and the Acquiror with respect to certain aspects of the Transaction, and the past and current business operations of the Company and the Acquiror, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of the Company and the Acquiror, the effects of the Transaction on the financial condition and future prospects of the Company and the Acquiror, and certain other matters we believed necessary or appropriate to our inquiry.

 

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In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or was furnished to or discussed with us by the Company and the Acquiror or otherwise reviewed by or for us. We have not independently verified any such information or its accuracy or completeness and, pursuant to our engagement letter with the Company, we did not assume any obligation to undertake any such independent verification. We have not conducted or been provided with any valuation or appraisal of any assets or liabilities, nor have we evaluated the solvency of the Company or the Acquiror Group under any state or federal laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or similar matters. In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to us or derived therefrom, including the Synergies, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of the Company and the Acquiror to which such analyses or forecasts relate. We express no view as to such analyses or forecasts (including the Synergies) or the assumptions on which they were based. We have also assumed that the Transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement will have the tax consequences described in discussions with, and materials furnished to us by, representatives of the Company, and will be consummated as described in the Agreement, and that the definitive Agreement will not differ in any material respects from the draft thereof furnished to us. We have also assumed that the representations and warranties made by the Company and the Acquiror Group in the Agreement and the related agreements are and will be true and correct in all respects material to our analysis. We are not legal, regulatory or tax experts and have relied on the assessments made by advisors to the Company with respect to such issues. We have further assumed that all material governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on the Company or the Acquiror or on the contemplated benefits of the Transaction.

Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. It should be understood that subsequent developments may affect this opinion and that we do not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm this opinion. Our opinion is limited to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Consideration to be paid to the holders of the Company Common Stock (other than the Acquiror or any Parent Subsidiaries) in the proposed Transaction and we express no opinion as to the fairness of any consideration to be paid in connection with the Transaction to the holders of any other class of securities, creditors or other constituencies of the Company or as to the underlying decision by the Company to engage in the Transaction. Furthermore, we express no opinion with respect to the amount or nature of any compensation to any officers, directors, or employees of any party to the Transaction, or any class of such persons relative to the Consideration to be paid to the holders of the Company Common Stock in the Transaction or with respect to the fairness of any such compensation . We are expressing no opinion herein as to the price at which the Company Common Stock, the Acquiror Ordinary Shares or the Acquiror ADSs will trade at any future time.

We note that we were not authorized to and did not solicit any expressions of interest from any other parties with respect to the sale of all or any part of the Company or any other alternative transaction.

We have acted as financial advisor to the Company with respect to the proposed Transaction and will receive a fee from the Company for our services, a substantial portion of which will become payable only if the proposed Transaction is consummated. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. During the two years preceding the date of this letter, we and our affiliates have had commercial or investment banking relationships with the Company and the Acquiror, for which we and such affiliates have received customary compensation. Such services during such period have included acting as sole arranger and bookrunner on an amendment and extension of the Company’s revolving credit facility in October 2015 and on an extension of such facility in November 2016, as lead left arranger and bookrunner on the Company’s syndicated facility in June 2015, as bookrunner on an offering of debt securities by the Company in July 2015, as M&A financial advisor to the Company on its sale of Natural American Spirit in January 2016, as joint bookrunner on an offering of debt securities by the Acquiror in June 2015 and as joint bookrunner on an offering of debt securities by the Acquiror in September 2016. During such period, we and our affiliates have provided treasury and asset management services to the Company and asset management services to the

 

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Acquiror, in each case for customary compensation. In addition, our commercial banking affiliate is an agent bank and a lender under outstanding credit facilities of the Company, for which it receives customary compensation or other financial benefits. In addition, we and our affiliates hold, on a proprietary basis, less than 1% of the outstanding Company Common Stock and Acquiror Ordinary Shares (including Acquiror Ordinary Shares represented by Acquiror ADSs). In the ordinary course of our businesses, we and our affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities or financial instruments (including derivatives, bank loans or other obligations) of the Company or the Acquiror for our own account or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, we may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities or other financial instruments.

On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as of the date hereof that the Consideration to be paid to the holders of the Company Common Stock (other than the Acquiror or any Parent Subsidiaries) in the proposed Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

The issuance of this opinion has been approved by a fairness opinion committee of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. This letter is provided to the Board of Directors of the Company (in its capacity as such) in connection with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Transaction. This opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the Company as to how such shareholder should vote with respect to the Transaction or any other matter. This opinion may not be disclosed, referred to, or communicated (in whole or in part) to any third party for any purpose whatsoever except with our prior written approval. This opinion may be reproduced in full in any proxy or information statement mailed to shareholders of the Company but may not otherwise be disclosed publicly in any manner without our prior written approval.

Very truly yours,

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

/s/ J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

U024451

 

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Annex D

 

LOGO

January 16, 2017

The Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

401 North Main Street,

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Dear Members of the Board:

We understand that Reynolds American Inc., a North Carolina corporation (“ Company ”), British American Tobacco p.l.c., a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“ Parent ”), BATUS Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent and Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“ Sub ”), propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 16, 2017 (the “ Agreement ”), pursuant to which Parent will acquire Company (the “ Transaction ”). Pursuant to the Agreement, Sub will be merged with and into Company and each outstanding share of the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Company (“ Company Common Stock ”), other than shares of Company Common Stock (i) owned by Parent or any subsidiaries of Parent or (ii) owned by holders of Company Common Stock who shall have not voted, or caused or permitted to be voted, any shares of Company Common Stock in favor of adoption of the Plan of Merger, as defined in the Agreement, at the Company Shareholders Meeting, as defined in the Agreement, and who shall have properly asserted (and not lost or effectively withdrawn) his, her or its appraisal rights for such Company Common Stock in accordance with Article 13 of the North Carolina Business Corporations Act, as defined in the Agreement (such holders described in clause (ii), collectively, “ Excluded Holders ”), will be converted into the right to receive (A) $29.44 in cash (the “ Cash Consideration ”) and (B) the number of American depositary shares of Parent (“ Parent ADSs ”) equal to (1) 0.5260 divided by (2) the ADS Ratio, as defined in the Agreement (such number of Parent ADSs so issuable, the “ Stock Consideration ” and, together with the Cash Consideration, the “ Consideration ”). The terms and conditions of the Transaction are more fully set forth in the Agreement.

You have requested our opinion as of the date hereof as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, to holders of Company Common Stock (other than Excluded Holders, Parent and any subsidiaries of Parent) of the Consideration to be paid to such holders in the Transaction.

In connection with this opinion, we have:

 

  (i) Reviewed the financial terms and conditions of the Agreement;

 

  (ii) Reviewed certain publicly available historical business and financial information relating to Company and Parent;

 

  (iii) Reviewed certain internal financial analyses and forecasts prepared by the management of Company relating to the business of each of Company and Parent (which, in the case of the forecasts for Parent, were based in part on certain financial information for Parent prepared by the management of Parent and provided to Company), and the projected synergies and other benefits, including the amount and timing thereof, anticipated by the management of Company to be realized from the Transaction;

 

  (iv) Held discussions with members of the senior management of Company with respect to the businesses and prospects of Company and Parent, respectively, and the projected synergies and other benefits anticipated by the management of Company to be realized from the Transaction;

 

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The Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

January 16, 2017

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  (v) Reviewed public information with respect to certain other companies in lines of business we believe to be generally relevant in evaluating the businesses of Company and Parent, respectively;

 

  (vi) Reviewed the financial terms of certain business combinations involving companies in lines of business we believe to be generally relevant in evaluating the businesses of Company and Parent, respectively;

 

  (vii) Reviewed historical stock prices and trading volumes of Company Common Stock and the ordinary shares, par value 25 pence per share, of Parent (“ Parent Ordinary Shares ”);

 

  (viii) Reviewed the potential pro forma financial impact of the Transaction on Parent based on the financial forecasts referred to above relating to Company and Parent; and

 

  (ix) Conducted such other financial studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate.

We have assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the foregoing information, without independent verification of such information. We have not conducted any independent valuation or appraisal of any of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of Company or Parent or concerning the solvency or fair value of Company or Parent, and we have not been furnished with any such valuation or appraisal. At your direction, for purposes of our analysis, we utilized forecasts with respect to Parent and the synergies and other benefits anticipated to result from the Transaction that were prepared by management of Company and were based, in part, on financial information provided by Parent to Company and, as you know, we did not have discussions with management of Parent in connection with the Transaction. With respect to the financial forecasts utilized in our analyses, including those related to projected synergies and other benefits anticipated by the management of Company to be realized from the Transaction, we have assumed, with the consent of Company, that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments as to the future financial performance of Company and Parent, respectively and such synergies and other benefits. We express no view as to any such forecasts or the assumptions on which they are based.

Further, our opinion is necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. We assume no responsibility for updating or revising our opinion based on circumstances or events occurring after the date hereof. We do not express any opinion as to the prices at which shares of Company Common Stock, Parent Ordinary Shares or Parent ADSs may trade at any time subsequent to the announcement of the Transaction. In connection with our engagement, we were not authorized to, and we did not, solicit indications of interest from third parties regarding a potential transaction with Company. In addition, our opinion does not address the relative merits of the Transaction as compared to any other transaction or business strategy in which Company might engage or the merits of the underlying decision by Company to engage in the Transaction.

In rendering our opinion, we have assumed, with the consent of Company, that the Transaction will be consummated on the terms described in the Agreement, without any waiver or modification of any material terms or conditions. We also have assumed, with the consent of Company, that obtaining the necessary governmental, regulatory or third party approvals and consents for the Transaction will not have an adverse effect on Company, Parent or the Transaction. We do not express any opinion as to any tax or other consequences that might result from the Transaction, nor does our opinion address any legal, tax, regulatory or accounting matters, as to which we understand that Company obtained such advice as it deemed necessary from qualified professionals. We express no view or opinion as to any terms or other aspects (other than the Consideration to the extent expressly specified herein) of the Transaction, including, without limitation, the form or structure of the Transaction or any

 

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The Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

January 16, 2017

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agreements or arrangements entered into in connection with, or contemplated by, the Transaction. In addition, we express no view or opinion as to the fairness of the amount or nature of, or any other aspects relating to, the compensation to any officers, directors or employees of any parties to the Transaction, or class of such persons, relative to the Consideration or otherwise.

Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“ Lazard ”) is acting as financial advisor to Company in connection with the Transaction and will receive a fee for such services, a portion of which is payable upon the rendering of this opinion and a substantial portion of which is contingent upon the closing of the Transaction. We have in the past provided certain investment banking services to Company, for which we have received compensation, including, during the past two years, having acted as financial advisor to Company in the acquisition by Company of Lorillard, Inc. in June 2015. In addition, in the ordinary course, Lazard and its affiliates and employees may trade securities of Company, Parent and certain of their respective affiliates for their own accounts and for the accounts of their customers, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities, and may also trade and hold securities on behalf of Company, Parent and certain of their respective affiliates. The issuance of this opinion was approved by the Opinion Committee of Lazard.

Our engagement and the opinion expressed herein are for the benefit of the Board of Directors of Company (in its capacity as such) and our opinion is rendered to the Board of Directors of Company in connection with its evaluation of the Transaction. Our opinion is not intended to and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote or act with respect to the Transaction or any matter relating thereto.

Based on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Consideration to be paid to holders of Company Common Stock (other than Excluded Holders, Parent and any subsidiaries of Parent) in the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such holders.

 

Very truly yours,
LAZARD FRERES & CO. LLC

By

 

/s/ Maxence de Gennaro

  Maxence de Gennaro
  Managing Director

 

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Annex E

Chapter 55. North Carolina Business Corporation Act.

Article 13.

Appraisal Rights.

Part 1. Right to Appraisal and Payment for Shares.

§ 55-13-01. Definitions.

In this Article, the following definitions apply:

 

  (1) Affiliate. – A person that directly, or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another person or is a senior executive thereof. For purposes of G.S. 55-13-01(7), a person is deemed to be an affiliate of its senior executives.

 

  (2) Beneficial shareholder. – A person who is the beneficial owner of shares held in a voting trust or by a nominee on the beneficial owner’s behalf.

 

  (3) Corporation. – The issuer of the shares held by a shareholder demanding appraisal and, for matters covered in G.S. 55-13-22 through G.S. 55-13-31, the term includes the surviving entity in a merger.

 

  (4) Expenses. – Reasonable expenses of every kind that are incurred in connection with a matter, including counsel fees.

 

  (5) Fair value. – The value of the corporation’s shares (i) immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action as to which the shareholder asserts appraisal rights, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable, (ii) using customary and current valuation concepts and techniques generally employed for similar business in the context of the transaction requiring appraisal, and (iii) without discounting for lack of marketability or minority status except, if appropriate, for amendments to the articles pursuant to G.S. 55-13-02(a)(5).

 

  (6) Interest. – Interest from the effective date of the corporate action until the date of payment, at the rate of interest on judgments in this State on the effective date of the corporate action.

 

  (7) Interested transaction. – A corporate action described in G.S. 55-13-02(a), other than a merger pursuant to G.S. 55-11-04, involving an interested person and in which any of the shares or assets of the corporation are being acquired or converted. As used in this definition, the following definitions apply:

 

  a. Interested person. – A person, or an affiliate of a person, who at any time during the one-year period immediately preceding approval by the board of directors of the corporate action met any of the following conditions:

 

  1. Was the beneficial owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the voting power of the corporation, other than as owner of excluded shares.

 

  2. Had the power, contractually or otherwise, other than as owner of excluded shares, to cause the appointment or election of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the directors to the board of directors of the corporation.

 

  3. Was a senior executive or director of the corporation or a senior executive of any affiliate thereof, and that senior executive or director will receive, as a result of the corporate action, a financial benefit not generally available to other shareholders as such, other than any of the following:

 

  I. Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established separately and not as part of or in contemplation of the corporate action.

 

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  II. Employment, consulting, retirement, or similar benefits established in contemplation of, or as part of, the corporate action that are not more favorable than those existing before the corporate action or, if more favorable, that have been approved on behalf of the corporation in the same manner as is provided in G.S. 55-8-31(a)(1) and (c).

 

  III. In the case of a director of the corporation who will, in the corporate action, become a director of the acquiring entity, or one of its affiliates, rights and benefits as a director that are provided on the same basis as those afforded by the acquiring entity generally to other directors of the acquiring entity or such affiliate of the acquiring entity.

 

  b. Beneficial owner. – Any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, or understanding, other than a revocable proxy, has or shares the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, shares. If a member of a national securities exchange is precluded by the rules of the exchange from voting without instruction on contested matters or matters that may affect substantially the rights or privileges of the holders of the securities to be voted, then that member of a national securities exchange shall not be deemed a “beneficial owner” of any securities held directly or indirectly by the member on behalf of another person solely because the member is the record holder of the securities. When two or more persons agree to act together for the purpose of voting their shares of the corporation, each member of the group formed thereby is deemed to have acquired beneficial ownership, as of the date of the agreement, of all voting shares of the corporation beneficially owned by any member of the group.

 

  c. Excluded shares. – Shares acquired pursuant to an offer for all shares having voting power if the offer was made within one year prior to the corporate action for consideration of the same kind and of a value equal to or less than that paid in connection with the corporate action.

 

  (8) Preferred shares. – A class or series of shares the holders of which have preference over any other class or series with respect to distributions.

 

  (9) Record shareholder. – The person in whose name shares are registered in the records of the corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the extent of the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with the corporation.

 

  (10) Senior executive. – The chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, or anyone in charge of a principal business unit or function.

 

  (11) Shareholder. – Both a record shareholder and a beneficial shareholder. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-02. Right to appraisal.

(a) In addition to any rights granted under Article 9, a shareholder is entitled to appraisal rights and to obtain payment of the fair value of that shareholder’s shares, in the event of any of the following corporate actions:

 

  (1) Consummation of a merger to which the corporation is a party if either (i) shareholder approval is required for the merger by G.S. 55-11-03 and the shareholder is entitled to vote on the merger, except that appraisal rights shall not be available to any shareholder of the corporation with respect to shares of any class or series that remain outstanding after consummation of the merger or (ii) the corporation is a subsidiary and the merger is governed by G.S. 55-11-04.

 

  (2) Consummation of a share exchange to which the corporation is a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the exchange, except that appraisal rights shall not be available to any shareholder of the corporation with respect to any class or series of shares of the corporation that is not exchanged.

 

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  (3) Consummation of a disposition of assets pursuant to G.S. 55-12-02 if the shareholder is entitled to vote on the disposition.

 

  (4) An amendment of the articles of incorporation (i) with respect to a class or series of shares that reduces the number of shares of a class or series owned by the shareholder to a fraction of a share if the corporation has an obligation or right to repurchase the fractional share so created or (ii) changes the corporation into a nonprofit corporation or cooperative organization.

 

  (5) Any other amendment to the articles of incorporation, merger, share exchange, or disposition of assets to the extent provided by the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board of directors.

 

  (6) Consummation of a conversion to a foreign corporation pursuant to Part 2 of Article 11A of this Chapter if the shareholder does not receive shares in the foreign corporation resulting from the conversion that (i) have terms as favorable to the shareholder in all material respects and (ii) represent at least the same percentage interest of the total voting rights of the outstanding shares of the corporation as the shares held by the shareholder before the conversion.

 

  (7) Consummation of a conversion of the corporation to nonprofit status pursuant to Part 2 of Article 11A of this Chapter.

 

  (8) Consummation of a conversion of the corporation to an unincorporated entity pursuant to Part 2 of Article 11A of this Chapter.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the availability of appraisal rights under subdivisions (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), and (8) of subsection (a) of this section shall be limited in accordance with the following provisions:

 

  (1) Appraisal rights shall not be available for the holders of shares of any class or series of shares that are any of the following:

 

  a. A covered security under section 18(b)(1)(A) or (B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

  b. Traded in an organized market and has at least 2,000 shareholders and a market value of at least twenty million dollars ($20,000,000)(exclusive of the value of shares held by the corporation’s subsidiaries, senior executives, directors, and beneficial shareholders owning more than ten percent (10%) of such shares).

 

  c. Issued by an open-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and may be redeemed at the option of the holder at net asset value.

 

  (2) The applicability of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be determined as of (i) the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the meeting of shareholders to act upon the corporate action requiring appraisal rights or (ii) the day before the effective date of such corporate action if there is no meeting of shareholders.

 

  (3) Subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for the holders of any class or series of shares who are required by the terms of the corporate action requiring appraisal rights to accept for such shares anything other than cash or shares of any class or any series of shares of any corporation, or any other proprietary interest of any other entity, that satisfies the standards set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection at the time the corporate action becomes effective.

 

  (4) Subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not be applicable and appraisal rights shall be available pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for the holders of any class or series of shares where the corporate action is an interested transaction.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the articles of incorporation as originally filed or any amendment to the articles may limit or eliminate appraisal rights for any class or series of preferred shares. Any amendment to the articles that limits or eliminates appraisal rights for any shares that are outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the amendment or that the corporation is or may be required to issue or sell thereafter pursuant to any conversion, exchange, or other right existing immediately before the effective date of the amendment, however, shall not apply to any corporate action that becomes effective within one year of that date if the corporate action would otherwise afford appraisal rights.

(d) A shareholder holding shares of a class or series that were issued and outstanding as of the effective date of this act but that did not as of that date entitle the shareholder to vote on a corporate action described in subdivision (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section shall be entitled to appraisal rights, and to obtain payment of the fair value of the shareholder’s shares of such class or series, to the same extent as if such shares did entitle the shareholder to vote on such corporate action. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; c. 235; 1929, c. 269; 1939, c. 279; 1943, c. 270; G.S., ss. 55-26, 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1959, c. 1316, ss. 30, 31; 1969, c. 751, ss. 36, 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; c. 476, s. 193; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1024, s. 12.18; 1991, c. 645, s. 12; 1997-202, s. 1; 1999-141, s. 1; 2001-387, s. 26; 2003-157, s. 1; 2011-347, ss. 1, 22(c).)

§55-13-03. Assertion of rights by nominees and beneficial owners.

(a) A record shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to fewer than all the shares registered in the record shareholder’s name but owned by a beneficial shareholder only if the record shareholder (i) objects with respect to all shares of the class or series owned by the beneficial shareholder and (ii) notifies the corporation in writing of the name and address of each beneficial shareholder on whose behalf appraisal rights are being asserted. The rights of a record shareholder who asserts appraisal rights for only part of the shares held of record in the record shareholder’s name under this subsection shall be determined as if the shares as to which the record shareholder objects and the record shareholder’s other shares were registered in the names of different record shareholders.

(b) A beneficial shareholder may assert appraisal rights as to shares of any class or series held on behalf of the shareholder only if the shareholder does both of the following:

 

  (1) Submits to the corporation the record shareholder’s written consent to the assertion of rights no later than the date referred to in G.S. 55-13-22(b)(2)b.

 

  (2) Submits written consent under subdivision (1) of this subsection with respect to all shares of the class or series that are beneficially owned by the beneficial shareholder. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§§ 55-13-04 through 55-13-19. Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 2. Procedure for Exercise of Appraisal Rights.

§55-13-20. Notice of appraisal rights.

(a) If any corporate action specified in G.S. 55-13-02(a) is to be submitted to a vote at a shareholders’ meeting, the meeting notice must state that the corporation has concluded that shareholders are, are not, or may be entitled to assert appraisal rights under this Article. If the corporation concludes that appraisal rights are or may be available, a copy of this Article must accompany the meeting notice sent to those record shareholders entitled to exercise appraisal rights.

(b) In a merger pursuant to G.S. 55-11-04, the parent corporation must notify in writing all record shareholders of the subsidiary who are entitled to assert appraisal rights that the corporate action became effective. In the case of any other corporate action specified in G.S. 55-13-02(a) with respect to which

 

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shareholders of a class or series do not have the right to vote, but with respect to which those shareholders are entitled to assert appraisal rights, the corporation must notify in writing all record shareholders of such class or series that the corporate action became effective. Notice required under this subsection must be sent within 10 days after the corporate action became effective and include the materials described in G.S. 55-13-22.

(c) If any corporate action specified in G.S. 55-13-02(a) is to be approved by written consent of the shareholders pursuant to G.S. 55-7-04, then the following must occur:

 

  (1) Written notice that appraisal rights are, are not, or may be available must be given to each record shareholder from whom a consent is solicited at the time consent of each shareholder is first solicited and, if the corporation has concluded that appraisal rights are or may be available, must be accompanied by a copy of this Article.

 

  (2) Written notice that appraisal rights are, are not, or may be available must be delivered together with the notice to the applicable shareholders required by subsections (d) and (e) of G.S. 55-7-04, may include the materials described in G.S. 55-13-22, and, if the corporation has concluded that appraisal rights are or may be available, must be accompanied by a copy of this Article.

(d) If any corporate action described in G.S. 55-13-02(a) is proposed, or a merger pursuant to G.S. 55-11-04 is effected, then the notice referred to in subsection (a) or (c) of this section, if the corporation concludes that appraisal rights are or may be available, and in subsection (b) of this section shall be accompanied by the following:

 

  (1) The annual financial statements specified in G.S. 55-16-20(a) of the corporation that issued the shares to be appraised. The date of the financial statements shall not be more than 16 months before the date of the notice and shall comply with G.S. 55-16-20(b). If annual financial statements that meet the requirements of this subdivision are not reasonably available, then the corporation shall provide reasonably equivalent financial information.

 

  (2) The latest available quarterly financial statements of the corporation, if any.

The right to receive the information described in this subsection may be waived in writing by a shareholder before or after the corporate action. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; c. 235; 1929, c. 269; 1939, c. 5; c. 279; 1943, c. 270; G.S., ss. 55-26, 55-165, 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 2002-58, s. 2; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-21. Notice of intent to demand payment and consequences of voting or consenting.

(a) If a corporate action specified in G.S. 55-13-02(a) is submitted to a vote at a shareholders’ meeting, a shareholder who is entitled to vote on the corporate action and who wishes to assert appraisal rights with respect to any class or series of shares must do the following:

 

  (1) Deliver to the corporation, before the vote is taken, written notice of the shareholder’s intent to demand payment if the proposed action is effectuated.

 

  (2) Not vote, or cause or permit to be voted, any shares of any class or series in favor of the proposed action.

(b) If a corporate action specified in G.S. 55-13-02(a) is to be approved by less than unanimous written consent, a shareholder who is entitled to vote on the corporate action and who wishes to assert appraisal rights with respect to any class or series of shares must not execute a consent in favor of the proposed action with respect to that class or series of shares.

(c) A shareholder who fails to satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is not entitled to payment under this Article. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 2011-347, s. 1.)

 

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§55-13-22. Appraisal notice and form.

(a) If a corporate action requiring appraisal rights under G.S. 55-13-02(a) becomes effective, the corporation must deliver a written appraisal notice and form required by subdivision (b)(1) of this section to all shareholders who satisfied the requirements of G.S. 55-13-21. In the case of a merger under G.S. 55-11-04, the parent corporation must deliver a written appraisal notice and form to all record shareholders of the subsidiary who may be entitled to assert appraisal rights. In the case of any other corporate action specified in G.S. 55-13-02(a) that becomes effective and with respect to which shareholders of a class or series do not have the right to vote but with respect to which such shareholders are entitled to assert appraisal rights, the corporation must deliver a written appraisal notice and form to all record shareholders of such class or series who may be entitled to assert appraisal rights.

(b) The appraisal notice must be sent no earlier than the date the corporate action specified in G.S. 55-13-02(a) became effective and no later than 10 days after that date. The appraisal notice must include the following:

 

  (1) A form that specifies the first date of any announcement to shareholders, made prior to the date the corporate action became effective, of the principal terms of the proposed corporate action. If such an announcement was made, the form shall require a shareholder asserting appraisal rights to certify whether beneficial ownership of those shares for which appraisal rights are asserted was acquired before that date. The form shall require a shareholder asserting appraisal rights to certify that the shareholder did not vote for or consent to the transaction.

 

  (2) Disclosure of the following:

 

  a. Where the form must be sent and where certificates for certificated shares must be deposited, as well as the date by which those certificates must be deposited. The certificate deposit date must not be earlier than the date for receiving the required form under sub-subdivision b. of this subdivision.

 

  b. A date by which the corporation must receive the payment demand, which date may not be fewer than 40 nor more than 60 days after the date the appraisal notice required under subsection (a) of this section and form are sent. The form shall also state that the shareholder shall have waived the right to demand appraisal with respect to the shares unless the form is received by the corporation by the specified date.

 

  c. The corporation’s estimate of the fair value of the shares.

 

  d. That, if requested in writing, the corporation will provide, to the shareholder so requesting, within 10 days after the date specified in sub-subdivision b. of this subdivision, the number of shareholders who return the forms by the specified date and the total number of shares owned by them.

 

  e. The date by which the notice to withdraw under G.S. 55-13-23 must be received, which date must be within 20 days after the date specified in sub-subdivision b. of this subdivision.

 

  (3) Be accompanied by a copy of this Article. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1997-485, s. 4; 2001-387, s. 27; 2002-58, s. 3; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-23. Perfection of rights; right to withdraw.

(a) A shareholder who receives notice pursuant to G.S. 55-13-22 and who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must sign and return the form sent by the corporation and, in the case of certificated shares, deposit the shareholder’s certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice by the date referred to in the notice pursuant to G.S. 55-13-22(b)(2). In addition, if applicable, the shareholder must certify on the form whether the beneficial

 

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owner of such shares acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before the date required to be set forth in the notice pursuant to G.S. 55-13-22(b)(1). If a shareholder fails to make this certification, the corporation may elect to treat the shareholder’s shares as after-acquired shares under G.S. 55-13-27. Once a shareholder deposits that shareholder’s certificates or, in the case of uncertificated shares, returns the signed forms, that shareholder loses all rights as a shareholder, unless the shareholder withdraws pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

(b) A shareholder who has complied with subsection (a) of this section may nevertheless decline to exercise appraisal rights and withdraw from the appraisal process by so notifying the corporation in writing by the date set forth in the appraisal notice pursuant to G.S. 55-13-22(b)(2)e. A shareholder who fails to so withdraw from the appraisal process may not thereafter withdraw without the corporation’s written consent.

(c) A shareholder who does not sign and return the form and, in the case of certificated shares, deposit that shareholder’s share certificates where required, each by the date set forth in the notice described in G.S. 55-13-22(b) shall not be entitled to payment under this Article. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-24: Repealed by Session Laws 2011-347, s. 1, effective October 1, 2011.

§55-13-25. Payment.

(a) Except as provided in G.S. 55-13-27, within 30 days after the form required by G.S. 55-13-22(b) is due, the corporation shall pay in cash to the shareholders who complied with G.S. 55-13-23(a) the amount the corporation estimates to be the fair value of their shares, plus interest.

(b) The payment to each shareholder pursuant to subsection (a) of this section must be accompanied by the following:

 

  (1) The following financial information:

 

  a. The annual financial statements specified in G.S. 55-16-20(a) of the corporation that issued the shares to be appraised. The date of the financial statements shall not be more than 16 months before the date of payment and shall comply with G.S. 55-16-20(b). If annual financial statements that meet the requirements of this sub-subdivision are not reasonably available, the corporation shall provide reasonably equivalent financial information.

 

  b. The latest available quarterly financial statements, if any.

 

  (2) A statement of the corporation’s estimate of the fair value of the shares. The estimate must equal or exceed the corporation’s estimate given pursuant to G.S. 55-13-22(b)(2)c.

 

  (3) A statement that the shareholders described in subsection (a) of this section have the right to demand further payment under G.S. 55-13-28 and that if a shareholder does not do so within the time period specified therein, then the shareholder shall be deemed to have accepted such payment in full satisfaction of the corporation’s obligations under this Article. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; c. 770, s. 69; 1997-202, s. 2; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-26: Repealed by Session Laws 2011-347, s. 1, effective October 1, 2011.

§55-13-27. After-acquired shares.

(a) A corporation may elect to withhold payment required by G.S. 55-13-25 from any shareholder who was required to but did not certify that beneficial ownership of all of the shareholder’s shares for which appraisal rights are asserted was acquired before the date set forth in the appraisal notice sent pursuant to G.S. 55-13-22(b)(1).

 

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(b) If the corporation elected to withhold payment under subsection (a) of this section, it must, within 30 days after the form required by G.S. 55-13-22(b) is due, notify all shareholders who are described in subsection (a) of this section of the following:

 

  (1) The information required by G.S. 55-13-25(b)(1).

 

  (2) The corporation’s estimate of fair value pursuant to G.S. 55-13-25(b)(2).

 

  (3) That they may accept the corporation’s estimate of fair value, plus interest, in full satisfaction of their demands or demand appraisal under G.S. 55-13-28.

 

  (4) That those shareholders who wish to accept such offer must so notify the corporation of their acceptance of the corporation’s offer within 30 days after receiving the offer.

 

  (5) That those shareholders who do not satisfy the requirements for demanding appraisal under G.S. 55-13-28 shall be deemed to have accepted the corporation’s offer.

(c) Within 10 days after receiving the shareholder’s acceptance pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the corporation must pay in cash the amount it offered under subdivision (b)(2) of this section to each shareholder who agreed to accept the corporation’s offer in full satisfaction of the shareholder’s demand.

(d) Within 40 days after sending the notice described in subsection (b) of this section, the corporation must pay in cash the amount it offered to pay under subdivision (b)(2) of this section to each shareholder described in subdivision (b)(5) of this section. (2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-28. Procedure if shareholder dissatisfied with payment or offer.

(a) A shareholder paid pursuant to G.S. 55-13-25 who is dissatisfied with the amount of the payment must notify the corporation in writing of that shareholder’s estimate of the fair value of the shares and demand payment of that estimate plus interest (less any payment under G.S.55-13-25). A shareholder offered payment under G.S. 55-13-27 who is dissatisfied with that offer must reject the offer and demand payment of the shareholder’s stated estimate of the fair value of the shares, plus interest.

(b) A shareholder who fails to notify the corporation in writing of that shareholder’s demand to be paid the shareholder’s stated estimate of the fair value, plus interest, under subsection (a) of this section within 30 days after receiving the corporation’s payment or offer of payment under G.S. 55-13-25 or G.S. 55-13-27, respectively, waives the right to demand payment under this section and shall be entitled only to the payment made or offered pursuant to those respective sections. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1997-202, s. 3; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§ 55-13-29. Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 3. Judicial Appraisal of Shares.

§55-13-30. Court Action.

(a) If a shareholder makes a demand for payment under G.S. 55-13-28 which remains unsettled, the corporation shall commence a proceeding within 60 days after receiving the payment demand by filing a complaint with the Superior Court Division of the General Court of Justice to determine the fair value of the shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the proceeding within the 60-day period, the corporation shall pay in cash to each shareholder the amount the shareholder demanded pursuant to G.S. 55-13-28, plus interest.

(a1) Repealed by Session Laws 1997-202, s. 4.

(b) The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the appropriate court of the county where the corporation’s principal office (or, if none, its registered office) in this State is located. If the corporation is a

 

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foreign corporation without a registered office in this State, it shall commence the proceeding in the county in this State where the principal office or registered office of the domestic corporation merged with the foreign corporation was located at the time of the transaction.

(c) The corporation shall make all shareholders (whether or not residents of this State) whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as in an action against their shares and all parties must be served with a copy of the complaint. Nonresidents may be served by registered or certified mail or by publication as provided by law.

(d) The jurisdiction of the superior court in which the proceeding is commenced under subsection (b) of this section is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers shall have the powers described in the order appointing them, or in any amendment to it. The shareholders demanding appraisal rights are entitled to the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings. There shall be no right to a trial by jury.

(e) Each shareholder made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment either (i) for the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of the shareholder’s shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the corporation to the shareholder for the shareholder’s shares or (ii) for the fair value, plus interest, of the shareholder’s shares for which the corporation elected to withhold payment under G.S. 55-13-27. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 1997-202, s. 4; 1997-485, ss. 5, 5.1; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-31. Court costs and expenses.

(a) The court in an appraisal proceeding commenced under G.S. 55-13-30 shall determine all court costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers appointed by the court. The court shall assess the costs against the corporation, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the shareholders demanding appraisal, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds such shareholders acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by this Article.

(b) The court in an appraisal proceeding may also assess the expenses for the respective parties, in amounts the court finds equitable:

 

  (1) Against the corporation and in favor of any or all shareholders demanding appraisal if the court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the requirements of G.S. 55-13-20, 55-13-22, 55-13-25, or 55-13-27.

 

  (2) Against either the corporation or a shareholder demanding appraisal, in favor of any other party, if the court finds that the party against whom expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith with respect to the rights provided by this Article.

(c) If the court in an appraisal proceeding finds that the expenses incurred by any shareholder were of substantial benefit to other shareholders similarly situated and that these expenses should not be assessed against the corporation, the court may direct that the expenses be paid out of the amounts awarded the shareholders who were benefited.

(d) To the extent the corporation fails to make a required payment pursuant to G.S. 55-13-25, 55-13-27, or 55-13-28, the shareholder may sue directly for the amount owed and, to the extent successful, shall be entitled to recover from the corporation all expenses of the suit. (1925, c. 77, s. 1; 1943, c. 270; G.S., s. 55-167; 1955, c. 1371, s. 1; 1969, c. 751, s. 39; 1973, c. 469, ss. 36, 37; 1989, c. 265, s. 1; 2011-347, s. 1.)

§55-13-32: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§55-13-33: Reserved for future codification purposes.

 

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§ 55-13-34: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 55-13-35: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 55-13-36: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 55-13-37: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 55-13-38: Reserved for future codification purposes.

§ 55-13-39: Reserved for future codification purposes.

Part 4. Other Remedies.

§55-13-40. Other remedies limited.

(a) The legality of a proposed or completed corporate action described in G.S. 55-13-02(a) may not be contested, nor may the corporate action be enjoined, set aside, or rescinded, in a legal or equitable proceeding by a shareholder after the shareholders have approved the corporate action.

(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a corporate action that:

 

  (1) Was not authorized and approved in accordance with the applicable provisions of any of the following:

 

  a. Article 9, 9A, 10, 11, 11A, or 12 of this Chapter.

 

  b. The articles of incorporation or bylaws.

 

  c. The resolution of the board of directors authorizing the corporate action.

 

  (2) Was procured as a result of fraud, a material misrepresentation, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make statements made, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.

 

  (3) Constitutes an interested transaction, unless it has been authorized, approved, or ratified by either (i) the board of directors or a committee of the board or (ii) the shareholders, in the same manner as is provided in G.S. 55-8-31(a)(1) and (c) or in G.S. 55-8-31(a)(2) and (d), as if the interested transaction were a director’s conflict of interest transaction.

 

  (4) Was approved by less than unanimous consent of the voting shareholders pursuant to G.S. 55-7-04, provided that both of the following are true:

 

  a. The challenge to the corporate action is brought by a shareholder who did not consent and as to whom notice of the approval of the corporate action was not effective at least 10 days before the corporate action was effected.

 

  b. The proceeding challenging the corporate action is commenced within 10 days after notice of the approval of the corporate action is effective as to the shareholder bringing the proceeding. (2011-347, s. 1.)

 

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Annex F

 

LOGO

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Company No. 3407696

Incorporated on 23 July 1997

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

(adopted by Special Resolution passed on 28 April 2010)

 

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LOGO

 

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Company Number: 3407696

 

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

RESOLUTIONS

OF

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

 

 

Passed on the 27th day of April 2016

 

 

At the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company duly convened and held at Milton Court Concert Hall, Silk Street, London EC2Y 9BH on 27 April 2016 the following resolutions were duly passed by the Company:-

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

 

18. That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Rights”):

 

  (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £155,352,573; and

 

  (b) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of £155,352,573 provided that: (i) they are equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Companies Act 2006); and (ii) they are offered by way of a rights issue to holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter,

provided that this authority shall expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution or, if earlier, on 27 July 2017 save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such authority which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot shares and grant Rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and all unexercised authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights be and are hereby revoked.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

 

19.

That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of that Act) for cash either pursuant to

 

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  the authority conferred by Resolution 18 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1) of that Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

 

  (a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 18 by way of rights issue only) in favour of the holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter; and

 

  (b) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 19) to any person or persons of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £23,302,886,

and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 18 above, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 

20. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

 

  (a) the maximum number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 186.4 million representing approximately 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 14 March 2016;

 

  (b) the minimum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p;

 

  (c) the maximum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased;

 

  (d) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting; and

 

  (e) the Company may enter into a contract to purchase its ordinary shares under this authority prior to its expiry, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry, and may purchase its ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

 

 

 

24. That a general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

 

DATED THIS 27th day of April 2016      Chairman  

 

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Company Number: 3407696

 

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

RESOLUTIONS

OF

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

 

 

Passed on the 29th day of April 2015

 

 

At the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company duly convened and held at Milton Court Concert Hall, Silk Street, London EC2Y 9BH on 29 April 2015 the following resolutions were duly passed by the Company:-

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

 

19. That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Rights”):

 

  (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £155,344,251; and

 

  (b) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of £155,344,251 provided that: (i) they are equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Companies Act 2006); and (ii) they are offered by way of a rights issue to holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter,

provided that this authority shall expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution or, if earlier, on 29 July 2016 save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such authority which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot shares and grant Rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and all unexercised authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights be and are hereby revoked.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

 

20.

That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of that Act) for cash either pursuant to

 

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  the authority conferred by Resolution 19 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1) of that Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

 

  (a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 19 by way of rights issue only) in favour of the holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter; and

 

  (b) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 20) to any person or persons of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £23,301,637,

and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 19 above, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 

21. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

 

  (a) the maximum number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 186.4 million representing approximately 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 20 March 2015;

 

  (b) the minimum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p;

 

  (c) the maximum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased;

 

  (d) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting; and

 

  (e) the Company may enter into a contract to purchase its ordinary shares under this authority prior to its expiry, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry, and may purchase its ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

 

 

 

23. That a general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

 

DATED THIS 29th day of April 2015

    Chairman

 

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Company Number: 3407696

 

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

RESOLUTIONS

OF

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

 

 

Passed on the 30th day of April 2014

 

 

At the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company duly convened and held at The Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER on 30 April 2014 the following resolutions were duly passed by the Company:-

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

 

17. That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Rights”):

 

  (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £157,070,467; and

 

  (b) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of £157,070,467 provided that: (i) they are equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Companies Act 2006); and (ii) they are offered by way of a rights issue to holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter,

provided that this authority shall expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution or, if earlier, on 30 July 2015 save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such authority which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot shares and grant Rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and all unexercised authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights be and are hereby revoked.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

 

18.

That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of that Act) for cash either pursuant to

 

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  the authority conferred by Resolution 17 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1) of that Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

 

  (a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 17 by way of rights issue only) in favour of the holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter; and

 

  (b) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 18) to any person or persons of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £23,560,570,

and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 17 above, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 

19. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

 

  (a) the maximum number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 188.4 million representing approximately 10 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 12 March 2014;

 

  (b) the minimum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p;

 

  (c) the maximum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased;

 

  (d) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting; and

 

  (e) the Company may enter into a contract to purchase its ordinary shares under this authority prior to its expiry, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry, and may purchase its ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

 

 

 

21. That a general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

 

DATED THIS 30th day of April 2014

  Chairman

 

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Company Number: 3407696

 

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

RESOLUTIONS

OF

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

 

 

Passed on the 25th day of April 2013

 

 

At the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company duly convened and held at The Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER on 25 April 2013 the following resolutions were duly passed by the Company:-

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

 

17. That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Rights”):

 

  (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £160,683,558; and

 

  (b) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of £160,683,558 provided that: (i) they are equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Companies Act 2006); and (ii) they are offered by way of a rights issue to holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter, provided that this authority shall expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution or, if earlier, on 25 July 2014 save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such authority which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot shares and grant Rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and all unexercised authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights be and are hereby revoked.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

 

18.

That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of that Act) for cash either pursuant to

 

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  the authority conferred by Resolution 17 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1) of that Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

 

  (a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 17 by way of rights issue only) in favour of the holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter; and

 

  (b) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 18) to any person or persons of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £24,102,533 and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 17 above, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 

19. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

 

  (a) the maximum number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 192.8 million representing approximately 10 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 14 March 2013;

 

  (b) the minimum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p;

 

  (c) the maximum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased;

 

  (d) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting; and

 

  (e) the Company may enter into a contract to purchase its ordinary shares under this authority prior to its expiry, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry, and may purchase its

ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

 

 

 

21. That a general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

 

DATED THIS 25th day of April 2013   Chairman

 

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Company Number: 3407696

 

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

RESOLUTIONS

OF

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

 

 

Passed on the 26th day of April 2012

 

 

At the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company duly convened and held at The Banqueting House, Whitehall, London SW1A 2ER on 26 April 2012 the following resolutions were duly passed by the Company:-

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

 

18. That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Rights”):

 

  (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £163,881,655; and

 

  (b) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of £163,881,655 provided that: (i) they are equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Companies Act 2006); and (ii) they are offered by way of a rights issue to holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter, provided that this authority shall expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution or, if earlier, on 26 July 2013 save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such authority which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot shares and grant Rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and all unexercised authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights be and are hereby revoked.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

 

19.

That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of that Act) for cash either pursuant to

 

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  the authority conferred by Resolution 18 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1) of that Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

 

  (a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 18 by way of rights issue only) in favour of the holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter; and

 

  (b) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 19) to any person or persons of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £24,582,248 and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 18 above, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 

20. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

 

  (a) the maximum number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 196.6 million representing approximately 10 per cent of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 15 March 2012;

 

  (b) the minimum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p;

 

  (c) the maximum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased;

 

  (d) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting; and

 

  (e) the Company may enter into a contract to purchase its ordinary shares under this authority prior to its expiry, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry, and may purchase its ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

 

21. That a general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

 

DATED THIS 26th day of April 2012

  Chairman

 

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Company Number: 3407696

 

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

RESOLUTIONS

OF

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

 

 

Passed on the 28th day of April 2011

 

 

At the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company duly convened and held at The Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, London EC4V 3DB on 28 April 2011 the following resolutions were duly passed by the Company:-

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS

 

17. That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Rights”):

 

  (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £166,182,644; and

 

  (b) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of £166,182,644 provided that: (i) they are equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Companies Act 2006); and (ii) they are offered by way of a rights issue to holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter, provided that this authority shall expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution or, if earlier, on 28 July 2012 save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such authority which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot shares and grant Rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and all unexercised authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights be and are hereby revoked.

 

20. That the amendments to, and proposed operation of, the rules of the British American Tobacco 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan be and are hereby approved.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

 

18.

That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of that Act) for cash either pursuant to

 

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  the authority conferred by Resolution 17 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1) of that Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

 

  (a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 17 by way of rights issue only) in favour of the holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter; and

 

  (b) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 18) to any person or persons of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £24,927,396

and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 17 above, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 

19. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

 

  (a) the maximum number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 199.4 million representing approximately 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 18 March 2011;

 

  (b) the minimum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p;

 

  (c) the maximum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased;

 

  (d) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting; and

 

  (e) the Company may enter into a contract to purchase its ordinary shares under this authority prior to its expiry, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry, and may purchase its ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

 

21. That a general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

 

DATED THIS 28th day of April 2011

  Chairman

 

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Company Number: 3407696

 

 

COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES

RESOLUTIONS

OF

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

 

 

Passed on the 28th day of April 2010

 

 

At the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Company duly convened and held at The Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, London EC4V 3DB on 28 April 2010 the following resolutions were duly passed by the Company:-

ORDINARY RESOLUTION

 

8. That the Directors be and they are hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company (“Rights”):

 

  (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £166,391,574; and

 

  (b) up to a further aggregate nominal amount of £166,391,574 provided that: (i) they are equity securities (within the meaning of section 560(1) of the Companies Act 2006); and (ii) they are offered by way of a rights issue to holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter, provided that this authority shall expire on the date of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution or, if earlier, on 28 July 2011 save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such authority which would or might require shares to be allotted or Rights to be granted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot shares and grant Rights pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired; and all unexercised authorities previously granted to the Directors to allot shares and grant Rights be and are hereby revoked.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

 

9.

That the Directors be and they are hereby empowered pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of that Act) for cash either pursuant to

 

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  the authority conferred by Resolution 8 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares as if section 561(1) of that Act did not apply to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:

 

  (a) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (b) of Resolution 8 by way of rights issue only) in favour of the holders (“shareholders”) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) on the register of members at such record dates as the Directors may determine where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of the shareholders are proportionate (as nearly as may be practicable) to the respective numbers of ordinary shares held or deemed to be held by them on any such record dates, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws of any overseas territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or by virtue of shares being represented by depositary receipts or any other matter; and

 

  (b) the allotment (otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Resolution 9) to any person or persons of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £24,958,736

and shall expire upon the expiry of the general authority conferred by Resolution 8 above, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers or agreements before the expiry of such power which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors shall be entitled to allot equity securities pursuant to any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired.

 

10. That the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act 2006 to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693 (4) of that Act) of ordinary shares of 25p each in the capital of the Company (“ordinary shares”) provided that:

 

  (a) the maximum number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 199.6 million representing approximately 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 19 March 2010;

 

  (b) the minimum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is 25p;

 

  (c) the maximum price that may be paid for an ordinary share is an amount equal to 105% of the average of the middle-market prices shown in the quotation for an ordinary share as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the ordinary share is contracted to be purchased;

 

  (d) this authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this Resolution unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in general meeting; and

 

  (e) the Company may enter into a contract to purchase its ordinary shares under this authority prior to its expiry, which contract will or may be executed wholly or partly after such expiry, and may purchase its ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.

 

11. That a general meeting, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days’ notice.

 

12. That with effect from the end of the Meeting:

 

  (a) if Resolution 13 has been passed, the form of the articles of association produced to the Meeting and signed by the Chairman of the Meeting for the purposes of identification (the “New Articles”) be adopted as the articles of association of the Company in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, the existing articles of association of the Company; and

 

  (b) if Resolution 13 has not been passed, the New Articles be adopted as the articles of association of the Company in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, the existing articles of association of the Company save that Article 113 of the existing articles of association shall be retained as Article 113 in the new articles of association.

 

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13. That with effect from the end of the Meeting:

 

  (a) if Resolution 12 has been passed the new articles of association of the Company, adopted with effect from the end of the Meeting, shall include the changes to Article 113 as set out in the New Articles; and

 

  (b) if Resolution 12 has not been passed, the existing articles of association of the Company be amended by substituting Article 113 as set out in the New Articles for, and to the exclusion of, Article 113 of the existing articles of association of the Company.

 

DATED THIS 28th day of April 2010   Chairman

 

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Index   
Headings    Page  

PRELIMINARY

     F-19  

SHARE CAPITAL

     F-20  

VARIATION OF RIGHTS

     F-21  

SHARE CERTIFICATES

     F-22  

LIEN

     F-22  

CALLS ON SHARES AND FORFEITURE

     F-23  

TRANSFER OF SHARES

     F-25  

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

     F-26  

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

     F-27  

UNTRACED MEMBERS

     F-28  

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

     F-29  

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

     F-30  

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

     F-30  

AMENDMENTS TO RESOLUTIONS

     F-32  

POLLS

     F-33  

VOTES OF MEMBERS

     F-34  

PROXIES AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

     F-35  

APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS

     F-37  

DISQUALIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

     F-39  

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

     F-39  

POWERS OF DIRECTORS

     F-40  

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION, GRATUITIES AND BENEFITS

     F-41  

DIRECTORS’ APPOINTMENTS AND INTERESTS

     F-42  

PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS

     F-43  

DIVIDENDS

     F-46  

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

     F-49  

RECORD DATES

     F-50  

NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS

     F-50  

ADMINISTRATION

     F-54  

WINDING UP

     F-55  

INDEMNITY

     F-56  

 

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ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

of

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

(adopted by Special Resolution passed on 28 April 2010)

PRELIMINARY

Definitions

 

1.

(1)

In these articles the following words bear the following meanings:

“Acts” means the Companies Acts (as defined in section 2 of the Companies Act 2006),

in so far as they apply to the Company;

“articles” means the articles of association of the Company;

“clear days” means in relation to the period of a notice, that period excluding the day when the notice is given or deemed to be given and the day for which it is given or on

which it is to take effect;

“electronic address” means any number or address used for the purposes of sending

or receiving notices, documents or information by electronic means;

“electronic form” has the same meaning as in the Acts;

“electronic means” has the same meaning as in the Acts;

“executed” means any mode of execution;

“holder” means in relation to shares, the member whose name is entered in the register

of members as the holder of the shares;

“Office” means the registered office of the Company;

“seal” means the common seal (if any) of the Company and an official seal (if any) kept by the Company by virtue of section 50 of the Companies Act 2006, or either of them as

the case may require;

“secretary” means the secretary of the Company or any other person appointed to perform the duties of the secretary of the Company, including a joint, assistant or deputy

secretary;

“Stock Exchange” means London Stock Exchange plc; and

“Uncertificated Securities Regulations” means the Uncertificated Securities

Regulations 2001.

 

  (2) In these articles, references to a share being in uncertificated form are references to that share being an uncertificated unit of a security and references to a share being in certificated form are references to that share being a certificated unit of a security, provided that any reference to a share in uncertificated form applies only to a share of a class which is, for the time being, a participating security, and only for so long as it remains a participating security.

 

  (3) Save as aforesaid and unless the context otherwise requires, words or expressions contained in these articles have the same meaning as in the Companies Act 2006 or the Uncertificated Securities Regulations (as the case may be).

 

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  (4) Except where otherwise expressly stated, a reference in these articles to any primary or delegated legislation or legislative provision includes a reference to any modification or re-enactment of it for the time being in force.

 

  (5) In these articles, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

  (a) words in the singular include the plural, and vice versa;

 

  (b) words importing any gender include all genders; and

 

  (c) a reference to a person includes a reference to a body corporate and to an unincorporated body of persons.

 

  (6) In these articles:

 

  (a) references to writing include references to typewriting, printing, lithography, photography and any other modes of representing or reproducing words in a legible and non-transitory form, whether sent or supplied in electronic form or made available on a website or otherwise;

 

  (b) the words and phrases “other”, “otherwise”, “including” and “in particular” shall not limit the generality of any preceding words or be construed as being limited to the same class as the preceding words where a wider construction is possible;

 

  (c) references to a power are to a power of any kind, whether administrative, discretionary or otherwise; and

 

  (d) references to a committee of the directors are to a committee established in accordance with these articles, whether or not comprised wholly of directors.

 

  (7) The headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the construction of these articles.

Exclusion of other regulations

 

2. Neither the regulations contained in Table A to the Companies Act 1985 nor the regulations contained in the Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 apply to the Company.

SHARE CAPITAL

Liability of members

 

3. The liability of the members is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares held by them.

Further issues and rights attaching to shares on issue

 

4. Without prejudice to any rights attached to any existing shares, any share may be issued with such rights or restrictions as the Company may by ordinary resolution determine or, if the Company has not so determined, as the directors may determine.

Redeemable shares

 

5. Any share may be issued which is or is to be liable to be redeemed at the option of the Company or the holder, and the directors may determine the terms, conditions and manner of redemption of any such share.

Payment of commissions

 

6. The Company may exercise the powers of paying commissions conferred by the Acts. Any such commission may be satisfied by the payment of cash or by the allotment of fully or partly paid shares, or partly in one way and partly in the other and may be in respect of a conditional or an absolute subscription.

 

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Trusts not recognised

 

7. Except as required by law, no person shall be recognised by the Company as holding any share upon any trust. Except as otherwise provided by these articles or by law, the Company shall not be bound by or recognise (even if having notice of it) any equitable, contingent, future, partial or other claim or any interest in any share other than the holder’s absolute ownership of it and all rights attaching to it.

Uncertificated shares

 

8. Without prejudice to any powers which the Company or the directors may have to issue, allot, dispose of, convert, or otherwise deal with or make arrangements in relation to shares and other securities in any form:

 

  (a) the holding of shares in uncertificated form and the transfer of title to such shares by means of a relevant system shall be permitted; and

 

  (b) the Company may issue shares in uncertificated form and may convert shares from certificated form to uncertificated form and vice versa.

If and to the extent that any provision of these articles is inconsistent with such holding or transfer as is referred to in paragraph (a) of this article or with any provision of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations, it shall not apply to any share in uncertificated form.

Separate holdings of shares in certificated and uncertificated form

 

9. Notwithstanding anything else contained in these articles, where any class of shares is, for the time being, a participating security, unless the directors otherwise determine, shares of any such class held by the same holder or joint holder in certificated form and uncertificated form shall be treated as separate holdings.

VARIATION OF RIGHTS

Variation of rights

 

10. If at any time the capital of the Company is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class may be varied, either while the Company is a going concern or during or in contemplation of a winding up:

 

  (a) in such manner (if any) as may be provided by those rights; or

 

  (b) in the absence of any such provision, with the consent in writing of the holders of three- quarters in nominal value of the issued shares of that class (excluding any shares of that class held as treasury shares), or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class,

but not otherwise. To every such separate meeting the provisions of these articles relating to general meetings shall apply, except that the necessary quorum shall be (i) at any such meeting other than an adjourned meeting, two persons together holding or representing by proxy at least one-third in nominal value of the issued shares of the class in question (excluding any shares of that class held as treasury shares); and (ii) at an adjourned meeting, one person holding shares of the class in question (other than treasury shares) or his proxy.

Rights deemed not varied

 

11. Unless otherwise expressly provided by the rights attached to any class of shares, those rights shall be deemed not to be varied by the purchase by the Company of any of its own shares or the holding of such shares as treasury shares.

 

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SHARE CERTIFICATES

Rights to share certificates

 

12.

(1)

On becoming the holder of any share other than a share in uncertificated form, every person (other than a financial institution in respect of whom the Company is not required by law to complete and have ready a certificate) shall be entitled, without payment, to have issued to him within two months after allotment or lodgement of a transfer (unless the terms of issue of the shares provide otherwise) one certificate for all the shares of each class registered in his name or, upon payment for every certificate after the first of such reasonable sum as the directors may determine, several certificates each for one or more of his shares.

 

  (2) Every certificate shall be issued under the seal or under such other form of authentication as the directors may determine (which may include manual or facsimile signatures by one or more directors), and shall specify the number, class and distinguishing numbers (if any) of the shares to which it relates and the amount or respective amounts paid up on them.

 

  (3) Where a member (other than a financial institution) has transferred part only of the shares comprised in a certificate, the member is entitled, without payment, to have issued to him a certificate in respect of the balance of shares held by him or, upon payment for every certificate after the first of such reasonable sum as the directors may determine, several certificates each for one or more of his shares.

 

  (4) When a member’s (other than a financial institution’s) holding of shares of a particular class increases, the Company may issue that member with a single, consolidated certificate in respect of all the shares of a particular class which that member holds or a separate certificate in respect of only those shares by which that member’s holding has increased.

 

  (5) A member (other than a financial institution) may request the Company, in writing, to replace the member’s separate certificates with a consolidated certificate or the member’s consolidated certificate with two or more separate certificates representing such proportion of the shares as the member may specify, provided that any certificate(s) which it is (or they are) to replace has first been returned to the Company for cancellation. When the Company complies with such a request it may charge such reasonable sum as the directors may determine for doing so.

 

  (6) The Company shall not be bound to issue more than one certificate for shares held jointly by several persons and delivery of a certificate to the senior shall be a sufficient delivery to all of them, and seniority shall be determined in the manner described in article 64.

 

  (7) If a certificate issued in respect of a member’s shares is damaged or defaced or said to be lost, stolen or destroyed, then that member is entitled to be issued with a replacement certificate in respect of the same shares. A member exercising the right to be issued with such a replacement certificate:

 

  (a) must return the certificate which is to be replaced to the Company if it is damaged or defaced; and

 

  (b) must comply with such conditions as to evidence, indemnity and the payment of a reasonable fee as the directors may determine.

LIEN

Company’s lien on shares not fully paid

 

13. The Company has a lien over every share which is partly paid for all amounts (whether presently payable or not) payable at a fixed time or called in respect of that share. The directors may declare any share to be wholly or in part exempt from the provisions of this article. The Company’s lien over a share takes priority over any third party’s interest in that share, and extends to any dividend or other money payable by the Company in respect of that share (and, if the lien is enforced and the share is sold by the Company, the proceeds of sale of that share).

 

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Enforcing lien by sale

 

14. The Company may sell, in such manner as the directors determine, any share on which the Company has a lien if an amount in respect of which the lien exists is presently payable and is not paid within 14 clear days after notice has been given to the holder of the share, or the person entitled to it in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of the holder or otherwise, demanding payment and stating that if the notice is not complied with the shares may be sold.

Giving effect to a sale

 

15. To give effect to the sale:

 

  (a) in the case of a share in certificated form, the directors may authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer of the share to the purchaser or a person nominated by the purchaser; and

 

  (b) in the case of a share in uncertificated form, the directors may:

 

  (i) to enable the Company to deal with the share in accordance with the provisions of this article, require the Operator of a relevant system to convert the share into certificated form; and

 

  (ii) after such conversion, authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer and/or take such other steps (including the giving of directions to or on behalf of the holder, who shall be bound by them) as they think fit to effect the transfer.

The title of the transferee to the share shall not be affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the proceedings in reference to the sale.

Application of proceeds of sale

 

16. The net proceeds of the sale, after payment of the costs, shall be applied in payment of so much of the amount for which the lien exists as is presently payable. Any residue shall (upon surrender to the Company for cancellation of the certificate for the share sold, in the case of a share in certificated form, and subject to a like lien for any amount not presently payable as existed upon the share before the sale) be paid to the person entitled to the share at the date of the sale.

CALLS ON SHARES AND FORFEITURE

Calls

 

17. Subject to the terms of allotment, the directors may make calls upon the members in respect of any amounts unpaid on their shares (whether in respect of nominal value or premium) and each member shall (subject to receiving at least 14 clear days’ notice specifying when and where payment is to be made) pay to the Company as required by the notice the amount called on his shares. A call may be required to be paid by instalments. A call may, before receipt by the Company of an amount due under it, be revoked in whole or in part and payment of a call may be postponed in whole or part. A person upon whom a call is made shall remain liable for calls made upon him notwithstanding the subsequent transfer of the shares in respect of which the call was made.

 

18. A call shall be deemed to have been made at the time when the resolution of the directors authorising the call was passed.

Joint and several liability in respect of calls

 

19. The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect of it.

 

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Interest

 

20. If a call or an instalment of a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the person from whom it is due shall pay interest on the amount unpaid, from the day it became due and payable until it is paid at the rate fixed by the terms of allotment of the shares in question or fixed in the notice of the call or, if no rate is fixed, at the appropriate rate (as defined in the Acts). The directors may, however, waive payment of the interest wholly or in part.

Sums treated as calls

 

21. An amount payable in respect of a share on allotment or at any fixed date, whether in respect of nominal value or premium or as an instalment of a call, shall be deemed to be a call and if it is not paid these articles shall apply as if that sum had become due and payable by virtue of a call.

Power to differentiate

 

22. Subject to the terms of allotment, the directors may differentiate between the holders in the amounts and times of payment of calls on their shares.

Payment of calls in advance

 

23. The directors may receive from any member willing to advance it all or any part of the amount unpaid on the shares held by him (beyond the sums actually called up) as a payment in advance of calls, and such payment shall, to the extent of it, extinguish the liability on the shares in respect of which it is advanced. The Company may pay interest on the amount so received, or so much of it as exceeds the sums called up on the shares in respect of which it has been received, at such rate (if any) as the member and the directors agree.

Notice if call not paid and forfeiture

 

24. If a call or an instalment of a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the directors may give to the person from whom it is due not less than 14 clear days’ notice requiring payment of the amount unpaid together with any interest which may have accrued. The notice shall name the place where payment is to be made and shall state that if the notice is not complied with the shares in respect of which the call was made will be liable to be forfeited. If the notice is not complied with, any shares in respect of which it was given may, before the payment required by the notice has been made, be forfeited by a resolution of the directors and the forfeiture shall include all dividends and other amounts payable in respect of the forfeited shares and not paid before the forfeiture.

Sale of forfeited shares

 

25. A forfeited share may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the directors determine either to the person who was before the forfeiture the holder or to any other person and, at any time before the disposition, the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms as the directors determine. Where for the purposes of its disposal a forfeited share is to be transferred to any person:

 

  (a) in the case of a share in certificated form, the directors may authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer; and

 

  (b) in the case of a share in uncertificated form, the directors may:

 

  (i) to enable the Company to deal with the share in accordance with the provisions of this article, require the Operator of a relevant system to convert the share into certificated form; and

 

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  (ii) after such conversion, authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer and/or take such other steps (including the giving of directions to or on behalf of the holder, who shall be bound by them) as they think fit to effect the transfer.

Cessation of membership and continuing liability

 

26. A person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a member in respect of the shares forfeited and shall surrender to the Company for cancellation any certificate for the shares forfeited. However, such person shall remain liable to the Company for all amounts which at the date of forfeiture were presently payable by him to the Company in respect of those shares with interest at the rate at which interest was payable on those amounts before the forfeiture or, if no interest was so payable, at the appropriate rate (as defined in the Acts) from the date of forfeiture until payment. The directors may waive payment wholly or in part or enforce payment without any allowance for the value of the shares at the time of forfeiture or for any consideration received on their disposal.

Statutory declaration as to forfeiture

 

27. A statutory declaration by a director or the secretary that a share has been forfeited on a specified date shall be conclusive evidence of the facts stated in it as against all persons claiming to be entitled to the share and the declaration shall (subject to the execution of an instrument of transfer if necessary, in the case of a share in certificated form) constitute good title to the share and the person to whom the share is disposed of shall not be bound to see to the application of the consideration, if any, nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the proceedings relating to the forfeiture or disposal of the share.

TRANSFER OF SHARES

Transfer of shares in certificated form

 

28. The instrument of transfer of a share in certificated form may be in any usual form or in any other form which the directors approve and shall be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and, where the share is not fully paid, by or on behalf of the transferee.

Transfer of shares in uncertificated form

 

29. Where any class of shares is, for the time being, a participating security, title to shares of that class which are recorded on an Operator register of members as being held in uncertificated form may be transferred by means of the relevant system concerned. The transfer may not be in favour of more than four transferees.

Refusal to register transfers

 

30.

(1)

The directors may, in their absolute discretion, refuse to register the transfer of a share in certificated form which is not fully paid provided that if the share is listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority such refusal does not prevent dealings in the shares from taking place on an open and proper basis. They may also refuse to register a transfer of a share in certificated form (whether fully paid or not) unless the instrument of transfer:

 

  (a) is lodged, duly stamped, at the Office or at such other place as the directors may appoint and (except in the case of a transfer by a financial institution where a certificate has not been issued in respect of the share) is accompanied by the certificate for the share to which it relates and such other evidence as the directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

  (b) is in respect of only one class of share; and

 

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  (c) is in favour of not more than four transferees.

 

  (2) The directors may refuse to register a transfer of a share in uncertificated form to a person who is to hold it thereafter in certificated form in any case where the Company is entitled to refuse (or is excepted from the requirement) under the Uncertificated Securities Regulations to register the transfer.

Notice of and reasons for refusal

 

31. If the directors refuse to register a transfer of a share, they shall as soon as practicable and in any event within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with the Company (in the case of a transfer of a share in certificated form) or the date on which the Operator- instruction was received by the Company (in the case of a transfer of a share in uncertificated form to a person who is to hold it thereafter in certificated form) send to the transferee notice of the refusal together with reasons for the refusal. The directors shall send to the transferee such further information about the reasons for the refusal as the transferee may reasonably request.

No fee for registration

 

32. No fee shall be charged for the registration of any instrument of transfer or other document or instruction relating to or affecting the title to any share.

Retention or return of instrument of transfer

 

33. The Company shall be entitled to retain any instrument of transfer which is registered, but any instrument of transfer which the directors refuse to register shall (except in the case of fraud) be returned to the person lodging it when notice of the refusal is given.

Recognition of renunciation

 

34. Nothing in these articles shall preclude the directors from recognising a renunciation of the allotment of any share by the allottee in favour of some other person.

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

Transmission on death

 

35. If a member dies the survivor or survivors where he was a joint holder, or his personal representatives where he was a sole holder or the only survivor of joint holders, shall be the only persons recognised by the Company as having any title to his interest. However, nothing in this article shall release the estate of a deceased member from any liability in respect of any share which had been solely or jointly held by him.

Election of person entitled by transmission

 

36. A person becoming entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a member may, upon such evidence being produced as the directors may properly require, elect either to become the holder of the share or to have some person nominated by him registered as the transferee. If he elects to become the holder he shall give notice to the Company to that effect. If he elects to have another person registered he shall transfer title to the share to that person. All the provisions of these articles relating to the transfer of shares shall apply to the notice or instrument of transfer (if any) as if it were an instrument of transfer signed by the member and the death or bankruptcy of the member had not occurred.

 

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Rights of person entitled by transmission

 

37. A person becoming entitled to a share by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a member shall have the rights to which he would be entitled if he were the holder of the share, except that he shall not, before being registered as the holder of the share, be entitled in respect of it to attend or vote at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares.

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

Disclosure of interests

 

38.

(1)

If a member, or any other person appearing to be interested in shares held by that member, has been given a notice under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006 and has failed in relation to any shares (the “default shares”) to give the Company the information thereby required within 14 days from the date of giving the notice, the following sanctions shall apply, unless the directors otherwise determine:

 

  (a) the member shall not be entitled in respect of the default shares to be present or to vote (either in person or by representative or proxy) at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares or on any poll; and

 

  (b) where the default shares represent at least 0.25 per cent of their class (calculated exclusive of treasury shares):

 

  (i) any dividend payable in respect of the shares shall be withheld by the Company, which shall not have any obligation to pay interest on it, and the member shall not be entitled to elect, pursuant to these articles, to receive shares instead of that dividend; and

 

  (ii) no transfer, other than an excepted transfer, of any shares held by the member in certificated form shall be registered unless:

 

  (A) the member is not himself in default as regards supplying the information required; and

 

  (B) the member proves to the satisfaction of the directors that no person in default as regards supplying such information is interested in any of the shares the subject of the transfer;

 

  (iii) for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(b)(ii) of this article, in the case of shares held by the member in uncertificated form, the directors may, to enable the Company to deal with the shares in accordance with the provisions of this article, require the Operator of a relevant system to convert the shares into certificated form.

 

  (2) Where the sanctions under paragraph (1) of this article apply in relation to any shares, they shall cease to have effect at the end of the period of seven days (or such shorter period as the directors may determine) following the earlier of:

 

  (a) receipt by the Company of the information required by the notice mentioned in that paragraph; and

 

  (b) receipt by the Company of notice that the shares have been transferred by means of an excepted transfer,

and the directors may suspend or cancel any of the sanctions at any time in relation to any shares.

 

  (3) Any new shares in the Company issued in right of default shares shall be subject to the same sanctions as apply to the default shares, and the directors may make any right to an allotment of the new shares subject to sanctions corresponding to those which will apply to those shares on issue, provided that:

 

  (a) any sanctions applying to, or to a right to, new shares by virtue of this paragraph shall cease to have effect when the sanctions applying to the related default shares cease to have effect (and shall be suspended or cancelled if and to the extent that the sanctions applying to the related default shares are suspended or cancelled); and

 

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  (b) paragraph (1) of this article shall apply to the exclusion of this paragraph (3) if the Company gives a separate notice under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006 in relation to the new shares.

 

  (4) Where, on the basis of information obtained from a member in respect of any share held by him, the Company gives a notice under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006 to any other person, it shall at the same time send a copy of the notice to the member. The accidental omission to do so, or the non-receipt by the member of the copy, shall, however, not invalidate or otherwise affect the application of paragraph (1) of this article.

 

  (5) For the purposes of this article:

 

  (a) a person, other than the member holding a share, shall be treated as appearing to be interested in that share if the member has informed the Company that the person is, or may be, so interested, or if the Company (after taking account of any information obtained from the member or, pursuant to a notice under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006, from anyone else) knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the person is, or may be, so interested;

 

  (b) “interested” shall be construed as it is for the purpose of section 793 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

  (c) reference to a person having failed to give the Company the information required by a notice, or being in default as regards supplying such information, includes (i) reference to his having failed or refused to give all or any part of it and (ii) reference to his having given information which he knows to be false in a material particular or having recklessly given information which is false in a material particular; and

 

  (d) an “excepted transfer” means, in relation to any shares held by a member:

 

  (i) a transfer pursuant to acceptance of a takeover offer (within the meaning of section 974 of the Companies Act 2006) in respect of shares in the Company; or

 

  (ii) a transfer in consequence of a sale made through a recognised investment exchange (as defined in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) or any other stock exchange outside the United Kingdom on which the Company’s shares are normally traded; or

 

  (iii) a transfer which is shown to the satisfaction of the directors to be made in consequence of a sale of the whole of the beneficial interest in the shares to a person who is unconnected with the member and with any other person appearing to be interested in the shares.

 

  (6) Nothing in this article shall limit the powers of the Company under section 794 of the Companies Act 2006 or any other powers of the Company whatsoever.

UNTRACED MEMBERS

Untraced members

 

39.

(1)

The Company shall be entitled to sell at the best price reasonably obtainable any share held by a member, or any share to which a person is entitled by transmission, if:

 

  (a) for a period of 12 years no cheque or warrant or other method of payment for amounts payable in respect of the share sent and payable in a manner authorised by these articles has been cashed or effected and no communication has been received by the Company from the member or person concerned;

 

  (b) during that period the Company has paid at least three cash dividends (whether interim or final) and no such dividend has been claimed by the member or person concerned;

 

  (c)

the Company has, after the expiration of that period, by advertisement in a national newspaper published in the United Kingdom and in a newspaper circulating in the area of the registered

 

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  address or last known address of the member or person concerned, given notice of its intention to sell such share, and the advertisements, if not published on the same day, shall have been published within 30 days of each other; and

 

  (d) the Company has not during the further period of three months following the date of publication of the advertisements (or, if published on different dates, the later or latest of them) and prior to the sale of the share received any communication from the member or person concerned.

 

  (2) The Company shall also be entitled to sell at the best price reasonably obtainable any additional share issued during the said period of 12 years in right of any share to which paragraph (1) of this article applies (or in right of any share so issued), if the criteria in sub-paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of that paragraph are satisfied in relation to the additional share (but as if the words “for a period of 12 years” were omitted from sub-paragraph (a) and the words “, after the expiration of that period,” were omitted from sub-paragraph (c)).

 

  (3) To give effect to the sale of any share pursuant to this article:

 

  (a) in the case of a share in certificated form, the directors may authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer of the share to the purchaser or a person nominated by the purchaser; and

 

  (b) in the case of a share in uncertificated form, the directors may:

 

  (i) to enable the Company to deal with the share in accordance with the provisions of this article, require the Operator of a relevant system to convert the share into certificated form; and

 

  (ii) after such conversion, authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer and/or take such other steps (including the giving of directions to or on behalf of the holder, who shall be bound by them) as it thinks fit to effect the transfer.

The purchaser shall not be bound to see to the application of the proceeds of sale, nor shall his title to the share be affected by any irregularity or invalidity in the proceedings relating to the sale. The Company shall be indebted to the member or other person entitled to the share for an amount equal to the net proceeds of the sale, but no trust or duty to account shall arise and no interest shall be payable in respect of the proceeds of sale.

ALTERATION OF CAPITAL

Consolidation and sub-division

 

40. The Company may by ordinary resolution:

 

  (a) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger amount than its existing shares;

 

  (b) sub-divide its shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount than its existing shares; and

 

  (c) determine that, as between the shares resulting from such a sub-division, any of them may have any preference or advantage as compared with the others,

and where any difficulty arises in regard to any consolidation or division, the directors may settle such difficulty as they see fit. In particular, without limitation, the directors may sell to any person (including the Company) the shares representing the fractions for the best price reasonably obtainable and distribute the net proceeds of sale in due proportion among those members or retain such net proceeds for the benefit of the Company and:

 

  (i) in the case of shares in certificated form, the directors may authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer of the shares to the purchaser or a person nominated by the purchaser; and

 

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  (ii) in the case of shares in uncertificated form, the directors may, to enable the Company to deal with the share in accordance with the provisions of this article, require the Operator of a relevant system to convert the share into certificated form; and after such conversion, authorise any person to execute an instrument of transfer and/or take such other steps (including the giving of directions to or on behalf of the holder, who shall be bound by them) as they think fit to effect the transfer.

The transferee shall not be bound to see to the application of the purchase money nor shall his title to the shares be affected by any irregularity in or invalidity of the proceedings in reference to the sale.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

Calling general meetings

 

41. The directors may call general meetings. If there are not sufficient directors to form a quorum in order to call a general meeting, any director may call a general meeting. If there is no director, any member of the Company may call a general meeting.

Notice of annual general meetings and other general meetings

 

42. An annual general meeting and all other general meetings of the Company shall be called by at least such minimum period of notice as is prescribed or permitted under the Acts. The notice shall specify the place, the date and the time of meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted, and in the case of an annual general meeting shall specify the meeting as such. Where the Company has given an electronic address in any notice of meeting, any document or information relating to proceedings at the meeting may be sent by electronic means to that address, subject to any conditions or limitations specified in the relevant notice of meeting. Subject to the provisions of these articles and to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares, notices shall be given to all members, to all persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a member and to the directors and auditors of the Company.

Omission or failure to give notice and non-receipt of notice

 

43. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the failure to give notice due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting by, any person entitled to receive notice shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

PROCEEDINGS AT GENERAL MEETINGS

Quorum

 

44. No business shall be transacted at any meeting unless a quorum is present. Two persons entitled to vote upon the business to be transacted, each being a member or a proxy for a member or a duly authorised representative of a corporation which is a member (including for this purpose two persons who are proxies or corporate representatives of the same member), shall be a quorum.

Procedure if quorum not present

 

45. If a quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or if during a meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the meeting shall stand adjourned in accordance with article 53(1).

Chairing general meetings

 

46.

The chairman (if any) of the board of directors, or in his absence some other director nominated prior to the meeting by the directors, shall preside as chairman of the meeting. If neither the chairman nor such other

 

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  director (if any) is present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting and willing to act, the directors present shall elect one of their number present and willing to act to be chairman of the meeting, and if there is only one director present he shall be chairman of the meeting.

 

47. If no director is present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the members present and entitled to vote shall choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

Security arrangements and orderly conduct

 

48. The directors or the chairman of the meeting may direct that any person wishing to attend any general meeting should submit to and comply with such searches or other security arrangements (including without limitation, requiring evidence of identity to be produced before entering the meeting and placing restrictions on the items of personal property which may be taken into the meeting) as they or he consider appropriate in the circumstances. The directors or the chairman of the meeting may in their or his absolute discretion refuse entry to, or eject from, any general meeting any person who refuses to submit to a search or otherwise comply with such security arrangements.

 

49. The directors or the chairman of the meeting may take such action, give such direction or put in place such arrangements as they or he consider appropriate to secure the safety of the people attending the meeting and to promote the orderly conduct of the business of the meeting. Any decision of the chairman of the meeting on matters of procedure or matters arising incidentally from the business of the meeting, and any determination by the chairman of the meeting as to whether a matter is of such a nature, shall be final.

Directors entitled to attend and speak

 

50. Directors may attend and speak at general meetings and at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares, whether or not they are members. The chairman of the meeting may permit other persons who are not members of the Company or otherwise entitled to exercise the rights of members in relation to general meetings to attend and, at the chairman of the meeting’s discretion, speak at a general meeting or at any separate class meeting.

Attendance and participation at different places and by electronic means

 

51. In the case of any general meeting, the directors may, notwithstanding the specification in the notice convening the general meeting of the place at which the chairman of the meeting shall preside (the “Principal Place”), make arrangements for simultaneous attendance and participation by electronic means allowing persons not present together at the same place to attend, speak and vote at the meeting (including the use of satellite meeting places). The arrangements for simultaneous attendance and participation at any place at which persons are participating, using electronic means may include arrangements for controlling or regulating the level of attendance at any particular venue provided that such arrangements shall operate so that all members and proxies wishing to attend the meeting are able to attend at one or other of the venues.

 

52. The members or proxies at the place or places at which persons are participating via electronic means shall be counted in the quorum for, and be entitled to vote at, the general meeting in question, and that meeting shall be duly constituted and its proceedings valid if the chairman of the meeting is satisfied that adequate facilities are available throughout the meeting to ensure that the members or proxies attending at the place or places at which persons are participating via electronic means are able to:

 

  (a) participate in the business for which the meeting has been convened; and

 

  (b) see and hear all persons who speak (whether through the use of microphones, loud speakers, audiovisual communication equipment or otherwise) in the Principal Place and any other place at which persons are participating via electronic means.

For the purposes of all other provisions of these articles (unless the context requires otherwise), the members shall be treated as meeting at the Principal Place.

 

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If it appears to the chairman of the meeting that the facilities at the Principal Place or any place at which persons are participating via electronic means have become inadequate for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) above, the chairman of the meeting may, without the consent of the meeting, interrupt or adjourn the general meeting. All business conducted at the general meeting up to the point of the adjournment shall be valid. The provisions of article 53(3) shall apply to that adjournment.

Adjournments

 

53.

(1)

If a quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for holding the meeting, or if during a meeting a quorum ceases to be present, the meeting shall stand adjourned and (subject to the provisions of the Acts) the chairman of the meeting shall either specify the time and place to which it is adjourned or state that it is adjourned to such time and place as the directors may determine. If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within 15 minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the meeting shall be dissolved.

 

  (2) Without prejudice to any other power of adjournment he may have under these articles or at common law:

 

  (a) the chairman of the meeting may, with the consent of a meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting; and

 

  (b) the chairman of the meeting may, without the consent of the meeting, adjourn the meeting before or after it has commenced, if the chairman of the meeting considers that:

 

  (i) there is not enough room for the number of members and proxies who wish to attend the meeting;

 

  (ii) the behaviour of anyone present prevents, or is likely to prevent, the orderly conduct of the business of the meeting;

 

  (iii) an adjournment is necessary to protect the safety of any person attending the meeting; or

 

  (iv) an adjournment is otherwise necessary in order for the business of the meeting to be properly carried out.

and, if so adjourned, the chairman of the meeting shall either specify the time and place to which it is adjourned or state that it is adjourned to such time and place as the directors may determine.

 

  (3) Subject to the provisions of the Acts, it shall not be necessary to give notice of an adjourned meeting except that when a meeting is adjourned for 14 days or more, at least seven clear days’ notice shall be given specifying the time and place of the adjourned meeting and the general nature of the business to be transacted. No business shall be transacted at an adjourned meeting other than business which might properly have been transacted at the meeting had the adjournment not taken place.

AMENDMENTS TO RESOLUTIONS

Amendments to special and ordinary resolutions

 

54.

(1)

A special resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary

resolution if:

 

  (a) the chairman of the meeting proposes the amendment at the general meeting at which the resolution is to be proposed; and

 

  (b) the amendment does not go beyond what is necessary to correct a clear error in the resolution.

 

  (2) An ordinary resolution to be proposed at a general meeting may be amended by ordinary resolution if:

 

  (a)

written notice of the terms of the proposed amendment and of the intention to move the amendment have been delivered to the Company at the Office at least 48 hours before the time for

 

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  holding the meeting or the adjourned meeting at which the ordinary resolution in question is proposed and the proposed amendment does not, in the reasonable opinion of the chairman of the meeting, materially alter the scope of the resolution; or

 

  (b) the chairman of the meeting, in his absolute discretion, decides that the proposed amendment may be considered or voted on.

Withdrawal and ruling amendments out of order

 

55. With the consent of the chairman of the meeting, an amendment may be withdrawn by its proposer before it is voted on. If an amendment proposed to any resolution under consideration is ruled out of order by the chairman of the meeting, the proceedings on the resolution shall not be invalidated by any error in the ruling.

POLLS

Demand for a poll

 

56.

(1)

A resolution put to the vote of a general meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless either the notice of the meeting specifies that a poll will be called on such resolution or a poll is (before the resolution is put to the vote on a show of hands or immediately after the result of a show of hands on that resolution is declared) demanded by:

 

  (a) the chairman of the meeting;

 

  (b) a majority of the directors present at the meeting;

 

  (c) not less than five members having the right to vote at the meeting;

 

  (d) a member or members representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all the members having the right to vote at the meeting (excluding any voting rights attached to any shares in the Company held as treasury shares); or

 

  (e) a member or members holding shares conferring a right to vote on the resolution on which an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares conferring that right (excluding any shares in the Company conferring a right to vote at the meeting which are held as treasury shares).

Chairman’s declaration

 

57. Unless a poll is duly demanded and the demand is not subsequently withdrawn, a declaration by the chairman of the meeting that a resolution has been carried or carried unanimously, or by a particular majority, or lost, or not carried by a particular majority, and an entry in respect of such declaration in the minutes of the meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.

Withdrawal of demand for a poll

 

58. The demand for a poll may, before the poll is taken, be withdrawn but only with the consent of the chairman of the meeting, and a demand so withdrawn shall not be taken to have invalidated the result of a show of hands declared before the demand was made.

Polls to be taken as chairman directs

 

59. Polls at general meetings shall, subject to articles 60 and 61 below, be taken when, where and in such manner as the chairman of the meeting directs. The chairman of the meeting may appoint scrutineers (who need not be members) and decide how and when the result of the poll is to be declared. The result of a poll shall be the decision of the meeting in respect of the resolution on which the poll was demanded.

 

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When poll to be taken

 

60. A poll on the election of the chairman of the meeting or on a question of adjournment must be taken immediately. Any other polls must be taken either immediately or within 30 days of the poll being demanded. A demand for a poll does not prevent a general meeting from continuing, except as regards the question on which the poll was demanded. If a poll is demanded before the declaration of the result of a show of hands and the demand is duly withdrawn, the meeting shall continue as if the demand had not been made.

Notice of poll

 

61. No notice need be given of a poll not taken immediately if the time and place at which it is to be taken are announced at the meeting at which it is demanded. In any other case, at least seven clear days’ notice must be given specifying the time and place at which the poll is to be taken.

VOTES OF MEMBERS

Voting rights

 

62. Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares:

 

  (a) on a show of hands:

 

  (i) every member who is present in person has one vote;

 

  (ii) every proxy present who has been duly appointed by one or more members entitled to vote on the resolution has one vote, except that if the proxy has been duly appointed by more than one member entitled to vote on the resolution and is instructed by one or more of those members to vote for the resolution and by one or more others to vote against it, or is instructed by one or more of those members to vote in one way and is given discretion as to how to vote by one or more others (and wishes to use that discretion to vote in the other way) he has one vote for and one vote against the resolution; and

 

  (iii) every corporate representative present who has been duly authorised by a corporation has the same voting rights as the corporation would be entitled to;

 

  (b) on a poll every member present in person or by duly appointed proxy or corporate representative has one vote for every share of which he is the holder or in respect or which his appointment as proxy or corporate representative has been made.

 

  (c) a member, proxy or corporate representative entitled to more than one vote need not, if he votes, use all his votes or cast all the votes he uses the same way.

Voting record date

 

63. For the purposes of determining which persons are entitled to attend or vote at a general meeting and how many votes such persons may cast, the Company may specify in the notice convening the meeting a time, being not more than 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting (and for this purpose no account shall be taken of any part of a day that is not a working day), by which a person must be entered on the register in order to have the right to attend or vote at the meeting.

Votes of joint holders

 

64. In the case of joint holders the vote of the senior who tenders a vote shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names of the holders stand in the register of members.

 

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Votes on behalf of an incapable member

 

65. A member in respect of whom an order has been made by any court having jurisdiction (whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere) in matters concerning mental disorder may vote, on a show of hands or on a poll, by any person authorised in that behalf by that court and the person so authorised may exercise other rights in relation to general meetings, including appointing a proxy. Evidence to the satisfaction of the directors of the authority of the person claiming the right to vote shall be delivered to the Office, or such other place as is specified in accordance with these articles for the delivery or receipt of appointments of proxy, not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the right to vote is to be exercised, and in default the right to vote shall not be exercisable.

No right to vote where sums overdue

 

66. No member shall have the right to vote at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares, either in person or by proxy, in respect of any share held by him unless all amounts presently payable by him in respect of that share have been paid.

Objections and validity of votes

 

67.

(1)

Any objection to the qualification of any person voting at a general meeting or on a poll or to the counting of, or failure to count, any vote, must be made at the meeting or adjourned meeting or at the time the poll is taken (if not taken at the meeting or adjourned meeting) at which the vote objected to is tendered. Any objection made in due time shall be referred to the chairman of the meeting whose decision shall be final and conclusive. If a vote is not disallowed by the chairman of the meeting it is valid for all purposes.

 

  (2) The Company shall not be bound to enquire whether any proxy or corporate representative votes in accordance with the instructions given to him by the member he represents and if a proxy or corporate representative does not vote in accordance with the instructions of the member he represents the vote or votes cast shall nevertheless be valid for all purposes.

PROXIES AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

Appointment of proxies

 

68. A member is entitled to appoint another person as his proxy to exercise all or any of his rights to attend and to speak and vote at a meeting of the Company. The appointment of a proxy shall be deemed also to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a poll. Delivery of an appointment of proxy shall not preclude a member from attending and voting at the meeting or at any adjournment of it. A proxy need not be a member. A member may appoint more than one proxy in relation to a meeting, provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares held by him. References in these articles to an appointment of proxy include references to an appointment of multiple proxies.

Validity

 

69. Where two or more valid appointments of proxy are received in respect of the same share in relation to the same meeting, the one which is last sent shall be treated as replacing and revoking the other or others. If the Company is unable to determine which is last sent, the one which is last received shall be so treated. If the Company is unable to determine either which is last sent or which is last received, none of such appointments shall be treated as valid in respect of that share.

Form of proxy appointment

 

70.

(1)

Subject to article 71 below, an appointment of proxy shall be in writing in any usual form or in any other form which the directors may approve and shall be executed by or on behalf of the appointor

 

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  which in the case of a corporation may be either under its common seal or under the hand of a duly authorised officer or attorney or other person duly authorised for that purpose. The signature on the appointment of proxy need not be witnessed.

 

  (2) Where the appointment of a proxy is expressed to have been or purports to have been executed by a duly authorised person on behalf of a member:

 

  (i) the Company may treat the appointment as sufficient evidence of that person to execute the appointment of proxy on behalf of that member; and

 

  (ii) the member shall, if requested by or on behalf of the Company, send or procure the sending of any authority under which the appointment of proxy has been executed, or a certified copy of any such authority to such address and by such time as is specified under article 72 or the receipt of an appointment of proxy and, if the request is not complied with in any respect, the appointment of proxy may be treated as invalid.

Proxies sent or supplied in electronic form

 

71. The directors may (and shall if and to the extent that the Company is required to do so by the Acts) allow an appointment of proxy to be sent or supplied in electronic form subject to any conditions or limitations as the directors may specify. Where the Company has given an electronic address in any instrument of proxy or invitation to appoint a proxy, any document or information relating to proxies for the meeting (including any document necessary to show the validity of, or otherwise relating to, an appointment of proxy, or notice of the termination of the authority of a proxy) may be sent by electronic means to that address, subject to any conditions or limitations specified in the relevant notice of meeting.

Receipt of appointments of proxy

 

72. An appointment of proxy may:

 

  (a) in the case of an appointment of proxy in hard copy form, be received at the Office or such other place in the United Kingdom as is specified in the notice convening the meeting, or in any appointment of proxy or any invitation to appoint a proxy sent out or made available by the Company in relation to the meeting, not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting to which it relates; or

 

  (b) in the case of an appointment of proxy in electronic form, be received at the electronic address specified in the notice convening the meeting, or in any instrument of proxy or any invitation to appoint a proxy sent out or made available by the Company in relation to the meeting, not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting to which it relates; or

 

  (c) in the case of a poll taken subsequently to the date of the meeting or adjourned meeting, be received as aforesaid not less than 24 hours (or such shorter time as the directors may determine) before the time appointed for the taking of the poll.

The directors may specify in the notice convening the meeting that in determining the time for delivery of proxies pursuant to this article, no account shall be taken of any part of any day that is not a working day. An appointment of proxy which is not, received or delivered in a manner so permitted shall be invalid.

Termination of appointments of proxy

 

73. A vote given or poll demanded by proxy shall be valid notwithstanding the previous termination of the authority of the person voting or demanding a poll, unless notice of the termination was delivered in writing to the Company at such place or address at which an appointment of proxy may be duly received under article 72, not later than the last time at which an appointment of proxy should have been received under article 72 in order for it to be valid.

 

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Availability of appointments of proxy

 

74. The directors may at the expense of the Company send or make available appointments of proxy or invitations to appoint a proxy to the members by post or by electronic means or otherwise (with or without provision for their return prepaid) for use at any general meeting or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares, either in blank or nominating in the alternative any one or more of the directors or any other person. If for the purpose of any meeting, appointments of proxy or invitations to appoint as proxy a person or one of a number of persons specified in the invitations are issued at the Company’s expense, they shall be issued to all (and not to some only) of the members entitled to be sent a notice of the meeting and to vote at it. The accidental omission, or the failure due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control, to send or make available such an appointment of proxy or give such an invitation to, or the non-receipt thereof by, any member entitled to attend and vote at a meeting shall not invalidate the proceedings at that meeting.

Corporations acting by representatives

 

75.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of the Acts, any corporation (other than the Company itself) which is a member of the Company may, by resolution of its directors or other governing body, authorise a person or persons to act as its representative or representatives at any meeting of the Company, or at any separate meeting of the holders of any class of shares. The corporation shall for the purposes of these articles be deemed to be present in person at any such meeting if a person or persons so authorised is present at it. The Company may require such person or persons to produce a certified copy of the resolution before permitting him to exercise his powers.

 

  (2) A vote given or poll demanded by a corporate representative shall be valid notwithstanding that he is no longer authorised to represent the member unless notice of the termination was delivered in writing to the Company at such place or address and by such time as is specified in article 72 for the receipt of an appointment of proxy.

APPOINTMENT AND RETIREMENT OF DIRECTORS

Number of directors

 

76. Unless otherwise determined by the Company by ordinary resolution the number of directors (disregarding alternate directors) shall not be subject to any maximum but shall not be less than five.

Power of Company to appoint a director

 

77. Subject to the provisions of these articles, the Company may by ordinary resolution appoint a person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director.

Procedure for appointment or reappointment at general meeting

 

78. No person other than a director retiring at the meeting shall be appointed or reappointed a director at any general meeting unless:

 

  (a) he is recommended by the directors; or

 

  (b) not less than seven nor more than 35 days before the date appointed for holding the meeting, notice executed by a member qualified to vote on the appointment or reappointment has been given to the Company of the intention to propose that person for appointment or reappointment, stating the particulars which would, if he were appointed or reappointed, be required to be included in the Company’s register of directors, together with notice executed by that person of his willingness to be appointed or reappointed.

 

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Election of two or more directors

 

79. At a general meeting a motion for the appointment of two or more persons as directors by a single resolution shall not be made, unless a resolution that it shall be so made has first been agreed to by the meeting without any vote being given against it. For the purposes of this article a motion for approving a person’s appointment or for nominating a person for appointment shall be treated as a motion for his appointment.

Power of directors to appoint a director

 

80. The directors may appoint a person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, to be a director, either to fill a vacancy or as an additional director, provided that the appointment does not cause the number of directors to exceed any number fixed as the maximum number of directors. A director so appointed shall retire at the next annual general meeting and shall then be eligible for reappointment.

Number and identity of directors to retire by rotation

 

81.

(1)

At the annual general meeting in every year there shall retire from office by rotation:

 

  (a) all directors who held office at the time of each of the two preceding annual general meetings and who did not retire at either of them; and

 

  (b) if the number of directors retiring under (a) above is less than one-third of the Relevant Directors (or, if the number of Relevant Directors is not three or a multiple of three, is less than the number which is nearest to but does not exceed one-third of the Relevant Directors), such additional number of directors as shall, together with the directors retiring under (a) above, equal one-third of the Relevant Directors (or, if the number of Relevant Directors is not three or a multiple of three, the number which is nearest to but does not exceed one-third of the Relevant Directors).

 

  (2) Subject to the provisions of this article the directors, if any, to retire by rotation under paragraph (1)(b) of this article shall be those other Relevant Directors who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment, but, as between persons who became or were last reappointed directors on the same day, those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot.

 

  (3) Any director who is to retire at or prior to any annual general meeting for any reason other than retirement by rotation under this article shall be an “Excluded Director”. An Excluded Director shall not be taken into account in determining the number or identity of the directors to retire by rotation at that meeting pursuant to this article 81.

 

  (4) The number and identity of the directors to retire at an annual general meeting pursuant to this article 81 shall be determined by reference to the number and identity of the directors, other than any Excluded Director, at 9.00 am (London time) on the date of the notice convening the annual general meeting (the “Relevant Directors”) notwithstanding any change in the number or identity of such directors after that time but before the close of that annual general meeting.

Filling of vacancy

 

82. If the Company, at the meeting at which a director retires under any provision of these articles, does not fill the vacancy the retiring director shall, if willing to act, be deemed to have been reappointed unless at the meeting it is resolved not to fill the vacancy or a resolution for the reappointment of the director is put to the meeting and lost.

Director not reappointed at annual general meeting

 

83. A director who retires at an annual general meeting may be reappointed. If he is not reappointed or deemed to have been reappointed, he shall retain office until the meeting elects someone in his place or, if it does not do so, until the close of the meeting.

 

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DISQUALIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

Removal of director

 

84. In addition to any power of removal under the Acts, the Company may, by special resolution, remove a director before the expiration of his period of office and, subject to these articles, may, by ordinary resolution, appoint another person who is willing to act as a director, and is permitted by law to do so, to be a director instead of him. A person so appointed shall be treated, for the purposes of determining the time at which he or any other director is to retire, as if he had become a director on the day on which the director in whose place he is appointed was last appointed or reappointed a director.

Termination of a director’s appointment

 

85. A person ceases to be a director as soon as:

 

  (a) that person ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the Acts or is prohibited from being a director by law; or

 

  (b) a bankruptcy order is made against that person; or

 

  (c) a composition is made with that person’s creditors generally in satisfaction of that person’s debts; or

 

  (d) by reason of that person’s mental health, a court makes an order which wholly or partly prevents that person from personally exercising any powers or rights which that person would otherwise have; or

 

  (e) notification is received by the Company from that person that he is resigning or retiring from his office as director, and such resignation or retirement has taken effect in accordance with its terms; or

 

  (f) in the case of a director who holds any executive office, his appointment as such is terminated or expires and the directors resolve that he should cease to be a director; or

 

  (g) that person is absent without permission of the other directors from meetings of the directors for more than six consecutive months and the other directors resolve that he should cease to be a director; or

 

  (h) a notice in writing is served upon him personally, or at his residential address provided to the Company for the purposes of section 165 of the Companies Act 2006, signed by all the other directors stating that that person shall cease to be a director with immediate effect (and such notice may consist of several copies each signed by one or more directors, but a notice executed by an alternate director need not also be executed by his appointor and, if it is executed by a director who has appointed an alternate director, it need not also be executed by the alternate director in that capacity).

ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

Appointment and removal of an alternate director

 

86. Any director (other than an alternate director) may appoint any other director, or any other person approved by resolution of the directors and willing to act and permitted by law to do so, to be an alternate director and may remove an alternate director appointed by him from his appointment as alternate director.

Rights of an alternate director

 

87. An alternate director shall be entitled to receive notices of meetings of the directors and of committees of the directors of which his appointor is a member, to attend and vote at any such meeting at which the director appointing him is not present, and generally to perform all the functions of his appointor as a director in his absence. An alternate director shall not (unless the Company by ordinary resolution otherwise determines) be entitled to any fees for his services as an alternate director, but shall be entitled to be paid such expenses as might properly have been paid to him if he had been a director.

 

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Termination of an alternate director’s appointment

 

88. An alternate director shall cease to be an alternate director if his appointor ceases to be a director; however, if a director retires, by rotation or otherwise, but is reappointed or deemed to have been reappointed at the meeting at which he retires, any appointment of an alternate director made by him which was in force immediately prior to his retirement shall continue after his reappointment.

 

89. An alternate director shall cease to be an alternate director on the occurrence in relation to the alternate director of any event which, if it occurred in relation to his appointor, would result in the termination of the appointor’s appointment as a director.

Method of appointment or removal of an alternate director

 

90. An appointment or removal of an alternate director shall be by notice in writing to the Company signed by the director making or revoking the appointment or in any other manner approved by the directors.

Other provisions regarding alternate directors

 

91. Save as otherwise provided in these articles, an alternate director shall:

 

  (a) be deemed for all purposes to be a director;

 

  (b) alone be responsible for his own acts and omissions;

 

  (c) in addition to any restrictions which may apply to him personally, be subject to the same restrictions as his appointor; and

 

  (d) not be deemed to be the agent of or for the director appointing him.

POWERS OF DIRECTORS

General powers of the Company vested in the directors

 

92. The business of the Company shall be managed by the directors who, subject to the provisions of these articles and to any directions given by special resolution to take, or refrain from taking, specified action, may exercise all the powers of the Company. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the directors may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property, assets (present and future) and uncalled capital or any part thereof, and, subject to the provisions of these articles, to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party. No alteration of these articles and no such direction shall invalidate any prior act of the directors which would have been valid if that alteration had not been made or that direction had not been given. The powers given by this article shall not be limited by any special power given to the directors by these articles and a meeting of the directors at which a quorum is present may exercise all powers exercisable by the directors.

Provision for employees on cessation or transfer of business

 

93. The directors may decide to make provision for the benefit of persons employed or formerly employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than a director or former director or shadow director) in connection with the cessation or transfer to any person of the whole or part of the undertaking of the Company or that subsidiary.

 

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Delegation to persons or committees

 

94.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of these articles, the directors may delegate any of the powers which are conferred on them under the articles:

 

  (a) to such person or committee;

 

  (b) by such means (including by power of attorney);

 

  (c) to such an extent;

 

  (d) in relation to such matters or territories; and

 

  (e) on such terms and conditions,

as they think fit.

 

  (2) If the directors so specify, any such delegation may authorise further delegation of the directors’ powers by any person to whom they are delegated.

 

  (3) The directors may revoke any delegation in whole or part, or alter its terms and conditions.

 

  (4) The power to delegate under this article includes power to delegate the determination of any fee, remuneration or other benefit which may be paid or provided to any director.

 

  (5) Subject to paragraph (6) of this article, the proceedings of any committee appointed under paragraph (1)(a) of this article with two or more members shall be governed by such of these articles as regulate the proceedings of directors so far as they are capable of applying.

 

  (6) The directors may make rules regulating the proceedings of such committees, which shall prevail over any rules derived from these articles pursuant to paragraph (5) of this article if, and to the extent that, they are not consistent with them.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION, GRATUITIES AND BENEFITS

Directors’ remuneration

 

95. Until otherwise determined by the Company by ordinary resolution, there shall be paid to the directors who do not hold executive office (other than alternate directors) such fees for their services in the office of director as the directors may determine (not exceeding in the aggregate an annual sum of £2,500,000 or such larger amount as the Company may by ordinary resolution decide) divided between the directors as they may determine, or, failing such determination, equally . The fees shall be deemed to accrue from day to day and shall be distinct from and additional to any remuneration or other benefits which may be paid or provided to any director pursuant to any other provision of these articles.

Expenses

 

96. The directors may also be paid all reasonable expenses properly incurred by them in connection with their attendance at meetings of the directors or of committees of the directors or general meetings or separate meetings of the holders of any class of shares or of debentures of the Company and any reasonable expenses properly incurred by them otherwise in connection with the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their responsibilities in relation to the Company.

Directors’ gratuities and benefits

 

97.

The directors may (by the establishment of, or maintenance of, schemes or otherwise) provide benefits, whether by the payment of allowances, gratuities or pensions, or by insurance or death, sickness or disability

 

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  benefits or otherwise, for any director or any former director of the Company or of any body corporate which is or has been a subsidiary of the Company or a predecessor in business of the Company or of any such subsidiary, and for any member of his family (including a spouse or civil partner or a former spouse or former civil partner) or any person who is or was dependent on him and may (before as well as after he ceases to hold such office) contribute to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such benefit.

Executive directors

 

98. The directors may appoint one or more of their number to the office of managing director or to any other executive office of the Company and any such appointment may be made for such term, at such remuneration and on such other conditions as the directors think fit. Any appointment of a director to an executive office shall terminate if he ceases to be a director but without prejudice to any claim for damages for breach of the contract of service between the director and the Company.

DIRECTORS’ APPOINTMENTS AND INTERESTS

Other interests and offices

 

99.

(1)

Provided that he has disclosed to the directors the nature and extent of any material interest of his, a director notwithstanding his office:

 

  (a) may be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise interested; and

 

  (b) may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to any transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate in which the Company is interested,

and (i) he shall not, by reason of his office, be accountable to the Company for any benefit which he derives from any such office or employment or from any such transaction or arrangement or from any interest in any such body corporate; (ii) he shall not infringe his duty to avoid a situation in which he has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company as a result of any such office or employment or any such transaction or arrangement or any interest in any such body corporate; (iii) he shall not be required to disclose to the Company, or use in performing his duties as a director of the Company, any confidential information relating to such office or employment if to make such a disclosure or use would result in a breach of a duty or obligation of confidence owed by him in relation to or in connection with such office or employment; (iv) he may absent himself from discussions, whether in meetings of the directors or otherwise, and exclude himself from information, which will or may relate to such office, employment, transaction, arrangement or interest; and (v) no such transaction or arrangement shall be liable to be avoided on the ground of any such interest or benefit.

 

  (2) For the purposes of this article:

 

  (a) a general notice given to the directors that a director is to be regarded as having an interest of the nature and extent specified in the notice in any transaction or arrangement in which a specified person or class of persons is interested shall be deemed to be a disclosure that the director has an interest in any such transaction of the nature and extent so specified;

 

  (b) an interest of which a director has no knowledge and of which it is unreasonable to expect him to have knowledge shall not be treated as an interest of his;

 

  (c) an interest which consists of a Director of the Company being a Director or other officer of, or employed by any subsidiary undertaking of the Company shall be deemed not to be a material interest;

 

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  (d) a director need not disclose an interest if it cannot be reasonably regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest; and

 

  (e) a director need not disclose an interest if, or to the extent that, the other directors are already aware of it (and for this purpose the other directors are treated as aware of anything of which they ought reasonably to be aware).

 

100.

(1)

The directors may (subject to such terms and conditions, if any, as they may think fit to

impose from time to time, and subject always to their right to vary or terminate such

authorisation) authorise, to the fullest extent permitted by law:

 

  (a) any matter which would otherwise result in a director infringing his duty to avoid a situation in which he has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company and which may reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict of interest (including a conflict of interest and duty or conflict of duties); and

 

  (b) a director to accept or continue in any office, employment or position in addition to his office as a director of the Company and, without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1)(a) of this article, may authorise the manner in which a conflict of interest arising out of such office, employment or position may be dealt with, either before or at the time that such a conflict of interest arises,

provided that the authorisation is effective only if (i) any requirement as to the quorum at the meeting at which the matter is considered is met without counting the director in question or any other interested director, and (ii) the matter was agreed to without their voting or would have been agreed to if their votes had not been counted.

 

  (2) If a matter, or office, employment or position, has been authorised by the directors in accordance with this article then (subject to such terms and conditions, if any, as the directors may think fit to impose from time to time, and subject always to their right to vary or terminate such authorisation or the permissions set out below):

 

  (a) the director shall not be required to disclose to the Company, or use in performing his duties as a director of the Company, any confidential information relating to such matter, or such office, employment or position if to make such a disclosure or use would result in a breach of a duty or obligation of confidence owed by him in relation to or in connection with that matter, or that office, employment or position;

 

  (b) the director may absent himself from discussions, whether in meetings of the directors or otherwise, and exclude himself from information, which will or may relate to that matter, or that office, employment or position; and

 

  (c) a director shall not, by reason of his office as a director of the Company, be accountable to the Company for any benefit which he derives from any such matter, or from any such office, employment or position.

PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS

Procedures regarding board meetings

 

101.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of these articles, the directors may make any rule which they think fit about how they take decisions, and about how such rules are to be recorded or communicated to directors.

 

  (2) A director may, and the secretary at the request of a director shall, call a meeting of the directors.

 

  (3)

Notice of a board meeting may be given to a director personally, or by telephone, or sent in hard copy form to him at a postal address in the United Kingdom notified by him to the Company for this

 

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  purpose, or sent in electronic form to such electronic address (if any) as may for the time being be notified by him to the Company for that purpose. It shall not be necessary to give notice of a board meeting to a director who is for the time being absent from the United Kingdom unless he has requested that notices of board meetings shall during his absence be given in hard copy form or in electronic form to him at a postal address or electronic address notified by him to the Company for that purpose. Such notices, however, need not be given any earlier than notices given to directors not so absent. A director may waive notice of any board meeting and any such waiver may be retrospective.

 

  (4) Questions arising at a meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In case of an equality of votes, the chairman shall (unless he is not entitled to vote on the resolution in question) have a second or casting vote. A director who is also an alternate director shall be entitled in the absence of his appointor to a separate vote on behalf of his appointor in addition to his own vote; and an alternate director who is appointed by two or more directors shall be entitled to a separate vote on behalf of each of his appointors in the appointor’s absence.

 

  (5) A meeting of the directors may consist of a conference between directors some or all of whom are in different places provided that each director who participates in the meeting is able to:

 

  (a) hear each of the other participating directors addressing the meeting; and

 

  (b) address each of the other participating directors simultaneously,

whether directly, by conference telephone or by any other form of communication equipment (whether in use when this article is adopted or developed subsequently) or by a combination of such methods. A quorum shall be deemed to be present if those conditions are satisfied in respect of at least the number of directors required to form a quorum. A meeting held in this way shall be deemed to take place at the place where the largest group of directors is assembled or, if no such group is readily identifiable, at the place from where the chairman of the meeting participates at the start of the meeting.

Number of directors below minimum

 

102. The continuing directors or a sole continuing director may act notwithstanding any vacancies in their number, but, if the number of directors is less than the number fixed as the minimum, the continuing directors or director may act only for the purpose of filling vacancies or of calling a general meeting.

Election and removal of chairman and deputy chairman

 

103. The directors may elect from their number, and remove, a chairman and a deputy chairman of the board of directors. The chairman, or in his absence the deputy chairman, shall preside at all meetings of the directors, but if there is no chairman or deputy chairman, or if at the meeting neither the chairman nor the deputy chairman is present within ten minutes after the time appointed for the meeting, or if neither of them is willing to act as chairman, the directors present may choose one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

Resolutions in writing

 

104. A resolution in writing agreed to by all the directors entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the directors and who would be entitled to vote (and whose vote would have been counted) on the resolution at a meeting of the directors (if that number is sufficient to constitute a quorum) shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors, duly convened and held. A resolution in writing is adopted when all such directors have signed one or more copies of it or have otherwise indicated their agreement to it in writing. A resolution agreed to by an alternate director, however, need not also be agreed to by his appointor and, if it is agreed to by a director who has appointed an alternate director, it need not also be agreed to by the alternate director in that capacity.

 

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Quorum

 

105. No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the directors unless a quorum is present. The quorum may be fixed by the directors. If the quorum is not fixed by the directors, the quorum shall be two. A director shall not be counted in the quorum present in relation to a matter or resolution on which he is not entitled to vote (or when his vote cannot be counted) but shall be counted in the quorum present in relation to all other matters or resolutions considered or voted on at the meeting. An alternate director who is not himself a director shall if his appointor is not present, be counted in the quorum.

Permitted interests and voting

 

106.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of these articles, a director shall not vote at a meeting of the directors on any resolution concerning a matter in which he has, directly or indirectly, a material interest (other than an interest in shares, debentures or other securities of, or otherwise in or through, the Company), unless his interest arises only because the case falls within one or more of the following sub-paragraphs:

 

  (a) the resolution relates to the giving to him of a guarantee, security, or indemnity in respect of money lent to, or an obligation incurred by him for the benefit of, the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings;

 

  (b) the resolution relates to the giving to a third party of a guarantee, security, or indemnity in respect of an obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings for which the director has assumed responsibility in whole or part and whether alone or jointly with others under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;

 

  (c) the resolution relates to the giving to him of any other indemnity which is on substantially the same terms as indemnities given or to be given to all of the other directors and/or to the funding by the Company of his expenditure on defending proceedings or the doing by the Company of anything to enable him to avoid incurring such expenditure where all other directors have been given or are to be given substantially the same arrangements;

 

  (d) the resolution relates to the purchase or maintenance for any director or directors of insurance against any liability;

 

  (e) his interest arises by virtue of his being, or intending to become, a participant in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of an offer of any shares in or debentures or other securities of the Company for subscription, purchase or exchange;

 

  (f) the resolution relates to an arrangement for the benefit of the employees and directors and/or former employees and former directors of the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings, and/or the members of their families (including a spouse or civil partner or a former spouse or former civil partner) or any person who is or was dependent on such persons, including but without being limited to a retirement benefits scheme and an employees’ share scheme, which does not accord to any director any privilege or advantage not generally accorded to the employees and/or former employees to whom the arrangement relates;

 

  (g) the resolution relates to a transaction or arrangement with any other company in which he is interested, directly or indirectly, provided that he is not the holder of or beneficially interested in 1 per cent. or more of any class of the equity share capital of that company (or of any other company through which his interest is derived) and not entitled to exercise 1 per cent. or more of the voting rights available to members of the relevant company (and for the purpose of calculating the said percentage there shall be disregarded (i) any shares held by the director as a bare or custodian trustee and in which he has no beneficial interest; (ii) any shares comprised in any authorised unit trust scheme in which the director is interested only as a unit holder; and (iii) any shares of that class held as treasury shares).

 

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  (2) Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment (including the fixing or varying of terms of appointment) of two or more directors to offices or employments with the Company or any body corporate in which the Company is interested, the proposals may be divided and considered in relation to each director separately and (provided he is not by virtue of paragraph (1)(g) of this article, or otherwise under that paragraph, or for any other reason, precluded from voting) each of the directors concerned shall be entitled to vote and be counted in the quorum in respect of each resolution except that concerning his own appointment.

Suspension or relaxation of prohibition on voting

 

107. The Company may by ordinary resolution suspend or relax to any extent, in respect of any particular matter, any provision of these articles prohibiting a director from voting at a meeting of the directors or of a committee of the directors.

Questions regarding director’s rights to vote

 

108. If a question arises at a meeting of the directors as to the right of a director to vote, the question may, before the conclusion of the meeting, be referred to the chairman of the meeting (or, if the director concerned is the chairman, to the other directors at the meeting), and his ruling in relation to any director other than himself (or, as the case may be, the ruling of the majority of the other directors in relation to the chairman) shall be final and conclusive.

DIVIDENDS

Declaration of dividends by the Company

 

109. The Company may by ordinary resolution declare dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the members, but no dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the directors.

Payment of interim dividends

 

110. The directors may pay interim dividends if it appears to them that they are justified by the profits of the Company available for distribution. If the share capital is divided into different classes, the directors may pay interim dividends on shares which confer deferred or non-preferred rights with regard to dividend as well as on shares which confer preferential rights with regard to dividend, but no interim dividend shall be paid on shares carrying deferred or non-preferred rights if, at the time of payment, any preferential dividend is in arrear. The directors may also pay at intervals settled by them any dividend payable at a fixed rate if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution justify the payment. If the directors act in good faith they shall not incur any liability to the holders of shares conferring preferred rights for any loss they may suffer by the lawful payment of an interim dividend on any shares having deferred or non-preferred rights.

Payment according to amount paid up

 

111. Except as otherwise provided by these articles or the rights attached to shares, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares on which the dividend is paid. If any share is issued on terms that it ranks for dividend as from a particular date, it shall rank for dividend accordingly. In any other case (and except as aforesaid), dividends shall be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amounts paid up on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid. For the purpose of this article, no account is to be taken of any amount which has been paid up on a share in advance of the due date for payment of that amount.

 

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Non-cash distribution

 

112. A general meeting declaring a dividend may, upon the recommendation of the directors, direct that it shall be satisfied wholly or partly by the distribution of specific assets and in particular of fully paid shares or debentures of any other company. Where any difficulty arises in regard to the distribution, the directors may settle the same as they think fit and in particular (but without limitation) may:

 

  (a) issue fractional certificates or other fractional entitlements (or ignore fractions) and fix the value for distribution of such specific assets or any part thereof;

 

  (b) determine that cash shall be paid to any member on the basis of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of those entitled to participate in the dividend; and

 

  (c) vest any such specific assets in trustees.

Dividend payment procedure

 

113.

(1)

Any dividend or other money payable (whether in sterling or foreign currency) in respect of a share may be paid by such method as the directors, in their absolute discretion, consider appropriate and which method may be different for different holders or groups of holders of shares. Without limiting any other method of payment which the Company may adopt, any such payment may be made wholly or partly:

 

  (a) by direct credit and bank transfer, electronic form, electronic means or by such other means approved by the directors directly to an account (of a type approved by the directors) nominated in writing by the holder of a share entitled to it or if two or more persons are the holders of the share or are jointly entitled to it by reason of the death or bankruptcy of the holder, all such joint holders; or

 

  (b) by cheque or by warrant made payable to the holder of a share entitled to it and sent to the registered address of such person or, in the case of joint holders, made payable to that one of those persons who is first named in the register of members and sent to such person’s registered address or to such person and to such address as a holder (or in the case of joint holders all such persons) may by notice direct.

 

  (2) Any joint holder or other person jointly entitled to a share as aforesaid may give receipts for any dividend or other money payable in respect of the share.

 

  (3) Payment of a cheque, warrant or order, or bank or electronic transfer of funds shall be a good discharge to the Company. Payment is made at the risk of the persons entitled thereto and the Company will not be responsible for a payment which is lost or delayed.

 

  (4) If the directors elect to make payments by bank or electronic transfer to an account (of a type approved by the directors) nominated by a holder or joint holders of a share, but no such account is nominated by the holder or joint holders or an electronic transfer into a nominated account is rejected or refunded, the Company may credit the amount payable to an account of the Company to be held until the holder or joint holders nominate a valid account.

 

  (5) An amount credited to an account under article 113(4) is to be treated as having been paid to the holder or joint holders entitled to it at the time it is credited to that account. The Company will not be a trustee of any such monies and no interest will accrue on such monies.

 

  (6) The Company will not pay interest on any dividend or other money due to a holder or joint holders of a share, unless the rights attaching to any such share provide otherwise.

 

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Right to cease sending payment

 

114. The Company may cease to send any cheque or warrant (or to use any other method of payment) for any dividend payable in respect of a share if:

 

  (a) in respect of at least two consecutive dividends payable on that share the cheque or warrant has been returned undelivered or remains uncashed (or that other method of payment has failed); or

 

  (b) following one such occasion, reasonable enquiries have failed to establish any new address or account of the person entitled to the payment,

but, subject to the provisions of these articles, may recommence sending cheques or warrants (or using another method of payment) for dividends payable on that share if the person or persons entitled so request and have supplied in writing a new address or account to be used for that purpose.

No interest on dividends

 

115. No dividend or other money payable in respect of a share shall bear interest against the Company, unless otherwise provided by the rights attached to the share.

Forfeiture of unclaimed dividends

 

116. Any dividend which has remained unclaimed for 12 years from the date when it became due for payment shall, if the directors so resolve, be forfeited and cease to remain owing by the Company.

Scrip dividends

 

117. The directors may, with the authority of an ordinary resolution of the Company, offer any holders of ordinary shares the right to elect to receive ordinary shares, credited as fully paid, instead of cash in respect of the whole (or some part, to be determined by the directors) of any dividend specified by the ordinary resolution. The following provisions shall apply:

 

  (a) The resolution may specify a particular dividend (whether or not declared), or may specify all or any dividends declared or payable within a specified period, but such period may not end later than the beginning of the fifth annual general meeting next following the date of the meeting at which the ordinary resolution is passed.

 

  (b) The entitlement of each holder of ordinary shares to new ordinary shares shall be such that the relevant value of the entitlement shall be as nearly as possible equal to (but not greater than) the cash amount (disregarding any tax credit) that such holder would have received by way of dividend. For this purpose “relevant value” shall be calculated by reference to the average of the middle market quotations for the Company’s ordinary shares as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List, for the day on which the ordinary shares are first quoted “ex” the relevant dividend and the four subsequent dealing days, or in such other manner as may be determined by or in accordance with the ordinary resolution. A certificate or report by the auditors as to the amount of the relevant value in respect of any dividend shall be conclusive evidence of that amount.
  (c) No fraction of a share shall be allotted and the directors may make such provision for fractional entitlements as they think fit, including provision:

 

  (i) for the whole or part of the benefit of fractional entitlements to be disregarded or to accrue to the Company; or

 

  (ii) for the value of fractional entitlements to be accumulated on behalf of a member (without entitlement to interest) and applied in paying up new shares in connection with a subsequent offer by the Company of the right to receive shares instead of cash in respect of a future dividend.

 

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  (d) The directors shall, after determining the basis of allotment, notify the holders of ordinary shares of the right of election offered to them, and (except in the case of any holder from whom the Company has received written notice in such form as the directors may require which is effective for the purposes of the relevant dividend that such holder wishes to receive shares instead of cash in respect of all future dividends in respect of which a right of election is offered) shall send with, or following, such notification, forms of election and specify the procedure to be followed and place at which, and the latest time by which, elections must be received in order to be effective.

 

  (e) The directors may on any occasion decide that rights of election shall only be made available subject to such exclusions, restrictions or other arrangements as they shall in their absolute discretion deem necessary or desirable in order to comply with legal or practical problems under the laws of, or the requirements of any recognised regulatory body or stock exchange in, any territory.

 

  (f) The dividend (or that part of the dividend in respect of which a right of election has been given) shall not be payable on ordinary shares in respect of which an election has been duly made (“the elected ordinary shares”). Instead, additional ordinary shares shall be allotted to the holders of the elected ordinary shares on the basis of allotment determined as aforesaid. For such purpose the directors shall capitalise out of any amount for the time being standing to the credit of any reserve or fund (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve) or any of the profits which could otherwise have been applied in paying dividends in cash, as the directors may determine, a sum equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the additional ordinary shares to be allotted on that basis and apply it in paying up in full the appropriate number of ordinary shares for allotment and distribution to the holders of the elected ordinary shares on that basis.

 

  (g) The directors shall not proceed with any election unless the Company has sufficient reserves or funds that may be capitalised to give effect to it after the basis of allotment is determined.

 

  (h) The additional ordinary shares when allotted shall rank pari passu in all respects with the fully paid ordinary shares then in issue except that they will not be entitled to participation in the dividend in lieu of which they were allotted.

 

  (i) The directors may do all acts and things which they consider necessary or expedient to give effect to any such capitalisation, and may authorise any person to enter on behalf of all the members interested into an agreement with the Company providing for such capitalisation and incidental matters and any agreement so made shall be binding on all concerned.

CAPITALISATION OF PROFITS

Capitalisation of profits

 

118. (1) The directors may with the authority of an ordinary resolution of the Company:

 

  (a) subject as provided in this article, resolve to capitalise any profits of the Company not required for paying any preferential dividend (whether or not they are available for distribution) or any sum standing to the credit of any reserve or fund of the Company (including any share premium account or capital redemption reserve);

 

  (b)

appropriate the sum resolved to be capitalised to the members in proportion to the nominal amounts of the shares (whether or not fully paid) held by them respectively which would (or in the case of treasury shares, which would if such shares were not held as treasury shares) entitle them to participate in a distribution of that sum if the shares were fully paid and the sum were then distributable and were distributed by way of dividend and apply such sum on their behalf either in or towards paying up the amounts, if any, for the time being unpaid on any shares held by them respectively, or in paying up in full shares or debentures of the Company of a nominal amount equal to that sum, and allot such shares or debentures credited as fully paid to those members or as

 

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  they may direct, in those proportions, or partly in one way and partly in the other, but the share premium account, the capital redemption reserve, and any profits which are not available for distribution may, for the purposes of this article, only be applied in paying up shares to be allotted to members credited as fully paid;

 

  (c) resolve that any shares so allotted to any member in respect of a holding by him of any partly paid shares shall so long as such shares remain partly paid rank for dividend only to the extent that the latter shares rank for dividend;

 

  (d) make such provision by the issue of fractional certificates or other fractional entitlements (or by ignoring fractions) or by payment in cash or otherwise as they think fit in the case of shares or debentures becoming distributable in fractions (including provision whereby the benefit of fractional entitlements accrues to the Company rather than to the members concerned);

 

  (e) authorise any person to enter on behalf of all the members concerned into an agreement with the Company providing for the allotment to them respectively, credited as fully paid, of any further shares to which they are entitled upon such capitalisation, any agreement made under such authority being binding on all such members; and

 

  (f) generally do all acts and things required to give effect to such resolution as aforesaid.

 

  (2) Where, pursuant to an employees’ share scheme (within the meaning of section 1166 of the Companies Act 2006) the Company has granted options to subscribe for shares on terms which provide (inter alia) for adjustments to the subscription price payable on the exercise of such options or to the number of shares to be allotted upon such exercise in the event of any increase or reduction in or other reorganisation of the Company’s issued share capital and an otherwise appropriate adjustment would result in the subscription price for any share being less than its nominal value, then the directors may, on the exercise of any of the options concerned and payment of the subscription price which would have applied had such adjustment been made, capitalise any such profits or other sum as is mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) above to the extent necessary to pay up the unpaid balance of the nominal value of the shares which fall to be allotted on the exercise of such options and apply such amount in paying up such balance and allot shares fully paid accordingly. The provisions of paragraphs (1)(a) to (f) above shall apply with the necessary alterations to this paragraph (but as if the authority of an ordinary resolution of the Company were not required).

RECORD DATES

Company or directors may fix record dates for payment or distribution

 

119. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, but without prejudice to the rights attached to any shares, the Company or the directors may fix a date as the record date by reference to which a dividend will be declared or paid or a distribution, allotment or issue made, and that date may be before, on or after the date on which the dividend, distribution, allotment or issue is declared, paid or made. Where such a record date is fixed, references in these articles to a holder of shares or member to whom a dividend is to be paid or a distribution, allotment or issue is to be made shall be construed accordingly.

NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS

Requirements for writing

 

120. Any notice to be given to or by any person pursuant to these articles shall be in writing other than a notice calling a meeting of the directors which need not be in writing.

 

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Methods of sending or supplying

 

121.

(1)

Any notice, document or information may (without prejudice to articles 124 and 125) be sent or supplied by the Company to any member either:

 

  (a) personally; or

 

  (b) by sending it by post in a prepaid envelope addressed to the member at his registered address or postal address given pursuant to article 121(4), or by leaving it at that address; or

 

  (c) by sending it in electronic form to a person who has agreed (generally or specifically) that the notice, document or information may be sent or supplied in that form (and has not revoked that agreement); or

 

  (d) by making it available on a website, provided that the requirements in paragraph (2) of this article and the provisions of the Acts are satisfied.

 

  (2) The requirements referred to in paragraph (1)(d) of this article are that:

 

  (a) the member has agreed (generally or specifically) that the notice, document or information may be sent or supplied to him by being made available on a website (and has not revoked that agreement), or the member has been asked by the Company to agree that the Company may send or supply notices, documents and information generally, or the notice, document or information in question, to him by making it available on a website and the Company has not received a response within the period of 28 days beginning on the date on which the Company’s request was sent and the member is therefore taken to have so agreed (and has not revoked that agreement);

 

  (b) the member is sent a notification of the presence of the notice, document or information on a website, the address of that website, the place on that website where it may be accessed, and how it may be accessed (“notification of availability”);

 

  (c) in the case of a notice of meeting, the notification of availability states that it concerns a notice of a company meeting, specifies the place, time and date of the meeting, and states whether it will be an annual general meeting; and

 

  (d) the notice, document or information continues to be published on that website, in the case of a notice of meeting, throughout the period beginning with the date of the notification of availability and ending with the conclusion of the meeting and in all other cases throughout the period specified by any applicable provision of the Acts, or, if no such period is specified, throughout the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the notification of availability is sent to the member, save that if the notice, document or information is made available for part only of that period then failure to make it available throughout that period shall be disregarded where such failure is wholly attributable to circumstances which it would not be reasonable to have expected the Company to prevent or avoid.

 

  (3) In the case of joint holders of a share:

 

  (a) it shall be sufficient for all notices, documents and other information to be sent or supplied to the joint holder whose name stands first in the register of members in respect of the joint holding (the “first named holder”) only; and

 

  (b) the agreement of the first named holder that notices, documents and information may be sent or supplied in electronic form or by being made available on a website shall be binding on all the joint holders.

 

  (4) A member whose registered address is not within the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa shall be entitled to receive notices, documents or information from the Company:

 

  (a) if he gives to the Company an address (not being an electronic address) within the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa at which notices, documents or information may be sent; or

 

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  (b) if the directors are satisfied that the sending or supplying of such notices, documents or information by the Company to such address outside of the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa would not result in the Company breaching any applicable law (whether in the United Kingdom, Republic of South Africa, or elsewhere) or result, directly or indirectly, in the Company being required to comply with additional filing or other regulatory requirements in the United Kingdom, the Republic of South Africa, or any other jurisdiction.

 

  (5) For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this article are subject to article 43.

 

  (6) The Company may at any time and at its sole discretion choose to send or supply notices, documents and information only in hard copy form to some or all members.

Deemed receipt of notice

 

122. A member present either in person or by proxy at any meeting of the Company or of the holders of any class of shares shall be deemed to have received notice of the meeting and, where requisite, of the purposes for which it was called.

Notice by reference to register of members

 

123.

(1)

Any notice to be given to a member may be given by reference to the register of members as it stands at any time within the period of 21 days before the notice is given; and no change in the register after that time shall invalidate the giving of the notice.

 

  (2) Every person who becomes entitled to a share shall be bound by any notice in respect of that share which, before his name is entered in the register of members, has been given to the person from whom he derives his title; but this paragraph does not apply to a notice given under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006.

Notice when post not available

 

124. Where, by reason of any suspension or curtailment of postal services, the Company is unable effectively to give notice of a general meeting, the board may decide that the only persons to whom notice of the affected general meeting must be sent are: the directors; the Company’s auditors; those members to whom notice to convene the general meeting can validly be sent by electronic means and those members to whom notification as to the availability of the notice of meeting on a website can validly be sent by electronic means. In any such case the Company shall also:

 

  (a) advertise the general meeting in at least two national daily newspapers published in the United Kingdom; and

 

  (b) send or supply a confirmatory copy of the notice to members in the same manner as it sends or supplies notices under article 121 if at least seven clear days before the meeting the posting of notices again becomes practicable.

Other notices and communications advertised in national newspaper

 

125. Any notice, document or information to be sent or supplied by the Company to the members or any of them, not being a notice of a general meeting, shall be sufficiently sent or supplied if sent or supplied by advertisement in at least one national daily newspaper published in the United Kingdom.

When notice or other communication deemed to have been received

 

126. Any notice, document or information sent or supplied by the Company to the members or any of them:

 

  (a)

by post, shall be deemed to have been received 24 hours after the time at which the envelope containing the notice, document or information was posted unless it was sent by second class post, or

 

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  there is only one class of post, or it was sent by air mail to an address outside the United Kingdom, in which case it shall be deemed to have been received 48 hours after it was posted. Proof that the envelope was properly addressed, prepaid and posted shall be conclusive evidence that the notice, document or information was sent. An electronic record by the registrars of the Company of despatch of a share certificate shall be conclusive evidence that the share certificate was sent;

 

  (b) by being left at a shareholder’s registered address or postal address given pursuant to article 121(4) shall be deemed to have been received on the day it was left;

 

  (c) by electronic means, shall be deemed to have been received 24 hours after it was sent. Proof that a notice, document or information in electronic form was addressed to the electronic address provided by the member for the purpose of receiving communications from the Company shall be conclusive evidence that the notice, document or information was sent;

 

  (d) by making it available on a website, shall be deemed to have been received on the date on which notification of availability on the website is deemed to have been received in accordance with this article or, if later, the date on which it is first made available on the website;

 

  (e) by means of a relevant system shall be deemed to have been received 24 hours after the Company or any sponsoring system-participant acting on the Company’s behalf, sends the issuer-instruction relating to the notice, document or information;

 

  (f) by advertisement, shall be deemed to have been received on the day on which the advertisement appears.

Communications sent or supplied to persons entitled by transmission

 

127. Any notice, document or information may be sent or supplied by the Company to the person entitled to a share in consequence of the death or bankruptcy of a member by sending or supplying it in any manner authorised by these articles for the sending or supply of notice to a member addressed to that person by name, or by the title of representative of the deceased or trustee of the bankrupt or by any like description, at the address, if any, within the United Kingdom supplied for that purpose by the person claiming to be so entitled. Until such an address has been supplied, a notice may be sent or supplied in any manner in which it might have been given if the death or bankruptcy had not occurred.

Power to stop sending communications to untraced shareholders

 

128. If on three consecutive occasions notices, documents or information sent or supplied to a member have been returned undelivered, the member shall not be entitled to receive any subsequent notice, document or information until he has supplied to the Company (or its agent) a new registered address, or a postal address within the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa, or (without prejudice to article 121(4)) shall have informed the Company, in such manner as may be specified by the Company, of an electronic address. For the purposes of this article, references to notices, documents or information include references to a cheque or other instrument of payment; but nothing in this article shall entitle the Company to cease sending any cheque or other instrument of payment for any dividend, unless it is otherwise so entitled under these articles.

Validation of documents in electronic form

 

129. Where a document is required under these articles to be signed by a member or any other person, if the document is in electronic form, then in order to be valid the document must either:

 

  (a) incorporate the electronic signature, or personal identification details (which may be details previously allocated by the Company), of that member or other person, in such form as the directors may approve; or

 

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  (b) be accompanied by such other evidence as the directors may require in order to be satisfied that the document is genuine.

The Company may designate mechanisms for validating any such document and a document not validated by the use of any such mechanisms shall be deemed as having not been received by the Company. In the case of any document or information relating to a meeting, an instrument of proxy or invitation to appoint a proxy, any validation requirements shall be specified in the relevant notice of meeting in accordance with articles 42 and 71.

ADMINISTRATION

Making and retention of minutes

 

130. The directors shall cause minutes to be made in books kept for the purpose:

 

  (a) of all appointments of officers made by the directors; and

 

  (b) of all proceedings at meetings of the Company, of the holders of any class of shares in the Company, and of the directors, and of committees of the directors, including the names of the directors present at each such meeting.

Minutes shall be retained for at least ten years from the date of the appointment or meeting and shall be kept available for inspection in accordance with the Acts.

Inspection of accounts

 

131. Except as provided by statute or by order of the court or authorised by the directors or an ordinary resolution of the Company, no person is entitled to inspect any of the Company’s accounting or other records or documents merely by virtue of being a member.

Appointment of secretary

 

132. The secretary shall be appointed by the directors for such term, at such remuneration and upon such other conditions as they think fit; and any secretary so appointed may be removed by them.

Use of the seal

 

133. The seal shall be used only by the authority of a resolution of the directors or of a committee of the directors. The directors may determine whether any instrument to which the seal is affixed shall be signed and, if it is to be signed, who shall sign it. Unless otherwise determined by the directors:

 

  (a) share certificates and, subject to the provisions of any instrument constituting the same, certificates issued under the seal in respect of any debentures or other securities, need not be signed and any signature may be applied to any such certificate by any mechanical or other means or may be printed on it; and

 

  (b) every other instrument to which the seal is affixed shall be signed by at least one authorised person in the presence of a witness who attests the signature and for this purpose an authorised person is any director of the Company or the secretary of the Company, or any person authorised by the directors for the purpose of signing instruments to which the seal is affixed.

Official seal for use overseas

 

134. The Company may have an official seal for use in any place abroad, which may only be affixed to a document if its use on that document, or documents of a class to which it belongs, has been authorised by a decision of the directors.

 

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Overseas branch registers

 

135. Subject to and to the extent permitted by the Acts and the Uncertificated Securities Regulations, the Company, or the directors on behalf of the Company, may cause to be kept in any territory an overseas branch register of members resident in such territory, and the directors may make and vary such provisions as they may think fit respecting the keeping of any such register.

 

136. Subject to and to the extent permitted by the Acts, the Uncertificated Securities Regulations and the rules and/or conditions applicable to the operation of such a system, the directors may determine that any shares or class of shares held on any overseas branch register of the members of the Company may be held in uncertificated form in accordance with any system outside the United Kingdom which enables title to such shares to be evidenced and transferred without a written instrument and which is a relevant system.

Destruction of documents

 

137.

(1)

The Company may destroy:

 

  (a) any instrument of transfer, after six years from the date on which it is registered;

 

  (b) any dividend mandate or notification of change of name or address, after two years from the date on which it is recorded;

 

  (c) any share certificate, after one year from the date on which it is cancelled; and

 

  (d) any other document on the basis of which an entry in the register of members is made, after six years from the date on which it is made.

 

  (2) Any document referred to in paragraph (1) of this article may be destroyed earlier than the relevant date authorised by that paragraph, provided that a copy of the document (whether made electronically, by microfilm, by digital imaging or by any other means) has been made which is not destroyed before that date.

 

  (3) It shall be conclusively presumed in favour of the Company that every entry in the register of members purporting to have been made on the basis of a document destroyed in accordance with this article was duly and properly made, that every instrument of transfer so destroyed was duly registered, that every share certificate so destroyed was duly cancelled, and that every other document so destroyed was valid and effective in accordance with the particulars in the records of the Company, provided that:

 

  (a) this article shall apply only to the destruction of a document in good faith and without notice of any claim (regardless of the parties to it) to which the document might be relevant;

 

  (b) nothing in this article shall be construed as imposing upon the Company any liability in respect of the destruction of any such document otherwise than in accordance with this article which would not attach to the Company in the absence of this article; and

 

  (c) references in this article to the destruction of any document include references to the disposal of it in any manner.

WINDING UP

Winding up

 

138. If the Company is wound up, the liquidator may, with the sanction of a special resolution and any other sanction required by law, divide among the members in specie the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for that purpose, value any assets and determine how the division shall be carried out as between the members or different classes of members. The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the members as he may with the like sanction determine, but no member shall be compelled to accept any assets upon which there is a liability.

 

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INDEMNITY

Power to indemnify directors

 

139. Subject to the provisions of the Acts, the Company may:

 

  (a) indemnify to any extent any person who is or was a director, or a director of any associated company, directly or indirectly (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him) against any loss or liability, whether in connection with any proven or alleged negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or otherwise, in relation to the Company or any associated company; and/or

 

  (b) indemnify to any extent any person who is or was a director of an associated company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme, directly or indirectly (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him) against any liability incurred by him in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of an occupational pension scheme; and/or

 

  (c) purchase and maintain insurance for any person who is or was a director, or a director of any associated company, against any loss or liability or any expenditure he may incur, whether in connection with any proven or alleged negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or otherwise, in relation to the Company or any associated company.

 

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Annex G

 

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Reynolds American Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for Each of the Years in the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 2016

(Reproduced from the Reynolds American Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016)

 

 


Table of Contents

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     G-3  

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     G-4  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     G-5  

Consolidated Statements of Income

     G-6  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     G-7  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     G-8  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     G-9  

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

     G-10  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     G-11  

1      Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     G-11  

2      Lorillard Merger, Divestiture and BAT Share Purchase

     G-21  

3      Sale of International Rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT Brand

     G-23  

4     Fair Value Measurement

     G-24  

5     Intangible Assets

     G-26  

6     Asset Impairment and Exit Charges

     G-28  

7     Income Per Share

     G-28  

8     Inventories

     G-29  

9     Other Current Liabilities

     G-29  

10   Income Taxes

     G-29  

11   Credit Agreement

     G-33  

12   Long-Term Debt

     G-34  

13   Commitments and Contingencies

     G-39  

14   Shareholders’ Equity

     G-96  

15   Stock Plans

     G-99  

16   Retirement Benefits

     G-103  

17   Segment Information

     G-110  

18   Related Party Transactions

     G-113  

19    RAI Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

     G-114  

20    RJR Tobacco Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

     G-125  

21   Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

     G-135  

22   Subsequent Event

     G-135  

 

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Repo rt of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Reynolds American Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Reynolds American Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three - year period ended December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Reynolds American Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three - year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Reynolds American Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control  —  Integrated Framework (2013)  issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 9, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Greensboro, North Carolina

February 9, 2017

 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of RAI,

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of RAI are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of RAI, and

(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of RAI’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of RAI’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control  —  Integrated Framework (2013)  issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that RAI’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.

KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited RAI’s consolidated financial statements and issued an attestation report on RAI’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.

Dated: February 9, 2017

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Reynolds American Inc.:

We have audited Reynolds American Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control  —  Integrated Framework (2013)  issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Reynolds American Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Reynolds American Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control  —  Integrated Framework (2013)  issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Reynolds American Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated February 9, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Greensboro, North Carolina

February 9, 2017

 

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REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Net sales (1)

   $ 12,277     $ 10,416     $ 8,160  

Net sales, related party

     226       259       311  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

     12,503       10,675       8,471  

Costs and expenses:

      

Cost of products sold (1)

     4,841       4,688       4,058  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,931       2,098       1,871  

Gain on divestitures

     (4,861     (3,181      

Amortization expense

     23       18       11  

Asset impairment and exit charges

           99        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     10,569       6,953       2,531  

Interest and debt expense

     626       570       286  

Interest income

     (8     (6     (3

Other (income) expense, net

     260       5       (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     9,691       6,384       2,262  

Provision for income taxes

     3,618       3,131       817  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     6,073       3,253       1,445  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

                 25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 6,073     $ 3,253     $ 1,470  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic income per share:

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 4.26     $ 2.57     $ 1.36  

Income from discontinued operations

                 0.02  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 4.26     $ 2.57     $ 1.38  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income per share:

      

Income from continuing operations

   $ 4.25     $ 2.57     $ 1.35  

Income from discontinued operations

                 0.02  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 4.25     $ 2.57     $ 1.37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 1.76     $ 1.39     $ 1.34  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Excludes excise taxes of $4,343 million, $4,209 million and $3,625 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2016     2015     2014  

Net income

   $ 6,073     $ 3,253     $ 1,470  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (benefit) expense:

      

Retirement benefits, net of tax (2016 — $(6); 2015 —$32; 2014 —$(178))

     (11     50       (277

Long-term investments, net of tax (2016 — $10; 2014 —$1)

     14             2  

Hedging instruments, net of tax (2016 — $6; 2015 — $1; 2014 — $1 )

     11       1       1  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of tax (2016 —$6; 2015 —$(12); 2014 — $(15))

     10       (25     (34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 6,097     $ 3,279     $ 1,162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
         2016             2015             2014      

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 6,073     $ 3,253     $ 1,470  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

                 (25

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash flows from (used in) operating activities:

      

Gain on divestitures

     (4,861     (3,181      

Loss on early extinguishment of debt and related expenses

     239              

Asset impairment and exit charges, net of cash payments

           94    

Depreciation and amortization expense

     123       122       106  

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

     387       (659     (180

Other changes that provided (used) cash:

      

Accounts and other receivables

     24       86       (3

Inventories

     89       31       (154

Related party, net

     (5     14        

Accounts payable

     42       32       (43

Accrued liabilities, including other working capital

     (160     (242     30  

Tobacco settlement accruals

     (314     239       92  

Pension and postretirement

     (415     91       317  

Other, net

     58       316       13  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

     1,280       196       1,623  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (206     (174     (204

Proceeds from settlement of investments

     266       332       4  

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

           (17,220      

Proceeds from divestitures

     5,015       7,056        

Proceeds from termination of joint venture

                 35  

Other, net

     3       1       (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

     5,078       (10,005     (205
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

      

Dividends paid on common stock

     (2,369     (1,583     (1,411

Repurchase of common stock

     (226     (124     (440

Repayments of long-term debt

     (500     (450      

Early extinguishment of debt

     (3,650            

Premiums paid for early extinguishment of debt

     (207            

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps

     66              

Proceeds from BAT Share Purchase

           4,673        

Issuance of long-term debt

           8,975        

Debt issuance costs and financing fees

     (8     (70     (79

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

           1,400       1,000  

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility

           (1,400     (1,000

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

     28       17       12  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     (6,866     11,438       (1,918
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (8     (28     (34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (516     1,601       (534

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     2,567       966       1,500  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 2,051     $ 2,567     $ 966  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

   $ 3,179     $ 3,744     $ 974  

Interest paid

   $ 712     $ 510     $ 252  

Fair value of equity consideration issued in the Lorillard Merger

   $     $ 7,555     $  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     December 31,  
     2016     2015  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,051     $ 2,567  

Short-term investments

           149  

Accounts receivable

     66       68  

Accounts receivable, related party

     113       38  

Other receivables

     10       35  

Inventories

     1,645       1,734  

Other current assets

     353       564  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     4,238       5,155  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

    

Land and land improvements

     95       94  

Buildings and leasehold improvements

     757       727  

Machinery and equipment

     2,064       1,967  

Construction-in-process

     94       110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

     3,010       2,898  

Accumulated depreciation

     (1,662     (1,643
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

     1,348       1,255  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

     29,444       29,467  

Goodwill

     15,992       15,993  

Other assets and deferred charges

     73       230  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 51,095     $ 52,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 221     $ 179  

Tobacco settlement accruals

     2,498       2,816  

Due to related party

     7       9  

Deferred revenue, related party

     66       33  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     501       506  

Dividends payable on common stock

     656       514  

Other current liabilities

     1,036       1,234  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,985       5,291  

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     12,664       16,849  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

     9,607       9,204  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     1,869       2,265  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

     39        

Other noncurrent liabilities

     220       239  

Commitments and contingencies:

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock (shares issued: 2016 — 1,425,824,955; 2015 —1,427,341,341)

            

Paid-in capital

     18,285       18,402  

Retained earnings

     3,740       188  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (314     (338
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     21,711       18,252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 51,095     $ 52,100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

     Common
Stock
     Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance at December 31, 2013

   $      $ 6,571     $ (1,348   $ (56   $ 5,167  

Net income

                  1,470             1,470  

Retirement benefits, net of $178 tax benefit

                        (277     (277

Long-term investments, net of $1 tax expense

                        2       2  

Hedging instruments, net of $1 tax expense

                        1       1  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of $15 tax benefit

                        (34     (34

Dividends — $1.34 per share

                  (1,436           (1,436

Common stock repurchased

            (440                 (440

Equity incentive award plan and stock-based compensation

            57                   57  

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

            12                   12  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

            6,200       (1,314     (364     4,522  

Net income

                  3,253             3,253  

Retirement benefits, net of $32 tax expense

                        50       50  

Hedging instruments, net of $1 tax expense

                        1       1  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of $12 tax benefit

                        (25     (25

Dividends — $1.39 per share

                  (1,751           (1,751

Issuance of additional shares as Lorillard Merger Consideration

            7,555                   7,555  

Issuance of additional shares for BAT Share Purchase

            4,673                   4,673  

Common stock repurchased

            (124                 (124

Equity incentive award plan and stock-based compensation

            81                   81  

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

            17                   17  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

            18,402       188       (338     18,252  

Net income

                  6,073             6,073  

Retirement benefits, net of $6 tax benefit

                        (11     (11

Long-term investments, net of $10 tax expense

                        14       14  

Hedging instruments, net of $6 tax expense

                        11       11  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of $6 tax expense

                        10       10  

Dividends — $1.76 per share

                  (2,521           (2,521

Common stock repurchased

            (226                 (226

Equity incentive award plan and stock-based compensation

            81                   81  

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

            28                   28  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $      $ 18,285     $ 3,740     $ (314   $ 21,711  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Overview

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Reynolds American Inc., referred to as RAI, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. RAI’s wholly owned operating subsidiaries include R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., referred to as SFNTC; American Snuff Company, LLC, referred to as American Snuff Co.; R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, referred to as RJR Vapor; Niconovum USA, Inc.; Niconovum AB; and until their sale on January 13, 2016, as described below, SFR Tobacco International GmbH, referred to as SFRTI, and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI.

RAI was incorporated as a holding company in the State of North Carolina on January 2, 2004, and its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, referred to as the NYSE, under the symbol “RAI.” On July 30, 2004, the U.S. assets, liabilities and operations of Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, now known as Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc., referred to as B&W, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco p.l.c., referred to as BAT, were combined with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc., referred to as RJR. These July 30, 2004, transactions generally are referred to as the B&W business combination.

References to RJR Tobacco prior to July 30, 2004, relate to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a New Jersey corporation. References to RJR Tobacco on and subsequent to July 30, 2004 and until June 12, 2015, relate to the combined U.S. assets, liabilities and operations of B&W and R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Concurrent with the completion of the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco became a North Carolina corporation. References to RJR Tobacco on and subsequent to June 12, 2015, relate to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a North Carolina corporation, and reflect the effects of the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture, described below.

Proposed Merger with BAT

On January 17, 2017, RAI announced that it had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, referred to as the Merger Agreement, with BAT, BATUS Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, and Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as Merger Sub. For additional information, see note 22 to consolidated financial statements.

Recent Transactions

On June 12, 2015, RAI acquired Lorillard, Inc., n/k/a Lorillard, LLC, referred to as Lorillard, in a cash and stock transaction, valued at $25.8 billion, referred to as the Lorillard Merger. Also on June 12, 2015, a wholly owned subsidiary, n/k/a ITG Brands, LLC, referred to as ITG, of Imperial Brands, PLC, f/k/a Imperial Tobacco Group, PLC, referred to as Imperial, acquired for approximately $7.1 billion, in a transaction referred to as the Divestiture, certain assets (1) owned by RAI subsidiaries or affiliates relating to the cigarette brands WINSTON, KOOL and SALEM, and (2) owned by Lorillard subsidiaries or affiliates related to the cigarette brand MAVERICK and the “e-vapor” brand blu (including SKYCIG), as well as Lorillard’s owned and leased real property, and certain transferred employees, together with associated liabilities. As a result of the Divestiture, RAI recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.2 billion. Additionally on June 12, 2015, shortly after the completion of the Lorillard Merger, Lorillard Tobacco Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lorillard, referred to as Lorillard Tobacco, merged with and into RJR Tobacco, with RJR Tobacco continuing as the surviving entity, referred to as the Lorillard Tobacco Merger. The statements of financial position and results of operations contained in the consolidated financial statements reflect the results of the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture and related transactions. For additional information on the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture, and related transactions, see note 2 to consolidated financial statements.

 

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On June 12, 2015, concurrently with the completion of the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture, BAT indirectly (through a wholly-owned subsidiary) purchased 77,680,259 shares of RAI common stock, prior to giving effect to RAI’s 2015 two-for-one stock split, referred to as the BAT Share Purchase, for approximately $4.7 billion, which was sufficient for BAT and its subsidiaries collectively to maintain their approximately 42% beneficial ownership of RAI.

On January 13, 2016, RAI, through various subsidiaries, referred to as the Sellers, completed the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with SFRTI and other international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States, to JT International Holding BV, referred to as JTI Holding, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco Inc., referred to as JTI, in an all-cash transaction of approximately $5 billion and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.9 billion. The transaction did not include the rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks in the U.S. market, U.S. duty-free locations and U.S. territories or in U.S. military outlets, all of which were retained by SFNTC. With this transaction completed, the international rights to nearly all of RAI’s operating companies’ cigarette trademarks are now owned by international tobacco companies. For additional information on the transaction, see note 3.

Operating segments

RAI’s reportable operating segments are RJR Tobacco, Santa Fe and American Snuff. The RJR Tobacco segment consists of the primary operations of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The Santa Fe segment consists of the primary operations of SFNTC. The American Snuff segment consists of the primary operations of American Snuff Co. Included in All Other, among other RAI subsidiaries, are RJR Vapor, Niconovum USA, Inc., Niconovum AB, and until their sale on January 13, 2016, as described above, SFRTI, and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI. The segments were identified based on how RAI’s chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. Certain of RAI’s operating subsidiaries have entered into intercompany agreements for products or services with other subsidiaries. As a result, certain activities of an operating subsidiary may be included in a different segment of RAI.

RAI’s operating subsidiaries primarily conduct their business in the United States.

Basis of Presentation

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, referred to as GAAP, requires estimates and assumptions to be made that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Volatile credit and equity markets, changes to regulatory and legal environments, and consumer spending may affect the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. All material intercompany balances have been eliminated.

Certain reclassifications were made to conform prior years’ financial statements to the current presentation. Certain amounts presented in note 13 are rounded in the aggregate and may not sum from the individually presented components. All dollar amounts, other than per share amounts, are presented in millions, except for amounts set forth in note 13 and as otherwise noted.

Business Combination

RAI accounts for business combination transactions in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, referred to as the FASB, Accounting Standards Codification 805, Business Combinations , referred to as ASC 805. RAI allocates the cost of an acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their

 

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fair values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of these items requires management’s judgment and may require utilization of independent valuation experts to assist with such valuations. These valuations involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of future cash flows, discount rates, market prices, and asset lives, among other items. The judgments made in the determination of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as well as the estimated useful life of each asset and the duration of each liability can materially impact the financial statements in periods after the acquisition, such as depreciation, amortization, or in certain situations, impairment charges.

The fair value of acquired intangible assets measured on a nonrecurring basis, was determined based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. As such, acquired intangible assets are classified as Level 3. RAI engaged the services of a third party valuation expert to assist in determining the fair value of acquired trademarks and customer lists. The acquired trademarks and customer lists were valued utilizing the income approach and were based on a discounted cash flow valuation model. This approach utilized unobservable factors, such as royalty rate, projected revenues and a discount rate, applied to the estimated cash flows. The determination of the discount rate was based on a cost of equity model, using a risk-free rate, adjusted by a stock beta-adjusted risk premium and size premium.

The fair value of acquired long-term debt was determined based on significant inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, and are quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active. As such, acquired long-term debt is classified as Level 2. RAI engaged the services of a financial institution in determining the fair value of acquired long-term debt. The acquired long-term debt was valued utilizing market quotes, credit spreads and discounted cash flows, as appropriate. RAI performed its own independent valuation to assess the reasonableness of that calculated by the financial institution.

As a market participant, RAI determined the fair value of inventories and property, plant and equipment utilizing internal resources and external experts. The fair value of finished goods inventories was determined using selling price less estimated costs to dispose. The fair value of other inventories, primarily leaf tobacco acquired, was based on recent costs for similar inventory purchased by RAI and its subsidiaries or historical cost as appropriate. To fair value property, plant and equipment, which consisted primarily of machinery used in the manufacture of cigarettes, RAI utilized internal engineering resources and external vendor experts familiar with pricing for similar machinery on the secondary market. The fair value of long-term retirement benefits represents the funded status of the employee benefit plans assumed by RAI in the Lorillard Merger. RAI engaged its actuaries to determine the fair value of the projected benefit obligations at the date of the Lorillard Merger utilizing management’s assumptions and estimates relative to the benefit plans acquired. For the fair value of benefit plan assets, an independent valuation expert was engaged, in addition to internal treasury resources, to project the fair value of the benefit plan assets at the Lorillard Merger date.

For further information related to accounting for the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture, see note 2.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash balances are recorded net of book overdrafts when a bank right-of-offset exists. All other book overdrafts are recorded in accounts payable. Cash equivalents may include money market funds, commercial paper and time deposits in major institutions to minimize investment risk. As short-term, highly liquid investments readily convertible to known amounts of cash, with remaining maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase, cash equivalents have carrying values that approximate fair values.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Fair Value Measurement

RAI determines the fair value of assets and liabilities using a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity, and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, essentially an exit price.

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

Level 1: inputs are quoted prices, unadjusted, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2: inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. A Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3: inputs are unobservable and reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

RAI sponsors a number of non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees of RAI and its subsidiaries, and holds investments in plan assets to support these obligations. For additional information regarding the fair value of these plan assets, see note 16.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of RJR Tobacco’s leaf tobacco inventories is determined principally under the last-in, first-out, or LIFO, method and is calculated at the end of each year. The cost of work in process and finished goods includes materials, direct labor, variable costs and overhead and full absorption of fixed manufacturing overhead. Stocks of tobacco, which have an operating cycle that exceeds 12 months due to aging requirements, are classified as current assets, consistent with recognized industry practice. The remaining inventories not valued under LIFO are valued under the first-in, first-out method.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, trademarks and other intangible assets with finite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value of the asset may not be recoverable.

Impairment of the carrying value of long-lived assets would be indicated if the best estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset grouping is less than its carrying value. If an impairment is indicated, any loss is measured as the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value and is recognized in operating income.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives range from 20 to 50 years for buildings and improvements, and from 3 to 30 years for machinery and equipment. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized in operating income. Depreciation expense was $100 million, $104 million and $95 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Software Costs

Computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining computer software for internal use that has an extended useful life are capitalized. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful life, which is typically five years or less. The following is a summary of balances and expenses for software costs as of and for the years ended December 31:

Balances:

 

     2016      2015  

Unamortized software costs balance

   $ 49      $ 37  

Software costs — capitalized or included in construction-in-process

     27        13  

Expenses:

 

     2016      2015      2014  

Software amortization expense

   $ 14      $ 17      $ 15  

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets and are capitalized when acquired. The determination of fair value involves considerable estimates and judgment. In particular, the fair value of a reporting unit involves, among other things, developing forecasts of future cash flows, determining an appropriate discount rate, and when goodwill impairment is implied, determining the fair value of individual assets and liabilities, including unrecorded intangibles. Although RAI believes it has based its impairment testing of its intangible assets on reasonable estimates and assumptions, the use of different estimates and assumptions could result in materially different results. If the current legal and regulatory environment, business or competitive climate worsens, or RAI’s operating companies’ strategic initiatives adversely affect their financial performance, the fair value of goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets could be impaired in future periods. Goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, in the fourth quarter, and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

Finite lived trademarks and acquired customer lists are amortized using the straight-line method over their remaining useful lives, of 2 to 19 years, consistent with the pattern of economic benefits estimated to be received.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are generally met when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. Payments received in advance of shipments are deferred and recorded in other accrued liabilities until shipment occurs. Certain sales of leaf to a related party, considered as bill-and-hold for accounting purposes, are recorded as deferred revenue when all of the above revenue recognition criteria are met except delivery, postponed at the customer’s request. Revenue is subsequently recognized upon delivery. The revenues recorded are presented net of excise tax collected on behalf of government authorities.

 

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Shipping and handling costs are classified as cost of products sold. Net sales include certain sales incentives, including retail discounting, promotional allowances and coupons.

Cost of Products Sold

RJR Tobacco (itself, and as successor by merger to Lorillard Tobacco) and SFNTC are participants in the Master Settlement Agreement, referred to as the MSA, and RJR Tobacco (itself, and as successor by merger to Lorillard Tobacco) is a participant in the other state settlement agreements with the States of Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota, which together with the MSA are collectively referred to as the State Settlement Agreements. RJR Tobacco’s and SFNTC’s obligations and the related expense charges under these agreements are subject to adjustments based upon, among other things, the volume of cigarettes sold by the operating subsidiaries, their relative market share, and their operating profit and inflation. Since relative market share is based on cigarette shipments, the best estimate of the allocation of charges to RJR Tobacco and SFNTC under these agreements is recorded in cost of products sold as the products are shipped. Included in these adjustments is the MSA non-participating manufacturer adjustment, referred to as the NPM Adjustment, that potentially reduces the annual payment obligation of RJR Tobacco, SFNTC and other participating manufacturers, referred to as the PMs. Adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period that the change becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. American Snuff Co. is not a participant in the State Settlement Agreements.

Cost of products sold includes, among other expenses, the expenses for the State Settlement Agreements; the user fees charged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, referred to as the FDA; and the federal tobacco quota buyout that expired in 2014. These expenses were as follows for the years ended December 31:

 

     2016      2015      2014  

State Settlement Agreements

   $ 2,727      $ 2,403      $ 1,917  

FDA user fees

     194        174        135  

Federal tobacco quota buyout

     —          —          163  

In 2012, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, SFNTC and certain other participating manufacturers, referred to as the PMs, entered into a term sheet, referred to as the Term Sheet, with 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to settle certain claims related to the NPM Adjustment. The Term Sheet resolved claims related to volume years from 2003 through 2012 and puts in place a revised method to determine future adjustments from 2013 forward. Subsequently, five additional states joined the Term Sheet, including two states that were found to not have diligently enforced their qualifying statutes in 2003. The parties to the Term Sheet represent an allocable share of 49.87%.

In June 2014, two additional states agreed to settle the NPM Adjustment disputes on similar terms as set forth in the Term Sheet, except for certain provisions related to the determination of credits to be received by the PMs. RJR Tobacco and SFNTC, collectively, will receive credits, currently estimated to total approximately $170 million, with respect to their NPM Adjustment claims from 2003 through 2012. The credits related to these two states will be applied against annual payments under the MSA over a five-year period effectively beginning with the April 2014 MSA payment. As a result, expenses for the MSA were reduced by $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. As a result of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger, RJR Tobacco will receive approximately $5 million of additional credits, attributable to Lorillard Tobacco, which will be applied against annual MSA payments through 2018.

As a result of meeting the performance requirements associated with the Term Sheet, RJR Tobacco and Santa Fe, collectively, recognized additional credits of $295 million, $282 million and $311 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Credits recognized in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, include the benefit of the additional credits received as a result of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger. RJR Tobacco expects to recognize additional credits through 2017.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

In September 2013, the Arbitration Panel ruled six states had not diligently enforced their qualifying statutes in 2003 related to the NPM Adjustment. Two of the six states subsequently joined the Term Sheet in 2014. In 2015, three of the states dropped their challenge of the finding of non-diligence and in 2016, the remaining state dropped its challenge. As such, a portion of the potential recovery from those states was certain and estimable, and RJR Tobacco recognized $6 million and $93 million as a reduction of cost of products sold for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. A final issue regarding the judgment reduction method adopted by the Arbitration Panel was being contested in these four states. In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court denied RJR Tobacco’s petition for writ of certiorari against two states, thus eliminating RJR Tobacco’s remaining recovery from these states. The final outcome in the remaining two states is uncertain.

In October 2015, RJR Tobacco, SFNTC and certain other PMs entered into a settlement agreement, referred to as the NY Settlement Agreement, with the State of New York to settle certain claims related to the NPM Adjustment. The NY Settlement Agreement resolves NPM Adjustment claims related to payment years from 2004 through 2014, providing RJR Tobacco and SFNTC, collectively, with credits, of approximately $290 million, plus interest, subject to meeting various performance obligations. These credits will be applied against annual payments under the MSA over a four-year period, which commenced with the April 2016 MSA payment. RJR Tobacco and Santa Fe, collectively, recognized credits of $95 million and $15 million as a reduction to costs of products sold for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, the NY Settlement Agreement put in place a new method to determine future adjustments from 2015 forward as to New York.

For additional information related to the NPM Adjustment settlement, see “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — State Settlement Agreements — Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments” in note 13.

Advertising

Advertising costs, which are expensed as incurred, were $80 million, $140 million and $140 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development costs, which are expensed as incurred, were $101 million, $107 million and $88 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are accounted for as tax expense. Federal income taxes for RAI and its subsidiaries are calculated on a consolidated basis. State income taxes for RAI and its subsidiaries are primarily calculated on a separate return basis.

RAI accounts for uncertain tax positions which require that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized for all forms of share-based payment awards, including shares issued to employees under restricted stock units.

Litigation

RAI discloses information concerning litigation for which an unfavorable outcome is more than remote. RAI and its subsidiaries record their legal expenses and other litigation costs and related administrative costs as selling, general and administrative expenses as these costs are incurred. RAI and its subsidiaries will record any loss related to litigation at such time as an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated on an individual case-by-case basis. When the reasonable estimate is a range, the recorded loss will be the best estimate within the range. If no amount in the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount of the range will be recorded. For additional information related to litigation, see note 13.

Pension and Postretirement

Pension and postretirement benefits require balance sheet recognition of the net asset or liability for the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, on a plan-by-plan basis, and recognition of changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur.

Actuarial (gains) losses are changes in the amount of either the benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from changes in assumptions. Differences between actual results and actuarial assumptions are accumulated and recognized as a mark-to-market adjustment, referred to as an MTM adjustment, to the extent such accumulated net (gains) losses exceed 10% of the greater of the fair value of plan assets or benefit obligations, referred to as the corridor. Net (gains) losses outside the corridor are generally recognized annually as of December 31, or when a plan is remeasured during an interim period.

Prior service costs (credits) of pension benefits, which are changes in benefit obligations due to plan amendments, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period for active employees, or average remaining life expectancies for inactive employees if most of the plan obligations are due to inactive employees. Prior service costs (credits) of postretirement benefits, which are changes in benefit obligations due to plan amendments, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected service period to full eligibility age for active employees, or average remaining life expectancies for inactive employees if most of the plan obligations are due to inactive employees.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, referred to as ASU, 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amended guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a direct reduction of the debt liability with which it is associated similar to the way debt discounts are presented. The amended guidance did not change the requirement to amortize the costs as interest expense over the life of the associated debt. At RAI’s election, and as permitted in ASU 2015-15, Interest Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with its credit facility are included in other assets and deferred charges in the balance sheets. The guidance, which required retrospective application, was effective for RAI for interim and annual reporting periods, beginning January 1, 2016, and resulted in a $68 million and $92 million reclassification of debt issuance costs for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have an impact on RAI’s results of operations or cash flows.

 

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In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Internal Use Software, for determining if an arrangement for cloud services includes a license of software. This new guidance does not change the accounting standard for cloud service providers, but does base the criteria for determining if a license of software is part of the arrangement based on the existing guidance. If a license of software is present in the arrangement, the fee associated with the license portion will be capitalized when the criteria for capitalization of internal-use software are met. This guidance was effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2016. As permitted, RAI adopted the guidance on a prospective basis and, accordingly, its adoption did not have a material impact on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement  —  Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent), eliminating the requirement to categorize investments in the fair value hierarchy if their fair value is measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient in the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance. The amended guidance, which requires retrospective application, is effective for financial statements issued for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. As permitted, RAI adopted this amended guidance as of January 1, 2016, with retrospective application to the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, the reduction of Level 2 and Level 3 investments was $785 and $670 million, respectively. The retrospective application resulted in the removal of certain investments classified as Level 2 and Level 3 from the fair value hierarchy, resulting in a reduction of Level 2 and Level 3 investments of $819 million and $679 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have an impact on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position. For additional information, see note 16.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, requiring that all deferred income tax balances in the consolidated balance sheets be classified as non-current. The amended guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. As permitted, RAI adopted the amended guidance as of December 31, 2016, with retrospective application to the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. The retrospective application resulted in a reclassification of deferred income taxes, net in current assets to deferred income taxes, net in long-term liabilities of approximately $900 million and $1 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have an impact on RAI’s results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance. The effective date for adoption of this guidance was subsequently deferred to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In 2016, the FASB issued supplemental implementation guidance related to ASU 2014-09, including:

 

    ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which is intended to provide further clarification on the application of the principal versus agent implementation;

 

    ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is intended to clarify the guidance for identifying promised goods or services in a contract with a customer;

 

    ASU 2016-11, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815) Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March  3, 2016 EITF Meeting;

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

    ASU 2016-12, Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, which amends certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 to address certain implementation issues; and

 

    ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which includes thirteen technical corrections and improvements affecting narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09.

During 2016, RAI substantially completed its assessment of ASU 2014-09 to identify any potential changes in the amount and timing of revenue recognition for its current contracts and the expected impact on its business processes, systems and controls. Based on this assessment, RAI does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position. The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented (full retrospective method) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application (modified retrospective method). RAI is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 primarily to determine the transition method to utilize at adoption and the additional disclosures required. The new guidance will be adopted effective January 1, 2018.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, which supersedes existing guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories and requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. An entity’s equity investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting or result in consolidation of an investee are not included within the scope of this amended guidance. The amendments allow equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values to be remeasured at fair value either upon the occurrence of an observable price change or upon identification of impairment. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. As permitted, RAI adopted the amended guidance as of January 1, 2017, and it is not expected to have a material impact on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements, such as information about variable lease payments and options to renew and terminate leases. The amended guidance will require both operating and finance leases to be recognized in the balance sheet. Additionally, the amended guidance aligns lessor accounting to comparable guidance in Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. RAI expects to adopt the amended guidance in ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, and is currently early in its assessment of the impact of this new standard. However, if at adoption RAI has similar obligations for leases as it had at December 31, 2016, RAI believes this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position. RAI expects to substantially complete its assessment of the new standard during 2017.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income tax, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of taxes in the statement of cash flows. The amended guidance also requires an entity to record excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the income statement rather than as a change to paid-in capital. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. RAI adopted this amended guidance effective January 1, 2017, and determined that it will not have a material impact to RAI’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position. If adoption of this amended guidance occurred in 2016, the primary impact to RAI’s results of operations would have been a reduction in the provision for income taxes of $28 million, $17 million

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

and $12 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Early adoption would have also resulted in a reclassification of cash from financing activities to cash from operations on the statement of cash flows for the same amounts. The impact of the new guidance will be applied prospectively.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments  —  Credit Losses, which replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology for recognizing credit losses for financial instruments with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration for a broader range of reasonable and supportable information for estimating credit losses. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. RAI has not yet determined if it will adopt this amended guidance earlier than the effective date and has not initiated its assessment of the impact that this guidance will have on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, addressing eight specific cash flow issues in an effort to reduce diversity in practice. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, and for interim periods within those years. RAI will adopt this amended guidance effective January 1, 2018. The amended guidance will not have a material impact on RAI’s statements of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows  —  Restricted Cash, addressing the diversity in practice that exists regarding the classification and the presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amended guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The amended guidance does not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those years. RAI will adopt this amended guidance effective January 1, 2018. The amended guidance will not have a material impact on RAI’s statements of cash flows.

Note 2 — Lorillard Merger, Divestiture and BAT Share Purchase

Lorillard Merger

On June 12, 2015, the Lorillard Merger was completed, with Lorillard surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of RAI. Each outstanding share of Lorillard common stock was converted into the right to receive (1) 0.2909 of a share of RAI common stock, prior to giving effect to RAI’s 2015 two-for-one stock split, referred to as the stock split, plus (2) $50.50 in cash (the foregoing collectively referred to as the Lorillard Merger Consideration). RAI issued 104,706,847 shares of RAI common stock at a price of $72.15 per share, prior to giving effect to the stock split, to Lorillard shareholders in the Lorillard Merger. After giving effect to the stock split, RAI issued 209,413,694 shares of RAI common stock to Lorillard shareholders in the Lorillard Merger.

As a part of the Lorillard Merger, RAI acquired the premium cigarette brand, NEWPORT, which is the top-selling menthol and second largest selling cigarette brand overall in the United States. In addition to NEWPORT, RAI acquired three additional brand families marketed under the KENT, TRUE and OLD GOLD brand names.

In accordance with ASC 805, the Lorillard Merger was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with RAI considered the acquirer of Lorillard. RAI recorded assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, from Lorillard at their respective fair values at the date of completion of the Lorillard Merger. The excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of such assets and liabilities was recorded as goodwill.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Purchase Price

The purchase price of $25.8 billion consisted of the Lorillard Merger Consideration together with the payment of certain Lorillard equity awards and certain change of control payments as follows:

 

Fair value of RAI common stock issued

   $ 7,555  

Cash paid to Lorillard shareholders at $50.50 per share

     18,205  

Cash paid for Lorillard stock options and stock appreciation rights

     73  
  

 

 

 

Purchase price

   $ 25,833  
  

 

 

 

Allocation of Purchase Price

The purchase price as allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Lorillard Merger is set forth below:

 

     Final
Allocation
 

Assets

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,058  

Short-term investments

     347  

Accounts and other receivables

     47  

Inventories

     576  

Income taxes receivable

     135  

Other current assets

     1,673  

Property, plant and equipment

     82  

Trademarks and other intangible assets

     27,443  

Goodwill

     9,853  

Other assets and deferred charges

     207  

Liabilities

  

Tobacco settlement accruals

     755  

Other current liabilities

     602  

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     3,895  

Deferred income taxes, net

     9,998  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     274  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     64  
  

 

 

 

Allocation of purchase price

   $ 25,833  
  

 

 

 

The allocation of the purchase price reflected in the accompanying financial statements was based upon estimates and assumptions. The $9,853 million allocated to goodwill, which was primarily attributable to the establishment of deferred tax liabilities associated with the trademarks acquired and the expected synergies from future growth, was allocated to the RJR Tobacco segment, and is non-deductible for tax purposes.

The results of operations of the acquired Lorillard brands are included in RAI’s consolidated statements of income from the date of acquisition and include $2.7 billion of total net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015, and are included in the RJR Tobacco segment’s financial results. RAI does not maintain discrete financial information on a brand basis in order to determine the impact to net income for the periods presented. In addition, as a result of the acquisition, $9 billion of debt was issued and approximately $3.9 billion of Lorillard Tobacco debt, at fair value, was assumed. The interest expense related to the acquisition was approximately $282 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Divestiture

On June 12, 2015, the Divestiture was completed, and ITG acquired the cigarette brands WINSTON, KOOL and SALEM, previously owned by RAI subsidiaries and included in the RJR Tobacco segment, as well as the cigarette brand MAVERICK and the “e-vapor” brand blu (including SKYCIG), previously owned by Lorillard subsidiaries, and other assets and certain liabilities, including inventory, fixed assets and employee benefit plans, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $7.1 billion. A summary of the pre-tax gain is as follows:

 

Purchase price

   $ 7,056  

Net assets and liabilities divested

     (2,026

Goodwill associated with divested RJR Tobacco brands

     (1,849
  

 

 

 

Gain on divestiture

   $ 3,181  
  

 

 

 

BAT Share Purchase and Other

In connection with the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture, on July 15, 2014, RAI, BAT, and for limited purposes only, B&W, entered into a subscription and support agreement, referred to as the Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which BAT agreed to subscribe for and purchase, directly or indirectly through one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries, simultaneously with the completion of the Lorillard Merger and at a price of approximately $4.7 billion in the aggregate, shares of RAI common stock such that BAT, directly or indirectly through its affiliates, would maintain its approximately 42% beneficial ownership in RAI (the foregoing purchase is referred to as the BAT Share Purchase).

On June 12, 2015, concurrently with the completion of the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture and pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, BAT indirectly (through a wholly owned subsidiary) purchased 77,680,259 shares of RAI common stock, prior to giving effect to the stock split, for approximately $4.7 billion, which was sufficient for BAT and its subsidiaries collectively to maintain their approximately 42% beneficial ownership in RAI. Upon completion of the transactions on June 12, 2015, BAT and its subsidiaries collectively owned 301,014,278 shares, prior to giving effect to the stock split, or approximately 42%, of RAI’s outstanding common stock. After giving effect to the stock split, BAT indirectly purchased 155,360,518 shares of RAI common stock, and BAT and its subsidiaries collectively owned 602,028,556 shares of RAI common stock.

RAI financed the cash portion of the Lorillard Merger Consideration and related fees and expenses with (1) the net proceeds from a public offering of $9 billion aggregate principal amount of newly issued RAI senior notes, (2) the proceeds from the Divestiture, (3) the proceeds from the BAT Share Purchase and (4) available cash. Transaction related costs of $54 million and $38 million, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in RAI’s consolidated statements of income.

Note 3 — Sale of International Rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT Brand

On January 13, 2016, RAI, through the Sellers, completed the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with the international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States, to JTI Holding in an all-cash transaction of approximately $5 billion and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.9 billion.

The purchase agreement, dated as of September 28, 2015, between the Sellers and JTI Holding, referred to as the 2015 Purchase Agreement, contains customary representations, warranties and covenants made by the Sellers and JTI Holding, and, for certain provisions, RAI and JTI, and contains indemnification provisions,

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

subject to customary limitations, with respect to these and other matters, including potential litigation relating to specified claims. The 2015 Purchase Agreement also contains a guarantee of Sellers’ obligations by RAI, and a guarantee of JTI Holding’s obligations by JTI. Further, in the 2015 Purchase Agreement, RAI has agreed not to, and agreed to cause its controlled affiliates not to, engage in the business of producing, selling, distributing and developing natural, organic and additive-free combustible tobacco cigarettes and roll-your-own or make-your-own tobacco products outside of the United States, and JTI has agreed not to, and agreed to cause its controlled affiliates not to, engage in the conduct of such business in the United States, in each case, for five years following the closing of the transaction.

The transaction did not include the rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks in the U.S. market, U.S. duty-free locations, and U.S. territories or in U.S. military outlets, all of which have been retained by SFNTC. With this transaction completed, the international rights to nearly all of RAI’s operating companies’ cigarette trademarks are now owned by international tobacco companies.

The components of the pre-tax gain, which was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

Purchase price

   $ 5,015  

Net assets and liabilities divested

     (154
  

 

 

 

Gain on divestiture

   $ 4,861  
  

 

 

 

Note 4 — Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value of Financial Assets

Financial assets carried at fair value as of December 31, were as follows:

 

    2016     2015  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Cash and cash equivalents:

               

Cash equivalents

  $ 2,006     $     $     $ 2,006     $ 2,454     $     $     $ 2,454  

Short-term investments:

               

Corporate debt securities

                                  96             96  

U.S. Government agency obligations

                                  43             43  

Commercial paper

                                  10             10  

Other assets and deferred charges:

               

Auction rate securities

                                        79       79  

Mortgage-backed security

                                        10       10  

Marketable equity security

                            1                   1  

Interest rate swaps

                                  53             53  

There were no transfers between the levels during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, RAI’s short-term investments included corporate debt securities, U.S. Government agency obligations and commercial paper. The fair value of these investments, classified as Level 2, utilized quoted prices for identical assets in less active markets or quoted prices for similar assets in active markets. The fair value of the interest rate swaps, classified as Level 2, utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swaps and observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates. All investments classified as short-term investments as of December 31, 2015, were sold or matured and an immaterial loss was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

As of December 31, 2015, RAI had investments in auction rate securities linked to corporate credit risk, in auction rate securities related to financial insurance companies, and in a mortgage-backed security. The fair value of these investments, each classified as Level 3, was determined with pricing models using inputs that were unobservable and assumptions made by RAI about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets. In addition, RAI had an investment in a marketable equity security classified as Level 1. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the auction rate securities related to financial insurance companies, the marketable equity security and mortgage-backed security were sold, and an immaterial loss was recognized. The auction rate securities linked to corporate credit risk were called by the issuers at their par value of $95 million. No other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Any unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, related to investments held at December 31, 2015, were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in RAI’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015.

Interest Rate Management

From time to time, RAI and RJR have used interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk on a portion of their respective debt obligations.

As part of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger, RJR Tobacco assumed fixed to floating interest rate swap agreements that Lorillard Tobacco designated as fair value hedges of its 8.125% notes due in 2019. Under the swap agreements, RJR Tobacco received interest based on a fixed rate of 8.125% and paid interest based on a floating one-month LIBOR rate plus a spread of 4.625%. The net settlement reduced interest expense by approximately $3 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 respectively. During 2016, RJR Tobacco terminated these interest rate swap agreements and received $66 million in cash. The remaining fair value adjustment of $7 million for the notes designated as the hedging instrument is being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the expected remaining life of the notes. As of December 31, 2016, RAI, RJR and RJR Tobacco had no outstanding interest rate swaps. See notes 2 and 12 for additional information related to interest rate swap agreements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Note 5 — Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were as follows:

 

     RJR
Tobacco
    Santa Fe      American
Snuff
    All Other     Consolidated  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

           

Goodwill

   $ 9,065     $ 197      $ 2,501     $ 44     $ 11,807  

Less: accumulated impairment charges

     (3,763            (28           (3,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net goodwill balance as of December 31, 2014

     5,302       197        2,473       44       8,016  

2015 Activity

           

Lorillard Merger goodwill

     9,853                          9,853  

Divestiture goodwill

     (1,849                        (1,849

Reclassified to assets held for sale (1)

                        (27     (27
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

           

Goodwill

     17,069       197        2,501       17       19,784  

Less: accumulated impairment charges

     (3,763            (28           (3,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net goodwill balance as of December 31, 2015

     13,306       197        2,473       17       15,993  

2016 Activity

           

Foreign currency translation

                        (1     (1

Balance as of December 31, 2016

           

Goodwill

     17,069       197        2,501       16       19,783  

Less: accumulated impairment charges

     (3,763            (28           (3,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net goodwill balance as of December 31, 2016

   $ 13,306     $ 197      $ 2,473     $ 16     $ 15,992  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Related to the sale of international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand. See note 3.

The changes in the carrying amounts of indefinite-lived intangible assets by segment not subject to amortization were as follows:

 

    RJR Tobacco     Santa Fe     American
Snuff
    All Other     Consolidated  
    Trademarks     Other     Trademarks     Trademarks     Other     Trademarks     Other  

Balance as of December 31, 2014

  $ 977     $ 99     $ 155     $ 1,136     $ 4     $ 2,268     $ 103  

Trademarks acquired in Lorillard Merger

    27,193                               27,193        

Trademarks divested

    (344                             (344      

Other intangibles divested

          (12                             (12

Reclassified to assets held for sale (1)

                (19           (4     (19     (4
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

    27,826       87       136       1,136             29,098       87  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2016

  $ 27,826     $ 87     $ 136     $ 1,136     $     $ 29,098     $ 87  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Related to the sale of international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand. See note 3.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The changes in the carrying amounts of finite-lived intangible assets by segment subject to amortization were as follows:

 

     RJR Tobacco     American
Snuff
    All Other      Consolidated  
     Trademarks     Other     Trademarks     Other      Trademarks     Other  

Balance as of December 31, 2013

   $ 18     $ 20     $ 8     $      $ 26     $ 20  

Amortization

     (6     (4     (1            (7     (4

Acquisition

           15                          15  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

     12       31       7              19       31  

Trademarks acquired in Lorillard Merger

     10                          10        

Customer lists acquired in Lorillard Merger

           240                          240  

Amortization

     (5     (12     (1            (6     (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

     17       259       6              23       259  

Intercompany transfer

           (13           13               

Amortization

     (5     (17     (1            (6     (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2016

   $ 12     $ 229     $ 5     $ 13      $ 17     $ 242  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details of finite-lived intangible assets were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2016      December 31, 2015  
     Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
    Net      Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
    Net  

Customer lists

   $ 240      $ (19   $ 221      $ 240      $ (7   $ 233  

Contract manufacturing agreement

     151        (143     8        151        (139     12  

Trademarks

     124        (107     17        124        (101     23  

Other intangibles

     15        (2     13        15        (1     14  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 530      $ (271   $ 259      $ 530      $ (248   $ 282  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The remaining amortization expense associated with finite-lived intangible assets is expected to be as follows:

 

Year

   Amount  

2017

   $ 23  

2018

     22  

2019

     16  

2020

     15  

2021

     14  

Thereafter

     169  
  

 

 

 
   $ 259  
  

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The impairment testing of trademarks in the fourth quarters of 2016, 2015 and 2014 assumed a rate of decline in projected net sales of certain brands, comparable with that assumed in RAI’s strategic plan. The fair value of trademarks used in impairment testing was determined by an income approach using a discounted cash flow valuation model under a relief from royalty methodology. The relief-from-royalty model includes the estimates of the royalty rate that a market participant might assume, projected revenues and judgment regarding the discount rate applied to those estimated cash flows, with that discount rate being 10.0% during 2016, 2015 and 2014. The determination of the discount rate was based on a cost of equity model, using a risk-free rate, adjusted by a stock beta-adjusted risk premium and a size premium. As a result of these analyses, an impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of a trademark exceeds its estimated fair value. No impairment charges were indicated for 2016, 2015 or 2014.

For the annual impairment testing of the goodwill of RAI’s reporting units, each reporting unit’s estimated fair value was compared with its carrying value. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The determination of estimated fair value of each reporting unit was calculated primarily utilizing an income approach model, based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit assuming a discount rate during each of 2016, 2015 and 2014 of 9.75% for each of RJR Tobacco and American Snuff and 10.25% for Santa Fe. The determination of the discount rate was based on a weighted average cost of capital. Additionally, the aggregate estimated fair value of the reporting units, determined with the use of the income approach model, was compared with RAI’s market capitalization. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit was substantially greater than its respective carrying value.

Note 6 — Asset Impairment and Exit Charges

In 2015, RAI announced that certain of its operating companies consolidated manufacturing operations for the VUSE Digital Vapor Cigarette. In addition to in-house production at RJR Tobacco’s manufacturing facility, certain production of VUSE Solo cartridges was previously performed for RJR Vapor at a contractor’s facility in Kansas. Since the fourth quarter of 2015, all production of VUSE Solo cartridges is performed at RJR Tobacco’s facility, pursuant to a services agreement between RJR Tobacco and RJR Vapor. As a result of this consolidation, pre-tax asset impairment and exit charges of $99 million, consisting primarily of equipment, were recorded in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2015, and were allocated to All Other.

Note 7 — Income Per Share

The components of the calculation of income per share were as follows:

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2016      2015      2014  

Income from continuing operations

   $ 6,073      $ 3,253      $ 1,445  

Income from discontinued operations

                   25  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 6,073      $ 3,253      $ 1,470  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares, in thousands

     1,426,987        1,264,182        1,066,320  

Effect of dilutive potential shares:

        

Restricted stock units

     2,946        3,533        3,620  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares, in thousands

     1,429,933        1,267,715        1,069,940  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Note 8 — Inventories

The major components of inventories at December 31 were as follows:

 

     2016     2015  

Leaf tobacco

   $ 1,436     $ 1,495  

Other raw materials

     77       110  

Work in process

     81       88  

Finished products

     165       173  

Other

     25       22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,784       1,888  

LIFO allowance

     (139     (154
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,645     $ 1,734  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $791 million and $922 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, net of the LIFO allowance. The LIFO allowance reflects the excess of the current cost of LIFO inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015, over the amount at which these inventories were carried on the consolidated balance sheets. RAI recognized income of $15 million, $50 million and $2 million from LIFO inventory changes during 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Note 9 — Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities at December 31 included the following:

 

     2016      2015  

Payroll and employee benefits

   $ 268      $ 210  

Pension and postretirement benefits

     89        91  

Marketing and advertising

     155        213  

Excise, franchise and property tax

     172        217  

Other

     352        503  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,036      $ 1,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 10 — Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2016      2015     2014  

Current:

       

Federal

   $ 2,794      $ 3,313     $ 809  

State and other

     437        477       188  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,231        3,790       997  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

       

Federal

     350        (597     (151

State and other

     37        (62     (29
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     387        (659     (180
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 3,618      $ 3,131     $ 817  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31 included the following:

 

     2016     2015  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Pension and postretirement liabilities

   $ 759     $ 916  

Tobacco settlement accruals

     955       1,088  

Other accrued liabilities

     169       175  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     210       283  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     2,093       2,462  

Less: valuation allowance

           (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,093       2,454  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

LIFO inventories

     (257     (266

Property and equipment

     (290     (259

Trademarks and other intangibles

     (10,972     (11,002

Other

     (181     (131
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (11,700     (11,658
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ (9,607   $ (9,204
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

RAI had no federal capital loss carryforwards at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, no valuation allowance was established on deferred tax assets as RAI believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through the generation of future taxable income. At December 31, 2015, RAI had recorded a valuation allowance of $8 million to fully offset the deferred tax assets attributable to its Puerto Rico subsidiaries. In 2016, reorganization of the Puerto Rico business in connection with the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture resulted in the $8 million valuation allowance being reversed.

Pre-tax income for domestic and foreign continuing operations for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following:

 

     2016      2015      2014  

Domestic (includes U.S. exports)

   $ 9,610      $ 6,342      $ 2,235  

Foreign

     81        42        27  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,691      $ 6,384      $ 2,262  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The differences between the provision for income taxes from continuing operations and income taxes computed at statutory U.S. federal income tax rates for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2016     2015     2014  

Income taxes computed at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

   $ 3,392     $ 2,233     $ 792  

State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefits

     306       235       107  

Domestic manufacturing deduction

     (114     (104     (80

Nondeductible goodwill

     9       761        

Other items, net

     25       6       (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes from continuing operations

   $ 3,618     $ 3,131     $ 817  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

     37.3     49.0     36.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The effective tax rate for 2016 was impacted by the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with the international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States. The effective tax rate for 2015 was unfavorably impacted by an increase in tax attributable to nondeductible acquisition costs, nondeductible goodwill in the amount of $1,849 million associated with the Divestiture and an increase in uncertain tax positions, offset by a decrease in tax attributable to the release of a valuation allowance in the amount of $37 million and a reduction in state income taxes. The effective tax rate for 2014 was favorably impacted by a decrease in uncertain tax positions related to a federal audit settlement and an increase in the domestic manufacturing deduction, partially offset by an increase in tax attributable to nondeductible acquisition costs. The effective tax rate for each period differed from the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the domestic manufacturing deduction, state income taxes and certain nondeductible items.

The audit of the 2010 and 2011 tax years by the Internal Revenue Service was closed in 2014. A tax benefit of $25 million attributable to a decrease in uncertain tax positions was recorded in discontinued operations.

On December 19, 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, referred to as the TIPA, was signed into law. The TIPA retroactively reinstated and extended the Federal Research and Development Tax Credit from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. The impact of the TIPA did not significantly impact RAI’s annual effective income tax rate in 2014.

On December 18, 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, was signed into law. The PATH Act extends the research credit permanently, retroactive to January 1, 2015. The PATH Act did not significantly impact RAI’s annual effective income tax rate in 2015.

At December 31, 2016, there were $393 million of accumulated and undistributed foreign earnings. Of this amount, RAI has invested $15 million and has plans to invest an additional $52 million overseas. RAI has recorded either current or deferred income taxes related to the $326 million of accumulated foreign earnings in excess of its historical and planned overseas investments.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The components of deferred tax benefits included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  

Retirement benefits

   $ 215      $ 209  

Long-term investments

            10  

Hedging instruments

            6  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     25        31  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 240      $ 256  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accruals for gross unrecognized income tax benefits, including interest and penalties, reflected in other noncurrent liabilities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  

Unrecognized tax benefits

   $ 118      $ 97  

Accrued interest

     13        17  

Accrued penalties

     7        8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 138      $ 122  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the gross unrecognized income tax benefits is as follows:

 

     2016     2015     2014  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 97     $ 27     $ 62  

Gross increases related to current period tax positions

     30       28       5  

Gross increases related to tax positions in prior periods

     3       46        

Gross decreases related to tax positions in prior periods

     (3     (1     (31

Gross decreases related to audit settlements

     (2           (6

Gross decreases related to lapse of applicable statute of limitations

     (7     (3     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 118     $ 97     $ 27  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2016, $92 million of unrecognized income tax benefits including interest and penalties, if recognized, would decrease RAI’s effective tax rate.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the gross increases in unrecognized income tax benefits related to tax positions in the current period are primarily attributable to the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with the international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States.

RAI and its subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the United States, certain foreign jurisdictions and multiple state jurisdictions. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which RAI has established an accrual, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction.

RAI and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the year 2013 and forward. State and foreign jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from three to five years. Certain of RAI’s state tax returns are currently under examination by various states as part of routine audits conducted in the ordinary course of business.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Note 11 — Credit Agreement

Credit Agreement

In December 2014, RAI entered into a credit agreement, referred to as the Credit Agreement, with a syndicate of lenders, providing for a five-year, $2 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which may be increased to $2.35 billion at the discretion of the lenders upon the request of RAI. The Credit Agreement replaced RAI’s four-year, $1.35 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility dated October 8, 2013.

Subject to certain conditions, RAI is able to use the revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement for borrowings and issuances of letters of credit at its option, subject to a $300 million sublimit on the aggregate amount of letters of credit. Issuances of letters of credit reduce availability under such revolving credit facility.

The original maturity date of the Credit Agreement was December 18, 2019. Pursuant to the maturity date extension provision of the Credit Agreement, the requisite lenders have agreed on two separate occasions upon RAI’s request, to extend the maturity date of the Credit Agreement by 12 months. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement’s second and sole remaining maturity date extension provision, the lenders agreed, in November 2016 and at RAI’s request, to extend the maturity date of the Credit Agreement by 12 months, to December 18, 2021. In connection with the maturity date extension, RAI and its guarantor subsidiaries entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated November 4, 2016, with additional provisions added to address new European economic area regulations that give European bank regulators powers to eliminate, convert to equity or otherwise modify failing European financial institutions’ unsecured liabilities, including loan commitments.

The Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive covenants, and two financial covenants — a consolidated leverage ratio covenant and a consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including upon a change in control, as defined therein, which could result in the acceleration of all amounts and cancellation of all commitments outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

The lenders’ obligations under the Credit Agreement to fund borrowings are subject to the accuracy of RAI’s representations and warranties and the absence of any default, provided, however, that the accuracy of RAI’s representation as to the absence of any material adverse effect, as defined in the Credit Agreement, is not a condition to borrowing for the purpose of refinancing any maturing commercial paper.

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, RAI is required to pay a facility fee per annum of between 0.100% and 0.275%, based generally on the ratings of RAI’s senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness, on the lender commitments in respect of the revolving credit facility thereunder.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the option of RAI, at a rate equal to an applicable margin based generally on the ratings of RAI’s senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness, plus:

 

    the alternate base rate, which is the higher of (1) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, (2) the prime rate and (3) the reserve adjusted eurodollar rate for a one month interest period plus 1%; or

 

    the eurodollar rate, which is the reserve adjusted rate at which eurodollar deposits for one, two, three or six months are offered in the interbank eurodollar market.

Overdue principal outstanding under the revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement bears interest at a rate equal to the rate then in effect with respect to such borrowings, plus 2.0% per annum. Any amount besides principal that becomes overdue bears interest at a rate equal to 2.0% per annum in excess of the rate of interest applicable to base rate loans.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Certain of RAI’s subsidiaries, including its Material Subsidiaries, as defined in the Credit Agreement, have guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, RAI’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. Under the Credit Agreement, any new Material Subsidiary of RAI must be added as a guarantor of the Credit Agreement.

As of December 31, 2016, there were no outstanding borrowings and $6 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

Bridge Facility

In September 2014, RAI entered into a bridge credit agreement, referred to as the Bridge Facility, with a syndicate of lenders, for the purpose of financing a portion of the Lorillard Merger Consideration. RAI issued notes, in lieu of borrowing any funds under the Bridge Facility, to finance part of the cash portion of the Lorillard Merger Consideration. By its terms, the Bridge Facility terminated on June 12, 2015. All associated fees were fully amortized by June 30, 2015. Amortization and fees related to the Bridge Facility were $48 million and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and were included in interest and debt expense.

Note 12 — Long-Term Debt

Information, including a schedule of maturities, regarding RAI’s and RJR Tobacco’s long-term debt is provided below:

RAI and RJR Tobacco Long-Term Debt

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
             2016                      2015          

RAI

     

3.500% notes due 08/04/2016

   $      $ 415  

6.750% notes due 06/15/2017

            700  

2.300% notes due 08/21/2017

     447        447  

7.750% notes due 06/01/2018

            250  

2.300% notes due 06/12/2018

     1,250        1,250  

8.125% notes due 06/23/2019*

     669        669  

6.875% notes due 05/01/2020

     641        641  

3.250% notes due 06/12/2020

     771        1,250  

4.000% notes due 06/12/2022

     1,000        1,000  

3.250% notes due 11/01/2022

     158        1,100  

3.750% notes due 05/20/2023

     30        474  

4.850% notes due 09/15/2023

     550        550  

4.450% notes due 06/12/2025

     2,500        2,500  

5.700% notes due 08/15/2035

     750        750  

7.250% notes due 06/15/2037

     450        450  

8.125% notes due 05/01/2040

     237        237  

7.000% notes due 08/04/2041

     240        240  

4.750% notes due 11/01/2042

     173        1,000  

6.150% notes due 09/15/2043

     550        550  

5.850% notes due 08/15/2045

     2,250        2,250  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total principal

     12,666        16,723  

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

     For the years ended December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Fair value adjustments

     282        348  

Unamortized discounts

     (28      (37

Unamortized debt issuance costs

     (68      (92
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total RAI long-term debt at carrying value

   $ 12,852      $ 16,942  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

RJR Tobacco

     

3.500% notes due 08/04/2016

   $      $ 85  

2.300% notes due 08/21/2017

     53        53  

8.125% notes due 06/23/2019*

     81        81  

6.875% notes due 05/01/2020

     109        109  

3.750% notes due 05/20/2023

     19        26  

8.125% notes due 05/01/2040

     13        13  

7.000% notes due 08/04/2041

     9        10  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total principal

     284        377  

Fair value adjustments

     29        36  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total RJR Tobacco long-term debt at carrying value

   $ 313      $ 413  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt at carrying value

   $ 13,165      $ 17,355  

Less current maturities of long-term debt at carrying value

     501        506  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt (less current maturities) at carrying value

   $ 12,664      $ 16,849  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* The interest rate payable on these notes generally is subject to adjustment from time to time (as detailed in the form of these notes) based upon the credit rating assigned to these notes, provided that in no event will (1) the interest rate for these notes be reduced below 8.125% or (2) the total increase in the interest rate on these notes exceed 2.0% above 8.125%.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, RJR Tobacco repurchased $8 million of its outstanding notes. As of December 31, 2016, the maturities of RAI’s and RJR Tobacco’s notes, excluding fair value adjustments and unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs, were as follows:

 

Year

   RAI      RJR Tobacco      Total  

2017

   $ 447      $ 53      $ 500  

2018

     1,250               1,250  

2019

     669        81        750  

2020

     1,412        109        1,521  

2022 and thereafter

     8,888        41        8,929  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 12,666      $ 284      $ 12,950  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair Value of Debt

The estimated fair value of RAI’s outstanding consolidated debt, in the aggregate, was $14.3 billion and $18.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, with an effective annual interest rate of approximately 5.0% and 4.6% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The fair value is derived from a third party pricing source and is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Termination of Interest Rate Swap Agreements

On June 12, 2015, RJR Tobacco assumed the interest rate swap agreements associated with the 8.125% Lorillard Tobacco Notes due June 23, 2019. The interest rate swap agreements qualified for hedge accounting and were designated as fair value hedges at the date of the Lorillard Merger. Under the swap agreements, RJR Tobacco received a fixed rate settlement and paid a variable rate settlement with the difference recorded in interest expense. During 2016, RJR Tobacco terminated these interest rate swap agreements. The remaining fair value adjustment of $7 million for the 8.125% notes due June 23, 2019, is being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the expected remaining life of the notes.

See note 2 for additional information on the Lorillard Merger and note 4 for additional information on interest rate management.

Tender Offer and Redemption

RAI completed a cash tender offer for an aggregate purchase price of $2.81 billion (excluding accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the settlement date of February 22, 2016, and excluding related fees and expenses), referred to as the Tender Cap, for certain of its outstanding notes listed in the table below, collectively referred to as the Tender Notes.

RAI accepted for purchase $2.69 billion in aggregate principal amount of Tender Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to 5 p.m., New York City time, on February 18, 2016, referred to as the Early Tender Date. On February 22, 2016, RAI paid, with cash on hand, aggregate consideration of $2.81 billion (including a premium of approximately $118 million, but excluding accrued and unpaid interest) for such Tender Notes accepted for purchase. In addition, RAI recognized $22 million of unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Tender Notes as a loss on early extinguishment of debt.

RAI accepted for purchase 100% of the Tender Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for the series listed in the table below in acceptance priority levels 1 through 3. Due to oversubscription, RAI accepted for purchase Tender Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for the series listed in the table below in acceptance priority level 4 on a pro rata basis in accordance with the proration procedures described in the tender offer documents. RAI did not accept for purchase any of the Tender Notes for the series listed in the table below in acceptance priority levels 5 through 7.

 

Title of Security

   Acceptance
Priority Level
     Principal Amount
Tendered at
Expiration
     Principal Amount
of Tender Notes
Accepted for
Purchase
     Percentage of
Outstanding
Tender Notes
Purchased
 

4.750% Senior Notes due 2042

     1      $ 827      $ 827        82.71

3.250% Senior Notes due 2022

     2        942        942        85.59

3.750% Senior Notes due 2023

     3        444        444        93.76

3.250% Senior Notes due 2020(1)

     4        1,039        479        38.34

4.000% Senior Notes due 2022

     5        766               0.00

4.450% Senior Notes due 2025

     6        1,773               0.00

4.850% Senior Notes due 2023

     7        416               0.00

 

(1) Series Prorated

Since aggregate consideration payable to holders of Tender Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn exceeded the Tender Cap on or prior to the Early Tender Date, RAI did not accept for purchase any additional tenders of Tender Notes made after the Early Tender Date.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

In May 2012, RAI entered into forward starting interest rate contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $1 billion. RAI designated those derivatives as cash flow hedges of a future debt issuance. In October 2012, RAI completed the sale of notes that had been forecasted, and the 3.250% Tender Notes due 2022 and the 4.750% Tender Notes due 2042 were designated as the hedged instruments under these derivative contracts. The forward starting interest rate contracts were immediately terminated, and the effective portion of the loss incurred was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheets and was amortized over the life of the related debt. The amount of 3.250% Tender Notes due 2022 and the 4.750% Tender Notes due 2042 repurchased in the tender offer exceeded the original notional amount of the forward starting interest rate contracts and, accordingly, the remaining unamortized loss related to the forward starting interest rate contracts of $16 million was recognized as expense upon completion of the tender offer.

The 3.750% Tender Notes due 2023 have a carrying value that exceeds face value as these notes, which were assumed in the Lorillard Tobacco Merger, were recorded at fair value in purchase accounting. Approximately 94% of this fair value adjustment, or $11 million, which represents the proportional amount of Tender Notes repurchased in this series, was recognized as part of the loss on early extinguishment of debt.

Pursuant to its previously announced redemption call, on March 5, 2016, RAI redeemed all $700 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2017 and all $250 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 7.750% Senior Notes due 2018. In connection with the redemption, RAI recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $90 million, which consisted of $88 million in make-whole premiums paid to noteholders as part of the redemption and $2 million for unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs related to the redeemed notes.

In 2009, RAI and RJR entered into offsetting floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements with the same financial institution that held certain fixed to floating interest rate swaps for the same notional amount. The swaps were designated as fair value hedges. In September 2011, the original and offsetting interest rate swap agreements were terminated with the carrying value of the hedged debt reflecting a fair value adjustment treated as a premium, at the date of termination. At that point, RAI began amortizing the fair value adjustment. As of December 31, 2015, the $700 million of 6.750% notes due 2017 represented the remaining debt that had been hedged with these interest rate swap agreements. Upon the redemption of these notes, the remaining unamortized fair value adjustment for the terminated swaps of $25 million was recognized and, accordingly, reduced the loss on early extinguishment of debt.

In the aggregate, expenses related to the cash tender offer and redemption of approximately $239 million, which included legal and bank fees of approximately $7 million, were recognized in other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016.

New Notes

On June 12, 2015, RAI completed an underwritten public offering of $9.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its senior notes. The proceeds from this offering were used to fund part of the cash portion of the Lorillard Merger Consideration, the unpaid fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Lorillard Merger and related transactions, and the payment of certain Lorillard equity awards and certain change of control payments, also in connection with the Lorillard Merger.

The notes are unsecured, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of RAI’s subsidiaries, including its material domestic subsidiaries, which are the same guarantors that guarantee its other outstanding senior notes and its Credit Agreement. RAI may redeem the notes in whole or in part at any time at the applicable redemption price. If RAI experiences specific kinds of changes of control, accompanied by a certain credit ratings downgrade of any series of the notes, RAI must offer to repurchase such series.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Lorillard Tobacco Notes; Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations

Immediately prior to the Lorillard Merger, Lorillard Tobacco had outstanding an aggregate of $3.5 billion in principal amount of senior unsecured notes in seven series, referred to as the Lorillard Tobacco Notes, all of which were guaranteed by Lorillard. In connection with the Lorillard Tobacco Merger, RJR Tobacco assumed Lorillard Tobacco’s obligations under the Lorillard Tobacco Notes and the indenture governing the Lorillard Tobacco Notes, referred to as the Lorillard Tobacco Indenture, and RJR assumed Lorillard’s obligations as guarantor under the Lorillard Tobacco Notes and the Lorillard Tobacco Indenture.

On June 11, 2015, RAI commenced (1) private offers to exchange, referred to as the Exchange Offers, any and all (to the extent held by eligible holders) of the Lorillard Tobacco Notes for a series of new RAI senior notes, referred to as the Exchange Notes, having the same interest payment and maturity dates and interest rate provisions as the corresponding series of Lorillard Tobacco Notes, and (2) related consent solicitations, referred to as the Consent Solicitations, of the eligible holders of each series of Lorillard Tobacco Notes to amend the Lorillard Tobacco Indenture, with such amendments referred to as the Indenture Amendments. Eligible holders who validly tendered, and did not validly withdraw, their Lorillard Tobacco Notes in the Exchange Offers (and thereby gave, and did not validly revoke, their consents to the Indenture Amendments) received, upon settlement of the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations on July 15, 2015, Exchange Notes in the same principal amount as the Lorillard Tobacco Notes tendered therefor plus a consent payment of $2.50 per $1,000 principal amount of Lorillard Tobacco Notes tendered. Lorillard Tobacco Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $3.1 billion were tendered in the Exchange Offers.

RJR Tobacco is the principal obligor of the Lorillard Tobacco Notes that were not tendered in the Exchange Offers and that remain outstanding, and currently RAI and RJR are the guarantors of such notes. The Exchange Notes are the principal obligations of RAI and are guaranteed by the same guarantors as RAI’s other outstanding senior notes. Unlike RAI’s outstanding senior notes, the Lorillard Tobacco Notes (with a limited exception for the 3.75% Lorillard Tobacco Notes due 2023) are not redeemable at the option of the issuer prior to maturity.

The Exchange Notes were issued in a private offering exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, referred to as the 1933 Act. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement it had entered into, RAI subsequently conducted, in 2015, registered offers to exchange any and all (to the extent held by eligible holders) of the Exchange Notes for its newly issued notes registered under the 1933 Act, referred to as the Registered Notes. Of the total aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes outstanding, 99.7% were exchanged for Registered Notes in the registered exchange offers. Each series of Registered Notes is substantially identical to the Exchange Notes of the corresponding series, except that, among other things, certain additional interest provisions pertaining to the Exchange Notes do not apply to the Registered Notes. The Registered Notes are unsecured, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the same RAI subsidiaries that guarantee RAI’s other outstanding senior notes and its Credit Agreement. Any guarantor that is released from its guarantee under the Credit Agreement, or any replacement or refinancing thereof, also will be released automatically from its guarantee of the Registered Notes and RAI’s other outstanding notes. RAI may redeem the Registered Notes, in whole or in part, at any time at the applicable redemption price. If RAI experiences specific kinds of change of control, accompanied by a certain credit rating downgrade of any series of Registered Notes, RAI must offer to repurchase such series.

In addition, in connection with the Consent Solicitations, RAI received the requisite number of consents to adopt the Indenture Amendments, which became operative on the July 15, 2015, settlement date, with respect to each of the seven series of Lorillard Tobacco Notes. The Indenture Amendments:

 

    eliminated substantially all of the restrictive covenants and a bankruptcy event of default for the issuer and the guarantor of the Lorillard Tobacco Notes under the Lorillard Tobacco Indenture;

 

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    eliminated the requirement under the Lorillard Tobacco Indenture that the guarantor of the Lorillard Tobacco Notes continue to provide holders of the Lorillard Tobacco Notes with financial statements and other financial information similar to that provided in periodic reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 when it is not subject to such reporting requirements; and

 

    relieved the issuer of the Lorillard Tobacco Notes of the requirement (if any) under the Lorillard Tobacco Indenture that the issuer offer to repurchase the Lorillard Tobacco Notes upon certain change of control events combined with certain credit ratings events to the extent such change of control events relate to, arise out of or are undertaken in connection with the Lorillard Merger or the Lorillard Tobacco Merger.

Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies

Tobacco Litigation — General

Introduction

Litigation, claims, and other legal proceedings relating to the use of, exposure to, or purchase of tobacco products are pending or may be instituted in the future against RJR Tobacco (including as successor by merger to Lorillard Tobacco), American Snuff Co., SFNTC, RJR Vapor, RAI, Lorillard, other RAI affiliates, and indemnitees (including but not limited to B&W), sometimes referred to collectively as Reynolds Defendants. These pending legal proceedings include claims relating to cigarette products manufactured by RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, SFNTC or certain of their affiliates or indemnitees, smokeless tobacco products manufactured by American Snuff Co., and e-cigarette products manufactured on behalf of and marketed by RJR Vapor. A discussion of the legal proceedings relating to cigarette products (and e-cigarettes) is set forth below under the heading “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry.” All of the references under that heading to tobacco-related litigation, smoking and health litigation and other similar references are references to legal proceedings relating to cigarette products or e-cigarettes, as the case may be, and are not references to legal proceedings involving smokeless tobacco products, and case numbers under that heading include only cases involving cigarette products and e-cigarettes. The legal proceedings relating to the smokeless tobacco products manufactured by American Snuff Co. are discussed separately under the heading “— Smokeless Tobacco Litigation” below.

In connection with the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco undertook certain indemnification obligations with respect to B&W and its affiliates, including its indirect parent, BAT. See “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Overview — Introduction” below. In connection with the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture, as applicable, RAI and RJR Tobacco undertook certain indemnification obligations. See “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Overview — Introduction,” “— Other Contingencies — ITG Indemnity,” and “— Other Contingencies — Loews Indemnity” below. In addition, in connection with the sale of the non-U.S. operations and business of the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand, the Sellers have agreed to indemnify the buyer for certain claims. See “— Other Contingencies — JTI Indemnities” below.

Certain Terms and Phrases

Certain terms and phrases used in this footnote may require some explanation. The term “judgment” or “final judgment” refers to the final decision of the court resolving the dispute and determining the rights and obligations of the parties. At the trial court level, for example, a final judgment generally is entered by the court after a jury verdict and after post-verdict motions have been decided. In most cases, the losing party can appeal a verdict only after a final judgment has been entered by the trial court.

The term “damages” refers to the amount of money sought by a plaintiff in a complaint, or awarded to a party by a jury or, in some cases, by a judge. “Compensatory damages” are awarded to compensate the prevailing

 

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party for actual losses suffered, if liability is proved. In cases in which there is a finding that a defendant has acted willfully, maliciously or fraudulently, generally based on a higher burden of proof than is required for a finding of liability for compensatory damages, a plaintiff also may be awarded “punitive damages.” Although damages may be awarded at the trial court stage, a losing party generally may be protected from paying any damages until all appellate avenues have been exhausted by posting a supersedeas bond. The amount of such a bond is governed by the law of the relevant jurisdiction and generally is set at the amount of damages plus some measure of statutory interest, modified at the discretion of the appropriate court or subject to limits set by a court or statute.

The term “ per curiam ” refers to a decision entered by an appellate court that is not signed by an individual judge. In most cases, it is used to indicate that the opinion entered is a brief announcement of the court’s decision and is not accompanied by an opinion explaining the court’s reasoning.

The term “settlement” refers to certain types of cases in which cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, have agreed to resolve disputes with certain plaintiffs without resolving the cases through trial. The principal terms of certain settlements entered into by RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco are explained below under “— Accounting for Tobacco-Related Litigation Contingencies.”

Theories of Recovery

The plaintiffs seek recovery on a variety of legal theories, including negligence, strict liability in tort, design defect, failure to warn, fraud, misrepresentation, violations of unfair and deceptive trade practices statutes, conspiracy, medical monitoring and violations of state and federal antitrust laws. In certain of these cases, the plaintiffs claim that cigarette smoking exacerbated injuries caused by exposure to asbestos or, in the case of certain claims asserted against Lorillard Tobacco, that they were injured by exposure to filters containing asbestos used in one cigarette brand for roughly four years before 1957, the latter cases referred to as Filter Cases.

The plaintiffs seek various forms of relief, including compensatory and, where available, punitive damages, treble or multiple damages and statutory damages and penalties, creation of medical monitoring and smoking cessation funds, disgorgement of profits, and injunctive and other equitable relief. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars.

Defenses

The defenses raised by Reynolds Defendants include, where applicable and otherwise appropriate, preemption by the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of some or all claims arising after 1969, or by the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act for claims arising after 1986, the lack of any defect in the product, assumption of the risk, contributory or comparative fault, lack of proximate cause, remoteness, lack of standing, statutes of limitations or repose and others. RAI, RJR and Lorillard have asserted additional defenses, including jurisdictional defenses, in many of the cases in which they are named.

Accounting for Tobacco-Related Litigation Contingencies

In accordance with GAAP, RAI and its subsidiaries record any loss concerning litigation at such time as an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated on an individual case-by-case basis. For the reasons set forth below, RAI’s management continues to conclude that the loss of any particular pending tobacco-related litigation claim against the Reynolds Defendants, when viewed on an individual basis, is not probable, except for certain Engle Progeny cases noted below.

 

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Reynolds Defendants believe that they have valid defenses to the tobacco-related litigation claims against them, as well as valid bases for appeal of adverse verdicts against them. Reynolds Defendants have, through their counsel, filed pleadings and memoranda in pending tobacco-related litigation that set forth and discuss a number of grounds and defenses that they and their counsel believe have a valid basis in law and fact. With the exception of the Engle Progeny cases described below, Reynolds Defendants continue to win the majority of tobacco-related litigation claims that reach trial, and a very high percentage of the tobacco-related litigation claims brought against them, including Engle Progeny cases, continue to be dismissed at or before trial. Based on their experience in tobacco-related litigation and the strength of the defenses available to them in such litigation, Reynolds Defendants believe that their successful defense of tobacco-related litigation in the past will continue in the future.

RAI’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, contains accruals for the following Engle Progeny cases: Starr-Blundell , Buonomo, and Ward (for attorneys’ fees and interest only) . In the fourth quarter of 2016, RJR Tobacco paid approximately $17 million in satisfaction of the judgment, including attorneys’ fees and interest, in Wilcox . Other accruals include an amount for the estimated costs of the corrective communications in the U.S. Department of Justice case. As other cases proceed through the appellate process, RAI will evaluate the need for further accruals on an individual case-by-case basis if an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

It is the policy of Reynolds Defendants to defend tobacco-related litigation claims vigorously; generally, Reynolds Defendants and indemnitees do not settle such claims. However, Reynolds Defendants may enter into settlement discussions in some cases, if they believe it is in their best interests to do so. Exceptions to this general approach include, but are not limited to, actions taken pursuant to “offer of judgment” statutes, as described below in “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Overview,” and Filter Cases, as described below in “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Filter Cases,” as well as other historical examples discussed below.

With respect to smoking and health tobacco litigation claims, the only significant settlements reached by RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and B&W involved:

 

    the State Settlement Agreements and the funding by various tobacco companies of a $5.2 billion trust fund contemplated by the MSA to benefit tobacco growers;

 

    the original Broin flight attendant case discussed below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry —  Broin II Cases,” and

 

    most of the Engle Progeny cases pending in federal court, after the initial docket of over 4,000 such cases was reduced to approximately 400 cases.

The circumstances surrounding the State Settlement Agreements and the funding of a trust fund to benefit the tobacco growers are readily distinguishable from the current categories of tobacco-related litigation claims involving Reynolds Defendants. In the claims underlying the State Settlement Agreements, the states sought to recover funds paid for health care and medical and other assistance to state citizens suffering from diseases and conditions allegedly related to tobacco use. The State Settlement Agreements settled all the health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions and contain releases of various additional present and future claims. In accordance with the MSA, various tobacco companies agreed to fund a $5.2 billion trust fund to be used to address the possible adverse economic impact of the MSA on tobacco growers. A discussion of the State Settlement Agreements, and a table depicting the related payment schedule, is set forth below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases.”

As with claims that were resolved by the State Settlement Agreements, the other cases settled by RJR Tobacco can be distinguished from existing cases pending against the Reynolds Defendants. The original Broin

 

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case, discussed below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry —  Broin II Cases,” was settled in the middle of trial during negotiations concerning a possible nation-wide settlement of claims similar to those underlying the State Settlement Agreements.

The federal Engle Progeny cases likewise presented exceptional circumstances not present in the state Engle Progeny cases or elsewhere. All of the federal Engle Progeny cases subject to the settlement were pending in the same court, were coordinated by the same judge, and involved the same sets of plaintiffs’ lawyers. Moreover, RJR Tobacco settled only after approximately 90% of the federal Engle Progeny cases otherwise had been resolved. A discussion of the Engle Progeny cases and the settlement of the federal Engle Progeny cases is set forth below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry —  Engle and Engle Progeny Cases.”

In 2010, RJR Tobacco entered into a comprehensive agreement with the Canadian federal, provincial and territorial governments, which resolved all civil claims related to the movement of contraband tobacco products in Canada during the period 1985 through 1999 that the Canadian governments could assert against RJR Tobacco and its affiliates. These claims involved different theories of recovery than the other tobacco-related litigation claims pending against the Reynolds Defendants.

Also, in 2004, RJR Tobacco and B&W separately settled the antitrust case DeLoach  v. Philip Morris Cos., Inc., which was brought by a unique class of plaintiffs: a class of all tobacco growers and tobacco allotment holders. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendants conspired to fix the price of tobacco leaf and to destroy the federal government’s tobacco quota and price support program. Despite legal defenses they believed to be valid, RJR Tobacco and B&W separately settled this case to avoid a long and contentious trial with the tobacco growers. The DeLoach case involved different types of plaintiffs and different theories of recovery under the antitrust laws than the other tobacco-related litigation claims pending against the Reynolds Defendants.

Finally, as discussed under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — State Settlement Agreements—Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments,” RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco each has settled certain cases brought by states concerning the enforcement of State Settlement Agreements. Despite legal defenses believed to be valid, these cases were settled to avoid further contentious litigation with the states involved. These enforcement actions involved alleged breaches of State Settlement Agreements based on specific actions taken by particular defendants. Accordingly, any future enforcement actions involving State Settlement Agreements will be reviewed by RJR Tobacco on the merits and should not be affected by the settlement of prior enforcement cases.

Cautionary Statement

Even though RAI’s management continues to believe that the loss of particular pending tobacco-related litigation claims against Reynolds Defendants, when viewed on an individual case-by-case basis, is not probable or estimable (except for certain Engle Progeny and Filter cases described below), the possibility of material losses related to such litigation is more than remote. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and generally, it is not possible to predict the outcome of any particular litigation pending against Reynolds Defendants, or to reasonably estimate the amount or range of any possible loss.

Although Reynolds Defendants believe that they have valid bases for appeals of adverse verdicts in their pending cases and valid defenses to all actions and intend to defend them vigorously as described above, it is possible that there could be further adverse developments in pending cases, and that additional cases could be decided unfavorably against Reynolds Defendants. Determinations of liability or adverse rulings in such cases or in similar cases involving other cigarette manufacturers as defendants, even if such judgments are not final, could have a material adverse effect on the litigation against Reynolds Defendants and could encourage the commencement of additional tobacco-related litigation. Reynolds Defendants also may enter into settlement

 

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discussions in some cases, if they believe it is in their best interests to do so. In addition, a number of political, legislative, regulatory and other developments relating to the tobacco industry and cigarette smoking have received wide media attention. These developments may negatively affect the outcomes of tobacco-related legal actions and encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation.

Although it is impossible to predict the outcome of such events on pending litigation and the rate new lawsuits may be filed against Reynolds Defendants, a significant increase in litigation or in adverse outcomes for tobacco defendants, or difficulties in obtaining the bonding required to stay execution of judgments on appeal, could have a material adverse effect on any or all of these entities. Moreover, notwithstanding the quality of defenses available to Reynolds Defendants in litigation matters, it is possible that RAI’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position could be materially adversely affected by the ultimate outcome of certain pending litigation or future claims against Reynolds Defendants.

Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry

Table of Contents

 

     Page  

Overview

     G-9  

Individual Smoking and Health

     G-45  

West Virginia IPIC

     G-47  

Engle and Engle Progeny Cases

     G-47  

Broin II

     G-68  

Class Actions

     G-68  

Filter Cases

     G-74  

Health-Care Cost Recovery

     G-75  

State Settlement Agreements—Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments

     G-81  

Other Litigation and Developments

     G-86  

Overview

Introduction. In connection with the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco agreed to indemnify B&W and its affiliates against, among other things, certain litigation liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by B&W or its affiliates arising out of the U.S. cigarette and tobacco business of B&W. Also, as a result of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger, Lorillard Tobacco was merged into RJR Tobacco with RJR Tobacco being the surviving entity, Lorillard Tobacco ceasing to exist, and RJR Tobacco succeeding to Lorillard Tobacco’s liabilities, including Lorillard Tobacco’s litigation liabilities, costs and expenses. Although Lorillard Tobacco no longer exists as a result of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger, it will remain as a named party in cases pending on the date of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger until courts grant motions to substitute RJR Tobacco for Lorillard Tobacco or the claims are dismissed. The cases discussed below include cases brought against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and their affiliates and indemnitees, including RAI, RJR, B&W and Lorillard. Cases brought against SFNTC and RJR Vapor also are discussed.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, 23 tobacco-related cases were served against Reynolds Defendants. On December 31, 2016, there were, subject to the exclusions described immediately below, 304 cases pending against Reynolds Defendants: 287 in the United States and 17 in Canada, as compared with 268 total cases on December 31, 2015. Of the U.S. cases pending on December 31, 2016, 34 are pending in federal court, 252 in state court and one in tribal court, primarily in the following states: Illinois (52 cases); Maryland (52 cases); Florida (27 cases); New York (21 cases); Missouri (19 cases); Massachusetts (18 cases); New Mexico (14

 

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cases); and California (12 cases). The U.S. case number excludes the approximately 564 individual smoker cases pending in West Virginia state court as a consolidated action, 2,822 Engle Progeny cases, involving approximately 3,645 individual plaintiffs, and 2,406 Broin II cases, pending in the United States against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco or certain other Reynolds Defendants.

The following table lists the categories of the U.S. tobacco-related cases pending against Reynolds Defendants as of December 31, 2016, and the increase or decrease from the number of cases pending against Reynolds Defendants as of September 30, 2016, as reported in RAI’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, referred to as the SEC, on October 19, 2016, and a cross-reference to the discussion of each case type.

 

Case Type

   U.S. Case Numbers
as of December 31,
2016
   Change in
Number of
Cases Since
September 30, 2016
     Increase/(Decrease)    

Individual Smoking and Health

   132    7

West Virginia IPIC (Number of Plaintiffs)*

   1 (approx. 564)    No change

Engle Progeny (Number of Plaintiffs)**

   2,822 (approx. 3,645)    (66) (110)

Broin II

   2,406    (15)

Class Action

   25    1

Filter Cases

   78    4

Health-Care Cost Recovery

   2    No change

State Settlement Agreements—Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments

   28    No change

Other Litigation and Developments

   21    No change

 

* Includes as one case the approximately 564 cases pending as a consolidated action In Re: Tobacco Litigation Individual Personal Injury Cases , sometimes referred to as West Virginia IPIC cases, described below. The West Virginia IPIC cases have been separated from the Individual Smoking and Health cases for reporting purposes.
** The Engle Progeny cases have been separated from the Individual Smoking and Health cases for reporting purposes. The number of cases will fluctuate as cases are dismissed or if any of the dismissed cases are appealed.

The Florida state court class-action case, Engle v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , and the related cases commonly referred to as Engle Progeny cases have attracted significant attention. After the Florida Supreme Court’s 2006 ruling that members of the formerly certified class could file individual actions, roughly 10,000 claims or actions were filed in Florida state or federal courts before the deadline set by the Florida Supreme Court. No new or additional such claims may be filed. As reflected in the table above, 2,822 Engle Progeny cases were pending as of December 31, 2016, that included claims asserted on behalf of 3,645 plaintiffs. Following an agreement to settle most Engle Progeny cases that remained pending in federal courts in the first quarter of 2015, nearly all Engle Progeny cases currently pending are in Florida state courts. Since 2009, there have been over 200 Engle Progeny trials in Florida state or federal courts involving RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco. As described more fully immediately below in “—  Scheduled Trials ” and “—  Trial Results ,” additional Engle Progeny cases involving RJR Tobacco are being tried and set for trial on an ongoing basis. Juries in Engle Progeny cases have awarded substantial amounts in compensatory and punitive damage awards, many of which currently are at various stages in the appellate process. RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco also have paid substantial amounts in compensatory and punitive damage awards in Engle Progeny cases. For a detailed description of these cases, see “—  Engle and Engle Progeny cases” below.

 

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In November 1998, the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, entered into the MSA with 46 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and certain U.S. territories and possessions. These cigarette manufacturers previously settled four other cases, brought on behalf of Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota, by separate agreements with each state. These State Settlement Agreements:

 

    settled all health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions;

 

    released the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers from various additional present and potential future claims;

 

    imposed future payment obligations in perpetuity on RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and other major U.S. cigarette manufacturers; and

 

    placed significant restrictions on their ability to market and sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.

Payments under the State Settlement Agreements are subject to various adjustments for, among other things, the volume of cigarettes sold, relative market share, operating profit and inflation. See “— Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases — State Settlement Agreements” below for a detailed discussion of the State Settlement Agreements, including RAI’s operating subsidiaries’ monetary obligations under these agreements. RJR Tobacco records the allocation of settlement charges as products are shipped.

Scheduled Trials. Trial schedules are subject to change, and many cases are dismissed before trial. There are 49 cases, exclusive of Engle Progeny cases, scheduled for trial as of December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2017 , for RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco or their affiliates and indemnitees: six individual smoking and health cases, 34 Filter Cases, five Broin II cases and four other non-smoking and health cases. There are also approximately 115 Engle Progeny cases against RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco set for trial through December 31, 2017. It is not known how many of these cases will actually be tried.

Trial Results. From January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016, 124 individual smoking and health, Engle Progeny, Filter and health-care cost recovery cases in which RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco were defendants were tried, including nine trials for cases where mistrials were declared in the original proceedings. Verdicts in favor of RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco and, in some cases, other defendants, were returned in 60 cases, tried in Florida (39), California (1) and New Jersey (1). There were also 19 mistrials in Florida. Verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs were returned in 57 cases tried in Florida, and one in California. Four cases in Florida were dismissed during trial. One case in Florida was a retrial only as to the amount of damages. In another case in Florida, the jury entered a partial verdict that did not include compensatory or punitive damages, and post-trial motions are pending.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, 11 Engle Progeny cases in which RJR Tobacco and/or Lorillard Tobacco was a defendant were tried:

 

    In Wallace v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the court declared a mistrial due to weather delays and juror unavailability.

 

    In Konzelman v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 15% at fault and RJR Tobacco 85% at fault, and awarded approximately $8.8 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages.

 

    In Maloney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the court declared a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict.

 

    In Johnston v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 10% at fault and RJR Tobacco 90% at fault, and awarded $7.5 million in compensatory damages and $14 million in punitive damages.

 

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    In Ledo v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 51% at fault and RJR Tobacco 49% at fault, and awarded $6 million in compensatory damages.

 

    In Howles v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found RJR Tobacco 50% at fault and the remaining defendant 50% at fault, and awarded $4 million in compensatory damages and, against each defendant, $3 million in punitive damages.

 

    In Kloppenburg v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of RJR Tobacco.

 

    In Ford v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the plaintiff 85% at fault and RJR Tobacco 15% at fault, and awarded approximately $1.02 million in compensatory damages. Punitive damages were not awarded.

 

    In Stanley Martin v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 32% at fault, RJR Tobacco 22% at fault and the remaining defendant 46% at fault, and awarded approximately $5.41 million in compensatory damages and $200,000 in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $450,000 in punitive damages against the remaining defendant.

 

    In Dubinsky v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants, including RJR Tobacco.

 

    In Pardue v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 25% at fault, RJR Tobacco 50% at fault, and the remaining defendant 25% at fault, and awarded approximately $5.9 million in compensatory damages and, against each defendant, $6.75 million in punitive damages.

For a detailed description of the above-described cases, see “—  Engle and Engle Progeny Cases” below.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, no non- Engle Progeny individual smoking and health cases, in which RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco was a defendant, were tried.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, no Filter cases, in which RJR Tobacco and/or Lorillard Tobacco was a defendant, were tried.

 

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For information on the verdicts in the Engle Progeny cases that have been tried and remain pending as of December 31, 2016, in which verdicts have been returned against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco or B&W, or all three, see the Engle Progeny cases charts at “—  Engle and Engle Progeny Cases” below. The following chart reflects the verdicts in the non- Engle Progeny smoking and health cases, health-care cost recovery cases or Filter Cases that have been tried and remain pending as of December 31, 2016, in which verdicts have been returned against RJR Tobacco, B&W or Lorillard Tobacco, or all three.

 

Date of Verdict

   Case Name/Type   

Jurisdiction

  

Verdict

August 17, 2006

   United States v.
Philip Morris
USA, Inc.

[Governmental
Health-Care
Cost Recovery]

  

U.S. District Court, District of

Columbia, (Washington, D.C.)

   RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco were found liable for civil RICO claims; were enjoined from using certain brand descriptors and from making certain misrepresentations; and were ordered to make corrective communications on five subjects, including smoking and health and addiction, to reimburse the U.S. Department of Justice appropriate costs associated with the lawsuit, and to maintain document web sites.

May 26, 2010

   Izzarelli v. R. J.
Reynolds
Tobacco Co.

[Individual]

  

U.S. District Court,

District of

Connecticut,

(Bridgeport, CT)

   $13.76 million in compensatory damages; 58% of fault assigned to RJR Tobacco, which reduced the award to $7.98 million against RJR Tobacco; $3.97 million in punitive damages.

September 13, 2013

   DeLisle v. A.
W. Chesterton
Co.

[Filter]

   Circuit Court, Broward County, (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)    $8 million in compensatory damages; 44% of fault assigned to Lorillard Tobacco, which reduced the award to $3.52 million against Lorillard Tobacco.

July 30, 2014

   Major v.
Lorillard
Tobacco Co.
[Individual]
   Superior Court, Los Angeles County, (Los Angeles, CA)    $17.74 million in compensatory damages; 17% of fault assigned to Lorillard Tobacco, which reduced the award to $3.78 million against Lorillard Tobacco.

July 8, 2015

   Larkin v. R. J.
Reynolds
Tobacco Co.

[Individual]

   Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County, (Miami, FL)    $4.96 million in compensatory damages; 62% of fault assigned to RJR Tobacco; $8.5 million in punitive damages. Comparative fault did not apply to the final judgment.

For information on the post-trial status of individual smoking and health cases, the governmental health-care cost recovery case and the Filter Cases, see “— Individual Smoking and Health Cases,” “— Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases — U.S. Department of Justice Case,” and “— Filter Cases,” respectively, below.

Individual Smoking and Health Cases

As of December 31, 2016, 132 individual cases were pending in the United States against RJR Tobacco, B&W (as RJR Tobacco’s indemnitee), Lorillard Tobacco or all three. This category of cases includes smoking and health cases alleging personal injuries caused by tobacco use or exposure brought by or on behalf of individual plaintiffs based on theories of negligence, strict liability, breach of express or implied warranty, and violations of state deceptive trade practices or consumer protection statutes. The plaintiffs seek to recover compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and punitive damages. The category does not include the Broin II, Engle Progeny, Filter Cases or West Virginia IPIC cases discussed below. One of the individual cases is brought by or on behalf of an individual or his/her survivors alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, referred to as ETS.

 

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Below is a description of the non- Engle Progeny individual smoking and health cases against RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco that went to trial or were decided during the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, or remained on appeal as of December 31, 2016.

On May 26, 2010, in Izzarelli v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. D. Conn., filed 1999), the jury awarded the plaintiff $13.76 million in compensatory damages on the negligence and strict liability claims, found RJR Tobacco 58% at fault and the plaintiff 42% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. The plaintiff sought to recover damages for personal injuries allegedly sustained as a result of unsafe and unreasonably dangerous cigarette products and for economic losses she sustained as a result of supposed unfair trade practices. On December 5, 2010, the district court (1) awarded the plaintiff $3.97 million in punitive damages, (2) entered a judgment of $11.95 million, and (3) granted the plaintiff $15.8 million in offer of judgment interest through that date and, going forward, approximately $4,000 per day until entry of an amended judgment. In March 2011, the district court entered an amended judgment of approximately $28.1 million. RJR Tobacco appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, referred to as the Second Circuit, and the plaintiff cross appealed. In September 2013, the Second Circuit certified a question of Connecticut law to the Connecticut Supreme Court, which was answered on April 26, 2016. On July 7, 2016, the Second Circuit ordered another round of briefing to be submitted in the Izzarelli appeal after the Connecticut Supreme Court answered certified questions of Connecticut law in the Bifolck v. Philip Morris, Inc case. In a decision released on December 29, 2016, the Connecticut Supreme Court answered the questions in Bifolck . Briefing in Izzarelli will be completed on February 10, 2017.

On July 30, 2014, in Major v. Lorillard Tobacco Co. (Super. Ct. Los Angeles County, Cal., filed 2011), the jury awarded the plaintiff approximately $17.74 million in compensatory damages on the negligence and strict liability claims and found the plaintiff 50% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 17% at fault, and RJR Tobacco and another manufacturer collectively 33% at fault. Punitive damages were not at issue. RJR Tobacco and the other manufacturer had been dismissed prior to trial. The plaintiffs alleged that as a result of the use of the defendants’ products and exposure to asbestos, the decedent, William Major, suffered from lung cancer, and sought an unspecified amount of damages. In August 2014, the trial court entered an initial final judgment of approximately $3.9 million against Lorillard Tobacco. On July 1, 2015, the trial court entered an amended final judgment in the amount of approximately $3.78 million in compensatory damages, approximately $135,000 in costs, approximately $1.9 million in prejudgment interest, and post-judgment interest from August 25, 2014 in the amount of approximately $1,100 per day. Lorillard Tobacco appealed from the original and amended judgments, which appeals have been consolidated, and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $9.1 million. On October 20, 2015, the appellate court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion to substitute itself for Lorillard Tobacco. Briefing is underway.

On July 8, 2015, in Larkin v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2002) the jury awarded the plaintiff approximately $4.96 million in compensatory damages on the strict liability and intentional tort claims, found RJR Tobacco 62% at fault and the decedent 38% at fault, and awarded $8.5 million in punitive damages. The plaintiff alleged that as a result of using the defendant’s products, the decedent suffered from mouth and lung cancer, and sought an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. In July 2015, the trial court entered judgment in the amount of approximately $13.46 million. On March 22, 2016, the trial court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion for a new trial on claims of defective product and damages only and denied the remaining post-trial motions. The new trial has not been scheduled. In April 2016, RJR Tobacco appealed to the Third District Court of Appeal, referred to as DCA, and the plaintiff cross appealed. Briefing is underway.

On February 8, 2016, in Pooshs v. Philip Morris USA, Inc. (U.S.D.C. N.D. Cal., filed 2004) the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff alleged that as a result of using the defendants’ products, the plaintiff suffers from lung cancer. Final judgment was entered on February 9,

 

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2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on March 9, 2016. The case has been stayed through March 27, 2017, pending a decision in Major , described above.

West Virginia IPIC

In re: Tobacco Litigation Individual Personal Injury Cases (Cir. Ct. Ohio County, W. Va., filed beginning in 1999), is a series of roughly 1,200 individual cases asserting claims against Philip Morris USA Inc., Lorillard Tobacco, RJR Tobacco, B&W and The American Tobacco Company based on alleged personal injuries . The cases were consolidated for a Phase I trial on various defense conduct issues, to be followed in Phase II by individual trials of remaining claims. On May 15, 2013, the Phase I jury found that defendants’ cigarettes were not defectively designed; defendants’ cigarettes were not defective due to a failure to warn before July 1, 1969; defendants were not negligent, did not breach warranties, and did not engage in conduct warranting punitive damages; and defendants’ ventilated filter cigarettes manufactured and sold between 1964 and July 1, 1969 were defective for a failure to instruct. In November 2014, the West Virginia Supreme Court affirmed the verdict. On June 8, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ petition for writ of certiorari. On the same date, the trial court issued an order finding that only 30 plaintiffs are alleged to have smoked ventilated filter cigarettes in the relevant period. On October 9, 2015, the trial court outlined the procedures for resolving the claims of the 30 Phase II plaintiffs, which claims will focus on whether plaintiffs blocked cigarette vents and, if so, whether blocking proximately caused their alleged injuries. Five cases were selected to be the first claims tried, and they were tentatively scheduled to be tried beginning on May 1, 2017 . In June 2016, the court granted the defendants’ motion to compel and required the plaintiffs to file additional expert disclosures necessary to attempt to proceed with their claims. The court will set a revised discovery and trial schedule after the expert disclosures are tested for admissibility, and it pushed the tentative trial date to May 2018.

In addition to the foregoing claims, various plaintiffs in 1999 and 2000 asserted claims against retailers and distributors. Those claims were severed and stayed pending the outcome of Phase I. Also, 41 plaintiffs asserted smokeless tobacco claims against various smokeless manufacturers, including 14 claims against certain Reynolds Defendants. Those claims were severed from IPIC in 2001, and the plaintiffs took no action to prosecute the claims. They now seek to activate their smokeless claims. On January 25, 2017, the trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss those claims as abandoned. The plaintiffs are now free to move forward with their claims.

Engle and Engle Progeny Cases

In July 1998, trial began in Engle  v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., a then-certified class action filed in Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County, Florida , against U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, Philip Morris USA Inc., and others. The then-certified class consisted of Florida citizens and residents, and their survivors, who suffered from smoking-related diseases that first manifested between May 5, 1990, and November 21, 1996, and were caused by an addiction to cigarettes. In July 1999, the jury in Phase I found against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and the other defendants on common issues relating to the defendants’ conduct, general causation, the addictiveness of cigarettes, and entitlement to punitive damages.

On July 14, 2000, the jury in Phase II awarded the class a total of approximately $145 billion in punitive damages, which were apportioned $36.3 billion to RJR Tobacco, $17.6 billion to B&W, and $16.3 billion to Lorillard Tobacco. The defendants appealed.

On December 21, 2006, the Florida Supreme Court prospectively decertified the class and set aside the jury’s Phase II punitive damages award. But the court preserved certain of the jury’s Phase I findings, including that cigarettes can cause certain diseases, nicotine is addictive, and defendants placed defective cigarettes on the

 

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market, breached duties of care, concealed health-related information, and conspired. The court also authorized former class members to file individual lawsuits within one year, and it stated that the preserved findings would have res judicata effect in those actions.

In the year after the Florida Supreme Court’s Engle decision, putative class members filed thousands of individual actions against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, Philip Morris USA Inc., and the other Engle defendants, which actions commonly are referred to as Engle Progeny cases. As of December 31, 2016, 2,809 Engle Progeny cases were pending in state courts, and 13 Engle Progeny cases were pending in federal court against RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco. Those cases include claims by or on behalf of approximately 3,645 plaintiffs. As of December 31, 2016, RJR Tobacco also was aware of nine additional Engle Progeny cases that have been filed but not served. The number of pending cases fluctuates for a variety of reasons, including voluntary and involuntary dismissals. Voluntary dismissals include cases in which a plaintiff accepts an “offer of judgment,” referred to in Florida statutes as “proposals for settlement,” from RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and/or RJR Tobacco’s affiliates and indemnitees. An offer of judgment, if rejected by the plaintiff, preserves RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s right to recover attorneys’ fees under Florida law in the event of a verdict favorable to RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco. Such offers are sometimes made through court-ordered mediations.

At the beginning of the Engle Progeny litigation, a central issue was the proper use of the preserved Engle findings. RJR Tobacco has argued that use of the Engle findings to establish individual elements of progeny claims (such as defect, negligence and concealment) is a violation of federal due process. In 2013, however, both the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, referred to as the Eleventh Circuit, rejected that argument. As noted below, the Eleventh Circuit, this time sitting en banc , recently heard argument on this issue again. In addition to this global due process argument, RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco raise many other factual and legal defenses as appropriate in each case. These defenses may include, among other things, arguing that the plaintiff is not a proper member of the Engle class, that the plaintiff did not rely on any statements by any tobacco company, that the trial was conducted unfairly, that some or all claims are preempted or barred by applicable statutes of limitation, or that any injury was caused by the smoker’s own conduct. In Hess v. Philip Morris USA Inc. and Russo v. Philip Morris USA Inc. , decided on April 2, 2015, the Florida Supreme Court held that, in Engle Progeny cases, the defendants cannot raise a statute of repose defense to claims for concealment or conspiracy. On April 8, 2015, in Graham v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the Eleventh Circuit held that federal law impliedly preempts use of the preserved Engle findings to establish claims for strict liability or negligence. On January 21, 2016, the Eleventh Circuit granted the plaintiff’s motion for rehearing en banc and vacated the panel decision. On March 23, 2016, the Eleventh Circuit requested briefing on the issues of whether plaintiff’s claims are preempted and, if not, whether the defendants’ due process rights are violated. Oral argument occurred on June 21, 2016. A decision is pending. On January 6, 2016, in Marotta v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the Fourth DCA, disagreed with the Graham panel decision and held that federal law does not impliedly preempt any tort claims against cigarette manufacturers, including those of Engle Progeny plaintiffs. The Florida Supreme Court has accepted jurisdiction in Marotta, and oral argument occurred on November 1, 2016. A decision is pending.

In June 2009, Florida amended its existing bond cap statute by adding a $200 million bond cap that applied to all Engle Progeny cases in the aggregate. In May 2011, Florida removed the provision that would have allowed the bond cap to expire on December 31, 2012. The bond cap for any given individual Engle Progeny case varies depending on the number of judgments on appeal at a given time, but never exceeds $5 million per case for appeals within the Florida state court system. The legislation, which became effective in June 2009 and 2011, applied to judgments entered after the original 2009 effective date. Bills are pending in the Florida legislature that would repeal the $200 million bond cap applicable to Engle Progeny cases.

During 2015, RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco, together with Philip Morris USA Inc., settled virtually all of the Engle Progeny cases then pending against them in federal district court. The total amount of the

 

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settlement was $100 million divided as follows: RJR Tobacco — $42.5 million; Philip Morris USA Inc. —$42.5 million; and Lorillard Tobacco — $15 million. The settlement covered more than 400 federal progeny cases but did not cover 12 federal progeny cases previously tried to verdict and currently pending on post-trial motions or appeal; and 2 federal progeny cases filed by different lawyers from the ones who negotiated the settlement for the plaintiffs. Between August 3, 2015 and January 4, 2016, RJR Tobacco and Philip Morris USA Inc. removed 39 Engle Progeny cases from state to federal courts in Florida. These cases were not part of the settlement described above and were all remanded back to state court.

One hundred twenty Engle Progeny cases have been tried in Florida state and federal courts since the beginning of 2014 through December 31, 2016, and additional state court trials are scheduled for 2017. Since the beginning of 2014 through December 31, 2016, RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco has paid judgments in 37 Engle Progeny cases. Those payments totaled $297.8 million and included $216.9 million for compensatory or punitive damages and $80.9 million for attorneys’ fees and statutory interest. In addition, accruals for compensatory and punitive damages and attorneys’ fees and statutory interest for Starr-Blundell , Buonomo , and Ward (for attorneys’ fees and interest only) were recorded in RAI’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. The following chart reflects the details of accrued compensatory and punitive damages related to Starr-Blundell and Buonomo .

 

Plaintiff Case

Name

   RJR
Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
    Lorillard Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
     Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted)
(1)
     Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Starr-Blundell

     10          $ 50,000      $      First DCA, per curiam , reversed and remanded its May 29, 2015 opinion to the trial court for reconsideration in light of the decision in Soffer

Buonomo

     77.5            4,060,000        25,000,000      Fourth DCA affirmed the amended final judgment, per curiam ; RJR Tobacco’s motion for rehearing was denied on October 27, 2016; deadline for RJR Tobacco to file a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court is March 26, 2017
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

Totals

        $   4,110,000      $ 25,000,000     
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(1) Compensatory damages are adjusted to reflect the reduction that may be required by the allocation of fault. Punitive damages are not adjusted and reflect the amount of the final judgment(s) signed by the trial court judge(s). The amounts listed above do not include attorneys’ fees or statutory interest of approximately $13.3 million or approximately $1.6 million in attorneys’ fees and statutory interest in Ward .

 

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The following chart lists judgments in all other individual Engle Progeny cases pending as of December 31, 2016, in which a verdict or judgment has been returned against RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco and the verdict or judgment has not been set aside on appeal. No liability for any of these cases has been recorded in RAI’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. This chart does not include the mistrials or verdicts returned in favor of RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco.

 

Plaintiff Case Name

  RJR Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
   Lorillard
Tobacco

Allocation of
Fault
  Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted) (1)
    Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Putney

  30%      $     $ 2,500,000      Fourth DCA reinstated the punitive damages awards of $2.5 million each against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant; court’s opinion that previously granted remittitur of the compensatory damages awards still stands; remanded to trial court for further proceedings

Andy Allen

  24%        2,475,000       7,756,000      Pending – First DCA

Calloway

  27%    18%                Fourth DCA granted rehearing en banc and substituted a new opinion, ordered a new trial based on improper argument; the plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on October 21, 2016; decision is pending

James Smith

  55%        600,000 (2)      20,000      Pending – Eleventh Circuit

Evers

  60%    9%     2,950,000       12,360,000      Second DCA reinstated punitive damage award of $12.36 million the trial court had set aside; the verdict was reinstated on remand; a subsequent appeal is pending in the Second DCA

Schoeff

  75%        7,875,000            Pending – Florida Supreme Court

Marotta

  58%        3,480,000            Pending – Florida Supreme Court

Searcy

  30%        500,000 (2)      1,670,000      Pending – Eleventh Circuit

Earl Graham

  20%        550,000            Eleventh Circuit held that federal law impliedly preempts claims for strict liability and negligence based on the defect and negligence findings from Engle ; plaintiff’s motion for rehearing en banc was granted; oral argument occurred on June 21, 2016; decision is pending

Skolnick

  30%                   Fourth DCA set aside judgment and ordered a partial new trial

 

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Plaintiff Case Name

  RJR Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
    Lorillard
Tobacco

Allocation of
Fault
    Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted) (1)
    Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Grossman

    75%             11,514,000       22,500,000      Fourth DCA ordered award of compensatory damages reduced to reflect comparative fault, but otherwise affirmed; RJR Tobacco filed a motion for rehearing on February 6, 2017; decision is pending

Gafney

    33%       33%                  Fourth DCA reversed the judgment and remanded for a new trial; Florida Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction; new trial has not been scheduled

Burkhart

    25%       10%       3,500,000 (2)      1,750,000      Pending – Eleventh Circuit

Bakst (Odom)

    75%                        Fourth DCA reversed the judgment of the trial court and remanded the case for a new trial on damages only; motion for rehearing was filed on January 9, 2017

Robinson

    71%             16,900,000       16,900,000      Pending – First DCA

Harris

    15%       10%       1,100,000 (2)           Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Irimi

    15%       15%                  Pending – Fourth DCA

Lourie

    3%       7%       137,000            Second DCA affirmed the final judgment; defendants filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on September 8, 2016; Florida Supreme Court stayed proceedings pending disposition of Marotta

Kerrivan

    31%             6,046,660 (2)      9,600,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Schleider

    70%             14,700,000            Pending – Third DCA

Perrotto

    20%       6%       1,063,000            Plaintiff’s motion for a new trial granted as to punitive damages; new trial scheduled for June 5, 2017

Ellen Gray

    50%             3,000,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Sowers

    50%             2,125,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Caprio

    20%       10%       167,700            Appeal in the Fourth DCA dismissed; pending in trial court

Zamboni

    30%             102,000            Final judgment has not been entered

 

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Plaintiff Case Name

  RJR Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
    Lorillard
Tobacco

Allocation of
Fault
    Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted) (1)
    Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Pollari

    43%             4,250,000       1,500,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Gore

    23%             460,000            Pending – Fourth DCA

Ryan

    65%             13,975,000       25,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Hardin

    13%             100,880            Third DCA remanded the case for a new trial on punitive damages for the non-intentional tort claims; new trial has not been scheduled

McCoy

    25%       20%       670,000       6,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Block

    50%             463,000       800,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Lewis

    25%             187,500            Pending – Fifth DCA

Cooper

    40%             1,200,000            Pending – Fourth DCA

Duignan

    30%             2,690,000 (2)      2,500,000      Pending – Second DCA

O’Hara

    85%             14,700,000       20,000,000      Pending – First DCA

Marchese

    22.5%             225,000       250,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Barbose

    42.5%             5,000,000 (2)      500,000      Pending – Second DCA

Monroe

    58%             6,380,000            Pending – First DCA

Ledoux

    47%             5,000,000 (2)      12,500,000      Pending – Third DCA

Ewing

    2%             4,800            Post-trial motions denied; final judgment has not been entered

Ahrens

    44%             5,800,000 (2)      2,500,000      Pending – Second DCA

Turner

    80%             2,400,000       10,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Enochs

    66%             13,860,000       6,250,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Dion

    75%             12,000,000 (2)      30,000      Pending – Second DCA

Nally

    75%             6,000,000 (2)      12,000,000      Pending – Second DCA

McCabe

    30%             1,500,000       6,500,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Sermons

    5%             3,250       17,075      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Mathis

    55%             5,000,000 (2)           Pending – Third DCA

Oshinsky-Blacker

    25%             1,539,000       2,000,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Sherry Smith

    65%             3,000,000 (2)           Pending – Fifth DCA

Prentice

    40%             2,560,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Konzelman

    85%             7,476,000       20,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Ledo

    49%             2,940,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Johnston

    90%             6,750,000       14,000,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Howles

    50%             2,000,000       3,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Ford

    15%             153,430            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Martin

    22%             1,190,400       200,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Pardue

    50%             3,923,000 (2)      6,750,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

Totals

      $ 212,186,620     $ 227,353,075     
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

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(1) Unless otherwise noted, compensatory damages in these cases are adjusted to reflect the jury’s allocation of comparative fault. Punitive damages are not so adjusted. The amounts listed above do not include attorneys’ fees or statutory interest that may apply to the judgments and such fees and interest may be material.
(2) The court did not apply comparative fault in the final judgment.
(3) Should the pending post-trial motions be denied, RJR Tobacco will likely file a notice of appeal with the appropriate appellate court.

As reflected in the preceding chart, as of December 31, 2016, verdicts or judgments in favor of Engle Progeny plaintiffs have been entered and remain outstanding against RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco totaling $212,186,620 in compensatory damages (as adjusted) and $227,353,075 in punitive damages, which is a combined total of $439,539,695. These verdicts or judgments are at various stages in the post-trial or appellate process. RJR Tobacco believes that RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco have valid defenses in these cases, including case-specific issues beyond the due process issue discussed above, and, as described in more detail above in “— Accounting for Tobacco-Related Litigation Contingencies,” RJR Tobacco and its affiliates vigorously defend smoking and health claims, including Engle Progeny cases.

Should RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco not prevail in any particular individual Engle Progeny case or determine that in any individual Engle Progeny case an unfavorable outcome has become probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a loss would be recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RAI. This position on loss recognition for Engle Progeny cases as of December 31, 2016, is consistent with RAI’s and RJR Tobacco’s historic position on loss recognition for other smoking and health litigation. It is the policy of RJR Tobacco to record any loss concerning litigation at such time as an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated on an individual case-by-case basis.

Below is a description of the Engle Progeny cases against RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco that went to trial or were decided during the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, or remained on appeal as of December 31, 2016, listed chronologically by the date of the verdict. In each case, the plaintiff: (1) alleged that the smoker was addicted to nicotine in cigarettes and, as a result of that addiction, suffered or died from one or more smoking-related diseases; (2) asserted claims based on theories of negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort; and (3) sought to recover unspecified compensatory damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. The plaintiffs in most, but not all, cases also sought to recover punitive damages.

On April 13, 2010, in Putney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury in Phase I of the trial returned a verdict for the plaintiff. On April 26, 2010, the jury in Phase II of the trial found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $15.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 35% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendants collectively 35% at fault; and awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages against each of RJR Tobacco and one of the remaining defendants. In August 2010, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $4.5 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages. In December 2010, the trial court entered an amended final judgment to provide that interest would run from April 26, 2010. In June 2013, the Fourth DCA held that the trial court erred in denying the defendants’ motion for remittitur of the compensatory damages for loss of consortium and in striking the defendants’ statute of repose affirmative defenses. As a result, the Fourth DCA reversed and remanded for further proceedings. After its April 2, 2015, ruling in Hess v. Philip Morris USA Inc. that Engle Progeny defendants cannot raise a statute of repose defense to claims for concealment or conspiracy, the Florida Supreme Court, on February 1, 2016, accepted jurisdiction in Putney , quashed the Fourth DCA’s decision and reinstated the verdict. On March 15, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court granted the defendants’ motion for clarification in an order stating that remand was for reconsideration only on the issue of the statute of repose. On August 31, 2016, the Fourth DCA entered a new opinion following remand from the Florida Supreme Court. The court reinstated the punitive damages awards of $2.5 million each

 

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against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant. The court’s opinion that previously granted remittitur of the compensatory damages awards still stands. The matter is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings.

On April 21, 2010, in Grossman v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), the jury, in Phase I of a retrial that followed a mistrial, returned a verdict for the plaintiff. On April 29, 2010, the jury in Phase II of the retrial found for the plaintiff on the strict liability claim and for RJR Tobacco on the negligence, warranty, and intentional tort claims; awarded $1.9 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, the decedent 70% at fault, and the decedent’s spouse 5% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In June 2010, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $484,000 in compensatory damages. In June 2012, the Fourth DCA affirmed the trial court’s judgment, but remanded for a new trial on all Phase II issues. On July 31, 2013, the jury in the second retrial found for the plaintiff on the intentional tort claims, awarded $15.35 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault, and awarded $22.5 million in punitive damages. The trial court entered final judgment in August 2013 and did not include a reduction for comparative fault. RJR Tobacco appealed, posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million, and the plaintiff cross appealed. On January 4, 2017, the Fourth DCA ordered the award of compensatory damages be reduced to reflect the comparative fault allocation assigned by the jury, but otherwise affirmed the final judgment. RJR Tobacco filed a motion for rehearing on February 6, 2017. A decision is pending.

On May 20, 2010, in Buonomo v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $5.2 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 77.5% at fault and the decedent 22.5% at fault; and awarded $25 million in punitive damages. In accordance with a Florida statute, the trial court later reduced the punitive damage award to $15.7 million — three times the compensatory damages award of $5.2 million and entered final judgment in the amount of $4.06 million in compensatory damages and $15.7 million in punitive damages. In September 2013, the Fourth DCA affirmed the judgment and damages award to the plaintiff on strict liability and negligence, held that the trial court was not bound to hold punitive damages at three times compensatory damages, and reversed the judgment entered for the plaintiff on the claims for fraudulent concealment and conspiracy to commit fraud by concealment due to the erroneous striking of RJR Tobacco’s statute of repose defense. As a result, the punitive damages award was set aside and remanded for a new trial. In October 2014, the trial court found that the original $25 million punitive damages award was not excessive and would be reinstated if the plaintiff prevails on the repose issue and, in April 2015, entered an amended judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $29.1 million from which RJR Tobacco appealed. After its April 2, 2015, ruling in Hess v. Philip Morris USA Inc. that Engle Progeny defendants cannot raise a statute of repose defense to claims for concealment or conspiracy, the Florida Supreme Court, on January 26, 2016, accepted jurisdiction in Buonomo , quashed the Fourth DCA’s decision, and reinstated the jury verdict. RJR Tobacco’s motion for clarification was denied on March 21, 2016. In the appeal of the amended final judgment, on September 22, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed the amended final judgment, per curiam . RJR Tobacco’s motion for rehearing was denied in October 2016. The deadline for RJR Tobacco to file a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court is March 26, 2017.

On October 15, 2010, in Frazier v. Philip Morris USA Inc . (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a case now known as Russo v. Philip Morris USA Inc. , a jury found for the defendants based on the statute of limitations. In February 2011, the trial court entered final judgment for the defendants. In April 2012, the Third DCA reversed the trial court’s judgment, directed entry of judgment in the plaintiff’s favor and ordered a new trial. On April 2, 2015, the Florida Supreme Court, in its ruling in Hess v. Philip Morris USA Inc. , approved the decision of the Third DCA. On April 23, 2015, the jury found for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco, on the issue of addiction causation, and the trial court entered final judgment for the defendants in May 2015. In June 2015, the plaintiff appealed to the Third DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. On October 19, 2016, the Third DCA affirmed the final judgment of the trial court. The plaintiff did not seek further review.

 

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On April 26, 2011, in Andy Allen v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 45% at fault, the decedent 40% at fault, and the remaining defendant 15% at fault; and awarded $17 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $19.7 million in May 2011 and, in October 2011, entered a remittitur of the punitive damages to $8.1 million. In May 2013, the First DCA reversed and remanded the case for a new trial. On November 24, 2014, the jury in the retrial found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 70% at fault, RJR Tobacco 24% at fault, and the remaining defendant to be 6% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 26, 2014, the jury awarded approximately $7.75 million in punitive damages against each defendant. In August 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant, jointly and severally, in the amount of approximately $3.1 million in compensatory damages and $7.75 million in punitive damages from each defendant. In September 2015, the defendants filed a notice of appeal to the First DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $2.5 million. Oral argument occurred on November 2, 2016. A decision is pending.

On May 17, 2012, in Calloway v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $20.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 20.5% at fault, RJR Tobacco 27% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 18% at fault, and the remaining defendants collectively 34.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 31, 2012, the jury awarded punitive damages in the amount of $17.25 million against RJR Tobacco, $12.6 million against Lorillard Tobacco, and $25 million collectively against the remaining defendants. The trial court later determined that the jury’s apportionment of comparative fault did not apply to the compensatory damages award and, in August 2012, entered final judgment. On January 6, 2016, the Fourth DCA reversed the fraudulent concealment and conspiracy claims, reversed the punitive damages award, and remanded the case for a new trial on those issues. On September 23, 2016, the Fourth DCA, sitting en banc, reversed the judgment in its entirety and remanded the case for a new trial. The new trial has not been scheduled. The plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on October 21, 2016. A decision is pending.

On October 17, 2012, in James Smith v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $600,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 45% at fault and RJR Tobacco 55% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 18, 2012, the jury awarded $20,000 in punitive damages. The trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $620,000. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Eleventh Circuit and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $620,000. Oral argument occurred on October 17, 2014. A decision is pending.

On February 11, 2013, in Evers v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Hillsborough County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3.23 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 31% at fault, RJR Tobacco 60% at fault and Lorillard Tobacco 9% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages from RJR Tobacco but not from Lorillard Tobacco. On February 12, 2013, the jury awarded $12.36 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco. In March 2013, the trial court granted the defendants’ post-trial motions for directed verdict on fraudulent concealment, conspiracy and punitive damages and set aside the $12.36 million punitive damages award. The trial court entered final judgment in the amount of $1.77 million against RJR Tobacco and approximately $266,000 against Lorillard Tobacco. On November 6, 2015, the Second DCA concluded that the trial court erred in granting the defendants’ motion for directed verdict on claims for fraud by concealment and conspiracy to commit fraud by concealment, and reversed and reinstated the jury’s verdict on those two claims. As a result, the punitive damages award was reinstated. On remand, the jury’s verdict was reinstated. On

 

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March 14, 2016, the trial court entered an amended final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2.95 million in compensatory damages and $12.36 million in punitive damages. In April 2016, RJR Tobacco appealed to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Oral argument occurred on February 7, 2017. A decision is pending.

On February 13, 2013, in Schoeff v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On February 14, 2013, the jury awarded $30 million in punitive damages. In April 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $7.88 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive damages. On November 4, 2015, the Fourth DCA reversed the punitive damages portion of the final judgment and remanded the case to the trial court, directing the trial court to grant RJR Tobacco’s motion for remittitur and, if RJR Tobacco does not agree with the remitted amount, to hold a new trial on punitive damages. On May 26, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the case. Oral argument is scheduled for March 8, 2017.

On March 20, 2013, in Marotta v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), the jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the strict liability claim and for RJR Tobacco on the negligence and intentional tort claims, awarded $6 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 42% at fault and RJR Tobacco 58% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $3.48 million. On January 6, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed, disagreeing with the Eleventh Circuit panel decision in Graham , discussed below, regarding whether the plaintiff’s claims are preempted. On March 8, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the case. Oral argument occurred on November 1, 2016. A decision is pending.

On April 1, 2013, in Searcy v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendant 30% at fault; and awarded $10 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. In September 2013, the trial court granted the defendants’ motion for a new trial, or in the alternative, reduction or remittitur of the damages awarded to the extent it sought remittitur of the damages. The compensatory damage award was remitted to $1 million, and the punitive damage award was remitted to $1.67 million against each defendant. The plaintiff filed a notice of acceptance of remittitur in November 2013, and the trial court issued an amended final judgment. The defendants appealed to the Eleventh Circuit, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $2.2 million. Oral argument occurred on October 17, 2014. A decision is pending.

On May 2, 2013, in David Cohen v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $2.06 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 20% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In May 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $617,000 and against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of approximately $411,000. In July 2013, the court granted the defendants’ motion for a new trial due to the plaintiff’s improper arguments during closing. The new trial date has not been scheduled. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants filed a notice of cross appeal. On September 7, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed the trial court’s order granting RJR Tobacco’s motion for a new trial. The plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on October 10, 2016. A decision is pending.

 

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On May 23, 2013, in Earl Graham v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $2.75 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 70% at fault, RJR Tobacco 20% at fault, and the remaining defendant 10% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In May 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $550,000. On April 8, 2015, the Eleventh Circuit reversed and ordered entry of judgment for RJR Tobacco. The Eleventh Circuit held that federal law impliedly preempts claims for strict liability and negligence based on the defect and negligence findings from Engle . On January 21, 2016, the plaintiff’s motion for rehearing en banc was granted, and the panel’s decision was vacated. On March 23, 2016, the Eleventh Circuit requested briefing on the issues of whether plaintiff’s claims are preempted and, if not, whether the defendants’ due process rights are violated. Oral argument occurred on June 21, 2016. A decision is pending.

On June 4, 2013, in Starr-Blundell v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $500,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 80% at fault, RJR Tobacco 10% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In November 2013, the trial court entered final judgment in the amount of $50,000 against each defendant. On May 29, 2015, the First DCA affirmed the final judgment of the trial court, per curiam . On June 29, 2015, the plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court. On May 24, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the case, quashed the decision of the First DCA, and remanded the case for reconsideration in light of Soffer . On September 6, 2016, the First DCA, per curiam , reversed and remanded its May 29, 2015 opinion to the trial court for reconsideration in light of the decision in Soffer . The trial court is considering the parties’ submissions regarding next steps in the case.

On June 14, 2013, in Skolnick v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $2.56 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendant 30% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In July 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $766,500. On July 15, 2015, the Fourth DCA set aside the judgment and ordered a partial new trial finding that the strict liability and negligence claims, on which the plaintiff had prevailed, were barred by a prior settlement entered into by the plaintiff in a separate action. The Fourth DCA also held that the plaintiff’s concealment and conspiracy claims, on which the defendants had prevailed, must be re-tried due to an erroneous jury instruction on the statute of repose. The new trial has not been scheduled.

On September 20, 2013, in Gafney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $5.8 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 34% at fault, RJR Tobacco 33% at fault and Lorillard Tobacco 33% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In September 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $1.9 million and against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of $1.9 million. On March 23, 2016, the Fourth DCA reversed the judgment of the trial court and remanded for a new trial due to improper comments made to the jury during plaintiff’s counsel’s closing arguments. In August 2016, the Florida Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction of the case. The new trial has not been scheduled.

On February 27, 2014, in Banks v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $0 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 85% at fault, RJR Tobacco 15% at fault, and the remaining defendant 0% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In May 2014, the trial court entered final judgment in favor of RJR Tobacco and the other defendant. The plaintiff

 

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appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. On October 20, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court, per curiam . The plaintiff did not seek further review.

On May 15, 2014, in Burkhart v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $5 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 50% at fault, RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 10% at fault and the remaining defendant 15% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 16, 2014, the jury awarded punitive damages of $1.25 million against RJR Tobacco, $500,000 against Lorillard Tobacco, and $750,000 against the remaining defendant. In June 2014, the trial court entered final judgment without a reduction for comparative fault. The defendants appealed to the Eleventh Circuit. Oral argument occurred on September 29, 2015. A decision is pending.

On June 23, 2014, in Bakst v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a case now known as Odom v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On June 23, 2014, the jury awarded $14 million in punitive damages. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $4.5 million in compensatory damages and $14 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. On November 30, 2016, the Fourth DCA reversed the trial court’s judgment and remanded the case with directions that the trial court grant the motion for remittitur or order a new trial on damages only. RJR Tobacco filed a motion for rehearing on January 9, 2017, requesting that the Fourth DCA grant rehearing or withdraw the section of its opinion addressing the propriety of the plaintiff’s closing argument or grant rehearing en banc on the improper argument issue. A decision is pending.

On July 17, 2014, in Robinson v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Escambia County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $16.9 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 29.5% at fault and RJR Tobacco 70.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On July 18, 2014, the jury awarded $23.6 billion in punitive damages. In July 2014, the trial court entered partial judgment on compensatory damages against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $16.9 million. On January 27, 2015, the trial court remitted the punitive damages award to approximately $16.9 million. In February 2015, RJR Tobacco filed an objection to the remitted award of punitive damages and a demand for a new trial on damages. The trial court granted a new trial on the amount of punitive damages only. The new trial on punitive damages has been stayed pending RJR Tobacco’s appeal to the First DCA of the partial judgment of compensatory damages and of the order granting a new trial on the amount of punitive damages only. RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing on the merits is complete. Oral argument occurred on May 24, 2016. A decision is pending.

On July 31, 2014, in Harris v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $400,000 in compensatory damages for the wrongful death claim and $1.3 million in compensatory damages for the survival claim; allocated fault to the decedent (60% survival/70% wrongful death), RJR Tobacco (15% survival/10% wrongful death), Lorillard Tobacco (10% survival/10% wrongful death), and the remaining defendant (15% survival/10% wrongful death), and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. In December 2014, the trial court entered final judgment. Post-trial motions are pending, but in April 2015, the court stayed all post-trial proceedings pending resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On August 27, 2014, in Wilcox v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded

 

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$7 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 30% at fault and RJR Tobacco 70% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On August 28, 2014, the jury awarded $8.5 million in punitive damages. In September 2014, final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $4.9 million in compensatory damages and $8.5 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Third DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. On July 27, 2016, the Third DCA affirmed the final judgment, per curiam . After further evaluation of the case, RJR Tobacco paid approximately $17 million in satisfaction of the judgment on October 27, 2016.

On August 28, 2014, in Irimi v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and certain intentional tort claims and for one or more defendants on certain intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $3.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 70% at fault, RJR Tobacco 14.5% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 14.5% at fault and the remaining defendant 1% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. The trial court entered final judgment against each of RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of approximately $453,000 and against the remaining defendant in the amount of approximately $31,000. On January 29, 2015, the court granted the defendants’ motion for a new trial. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On October 10, 2014, in Lourie v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Hillsborough County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $1.37 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 63% at fault, RJR Tobacco 3% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 7% at fault and the remaining defendant 27% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. The trial court later entered final judgment. The defendants appealed to the Second DCA in November 2014. RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $41,000, and Lorillard Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $96,000. On August 10, 2016, the Second DCA affirmed the final judgment. The defendants filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on September 8, 2016. On September 9, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court stayed proceedings pending disposition of Marotta v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., described above.

On October 20, 2014, in Kerrivan v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $15.8 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 19% at fault, RJR Tobacco 31% at fault and the remaining defendant 50% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 22, 2014, the jury awarded $9.6 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $15.7 million against the remaining defendant. In November 2014, the trial court entered final judgment. RJR Tobacco filed its post-trial motions on December 11, 2014. In May 2015, the trial court deferred briefing and directed the parties to notify the court when the mandate has been issued in Graham or Searcy , described above.

On November 5, 2014, in Bishop v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Orange County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. In November 2014, the trial court entered final judgment. The plaintiff appealed to the Fifth DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. On September 27, 2016, the Fifth DCA affirmed the final judgment, per curiam . The plaintiff did not seek further review.

On November 18, 2014, in Schleider v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and certain intentional tort claims and for RJR Tobacco on certain intentional tort claims, awarded $21 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 30% at fault and RJR Tobacco 70% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive

 

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damages. In June 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $14.7 million. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Third DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is underway.

On November 21, 2014, in Perrotto v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $4.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 49% at fault, RJR Tobacco 20% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 6% at fault and the remaining defendant 25% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $818,000 and against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of approximately $245,000. In May 2016, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for a new trial on punitive damages but denied it in all other respects. The new trial is scheduled to begin June 5, 2017.

On December 19, 2014, in Haliburton v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the plaintiff’s claims were time-barred, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. On April 14, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. Briefing is complete. On December 1, 2016, the Fourth DCA entered an order dispensing with oral argument. A decision is pending.

On January 29, 2015, in Ellen Gray v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $6 million in compensatory damages, and found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault. Although the jury ignored an instruction on the verdict form and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages, there was no punitive damage award. In February 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $3 million. Post-trial motions are pending. On June 10, 2015, the court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion to stay the case pending resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On February 10, 2015, in Hecht v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the plaintiff’s claims were time-barred, which resulted in a verdict in favor of RJR Tobacco. Post-trial proceedings have been stayed until resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above. However, the trial court entered final judgment in favor of RJR Tobacco on January 7, 2016. On February 2, 2016, the plaintiff appealed to the Eleventh Circuit. Oral argument occurred on January 26, 2017. A decision is pending.

On February 11, 2015, in Sowers v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $4.25 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. On February 12, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $2.13 million. Post-trial motions are pending. On April 17, 2015, the court stayed post-trial proceedings until resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On February 24, 2015, in Caprio v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury advised the trial court that it could not reach a unanimous verdict, but the trial court directed the jury to complete the verdict form on those individual verdict questions where there was unanimous agreement. In the partially completed verdict, the jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; found the plaintiff 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 20% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 10% at fault, and the remaining defendants 30% at fault; and awarded $559,000 in economic damages. The jury did not answer the verdict form questions relating to noneconomic damages and entitlement to punitive damages. In May 2015, the court denied the defendants’ motion for a mistrial and advised that it accepted the questions answered by the

 

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jurors as a partial verdict. A new trial will be held on the remaining issues, including comparative fault allocation. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA. On January 22, 2017, the defendants dismissed their appeal. The case remains pending in the trial court.

On February 26, 2015, in Zamboni v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded the plaintiff $340,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 60% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending. The court stayed the case pending resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On March 23, 2015, in Pollari v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault, RJR Tobacco 42.5% at fault and the remaining defendant 42.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On March 25, 2015, the jury awarded $1.5 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against the defendants in the amount of $10 million in compensatory damages and, against each defendant, $1.5 million in punitive damages. On January 12, 2016, the trial court entered a second amended final judgment against RJR Tobacco that awarded $4.25 million in compensatory damages and $1.5 million in punitive damages. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $2.5 million, and the plaintiff cross appealed. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On March 26, 2015, in Gore v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Indian River County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $2 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 54% at fault, RJR Tobacco 23% at fault and the remaining defendant 23% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant, each in the amount of $460,000. RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $460,000 in September 2015, and in October 2015, the defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the plaintiff cross appealed. Briefing is underway.

On April 17, 2015, in Ryan v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $21.5 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 35% at fault and RJR Tobacco 65% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On April 21, 2015, the jury awarded $25 million in punitive damages. In May 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $21.5 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. On April 29, 2016, the court entered an amended final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $14 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million on May 27, 2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal on June 13, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On June 18, 2015, in Hardin v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $776,000 in compensatory damages, found the decedent 87% at fault and RJR Tobacco 13% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. In June 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $100,880. Post-trial motions were denied in January 2016. The plaintiff appealed to the Third DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. Oral argument occurred on December 7, 2016. On December 21, 2016, the Third DCA remanded the case for a new trial limited to the issue

 

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of punitive damages for the plaintiff’s non-intentional tort claims. Otherwise, the final judgment was affirmed. Neither party sought further review. The new trial has not been scheduled.

On July 13, 2015, in McCoy v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $1.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 35% at fault, RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 20% at fault and the remaining defendant 20% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On July 17, 2015, the jury awarded $3 million in punitive damages against each defendant. In August 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco, RJR Tobacco as successor-by-merger to Lorillard Tobacco, and the remaining defendant, jointly and severally, in the amount of $1.5 million in compensatory damages and, against each of them, $3 million in punitive damages. On January 4, 2016, the trial court entered an amended final judgment in the amount of $370,000 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco, $300,000 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco as successor-by-merger to Lorillard Tobacco, and $300,000 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $3.35 million, and the plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal. Briefing is underway.

On July 29, 2015, in Collar v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Indian River County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the plaintiff was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. Oral argument is scheduled for March 22, 2017.

On August 6, 2015, in Block v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $1.03 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On August 7, 2015, the jury awarded $800,000 in punitive damages. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $926,000 in compensatory damages and $800,000 in punitive damages. On December 9, 2015, the trial court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion to alter or amend the judgment in part in light of the Fourth DCA’s decision in Schoeff v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , described above, finding that the intentional tort exception in Section 768.81, Florida Statutes, does not apply to the fraud and conspiracy claims brought by Engle Progeny plaintiffs. As a result, an amended final judgment was entered in the amount of approximately $463,000 in compensatory damages and $800,000 in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $1.3 million, and the plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal. Briefing is complete. On February 3, 2017, the Fourth DCA entered an order dispensing with oral argument. A decision is pending.

On September 1, 2015, in Lewis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Volusia County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $750,000 in compensatory damages, found the decedent 75% at fault and RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $187,500 in March 2016. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fifth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $187,500. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On September 8, 2015, in Cooper v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $4.5 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 50% at fault, RJR Tobacco 40% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied on December 2, 2015. In February 2016, the trial court entered final judgment

 

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against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $1.2 million. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the plaintiff cross appealed. RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $1.2 million. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On September 10, 2015, in Duignan v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 33% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault, and the remaining defendant 37% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 11, 2015, the jury awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $3.5 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant in the amount of $6 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $3.5 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. The defendants appealed to the Second DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $2.3 million. Oral argument occurred on December 5, 2016. A decision is pending.

On September 10, 2015, in O’Hara v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Escambia County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $14.7 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault and RJR Tobacco 85% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 11, 2015, the jury awarded $20 million in punitive damages. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $14.7 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the First DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On September 22, 2015, in Suarez v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. In November 2015, the trial court entered final judgment. The plaintiff appealed to the Third DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. On October 19, 2016, the Third DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court, per curiam . On October 27, 2016, the plaintiff filed a motion for a written opinion and certification to the Florida Supreme Court. A decision is pending.

On October 2, 2015, in Marchese v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 55% at fault, RJR Tobacco 22.5% at fault, and the remaining defendant 22.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 6, 2015, the jury awarded $250,000 in punitive damages against each defendant. Final judgment was entered on November 5, 2015. On May 17, 2016, an amended final judgment was entered in the amount of $450,000 in compensatory damages against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant, jointly and severally, and $250,000 in punitive damages against each defendant. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $475,000. Briefing is underway.

On November 17, 2015, in Barbose v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Pasco County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 15% at fault, RJR Tobacco 42.5% at fault and the remaining defendant 42.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 18, 2015, the jury awarded $500,000 in punitive damages against each of RJR Tobacco and the other defendant. The defendants appealed to the Second DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $2.5 million. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On November 20, 2015, in Fanali v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that cigarette smoking was not a legal cause of the decedent’s coronary artery disease and

 

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death, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. On December 17, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On November 23, 2015, in Shulman v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the plaintiff was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. In December 2015, the trial court entered final judgment. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. On August 11, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed the final judgment, per curiam . The plaintiff did not seek further review.

On November 24, 2015, in Green v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the plaintiff does not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Post-trial motions were denied on March 23, 2016. On April 4, 2016, final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff appealed to the Third DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. Briefing is underway.

On December 9, 2015, in Monroe v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Gadsden County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $11 million in compensatory damages, found the plaintiff 42% at fault and RJR Tobacco 58% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. On December 31, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6.38 million in compensatory damages. Post-trial motions were denied on March 30, 2016. RJR Tobacco appealed to the First DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Oral argument is scheduled for March 7, 2017.

On December 18, 2015, in Ledoux v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 6% at fault, RJR Tobacco 47% at fault and the remaining defendant 47% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On December 22, 2015, the jury awarded $12.5 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against the defendants, jointly and severally, in the amount of $10 million in compensatory damages and, against each defendant, $12.5 million in punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied in February 2016. The defendants appealed to the Third DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. On May 27, 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a rider amending the supersedeas bond reducing the amount from $5 million to $2.5 million. Briefing is underway.

On January 26, 2016, in Ewing v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Escambia County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $240,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 98% at fault, RJR Tobacco 2% at fault and the remaining defendant 0% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied on February 25, 2016. Final judgment has not been entered.

On February 12, 2016, in Ahrens v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $9 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 32% at fault, RJR Tobacco 44% at fault, and the remaining defendant 24% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On February 13, 2016, the jury awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages against each defendant. In February 2016, the trial court entered final judgment. Post-trial motions were denied on March 31, 2016. On April 13, 2016, RJR Tobacco appealed to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $2.5 million. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

 

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On March 8, 2016, in Gamble v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on class membership, but found for RJR Tobacco on addiction causation, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Post-trial motions were denied on May 31, 2016. Final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco on June 9, 2016. The plaintiff appealed to the First DCA on July 8, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On April 7, 2016, in Davis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on class membership, but found for RJR Tobacco on addiction causation, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. On August 17, 2016, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for a new trial. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Third DCA on August 25, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On April 21, 2016, in Turner v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 20% at fault and RJR Tobacco 80% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On April 22, 2016, the jury awarded $10 million in punitive damages. The court denied the defendant’s post-trial motions and entered judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2.4 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. In July 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. The plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal in August 2016. Briefing is underway.

On April 26, 2016, in Enochs v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $21 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 22% at fault, RJR Tobacco 66% at fault and the remaining defendant 12% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On April 27, 2016, the jury awarded $6.25 million in punitive damages against each defendant. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $13.9 million in compensatory damages and $6.25 million in punitive damages on May 9, 2016. Post-trial motions were denied on May 20, 2016. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $3.5 million. Briefing is underway.

On May 11, 2016, in Dion v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Sarasota County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $12 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 12, 2016, the jury awarded $30,000 in punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied on July 14, 2016. On August 9, 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is underway.

On May 16, 2016, in Nally v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Polk County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 17, 2016, the jury awarded $12 million in punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6 million in compensatory damages and $12 million in punitive damages on May 25, 2016. Post-trial motions were denied on August 15, 2016. In September 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is underway.

On May 19, 2016, in McCabe v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Hillsborough County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims, awarded $5 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 70% at fault and RJR Tobacco 30% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 20, 2016, the jury awarded $6.5 million in punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending.

 

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On May 31, 2016, in Durrance v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Highlands County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial due to a medical emergency. Retrial began on January 23, 2017.

On June 21, 2016, in Mooney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the decedent’s addiction to nicotine was not a legal cause of her death, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff’s post-trial motions were denied on November 4, 2016.

On July 1, 2016, in Sermons v. Philip Morris USA Inc. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims; awarded $65,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 80% at fault, RJR Tobacco 5% at fault, and the remaining defendant 15% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On July 6, 2016, the jury awarded $17,075 in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $51,225 in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. Post-trial motions are pending.

On July 19, 2016, in Varner v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims; found that RJR Tobacco’s cigarettes were not a legal cause of the decedent’s disease, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco; awarded $1.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 75% at fault and the remaining defendant 25% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco and against the remaining defendant in the amount of $375,000 in July 2016. The remaining defendant’s post-trial motions were denied on December 21, 2016.

On August 5, 2016, in Morales v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial because a death in a juror’s family prevented the juror from deliberating. The new trial was scheduled for January 9, 2017, but has since been removed from the trial calendar.

On August 15, 2016, in Mathis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 45% at fault and RJR Tobacco 55% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered on August 17, 2016. Post-trial motions were denied on October 24, 2016. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Third DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million on November 18, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On August 18, 2016, in Wilkins v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco on November 16, 2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Third DCA on December 16, 2016, and RJR Tobacco filed a notice of cross appeal on December 21, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On August 25, 2016, in Coursey v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Volusia County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. The trial court denied post-trial motions and entered judgment in RJR Tobacco’s favor on September 27, 2016. On October 27, 2016, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fifth DCA. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of cross appeal on November 8, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On September 6, 2016, in Hackimer v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the deceased smoker knew or should have known of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before May 5, 1990, and, for that reason, the claims were barred by the statute of limitations, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Post-trial motions were denied on December 20, 2016. On January 4, 2017, final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA on February 1, 2017. Briefing is underway.

 

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On September 22, 2016, in Oshinsky-Blacker v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6.15 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault, RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, and the remaining defendant 60% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 23, 2016, the jury awarded $2 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $1 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. Post-trial motions are pending. Final judgment has not been entered.

On September 23, 2016, in Sherry Smith v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Volusia County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 35% at fault and RJR Tobacco 65% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied on December 14, 2016, and final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $3 million. In January 2017, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fifth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $3 million. Briefing is underway.

On September 28, 2016, in Prentice v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6.4 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 60% at fault and RJR Tobacco 40% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 29, 2016, the jury awarded $0 in punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending.

On October 10, 2016, in Wallace v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Brevard County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial due to weather delays and juror unavailability. A new trial date has not been scheduled.

On October 24, 2016, in Konzelman v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $8.8 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault and RJR Tobacco 85% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 26, 2016, the jury awarded $20 million in punitive damages. On December 1, 2016, post-trial motions were denied and the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $7.48 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million on December 22, 2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal on January 2, 2017. Briefing is underway.

On November 1, 2016, in Maloney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Lee County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict. The new trial is scheduled for July 5, 2017.

On November 2, 2016, in Johnston v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Sarasota County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $7.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 10% at fault and RJR Tobacco 90% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 5, 2016, the jury awarded $14 million in punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6.75 million in compensatory damages and $14 million in punitive damages on November 28, 2016. Post-trial motions are pending.

On November 3, 2016, in Ledo v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the

 

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intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 51% at fault and RJR Tobacco 49% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. After receiving the verdict, the trial court granted a directed verdict in favor of RJR Tobacco on entitlement to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2.94 million in compensatory damages on December 22, 2016. Post-trial motions are pending.

On November 10, 2016, in Howles v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability and intentional tort claims; awarded $4 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 50% at fault and the remaining defendant 50% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 14, 2016, the jury awarded $3 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $3 million against the remaining defendant. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco. Post-trial motions were denied on December 5, 2016. On December 30, 2016, the defendants filed a joint notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA. Briefing is underway.

On November 14, 2016, in Kloppenburg v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Collier County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the plaintiff knew or should have known of her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before May 5, 1990, and, for that reason, the claims were barred by the statute of limitations, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco on November 29, 2016. The plaintiff’s post-trial motions were denied on December 1, 2016. The plaintiff did not seek further review.

On November 16, 2016, in Ford v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $1.02 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 85% at fault and RJR Tobacco 15% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending.

On November 16, 2016, in Stanley Martin v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $5.41 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 32% at fault, RJR Tobacco 22% at fault and the remaining defendant 46% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 18, 2016, the jury awarded $200,000 in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $450,000 against the remaining defendant. Post-trial motions are pending.

On December 16, 2016, in Dubinsky v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Brevard County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. Post-trial motions are pending.

On December 16, 2016, in Pardue v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Alachua County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $5.9 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault, RJR Tobacco 50% at fault, and the remaining defendant 25% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On December 19, 2016, the jury awarded $6.75 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $6.75 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $5.9 million in compensatory damages (jointly and severally with the remaining defendant) and, against each defendant, $6.75 million in punitive damages on December 29, 2016. Post-trial motions are pending.

Broin II Cases

Broin  v. Philip Morris, Inc. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 1991), was a class action brought on behalf of flight attendants alleged to have suffered from diseases or ailments caused by exposure to ETS in

 

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airplane cabins. In October 1997, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, B&W and other cigarette manufacturer defendants settled Broin , agreeing to pay a total of $300 million in three annual $100 million installments, allocated among the companies by market share, to fund research on the early detection and cure of diseases associated with tobacco smoke. It also required those companies to pay a total of $49 million for the plaintiffs’ counsel’s fees and expenses. RJR Tobacco’s portion of these payments was approximately $86 million; Lorillard Tobacco’s was approximately $57 million; and B&W’s was approximately $31 million. The settlement agreement, among other things, limits the types of claims class members may bring and eliminates claims for punitive damages. The settlement agreement also provides that, in individual cases by class members that are referred to as Broin II lawsuits, the defendant will bear the burden of proof with respect to whether ETS can cause certain specifically enumerated diseases, referred to as “general causation.” With respect to all other liability issues, including whether an individual plaintiff’s disease was caused by his or her exposure to ETS in airplane cabins, referred to as “specific causation,” individual plaintiffs will bear the burden of proof. On September 7, 1999, the Florida Supreme Court approved the settlement.

As of December 31, 2016, there were 2,406 Broin II lawsuits pending in Florida. There have been no Broin II trials since 2007.

Class-Action Suits

Overview. As of December 31, 2016, 25 class-action cases, excluding the shareholder case described below, were pending in the United States against Reynolds Defendants. These class actions seek recovery for personal injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking or, in some cases, for economic damages allegedly incurred by cigarette or e-cigarette purchasers.

In 1996, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Castano  v. American Tobacco Co. overturned the certification of a nation-wide class of persons whose claims related to alleged addiction to tobacco products, finding that the district court failed to properly assess variations in the governing state laws and whether common issues predominated over individual issues. Since the Fifth Circuit’s ruling in Castano , few smoker class-action complaints have been certified or, if certified, have survived on appeal. Eighteen federal courts, including two courts of appeals, and most state courts that have considered the issue have rejected class certification in such cases. Apart from Castano , only two smoker class actions have been certified by a federal court —  In re Simon (II)  Litigation and Schwab [McLaughlin] v. Philip Morris USA Inc. , both of which were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and were later decertified.

Class-action suits based on claims that class members are at a greater risk of injury or injured by the use of tobacco or exposure to ETS, or claims that seek primarily economic damages are pending against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, or their affiliates or indemnitees in state or federal courts in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina and West Virginia. All pending class-action cases are discussed below.

The pending class actions against RJR Tobacco or its affiliates or indemnitees include four cases alleging that the use of the term “lights” constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices under state law or violates federal RICO. Such suits are pending in state courts in Illinois and Missouri and are discussed below under “— ‘Lights’ Cases.”

E-cigarette class-action cases are pending against RJR Vapor, RAI, and other RAI affiliates in California state and federal courts. In general, the plaintiffs allege that RJR Vapor, Lorillard Tobacco, and other RAI affiliates made false and misleading claims that e-cigarettes are less hazardous than other cigarette products or failed to disclose that e-cigarettes expose users to certain substances. The cases are typically filed pursuant to state consumer protection and related statutes and seek recovery of economic damages and are discussed below under “— E-Cigarette Cases.”

 

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Several class actions relating to claims in advertising and promotional materials for SFNTC’s NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes are pending in federal courts. In general, these plaintiffs allege that use of the words “natural,” “additive-free,” or “organic” in NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT advertising and promotional materials suggests that those cigarettes are less harmful than other cigarettes and, for that reason, violated state consumer protection statutes or amounted to fraud or a negligent or intentional misrepresentation. These cases are discussed below under “— No Additive/Natural Claim Cases.”

Additional class actions relating to alleged personal injuries purportedly caused by use of cigarettes or exposure to ETS are pending. These cases are discussed below under “— Other Class Actions.”

Finally, certain third-party payers have filed health-care cost recovery actions in the form of class actions. These cases are discussed separately below under “— Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases.”

Lights Cases .

As noted above, four “lights” class-action cases are pending against RJR Tobacco or B&W, two in Illinois state court and two in Missouri state court. The classes in these cases generally seek to recover compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive and other forms of relief, and attorneys’ fees and costs from RJR Tobacco and/or B&W. In general, the plaintiffs allege that RJR Tobacco or B&W made false and misleading claims that “lights” cigarettes were lower in tar and nicotine and/or were less hazardous or less mutagenic than other cigarettes. The cases typically are filed pursuant to state consumer protection and related statutes.

The seminal “lights” class-action case is Price  v. Philip Morris, Inc . (Cir. Ct. Madison County, Ill., filed 2000), an action filed against the predecessor of Philip Morris USA Inc., referred to as Philip Morris. In March 2003, the trial court entered judgment against Philip Morris in the amount of $7.1 billion in compensatory damages and $3 billion in punitive damages. In December 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court issued an opinion reversing and remanding with instructions to dismiss the case. On December 5, 2006, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its mandate, and the trial court entered a judgment of dismissal later in December 2006. In multiple filings since December 2008, the Price plaintiffs have argued that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Good  v. Altria Group, Inc . rejected the basis upon which the Illinois Supreme Court had reversed the Price trial court’s 2003 judgment and, on that basis, have attempted to reinstate that judgment. In April 2014, the intermediate appellate court reinstated the trial court’s 2003 judgment. In November 2015, the Illinois Supreme Court (1) vacated the lower courts’ judgments, (2) dismissed the case without prejudice to allow the plaintiffs to file a motion to have the Illinois Supreme Court recall its December 5, 2006, mandate that had reversed the trial court’s 2003 judgment, and (3) directed entry of a judgment of dismissal. The plaintiffs then moved in the Illinois Supreme Court to have that court recall its December 5, 2006 mandate. On January 11, 2016, the Illinois Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ motion. The plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 2016, which was denied on June 20, 2016.

In Turner v.  R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Madison County, Ill., filed 2000), the trial court certified a class of purchasers of RJR Tobacco “lights” cigarettes in November 2001. In November 2003, the Illinois Supreme Court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion for a stay pending the court’s final appeal decision in the Price case described above . The stay subsequently expired, and the court accordingly scheduled a series of status conferences, all of which were continued by agreement of the parties. The next status conference is scheduled for February 22, 2017.

In Howard v.  Brown  & Williamson Tobacco Corp. (Cir. Ct. Madison County, Ill., filed 2000), the trial court certified a class of purchasers of B&W “lights” cigarettes in December 2001. In June 2003, the trial judge issued an order staying all proceedings pending resolution of the Price  case described above. In August 2005, the Illinois Fifth District Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court’s stay order. There is currently no activity in the case.

 

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In Collora  v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. City of St. Louis, Mo., filed 2000), the trial court certified a class of purchasers of RJR Tobacco “lights” cigarettes in December 2003. A status conference is scheduled for June 5, 2017.

In Black v.  Brown  & Williamson Tobacco Corp. (Cir. Ct. City of St. Louis, Mo., filed 2000), a putative class action filed on behalf of a class of purchasers of B&W “lights” cigarettes, a status conference is scheduled for June 5, 2017.

In the event RJR Tobacco and its affiliates or indemnitees lose one or more of the pending “lights” class-action suits, RJR Tobacco, depending upon the amount of any damages ordered, could face difficulties in its ability to pay the judgment or obtain any bond required to stay execution of the judgment which could have a material adverse effect on RJR Tobacco’s, and consequently RAI’s, results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

E-Cigarette Cases .

In In re Fontem US, Inc. Consumer Class  Action Litig. (U.S.D.C. C.D. Cal., filed 2015), the plaintiffs brought a class action against RAI, Lorillard, another RAI affiliate, and two other defendants on behalf of putative classes of California, New York, and Illinois purchasers of blu brand e-cigarettes. This action results from the consolidation of two actions —  Diek v. Lorillard Tobacco Co. and Whitney v. ITG Brands, LLC. The plaintiffs allege that certain advertising, marketing and packaging materials for blu brand e-cigarettes made deceptive claims, omitted material information, or failed to contain required disclosures. On behalf of one or more of the classes, the plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, equitable relief, and compensatory and punitive damages under California Civil Code §1,750 et seq ., California Business & Professions Code §17,200 et seq ., California Business and Professions Code §17,500 et seq ., New York General Business Law § 349, and Illinois Consumer Fraud And Deceptive Business Practices Act § 505/1 et seq. Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, RAI tendered the defense of the now-consolidated Diek and Whitney actions to, and sought indemnification for those actions from, ITG. Pursuant to the terms, limitations and conditions of the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, ITG agreed to defend and indemnify RAI and its affiliates against losses arising from the operation of the blu brand e-cigarette business. On May 20, 2016, the trial court stayed the matter pending the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ rulings in Briseno v. ConAgra Foods, Inc. (decided January 3, 2017), Jones v. ConAgra Foods, Inc. (pending), and Brazil v. Dole Packaged Foods, LLC (decided September 30, 2016). The stay did not apply to finalizing the pleadings and related briefing. On May 23, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint, which the defendants moved to dismiss. On November 1, 2016, the trial court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss in substantial part, finding that federal law preempted all of the plaintiffs’ claims except those based on alleged violations of California’s Proposition 65 under California’s Business and Professions Code §17,200 et seq . On November 21, 2016, the plaintiffs moved for reconsideration of the trial court’s November 1, 2016 order. The trial court scheduled a hearing on the plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration for February 13, 2017.

In Harris v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co. (U.S.D.C. N.D. Cal., filed 2015), the plaintiff brought a class action against RJR Vapor on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of VUSE e-cigarettes. The plaintiff alleges that RJR Vapor failed to advise users that they potentially could be exposed to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The plaintiff asserts failure to warn claims under California’s Proposition 65, as well as California Business & Professions Code § 17,200 et seq . and California Civil Code § 1,750 et seq . and seeks declaratory relief, restitution, disgorgement, injunctive relief and damages. RJR Vapor moved to dismiss contending, among other things, that plaintiff’s action was governed in its entirety by Proposition 65 and that the plaintiff failed to give the 60-day pre-suit notice required by Proposition 65, requiring that the entire case be dismissed with prejudice. The motion to dismiss was argued on March 2, 2016. On September 30, 2016, the court granted RJR Vapor’s motion to dismiss but provided the plaintiff leave to amend. The plaintiff filed a second amended complaint on October 31, 2016, and RJR Vapor has again moved to dismiss. Oral argument occurred on January 19, 2017. A decision is pending.

 

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In Center for Environmental Health v. NJoy, Inc. (Super. Ct. Alameda County, Cal., filed 2015), the plaintiff brought an action against RJR Vapor and several other e-cigarette manufacturers asserting violations of Proposition 65 for not disclosing that electronic cigarettes, including VUSE, allegedly expose consumers to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The plaintiff sought civil penalties, injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees, and costs. RJR Vapor filed an answer on December 29, 2015. RJR Vapor denied any and all liability and reached an agreement to resolve the claims for $94,750. The court approved the settlement agreement on October 25, 2016.

No Additive/Natural/Organic Claim Cases .

Following the FDA’s August 27, 2015, warning letter to SFNTC relating to the use of the words “natural” and “additive-free” in the labeling, advertising and promotional materials for NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes, plaintiffs purporting to bring claims on behalf of themselves and others have filed putative nationwide and/or state-specific class actions against SFNTC and, in some instances, RAI. A total of 16 such actions have been filed in nine U.S. district courts. Each of these cases is discussed below. In various combinations, plaintiffs in these cases generally allege violations of state deceptive and unfair trade practice statutes, and claim state common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment based on the use of descriptors such as “natural,” “organic” and “100% additive-free” in the marketing, labeling, advertising, and promotion of SFNTC’s NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes. The actions seek various categories of recovery, including economic damages, injunctive relief (including medical monitoring and cessation programs), interest, restitution, disgorgement, treble and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

On January 6, 2016, the plaintiffs in one action filed a motion before the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) to consolidate these actions before one district court for pretrial purposes. On April 11, 2016, the JPML ordered that these cases be consolidated for pretrial purposes before Judge James O. Browning in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, referred to as the transferee court, and the then-pending and later-filed cases now are consolidated for pretrial purposes in that court. The cases that were filed in or transferred for pretrial purposes to the transferee court are as follows:

 

    Sproule v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc . (U.S.D.C. S.D. Fla., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Brattain v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. N.D. Cal., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of California purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Rothman v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. S.D.N.Y., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of New York purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Dunn v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Minnesota subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Haksal v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and California, Illinois, Minnesota, and New Mexico subclasses) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Cuebas v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. S.D.N.Y., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and New York subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

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    Okstad v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class and sixteen putative state-based subclasses (Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin subclasses) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Ruggiero v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.D.C., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Maryland subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Waldo v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Florida subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Grandison v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. E.D.N.Y., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and California, Florida and New York subclasses) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Gudmundson v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. V.I., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of U.S. Virgin Islands purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    LeCompte v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of California purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    White v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC on behalf of a putative nationwide class of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Johnston v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. S.D Fla., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Florida subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Cole v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. M.D. N.C., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and North Carolina subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Hebert v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. M.D. N.C., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC, RAI and RJR Tobacco on behalf of a putative class of purchasers in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Washington of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT cigarettes, and a nationwide putative class of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand menthol cigarette purchasers (and subclass of such purchasers in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois and New Mexico).

The transferee court entered a scheduling order requiring the plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint. On September 19, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint naming SFNTC, RAI, and RJR Tobacco as defendants. That complaint alleges violations of 12 states’ deceptive and unfair trade practices statutes — California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia — based on the use of descriptors such as “natural,” “organic” and “100% additive-free” in the marketing, labeling, advertising, and promotion of SFNTC’s NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes. It also asserts unjust enrichment claims under those 12 states’ laws and asserts breach of express warranty claims on behalf of a national class of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT menthol purchasers. The state deceptive and unfair trade practice statutory and unjust enrichment claims are brought on behalf of state-specific classes in the 12 states listed above and, in some instances, state-specific

 

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subclasses. The consolidated amended complaint seeks class certification, payment for class notice, injunctive relief, monetary damages, prejudgment interest, statutory damages, restitution, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On November 18, 2016, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss, and a hearing on that motion is scheduled for March 22, 2017. On January 12, 2017, the plaintiffs filed a second consolidated amended class action complaint. The transferee court’s scheduling order, as amended, provides for the plaintiffs to file a motion for class certification by April 3, 2018, and a hearing on the class certification motion on July 13-14, 2018.

On November 7, 2016, a public health advocacy organization filed Breathe DC v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc . (D.C. Super. Ct.), an action against SFNTC, RAI and RJR Tobacco based on allegations relating to the labeling, advertising and promotional materials for NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes that are similar to the allegations in the actions consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico transferee court described immediately above. The complaint seeks injunctive and other non-monetary relief, but does not seek monetary damages. On December 6, 2016, the defendants removed the action to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and, on December 7, 2016, filed a notice with the JPML to have the action transferred to the transferee court. On December 7, 2016, the plaintiff moved in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to remand the action to the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. On December 9, 2016, the JPML conditionally ordered that the case be transferred to the transferee court. On December 20, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order stating that it will rule on the plaintiff’s motion to remand before the JPML considers the plaintiff’s motion to vacate the conditional transfer order.

Other Class Actions.

In Young  v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. (Cir. Ct. Orleans Parish, La., filed 1997), the plaintiff brought a class action against U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco and B&W, and parent companies of U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR, on behalf of a putative class of Louisiana residents who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, allegedly suffered injury as a result of exposure to ETS from cigarettes manufactured by defendants. The plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. In March 2016, the court entered an order staying the case, including all discovery, pending the completion of the smoking cessation program ordered by the court in Scott v. The American Tobacco Co .

In Parsons v.  A C  & S, Inc. (Cir. Ct. Ohio County, W. Va., filed 1998), the plaintiff brought a class action against asbestos manufacturers, U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, and parent companies of U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR and Lorillard, on behalf of a putative class of persons who allegedly have personal injury claims arising from their exposure to respirable asbestos fibers and cigarette smoke. The plaintiff seeks to recover $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages individually for her purported injuries and an unspecified amount for the class in compensatory and punitive damages. In December 2000, three defendants, Nitral Liquidators, Inc., Desseaux Corporation of North America and Armstrong World Industries, filed bankruptcy petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, In re Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Pursuant to section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, Parsons is automatically stayed with respect to all defendants who filed for bankruptcy. The case remains pending against the other defendants, including RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco, but it has long been dormant.

In Jones v.  American Tobacco Co., Inc. (Cir. Ct., Jackson County, Mo., filed 1998), the plaintiff filed a class action against the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, and parent companies of U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR and Lorillard, on behalf of a putative class of Missouri tobacco product users and purchasers who allegedly became addicted to nicotine. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. There is currently no activity in this case.

 

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Filter Cases

Claims have been brought against Lorillard Tobacco and Lorillard by individuals who seek damages resulting from their alleged exposure to asbestos fibers that were incorporated into filter material used in one brand of cigarettes manufactured by a predecessor to Lorillard Tobacco for a limited period of time ending more than 50 years ago. As of December 31, 2016, Lorillard Tobacco and/or Lorillard was a defendant in 78 Filter Cases. Since January 1, 2013, Lorillard Tobacco and RJR Tobacco have paid, or have reached agreement to pay, a total of approximately $47.6 million in settlements to resolve 175 claims asserted in Filter Cases.

Pursuant to the terms of a 1952 agreement between P. Lorillard Company and H&V Specialties Co., Inc. (the manufacturer of the filter material), Lorillard Tobacco is required to indemnify Hollingsworth & Vose for legal fees, expenses, judgments and resolutions in cases and claims alleging injury from finished products sold by P. Lorillard Company that contained the filter material.

On September 13, 2013, the jury in a Filter Case, DeLisle v. A. W. Chesterton Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2012), found for the plaintiffs on the negligence and strict liability claims; awarded the plaintiffs $8 million in compensatory damages; and found Lorillard Tobacco 22% at fault, Hollingsworth & Vose 22% at fault, and the other defendants 56% at fault. Punitive damages were not at issue. On November 6, 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of $3.52 million. Lorillard Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA. On September 14, 2016, the Fourth DCA ordered a new trial because the trial court erred in admitting certain expert testimony and concluded that the $8 million compensatory damages award should have been remitted. The plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing or rehearing en banc, which was denied by the Fourth DCA on November 9, 2016. The plaintiffs filed an application for discretionary review by the Florida Supreme Court on December 6, 2016. The Florida Supreme Court has issued a stay of the proceedings in that court pending its disposition of a pending application for review in another case. The matter has not been stayed in the trial court, and post-appeal motions are pending to vacate the final judgment and discharge the surety bonds. The plaintiffs have filed both a stay motion in the Florida Supreme Court and a motion to recall the mandate in the Fourth DCA, which motions are presently pending.

Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases

Health-care cost recovery cases have been brought by a variety of plaintiffs. Other than certain governmental actions, these cases largely have been unsuccessful on remoteness grounds, which means that one who pays an injured person’s medical expenses is legally too remote to maintain an action against the person allegedly responsible for the injury.

As of December 31, 2016, two health-care cost recovery cases were pending in the United States against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, or all three, as discussed below after the discussion of the State Settlement Agreements. A limited number of claimants have filed suit against RJR Tobacco, one of its affiliates, and other tobacco industry defendants to recover funds for health care, medical and other assistance paid by foreign provincial governments in treating their citizens. For additional information on these cases, see “—International Cases” below.

State Settlement Agreements. In June 1994, the Mississippi Attorney General brought an action, Moore  v. American Tobacco Co. , against various industry members, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco. This case was brought on behalf of the state to recover state funds paid for health care and other assistance to state citizens suffering from diseases and conditions allegedly related to tobacco use. Most other states, through their attorneys general or other state agencies, sued RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and other U.S. cigarette manufacturers based on similar theories. The cigarette manufacturer defendants, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, settled the first four of these cases scheduled for trial — Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota — by separate agreements with each such state.

 

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On November 23, 1998, the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, entered into the Master Settlement Agreement with attorneys general representing the remaining 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas. Effective on November 12, 1999, the MSA settled all the health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions and released various additional present and future claims.

In the settling jurisdictions, the MSA released RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, and their affiliates and indemnitees, including RAI and Lorillard, from:

 

    all claims of the settling states and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health-care funds, relating to past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising, marketing or health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and

 

    all monetary claims of the settling states and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health-care funds, relating to future conduct arising out of the use of or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business.

Set forth below is the unadjusted tobacco industry settlement payment schedule (in millions) for 2014 and thereafter:

 

     2014      2015      2016 and
thereafter
 

First Four States’ Settlements: (1)

        

Mississippi Annual Payment

   $ 136      $ 136      $ 136  

Florida Annual Payment

     440        440        440  

Texas Annual Payment

     580        580        580  

Minnesota Annual Payment

     204        204        204  

Master Settlement Agreement:

        

Annual Payments (1)

     8,004        8,004        8,004  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 9,364      $ 9,364      $ 9,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

RAI’s operating subsidiaries expenses and payments under the State Settlement Agreements for 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the projected expenses and payments for 2017 and thereafter (in millions) are set forth below. (1)(2)

 

     2014      2015      2016      2017      2018 and
thereafter
 

Settlement expenses

   $ 1,917      $ 2,403      $ 2,727                

Settlement cash payments

   $ 1,985      $ 2,166      $ 3,042                

Projected settlement expenses

            $ >3,000      $ >3,000  

Projected settlement cash payments

            $ >2,700      $ >3,000  

 

(1) Subject to adjustments for changes in sales volume, inflation, operating profit and other factors. Payments are allocated among the companies on the basis of relative market share or other methods. For further information, see “— State Settlement Agreements —Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments” below.
(2) The amounts above reflect the impact of the Term Sheet and the NY State Settlement described below under “— State Settlement Agreements — Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments — Partial Settlement of Certain NPM Adjustment Claims.”

 

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The State Settlement Agreements also contain provisions restricting the marketing of tobacco products. Among these provisions are restrictions or prohibitions on the use of cartoon characters, brand-name sponsorships, apparel and other merchandise, outdoor and transit advertising, payments for product placement, free sampling and lobbying. Furthermore, the State Settlement Agreements required the dissolution of three industry-sponsored research and trade organizations.

The State Settlement Agreements have materially adversely affected RJR Tobacco’s shipment volumes. RAI believes that these settlement obligations may materially adversely affect the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of RAI and RJR Tobacco in future periods. The degree of the adverse impact will depend, among other things, on the rate of decline in U.S. cigarette sales in the premium and value categories, RJR Tobacco’s share of the domestic premium and value cigarette categories, and the effect of any resulting cost advantage of manufacturers not subject to the State Settlement Agreements.

U.S. Department of Justice Case.

In United States v. Philip Morris USA Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.D.C., filed 1999) , the U.S. Department of Justice brought an action against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and other tobacco companies seeking (1) recovery of federal funds expended in providing health care to smokers who developed alleged smoking-related diseases pursuant to the Medical Care Recovery Act and Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act and (2) equitable relief under the civil provisions of RICO, including disgorgement of roughly $280 billion in profits the government contended were earned as a consequence of a purported racketeering “enterprise.” In September 2000, the district court dismissed the government’s Medical Care Recovery Act and Medicare Secondary Payer claims. In February 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, referred to as the D.C. Circuit, ruled that disgorgement was not an available remedy.

On August 17, 2006, after a non-jury bench trial, the district court found certain defendants, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, had violated RICO, but did not impose any direct financial penalties. The district court instead enjoined RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and the other defendants from committing future racketeering acts, participating in certain trade organizations, making misrepresentations concerning smoking and health and youth marketing, and using certain brand descriptors such as “low tar,” “light,” “ultra light,” “mild” and “natural.” The district court also ordered RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and the other defendants to issue “corrective communications” on five subjects, including smoking and health and addiction, and to comply with further undertakings, including maintaining web sites of historical corporate documents and disseminating certain marketing information on a confidential basis to the government. In addition, the district court placed restrictions on the defendants’ ability to dispose of certain assets for use in the United States, unless the transferee agrees to abide by the terms of the district court’s order, and ordered certain defendants to reimburse the U.S. Department of Justice its taxable costs incurred in connection with the case.

Defendants, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, and Lorillard Tobacco, appealed, the government cross appealed, and the defendants moved in the district court for clarification and a stay pending appeal. After the district court denied the defendants’ motion to stay, the D.C. Circuit granted a stay in October 2006.

The district court then granted the motion for clarification in part and denied it in part. With respect to the meaning and applicability of the general injunctive relief of the August 2006 order, the district court denied the motion for clarification. With respect to the request for clarification as to the scope of the provisions in the order prohibiting the use of descriptors and requiring corrective statements at retail point of sale, the district court granted the motion and also ruled that the provisions prohibiting the use of express or implied health messages or descriptors do apply to the actions of the defendants taken outside of the United States.

 

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In May 2009, the D.C. Circuit largely affirmed both the finding of liability against the tobacco defendants and the remedial order, including the denial of additional remedies, but vacated the order and remanded for further proceedings as to the following four discrete issues:

 

    the issue of the extent of B&W’s control over tobacco operations was remanded for further fact finding and clarification;

 

    the remedial order was vacated to the extent that it binds all defendants’ subsidiaries and was remanded to the district court for determination as to whether inclusion of the subsidiaries and which of the subsidiaries satisfy Rule 65(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure;

 

    the D.C. Circuit held that the provision found in paragraph four of the injunction, concerning the use of any express or implied health message or health descriptor for any cigarette brand, should not be read to govern overseas sales. The issue was remanded to the district court with instructions to reformulate it so as to exempt foreign activities that have no substantial, direct and foreseeable domestic effects; and

 

    the remedial order was vacated regarding “point of sale” displays and remanded for the district court to evaluate and make due provisions for the rights of innocent persons, either by abandoning this part of the remedial order or re-crafting a new version reflecting the rights of third parties.

In June 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court denied all parties’ petitions for writ of certiorari.

Post-remand proceedings are underway. On December 22, 2010, the district court dismissed B&W from the litigation. In November 2012, the trial court entered an order setting forth the text of the corrective statements and directed the parties to engage in discussions with the Special Master to implement them. After extensive mediation led the parties to an implementation agreement, the district court entered an implementation order on June 2, 2014. The defendants filed a consolidated appeal challenging both the content of the court-ordered statements and the requirement that those statements be published in redundant media. On May 22, 2015, the D.C. Circuit reversed the corrective statements order in part, affirmed in part, and remanded to the district court for further proceedings. On October 1, 2015, the district court ordered the parties to propose new corrective-statements preambles. On February 8, 2016, the district court entered an order adopting the government’s proposed corrective-statements preamble. The parties then mediated, per the district court’s order, changes to the implementation order necessitated by the new preamble. On April 19, 2016, the district court accepted the parties’ mediated agreement on implementation and entered a superseding consent order with respect to implementation. The superseding consent order stays implementation of the corrective statements until the exhaustion of appeals from the orders establishing the text of those statements and governing implementation details. On April 7, 2016, the defendants and the post-judgment parties regarding remedies noticed an appeal to the D.C. Circuit from the order adopting the government’s proposed corrective-statement preambles. On May 6, 2016, the defendants and post-judgment parties regarding remedies noticed an appeal to the D.C. Circuit from the superseding consent order. On June 7, 2016, the D.C. Circuit granted the unopposed motion of the defendants and the post-judgment parties regarding remedies to consolidate the two appeals. Briefing in the consolidated appeals concluded in late December 2016, and oral argument is scheduled for February 17, 2017. Additionally, RJR Tobacco appealed the district court’s May 28, 2015, order requiring RJR Tobacco to televise an additional set of corrective statements on behalf of B&W. On November 1, 2016, the D.C. Circuit upheld the order. In light of the corrective-statements implementation requirements, $20 million has been accrued for the estimated costs of the corrective communications and is included in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016.

Native American Tribe Case.

As of December 31, 2016, one Native American tribe case was pending before a tribal court against RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe  v. American Tobacco Co. (Tribal Ct., Crow Creek Sioux, S.D., filed 1997). The plaintiffs seek to recover actual and punitive damages, restitution, funding of

 

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a clinical cessation program, funding of a corrective public education program, and disgorgement of unjust profits from sales to minors. The plaintiffs claim that the defendants are liable under the following theories: unlawful marketing and targeting of minors, contributing to the delinquency of minors, unfair and deceptive acts or practices, unreasonable restraint of trade and unfair method of competition, negligence, negligence per se, conspiracy and restitution of unjust enrichment. The case is dormant.

International Cases.

Each of the ten Canadian provinces has filed a health-care cost recovery action against Canadian and non-Canadian tobacco-related entities, including RJR Tobacco and one of its affiliates. In these actions, which are described below, each of the Canadian provinces seeks to recover for health care, medical and other assistance paid and to be paid for treating tobacco-related disease. Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 sale of RJR Tobacco’s international tobacco business, RJR Tobacco has tendered the defense of these actions to JTI. Subject to a reservation of rights, JTI has assumed the defense of RJR Tobacco and its affiliate in these actions.

 

    British Columbia (British Columbia Sup. Ct., Vancouver Registry, filed 1997) — In 1997, British Columbia enacted a statute creating a civil cause of action against tobacco-related entities for the provincial government to recover the costs of health-care benefits incurred for insured British Columbia residents resulting from tobacco-related disease. An initial action brought pursuant to the statute against Canadian and non-Canadian tobacco-related entities, including RJR Tobacco and certain of its affiliates, was dismissed in February 2000 when the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled that the legislation was unconstitutional. British Columbia then enacted a revised statute, pursuant to which an action was filed in January 2001 against many of the same defendants, including RJR Tobacco and one of its affiliates. In that action, the British Columbia government seeks to recover the present value of its total expenditures for health-care benefits provided for insured persons resulting from tobacco-related disease or the risk of tobacco-related disease caused by alleged breaches of duty by the manufacturers, the present value of its estimated total expenditures for health-care benefits that reasonably could be expected to be provided for those insured persons resulting from tobacco-related disease or the risk of tobacco-related disease in the future, court ordered interest, and costs, or in the alternative, special or increased costs. The government alleges that the defendants are liable under the British Columbia statute by reason of their “tobacco related wrongs,” which are alleged to include: selling defective products, failure to warn, sale of cigarettes to children and adolescents, strict liability, deceit and misrepresentation, violation of trade practice and competition acts, concerted action, and joint liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in January 2007. Pretrial discovery is ongoing.

 

    New Brunswick (Ct. of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Jud. Dist. Fredericton, filed 2008) — This claim is brought pursuant to New Brunswick legislation enacted in 2008 that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in March 2010. Pretrial discovery is ongoing.

 

    Ontario (Ontario Super. Ct. Justice, Toronto, filed 2009) - This claim is brought pursuant to Ontario legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability, although the government also asserted claims based on the illegal importation of cigarettes, which claims were deleted in an amended statement of claim filed in August 2010. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in April 2016.

 

    Newfoundland and Labrador (Sup. Ct. Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, filed 2011) - This claim is brought pursuant to Newfoundland and Labrador legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in May 2016.

 

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    Manitoba (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Winnipeg Jud. Centre, filed 2012) - This claim is brought pursuant to Manitoba legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in September 2014. Pre-trial discovery is ongoing.

 

    Quebec (Super. Ct. Quebec, Dist. Montreal, filed 2012) - This claim is brought pursuant to Quebec legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages being sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed defenses in December 2014. Pretrial discovery is ongoing.

 

    Saskatchewan (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Jud. Centre Saskatoon, filed 2012) - This claim is brought pursuant to Saskatchewan legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in February 2015.

 

    Alberta (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Alberta Jud. Centre of Calgary, filed 2012) - This claim is brought pursuant to Alberta legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in March 2016.

 

    Prince Edward Island (Sup. Ct. P.E.I., Charlottetown, filed 2012) — This claim is brought pursuant to Prince Edward Island legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in February 2015.

 

    Nova Scotia (Sup. Ct. Nova Scotia, Halifax, filed 2015) — This claim is brought pursuant to Nova Scotia legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in July 2015.

Seven putative class actions, which are described below, have been filed against various Canadian and non-Canadian tobacco-related entities, including RJR Tobacco and one of its affiliates, in Canadian provincial courts. In these cases, the plaintiffs allege claims based on fraud, fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty, breach of warranty of merchantability, and of fitness for a particular purpose, failure to warn, design defects, negligence, breach of a “special duty” to children and adolescents, conspiracy, concert of action, unjust enrichment, market share liability, and violations of various trade practices and competition statutes. The plaintiffs seek recovery on behalf of proposed classes of persons allegedly suffering from tobacco-related disease as a result of smoking defendants’ cigarettes and seek recovery of compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, recovery of government health-care benefits, interest, and costs. Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 sale of RJR Tobacco’s international tobacco business, RJR Tobacco has tendered the defense of these seven actions to JTI. Subject to a reservation of rights, JTI has assumed the defense of RJR Tobacco and its current or former affiliates in these actions. Plaintiffs’ counsel have been actively pursuing only Bourassa , the action pending in British Columbia, at this time.

 

    In Kunka v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Winnipeg Jud. Centre, filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who purchased or smoked defendants’ cigarettes and suffered, or currently suffer, from tobacco-related disease, as well as restitution of profits and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care benefits allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

 

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    In Dorion v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Alberta Jud. Centre of Calgary – filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who purchased or smoked defendants’ cigarettes and suffered, or currently suffer, from tobacco-related disease, as well as restitution of profits and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care benefits allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

 

    In Semple v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Sup. Ct. Nova Scotia, Halifax, filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class comprised of persons who purchased or smoked defendants’ cigarettes for the period from January 1, 1954, to the expiry of the opt-out period as set by the court and suffered, or currently suffer, from tobacco-related disease, as well as restitution of profits and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care costs allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

 

    In Adams v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Jud. Centre of Regina, filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on July 10, 2009, and suffered, or currently suffer, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, heart disease or cancer, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as disgorgement of revenues earned by the defendants. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate have brought a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the Saskatchewan court.

 

    In Bourassa v. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. (Sup. Ct. of British Columbia, Victoria Registry, filed 2010), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on June 12, 2007, and suffered, or currently suffer, from chronic respiratory diseases, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as disgorgement of revenues earned by the defendants from January 1, 1954, to the date the claim was filed. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate have filed a challenge to the jurisdiction of the British Columbia court. The plaintiff filed a motion for certification in April 2012, and filed affidavits in support in August 2013. An amended claim was filed in December 2014.

 

    In McDermid v. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. (Sup. Ct. of British Columbia, Victoria Registry, filed 2010), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on June 12, 2007, and suffered, or currently suffer, from heart disease, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as disgorgement of revenues earned by the defendants from January 1, 1954, to the date the claim was filed. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate have filed a challenge to the jurisdiction of the British Columbia court.

 

    In Jacklin v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ontario Super. Ct. of Justice, St. Catherines, filed 2012), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on June 12, 2007, and suffered, or currently suffer, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, or cancer, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as restitution of profits, and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care benefits allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

State Settlement Agreements — Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments

As of December 31, 2016, there were 28 cases concerning the enforcement, validity or interpretation of the State Settlement Agreements in which RJR Tobacco, B&W or Lorillard Tobacco is a party. This number includes those cases, discussed below, relating to disputed payments under the State Settlement Agreements.

In May 2006, the State of Florida filed a motion, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, to enforce the Florida settlement agreement, referred to as the Florida Settlement Agreement, for an accounting by Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc., and for an Order of Contempt.

 

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The State asserted that B&W failed to report in its net operating profit on its shipments, cigarettes manufactured by B&W under contract for Star Tobacco or its parent, Star Scientific, Inc. The State is seeking approximately $12.4 million in additional payments under the Florida Settlement Agreement, as well as $17.0 million in interest payments. This matter is currently in the discovery phase.

On January 18, 2017, the State of Florida filed a motion to enjoin ITG as a defendant and to enforce the Florida Settlement Agreement. The State’s motion seeks payment under the Florida Settlement Agreement with respect to the four brands (WINSTON, SALEM, KOOL and MAVERICK) that were sold to ITG in the Divestiture. Under the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture (and related documents), ITG was to assume responsibility with respect to these brands. Since the closing of the Divestiture and the transfer of these brands to it, ITG has not made settlement payments to the State with respect to these brands. The State’s motion asserts that it “is presently owed more than $45 million and will continue to suffer annual losses of approximately $30 million absent the Court’s enforcement of the Settlement Agreement….” The State’s motion seeks, among other things, an order from the court declaring that RJR Tobacco and ITG are in breach of the Florida Settlement Agreement and are required, jointly and severally, to make annual payments to the State under the Florida Settlement Agreement with respect to the brands transferred to ITG in the Divestiture.

Also on January 18, 2017, Philip Morris USA, Inc. filed a motion to enforce the Florida Settlement Agreement. Philip Morris USA, Inc.’s motion asserted that RJR Tobacco and ITG have breached the Florida Settlement Agreement by failing to comply with the obligations under the Florida Settlement Agreement with respect to the transferred brands. Philip Morris USA, Inc.’s motion asserts that RJR Tobacco and ITG have “…deprived the State…of over $40 million in settlement payments and improperly shifted millions of the remaining settlement payment obligations from themselves to Philip Morris USA, Inc., amounts that will increase greatly going forward absent intervention by [the] Court.” Philip Morris USA, Inc.’s motion seeks various forms of relief to modify the settlement payment calculations to address the issues raised in its motion.

On January 27, 2017, RJR Tobacco filed a motion asserting that ITG failed to use its reasonable best efforts to join the Florida Settlement Agreement and breached the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture. Accordingly, RJR Tobacco filed a motion for leave to allow a supplemental pleading for breach by ITG of its obligations regarding joinder into the Florida Settlement Agreement.

NPM Adjustment Claims. The MSA includes an adjustment that potentially reduces the annual payment obligations of RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and the other PMs. Certain requirements, collectively referred to as the Adjustment Requirements, must be satisfied before the NPM Adjustment for a given year is available:

 

    an Independent Auditor must determine that the PMs have experienced a market share loss, beyond a triggering threshold, to those manufacturers that do not participate in the MSA, such non-participating manufacturers referred to as NPMs; and

 

    in a binding arbitration proceeding, a firm of independent economic consultants must find that the disadvantages of the MSA were a significant factor contributing to the loss of market share. This finding is known as a significant factor determination.

When the Adjustment Requirements are satisfied, the MSA provides that the NPM Adjustment applies to reduce the annual payment obligation of the PMs. However, an individual settling state may avoid its share of the NPM Adjustment if it had in place and diligently enforced during the entirety of the relevant year a “Qualifying Statute” that imposes escrow obligations on NPMs that are comparable to what the NPMs would have owed if they had joined the MSA. In such event, the state’s share of the NPM Adjustment is reallocated to other settling states, if any, that did not have in place and diligently enforce a Qualifying Statute.

NPM Adjustment Claim for 2003. For 2003, the Adjustment Requirements were satisfied. As a result, based on revised numbers calculated by the Independent Auditor, RJR Tobacco placed approximately $615 million ,

 

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and Lorillard Tobacco placed approximately $109 million, of its 2006 and 2007 MSA payments into a disputed payments account, in accordance with a procedure established by the MSA.

As a result of this action, 37 of the settling states filed legal proceedings in their respective MSA courts seeking declaratory orders that they diligently enforced their Qualifying Statutes during 2003 and/or orders compelling RJR Tobacco and the other PMs that placed money in the disputed payments account to pay the disputed amounts to the settling states. In response, RJR Tobacco and other PMs, pursuant to the MSA’s arbitration provisions, moved to compel arbitration of the parties’ dispute concerning the 2003 NPM Adjustment, including the states’ diligent enforcement claims, before an arbitration panel consisting of three retired federal court judges. The settling states opposed these motions, arguing, among other things, that the issue of diligent enforcement must be resolved by MSA courts in each of the 52 settling states and territories.

Forty-seven of the 48 courts that addressed the question whether the dispute concerning the 2003 NPM Adjustment is arbitrable ruled that arbitration was required under the MSA. The Montana Supreme Court ruled that the State of Montana did not agree to arbitrate the question of whether it diligently enforced a Qualifying Statute. Subsequently, Montana and the PMs reached an agreement whereby the PMs agreed not to contest Montana’s claim that it diligently enforced the Qualifying Statute during 2003.

In January 2009, RJR Tobacco and certain other PMs entered into an Agreement Regarding Arbitration, referred to as the Arbitration Agreement, with 45 of the MSA settling states (representing approximately 90% of the allocable share of the settling states) pursuant to which those states agreed to participate in a multistate arbitration of issues related to the 2003 NPM Adjustment. Under the Arbitration Agreement, the signing states had their ultimate liability, if any, with respect to the 2003 NPM Adjustment reduced by 20%, and RJR Tobacco and the other PMs that placed their share of the disputed 2005 NPM Adjustment (discussed below) into the disputed payments account, without releasing or waiving any claims, authorized the release of those funds to the settling states.

The arbitration panel contemplated by the MSA and the Arbitration Agreement, referred to as the Arbitration Panel, was selected, and proceedings before the panel with respect to the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim began in July 2010. Following the completion of document and deposition discovery, on November 3, 2011, RJR Tobacco and the other PMs advised the Arbitration Panel that they were not contesting the “diligent enforcement” of 12 states and the four U.S. territories with a combined allocable share of less than 14%. The “diligent enforcement” of the remaining 33 settling states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico was contested and became the subject of further proceedings. A common issues hearing was held in April 2012, and state specific evidentiary hearings with respect to the contested states were initiated.

As a result of the partial settlement of certain NPM Adjustment claims, as described in more detail below, as well as the earlier decisions not to contest the diligent enforcement of 12 states, two of which are participants in the partial settlement, and the four U.S. territories, only 15 contested settling states required state specific diligent enforcement rulings. State specific evidentiary hearings were completed in May 2013.

In September 2013, the Arbitration Panel issued rulings with respect to the 15 remaining contested states. The Arbitration Panel ruled that six states — Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico and Pennsylvania (collectively representing approximately 14.68% allocable share) — had not diligently enforced their Qualifying Statutes in 2003. Each of these six states filed motions to vacate and/or modify the diligent enforcement rulings on the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim. The status as to each of these states is as follows:

 

   

Indiana and Kentucky (representing approximately 3.80% allocable share) subsequently joined the partial settlement of certain NPM Adjustment claims, as described in more detail below. Indiana participated in a joint motion to stay indefinitely further proceedings on the motions it had filed to vacate the settlement and to modify the adverse diligent enforcement ruling against it. Similarly,

 

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Kentucky has joined in a stipulation by the parties filed with the court in that state to stay further proceedings on its motions, but that stipulation has not yet been signed by the court.

 

    Pennsylvania dropped its challenge to the finding of non-diligence entered against it. However, the state court in Pennsylvania entered an order that modified the judgment reduction method that had been adopted by the Arbitration Panel, which reduced RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by $54.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively. Upon appeal, in April 2015, the intermediate appellate court in Pennsylvania upheld the trial court ruling. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to take the industry’s appeal of that ruling. RJR Tobacco filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on April 21, 2016. On October 11, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court denied RJR Tobacco’s petition for writ of certiorari.

 

    Missouri dropped its challenge to the finding of non-diligence entered against it. However, the state court in Missouri entered an order that modified the judgment reduction method that had been adopted by the Arbitration Panel which reduced RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by $21.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Upon appeal, in September 2015, the intermediate appellate court in Missouri reversed the trial court ruling. Missouri is appealing that ruling to the Missouri Supreme Court. The appeal is fully briefed, and oral argument on the appeal was held on November 8, 2016. A decision is pending.

 

    Maryland dropped its challenge to the finding of non-diligence entered against it. Maryland’s motion challenging the judgment reduction method adopted by the Arbitration Panel was denied by its state court. Upon appeal, in October 2015, the intermediate appellate court in Maryland reversed the trial court, the effect of which was to reduce RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by a total of $21.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The Maryland Supreme Court declined to take the industry’s appeal of that ruling. RJR Tobacco filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on June 22, 2016. On October 11, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court denied RJR Tobacco’s petition for writ of certiorari.

 

    New Mexico filed motions challenging the finding of non-diligence and seeking a modification of the judgment reduction method adopted by the Arbitration Panel. The New Mexico trial court denied the state’s motion to vacate the finding of non-diligence, but granted the state’s motion challenging the judgment reduction method that had been adopted by the Arbitration Panel, which reduced RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by $5.6 million and $1 million, respectively. RJR Tobacco has appealed the court’s ruling on the judgment reduction method. The State did not appeal the trial court’s denial of its motion to vacate the finding on non-diligence.

As noted above, the effect from the four non-diligent states, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maryland and New Mexico, no longer challenging the findings of non-diligence entered against them by the Arbitration Panel was that a certain portion of the potential recovery from these four states was probable and reasonably estimable. Consequently, $6 million and $93 million was recognized as a reduction of cost of products sold in RAI’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Therefore, RJR Tobacco now estimates that the maximum remaining amount of its claim and Lorillard Tobacco’s claim with respect to the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim is $27 million and $5 million, respectively, plus any applicable interest and earnings. Until such time as the various remaining state motions challenging the rulings of the Arbitration Panel have been resolved, including any necessary appeals, uncertainty exists as to the timing, process and amount of RJR Tobacco’s ultimate recovery with respect to its remaining share of the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim and, accordingly, no additional amounts for the remaining four non-diligent states have been recognized in RAI’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016.

 

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NPM Adjustment Claims for 2004-2015 . From 2006 to 2008, proceedings (including significant factor arbitrations before an independent economic consulting firm) were initiated with respect to the NPM Adjustment for 2004, 2005 and 2006. Ultimately, the Adjustment Requirements were satisfied with respect to each of these NPM Adjustments.

In subsequent years, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, certain other PMs and the settling states entered into three separate agreements, covering fiscal years 2007 to 2009, fiscal years 2010 to 2012 and fiscal years 2013 to 2014, respectively, wherein the settling states would not contest that the disadvantages of the MSA were “a significant factor contributing to” the market share loss experienced by the PMs in those years. The stipulation pertaining to each of the years covered by the three agreements became effective in February of the year a final determination by the firm of independent economic consultants would otherwise have been expected if the issue had been arbitrated on the merits. RJR Tobacco and the PMs paid certain amounts into the States’ Antitrust/Consumer Protection Tobacco Enforcement Fund established under Section VIII(c) of the MSA for each year covered by these agreements, with RJR Tobacco paying approximately 47% and Lorillard Tobacco paying approximately 20% of such amounts.

Based on the payment calculations of the Independent Auditor and the agreements described above regarding the significant factor determinations, the Adjustment Requirements have been satisfied with respect to the NPM Adjustments for fiscal years 2007 to 2013. Determination of satisfaction of the Adjustment Requirements for 2014 has not been made. The approximate maximum principal amounts of RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s shares of the disputed NPM Adjustments for the years 2004 through 2014 (in millions) , as currently calculated by the Independent Auditor, and the remaining amounts after the settlements of certain NPM Adjustments claims (see below), are as follows (1) :

 

     RJR Tobacco      Lorillard Tobacco  
Volume Year    Disputed      Remaining after
settlements
     Disputed      Remaining after
settlements
 
2004    $ 562      $ 210      $ 111      $ 41  
2005      445        166        76        29  
2006      419        156        73        27  
2007      435        166        83        32  
2008      468        179        104        40  
2009      472        180        107        41  
2010      470        179        119        46  
2011      422        161        88        34  
2012      428        163        96        37  
2013      455        173        91        35  
2014      430        164        92        36  

 

(1) The amounts shown above do not include the interest or earnings thereon to which RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco believe they would be entitled under the MSA.

In addition to the above, SFNTC’s portion of the disputed NPM Adjustments for the years 2004 through 2014 is approximately $67 million and the remaining amount after the settlements is approximately $26 million.

The 2015 volume year NPM Adjustments for RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and SFNTC are $481 million, $41 million and $18 million, respectively.

The 2004 NPM Adjustment proceeding is underway before two overlapping panels, with one panel hearing the issues with respect to five states and the other panel hearing the issues as to the remaining states that will be part of the arbitration. A case management order governing the arbitration was entered on June 14, 2016. Under the timing established by that case management order, it is expected that discovery in the arbitration proceedings

 

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will be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2017 and that a hearing on common issues will take place before the end of the third quarter of 2017. State specific evidentiary hearings are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2017 and will likely conclude by the end of the third quarter of 2018. Diligent enforcement rulings from the panels are likely by the end of the fourth quarter of 2018. RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s remaining claim with respect to 2004 is approximately $251 million.

Missouri has obtained an order from the Missouri court of appeals for a separate state specific arbitration of the diligent enforcement issue, although that ruling is on appeal. Also, in the context of the 2003 NPM Adjustment proceedings, Montana obtained a ruling from the Montana Supreme Court that the issue of diligent enforcement under the MSA must be heard before that state’s MSA court. Finally, New Mexico and the four U.S. territories have been asked to join the 2004 NPM Adjustment Arbitration, but have not yet done so.

Due to the uncertainty over the final resolution of the 2004-2015 NPM Adjustment claims asserted by RJR Tobacco (including Lorillard Tobacco claims) and SFNTC, no assurances can be made related to the amounts, if any, that will be realized or any amounts (including interest) that will be owed, except as described below related to the partial settlement of certain NPM Adjustment claims.

Settlement/Partial Settlement of Certain NPM Adjustment Claims. In November 2012, RJR Tobacco, certain other PMs and certain settling states entered into a Term Sheet that set forth terms on which accrued and potential NPM Adjustment claims for 2003 through 2014 could be resolved. The Term Sheet also set forth a restructured NPM Adjustment process to be applied on a going-forward basis, starting with the 2013 volume year. The Term Sheet was provided to all of the MSA settling states for their review and consideration. A total of 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, collectively representing approximately 42% allocable share, joined the proposed settlement. RJR Tobacco and the other PMs indicated that they were prepared to go forward with the proposed settlement with that level of jurisdictional participation.

The Term Sheet provided that the Arbitration Panel in place to deal with the 2003 NPM Adjustment (and other NPM Adjustment-related matters) must review the proposed settlement and enter an appropriate order to confirm for the Independent Auditor that it should implement, as necessary, the terms of the settlement agreement.

In March 2013, the Arbitration Panel entered a Stipulated Partial Settlement and Award, referred to as the Award, reflecting the financial terms of the Term Sheet. Shortly thereafter, the Independent Auditor issued a notice indicating that it intended to implement the financial provisions of the Term Sheet, and also issued various revised payment calculations pertaining to payment years 2009 through 2012 and final calculations pertaining to payment year 2013 that reflected implementation of the financial provisions of the Term Sheet.

Subsequently in 2013, Oklahoma, Connecticut and South Carolina joined the Term Sheet. Efforts by two states, Colorado and Ohio, to obtain injunctions to prevent implementation of the Award were unsuccessful that year.

In June 2014, Kentucky and Indiana, both of which were among the states found “non-diligent” by the Arbitration Panel, joined the Term Sheet on financial terms more favorable to the industry than those agreed to by the original signatory states. Twenty-four jurisdictions have joined the settlement representing approximately 49.87% allocable share.

On October 20, 2015, RJR Tobacco and certain other PMs (including SFNTC) entered into the NY Settlement Agreement with the State of New York to settle certain claims related to the NPM Adjustment. The NY Settlement Agreement resolves NPM Adjustment claims related to payment years from 2004 through 2014 and puts in place a new method to determine future adjustments from 2015 forward as to New York. With the addition of New York’s allocable share of 12.76%, RJR Tobacco has resolved the 2004 through 2014 NPM Adjustments with 25 jurisdictions, representing approximately 62.63% allocable share.

 

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On February 8, 2016, Missouri conditionally joined the Term Sheet on financial terms more favorable to the industry than those received by the original signatory states. Various provisions regarding the timing of credits to be received by RJR Tobacco and the other PMs and disbursements to Missouri from the Disputed Payments Account are also set forth in the conditional joinder. Missouri’s joinder was conditioned upon the enactment by the Missouri legislature of Allocable Share Repeal legislation in Missouri with an effective date making such legislation applicable to NPM cigarettes sold in Missouri beginning no later than August 28, 2016. This condition was not satisfied, and thus the conditional joinder was terminated.

For additional information related to the Term Sheet, the NY Settlement Agreement and the 2003 NPM Adjustment, see “— Cost of Products Sold” in note 1.

Other Litigation and Developments

JTI Claims for Indemnification . By a purchase agreement dated March 9, 1999, amended and restated as of May 11, 1999, referred to as the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco sold its international tobacco business to JTI. Under the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco retained certain liabilities relating to the international tobacco business sold to JTI. Under its reading of the indemnification provisions of the 1999 Purchase Agreement, JTI has requested indemnification for damages allegedly arising out of these retained liabilities. As previously reported, a number of the indemnification claims between the parties relating to the activities of Northern Brands in Canada have been resolved. The other matters for which JTI has requested indemnification for damages under the indemnification provisions of the 1999 Purchase Agreement are described below:

 

    In a letter dated March 31, 2006, counsel for JTI stated that JTI would be seeking indemnification under the 1999 Purchase Agreement for any damages it may incur or may have incurred arising out of a Southern District of New York grand jury investigation, a now-terminated Eastern District of North Carolina grand jury investigation, and various actions filed by the European Community and others in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, referred to as the EDNY, against RJR Tobacco and certain of its affiliates on November 3, 2000, August 6, 2001, and (as discussed in greater detail below) October 30, 2002, and against JTI on January 11, 2002.

 

    JTI also has sought indemnification relating to a Statement of Claim filed on April 23, 2010, in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, London, against JTI Macdonald Corp., referred to as JTI-MC, by the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board, referred to as the Board, Andy J. Jacko, Brian Baswick, Ron Kichler, and Aprad Dobrenty, proceeding on their own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of Ontario tobacco producers that sold tobacco to JTI-MC during the period between January 1, 1986 and December 31, 1996, referred to as the Class Period, through the Board pursuant to certain agreements. The Statement of Claim seeks recovery for damages allegedly incurred by the class representatives and the putative class for tobacco sales during the Class Period made at the contract price for duty free or export cigarettes with respect to cigarettes that, rather than being sold duty free or for export, purportedly were sold in Canada, which allegedly breached one or more of a series of contracts dated between June 4, 1986, and July 3, 1996. Appeals taken from an unsuccessful motion to dismiss the action as barred by the statute of limitations were ultimately denied on November 4, 2016. Certification proceedings are pending.

 

    Finally, JTI has advised RJR and RJR Tobacco of its view that, under the terms of the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco are liable for approximately $1.85 million related to a judgment entered in 1998, plus interest and costs, in an action filed in Brazil by Lutz Hanneman, a former employee of a former RJR Tobacco subsidiary. RJR and RJR Tobacco deny that they are liable for this judgment under the terms of the 1999 Purchase Agreement.

 

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Although RJR and RJR Tobacco recognize that, under certain circumstances, they may have these and other unresolved indemnification obligations to JTI under the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco disagree with JTI as to (1) what circumstances relating to any such matters may give rise to indemnification obligations by RJR and RJR Tobacco, and (2) the nature and extent of any such obligation. RJR and RJR Tobacco have conveyed their position to JTI, and the parties have agreed to resolve their differences at a later time.

European Community. In European Community v. RJR Nabisco, Inc. (U.S.D.C. E.D.N.Y., filed 2002), the European Community and several of its member states allege that RJR, RJR Tobacco and other currently and formerly related companies engaged in money laundering and other conduct violating civil RICO and a variety of common laws. The plaintiffs also allege that the defendants manufactured cigarettes that were eventually sold in Iraq in violation of U.S. sanctions. The plaintiffs seek compensatory, punitive and treble damages among other types of relief. On February 15, 2010, the defendants moved to dismiss, and the action has been stayed and largely inactive since then while the parties have litigated that motion. On March 8, 2011, the district court granted the defendants’ motion in part and dismissed the plaintiffs’ RICO claims. On May 13, 2011, the district court granted the remaining portion of the defendants’ motion and dismissed the plaintiffs’ state-law claims based on the court’s lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The plaintiffs appealed to the Second Circuit.

On April 29, 2014, the Second Circuit vacated and remanded in a decision concluding that (1) as pled, the RICO claims are within the scope of the RICO statute, and (2) the federal court has subject matter jurisdiction over the state-law claims. The defendants sought rehearing and rehearing en banc . On August 20, 2014, the Second Circuit denied panel rehearing and issued an amended opinion that, in addition to adhering to the earlier opinion, held that a civil RICO cause of action extends to extraterritorial injuries. The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari and, on June 20, 2016, reversed the Second Circuit’s decision and ordered the dismissal of the plaintiffs’ RICO damages claims, finding that RICO civil causes of action extend only to domestic injuries, which claims the plaintiffs had abandoned. The court also held that any private RICO claims for equitable relief must also rest on domestic injuries but reserved decision on whether the plaintiffs had alleged such claims. The court’s decision does not affect the plaintiffs’ common-law claims. After remand, the district court entered an order allowing the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint by October 24, 2016, which later was extended indefinitely. Once the amended complaint is filed, the parties have been directed to submit a joint briefing schedule for the defendants’ anticipated motion to dismiss. Further, the district court stayed discovery until ten days after entry of an order deciding the defendants’ anticipated motion to dismiss.

Fontem Patent Litigation . On April 4, 2016, a case was filed in federal court, Fontem Ventures B.V. and Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company (U.S.D.C. C.D. Cal.), which alleges that VUSE products infringe four patents owned by Fontem purportedly directed to e-cigarettes. On May 3, 2016, Fontem filed a second complaint asserting that the VUSE products infringe two additional Fontem patents purportedly directed to e-cigarettes. On June 22, 2016, Fontem filed a third complaint asserting that the VUSE products infringe one additional Fontem patent purportedly directed to e-cigarettes. RJR Vapor filed an answer in the first case on June 27, 2016, and an amended answer on July 25, 2016. RJR Vapor also filed answers in the second and third cases on July 25, 2016. On June 29, 2016, RJR Vapor filed a motion to transfer the three cases to the Middle District of North Carolina, which was granted on August 8, 2016. The cases are now pending in the Middle District of North Carolina.

Also, RJR Vapor has filed petitions for inter partes review against six of the seven asserted patents. Two of the petitions have been granted, two denied, and the others are still pending decision.

FDA Litigation. On February 25, 2011, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard and Lorillard Tobacco jointly filed a lawsuit, Lorillard, Inc. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration , in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the composition of TPSAC which had been established by the FDA under the Family

 

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Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, referred to as the FDA Tobacco Act. The complaint alleges that certain members of the TPSAC and certain members of its Constituents Subcommittee have financial and appearance conflicts of interest that are disqualifying under federal ethics law and regulations, and that the TPSAC is not “fairly balanced,” as required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to as FACA. In March 2011, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which added an additional claim, based on a nonpublic meeting of members of the TPSAC, in violation of the FACA. The court granted the plaintiffs’ unopposed motion to file a second amended complaint adding a count addressing the FDA’s refusal to produce all documents generated by the TPSAC and its subcommittee in preparation of the menthol report. On July 21, 2014, the court granted the plaintiffs’ summary judgment motions finding that three members of the TPSAC Committee had impermissible conflicts of interest. As relief, the court ordered the FDA to reconstitute the committee in conformance with the law and enjoined the agency from using or relying on the TPSAC’s 2011 Menthol Report. On September 18, 2014, the FDA appealed the decision to the D.C. Circuit. On January 15, 2016, the appellate court reversed the decision of the district court, finding that the plaintiffs did not have standing to challenge appointments of certain TPSAC members. Under the appellate court’s order, the three former committee members can serve once again on the TPSAC and FDA can rely on the TPSAC menthol report. On May 9, 2016, the plaintiffs’ petition for rehearing or rehearing en banc was denied. On May 18, 2016, the appellate court issued a mandate vacating the injunction that had barred use of the TPSAC menthol report and had ordered reconstitution of the TPSAC.

For a detailed description of the FDA Tobacco Act, see “— Governmental Activity” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in Part II, Item 7.

Smokeless Tobacco Litigation

In 1999, when the IPIC litigation was first filed, the named defendants included manufacturers of smokeless products, including Conwood Company, LLC (now known as American Snuff Company, LLC) and others. When the IPIC plaintiffs filed discovery responses in IPIC listing the products they used, 41 of them listed a smokeless product. Six of those 41 plaintiffs listed a brand owned by American Snuff (Levi Garrett). Seven listed a brand (Beechnut) once manufactured by Lorillard Tobacco (now manufactured by National Tobacco Company). On December 3, 2001, the IPIC court severed all smokeless claims and all smokeless defendants from IPIC. There was no order staying the case during IPIC. In the ensuing 15 years, the plaintiffs in the severed cases did nothing to pursue the cases. The plaintiffs now seek to activate various smokeless claims, including certain plaintiffs whose cases were dismissed in IPIC after severance of the smokeless claims and whose claims are not counted in the 41 claims described above. After a status conference on July 11, 2016, the court set a schedule for briefing the issue of whether the severed claims should be dismissed because of the prolonged inaction in the case. On January 25, 2017, the trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss those claims as abandoned. The plaintiffs are now free to move forward with their claims.

Tobacco Buyout Legislation

In 2004, legislation was passed eliminating the U.S. Government’s tobacco production controls and price support program. The buyout of tobacco quota holders provided for in the Fair and Equitable Tobacco Reform Act, referred to as FETRA, was funded by a direct quarterly assessment on every tobacco product manufacturer and importer, on a market-share basis measured on volume to which federal excise tax was applied. The aggregate cost of the buyout to the industry was approximately $9.9 billion, including approximately $9.6 billion payable to quota tobacco holders and growers through industry assessments over ten years, into 2014, and approximately $290 million for the liquidation of quota tobacco stock. RAI’s operating subsidiaries recorded the FETRA assessment on a quarterly basis as cost of goods sold. RAI’s operating subsidiaries’ overall share of the buyout approximated $2.5 billion prior to the deduction of permitted offsets under the MSA. The FETRA assessment expired in September 2014.

 

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ERISA Litigation

In May 2002, in Tatum v. The R.J.R. Pension Investment Committee of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Capital Investment Plan , an employee of RJR Tobacco filed a class-action suit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, alleging that the defendants, RJR, RJR Tobacco, the RJR Employee Benefits Committee and the RJR Pension Investment Committee, violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to as ERISA. The actions about which the plaintiff complains stem from a decision made in 1999 by RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp., subsequently renamed Nabisco Group Holdings Corp., referred to as NGH, to spin off RJR, thereby separating NGH’s tobacco business and food business. As part of the spin-off, the 401(k) plan for the previously related entities had to be divided into two separate plans for the now separate tobacco and food businesses. The plaintiff contends that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to participants of the RJR 401(k) plan when the defendants removed the stock funds of the companies involved in the food business, NGH and Nabisco Holdings Corp., referred to as Nabisco, as investment options from the RJR 401(k) plan approximately six months after the spin-off. The plaintiff asserts that a November 1999 amendment (the “1999 Amendment”) that eliminated the NGH and Nabisco funds from the RJR 401(k) plan on January 31, 2000, contained sufficient discretion for the defendants to have retained the NGH and Nabisco funds after January 31, 2000, and that the failure to exercise such discretion was a breach of fiduciary duty. In his complaint, the plaintiff requests, among other things, that the court require the defendants to pay as damages to the RJR 401(k) plan an amount equal to the subsequent appreciation that was purportedly lost as a result of the liquidation of the NGH and Nabisco funds.

In July 2002, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss, which the court granted in December 2003. In December 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed the dismissal of the complaint, holding that the 1999 Amendment did contain sufficient discretion for the defendants to have retained the NGH and Nabisco funds as of February 1, 2000, and remanded the case for further proceedings. The court granted the plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint and denied all pending motions as moot. In April 2007, the defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint. The court granted the motion in part and denied it in part, dismissing all claims against the RJR Employee Benefits Committee and the RJR Pension Investment Committee. The plaintiff filed a motion for class certification, which the court granted in September 2008.

A non-jury trial was held in January and February 2010. On February 25, 2013, the district court dismissed the case with prejudice, finding that a hypothetical prudent fiduciary could have made the same decision and thus the plan’s loss was not caused by the procedural prudence which the court found to have existed. On August 4, 2014, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, referred to as Fourth Circuit, reversed, holding that the district court applied the wrong standard when it held that the defendants did not cause any loss to the plan, determined the test was whether a hypothetical prudent fiduciary would have made the same decision and remanded the case back to the district court to apply the “would have standard.” On February 18, 2016, the district court dismissed the case with prejudice, finding that the defendants have shown by a preponderance of the evidence that a fiduciary acting with prudence would have divested the NGH and Nabisco Funds at the time and in the manner that the defendants did. On March 17, 2016, the plaintiff appealed arguing that the district court erred in finding that a hypothetical prudent fiduciary would have divested the NGH and Nabisco Funds at the same time and in the same manner as RJR. Briefing before the Fourth Circuit is complete. Oral argument occurred on January 25, 2017. A decision is pending.

Environmental Matters

RAI and its subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances. Such laws and regulations provide for significant fines, penalties and liabilities, sometimes without regard to whether the owner or operator of the property or facility knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of hazardous or

 

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toxic substances. In addition, third parties may make claims against owners or operators of properties for personal injuries and property damage associated with releases of hazardous or toxic substances. In the past, RJR Tobacco has been named a potentially responsible party with third parties under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act with respect to several superfund sites. RAI and its subsidiaries are not aware of any current environmental matters that are expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial position of RAI or its subsidiaries.

RAI and its operating subsidiaries believe that climate change is an environmental issue primarily driven by carbon dioxide emissions from the use of energy. RAI’s operating subsidiaries are working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by minimizing the use of energy where cost effective, minimizing waste to landfills and increasing recycling. Climate change is not viewed by RAI’s operating subsidiaries as a significant direct economic risk to their businesses, but rather an indirect risk involving the potential for a longer-term general increase in the cost of doing business. Regulatory changes are difficult to predict, but the current regulatory risks to the business of RAI’s operating subsidiaries with respect to climate change are relatively low. Financial impacts will be driven more by the cost of natural gas and electricity. Efforts are made to anticipate the effect of increases in fuel costs directly impacting RAI’s operating subsidiaries by evaluating natural gas usage and market conditions. Occasionally forward contracts are purchased, limited to a two-year period, for natural gas. In addition, RAI’s operating subsidiaries are continually evaluating energy conservation measures and energy efficient equipment to mitigate impacts of increases in energy costs, and adopting or utilizing such measures and equipment where appropriate.

Regulations promulgated by the EPA and other governmental agencies under various statutes have resulted in, and likely will continue to result in, substantial expenditures for pollution control, waste treatment or handling, facility modification and similar activities. RAI and its subsidiaries are engaged in a continuing program to comply with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, and dependent upon the probability of occurrence and reasonable estimation of cost, accrue or disclose any material liability. Although it is difficult to reasonably estimate the portion of capital expenditures or other costs attributable to compliance with environmental laws and regulations, RAI does not expect such expenditures or other costs to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, cash flows or financial position of RAI or its subsidiaries.

Shareholder Case

RAI, the members of the RAI board of directors and BAT have been named as defendants in a putative class-action lawsuit captioned Corwin v. British American Tobacco PLC , et al ., brought in North Carolina state court, referred to as the North Carolina Action, by a person identifying himself as a shareholder of RAI. The North Carolina Action was initiated on August 8, 2014, and an amended complaint was filed on November 7, 2014. The amended complaint generally alleges, among other things, that the members of the RAI board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to RAI shareholders by approving the BAT Share Purchase and the sharing of technology with BAT, as well as that there were various conflicts of interest in the transaction. More specifically, the amended complaint alleges that (1) RAI aided and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by its board of directors and (2) BAT was a controlling shareholder of RAI and, as a consequence, owed other RAI shareholders fiduciary duties in connection with the BAT Share Purchase. The North Carolina Action seeks injunctive relief, damages and reimbursement of costs, among other remedies. On January 2, 2015, the plaintiff in the North Carolina Action filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin temporarily the RAI shareholder meeting and votes scheduled for January 28, 2015. RAI and the RAI board of directors timely opposed that motion prior to a hearing that was scheduled to occur on January 16, 2015.

RAI believed that the North Carolina Action was without merit and that no further disclosure was necessary to supplement the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus under applicable laws. However, to eliminate certain burdens, expenses and uncertainties, on January 17, 2015, RAI and the director defendants in the North Carolina

 

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Action entered into the North Carolina Memorandum of Understanding regarding the settlement of the disclosure claims asserted in that lawsuit. The North Carolina Memorandum of Understanding outlines the terms of the parties’ agreement in principle to settle and release the disclosure claims which were or could have been asserted in the North Carolina Action. In consideration of the partial settlement and release, RAI agreed to make certain supplemental disclosures to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which it did on January 20, 2015. On August 4, 2015, the trial court granted the defendants’ motions to dismiss all of the remaining non-disclosure claims. The plaintiff appealed. On February 17, 2016, the trial court approved the partial settlement, including the plaintiff’s unopposed request for $415,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs. The partial settlement did not affect the consideration paid to Lorillard shareholders in connection with the Lorillard Merger. On December 20, 2016, the North Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the claims against RAI and RAI’s Board of Directors on the grounds that the plaintiff could not state a direct claim against RAI’s Board of Directors for breach of fiduciary duties. The Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of the claims against BAT. On January 4, 2017, BAT filed a motion for rehearing en banc of the Court of Appeals’ opinion, which was denied on February 2, 2017.

Other Contingencies

JTI Indemnities . In connection with the sale of the international tobacco business to JTI, pursuant to the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco agreed to indemnify JTI against:

 

    any liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of the imposition or assessment of any tax with respect to the international tobacco business arising prior to the sale, other than as reflected on the closing balance sheet;

 

    any liabilities, costs and expenses that JTI or any of its affiliates, including the acquired entities, may incur after the sale with respect to any of RJR’s or RJR Tobacco’s employee benefit and welfare plans; and

 

    any liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by JTI or any of its affiliates arising out of certain activities of Northern Brands.

As described above in “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Other Litigation and Developments — JTI Claims for Indemnification,” RJR Tobacco has received claims for indemnification from JTI, and several of these have been resolved. Although RJR and RJR Tobacco recognize that, under certain circumstances, they may have other unresolved indemnification obligations to JTI under the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco disagree what circumstances described in such claims give rise to any indemnification obligations by RJR and RJR Tobacco and the nature and extent of any such obligation. RJR and RJR Tobacco have conveyed their position to JTI, and the parties have agreed to resolve their differences at a later date.

In connection with the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks to JTI Holding, along with the international companies that distribute and market the brand outside the United States, pursuant to the 2015 Purchase Agreement, SFNTC, R. J. Reynolds Global Products, Inc., and R. J. Reynolds Tobacco B.V. agreed to indemnify JTI Holding against, among other things, any liabilities, costs, and expenses relating to actions:

 

    commenced on or before (1) January 13, 2019, to the extent relating to alleged personal injuries, and (2) in all other cases, January 13, 2021;

 

    brought by (1) a governmental authority to enforce legislation implementing European Union Directive 2001/37/EC or European Directive 2014/40/EU or (2) consumers or a consumer association; and

 

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    arising out of any statement or claim (1) made on or before January 13, 2016, (2) by any company sold to JTI Holding in the transaction, (3) concerning NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand products consumed or intended to be consumed outside of the United States and (4) that the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand product is natural, organic, or additive free.

ITG Indemnity . In the purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, RAI agreed to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and limitations, ITG in connection with claims relating to the purchase or use of one or more of the WINSTON, KOOL, SALEM, or MAVERICK cigarette brands on or before June 12, 2015, as well as in actions filed before June 13, 2023, relating to the purchase or use of one or more of the WINSTON, KOOL, SALEM, or MAVERICK cigarette brands. In the purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, ITG agreed to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and limitations, RAI and its affiliates in connection with claims relating to the purchase or use of blu brand e-cigarettes. ITG also agreed to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and limitations, RAI and its affiliates in actions filed after June 12, 2023, relating to the purchase or use of one or more of the WINSTON, KOOL, SALEM, or MAVERICK cigarette brands after June 12, 2015.

Loews Indemnity . In 2008, Loews Corporation, referred to as Loews, entered into an agreement with Lorillard, Lorillard Tobacco, and certain of their affiliates, which agreement is referred to as the Separation Agreement. In the Separation Agreement, Lorillard agreed to indemnify Loews and its officers, directors, employees and agents against all costs and expenses arising out of third party claims (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, interest, penalties and costs of investigation or preparation of defense), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities, taxes, demands, assessments, and amounts paid in settlement based on, arising out of or resulting from, among other things, Loews’s ownership of or the operation of Lorillard and its assets and properties, and its operation or conduct of its businesses at any time prior to or following the separation of Lorillard and Loews (including with respect to any product liability claims). Loews is a defendant in three pending product liability actions, each of which is a putative class action. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Lorillard is required to indemnify Loews for the amount of any losses and any legal or other fees with respect to such cases. Following the closing of the Lorillard Merger, RJR Tobacco assumed Lorillard’s obligations under the Separation Agreement as was required under the Separation Agreement.

Indemnification of Distributors and Retailers. RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, SFNTC, American Snuff Co. and RJR Vapor have entered into agreements to indemnify certain distributors and retailers from liability and related defense costs arising out of the sale or distribution of their products. Additionally, SFNTC has entered into an agreement to indemnify a supplier from liability and related defense costs arising out of the sale or use of SFNTC’s products. The cost has been, and is expected to be, insignificant. RJR Tobacco, SFNTC, American Snuff Co. and RJR Vapor believe that the indemnified claims are substantially similar in nature and extent to the claims that they are already exposed to by virtue of their having manufactured those products.

Except as otherwise noted above, RAI is not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, related to these indemnification obligations.

Lease Commitments

RAI has operating lease agreements that are primarily for automobiles, office space, warehouse space and equipment. The majority of these leases expire within the next five years and some contain renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses or restrictions to subleases. Total rent expense was $27 million, $26 million and $25 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2016 (in millions) were as follows:

 

     Noncancellable
Operating
Leases
 

2017

   $ 20  

2018

     3  

2019

     2  

2020

     1  

2021

     1  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 27  
  

 

 

 

Note 14 — Shareholders’ Equity

RAI’s authorized capital stock at December 31, 2016 and 2015, consisted of 100 million shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, and 3.2 billion shares of common stock, par value $.0001 per share. Four million shares of the preferred stock are designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, none of which is issued or outstanding. The Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock will rank junior as to dividends and upon liquidation to all other series of RAI preferred stock, unless specified otherwise. Also, of the preferred stock, one million shares are designated as Series B Preferred Stock, all of which are issued and outstanding. The Series B Preferred Stock ranks senior upon liquidation, but not with respect to dividends, to all other series of RAI capital stock, unless specified otherwise. As a part of the B&W business combination, RJR is the holder of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock. In each of 2016, 2015 and 2014, RAI declared $43 million in dividends to RJR with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock.

RAI’s board of directors declared the following quarterly cash dividends per share of RAI common stock in 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

     2016      2015      2014  

First

   $ 0.42      $ 0.335      $ 0.335  

Second

     0.42        0.335        0.335  

Third

     0.46        0.360        0.335  

Fourth

     0.46        0.360        0.335  

 

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, were as follows:

 

     Retirement
Benefits
    Long-Term
Investments
    Hedging
Instruments
    Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
and Other
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $ (294   $ (14   $ (12   $ (44   $ (364

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     (78                 (25     (103

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     128             1             129  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

     50             1       (25     26  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

     (244     (14     (11     (69     (338
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     (18                 (17     (35

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     7       14       11       27       59  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

     (11     14       11       10       24  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $ (255   $     $     $ (59   $ (314
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

 

     Amounts Reclassified      

Components

   2016     2015     2014    

Affected Line Item

Retirement benefits:

        

Amortization of prior service cost

   $ (20   $ (20   $ (21   Cost of products sold

Amortization of prior service cost

     (19     (19     (18   Selling, general and administrative expenses

Settlement cost

     2                 Selling, general and administrative expenses

MTM adjustment

     21       120       205     Cost of products sold

 

MTM adjustment

     24       126       247     Selling, general and administrative expenses
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
     8       207       413     Operating income

Deferred taxes

     (1     (79     (162   Provision for income taxes
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

     7       128       251     Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Long-term investments:

        

Realized loss, net on long-term investments

     24                 Other (income) expense, net

Deferred taxes

     (10               Provision for income taxes
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

     14                 Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

        

Forward starting interest rate contracts

     16                 Other (income) expense, net

Amortization of realized loss

     1       2       2     Interest and debt expense
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
     17       2       2     Income from continuing operations before income taxes

Deferred taxes

     (6     (1     (1   Provision for income taxes
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

     11       1       1     Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Cumulative translation adjustment and other:

        

Derecognition of cumulative translation adjustment

     27                 Gain on divestitures
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

   $ 59     $ 129     $ 252     Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Share Repurchases and Other

In November 2011, RAI, B&W and BAT entered into Amendment No. 3 to the governance agreement dated as of July 30, 2004, as amended, referred to as the Governance Agreement, pursuant to which RAI has agreed that, so long as the beneficial ownership interest of BAT and its subsidiaries in RAI has not dropped below 25%, if RAI issues shares of its common stock or any other RAI equity security to certain designated persons, including its directors, officers or employees, then RAI will repurchase a number of shares of outstanding RAI common stock so that the number of outstanding shares of RAI common stock are not increased, and the beneficial ownership interest of BAT and its subsidiaries in RAI is not decreased, by such issuance after taking into account such repurchase. During 2016, RAI repurchased and cancelled 1,817,846 shares of RAI common stock for $93 million in accordance with the Governance Agreement.

 

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Restricted stock units granted in March 2013, May 2015, September 2014 and January 2016 under the Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, referred to as the Omnibus Plan, vested in March 2016, May 2016, September 2016 and December 2016, respectively, and were settled with the issuance of 2,938,567 shares of RAI common stock. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2016, at a cost of $58 million, RAI purchased 1,146,978 shares of RAI common stock that were forfeited and cancelled with respect to tax liabilities associated with restricted stock units vesting under the Omnibus Plan.

On July 25, 2016, the board of directors of RAI authorized the repurchase, from time to time, on or before December 31, 2018, of up to $2 billion of outstanding shares of RAI common stock in open-market or privately negotiated transactions, referred to as the Share Repurchase Program. The purchases are subject to prevailing market and business conditions, and the program may be terminated or suspended at any time. In connection with the Share Repurchase Program, B&W and Louisville Securities Limited, referred to as LSL, wholly owned subsidiaries of BAT, entered into an agreement, referred to as the Share Repurchase Agreement, with RAI, pursuant to which BAT and its subsidiaries will participate in the Share Repurchase Program on a basis approximately proportionate with BAT and its subsidiaries’ ownership of RAI’s common stock. During 2016, RAI repurchased 1,565,698 shares of RAI common stock for $75 million in accordance with the Share Repurchase Program. The Merger Agreement places restrictions on RAI’s ability to repurchase its common stock. As a result, RAI does not expect to make repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program while the Merger Agreement is in effect.

Due to RAI’s incorporation in North Carolina, which does not recognize treasury shares, the shares repurchased were cancelled at the time of repurchase.

Changes in RAI common stock outstanding were as follows:

 

     2016     2015     2014  

Shares outstanding at beginning of year

     1,427,341,341       1,062,567,026       1,076,106,048  

Omnibus Plan tax shares repurchased and cancelled

     (1,146,978     (1,111,835     (1,108,084

Omnibus Plan shares issued from vesting of restricted stock units

     2,938,567       2,870,927       2,936,588  

Issuance of additional shares as Lorillard Merger Consideration

           209,413,694        

Issuance of additional shares for BAT Share Purchase

           155,360,518        

Shares repurchased and cancelled

     (3,383,544     (1,822,197     (15,431,526

Equity incentive award plan shares issued

     75,569       63,208       64,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares outstanding at end of year

     1,425,824,955       1,427,341,341       1,062,567,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 15 — Stock Plans

As of December 31, 2016, RAI had two stock plans, the Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors of RAI, referred to as the EIAP, and the Omnibus Plan.

Under the EIAP, RAI currently provides grants of deferred stock units to eligible directors on a quarterly and annual basis, with the annual grant being made generally on the date of RAI’s annual shareholders’ meeting. Prior to September 13, 2012, upon election to RAI’s board of directors, an eligible director received an initial grant of 3,500 deferred stock units under the EIAP. After September 13, 2012, grants are no longer made to directors upon their initial election to the board of directors, but eligible directors initially elected to RAI’s board of directors after such date on a date other than the annual meeting date, and who, therefore, are not eligible to receive the annual stock award for such year, now receive a pro rata portion of the annual award upon election.

 

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Directors may elect to receive shares of common stock in lieu of their initial and annual grants of deferred stock units. A maximum of 4,000,000 shares, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, of common stock may be issued under this plan, of which 1,904,424 shares were available for grant as of December 31, 2016. Deferred stock units granted under the EIAP have a value equal to, and bear dividend equivalents at the same rate as, one share of RAI common stock, and have no voting rights. The dividends are paid as additional units in an amount equal to the number of shares of RAI common stock that could be purchased with the dividends on the date of payment. Generally, distribution of a director’s deferred stock units will be made on January 2 following his or her last year of service on the board; however, for all grants made under the EIAP after December 31, 2007, a director may elect to receive his or her deferred stock units on the later of January 2 of a specified year or January 2 following his or her last year of service on the board. At the election of a director, distribution may be made in one lump sum or in up to ten annual installments. A director is paid in cash for the units granted quarterly and in common stock for the units granted initially and annually, unless the director elects to receive cash for the initial and annual grants. Cash payments are based on the average closing price of RAI common stock during December of the year preceding payment. Compensation expense related to the EIAP was $14 million, $15 million and $10 million during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Awards to key employees under the Omnibus Plan may be in the form of cash awards, incentive or non-incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units or other awards. Subject to adjustments as set forth in the Omnibus Plan, the number of shares of RAI common stock that may be issued with respect to awards under the Omnibus Plan will not exceed 76,000,000 shares in the aggregate. Upon retirement, a holder’s grant under the Omnibus Plan generally vests on a pro rata basis for the portion of the vesting service period that has elapsed, thereby maintaining an appropriate approximation of forfeitures related to retirement.

Information regarding restricted stock unit awards outstanding as of December 31, 2016, under the Omnibus Plan was as follows:

 

Grant Year

   Number of
Shares
Granted
     Grant
Price
Per Share
    

Vesting Date

   Number of
Shares
Cancelled and
Vested
     Cumulative
Dividends
Per Share
    

Ending Date of

Performance Period

Three-year grants

                 

2014

     2,098,696      $ 26.645      March 3, 2017      504,776      $     4.02      December 31, 2016

2014

     51,814      $ 29.365      March 3, 2017           $ 3.02      December 31, 2016

2015

     1,386,180      $ 37.940      March 2, 2018      169,217      $ 4.02      December 31, 2017

2015

     17,196      $ 36.300      March 2, 2018           $ 4.02      December 31, 2017

2016

     1,071,544      $ 50.490      March 1, 2019      83,454      $ 5.04      December 31, 2018

2016

     4,898      $ 50.130      March 1, 2019           $ 4.62      December 31, 2018

2016

     1,727      $ 51.030      March 1, 2019           $ 4.20      December 31, 2018

2016

     4,581      $ 50.550      March 1, 2019           $ 4.20      December 31, 2018

2016

     21,249      $ 55.100      March 1, 2019           $ 3.78      December 31, 2018

2016

     1,366      $ 56.040      March 1, 2019           $ 3.36      December 31, 2018

One-year grant

                 

2016

     164,841      $ 56.040      May 1, 2017           $ 1.68      April 30, 2017

Other grants

                 

2014

     74,266      $ 29.365      September 30, 2018             N/A      N/A

2016

     23,605      $ 46.930      December 15, 2017             N/A      N/A

2016

     16,094      $ 46.930      December 15, 2018             N/A      N/A

2016

     10,551      $ 55.100      December 15, 2017             N/A      N/A

2016

     10,550      $ 55.100      December 15, 2018             N/A      N/A

 

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Three-Year Grants and Other Grants

The grant date fair value was based on the per share closing price of RAI common stock on the date of grant. The actual number of shares granted is fixed. As an equity-based grant, compensation expense includes the vesting period lapsed. There were no shares issued during 2016 with respect to awards outstanding as of December 31, 2016. All outstanding grants will be settled exclusively in RAI common stock.

Upon settlement, each grantee of the three-year grants will receive a number of shares of RAI’s common stock equal to the product of the number of vested units and a percentage up to 150% based on the average RAI annual incentive award plan score over the three-year period ending on December 31 of the year prior to the vesting date. The other grants do not contain a performance measure.

One-Year Grant

The actual number of shares granted is fixed. As an equity-based grant, compensation expense will take into account the vesting period lapsed and will be calculated based on the per share closing price of RAI common stock as of the end of each quarter, which was $56.04 as of December 31, 2016. There were no shares issued during 2016 with respect to awards outstanding as of December 31, 2016. All outstanding grants will be settled exclusively in RAI common stock.

Upon settlement, the grantee will receive a number of shares of RAI’s common stock equal to the product of the number of vested units and a percentage up to 200% based on the overall performance of RAI and its subsidiaries during the one-year performance period beginning May 1, 2016, and ending April 30, 2017, against RAI’s 2016 annual incentive award program metrics and other performance factors.

Restricted Stock Unit Dividends

Dividends paid on shares of RAI common stock will accumulate on the restricted stock units and be paid to the grantee on the vesting date. If RAI fails to pay its shareholders cumulative dividends of at least the amounts shown above, then each award will be reduced by an amount equal to three times the percentage of the dividend underpayment, up to a maximum reduction of 50%. Dividends are accrued on the grants and included in other current liabilities, based on the vesting date of less than one year, and in other noncurrent liabilities, based on the vesting date of greater than one year, in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The changes in the number of RAI restricted stock units during 2016 were as follows:

 

     Number of
Stock Units
    Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     5,147,400     $ 28.42  

Granted

     1,354,611       51.15  

Forfeited

     (224,490     39.21  

Vested

     (2,075,810     25.11  
  

 

 

   

Outstanding at end of year

     4,201,711       36.81  
  

 

 

   

 

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Total compensation expense related to stock-based compensation and the related tax benefits recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income as of December 31, were as follows:

 

Grant/Type

   2016      2015      2014  

2011 restricted stock units

   $      $      $ 3  

2012 restricted stock units

            3        14  

2013 restricted stock units

     3        20        15  

2014 restricted stock units

     20        32        24  

2015 restricted stock units

     30        24         

2016 restricted stock units

     24                
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total compensation expense

   $ 77      $ 79      $ 56  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total related tax benefits

   $ 27      $ 28      $ 20  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The amounts related to the unvested Omnibus Plan restricted stock unit grants included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, were as follows:

 

     2016      2015  

Other current liabilities

   $ 10      $ 10  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     7        8  

Paid-in capital

     111        110  

As of December 31, 2016, there were $63 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units, calculated at the grant-date price, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. The excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation were $28 million, $17 million and $12 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

There are no outstanding options under the EIAP or the Omnibus Plan, and as a result there was no share option activity during 2016 and 2015.

Equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2016, was as follows:

 

Plan Category

   Number of
Securities
to be Issued
Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants
and Rights
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options,
Warrants

and Rights
     Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
under  Equity
Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities
Reflected in
Column (a))
 
     (a)     (b)      (c)  

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders

     6,317,451 (2)    $        62,307,352  

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders (1)

                  1,904,424  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     6,317,451 (2)             64,211,776  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

(1) The EIAP was approved by RJR’s sole shareholder, Nabisco Group Holdings Corp., prior to RJR’s spin-off on June 15, 1999.
(2) Consists of restricted stock units. These restricted stock units represent the maximum number of shares to be awarded under the best-case targets, and accordingly, may overstate expected dilution.

 

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Note 16 — Retirement Benefits

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

RAI sponsors a number of non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees of RAI and its subsidiaries. RAI and a subsidiary provide health and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees of RAI and its subsidiaries and their dependents. These benefits are generally no longer provided to employees hired on or after January 1, 2004.

The changes in benefit obligations and plan assets, as well as the funded status of these plans at December 31 were as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
     2016     2015         2016               2015      

Change in benefit obligations:

        

Obligations at beginning of year

   $ 6,738     $ 6,389     $ 1,210     $ 1,251  

Service cost

     16       26       2       2  

Interest cost

     295       275       49       50  

Actuarial (gain) loss

     95       (270     (12     (120

Merger

           756             111  

Benefits paid

     (434     (431     (87     (84

Settlements

     (36     (7            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Obligations at end of year

   $ 6,674     $ 6,738     $ 1,162     $ 1,210  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 5,351     $ 5,309     $ 241     $ 259  

Actual return on plan assets

     432       (131     10       (1

Employer contributions

     335       18       66       67  

Merger

           593              

Benefits paid

     (434     (431     (87     (84

Settlements

     (36     (7            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 5,648     $ 5,351     $ 230     $ 241  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status

   $ (1,026   $ (1,387   $ (932   $ (969
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the pension benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For the postretirement benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.

As of December 31, 2016, the improvement in pension benefits funded status is primarily due to employer contributions, updated mortality and other assumptions and higher return on plan assets partially offset by the decrease in the discount rate.

As of December 31, 2016, the improvement in postretirement benefits funded status is primarily due to updated mortality and health-care claims assumptions offset by the decrease in the discount rate.

As of December 31, 2015, the decline in pension benefits funded status is primarily a result of the acquired plans from the Lorillard Merger, lower return on plan assets, and updated assumptions offset by the increase in the discount rate.

As of December 31, 2015, the improvement in postretirement benefits funded status is primarily a result of the increase in the discount rate and updated assumptions offset by the acquired plans from the Lorillard Merger.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The changes in net actuarial (gain) loss impacted the funded status as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
     2016     2015           2016                 2015        

Net actuarial (gain) loss:

        

Change in discount rate

   $ 266     $ (287   $ 38     $ (37

Change in mortality table

     (101     (128     (14     (21

Actual return on plan assets

     (432     131       (10     1  

Expected return on plan assets

     372       373       12       12  

Other

     (69     145       (37     (62
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net actuarial (gain) loss

   $ 36     $ 234     $ (11   $ (107
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
     2016     2015     2016     2015  

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

        

Accrued benefit — other current liabilities

   $ (11   $ (10   $ (78   $ (81

Accrued benefit — long-term retirement benefits

     (1,015     (1,377     (854     (888
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

     (1,026     (1,387     (932     (969

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     616       636       (146     (183
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets

   $ (410   $ (751   $ (1,078   $ (1,152
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows as of December 31:

 

     2016     2015  
     Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
    Total  

Prior service cost (credit)

   $ 7     $ (95   $ (88   $ 10     $ (137   $ (127

Net actuarial (gain) loss

     609       (51     558       626       (46     580  

Deferred income taxes

     (256     41       (215     (262     53       (209
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ 360     $ (105   $ 255     $ 374     $ (130   $ 244  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

 

     2016     2015  
     Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
    Total     Pension
Benefits
    Postretirement
Benefits
    Total  

Net actuarial (gain) loss

   $ 36     $ (11   $ 25     $ 234     $ (107   $ 127  

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     (3     42       39       (3     42       39  

Prior service cost (credit)

                             (1     (1

Settlement cost

     (2           (2     (1           (1

MTM adjustment

     (51     6       (45     (246           (246

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

     6       (12     (6     6       26       32  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (14   $ 25     $ 11     $ (10   $ (40   $ (50
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The pension MTM adjustment expense in 2016 is primarily a result of a decrease in the discount rate and was partially offset by pension asset return gains of $432 million versus an expected return of $372 million and updated mortality and other assumptions. The postretirement MTM adjustment gain in 2016 is primarily a result of updated mortality and health-care claims assumptions and was partially offset by a decrease in the discount rate.

The MTM adjustment expense in 2015 is primarily a result of pension asset return losses of $131 million versus an expected return of $373 million and was partially offset by an increase in the discount rate.

In March 2010, the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act, referred to as the PPACA, as amended by the Health Care and Reconciliation Act of 2010, was signed into law. The PPACA mandates health-care reforms with staggered effective dates from 2010 to 2018. The additional postretirement liability resulting from the material impacts of the PPACA have been included in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Given the complexity of the PPACA and the extended time period in which implementation is expected to occur, further adjustments to the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation may be necessary in the future.

 

     Pension Benefits   Postretirement Benefits
     2016   2015         2016               2015      

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:

        

Discount rate

   4.16%   4.54%   4.12%   4.47%

Rate of compensation increase

   4.00%   4.00%    

The measurement date used for all plans was December 31.

Pension plans experiencing accumulated benefit obligations, which represent benefits earned to date, in excess of plan assets are summarized below:

 

     December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 6,674      $ 6,738  

Accumulated benefit obligation

     6,625        6,684  

Plan assets

     5,648        5,351  

The components of the total benefit cost (income) and assumptions are set forth below:

 

     Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
     2016     2015     2014       2016       2015       2014    

Service cost

   $ 16     $ 26     $ 21       2       2     $ 2  

Interest cost

     295       275       266       49       50       53  

Expected return on plan assets

     (372     (373     (360     (12     (12     (12

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     3       3       3       (42     (42     (42

Settlements

     2       1                          

MTM adjustment

     51       246       420       (6           32  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total benefit cost (income)

   $ (5   $ 178     $ 350     $ (9   $ (2   $ 33  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The estimated amortization of prior service cost for the pension plans is expected to be $3 million during 2017. The estimated amortization of prior service credit for the postretirement plans is expected to be $36 million during 2017.

 

     Pension Benefits      Postretirement Benefits  
     2016      2015(1)      2014      2016      2015 (1)      2014  

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for years ended December 31:

                 

Discount rate

     4.54%        4.14%        4.92%        4.47%        4.12%        4.87%  

Expected long-term return on plan assets

     6.82%        6.83%        7.13%        4.60%        4.85%        4.85%  

Rate of compensation increase

     4.00%        4.00%        4.00%                       

 

(1) Determined as of the beginning of year and adjusted for the Lorillard Merger in 2015.

Additional information relating to RAI’s significant postretirement plans is as follows:

 

     2016     2015  

Weighted-average health-care cost trend rate assumed for the following year

     7.00     7.00

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

     5.00     5.00

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

     2025       2020  

Assumed health-care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health-care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health-care cost trend rates would have had the following effects at December 31, 2016:

 

     1-Percentage
Point
Increase
     1-Percentage
Point
Decrease
 

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

   $ 2      $ (2

Effect on benefit obligation

     58        (49

During 2017, RAI expects to contribute $111 million to its pension plans and $78 million to its postretirement plans.

Estimated future benefit payments:

 

            Postretirement Benefits  

Year

   Pension
Benefits
     Gross Projected
Benefit Payments
Before Medicare
Part D Subsidies
     Expected
Medicare
Part D
Subsidies
     Net Projected
Benefit Payments
After Medicare
Part D Subsidies
 

2017

   $ 447      $ 105      $ (2    $ 103  

2018

     443        90        (2      88  

2019

     439        87        (2      85  

2020

     436        85        (2      83  

2021

     431        83        (2      81  
2022-2026      2,082        386        (11      375  

Pension and Postretirement Assets

RAI generally uses a hypothetical bond matching analysis to determine the discount rate. The discount rate modeling process involves selecting a portfolio of high quality corporate bonds whose cash flows, via coupons and maturities, match the projected cash flows of the obligations.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

The overall expected long-term rate of return on asset assumptions for pension and postretirement assets are based on: (1) the target asset allocation for plan assets, (2) long-term capital markets forecasts for asset classes employed, and (3) excess return expectations of active management to the extent asset classes are actively managed.

Plan assets are invested using active investment strategies and multiple investment management firms. Managers within each asset class cover a range of investment styles and approaches and are combined in a way that controls for capitalization, style bias, and interest rate exposures, while focusing primarily on security selection as a means to add value. Risk is controlled through diversification among asset classes, managers, investment styles and securities. Risk is further controlled both at the manager and asset class level by assigning excess return and tracking error targets against related benchmark indices. Investment manager performance is evaluated against these targets.

RAI employs a risk mitigation strategy, which seeks to balance pension plan returns with a reasonable level of funded status volatility. Based on this framework, the asset allocation has two primary components. The first component is the “hedging portfolio,” which uses extended duration fixed income holdings and derivatives to match a portion of the interest rate risk associated with the benefit obligations, thereby reducing expected funded status volatility. The second component is the “return seeking portfolio,” which is designed to enhance portfolio returns. The return seeking portfolio is broadly diversified across asset classes.

Allowable investment types include domestic equity, international equity, global equity, emerging market equity, fixed income, real assets, private equity, absolute return and commodities. The range of allowable investment types utilized for pension assets provides enhanced returns and more widely diversifies the plan. Domestic equities are composed of common stocks of large, medium and small companies. International equities include equity securities issued by companies domiciled outside the United States and in depository receipts, which represent ownership of securities of non-U.S. companies. Global equities include a combination of both domestic and international equities. Emerging market equities are comprised of stocks that are domiciled in less developed, fast growing countries. Fixed income includes corporate debt obligations, fixed income securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, and to a lesser extent by non-U.S. governments, mortgage backed securities, high yield securities, asset backed securities, municipal bonds and dollar-denominated obligations issued in the United States by non-U.S. banks and corporations. Real assets consist of publicly traded real estate investment trust securities, private real estate investments and private energy investments. Private equity consists of the unregistered securities of private and public companies. Absolute return investments are diversified portfolios utilizing multiple strategies that invest primarily in public securities, including equities and fixed income. Commodities utilize futures contracts to invest in a variety of energy, metal and agricultural goods.

For pension assets, futures and forward contracts are used for portfolio rebalancing and to approach fully invested portfolio positions. Otherwise, a small number of investment managers employ limited use of derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures, forward contracts and interest rate swaps in place of direct investment in securities to gain efficient exposure to markets.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

RAI’s pension and postretirement plans asset allocations at December 31, 2016 and 2015, by asset category were as follows:

 

     Pension Plans  
     2016 Target (1)     2016     2015 Target (1)     2015  

Asset Category:

        

Domestic equities

     10     12     10     10

International equities

     8     8     8     7

Global equities

     9     12     9     11

Emerging market equities

     3     2     3     2

Fixed income

     53     53     53     53

Absolute return

     6     7     6     8

Private equity

     2     2     2     2

Real assets

     5     4     5     5

Commodities

     4           4     2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Postretirement Plans  
     2016 Target (1)     2016     2015 Target (1)     2015  

Asset Category:

        

Domestic equities

     21     22     21     20

International equities

     21     20     21     21

Fixed income

     55     51     55     54

Cash and other

     3     7     3     5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Allows for a rebalancing range of up to 5 percentage points around target asset allocations.

RAI’s pension and postretirement plan assets, excluding uninvested cash and unsettled trades, carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, were as follows (1) :

 

    2016     2015  

Pension Plans

  Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Asset Category:

               

Domestic equities

  $ 457     $     $     $ 457     $ 410     $     $     $ 410  

Global equities

    635                   635       585                   585  

International equities

    137                   137       144                   144  

Real assets

    23                   23       21                   21  

Agency bonds

          29             29             18             18  

Asset backed securities

          52       1       53             90       3       93  

Corporate bonds

          1,797       1       1,798             1,718       1       1,719  

Government bonds

          78             78             91             91  

High yield fixed income

          20             20             19             19  

Mortgage backed securities

          75             75             41             41  

Municipal bonds

          201             201             201             201  

Treasuries

          554             554             550             550  

Cash equivalents and other

    28       332       2       362       33       90       2       125  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments in the fair value hierarchy

  $ 1,280     $ 3,138     $ 4       4,422     $ 1,193     $ 2,818     $ 6       4,017  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Investments measured at net asset value (2)

          1,250             1,282  
       

 

 

         

 

 

 

Total

        $ 5,672           $ 5,299  
       

 

 

         

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

     2016      2015  

Postretirement Plans

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Asset Category:

                       

Short-term bonds

   $ 8      $      $      $ 8      $ 13      $      $      $ 13  

Cash equivalents and other

            7               7               6               6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments in the fair value hierarchy

   $ 8      $ 7      $        15      $ 13      $ 6      $        19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Investments measured at net asset value (2)

              205                 216  
           

 

 

             

 

 

 

Total

            $ 220               $ 235  
           

 

 

             

 

 

 

 

(1) See note 1 for additional information on the fair value hierarchy.
(2) Prior-year amounts were reclassified in accordance with the adoption of ASU 2015-07.

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no transfers among the fair value hierarchy levels.

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of pension and postretirement assets classified as Level 1 was determined using a combination of third party pricing services for certain domestic equities, global equities, international equities, real assets and cash equivalents and other.

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of pension and postretirement assets classified as Level 2 was determined using a combination of third party pricing services for certain agency bonds, asset backed securities, corporate bonds, government bonds, high yield fixed income, mortgage backed securities, municipal bonds, treasuries and cash equivalents and other.

The fair value of assets classified as asset backed securities, corporate bonds and other, classified as Level 3, was determined primarily using an income approach that utilized cash flow models and benchmarking strategies. This approach utilized inputs, including market-based interest rate curves, corporate credit spreads and corporate ratings. Additionally, unobservable factors incorporated into these models included default probability assumptions, potential recovery, discount rates and other entity specific factors.

In instances where the plans have invested in commingled pools, the net asset value was used as the practical expedient and no adjustments were made to the provided fair value. This approach utilized the net asset value of the underlying investment fund adjusted by the investment manager for restrictions or illiquidity of the disposition of the interest, if any, valuations provided by the fund’s cash flows, and the rights and obligations of the ownership interest of the fund.

Transfers of pension and postretirement plan assets in and out of Level 3 during 2016, by asset category were as follows (1) :

 

     Balance as of
January 1, 2016
     Purchases,
Sales,

Issuances and
Settlements
(net)
     Realized
Gains (Losses)
    Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
    Transferred
From Other
Levels
     Balance as of
December 31, 2016
 

Asset backed securities

   $ 3      $      $     $ (2   $      $ 1  

Corporate bonds

     1                                  1  

Other

     2               (28     28              2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6      $      $ (28   $ 26     $      $ 4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Transfers of pension and postretirement plan assets in and out of Level 3 during 2015, by asset category were as follows (1):

 

     Balance as of
January 1, 2015
     Purchases,
Sales,

Issuances and
Settlements
(net)
    Realized
Gains
(Losses)
     Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
     Transferred
From
Other

Levels
     Balance as of
December 31, 2015
 

Asset backed securities

   $ 3      $     $      $      $      $ 3  

Corporate bonds

     2        (1                          1  

Other

     2                                   2  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7      $ (1   $      $      $      $ 6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) See note 1 for additional information on the fair value hierarchy.

Defined Contribution Plans

RAI sponsors qualified defined contribution plans. The expense related to these plans was $41 million in 2016, $40 million in 2015 and $37 million in 2014. Included in the plans is a non-leveraged employee stock ownership plan, which holds shares of the Reynolds Stock Fund. Participants can elect to contribute to the fund. Dividends paid on shares are reflected as a reduction of equity. All shares are considered outstanding for earnings per share computations.

Note 17 — Segment Information

RAI’s reportable operating segments are RJR Tobacco, Santa Fe and American Snuff. The RJR Tobacco segment consists of the primary operations of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The Santa Fe segment consists of the primary operations of SFNTC. The American Snuff segment consists of the primary operations of American Snuff Co. Included in All Other, among other RAI subsidiaries, are RJR Vapor, Niconovum USA, Inc., Niconovum AB, and until their sale on January 13, 2016, SFRTI and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI. The segments were identified based on how RAI’s chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. Certain of RAI’s operating subsidiaries have entered into intercompany agreements for products or services with other subsidiaries. As a result, certain activities of an operating subsidiary may be included in a different segment of RAI.

RAI’s largest reportable operating segment, RJR Tobacco, is the second largest tobacco company in the United States. Its brands include three of the top four best-selling cigarettes in the United States: NEWPORT, CAMEL and PALL MALL. These brands, and its other brands, including DORAL, MISTY and CAPRI, are manufactured in a variety of styles and marketed in the United States. As part of its total tobacco strategy, RJR Tobacco also offers a smoke-free tobacco product, CAMEL Snus. RJR Tobacco manages contract manufacturing of cigarette and tobacco products through arrangements with BAT affiliates, and manages the export of tobacco products to U.S. territories, U.S. duty-free shops and U.S. overseas military bases. RJR Tobacco also manages the super-premium cigarettes, DUNHILL and STATE EXPRESS 555, which are licensed from BAT. For additional information regarding related parties, see note 18.

Santa Fe manufactures and markets super-premium cigarettes and other tobacco products under the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand in the United States.

American Snuff is the second largest smokeless tobacco products manufacturer in the United States. American Snuff’s primary brands include its largest selling moist snuff brands, GRIZZLY and KODIAK.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

RJR Vapor is a marketer of digital vapor cigarettes, manufactured on its behalf by RJR Tobacco, under the VUSE brand name in the United States. Niconovum USA, Inc. and Niconovum AB are marketers of nicotine replacement therapy products in the United States and Sweden, respectively, under the ZONNIC brand name.

SFRTI and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI distributed the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand outside the United States. On January 13, 2016, RAI, through the Sellers, completed the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with the international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States to JTI Holding, in an all-cash transaction of approximately $5 billion and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.9 billion. See note 3 for additional information.

Intersegment revenues and items below the operating income line of the consolidated statements of income are not presented by segment, since they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by RAI’s chief operating decision maker. Additionally, information about total assets by segment is not reviewed by RAI’s chief operating decision maker and therefore is not disclosed.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Segment Data:

 

     2016     2015     2014  

Net sales:

      

RJR Tobacco

   $ 10,314     $ 8,634     $ 6,767  

Santa Fe

     973       818       658  

American Snuff

     914       855       783  

All Other

     302       368       263  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated net sales

   $ 12,503     $ 10,675     $ 8,471  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

      

RJR Tobacco (1)(2)

   $ 4,922     $ 3,359     $ 2,173  

Santa Fe

     546       449       337  

American Snuff (2)

     541       502       438  

All Other (3)

     (145     (265     (234

Gain on divestitures

     4,861       3,181        

Corporate Expense (2)

     (156     (273     (183
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated operating income

   $ 10,569     $ 6,953     $ 2,531  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash capital expenditures:

      

RJR Tobacco

   $ 130     $ 84     $ 53  

Santa Fe

     12       16       7  

American Snuff

     22       10       12  

All Other

     42       64       132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated capital expenditures

   $ 206     $ 174     $ 204  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense:

      

RJR Tobacco

   $ 77     $ 71     $ 65  

Santa Fe

     4       3       3  

American Snuff

     16       17       17  

All Other

     26       31       21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense

   $ 123     $ 122     $ 106  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before income taxes:

      

Consolidated operating income (1)(2)(3)

   $ 10,569     $ 6,953     $ 2,531  

Interest and debt expense

     626       570       286  

Interest income

     (8     (6     (3

Other (income) expense, net

     260       5       (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

   $ 9,691     $ 6,384     $ 2,262  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes NPM Adjustment credits of $388 million, $293 million and $341 million for RJR Tobacco for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2) Includes MTM adjustment expense of $42 million for RJR Tobacco and $3 million for Corporate Expense for the year ended December 31, 2016. Includes MTM adjustment expense of $229 million for RJR Tobacco, $1 million for American Snuff and $16 million for Corporate Expense and All Other for the year ended December 31, 2015. Includes MTM adjustment expense of $422 million for RJR Tobacco, $4 million for American Snuff and $26 million for Corporate Expense and All Other for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(3) Includes $99 million of asset impairment and exit charges for the year ended December 31, 2015. See note 6.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Sales to McLane Company, Inc., a distributor, constituted approximately 28% of RAI’s consolidated revenue in each of 2016 and 2015 and 31% in 2014. Sales to Core-Mark International, Inc., a distributor, represented approximately 14%, 10% and 11% of RAI’s consolidated revenue in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. McLane Company, Inc. and Core-Mark International, Inc. are customers of RJR Tobacco, Santa Fe and American Snuff. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of RAI’s consolidated revenue during those periods.

RAI’s operating subsidiaries’ sales to foreign countries, primarily to related parties, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $351 million, $482 million and $497 million, respectively.

Note 18 — Related Party Transactions

RAI and RAI’s operating subsidiaries engage in transactions with affiliates of BAT. BAT, through wholly owned subsidiaries, beneficially owns approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock. The following is a summary of balances and transactions with such BAT affiliates as of and for the years ended December 31:

 

     2016      2015  

Current Balances:

     

Accounts receivable, related party

   $ 113      $ 38  

Due to related party

     7        9  

Deferred revenue, related party

     66        33  

Other current liabilities

            2  

Long-term Balances:

     

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

   $ 39      $  

 

     2016      2015      2014  

Significant Transactions:

        

Net sales

   $ 226      $ 259      $ 311  

Purchases

     21        38        28  

BAT Share Purchase

            4,673         

Share repurchase agreements

     32               155  

Research and development services billings

     1        3        4  

RJR Tobacco sells contract-manufactured cigarettes, tobacco leaf and processed tobacco to BAT affiliates. In December 2012, RJR Tobacco entered into an amendment to its contract manufacturing agreement (relating to the production of cigarettes to be sold in Japan) with a BAT affiliate, which amendment, among other things, requires either party to provide three years’ notice to the other party to terminate the agreement without cause, with any such notice to be given no earlier than January 1, 2016. On January 4, 2016, RJR Tobacco received written notice from a BAT affiliate terminating that contract manufacturing agreement effective January 5, 2019. In July 2016, RJR Tobacco further amended the contract manufacturing agreement with a BAT affiliate to permit an early transition of the cigarette production covered by the agreement to BAT facilities over several months beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016. The amendment provides for a BAT affiliate to make a payment to RJR Tobacco of $89.6 million, in exchange for RJR Tobacco’s commitment to provide contingent manufacturing capacity to a BAT affiliate through December 31, 2018. Of this amount, $40.2 million was recorded as current deferred revenue and $38.9 million was recorded as long-term deferred revenue in RAI’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. The first installment of $7.4 million was received in September 2016. The second installment of $82.2 million is due on or before March 31, 2017. RJR Tobacco will recognize the income ratably from the effective date of the amendment to December 31, 2018. Net sales to BAT affiliates, primarily cigarettes, represented approximately 2% of RAI’s total net sales in each of 2016 and 2015, and 4% in 2014.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

RJR Tobacco recorded deferred sales revenue relating to leaf sold to BAT affiliates that had not been delivered as of December 31, in each of 2016, 2015 and 2014, given that RJR Tobacco has a legal right to bill the BAT affiliates. Leaf sales revenue to BAT affiliates is recognized when the product is shipped to the customer.

RAI’s operating subsidiaries also purchase unprocessed leaf at market prices, and import cigarettes at prices not to exceed manufacturing costs plus 10%, from BAT affiliates.

RJR Tobacco performs certain research and development for BAT affiliates pursuant to a joint technology sharing agreement entered into as a part of the B&W business combination. These services were billed to BAT affiliates and were recorded in RJR Tobacco’s selling, general and administrative expenses, net of associated costs.

In January 2016, prior to the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand to JTI, SFRTI paid $6 million to a BAT affiliate pursuant to a contract manufacturing agreement, whereby the BAT affiliate agreed to contract manufacture certain tobacco products for SFRTI. The $6 million fee paid to amend the contract was recognized within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

In connection with the Share Repurchase Program, B&W and LSL, wholly owned subsidiaries of BAT, entered into the Share Repurchase Agreement on July 25, 2016, with RAI, pursuant to which BAT and its subsidiaries will participate in the Share Repurchase Program on a basis approximately proportionate with BAT and its subsidiaries’ ownership of RAI common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Agreement, RAI repurchased 660,385 shares of RAI common stock for $32 million from BAT and its subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Merger Agreement places restrictions on RAI’s ability to repurchase its common stock. As a result, RAI does not expect to make repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program while the Merger Agreement is in effect.

On June 12, 2015, RAI and BAT completed the BAT Share Purchase in connection with the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture. For additional information, see note 2.

In December 2015, RJR Tobacco and Nicoventures Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of BAT, signed a definitive vapor technology-sharing and licensing agreement, pursuant to which the companies collaborate on the development of next generation vapor products.

For information regarding the BAT Merger, see note 22.

Note 19 — RAI Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

The following condensed consolidating financial statements relate to the guaranties of RAI’s $12.7 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes. See note 12 for additional information relating to these notes. Certain of RAI’s direct, wholly owned subsidiaries and certain of its indirectly owned subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally, and jointly and severally, guaranteed these notes. The following condensed consolidating financial statements include: the accounts and activities of RAI, the parent issuer; RJR, RJR Tobacco, SFNTC, American Snuff Co. and certain of RAI’s other subsidiaries, the Guarantors; other direct and indirect subsidiaries of RAI that are not Guarantors; and elimination adjustments.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

          

Net sales

   $     $ 12,209     $ 198     $ (130   $ 12,277  

Net sales, related party

           226                   226  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           12,435       198       (130     12,503  

Cost of products sold

           4,787       185       (131     4,841  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     41       1,721       167       2       1,931  

Gain on divestitures

           (4,843     (16     (2     (4,861

Amortization expense

           22       1             23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (41     10,748       (139     1       10,569  

Interest and debt expense

     619       81       9       (83     626  

Interest income

     (84     (6     (1     83       (8

Other (income) expense, net

     244       (30     3       43       260  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (820     10,703       (150     (42     9,691  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (171     3,840       (51           3,618  

Equity income from subsidiaries

     6,722       4             (6,726      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 6,073     $ 6,867     $ (99   $ (6,768   $ 6,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

          

Net sales

   $     $ 10,319     $ 333     $ (236   $ 10,416  

Net sales, related party

           259                   259  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           10,578       333       (236     10,675  

Cost of products sold

           4,673       248       (233     4,688  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     79       1,738       281             2,098  

Gain on divestitures

           (3,153     (28           (3,181

Amortization expense

           18                   18  

Asset impairment and exit charges

           99                   99  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (79     7,203       (168     (3     6,953  

Interest and debt expense

     559       104       7       (100     570  

Interest income

     (100     (6           100       (6

Other (income) expense, net

     20       (42     (16     43       5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (558     7,147       (159     (46     6,384  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (224     3,417       (62           3,131  

Equity income from subsidiaries

     3,587       46             (3,633      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,253     $ 3,776     $ (97   $ (3,679   $ 3,253  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

          

Net sales

   $     $ 8,109     $ 232     $ (181   $ 8,160  

Net sales, related party

           311                   311  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           8,420       232       (181     8,471  

Cost of products sold

           4,002       235       (179     4,058  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     75       1,535       261             1,871  

Amortization expense

           11                   11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (75     2,872       (264     (2     2,531  

Interest and debt expense

     286       79       6       (85     286  

Interest income

     (85     (3           85       (3

Other (income) expense, net

     4       (44     (17     43       (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (280     2,840       (253     (45     2,262  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (89     1,004       (98           817  

Equity income from subsidiaries

     1,661       26             (1,687      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     1,470       1,862       (155     (1,732     1,445  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

           25                   25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,470     $ 1,887     $ (155   $ (1,732   $ 1,470  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 6,073     $ 6,867     $ (99   $ (6,768   $ 6,073  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

          

Retirement benefits

     (11     (12     (4     16       (11

Long-term investments

     14       14             (14     14  

Hedging instruments

     11                         11  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     10       10       13       (23     10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 6,097     $ 6,879     $ (90   $ (6,789   $ 6,097  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,253     $ 3,776     $ (97   $ (3,679   $ 3,253  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

          

Retirement benefits

     50       50       13       (63     50  

Hedging instruments

     1                         1  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     (25     (27     (37     64       (25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 3,279     $ 3,799     $ (121   $ (3,678   $ 3,279  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,470     $ 1,887     $ (155   $ (1,732   $ 1,470  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

          

Retirement benefits

     (277     (271     (1     272       (277

Long-term investments

     2       2             (2     2  

Hedging instruments

     1                         1  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     (34     (34     (48     82       (34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 1,162     $ 1,584     $ (204   $ (1,380   $ 1,162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the consolidating statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amount Reclassified    

Affected Line Item

    Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated      

Retirement benefits:

           

Amortization of prior service cost

  $     $ (20   $     $     $ (20   Cost of products sold

Amortization of prior service cost

          (19                 (19   Selling, general and administrative expenses

Settlement cost

          2                   2     Selling, general and administrative expenses

MTM adjustment

          21                   21     Cost of products sold

MTM adjustment

    4       26       (6           24     Selling, general and administrative expenses
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    4       10       (6           8     Operating income (loss)

Deferred taxes

          (1                 (1   Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    4       9       (6           7     Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Long-term investments:

           

Realized loss, net on long-term investments

          24                   24     Other (income) expense, net

Deferred taxes

          (10                 (10   Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          14                   14     Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

           

Forward starting interest rate contracts

    16                         16     Other (income) expense, net

Amortization of realized loss

    1                         1     Interest and debt expense
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Deferred taxes

    (6                       (6   Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    11                         11     Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Cumulative translation adjustment and other:

           

Derecognition of cumulative translation adjustment

                27             27     Gain on divestitures
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    44       21             (65         Equity income from subsidiaries
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 59     $ 44     $ 21     $ (65   $ 59     Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the consolidating statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2015, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amount Reclassified     Affected Line Item  
    Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated        

Retirement benefits:

           

Amortization of prior service cost

  $     $ (20   $     $     $ (20     Cost of products sold  

Amortization of prior service cost

          (19                 (19    
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
 
 

MTM adjustment

          120                   120       Cost of products sold  

MTM adjustment

    5       121                   126      
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    5       202                   207       Operating income (loss)  

Deferred taxes

    (1     (78                 (79    
Provision for (benefit
from) income taxes
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    4       124                   128       Net income (loss)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

           

Amortization of realized loss

    2                         2      
Interest and debt
expense
 
 

Deferred taxes

    (1                       (1    
Provision for (benefit
from) income taxes
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    1                         1       Net income (loss)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    124                   (124          
Equity income from
subsidiaries
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 129     $ 124     $     $ (124   $ 129       Net income (loss)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

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Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the consolidating statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amount Reclassified     Affected Line Item  
    Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated        

Retirement benefits:

           

Amortization of prior service cost

  $     $ (21   $     $     $ (21     Cost of products sold  

Amortization of prior service cost

          (18                 (18    
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
 
 

MTM adjustment

          205                   205       Cost of products sold  

MTM adjustment

    10       236       1             247      
Selling, general and
administrative expenses
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    10       402       1             413       Operating income (loss)  

Deferred taxes

    (4     (158                 (162    
Provision for (benefit
from) income taxes
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    6       244       1             251       Net income (loss)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

           

Amortization of realized loss

    2                         2      
Interest and debt
expense
 
 

Deferred taxes

    (1                       (1    
Provision for (benefit
from) income taxes
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    1                         1       Net income (loss)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    245                   (245          
Equity income from
subsidiaries
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 252     $ 244     $ 1     $ (245   $ 252       Net income (loss)  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

G-119


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

          

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

   $ (413   $ 3,162     $ (234   $ (1,235   $ 1,280  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

          

Capital expenditures

           (211     (7     12       (206

Proceeds from settlement of investments

           266                   266  

Proceeds from divestitures

     5,015                         5,015  

Return of intercompany investments

     2,274       26             (2,300      

Contributions to intercompany investments

     (16                 16        

Other, net

     193       24             (214     3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

     7,466       105       (7     (2,486     5,078  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

          

Dividends paid on common stock

     (2,369     (1,152     (28     1,180       (2,369

Repurchase of common stock

     (226                       (226

Repayments of long-term debt

     (415     (85                 (500

Early extinguishment of debt

     (3,642     (8                 (3,650

Premiums paid for early extinguishment of debt

     (206     (1                 (207

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps

           66                   66  

Debt issuance costs and financing fees

     (8                       (8

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

     28                         28  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (43                 43        

Distribution of equity

           (2,274     (26     2,300        

Receipt of equity

                 16       (16      

Other, net

     (21     (360     167       214        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     (6,902     (3,814     129       3,721       (6,866
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                 (8           (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     151       (547     (120           (516

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     575       1,544       448             2,567  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 726     $ 997     $ 328     $     $ 2,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-120


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

          

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

   $ (2,279   $ 3,219     $ 6     $ (750   $ 196  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

          

Capital expenditures

           (160     (12     (2     (174

Proceeds from settlement of investments

           332                   332  

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

     (18,278     1,001       57             (17,220

Proceeds from divestitures

     7,056                         7,056  

Return of intercompany investments

     185                   (185      

Other, net

     10       22             (31     1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

     (11,027     1,195       45       (218     (10,005
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

          

Dividends paid on common stock

     (1,583     (709           709       (1,583

Repurchase of common stock

     (124                       (124

Proceeds from BAT Share Purchase

     4,673                         4,673  

Issuance of long-term debt

     8,975                         8,975  

Repayments of long-term debt

     (450                       (450

Debt issuance costs and financing fees

     (70                       (70

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

     1,400                         1,400  

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility

     (1,400                       (1,400

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

     17                         17  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (43                 43        

Distribution of equity

           (185           185        

Other, net

     2,384       (2,445     30       31        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     13,779       (3,339     30       968       11,438  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                 (28           (28
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     473       1,075       53             1,601  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     102       469       395             966  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 575     $ 1,544     $ 448     $     $ 2,567  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-121


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

          

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

   $ 1,277     $ 1,865     $ (179   $ (1,340   $ 1,623  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

          

Capital expenditures

           (265     (94     155       (204

Proceeds from termination of joint venture

                 35             35  

Proceeds from settlement of investments

           4                   4  

Return of intercompany investments

     165                   (165      

Contributions to intercompany investments

     (32                 32        

Other, net

     250       35       126       (451     (40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

     383       (226     67       (429     (205
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

          

Dividends paid on common stock

     (1,411     (1,301           1,301       (1,411

Repurchase of common stock

     (440                       (440

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

     1,000                         1,000  

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility

     (1,000                       (1,000

Debt issuance costs and financing fees

     (79                       (79

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

     12                         12  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (43                 43        

Distribution of equity

           (165           165        

Receipt of equity

                 32       (32      

Other, net

     (41     (400     149       292        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     (2,002     (1,866     181       1,769       (1,918
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                 (34           (34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (342     (227     35             (534

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     444       696       360             1,500  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 102     $ 469     $ 395     $     $ 966  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-122


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
     Guarantors      Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

December 31, 2016

            

Assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 726      $ 997      $ 328     $     $ 2,051  

Accounts receivable

            62        4             66  

Accounts receivable, related party

            113                    113  

Other receivables

     63        3,572        17       (3,642     10  

Inventories

            1,604        43       (2     1,645  

Other current assets

     112        238              3       353  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     901        6,586        392       (3,641     4,238  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     2        1,314        32             1,348  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

            29,432        14       (2     29,444  

Goodwill

            15,976        16             15,992  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

     1,390        148              (1,538      

Investment in subsidiaries

     36,865        333              (37,198      

Other assets and deferred charges

     80        52        37       (96     73  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 39,238      $ 53,841      $ 491     $ (42,475   $ 51,095  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

            

Accounts payable

   $ 1      $ 213      $ 7     $     $ 221  

Tobacco settlement accruals

            2,498                    2,498  

Due to related party

            7                    7  

Deferred revenue, related party

            66                    66  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     448        53                    501  

Dividends payable on common stock

     656                           656  

Other current liabilities

     3,767        871        40       (3,642     1,036  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,872        3,708        47       (3,642     4,985  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

     148        900        490       (1,538      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     12,404        260                    12,664  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

            9,700              (93     9,607  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     59        1,767        43             1,869  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

            39                    39  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     44        176                    220  

Shareholders’ equity

     21,711        37,291        (89     (37,202     21,711  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 39,238      $ 53,841      $ 491     $ (42,475   $ 51,095  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-123


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
     Guarantors      Non-
Guarantors
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

December 31, 2015

             

Assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 575      $ 1,544      $ 448      $     $ 2,567  

Short-term investments

            149                     149  

Accounts receivable

            62        6              68  

Accounts receivable, related party

            38                     38  

Other receivables

     70        3,459        91        (3,585     35  

Inventories

            1,694        44        (4     1,734  

Other current assets

     116        323        129        (4     564  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     761        7,269        718        (3,593     5,155  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     3        1,223        29              1,255  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

            29,467                     29,467  

Goodwill

            15,976        17              15,993  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

     1,583        169               (1,752      

Investment in subsidiaries

     37,151        662               (37,813      

Other assets and deferred charges

     189        212        38        (209     230  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 39,687      $ 54,978      $ 802      $ (43,367   $ 52,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

             

Accounts payable

   $ 2      $ 173      $ 4      $     $ 179  

Tobacco settlement accruals

            2,816                     2,816  

Due to related party

            9                     9  

Deferred revenue, related party

            33                     33  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     420        86                     506  

Dividends payable on common stock

     514                            514  

Other current liabilities

     3,707        1,039        79        (3,591     1,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,643        4,156        83        (3,591     5,291  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

     169        1,260        323        (1,752      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     16,522        327                     16,849  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

            9,410               (206     9,204  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     57        2,153        55              2,265  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     44        195                     239  

Shareholders’ equity

     18,252        37,477        341        (37,818     18,252  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 39,687      $ 54,978      $ 802      $ (43,367   $ 52,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-124


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Note 20 — RJR Tobacco Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

The following condensed consolidating financial statements relate to the guaranties of RJR Tobacco’s $284 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes, representing the Lorillard Tobacco Notes assumed by RJR Tobacco in connection with the Lorillard Tobacco Merger. RAI and RJR have fully and unconditionally, and jointly and severally, guaranteed these notes. The following condensed consolidating financial statements include: the accounts and activities of RAI, the Parent Guarantor; RJR Tobacco, the Issuer; RJR, a Guarantor; other direct and indirect subsidiaries of RAI that are not Guarantors; and elimination adjustments.

 

G-125


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

            

Net sales

   $     $ 10,365     $     $ 2,229     $ (317   $ 12,277  

Net sales, related party

           226                         226  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           10,591             2,229       (317     12,503  

Cost of products sold

           4,323             837       (319     4,841  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net

     41       2,719       2       (834     3       1,931  

Gain on divestitures

                       (4,861           (4,861

Amortization expense

           16             7             23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (41     3,533       (2     7,080       (1     10,569  

Interest and debt expense

     619       7             86       (86     626  

Interest income

     (84     (5     (3     (2     86       (8

Other (income) expense, net

     244       12       (42     3       43       260  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (820     3,519       43       6,993       (44     9,691  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (171     1,247       (1     2,543             3,618  

Equity income from subsidiaries

     6,722       850       3,142             (10,714      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 6,073     $ 3,122     $ 3,186     $ 4,450     $ (10,758   $ 6,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

            

Net sales

   $     $ 8,714     $     $ 2,039     $ (337   $ 10,416  

Net sales, related party

           259                         259  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           8,973             2,039       (337     10,675  

Cost of products sold

           4,277             746       (335     4,688  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net

     79       2,318       3       (302           2,098  

(Gain) loss on divestitures

           1,887             (5,068           (3,181

Amortization expense

           12             6             18  

Asset impairment and exit charges

           99                         99  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (79     380       (3     6,657       (2     6,953  

Interest and debt expense

     559       20             94       (103     570  

Interest income

     (100     (5     (4           103       (6

Other (income) expense, net

     20       2       (43     (17     43       5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (558     363       44       6,580       (45     6,384  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (224     928             2,427             3,131  

Equity income from subsidiaries

     3,587       3,732       3,185             (10,504      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 3,253     $ 3,167     $ 3,229     $ 4,153     $ (10,549   $ 3,253  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

            

Net sales

   $     $ 6,728     $     $ 1,701     $ (269   $ 8,160  

Net sales, related party

           311                         311  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           7,039             1,701       (269     8,471  

Cost of products sold

           3,641             686       (269     4,058  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     75       1,629       6       161             1,871  

Amortization expense

           4             7             11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (75     1,765       (6     847             2,531  

Interest and debt expense

     286       21             67       (88     286  

Interest income

     (85     (2     (3     (1     88       (3

Other (income) expense, net

     4       1       (45     (17     43       (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     (280     1,745       42       798       (43     2,262  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (89     627       (1     280             817  

Equity income from subsidiaries

     1,661       279       1,425             (3,365      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

     1,470       1,397       1,468       518       (3,408     1,445  

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

           25                         25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 1,470     $ 1,422     $ 1,468     $ 518     $ (3,408   $ 1,470  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-126


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

            

Net income

   $ 6,073     $ 3,122     $ 3,186     $ 4,450     $ (10,758   $ 6,073  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

            

Retirement benefits

     (11     (6     (10     (5     21       (11

Long-term investments

     14       14       14             (28     14  

Hedging instruments

     11                               11  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     10       7       10       10       (27     10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 6,097     $ 3,137     $ 3,200     $ 4,455     $ (10,792   $ 6,097  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

            

Net income

   $ 3,253     $ 3,167     $ 3,229     $ 4,153     $ (10,549   $ 3,253  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

            

Retirement benefits

     50       39       51       12       (102     50  

Hedging instruments

     1                               1  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     (25     (25     (25     (26     76       (25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 3,279     $ 3,181     $ 3,255     $ 4,139     $ (10,575   $ 3,279  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

            

Net income

   $ 1,470     $ 1,422     $ 1,468     $ 518     $ (3,408   $ 1,470  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

            

Retirement benefits

     (277     (259     (261     (11     531       (277

Long-term investments

     2       2       2             (4     2  

Hedging instruments

     1                               1  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     (34     (32     (32     (33     97       (34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 1,162     $ 1,133     $ 1,177     $ 474     $ (2,784   $ 1,162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-127


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidating statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amounts Reclassified     Affected Line
Item
 
    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated        

Retirement benefits:

             

Amortization of prior service cost

  $     $ (20   $     $     $     $ (20    
Cost of
products sold
 
 

Amortization of prior service cost

          (19                       (19    


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses, net
 
 
 
 

Settlement cost

          2                         2      


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses, net
 
 
 
 

MTM adjustment

          21                         21      
Cost of
products sold
 
 

MTM adjustment

    4       21       2       (3           24      


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    4       5       2       (3           8      
Operating
income (loss)
 
 

Deferred taxes

          (1                       (1    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    4       4       2       (3           7       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Long-term investments:

             

Realized loss, net on long-term investments

          24                         24      

Other
(income)
expense, net
 
 
 

Deferred taxes

          (10                       (10    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          14                         14       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

             

Forward starting interest rate contracts

    16                               16      

Other
(income)
expense, net
 
 
 

Amortization of realized loss

    1                               1      
Interest and
debt expense
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Deferred taxes

    (6                             (6    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    11                               11       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Cumulative translation adjustment and other:

             

Derecognition of cumulative translation adjustment

                      27             27      
Gain on
divestitures
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    44       27       39             (110          

Equity
income from
subsidiaries
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 59     $ 45     $ 41     $ 24     $ (110   $ 59       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

G-128


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidating statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2015, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amounts Reclassified     Affected Line
Item
 
    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated        

Retirement benefits:

             

Amortization of prior service cost

  $     $ (19   $     $ (1   $     $ (20    
Cost of
products sold
 
 

Amortization of prior service cost

          (17     (1     (1           (19    


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses, net
 
 
 
 

MTM adjustment

          119             1             120      
Cost of
products sold
 
 

MTM adjustment

    5       110       3       8             126      


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    5       193       2       7             207      
Operating
income (loss)
 
 

Deferred taxes

    (1     (74     (1     (3           (79    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    4       119       1       4             128       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

             

Amortization of realized loss

    2                               2      
Interest and
debt expense
 
 

Deferred taxes

    (1                             (1    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    1                               1       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    124             118             (242          

Equity
income from
subsidiaries
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 129     $ 119     $ 119     $ 4     $ (242   $ 129       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

G-129


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidating statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amounts Reclassified     Affected Line
Item
 
    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated        

Retirement benefits:

             

Amortization of prior service cost

  $     $ (20   $     $ (1   $     $ (21    
Cost of
products sold
 
 

Amortization of prior service cost

          (17           (1           (18    


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses
 
 
 
 

MTM adjustment

          195             10             205      
Cost of
products sold
 
 

MTM adjustment

    10       228       4       5             247      


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    10       386       4       13             413      

Other
(income)
expense, net
 
 
 

Deferred taxes

    (4     (152     (1     (5           (162    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    6       234       3       8             251       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

             

Amortization of realized loss

    2                               2      
Interest and
debt expense
 
 

Deferred taxes

    (1                             (1    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    1                               1       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    245             234             (479          

Equity
income from
subsidiaries
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 252     $ 234     $ 237     $ 8     $ (479   $ 252       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

G-130


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

           

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

  $ (413   $ 2,462     $ 1,918     $ 827     $ (3,514   $ 1,280  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

           

Capital expenditures

          (143           (75     12       (206

Proceeds from settlement of investments

          266                         266  

Proceeds from divestitures

    5,015                               5,015  

Return of intercompany investments

    2,274       508       1,473             (4,255      

Contributions to intercompany investments

    (16                       16        

Other, net

    193       3       17       21       (231     3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) from investing activities

    7,466       634       1,490       (54     (4,458     5,078  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

           

Dividends paid on common stock

    (2,369     (1,752     (1,152     (555     3,459       (2,369

Repurchase of common stock

    (226                             (226

Repayments of long-term debt

    (415     (85                       (500

Early extinguishment of debt

    (3,642     (8                       (3,650

Premiums paid for early extinguishment of debt

    (206     (1                       (207

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps

          66                         66  

Debt issuance costs and financing fees

    (8                             (8

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

    28                               28  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

    (43                       43        

Distribution of equity

          (1,455     (2,274     (526     4,255        

Receipt of equity

                      16       (16      

Other, net

    (21                 (210     231        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

    (6,902     (3,235     (3,426     (1,275     7,972       (6,866
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                      (8           (8
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    151       (139     (18     (510           (516

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    575       809       19       1,164             2,567  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 726     $ 670     $ 1     $ 654     $     $ 2,051  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-131


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

           

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

  $ (2,279   $ 2,924     $ 549     $ 422     $ (1,420   $ 196  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

           

Capital expenditures

          (99           (73     (2     (174

Proceeds from settlement of investments

          332                         332  

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

    (18,278     523             535             (17,220

Proceeds from divestitures

    7,056                               7,056  

Return of intercompany investments

    185       11       344             (540      

Other, net

    10       1       17       21       (48     1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

    (11,027     768       361       483       (590     (10,005
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

           

Dividends paid on common stock

    (1,583     (461     (709     (209     1,379       (1,583

Repurchase of common stock

    (124                             (124

Proceeds from BAT Share Purchase

    4,673                               4,673  

Issuance of long-term debt

    8,975                               8,975  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (450                             (450

Debt issuance costs and financing fees

    (70                             (70

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

    1,400                               1,400  

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility

    (1,400                             (1,400

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

    17                               17  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

    (43                       43        

Distribution of equity

          (344     (185     (11     540        

Other, net

    2,384       (2,405           (27     48        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

    13,779       (3,210     (894     (247     2,010       11,438  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                      (28           (28
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    473       482       16       630             1,601  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    102       327       3       534             966  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 575     $ 809     $ 19     $ 1,164     $     $ 2,567  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

           

Cash flows from operating activities

  $ 1,277     $ 1,364     $ 1,424     $ 524     $ (2,966   $ 1,623  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

           

Capital expenditures

          (232           (127     155       (204

Proceeds from settlement of investments

          2       2                   4  

Proceeds from termination of joint venture

                      35             35  

Return of intercompany investments

    165       105       21             (291      

Contribution to intercompany investments

    (32                       32        

Other, net

    250       (8     19       187       (488     (40
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

    383       (133     42       95       (592     (205
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

           

Dividends paid on common stock

    (1,411     (1,377     (1,301     (250     2,928       (1,411

Repurchase of common stock

    (440                             (440

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

    1,000                               1,000  

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility

    (1,000                             (1,000

Debt issuance costs and financing fees

    (79                             (79

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

    12                               12  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

    (43                       43        

Distribution of equity

          (21     (165     (105     291        

Receipt of equity

                      32       (32      

Other, net

    (41     (20           (267     328        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

    (2,002     (1,418     (1,466     (590     3,558       (1,918
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                      (34           (34
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    (342     (187           (5           (534

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    444       514       3       539             1,500  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 102     $ 327     $ 3     $ 534     $     $ 966  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-132


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

December 31, 2016

           

Assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 726     $ 670     $ 1     $ 654     $     $ 2,051  

Accounts receivable

          27             39             66  

Accounts receivable, related party

          113                         113  

Other receivables

    63       5       38       4,828       (4,924     10  

Inventories

          812             835       (2     1,645  

Other current assets

    112       195             43       3       353  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

    901       1,822       39       6,399       (4,923     4,238  

Property, plant and equipment, net

    2       855             491             1,348  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

          317             29,129       (2     29,444  

Goodwill

          3,453       9,853       2,686             15,992  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

    1,390             73       148       (1,611      

Investment in subsidiaries

    36,865       22,954       23,938             (83,757      

Other assets and deferred charges

    80       1,204       11       13       (1,235     73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 39,238     $ 30,605     $ 33,914     $ 38,866     $ (91,528   $ 51,095  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

           

Accounts payable

  $ 1     $ 190     $     $ 30     $     $ 221  

Tobacco settlement accruals

          2,326             172             2,498  

Due to related party

          7                         7  

Deferred revenue, related party

          66                         66  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    448       53                         501  

Dividends payable on common stock

    656                               656  

Other current liabilities

    3,767       1,923       2       268       (4,924     1,036  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    4,872       4,565       2       470       (4,924     4,985  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

    148                   1,463       (1,611      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

    12,404       260                         12,664  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

                      10,839       (1,232     9,607  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

    59       1,651       28       131             1,869  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

          39                         39  

Other noncurrent liabilities

    44       153             23             220  

Shareholders’ equity

    21,711       23,937       33,884       25,940       (83,761     21,711  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 39,238     $ 30,605     $ 33,914     $ 38,866     $ (91,528   $ 51,095  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-133


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Guarantor
     Issuer      Guarantor      Non-
Guarantors
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

December 31, 2015

                

Assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 575      $ 809      $ 19      $ 1,164      $     $ 2,567  

Short-term investments

            149                            149  

Accounts receivable

            48               20              68  

Accounts receivable, related party

            38                            38  

Other receivables

     70        30        17        4,890        (4,972     35  

Inventories

            941               797        (4     1,734  

Other current assets

     116        236               212              564  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     761        2,251        36        7,083        (4,976     5,155  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     3        792               460              1,255  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

            346               29,121              29,467  

Goodwill

            3,453        9,853        2,687              15,993  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

     1,583               90        169        (1,842      

Investment in subsidiaries

     37,151        23,199        24,276               (84,626      

Other assets and deferred charges

     189        1,711        14        9        (1,693     230  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 39,687      $ 31,752      $ 34,269      $ 39,529      $ (93,137   $ 52,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

                

Accounts payable

   $ 2      $ 146      $      $ 31      $     $ 179  

Tobacco settlement accruals

            2,673               143              2,816  

Due to related party

            9                            9  

Deferred revenue, related party

            33                            33  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     420        86                            506  

Dividends payable on common stock

     514                                   514  

Other current liabilities

     3,707        2,189        31        284        (4,977     1,234  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,643        5,136        31        458        (4,977     5,291  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

     169                      1,673        (1,842      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     16,522        327                            16,849  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

            1               10,892        (1,689     9,204  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     57        2,036        30        142              2,265  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     44        182               13              239  

Shareholders’ equity

     18,252        24,070        34,208        26,351        (84,629     18,252  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 39,687      $ 31,752      $ 34,269      $ 39,529      $ (93,137   $ 52,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

G-134


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

Note 21 — Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

 

     First      Second      Third      Fourth  

2016

           

Net sales

   $ 2,917      $ 3,195      $ 3,205      $ 3,186  

Gross profit (1)

     1,752        1,920        2,016        1,974  

Net income (1)(2)

     3,565        796        861        851  

Per share data (3) :

           

Basic:

           

Net income

     2.50        0.56        0.60        0.60  

Diluted:

           

Net income

     2.49        0.56        0.60        0.60  

2015

           

Net sales

   $ 2,057      $ 2,403      $ 3,161      $ 3,054  

Gross profit (4)

     1,207        1,319        1,757        1,704  

Net income (4)(5)

     389        1,928        657        279  

Per share data (3) :

           

Basic:

           

Net income

     0.36        1.70        0.46        0.20  

Diluted:

           

Net income

     0.36        1.69        0.46        0.19  

 

(1) Includes NPM Adjustment credits of $91 million in the first quarter of 2016, $98 million in the second quarter of 2016, $104 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $97 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, see “— Cost of Products Sold” in note 1. The fourth quarter of 2016 includes an MTM adjustment of $21 million.
(2) First quarter of 2016 reflects the impact of the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand. Fourth quarter of 2016 includes an additional MTM adjustment expense of $24 million for a total of $45 million.
(3) Income per share is computed independently for each of the periods presented. The sum of the income per share amounts for the quarters may not equal the total for the year.
(4) Includes NPM Adjustment credits of $66 million in the first quarter of 2015, $69 million in the second quarter of 2015, $76 million in the third quarter of 2015 and $86 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, see “— Cost of Products Sold” in note 1. The fourth quarter of 2015 includes an MTM adjustment expense of $120 million.
(5) Second quarter of 2015 reflects the impact of the Lorillard Merger and Divestiture. Fourth quarter of 2015 includes an additional MTM adjustment expense of $126 million for a total of $246 million.

Note 22 — Subsequent Event

Proposed Merger with BAT

On January 16, 2017, RAI, BAT, a subsidiary of BAT, and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, Merger Sub will merge with and into RAI, referred to as the BAT Merger, with RAI surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT.

The BAT Merger has been approved by the independent directors of RAI who formed a transaction committee to negotiate with BAT, given BAT’s existing ownership stake in RAI and representation on RAI’s Board, and by the Boards of Directors of both companies.

 

G-135


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

 

At the effective time of the BAT Merger, each share of RAI common stock (other than any shares of RAI common stock owned by BAT or any of its subsidiaries and by shareholders of RAI who have properly asserted and not lost or effectively withdrawn appraisal rights) will be converted into the right to receive 0.5260 of a BAT American Depositary Share and $29.44 in cash, without interest, and subject to adjustment to prevent dilution.

The BAT Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including RAI and BAT shareholder approvals, including the approval of the BAT Merger by a majority of the shares of RAI common stock not owned, directly or indirectly, by BAT or its subsidiaries or any of RAI’s subsidiaries, and regulatory approvals. The Merger Agreement contains certain other termination rights for each of RAI and BAT, including the right of each party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the BAT Merger has not been completed on or before December 31, 2017, subject to an extension of five business days if, on December 31, 2017, BAT has not completed all or any portion of the financing it needs to fund the BAT Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Financing, however, is not a condition to the closing of the BAT Merger. Under certain circumstances, if the Merger Agreement is terminated, the terminating party must pay the non-terminating party a termination fee of $1 billion. In the event that the Merger Agreement is terminated due to an inability to obtain unconditional approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, or any other antitrust laws, RAI will be entitled to receive a termination fee of $500 million from BAT. The BAT Merger is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2017.

Each of RAI and BAT has made representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement. RAI and BAT each also have agreed to various covenants and agreements, including, among other things, to conduct their respective businesses in the ordinary course in all material respects during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and completion of the BAT Merger and not to engage in certain transactions during this period.

 

G-136


Table of Contents

Annex H

 

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Reynolds American Inc. as of March 31, 2017 and

for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

(Reproduced from the Reynolds American Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter

Ended March 31, 2017)


Table of Contents

INDEX

 

     Page  

Index to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  

Financial Statements

  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) — Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

     H-3  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) — Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

     H-4  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) — Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

     H-5  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016

     H-6  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     H-7  

1      Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     H-7  

2     Intangible Assets

     H-14  

3     Income Per Share

     H-15  

4     Inventories

     H-16  

5     Income Taxes

     H-16  

6     Credit Agreement

     H-16  

7     Commitments and Contingencies

     H-17  

8     Shareholders’ Equity

     H-75  

9     Stock Plans

     H-78  

10   Segment Information

     H-79  

11   Related Party Transactions

     H-80  

12    RAI Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

     H-82  

13    RJR Tobacco Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

     H-90  

 

H-2


Table of Contents

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2017     2016  

Net sales (1)

   $ 2,911     $ 2,862  

Net sales, related party

     38       55  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

     2,949       2,917  

Costs and expenses:

    

Cost of products sold (1)

     1,199       1,165  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     418       465  

Gain on divestiture

           (4,861

Amortization expense

     6       6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     1,326       6,142  

Interest and debt expense

     149       174  

Interest income

     (2     (3

Other expense, net

     4       252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     1,175       5,719  

Provision for income taxes

     395       2,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 780     $ 3,565  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.55     $ 2.50  

Diluted

   $ 0.55     $ 2.49  

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.51     $ 0.42  

 

(1) Excludes excise taxes of $982 million and $1,030 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

H-3


Table of Contents

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2017     2016  

Net income

   $ 780     $ 3,565  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (benefit) expense:

    

Retirement benefits, net of tax (2017 — $(4); 2016 — $(4))

     (4     (6

Long-term investments, net of tax (2016 — $1)

           (1

Hedging instruments, net of tax (2016 — $6)

           11  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of tax

(2017 — $1; 2016 — $11)

     3       22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

C omprehensive income

   $ 779     $ 3,591  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

H-4


Table of Contents

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2017     2016  

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 780     $ 3,565  

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash flows from (used in) operating activities:

    

Gain on divestiture

           (4,861

Loss on early extinguishment of debt and related expenses

           239  

Depreciation and amortization expense

     32       30  

Deferred income tax expense

     16       75  

Pension and postretirement

     (47     (357

Tobacco settlement accruals

     734       630  

Income taxes payable

     353       2,002  

Other, net

     (7     (190
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from operating activities

     1,861       1,133  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (33     (43

Proceeds from settlement of short-term investments

           159  

Proceeds from divestiture

           5,014  

Other, net

     1       1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

     (32     5,131  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

    

Dividends paid on common stock

     (656     (514

Repurchase of common stock

     (73     (125

Early extinguishment of debt

           (3,642

Premiums paid for early extinguishment of debt

           (206

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps

           66  

Debt financing fees

           (7

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

           26  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

     (729     (4,402
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     3       12  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     1,103       1,874  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     2,051       2,567  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 3,154     $ 4,441  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

   $ 17     $ 25  

Interest paid

   $ 132     $ 185  

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

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REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     March 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,154     $ 2,051  

Accounts receivable

     55       66  

Accounts receivable, related party

     39       113  

Other receivables

     13       10  

Inventories

     1,592       1,645  

Other current assets

     250       353  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     5,103       4,238  

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

(2017 — $1,678; 2016 — $1,662)

     1,355       1,348  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

     29,438       29,444  

Goodwill

     15,992       15,992  

Other assets and deferred charges

     71       73  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 51,959     $ 51,095  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 175     $ 221  

Tobacco settlement accruals

     3,232       2,498  

Due to related party

     4       7  

Deferred revenue, related party

     122       66  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     501       501  

Dividends payable on common stock

     728       656  

Other current liabilities

     1,129       1,036  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     5,891       4,985  

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     12,651       12,664  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

     9,627       9,607  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     1,832       1,869  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

     29       39  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     223       220  

Commitments and contingencies:

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock (shares issued: 2017 — 1,426,839,264; 2016 — 1,425,824,955)

            

Paid-in capital

     18,231       18,285  

Retained earnings

     3,790       3,740  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (315     (314
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     21,706       21,711  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 51,959     $ 51,095  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Note 1 — Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Overview

The condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) include the accounts of Reynolds American Inc., referred to as RAI, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. RAI’s wholly owned operating subsidiaries include R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., referred to as SFNTC; American Snuff Company, LLC, referred to as American Snuff Co.; R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, referred to as RJR Vapor; Niconovum USA, Inc.; Niconovum AB; and until their sale on January 13, 2016, as described below, SFR Tobacco International GmbH, referred to as SFRTI, and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI.

RAI was incorporated as a holding company in the State of North Carolina in 2004, and its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, referred to as NYSE, under the symbol “RAI.” RAI was created to facilitate the business combination of the U.S. business of Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc., referred to as B&W, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco p.l.c., referred to as BAT, with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc., referred to as RJR, on July 30, 2004, with such combination referred to as the B&W business combination.

References to RJR Tobacco prior to July 30, 2004, relate to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a New Jersey corporation. References to RJR Tobacco on and subsequent to July 30, 2004 and until June 12, 2015, relate to the combined U.S. assets, liabilities and operations of B&W and R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Concurrent with the completion of the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco became a North Carolina corporation. References to RJR Tobacco on and subsequent to June 12, 2015, relate to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a North Carolina corporation, and reflect the effects of (1) RAI’s acquisition, referred to as the Lorillard Merger, on June 12, 2015, of Lorillard, Inc., n/k/a Lorillard, LLC, referred to as Lorillard, and (2) the divestiture, referred to as the Divestiture, of certain assets, on June 12, 2015, by subsidiaries or affiliates of RAI and Lorillard, together with the transfer of certain employees and certain liabilities, to a wholly owned subsidiary of Imperial Brands PLC.

Proposed Merger with BAT

On January 16, 2017, RAI, BAT, BATUS Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, and Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as Merger Sub, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, referred to as the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, Merger Sub will merge with and into RAI, referred to as the BAT Merger, with RAI surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT.

The BAT Merger has been approved by (1) a transaction committee, consisting of all of the independent directors of RAI as of October 28, 2016, other than independent directors designated for nomination by B&W, referred to as the Transaction Committee, originally formed to review and evaluate BAT’s initial October 20, 2016 merger proposal, the BAT Merger and RAI’s other available strategic alternatives, given BAT’s existing ownership stake in RAI and representation on RAI’s Board, and (2) the Boards of Directors of both RAI and BAT. The Transaction Committee ceased to include Thomas C. Wajnert following his retirement from the RAI Board of Directors as of December 31, 2016.

At the effective time of the BAT Merger, each share of RAI common stock (other than any shares of RAI common stock owned by BAT or any of its subsidiaries and by shareholders of RAI who have properly asserted and not lost or effectively withdrawn appraisal rights) will be converted into the right to receive (1) a number of BAT American Depositary Shares, referred to as BAT ADSs, representing 0.5260 of a BAT ordinary share, nominal value 25 pence per share, referred to as a BAT ordinary share, plus (2) $29.44 in cash, without interest, and subject to adjustment to prevent dilution.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

The BAT Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including RAI and BAT shareholder approvals, including the approval of the BAT Merger by a majority of the outstanding shares of RAI common stock entitled to vote and present (in person or by proxy) and voting at the special meeting that are not owned, directly or indirectly, by BAT or its subsidiaries or any of RAI’s subsidiaries, and certain regulatory approvals. On March 9, 2017, RAI and BAT announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, referred to as the HSR Act, with respect to the BAT Merger, expired without request for additional information. On April 5, 2017, RAI and BAT announced that BAT obtained unconditional antitrust approval from the Japanese authorities in relation to the BAT Merger. As a result of the foregoing, the conditions related to antitrust approvals required as part of the closing conditions to the BAT Merger have been satisfied. The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for each of RAI and BAT, including the right of each party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the BAT Merger has not been completed on or before December 31, 2017, subject to an extension of five business days if, on December 31, 2017, BAT has not completed all or any portion of the financing it needs to fund the BAT Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Financing, however, is not a condition to the closing of the BAT Merger. Under certain circumstances, if the Merger Agreement is terminated, the terminating party must pay the non-terminating party a termination fee of $1 billion. The BAT Merger is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2017.

Each of RAI and BAT has made representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement. RAI and BAT each also have agreed to various covenants and agreements, including, among other things, to conduct their respective businesses in the ordinary course in all material respects during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and completion of the BAT Merger and not to engage in certain transactions during this period.

Recent Transaction

On January 13, 2016, RAI, through various subsidiaries, referred to as the Sellers, completed the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with SFRTI and other international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States to JT International Holding BV, referred to as JTI Holding, a subsidiary of Japan Tobacco Inc., referred to as JTI, in an all-cash transaction of approximately $5 billion and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.9 billion. The transaction did not include the rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks in the U.S. market, U.S. duty-free locations and U.S. territories or in U.S. military outlets, all of which were retained by SFNTC. With this transaction completed, the international rights to nearly all of RAI’s operating companies’ cigarette trademarks are now owned by international tobacco companies. For additional information regarding indemnities related to this sale, see note 7.

Operating Segments

RAI’s reportable operating segments are RJR Tobacco, Santa Fe and American Snuff. The RJR Tobacco segment consists of the primary operations of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The Santa Fe segment consists of the primary operations of SFNTC. The American Snuff segment consists of the primary operations of American Snuff Co. Included in All Other, among other RAI subsidiaries, are RJR Vapor, Niconovum USA, Inc., Niconovum AB, and until their sale on January 13, 2016, as described above, SFRTI and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI. The segments were identified based on how RAI’s chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. Certain of RAI’s operating subsidiaries have entered into intercompany agreements for products or services with other subsidiaries. As a result, certain activities of an operating subsidiary may be included in a different segment of RAI. For additional information regarding segments, see note 10.

RAI’s operating subsidiaries primarily conduct their businesses in the United States.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, referred to as GAAP, for interim financial information and, in management’s opinion, contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. All material intercompany balances have been eliminated. For interim reporting purposes, certain costs and expenses are charged to operations in proportion to the estimated total annual amount expected to be incurred primarily based on sales volumes. The results for the interim period ended March 31, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

The condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes, which appear in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Certain reclassifications were made to conform prior years’ financial statements to the current presentation. Certain amounts presented in note 7 are rounded in the aggregate and may not sum from the individually presented components. All dollar amounts, other than per share amounts, are presented in millions, except for amounts set forth in note 7 and as otherwise noted.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold includes, among other expenses, the expenses for the Master Settlement Agreement, referred to as the MSA, and other settlement agreements with the States of Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota, which together with the MSA are collectively referred to as the State Settlement Agreements, and the user fees charged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, referred to as the FDA. These expenses were as follows:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
             2017                      2016          

State Settlement Agreements

   $ 727      $ 630  

FDA user fees

     47        50  

In 2012, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco Company, LLC., referred to as Lorillard Tobacco, SFNTC and certain other participating manufacturers, referred to as the PMs, entered into a term sheet, referred to as the Term Sheet, with 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to settle certain claims related to the MSA non-participating manufacturer adjustment, referred to as the NPM Adjustment. The Term Sheet resolved claims related to volume years from 2003 through 2012 and puts in place a revised method to determine future adjustments from 2013 forward. Subsequently, five additional states joined the Term Sheet, including two states that were found to not have diligently enforced their qualifying statutes in 2003. The parties to the Term Sheet represent an allocable share of 49.87%.

As a result of meeting the performance requirements associated with the Term Sheet, RJR Tobacco and Santa Fe, collectively, recognized credits of $10 million and $69 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. RJR Tobacco expects to recognize additional credits through the remainder of 2017.

In October 2015, RJR Tobacco, SFNTC and certain other PMs entered into a settlement agreement, referred to as the NY Settlement Agreement, with the State of New York to settle certain claims related to the NPM Adjustment. The NY Settlement Agreement resolves NPM Adjustment claims related to payment years from 2004 through 2014, providing RJR Tobacco and SFNTC, collectively, with credits, of approximately $290 million, plus interest, subject to meeting various performance obligations. These credits will be applied

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

against annual payments under the MSA over a four-year period, which commenced with the April 2016 MSA payment. RJR Tobacco and Santa Fe, collectively, recognized credits of $23 million and $22 million as a reduction to costs of products sold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, the NY Settlement Agreement put in place a new method to determine future adjustments from 2015 forward as to New York.

For additional information related to the NPM Adjustment settlement and the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim, see “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — State Settlement Agreements—Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments” in note 7.

Pension and Postretirement

Pension and postretirement benefits require balance sheet recognition of the net asset or net liability position of defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, on a plan-by-plan basis, and recognition of changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur.

Actuarial (gains) losses are changes in the amount of either the benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from changes in assumptions. Differences between actual results and actuarial assumptions are accumulated and recognized as a mark-to-market adjustment, referred to as an MTM adjustment, to the extent such accumulated net (gains) losses exceed 10% of the greater of the fair value of plan assets or benefit obligations, referred to as the corridor. Net (gains) losses outside the corridor are generally recognized annually as of December 31, or when a plan is remeasured during an interim period.

Prior service costs (credits) of pension benefits, which are changes in benefit obligations due to plan amendments, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period for active employees, or average remaining life expectancies for inactive employees if most of the plan obligations are due to inactive employees. Prior service costs (credits) of postretirement benefits, which are changes in benefit obligations due to plan amendments, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected service period to full eligibility age for active employees, or average remaining life expectancies for inactive employees if most of the plan obligations are due to inactive employees.

The components of the net benefit income are set forth below:

 

     For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
     Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
     2017     2016     2017     2016  

Service cost

   $ 4     $ 4     $ —       $ 1  

Interest cost

     67       74       11       13  

Expected return on plan assets

     (97     (93     (2     (3

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

     1       1       (9     (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net benefit income

   $ (25   $ (14   $     $  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

RAI disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, that it expects to contribute $111 million to its pension plans in 2017, of which $4 million was contributed during the first three months of 2017.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, essentially an exit price. RAI determines the fair value of assets and liabilities using a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity, and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

Level 1: inputs are quoted prices, unadjusted, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2: inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. A Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3: inputs are unobservable and reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair value of RAI’s cash equivalents was $3.1 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, and was classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy for both periods. The estimated fair value of RAI’s outstanding consolidated debt, in the aggregate, was $14.3 billion as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The fair value is derived from a third party pricing source utilizing market quotes, credit spreads and discounted cash flows, as appropriate, and is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, RAI sponsors a number of non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain employees of RAI and its subsidiaries, and investments in plan assets to support these obligations are carried at fair value as of December 31, 2016, and adjusted for expected returns, cash contributions and benefit payments made in the interim period.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, referred to as FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, referred to as ASU, 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718) — Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income tax, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements, classifications of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of taxes in the statement of cash flows. The amended guidance also requires an entity to record excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the income statement rather than as a change to paid-in capital. The amended guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. RAI adopted this amended guidance effective January 1, 2017, on a prospective basis, with no material impact to its results of operations, cash flows and financial position. The adoption resulted in a $29 million decrease to income tax expense for the excess tax benefits and an immaterial increase in potential dilutive weighted average shares for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which replaces most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance. The effective date for adoption of this guidance was

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

subsequently deferred to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In 2016, the FASB issued supplemental implementation guidance related to ASU 2014-09, including:

 

    ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) — Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net ), which is intended to provide further clarification on the application of the principal versus agent implementation;

 

    ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) — Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is intended to clarify the guidance for identifying promised goods or services in a contract with a customer;

 

    ASU 2016-11, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) — Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting ;

 

    ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) — Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , which amends certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 to address certain implementation issues; and

 

    ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which includes 13 technical corrections and improvements affecting narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2014-09.

During 2016, RAI substantially completed its assessment of ASU 2014-09 to identify any potential changes in the amount and timing of revenue recognition for its current contracts and the expected impact on its business processes, systems and controls. Based on this assessment, RAI does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position. The new guidance may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented (full retrospective method) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application (modified retrospective method). RAI is continuing to evaluate the impact of ASU 2014-09 primarily to determine the transition method to utilize at adoption and the additional disclosures required. The new guidance will be adopted effective January 1, 2018.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10) — Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, which supersedes existing guidance to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values into different categories and requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. An entity’s equity investments that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting or result in consolidation of an investee are not included within the scope of this amended guidance. The amendments allow equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values to be remeasured at fair value either upon the occurrence of an observable price change or upon identification of impairment. The amended guidance is effective for RAI for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. As permitted, RAI early adopted the application guidance as of January 1, 2017, and will adopt the remaining guidance as of January 1, 2018, with no material impact expected on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements, such as information about variable lease payments and options to renew and terminate leases. The amended guidance will require both operating and finance leases to be recognized in the balance sheet. Additionally, the amended guidance aligns lessor accounting to comparable guidance in Accounting Standard Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. RAI expects to adopt the amended guidance in ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, and is currently early in its assessment of the impact of this

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

new standard. However, if at adoption RAI has similar obligations for leases as it had at March 31, 2017, RAI believes this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position. RAI expects to substantially complete its assessment of the new standard during 2017.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology for recognizing credit losses for financial instruments with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration for a broader range of reasonable and supportable information for estimating credit losses. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. RAI has not yet determined if it will adopt this amended guidance earlier than the effective date and has not initiated its assessment of the impact that this guidance will have on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) — Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force), addressing eight specific cash flow issues in an effort to reduce diversity in practice. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, and for interim periods within those years. RAI will adopt this amended guidance effective January 1, 2018. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on RAI’s statements of cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) — Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force), addressing the diversity in practice that exists regarding the classification and the presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amended guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The amended guidance does not provide a definition of restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those years. RAI will adopt this amended guidance effective January 1, 2018. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on RAI’s statements of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) — Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business and provides guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. RAI will adopt this amended guidance effective January 1, 2018, and the impact of the guidance will be applied prospectively. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on RAI’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the manner in which an entity tests goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amended guidance requires that an entity perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amended guidance is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. RAI is evaluating the timing of adoption and the effect this guidance will have on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) — Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires an employer to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit (income) cost. The other components of net benefit (income) cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of operating income. The amendments also allow only the service cost component of net benefit (income) cost to be eligible for capitalization. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments in this ASU should be applied (1) retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension (income) cost and net periodic postretirement benefit (income) cost on the income statement, and (2) prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension (income) cost and net periodic postretirement benefit (income) cost in assets. RAI is evaluating the effect this guidance will have on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Note 2 — Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill by segment were as follows:

 

     RJR
Tobacco
    Santa Fe      American
Snuff
    All Other      Consolidated  

Balance as of December 31, 2016

            

Goodwill

   $ 17,069     $ 197      $ 2,501     $ 16      $ 19,783  

Less: accumulated impairment charges

     (3,763            (28            (3,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 13,306     $ 197      $ 2,473     $ 16      $ 15,992  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2017

            

Goodwill

   $ 17,069     $ 197      $ 2,501     $ 16      $ 19,783  

Less: accumulated impairment charges

     (3,763            (28            (3,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 13,306     $ 197      $ 2,473     $ 16      $ 15,992  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The carrying amounts and changes therein of trademarks and other intangible assets by segment were as follows:

 

    RJR Tobacco     Santa Fe     American
Snuff
    All Other     Consolidated  
    Trademarks     Other     Trademarks     Trademarks     Other     Trademarks     Other  

Indefinite-lived:

             

Balance as of December 31, 2016

  $ 27,826     $ 87     $ 136     $ 1,136     $     $ 29,098     $ 87  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2017

  $ 27,826     $ 87     $ 136     $ 1,136     $     $ 29,098     $ 87  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finite-lived:

             

Balance as of December 31, 2016

  $ 12     $ 229     $     $ 5     $ 13     $ 17     $ 242  

Amortization

    (1     (4                 (1     (1     (5
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2017

  $ 11     $ 225     $     $ 5     $ 12     $ 16     $ 237  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Details of finite-lived intangible assets were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  
     Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
    Net      Gross      Accumulated
Amortization
    Net  

Customer lists

   $ 240      $ (22   $ 218      $ 240      $ (19   $ 221  

Contract manufacturing agreement

     151        (144     7        151        (143     8  

Trademarks

     124        (108     16        124        (107     17  

Other intangibles

     15        (3     12        15        (2     13  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 530      $ (277   $ 253      $ 530      $ (271   $ 259  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The estimated remaining amortization expense associated with finite-lived intangible assets is expected to be as follows:

 

Year

   Amount  

Remainder of 2017

   $ 17  

2018

     22  

2019

     16  

2020

     15  

2021

     14  

Thereafter

     169  
  

 

 

 
   $ 253  
  

 

 

 

Note 3 — Income Per Share

The components of the calculation of income per share were as follows:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2017      2016  

Net income

   $ 780      $ 3,565  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares, in thousands

     1,426,246        1,427,448  

Effect of dilutive potential shares:

     

Restricted stock units

     3,256        3,621  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares, in thousands

     1,429,502        1,431,069  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For additional information regarding dilutive shares, see “— Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements” in note 1.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Note 4 — Inventories

The major components of inventories were as follows:

 

     March 31, 2017     December 31, 2016  

Leaf tobacco

   $ 1,353     $ 1,436  

Other raw materials

     86       77  

Work in process

     80       81  

Finished products

     192       165  

Other

     24       25  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,735       1,784  

LIFO allowance

     (143     (139
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,592     $ 1,645  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

RJR Tobacco performs its annual LIFO inventory valuation at December 31. Interim periods represent an estimate of the expected annual valuation.

Note 5 — Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was as follows:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
             2017                      2016          

Provision for income taxes

   $ 395      $ 2,154  

Effective tax rate

     33.6%        37.7%  

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily was impacted by a $29 million decrease in tax attributable to excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation plans. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016, was primarily impacted by an increase in tax attributable to the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with the international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States. Additionally, the effective tax rate for each period differed from the federal statutory rate of 35% due to the domestic manufacturing deduction, state income taxes and certain nondeductible items.

Note 6 — Credit Agreement

In December 2014, RAI entered into a credit agreement, referred to as the Credit Agreement, with a syndicate of lenders, providing for a five-year, $2 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which may be increased to $2.35 billion at the discretion of the lenders upon the request of RAI. The maturity date of the Credit Agreement has been extended to December 18, 2021.

Subject to certain conditions, RAI is able to use the revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement for borrowings and issuances of letters of credit at its option, subject to a $300 million sublimit on the aggregate amount of letters of credit. Issuances of letters of credit reduce availability under such revolving credit facility.

The Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive covenants, and two financial covenants — a consolidated leverage ratio covenant and a consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant. The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including upon a change in control, as defined therein, which could result in the acceleration of all amounts outstanding and cancellation of all commitments outstanding under the Credit Agreement.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

The lenders’ obligations under the Credit Agreement to fund borrowings are subject to the accuracy of RAI’s representations and warranties and the absence of any default, provided, however, that the accuracy of RAI’s representation as to the absence of any material adverse effect, as defined in the Credit Agreement, is not a condition to borrowing for the purpose of refinancing any maturing commercial paper.

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, RAI is required to pay a facility fee per annum of between 0.100% and 0.275%, based generally on the ratings of RAI’s senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness, on the lender commitments in respect of the revolving credit facility thereunder.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the option of RAI, at a rate equal to an applicable margin based generally on the ratings of RAI’s senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness, plus:

 

    the alternate base rate, which is the higher of (1) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.5%, (2) the prime rate and (3) the reserve adjusted eurodollar rate for a one month interest period plus 1%; or

 

    the eurodollar rate, which is the reserve adjusted rate at which eurodollar deposits for one, two, three or six months are offered in the interbank eurodollar market.

Overdue principal outstanding under the revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement bears interest at a rate equal to the rate then in effect with respect to such borrowings, plus 2.0% per annum. Any amount besides principal that becomes overdue bears interest at a rate equal to 2.0% per annum in excess of the rate of interest applicable to base rate loans.

Certain of RAI’s subsidiaries, including its Material Subsidiaries, as defined in the Credit Agreement, have guaranteed, on an unsecured basis, RAI’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. Under the Credit Agreement, any new Material Subsidiary of RAI must be added as a guarantor of the Credit Agreement. The same subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Agreement also guarantee RAI’s outstanding notes. Under the terms of the indenture governing RAI’s outstanding notes, if any guarantor of such notes ceases to be a guarantor under the Credit Agreement (or any replacement or refinancing thereof), that guarantor will be released automatically from all of its obligations under the RAI indenture and its guarantee of the RAI notes. In addition, some or all of the guarantees under the Credit Agreement may be released in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement, or the Credit Agreement may be terminated, and any replacements or refinancings thereof may not require guarantees of RAI’s obligations thereunder.

As of March 31, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings and $6 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement. On April 13, 2017, RAI borrowed $500 million under the Credit Agreement, with such borrowings initially bearing interest at the annual interest rate of 2.15%.

Note 7 — Commitments and Contingencies

Tobacco Litigation — General

Introduction

Litigation, claims, and other legal proceedings relating to the use of, exposure to, or purchase of tobacco products are pending or may be instituted in the future against RJR Tobacco (including as successor by merger to Lorillard Tobacco), American Snuff Co., SFNTC, RJR Vapor, RAI, Lorillard, other RAI affiliates, and indemnitees (including but not limited to B&W), sometimes referred to collectively as Reynolds Defendants. These pending legal proceedings include claims relating to cigarette products manufactured by RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, SFNTC or certain of their affiliates or indemnitees, smokeless tobacco products manufactured by American Snuff Co., and e-cigarette products manufactured on behalf of and marketed by RJR Vapor. A

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

discussion of the legal proceedings relating to cigarette products (and e-cigarettes) is set forth below under the heading “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry.” All of the references under that heading to tobacco-related litigation, smoking and health litigation and other similar references are references to legal proceedings relating to cigarette products or e-cigarettes, as the case may be, and are not references to legal proceedings involving smokeless tobacco products, and case numbers under that heading include only cases involving cigarette products and e-cigarettes. The legal proceedings relating to the smokeless tobacco products manufactured by American Snuff Co. are discussed separately under the heading “— Smokeless Tobacco Litigation” below.

In connection with the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco undertook certain indemnification obligations with respect to B&W and its affiliates, including its indirect parent, BAT. See “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Overview — Introduction” below. In connection with the Lorillard Merger and the Divestiture, as applicable, RAI and RJR Tobacco undertook certain indemnification obligations. See “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Overview — Introduction,” “— Other Contingencies — ITG Indemnity,” and “— Other Contingencies — Loews Indemnity” below. In addition, in connection with the sale of the non-U.S. operations and business of the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand, the Sellers have agreed to indemnify the buyer for certain claims. See “— Other Contingencies — JTI Indemnities” below.

Certain Terms and Phrases

Certain terms and phrases used in this footnote may require some explanation. The term “judgment” or “final judgment” refers to the final decision of the court resolving the dispute and determining the rights and obligations of the parties. At the trial court level, for example, a final judgment generally is entered by the court after a jury verdict and after post-verdict motions have been decided. In most cases, the losing party can appeal a verdict only after a final judgment has been entered by the trial court.

The term “damages” refers to the amount of money sought by a plaintiff in a complaint, or awarded to a party by a jury or, in some cases, by a judge. “Compensatory damages” are awarded to compensate the prevailing party for actual losses suffered, if liability is proved. In cases in which there is a finding that a defendant has acted willfully, maliciously or fraudulently, generally based on a higher burden of proof than is required for a finding of liability for compensatory damages, a plaintiff also may be awarded “punitive damages.” Although damages may be awarded at the trial court stage, a losing party generally may be protected from paying any damages until all appellate avenues have been exhausted by posting a supersedeas bond. The amount of such a bond is governed by the law of the relevant jurisdiction and generally is set at the amount of damages plus some measure of statutory interest, modified at the discretion of the appropriate court or subject to limits set by a court or statute.

The term “ per curiam ” refers to a decision entered by an appellate court that is not signed by an individual judge. In most cases, it is used to indicate that the opinion entered is a brief announcement of the court’s decision and is not accompanied by an opinion explaining the court’s reasoning.

The term “settlement” refers to certain types of cases in which cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, have agreed to resolve disputes with certain plaintiffs without resolving the cases through trial. The principal terms of certain settlements entered into by RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco are explained below under “— Accounting for Tobacco-Related Litigation Contingencies.”

Theories of Recovery

The plaintiffs seek recovery on a variety of legal theories, including negligence, strict liability in tort, design defect, failure to warn, fraud, misrepresentation, violations of unfair and deceptive trade practices statutes,

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

conspiracy, medical monitoring and violations of state and federal antitrust laws. In certain of these cases, the plaintiffs claim that cigarette smoking exacerbated injuries caused by exposure to asbestos or, in the case of certain claims asserted against Lorillard Tobacco, that they were injured by exposure to filters containing asbestos used in one cigarette brand for roughly four years before 1957, the latter cases referred to as Filter Cases.

The plaintiffs seek various forms of relief, including compensatory and, where available, punitive damages, treble or multiple damages and statutory damages and penalties, creation of medical monitoring and smoking cessation funds, disgorgement of profits, and injunctive and other equitable relief. Although alleged damages often are not determinable from a complaint, and the law governing the pleading and calculation of damages varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, compensatory and punitive damages have been specifically pleaded in a number of cases, sometimes in amounts ranging into the hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars.

Defenses

The defenses raised by Reynolds Defendants include, where applicable and otherwise appropriate, preemption by the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of some or all claims arising after 1969, or by the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act for claims arising after 1986, the lack of any defect in the product, assumption of the risk, contributory or comparative fault, lack of proximate cause, remoteness, lack of standing, statutes of limitations or repose and others. RAI, RJR and Lorillard have asserted additional defenses, including jurisdictional defenses, in many of the cases in which they are named.

Accounting for Tobacco-Related Litigation Contingencies

In accordance with GAAP, RAI and its subsidiaries record any loss concerning litigation at such time as an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated on an individual case-by-case basis. For the reasons set forth below, RAI’s management continues to conclude that the loss of any particular pending tobacco-related litigation claim against the Reynolds Defendants, when viewed on an individual basis, is not probable, except for certain Engle Progeny cases noted below.

Reynolds Defendants believe that they have valid defenses to the tobacco-related litigation claims against them, as well as valid bases for appeal of adverse verdicts against them. Reynolds Defendants have, through their counsel, filed pleadings and memoranda in pending tobacco-related litigation that set forth and discuss a number of grounds and defenses that they and their counsel believe have a valid basis in law and fact. With the exception of the Engle Progeny cases described below, Reynolds Defendants continue to win the majority of tobacco-related litigation claims that reach trial, and a very high percentage of the tobacco-related litigation claims brought against them, including Engle Progeny cases, continue to be dismissed at or before trial. Based on their experience in tobacco-related litigation and the strength of the defenses available to them in such litigation, Reynolds Defendants believe that their successful defense of tobacco-related litigation in the past will continue in the future.

RAI’s condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) as of March 31, 2017, contains accruals for the following Engle Progeny cases: Starr-Blundell, Monroe and Ward (for attorneys’ fees and interest only with respect to Ward ) . In the first quarter of 2017, RJR Tobacco paid approximately $42.8 million in satisfaction of the judgment, including attorneys’ fees and interest, in Buonomo . Other accruals include an amount for the estimated costs of the corrective communications in the U.S. Department of Justice case. As other cases proceed through the appellate process, RAI will evaluate the need for further accruals on an individual case-by-case basis if an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

It is the policy of Reynolds Defendants to defend tobacco-related litigation claims vigorously; generally, Reynolds Defendants and indemnitees do not settle such claims. However, Reynolds Defendants may enter into

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

settlement discussions in some cases, if they believe it is in their best interests to do so. Exceptions to this general approach include, but are not limited to, actions taken pursuant to “offer of judgment” statutes, as described below in “ — Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Overview,” and Filter Cases, as described below in “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry – Filter Cases,” as well as other historical examples discussed below.

With respect to smoking and health tobacco litigation claims, the only significant settlements reached by RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and B&W involved:

 

    the State Settlement Agreements and the funding by various tobacco companies of a $5.2 billion trust fund contemplated by the MSA to benefit tobacco growers;

 

    the original Broin flight attendant case discussed below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Broin II Cases,” and

 

    most of the Engle Progeny cases pending in federal court, after the initial docket of over 4,000 such cases was reduced to approximately 400 cases.

The circumstances surrounding the State Settlement Agreements and the funding of a trust fund to benefit the tobacco growers are readily distinguishable from the current categories of tobacco-related litigation claims involving Reynolds Defendants. In the claims underlying the State Settlement Agreements, the states sought to recover funds paid for health care and medical and other assistance to state citizens suffering from diseases and conditions allegedly related to tobacco use. The State Settlement Agreements settled all the health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions and contain releases of various additional present and future claims. In accordance with the MSA, various tobacco companies agreed to fund a $5.2 billion trust fund to be used to address the possible adverse economic impact of the MSA on tobacco growers. A discussion of the State Settlement Agreements, and a table depicting the related payment schedule, is set forth below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases.”

As with claims that were resolved by the State Settlement Agreements, the other cases settled by RJR Tobacco can be distinguished from existing cases pending against the Reynolds Defendants. The original Broin case, discussed below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Broin II Cases,” was settled in the middle of trial during negotiations concerning a possible nation-wide settlement of claims similar to those underlying the State Settlement Agreements.

The federal Engle Progeny cases likewise presented exceptional circumstances not present in the state Engle Progeny cases or elsewhere. All of the federal Engle Progeny cases subject to the settlement were pending in the same court, were coordinated by the same judge, and involved the same sets of plaintiffs’ lawyers. Moreover, RJR Tobacco settled only after approximately 90% of the federal Engle Progeny cases otherwise had been resolved. A discussion of the Engle Progeny cases and the settlement of the federal Engle Progeny cases is set forth below under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry —  Engle and Engle Progeny Cases.”

In 2010, RJR Tobacco entered into a comprehensive agreement with the Canadian federal, provincial and territorial governments, which resolved all civil claims related to the movement of contraband tobacco products in Canada during the period 1985 through 1999 that the Canadian governments could assert against RJR Tobacco and its affiliates. These claims involved different theories of recovery than the other tobacco-related litigation claims pending against the Reynolds Defendants.

Also, in 2004, RJR Tobacco and B&W separately settled the antitrust case DeLoach v. Philip Morris Cos., Inc., which was brought by a unique class of plaintiffs: a class of all tobacco growers and tobacco allotment holders. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendants conspired to fix the price of tobacco leaf and to destroy the

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

federal government’s tobacco quota and price support program. Despite legal defenses they believed to be valid, RJR Tobacco and B&W separately settled this case to avoid a long and contentious trial with the tobacco growers. The DeLoach case involved different types of plaintiffs and different theories of recovery under the antitrust laws than the other tobacco-related litigation claims pending against the Reynolds Defendants.

Finally, as discussed under “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — State Settlement Agreements—Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments,” RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco each has settled certain cases brought by states concerning the enforcement of State Settlement Agreements. Despite legal defenses believed to be valid, these cases were settled to avoid further contentious litigation with the states involved. These enforcement actions involved alleged breaches of State Settlement Agreements based on specific actions taken by particular defendants. Accordingly, any future enforcement actions involving State Settlement Agreements will be reviewed by RJR Tobacco on the merits and should not be affected by the settlement of prior enforcement cases.

Cautionary Statement

Even though RAI’s management continues to believe that the loss of particular pending tobacco-related litigation claims against Reynolds Defendants, when viewed on an individual case-by-case basis, is not probable or estimable (except for certain Engle Progeny cases described below), the possibility of material losses related to such litigation is more than remote. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and generally, it is not possible to predict the outcome of any particular litigation pending against Reynolds Defendants, or to reasonably estimate the amount or range of any possible loss.

Although Reynolds Defendants believe that they have valid bases for appeals of adverse verdicts in their pending cases and valid defenses to all actions and intend to defend them vigorously as described above, it is possible that there could be further adverse developments in pending cases, and that additional cases could be decided unfavorably against Reynolds Defendants. Determinations of liability or adverse rulings in such cases or in similar cases involving other cigarette manufacturers as defendants, even if such judgments are not final, could have a material adverse effect on the litigation against Reynolds Defendants and could encourage the commencement of additional tobacco-related litigation. Reynolds Defendants also may enter into settlement discussions in some cases, if they believe it is in their best interests to do so. In addition, a number of political, legislative, regulatory and other developments relating to the tobacco industry and cigarette smoking have received wide media attention. These developments may negatively affect the outcomes of tobacco-related legal actions and encourage the commencement of additional similar litigation.

Although it is impossible to predict the outcome of such events on pending litigation and the rate new lawsuits may be filed against Reynolds Defendants, a significant increase in litigation or in adverse outcomes for tobacco defendants, or difficulties in obtaining the bonding required to stay execution of judgments on appeal, could have a material adverse effect on any or all of these entities. Moreover, notwithstanding the quality of defenses available to Reynolds Defendants in litigation matters, it is possible that RAI’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position could be materially adversely affected by the ultimate outcome of certain pending litigation or future claims against Reynolds Defendants.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry

Table of Contents

 

     Page  

Overview

     H-22  

Individual Smoking and Health Cases

     H-26  

West Virginia IPIC

     H-27  

Engle and Engle Progeny Cases

     H-28  

Broin II Cases

     H-49  

Class-Action Suits

     H-50  

Filter Cases

     H-55  

Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases

     H-56  

State Settlement Agreements—Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments

     H-62  

Other Litigation and Developments

     H-68  

Overview

Introduction. In connection with the B&W business combination, RJR Tobacco agreed to indemnify B&W and its affiliates against, among other things, certain litigation liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by B&W or its affiliates arising out of the U.S. cigarette and tobacco business of B&W. Also, in connection with the Lorillard Merger, Lorillard Tobacco was merged into RJR Tobacco with RJR Tobacco being the surviving entity, Lorillard Tobacco ceasing to exist, and RJR Tobacco succeeding to Lorillard Tobacco’s liabilities, including Lorillard Tobacco’s litigation liabilities, costs and expenses, referred to as the Lorillard Tobacco Merger. Although Lorillard Tobacco no longer exists as a result of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger, it will remain as a named party in cases pending on the date of the Lorillard Tobacco Merger until courts grant motions to substitute RJR Tobacco for Lorillard Tobacco or the claims are dismissed. The cases discussed below include cases brought against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and their affiliates and indemnitees, including RAI, RJR, B&W and Lorillard. Cases brought against SFNTC and RJR Vapor also are discussed.

During the first quarter of 2017, 28 tobacco-related cases were served against Reynolds Defendants. On March 31, 2017, there were, subject to the exclusions described immediately below, 288 cases pending against Reynolds Defendants: 271 in the United States and 17 in Canada, as compared with 275 total cases on March 31, 2016. Of the U.S. cases pending on March 31, 2017, 39 are pending in federal court, 231 in state court and one in tribal court, primarily in the following states: Maryland (52 cases); Illinois (48 cases); Florida (28 cases); Massachusetts (24 cases); New York (21 cases); Missouri (17 cases); New Mexico (15 cases); and California (12 cases). The U.S. case number excludes the approximately 564 individual smoker cases pending in West Virginia state court as a consolidated action, 2,777 Engle Progeny cases, involving approximately 3,570 individual plaintiffs, and 2,352 Broin II cases, pending in the United States against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco or certain other Reynolds Defendants.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

The following table lists the categories of the U.S. tobacco-related cases pending against Reynolds Defendants as of March 31, 2017, and the increase or decrease from the number of cases pending against Reynolds Defendants as of December 31, 2016, as reported in RAI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, referred to as the SEC, on February 9, 2017, and a cross-reference to the discussion of each case type.

 

Case Type

   U.S. Case Numbers
as of March 31,
2017
   Change in
Number of
Cases Since
December 31, 2016
    Increase/(Decrease)    

Individual Smoking and Health Cases

   137    5

West Virginia IPIC (Number of Plaintiffs)*

   1 (approx. 564)    No change

Engle Progeny Cases (Number of Plaintiffs)**

   2,777 (approx. 3,570)    (45) (75)

Broin II Cases

   2,352    (54)

Class-Action Suits

   27    2

Filter Cases

   78    No change

Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases

   2    No change

State Settlement Agreements—Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments

   2    (26)

Other Litigation and Developments

   24    3

 

* Includes as one case the approximately 564 cases pending as a consolidated action In Re: Tobacco Litigation Individual Personal Injury Cases , sometimes referred to as West Virginia IPIC cases, described below. The West Virginia IPIC cases have been separated from the Individual Smoking and Health cases for reporting purposes.
** The Engle Progeny cases have been separated from the Individual Smoking and Health cases for reporting purposes. The number of cases will fluctuate as cases are dismissed or if any of the dismissed cases are appealed.

The Florida state court class-action case, Engle v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , and the related cases commonly referred to as Engle Progeny cases have attracted significant attention. After the Florida Supreme Court’s 2006 ruling that members of the formerly certified class could file individual actions, roughly 10,000 claims or actions were filed in Florida state or federal courts before the deadline set by the Florida Supreme Court. No new or additional such claims may be filed. As reflected in the table above, 2,777 Engle Progeny cases were pending as of March 31, 2017, that included claims asserted on behalf of 3,570 plaintiffs. Following an agreement to settle most Engle Progeny cases that remained pending in federal courts in the first quarter of 2015, nearly all Engle Progeny cases currently pending are in Florida state courts. Since 2009, there have been over 200 Engle Progeny trials in Florida state or federal courts involving RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco. As described more fully immediately below in “— Scheduled Trials ” and “— Trial Results ,” additional Engle Progeny cases involving RJR Tobacco are being tried and set for trial on an ongoing basis. Juries in Engle Progeny cases have awarded substantial amounts in compensatory and punitive damage awards, many of which currently are at various stages in the appellate process. RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco also have paid substantial amounts in compensatory and punitive damage awards in Engle Progeny cases. For a detailed description of these cases, see “— Engle and Engle Progeny cases” below.

In November 1998, the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, entered into the MSA with 46 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and certain U.S. territories and possessions. These cigarette manufacturers previously settled four other cases, brought on behalf of Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota, by separate agreements with each state. These State Settlement Agreements:

 

    settled all health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions;

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

    released the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers from various additional present and potential future claims;

 

    imposed future payment obligations in perpetuity on RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and other major U.S. cigarette manufacturers; and

 

    placed significant restrictions on their ability to market and sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.

Payments under the State Settlement Agreements are subject to various adjustments for, among other things, the volume of cigarettes sold, relative market share, operating profit and inflation. See “— Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases — State Settlement Agreements” below for a detailed discussion of the State Settlement Agreements, including RAI’s operating subsidiaries’ monetary obligations under these agreements. RJR Tobacco records the allocation of settlement charges as products are shipped.

Scheduled Trials. Trial schedules are subject to change, and many cases are dismissed before trial. There are 31 cases, exclusive of Engle Progeny cases, scheduled for trial as of March 31, 2017 through March 31, 2018, for RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco or their affiliates and indemnitees: four individual smoking and health cases, 25 Filter Cases, and two other non-smoking and health cases. There are also approximately 98 Engle Progeny cases against RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco set for trial through March 31, 2018. It is not known how many of these cases will actually be tried.

Trial Results . From January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2017, 131 individual smoking and health, Engle Progeny, Filter and health-care cost recovery cases in which RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco were defendants were tried, including ten trials for cases where mistrials were declared in the original proceedings. Verdicts in favor of RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco and, in some cases, other defendants, were returned in 63 cases, tried in Florida (40), California (1) and New Jersey (1). There were also 21 mistrials in Florida. Verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs were returned in 61 cases tried in Florida, and one in California. Four cases in Florida were dismissed during trial. One case in Florida was a retrial only as to the amount of damages. In another case in Florida, the jury entered a partial verdict that did not include compensatory or punitive damages, and post-trial motions are pending.

In the first quarter of 2017, seven Engle Progeny cases in which RJR Tobacco and/or Lorillard Tobacco was a defendant were tried:

 

    In Durrance v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of RJR Tobacco.

 

    In John Brown v. Philip Morris USA Inc. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff; found the decedent 30% at fault, RJR Tobacco 35% at fault, and the remaining defendant 35% at fault; and awarded $5.4 million in compensatory damages and $200,000 in punitive damages against each defendant.

 

    In Nixon v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the court declared a mistrial due to the inability to seat a jury.

 

    In Fox v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault, and awarded $6 million in compensatory damages. Punitive damages were not awarded.

 

    In Theis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the court declared a mistrial due to the inability to seat a jury.

 

    In Whitmire v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 33% at fault and RJR Tobacco 67% at fault, and awarded $3 million in compensatory damages. The court declared a mistrial in the second phase of the trial relating to the amount of punitive damages after the jury deadlocked.

 

    In Santoro v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 36% at fault, RJR Tobacco 26% at fault, and the remaining defendants 38% at fault; and awarded approximately $1.6 million in compensatory damages and $90,000 in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $115,000 in punitive damages against the remaining defendants.

 

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In addition, since the end of the first quarter of 2017, three other Engle Progeny cases, in which RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard were a defendant were tried:

 

    In Schlefstein v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the court declared a mistrial during jury selection.

 

    In Lima v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co ., the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 60% at fault and the remaining defendant 0% at fault, and awarded $3 million in compensatory damages and $12 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco.

 

    In Shadd v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, found the decedent 95% at fault and RJR Tobacco 5% at fault, and awarded $0 in compensatory damages. Punitive damages were not awarded.

For a detailed description of the above-described cases, see “— Engle and Engle Progeny Cases” below.

In the first quarter of 2017, no non- Engle Progeny individual smoking and health cases, in which RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco was a defendant, were tried.

In the first quarter of 2017, no Filter cases, in which RJR Tobacco and/or Lorillard Tobacco was a defendant, were tried.

For information on the verdicts in the Engle Progeny cases that have been tried and remain pending as of March 31, 2017, in which verdicts have been returned against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco or B&W, or all three, see the Engle Progeny cases charts at “— Engle and Engle Progeny Cases” below. The following chart reflects the verdicts in the non- Engle Progeny smoking and health cases, health-care cost recovery cases or Filter Cases that have been tried and remain pending as of March 31, 2017, in which verdicts have been returned against RJR Tobacco, B&W or Lorillard Tobacco, or all three.

 

Date of Verdict

   Case Name/Type  

Jurisdiction

  

Verdict

August 17, 2006

   United States v.
Philip Morris
USA, Inc.

[Governmental
Health-Care
Cost Recovery]

 

U.S. District Court,

District of

Columbia,

(Washington, D.C.)

   RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco were found liable for civil RICO claims; were enjoined from using certain brand descriptors and from making certain misrepresentations; and were ordered to make corrective communications on five subjects, including smoking and health and addiction, to reimburse the U.S. Department of Justice appropriate costs associated with the lawsuit, and to maintain document web sites.

May 26, 2010

   Izzarelli v. R. J.
Reynolds
Tobacco Co.

[Individual]

 

U.S. District Court,

District of

Connecticut,

(Bridgeport, CT)

   $13.76 million in compensatory damages; 58% of fault assigned to RJR Tobacco, which reduced the award to $7.98 million against RJR Tobacco; $3.97 million in punitive damages.

September 13, 2013

   DeLisle v. A.
W. Chesterton
Co
.

[Filter]

 

Circuit Court, Broward County, (Ft. Lauderdale,

FL)

   $8 million in compensatory damages; 44% of fault assigned to Lorillard Tobacco, which reduced the award to $3.52 million against Lorillard Tobacco.

July 30, 2014

   Major v.
Lorillard
Tobacco Co.
[Individual]
  Superior Court, Los Angeles County, (Los Angeles, CA)    $17.74 million in compensatory damages; 17% of fault assigned to Lorillard Tobacco, which reduced the award to $3.78 million against Lorillard Tobacco.

July 8, 2015

   Larkin v. R. J.
Reynolds
Tobacco Co.

[Individual]

  Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County, (Miami, FL)    $4.96 million in compensatory damages; 62% of fault assigned to RJR Tobacco; $8.5 million in punitive damages. Comparative fault did not apply to the final judgment.

 

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For information on the post-trial status of individual smoking and health cases, the governmental health-care cost recovery case and the Filter Cases, see “— Individual Smoking and Health Cases,” “— Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases — U.S. Department of Justice Case,” and “— Filter Cases,” respectively, below.

Individual Smoking and Health Cases

As of March 31, 2017, 137 individual cases were pending in the United States against RJR Tobacco, B&W (as RJR Tobacco’s indemnitee), Lorillard Tobacco or all three. This category of cases includes smoking and health cases alleging personal injuries caused by tobacco use or exposure brought by or on behalf of individual plaintiffs based on theories of negligence, strict liability, breach of express or implied warranty, and violations of state deceptive trade practices or consumer protection statutes. The plaintiffs seek to recover compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and punitive damages. The category does not include the Broin II, Engle Progeny, Filter or West Virginia IPIC cases discussed below. One of the individual cases is brought by or on behalf of an individual or his/her survivors alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, referred to as ETS.

Below is a description of the non- Engle Progeny individual smoking and health cases against RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco that went to trial or were decided during the period from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017, or remained on appeal as of March 31, 2017.

On May 26, 2010, in Izzarelli v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. D. Conn., filed 1999), the jury awarded the plaintiff $13.76 million in compensatory damages on the negligence and strict liability claims, found RJR Tobacco 58% at fault and the plaintiff 42% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. The plaintiff sought to recover damages for personal injuries allegedly sustained as a result of unsafe and unreasonably dangerous cigarette products and for economic losses she sustained as a result of supposed unfair trade practices. On December 5, 2010, the district court (1) awarded the plaintiff $3.97 million in punitive damages, (2) entered a judgment of $11.95 million, and (3) granted the plaintiff $15.8 million in offer of judgment interest through that date and, going forward, approximately $4,000 per day until entry of an amended judgment. In March 2011, the district court entered an amended judgment of approximately $28.1 million. RJR Tobacco appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, referred to as the Second Circuit, and the plaintiff cross appealed. In September 2013, the Second Circuit certified a question of Connecticut law to the Connecticut Supreme Court, which was answered on April 26, 2016. The parties then submitted supplemental briefs to the Second Circuit addressing the impact of the Connecticut Supreme Court’s opinion. On July 7, 2016, the Second Circuit ordered another round of supplemental briefing to be submitted in the Izzarelli appeal after the Connecticut Supreme Court answered questions certified to it by the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut in the Bifolck v. Philip Morris, Inc. case. In a decision released on December 29, 2016, the Connecticut Supreme Court answered the questions in Bifolck . The parties submitted the second round of supplemental briefs addressing the impact of the Bifolck decision to the Second Circuit on February 13, 2017. The parties submitted another round of briefing as directed by the Second Circuit on May 1, 2017.

On July 30, 2014, in Major v. Lorillard Tobacco Co. (Super. Ct. Los Angeles County, Cal., filed 2011), the jury awarded the plaintiff approximately $17.74 million in compensatory damages on the negligence and strict liability claims and found the plaintiff 50% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 17% at fault, and RJR Tobacco and another manufacturer collectively 33% at fault. Punitive damages were not at issue. RJR Tobacco and the other manufacturer had been dismissed prior to trial. The plaintiffs alleged that as a result of the use of the defendants’ products and exposure to asbestos, the decedent, William Major, suffered from lung cancer, and sought an unspecified amount of damages. In August 2014, the trial court entered an initial final judgment of approximately $3.9 million against Lorillard Tobacco. On July 1, 2015, the trial court entered an amended final judgment in the amount of approximately $3.78 million in compensatory damages, approximately $135,000 in costs, approximately $1.9 million in prejudgment interest, and post-judgment interest from August 25, 2014 in the

 

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amount of approximately $1,100 per day. Lorillard Tobacco appealed from the original and amended judgments, which appeals have been consolidated, and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $9.1 million. On October 20, 2015, the appellate court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion to substitute itself for Lorillard Tobacco. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On July 8, 2015, in Larkin v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2002) the jury awarded the plaintiff approximately $4.96 million in compensatory damages on the strict liability and intentional tort claims, found RJR Tobacco 62% at fault and the decedent 38% at fault, and awarded $8.5 million in punitive damages. The plaintiff alleged that as a result of using the defendant’s products, the decedent suffered from mouth and lung cancer, and sought an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. In July 2015, the trial court entered judgment in the amount of approximately $13.46 million. On March 22, 2016, the trial court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion for a new trial on claims of defective product and damages only and denied the remaining post-trial motions. The new trial has not been scheduled. In April 2016, RJR Tobacco appealed to the Third District Court of Appeal, referred to as DCA, and the plaintiff cross appealed. Oral argument is scheduled for May 3, 2017.

On February 8, 2016, in Pooshs v. Philip Morris USA, Inc. (U.S.D.C. N.D. Cal., filed 2004) the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff alleged that as a result of using the defendants’ products, the plaintiff suffers from lung cancer. Final judgment was entered on February 9, 2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on March 9, 2016. The case has been stayed through May 22, 2017, pending a decision in Major , described above.

West Virginia IPIC

In re: Tobacco Litigation Individual Personal Injury Cases (Cir. Ct. Ohio County, W. Va., filed beginning in 1999), is a series of roughly 1,200 individual cases asserting claims against Philip Morris USA Inc., Lorillard Tobacco, RJR Tobacco, B&W and The American Tobacco Company based on alleged personal injuries . The cases were consolidated for a Phase I trial on various defense conduct issues, to be followed in Phase II by individual trials of remaining claims. On May 15, 2013, the Phase I jury found that defendants’ cigarettes were not defectively designed; defendants’ cigarettes were not defective due to a failure to warn before July 1, 1969; defendants were not negligent, did not breach warranties, and did not engage in conduct warranting punitive damages; and defendants’ ventilated filter cigarettes manufactured and sold between 1964 and July 1, 1969 were defective for a failure to instruct. In November 2014, the West Virginia Supreme Court affirmed the verdict. On June 8, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ petition for writ of certiorari. On the same date, the trial court issued an order finding that only 30 plaintiffs are alleged to have smoked ventilated filter cigarettes in the relevant period. On October 9, 2015, the trial court outlined the procedures for resolving the claims of the 30 Phase II plaintiffs, which claims will focus on whether plaintiffs blocked cigarette vents and, if so, whether blocking proximately caused their alleged injuries. Five cases were selected to be the first claims tried, and they were tentatively scheduled to be tried beginning on May 1, 2017. In June 2016, the court granted the defendants’ motion to compel and required the plaintiffs to file additional expert disclosures necessary to attempt to proceed with their claims. The court will set a revised discovery and trial schedule after the expert disclosures are tested for admissibility, and it pushed the tentative trial date to May 2018.

In addition to the foregoing claims, various plaintiffs in 1999 and 2000 asserted claims against retailers and distributors. Those claims were severed and stayed pending the outcome of Phase I. Also, 41 plaintiffs asserted smokeless tobacco claims against various smokeless manufacturers, including 14 claims against certain Reynolds Defendants. Those claims were severed from IPIC in 2001, and the plaintiffs took no action to prosecute the claims. They now seek to activate their smokeless claims. On January 25, 2017, the trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss those claims as abandoned. The plaintiffs are now free to move forward with their claims.

 

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Engle and Engle Progeny Cases

In July 1998, trial began in Engle v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., a then-certified class action filed in Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County, Florida , against U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, Philip Morris USA Inc., and others. The then-certified class consisted of Florida citizens and residents, and their survivors, who suffered from smoking-related diseases that first manifested between May 5, 1990, and November 21, 1996, and were caused by an addiction to cigarettes. In July 1999, the jury in Phase I found against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and the other defendants on common issues relating to the defendants’ conduct, general causation, the addictiveness of cigarettes, and entitlement to punitive damages.

On July 14, 2000, the jury in Phase II awarded the class a total of approximately $145 billion in punitive damages, which were apportioned $36.3 billion to RJR Tobacco, $17.6 billion to B&W, and $16.3 billion to Lorillard Tobacco. The defendants appealed.

On December 21, 2006, the Florida Supreme Court prospectively decertified the class and set aside the jury’s Phase II punitive damages award. But the court preserved certain of the jury’s Phase I findings, including that cigarettes can cause certain diseases, nicotine is addictive, and defendants placed defective cigarettes on the market, breached duties of care, concealed health-related information, and conspired. The court also authorized former class members to file individual lawsuits within one year, and it stated that the preserved findings would have res judicata effect in those actions.

In the year after the Florida Supreme Court’s Engle decision, putative class members filed thousands of individual actions against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, Philip Morris USA Inc., and the other Engle defendants, which actions commonly are referred to as Engle Progeny cases. As of March 31, 2017, 2,765 Engle Progeny cases were pending in state courts, and 12 Engle Progeny cases were pending in federal court against RJR Tobacco, B&W and/or Lorillard Tobacco. Those cases include claims by or on behalf of approximately 3,570 plaintiffs. As of March 31, 2017, RJR Tobacco also was aware of nine additional Engle Progeny cases that have been filed but not served. The number of pending cases fluctuates for a variety of reasons, including voluntary and involuntary dismissals. Voluntary dismissals include cases in which a plaintiff accepts an “offer of judgment,” referred to in Florida statutes as “proposals for settlement,” from RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and/or RJR Tobacco’s affiliates and indemnitees. An offer of judgment, if rejected by the plaintiff, preserves RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s right to recover attorneys’ fees under Florida law in the event of a verdict favorable to RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco. Such offers are sometimes made through court-ordered mediations.

At the beginning of the Engle Progeny litigation, a central issue was the proper use of the preserved Engle findings. RJR Tobacco has argued that use of the Engle findings to establish individual elements of progeny claims (such as defect, negligence and concealment) is a violation of federal due process. In 2013, however, both the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, referred to as the Eleventh Circuit, rejected that argument. As noted below, the Eleventh Circuit, this time sitting en banc , recently heard argument on this issue again. In addition to this global due process argument, RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco raise many other factual and legal defenses as appropriate in each case. These defenses may include, among other things, arguing that the plaintiff is not a proper member of the Engle class, that the plaintiff did not rely on any statements by any tobacco company, that the trial was conducted unfairly, that some or all claims are preempted or barred by applicable statutes of limitation, or that any injury was caused by the smoker’s own conduct. In Hess v. Philip Morris USA Inc. and Russo v. Philip Morris USA Inc. , decided on April 2, 2015, the Florida Supreme Court held that, in Engle Progeny cases, the defendants cannot raise a statute of repose defense to claims for concealment or conspiracy. On April 8, 2015, in Graham v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the Eleventh Circuit held that federal law impliedly preempts use of the preserved Engle findings to establish claims for strict liability or negligence. On January 21, 2016, the Eleventh Circuit granted the plaintiff’s motion for rehearing en banc and vacated the panel decision. On March 23, 2016, the Eleventh Circuit requested briefing on the issues of whether plaintiff’s claims are preempted and, if not, whether the defendants’ due process rights are

 

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violated. Oral argument occurred on June 21, 2016. A decision is pending. On January 6, 2016, in Marotta v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , the Fourth DCA, disagreed with the Graham panel decision and held that federal law does not impliedly preempt any tort claims against cigarette manufacturers, including those of Engle Progeny plaintiffs. The Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction in Marotta, heard oral argument, and on April 6, 2017, found that federal law does not preempt the Engle Progeny plaintiff’s claims. The deadline for RJR Tobacco to file a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court is July 5, 2017.

In June 2009, Florida amended its existing bond cap statute by adding a $200 million bond cap that applied to all Engle Progeny cases in the aggregate. In May 2011, Florida removed the provision that would have allowed the bond cap to expire on December 31, 2012. The bond cap for any given individual Engle Progeny case varies depending on the number of judgments on appeal at a given time, but never exceeds $5 million per case for appeals within the Florida state court system. The legislation, which became effective in June 2009 and 2011, applied to judgments entered after the original 2009 effective date. Bills are pending in the Florida legislature that would repeal the $200 million bond cap applicable to Engle Progeny cases.

During 2015, RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco, together with Philip Morris USA Inc., settled virtually all of the Engle Progeny cases then pending against them in federal district court. The total amount of the settlement was $100 million divided as follows: RJR Tobacco — $42.5 million; Philip Morris USA Inc. — $42.5 million; and Lorillard Tobacco — $15 million. The settlement covered more than 400 federal progeny cases but did not cover 12 federal progeny cases previously tried to verdict and currently pending on post-trial motions or appeal; and 2 federal progeny cases filed by different lawyers from the ones who negotiated the settlement for the plaintiffs. Between August 3, 2015 and January 4, 2016, RJR Tobacco and Philip Morris USA Inc. removed 39 Engle Progeny cases from state to federal courts in Florida. These cases were not part of the settlement described above and were all remanded back to state court.

One hundred twenty-seven Engle Progeny cases have been tried in Florida state and federal courts since the beginning of 2014 through March 31, 2017, and additional state court trials are scheduled for 2017 and 2018. Since the beginning of 2014 through March 31, 2017, RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco has paid judgments in 38 Engle Progeny cases. Those payments totaled $340.7 million and included $246 million for compensatory or punitive damages and $94.7 million for attorneys’ fees and statutory interest. In addition, accruals for compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees and statutory interest for Starr-Blundell and Monroe and an accrual for attorneys’ fees and interest for Ward were recorded in RAI’s condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) as of March 31, 2017. The following chart reflects the details of accrued compensatory damages related to Starr-Blundell and Monroe.

 

Plaintiff Case

Name

   RJR
Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
    Lorillard Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
     Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted)
(1)
     Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Starr-Blundell

     10          $ 50,000      $      First DCA, per curiam , reversed and remanded its May 29, 2015 opinion to the trial court for reconsideration in light of the decision in Soffer; trial court is considering the parties’ submissions regarding next steps in the case

Monroe

     58            6,380,000             First DCA affirmed the final judgment, per curiam , on March 23, 2017
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

Totals

        $   6,430,000      $               —     
       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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(1) Compensatory damages are adjusted to reflect the reduction that may be required by the allocation of fault. Punitive damages are not adjusted and reflect the amount of the final judgment(s) signed by the trial court judge(s). The amount listed above does not include attorneys’ fees or statutory interest of approximately $403,000 in Starr-Blundell and Monroe or approximately $1.6 million in attorneys’ fees and statutory interest in Ward .

The following chart lists judgments in all other individual Engle Progeny cases pending as of March 31, 2017, in which a verdict or judgment has been returned against RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco and the verdict or judgment has not been set aside on appeal. No liability for any of these cases has been recorded in RAI’s condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) as of March 31, 2017. This chart does not include the mistrials or verdicts returned in favor of RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco.

 

Plaintiff Case Name

  RJR Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
   Lorillard
Tobacco

Allocation of
Fault
  Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted) (1)
    Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Putney

  30%      $     $ 2,500,000      Fourth DCA reinstated the punitive damages awards of $2.5 million each against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant; court’s opinion that previously granted remittitur of the compensatory damages awards still stands; remanded to trial court for further proceedings

Andy Allen

  24%        2,475,000       7,756,000      First DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court; defendants filed a motion for rehearing on March 13, 2017; decision is pending

Calloway

  27%    18%                Fourth DCA granted rehearing en banc and substituted a new opinion, ordered a new trial based on improper argument; Florida Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction on March 16, 2017; a new trial date has not been scheduled

James Smith

  55%        600,000 (2)      20,000      Pending – Eleventh Circuit

Evers

  60%    9%     2,950,000       12,360,000      Second DCA reinstated punitive damage award of $12.36 million the trial court had set aside; the verdict was reinstated on remand; a subsequent appeal is pending in the Second DCA; oral argument occurred on February 7, 2017; decision is pending

Schoeff

  75%        7,875,000            Pending – Florida Supreme Court

Marotta

  58%        3,480,000            Florida Supreme Court found that federal law does not preempt the plaintiff’s claims; deadline for RJR Tobacco to file a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court is July 5, 2017

 

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Plaintiff Case Name

  RJR Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
   Lorillard
Tobacco

Allocation of
Fault
  Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted) (1)
    Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Searcy

  30%        500,000 (2)      1,670,000      Pending – Eleventh Circuit

Earl Graham

  20%        550,000            Eleventh Circuit held that federal law impliedly preempts claims for strict liability and negligence based on the defect and negligence findings from Engle ; plaintiff’s motion for rehearing en banc was granted; oral argument occurred on June 21, 2016; decision is pending

Skolnick

  30%                   Fourth DCA set aside judgment and ordered a partial new trial; new trial has not been scheduled

Grossman

  75%        11,514,000       22,500,000      Fourth DCA ordered award of compensatory damages reduced to reflect comparative fault, but otherwise affirmed; RJR Tobacco’s motion for rehearing was denied on March 16, 2017; plaintiff and RJR Tobacco filed notices to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court; Florida Supreme Court stayed those proceedings pending resolution of Schoeff

Gafney

  33%    33%                Fourth DCA reversed the judgment and remanded for a new trial; Florida Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction; new trial has not been scheduled

Burkhart

  25%    10%     3,500,000 (2)      1,750,000      Pending – Eleventh Circuit

Bakst (Odom)

  75%                   Fourth DCA reversed the judgment of the trial court and remanded the case for a new trial on damages only; motion for rehearing was denied on February 27, 2017; the plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme court on March 27, 2017; decision is pending

Robinson

  71%                   First DCA reversed judgment and remanded case for a new trial; new trial has not been scheduled; plaintiff filed a motion for rehearing on March 29, 2017; a decision is pending

 

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Plaintiff Case Name

  RJR Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
   Lorillard
Tobacco

Allocation of
Fault
  Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted) (1)
    Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Harris

  15%    10%     1,100,000 (2)           Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Irimi

  15%    15%                Pending – Fourth DCA

Lourie

  3%    7%     137,000            Second DCA affirmed the final judgment; defendants filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on September 8, 2016; Florida Supreme Court ordered the defendants to show cause why jurisdiction should not be declined based on the decision in Marotta

Kerrivan

  31%        6,046,660 (2)      9,600,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Schleider

  70%        14,700,000            Pending – Third DCA

Perrotto

  20%    6%     1,063,000            Plaintiff’s motion for a new trial granted as to punitive damages; new trial scheduled for June 5, 2017

Ellen Gray

  50%        3,000,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Sowers

  50%        2,125,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Caprio

  20%    10%     167,700            New trial scheduled for the July 5, 2017 through September 29, 2017 trial docket

Zamboni

  30%        102,000            Final judgment has not been entered

Pollari

  43%        4,250,000       1,500,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Gore

  23%        460,000            Pending – Fourth DCA

Ryan

  65%        13,975,000       25,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Hardin

  13%        100,880            Third DCA remanded the case for a new trial on punitive damages for the non-intentional tort claims; new trial is scheduled to begin August 21, 2017.

McCoy

  25%    20%     670,000       6,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Block

  50%        463,000       800,000      Fourth DCA affirmed the final judgment, per curiam

Lewis

  25%        187,500            Pending – Fifth DCA

Cooper

  40%        1,200,000            Pending – Fourth DCA

Duignan

  30%        2,690,000 (2)      2,500,000      Pending – Second DCA

O’Hara

  85%        14,700,000       20,000,000      Pending – First DCA

Marchese

  22.5%        225,000       250,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Barbose

  42.5%        5,000,000 (2)      500,000      Pending – Second DCA

Ledoux

  47%        5,000,000 (2)      12,500,000      Pending – Third DCA

Ewing

  2%        4,800            Post-trial motions denied; final judgment has not been entered

Ahrens

  44%        5,800,000 (2)      2,500,000      Pending – Second DCA

Turner

  80%        2,400,000       10,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

 

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Plaintiff Case Name

  RJR Tobacco
Allocation of
Fault
     Lorillard
Tobacco

Allocation of
Fault
    Compensatory
Damages
(as adjusted) (1)
    Punitive
Damages
    

Appeal Status

Enochs

    66%              13,860,000       6,250,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Dion

    75%              12,000,000 (2)      30,000      Pending – Second DCA

Nally

    75%              6,000,000 (2)      12,000,000      Pending – Second DCA

McCabe

    30%              1,500,000       6,500,000      Pending – Second DCA

Sermons

    5%              3,250       17,075      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Mathis

    55%              5,000,000 (2)           Pending – Third DCA

Oshinsky-Blacker

    25%                         Pending – Fourth DCA

Sherry Smith

    65%              3,000,000 (2)           Pending – Fifth DCA

Prentice

    40%              2,560,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Konzelman

    85%              7,476,000       20,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Ledo

    49%              2,940,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Johnston

    90%              6,750,000       14,000,000      Post-trial motions were denied on March 30, 2017; RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Second DCA on April 25, 2017

Howles

    50%              2,000,000       3,000,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Ford

    15%              153,400            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Martin

    22%              1,190,400       200,000      Pending – Fourth DCA

Pardue

    50%              3,467,000 (2)      6,750,000      Pending – First DCA

John Brown

    35%              2,700,000 (2)      200,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Fox

    50%              3,000,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Whitmire

    67%              3,000,000            Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Santoro

    26%              417,000       90,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)

Lima

    60%              1,800,000       12,000,000      Post-trial motions are pending (3)
      

 

 

   

 

 

    

Totals

       $ 197,828,590     $ 220,743,075     
      

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

(1) Unless otherwise noted, compensatory damages in these cases are adjusted to reflect the jury’s allocation of comparative fault. Punitive damages are not so adjusted. The amounts listed above do not include attorneys’ fees or statutory interest that may apply to the judgments and such fees and interest may be material.
(2) The court did not apply comparative fault in the final judgment.
(3) Should the pending post-trial motions be denied, RJR Tobacco will likely file a notice of appeal with the appropriate appellate court.

As reflected in the preceding chart, as of March 31, 2017, verdicts or judgments in favor of Engle Progeny plaintiffs have been entered and remain outstanding against RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco totaling $197,828,590 in compensatory damages (as adjusted) and $220,743,075 in punitive damages, which is a combined total of $418,571,665. These verdicts or judgments are at various stages in the post-trial or appellate process. RJR Tobacco believes that RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco have valid defenses in these cases, including case-specific issues beyond the due process issue discussed above, and, as described in more detail above in “— Accounting for Tobacco-Related Litigation Contingencies,” RJR Tobacco and its affiliates vigorously defend smoking and health claims, including Engle Progeny cases.

Should RJR Tobacco or Lorillard Tobacco not prevail in any particular individual Engle Progeny case or determine that in any individual Engle Progeny case an unfavorable outcome has become probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, a loss would be recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows and financial position of RAI. This position on loss recognition for Engle Progeny cases as of March 31, 2017, is consistent with RAI’s and RJR Tobacco’s historic position on loss

 

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recognition for other smoking and health litigation. It is the policy of RJR Tobacco to record any loss concerning litigation at such time as an unfavorable outcome becomes probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated on an individual case-by-case basis.

Below is a description of the Engle Progeny cases against RJR Tobacco, B&W, and/or Lorillard Tobacco that went to trial or were decided during the period from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017, or remained on appeal as of March 31, 2017, listed chronologically by the date of the verdict. In each case, the plaintiff: (1) alleged that the smoker was addicted to nicotine in cigarettes and, as a result of that addiction, suffered or died from one or more smoking-related diseases; (2) asserted claims based on theories of negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort; and (3) sought to recover unspecified compensatory damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. The plaintiffs in most, but not all, cases also sought to recover punitive damages.

On April 13, 2010, in Putney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury in Phase I of the trial returned a verdict for the plaintiff. On April 26, 2010, the jury in Phase II of the trial found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $15.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 35% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendants collectively 35% at fault; and awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages against each of RJR Tobacco and one of the remaining defendants. In August 2010, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $4.5 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages. In December 2010, the trial court entered an amended final judgment to provide that interest would run from April 26, 2010. In June 2013, the Fourth DCA held that the trial court erred in denying the defendants’ motion for remittitur of the compensatory damages for loss of consortium and in striking the defendants’ statute of repose affirmative defenses. As a result, the Fourth DCA reversed and remanded for further proceedings. After its April 2, 2015, ruling in Hess v. Philip Morris USA Inc. that Engle Progeny defendants cannot raise a statute of repose defense to claims for concealment or conspiracy, the Florida Supreme Court, on February 1, 2016, accepted jurisdiction in Putney , quashed the Fourth DCA’s decision and reinstated the verdict. On March 15, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court granted the defendants’ motion for clarification in an order stating that remand was for reconsideration only on the issue of the statute of repose. On August 31, 2016, the Fourth DCA entered a new opinion following remand from the Florida Supreme Court. The court reinstated the punitive damages awards of $2.5 million each against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant. The court’s opinion that previously granted remittitur of the compensatory damages awards still stands. The matter is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings.

On April 21, 2010, in Grossman v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), the jury, in Phase I of a retrial that followed a mistrial, returned a verdict for the plaintiff. On April 29, 2010, the jury in Phase II of the retrial found for the plaintiff on the strict liability claim and for RJR Tobacco on the negligence, warranty, and intentional tort claims; awarded $1.9 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, the decedent 70% at fault, and the decedent’s spouse 5% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In June 2010, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $484,000 in compensatory damages. In June 2012, the Fourth DCA affirmed the trial court’s judgment, but remanded for a new trial on all Phase II issues. On July 31, 2013, the jury in the second retrial found for the plaintiff on the intentional tort claims, awarded $15.35 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault, and awarded $22.5 million in punitive damages. The trial court entered final judgment in August 2013 and did not include a reduction for comparative fault. RJR Tobacco appealed, and the plaintiff cross appealed. On January 4, 2017, the Fourth DCA ordered the award of compensatory damages be reduced to reflect the comparative fault allocation assigned by the jury, but otherwise affirmed the final judgment. RJR Tobacco’s motion for rehearing was denied on March 16, 2017. The plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on April 13, 2017. RJR Tobacco filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on April 14, 2017. In orders dated April 19, 2017, and April 21, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court stayed those matters pending the resolution of Schoeff , described below.

 

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On May 20, 2010, in Buonomo v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $5.2 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 77.5% at fault and the decedent 22.5% at fault; and awarded $25 million in punitive damages. In accordance with a Florida statute, the trial court later reduced the punitive damage award to $15.7 million – three times the compensatory damages award of $5.2 million and entered final judgment in the amount of $4.06 million in compensatory damages and $15.7 million in punitive damages. In September 2013, the Fourth DCA affirmed the judgment and damages award to the plaintiff on strict liability and negligence, held that the trial court was not bound to hold punitive damages at three times compensatory damages, and reversed the judgment entered for the plaintiff on the claims for fraudulent concealment and conspiracy to commit fraud by concealment due to the erroneous striking of RJR Tobacco’s statute of repose defense. As a result, the punitive damages award was set aside and remanded for a new trial. In October 2014, the trial court found that the original $25 million punitive damages award was not excessive and would be reinstated if the plaintiff prevails on the repose issue and, in April 2015, entered an amended judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $29.1 million from which RJR Tobacco appealed. After its April 2, 2015, ruling in Hess v. Philip Morris USA Inc. that Engle Progeny defendants cannot raise a statute of repose defense to claims for concealment or conspiracy, the Florida Supreme Court, on January 26, 2016, accepted jurisdiction in Buonomo , quashed the Fourth DCA’s decision, and reinstated the jury verdict. RJR Tobacco’s motion for clarification was denied on March 21, 2016. In the appeal of the amended final judgment, on September 22, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed the amended final judgment, per curiam . RJR Tobacco’s motion for rehearing was denied in October 2016. After further evaluation of the case, RJR Tobacco paid approximately $42.8 million in satisfaction of the judgment on March 28, 2017.

On April 26, 2011, in Andy Allen v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 45% at fault, the decedent 40% at fault, and the remaining defendant 15% at fault; and awarded $17 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $19.7 million in May 2011 and, in October 2011, entered a remittitur of the punitive damages to $8.1 million. In May 2013, the First DCA reversed and remanded the case for a new trial. On November 24, 2014, the jury in the retrial found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 70% at fault, RJR Tobacco 24% at fault, and the remaining defendant to be 6% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 26, 2014, the jury awarded approximately $7.75 million in punitive damages against each defendant. In August 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant, jointly and severally, in the amount of approximately $3.1 million in compensatory damages and $7.75 million in punitive damages from each defendant. In September 2015, the defendants filed a notice of appeal to the First DCA. On February 24, 2017, the First DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court. The defendants filed a motion for rehearing en banc or certification to the Florida Supreme Court on March 13, 2017. A decision is pending.

On May 17, 2012, in Calloway v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $20.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 20.5% at fault, RJR Tobacco 27% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 18% at fault, and the remaining defendants collectively 34.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 31, 2012, the jury awarded punitive damages in the amount of $17.25 million against RJR Tobacco, $12.6 million against Lorillard Tobacco, and $25 million collectively against the remaining defendants. The trial court later determined that the jury’s apportionment of comparative fault did not apply to the compensatory damages award and, in August 2012, entered final judgment. On January 6, 2016, the Fourth DCA reversed the fraudulent concealment and conspiracy claims, reversed the punitive damages award, and remanded the case for a new trial on those issues. On September 23, 2016, the Fourth DCA, sitting en banc, reversed the judgment in its entirety and remanded the case for a new trial. On March 16, 2017, the Florida

 

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Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction of the case. The new trial has not been scheduled. The deadline for the plaintiff to file a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court is June 14, 2017.

On October 17, 2012, in James Smith v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $600,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 45% at fault and RJR Tobacco 55% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 18, 2012, the jury awarded $20,000 in punitive damages. The trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $620,000. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Eleventh Circuit and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $620,000. Oral argument occurred on October 17, 2014. A decision is pending.

On February 11, 2013, in Evers v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Hillsborough County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3.23 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 31% at fault, RJR Tobacco 60% at fault and Lorillard Tobacco 9% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages from RJR Tobacco but not from Lorillard Tobacco. On February 12, 2013, the jury awarded $12.36 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco. In March 2013, the trial court granted the defendants’ post-trial motions for directed verdict on fraudulent concealment, conspiracy and punitive damages and set aside the $12.36 million punitive damages award. The trial court entered final judgment in the amount of $1.77 million against RJR Tobacco and approximately $266,000 against Lorillard Tobacco. On November 6, 2015, the Second DCA concluded that the trial court erred in granting the defendants’ motion for directed verdict on claims for fraud by concealment and conspiracy to commit fraud by concealment, and reversed and reinstated the jury’s verdict on those two claims. As a result, the punitive damages award was reinstated. On remand, the jury’s verdict was reinstated. On March 14, 2016, the trial court entered an amended final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2.95 million in compensatory damages and $12.36 million in punitive damages. In April 2016, RJR Tobacco appealed to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Oral argument occurred on February 7, 2017. A decision is pending.

On February 13, 2013, in Schoeff v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On February 14, 2013, the jury awarded $30 million in punitive damages. In April 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $7.88 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive damages. On November 4, 2015, the Fourth DCA reversed the punitive damages portion of the final judgment and remanded the case to the trial court, directing the trial court to grant RJR Tobacco’s motion for remittitur and, if RJR Tobacco does not agree with the remitted amount, to hold a new trial on punitive damages. On May 26, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the case. Oral argument occurred on March 8, 2017. A decision is pending.

On March 20, 2013, in Marotta v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), the jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the strict liability claim and for RJR Tobacco on the negligence and intentional tort claims, awarded $6 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 42% at fault and RJR Tobacco 58% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $3.48 million. On January 6, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed, disagreeing with the Eleventh Circuit panel decision in Graham , discussed below, regarding whether federal law preempts the plaintiff’s claims. The Fourth DCA also certified a question presenting the preemption issue to the Florida Supreme Court. On March 8, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the case. On April 6, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court rephrased the certified question and then found that federal law does not preempt the plaintiff’s claims. The deadline for RJR Tobacco to file a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court is July 5, 2017.

 

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On April 1, 2013, in Searcy v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendant 30% at fault; and awarded $10 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. In September 2013, the trial court granted the defendants’ motion for a new trial, or in the alternative, reduction or remittitur of the damages awarded to the extent it sought remittitur of the damages. The compensatory damage award was remitted to $1 million, and the punitive damage award was remitted to $1.67 million against each defendant. The plaintiff filed a notice of acceptance of remittitur in November 2013, and the trial court issued an amended final judgment. The defendants appealed to the Eleventh Circuit, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $2.2 million. Oral argument occurred on October 17, 2014. A decision is pending.

On May 2, 2013, in David Cohen v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $2.06 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 20% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In May 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $617,000 and against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of approximately $411,000. In July 2013, the court granted the defendants’ motion for a new trial due to the plaintiff’s improper arguments during closing. The new trial date has not been scheduled. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants filed a notice of cross appeal. On September 7, 2016, the Fourth DCA affirmed the trial court’s order granting RJR Tobacco’s motion for a new trial. The Florida Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction of the case on March 16, 2017. The deadline for the plaintiff to file a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court is June 14, 2017.

On May 23, 2013, in Earl Graham v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $2.75 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 70% at fault, RJR Tobacco 20% at fault, and the remaining defendant 10% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In May 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $550,000. On April 8, 2015, the Eleventh Circuit reversed and ordered entry of judgment for RJR Tobacco. The Eleventh Circuit held that federal law impliedly preempts claims for strict liability and negligence based on the defect and negligence findings from Engle . On January 21, 2016, the plaintiff’s motion for rehearing en banc was granted, and the panel’s decision was vacated. On March 23, 2016, the Eleventh Circuit requested briefing on the issues of whether plaintiff’s claims are preempted and, if not, whether the defendants’ due process rights are violated. Oral argument occurred on June 21, 2016. A decision is pending.

On June 4, 2013, in Starr-Blundell v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $500,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 80% at fault, RJR Tobacco 10% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In November 2013, the trial court entered final judgment in the amount of $50,000 against each defendant. On May 29, 2015, the First DCA affirmed the final judgment of the trial court, per curiam . On June 29, 2015, the plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court. On May 24, 2016, the Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the case, quashed the decision of the First DCA, and remanded the case for reconsideration in light of Soffer . On September 6, 2016, the First DCA, per curiam , reversed and remanded its May 29, 2015 opinion to the trial court for reconsideration in light of the decision in Soffer . The trial court is considering the parties’ submissions regarding next steps in the case.

 

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On June 14, 2013, in Skolnick v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $2.56 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendant 30% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In July 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $766,500. On July 15, 2015, the Fourth DCA set aside the judgment and ordered a partial new trial finding that the strict liability and negligence claims, on which the plaintiff had prevailed, were barred by a prior settlement entered into by the plaintiff in a separate action. The Fourth DCA also held that the plaintiff’s concealment and conspiracy claims, on which the defendants had prevailed, must be re-tried due to an erroneous jury instruction on the statute of repose. The new trial has not been scheduled.

On September 20, 2013, in Gafney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $5.8 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 34% at fault, RJR Tobacco 33% at fault and Lorillard Tobacco 33% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. In September 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $1.9 million and against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of $1.9 million. On March 23, 2016, the Fourth DCA reversed the judgment of the trial court and remanded for a new trial due to improper comments made to the jury during plaintiff’s counsel’s closing arguments. In August 2016, the Florida Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction of the case. The new trial has not been scheduled.

On May 15, 2014, in Burkhart v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $5 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 50% at fault, RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 10% at fault and the remaining defendant 15% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 16, 2014, the jury awarded punitive damages of $1.25 million against RJR Tobacco, $500,000 against Lorillard Tobacco, and $750,000 against the remaining defendant. In June 2014, the trial court entered final judgment without a reduction for comparative fault. The defendants appealed to the Eleventh Circuit, RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $3.8 million, and Lorillard Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $1.5 million. Oral argument occurred on September 29, 2015. A decision is pending.

On June 23, 2014, in Bakst v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a case now known as Odom v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On June 23, 2014, the jury awarded $14 million in punitive damages. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $4.5 million in compensatory damages and $14 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA. On November 30, 2016, the Fourth DCA reversed the trial court’s judgment and remanded the case with directions that the trial court grant the motion for remittitur or order a new trial on damages only. RJR Tobacco filed a motion for rehearing on January 9, 2017, requesting that the Fourth DCA grant rehearing or withdraw the section of its opinion addressing the propriety of the plaintiff’s closing argument or grant rehearing en banc on the improper argument issue. On February 27, 2017, the Fourth DCA denied RJR Tobacco’s motion for rehearing. The plaintiff filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on March 27, 2017. A decision is pending.

On July 17, 2014, in Robinson v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Escambia County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $16.9 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 29.5% at fault and RJR Tobacco 70.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On July 18, 2014, the jury awarded $23.6 billion in punitive damages.

 

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In July 2014, the trial court entered partial judgment on compensatory damages against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $16.9 million. On January 27, 2015, the trial court remitted the punitive damages award to approximately $16.9 million. In February 2015, RJR Tobacco filed an objection to the remitted award of punitive damages and a demand for a new trial on damages. The trial court granted a new trial on the amount of punitive damages only. The new trial on punitive damages has been stayed pending RJR Tobacco’s appeal to the First DCA of the partial judgment of compensatory damages and of the order granting a new trial on the amount of punitive damages only. On February 24, 2017, the First DCA reversed the judgment of the trial court and remanded the case for a new trial. The new trial has not been scheduled. On March 29, 2017, the plaintiff filed a motion for rehearing in the First DCA. A decision is pending.

On July 31, 2014, in Harris v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $400,000 in compensatory damages for the wrongful death claim and $1.3 million in compensatory damages for the survival claim; allocated fault to the decedent (60% survival/70% wrongful death), RJR Tobacco (15% survival/10% wrongful death), Lorillard Tobacco (10% survival/10% wrongful death), and the remaining defendant (15% survival/10% wrongful death), and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. In December 2014, the trial court entered final judgment. Post-trial motions are pending, but in April 2015, the court stayed all post-trial proceedings pending resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On August 28, 2014, in Irimi v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and certain intentional tort claims and for one or more defendants on certain intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $3.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 70% at fault, RJR Tobacco 14.5% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 14.5% at fault and the remaining defendant 1% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. The trial court entered final judgment against each of RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of approximately $453,000 and against the remaining defendant in the amount of approximately $31,000. On January 29, 2015, the court granted the defendants’ motion for a new trial. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. Briefing is complete. Oral argument is scheduled for June 20, 2017.

On October 10, 2014, in Lourie v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Hillsborough County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $1.37 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 63% at fault, RJR Tobacco 3% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 7% at fault and the remaining defendant 27% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. The trial court later entered final judgment. The defendants appealed to the Second DCA in November 2014. On August 10, 2016, the Second DCA affirmed the final judgment. The defendants filed a notice to invoke the discretionary jurisdiction of the Florida Supreme Court on September 8, 2016. On April 25, 2017, the Florida Supreme Court ordered the defendants to show cause why jurisdiction should not be declined based on the decision in Marotta , described above.

On October 20, 2014, in Kerrivan v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $15.8 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 19% at fault, RJR Tobacco 31% at fault and the remaining defendant 50% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 22, 2014, the jury awarded $9.6 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $15.7 million against the remaining defendant. In November 2014, the trial court entered final judgment. RJR Tobacco filed its post-trial motions on December 11, 2014. In May 2015, the trial court deferred briefing and directed the parties to notify the court when the mandate has been issued in Graham or Searcy , described above.

 

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On November 18, 2014, in Schleider v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and certain intentional tort claims and for RJR Tobacco on certain intentional tort claims, awarded $21 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 30% at fault and RJR Tobacco 70% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. In June 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $14.7 million. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Third DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is complete. Oral argument is scheduled for June 19, 2017.

On November 21, 2014, in Perrotto v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $4.1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 49% at fault, RJR Tobacco 20% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 6% at fault and the remaining defendant 25% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $818,000 and against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of approximately $245,000. In May 2016, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for a new trial on punitive damages but denied it in all other respects. The new trial is scheduled to begin June 5, 2017.

On December 19, 2014, in Haliburton v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the plaintiff’s claims were time-barred, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. On April 14, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. On February 22, 2017, the Fourth DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court, per curiam . The plaintiff filed a motion for written opinion or for certification of a question of great public importance and/or certification of direct conflict to the Florida Supreme Court on March 28, 2017. A decision is pending.

On January 29, 2015, in Ellen Gray v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $6 million in compensatory damages, and found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault. Although the jury ignored an instruction on the verdict form and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages, there was no punitive damage award. In February 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $3 million. Post-trial motions are pending. On June 10, 2015, the court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion to stay the case pending resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On February 10, 2015, in Hecht v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the plaintiff’s claims were time-barred, which resulted in a verdict in favor of RJR Tobacco. Post-trial proceedings have been stayed until resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above. However, the trial court entered final judgment in favor of RJR Tobacco on January 7, 2016. On February 2, 2016, the plaintiff appealed to the Eleventh Circuit. Oral argument occurred on January 26, 2017. A decision is pending.

On February 11, 2015, in Sowers v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $4.25 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. On February 12, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $2.13 million. Post-trial motions are pending. On April 17, 2015, the court stayed post-trial proceedings until resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On February 24, 2015, in Caprio v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury advised the trial court that it could not reach a unanimous verdict, but the trial court directed the jury to

 

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complete the verdict form on those individual verdict questions where there was unanimous agreement. In the partially completed verdict, the jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; found the plaintiff 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 20% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 10% at fault, and the remaining defendants 30% at fault; and awarded $559,000 in economic damages. The jury did not answer the verdict form questions relating to noneconomic damages and entitlement to punitive damages. In May 2015, the court denied the defendants’ motion for a mistrial and advised that it accepted the questions answered by the jurors as a partial verdict. A new trial will be held on the remaining issues, including comparative fault allocation. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA. On January 22, 2017, the defendants dismissed their appeal. The case remains pending in the trial court. The new trial is scheduled for the July 5 — September 29, 2017 trial docket.

On February 26, 2015, in Zamboni v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded the plaintiff $340,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 60% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending. The court stayed the case pending resolution of the petition for en banc consideration in Graham , described above.

On March 23, 2015, in Pollari v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault, RJR Tobacco 42.5% at fault and the remaining defendant 42.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On March 25, 2015, the jury awarded $1.5 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against the defendants in the amount of $10 million in compensatory damages and, against each defendant, $1.5 million in punitive damages. On January 12, 2016, the trial court entered a second amended final judgment against RJR Tobacco that awarded $4.25 million in compensatory damages and $1.5 million in punitive damages. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $2.5 million, and the plaintiff cross appealed. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On March 26, 2015, in Gore v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Indian River County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $2 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 54% at fault, RJR Tobacco 23% at fault and the remaining defendant 23% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant, each in the amount of $460,000. RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $460,000 in September 2015, and in October 2015, the defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the plaintiff cross appealed. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On April 17, 2015, in Ryan v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $21.5 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 35% at fault and RJR Tobacco 65% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On April 21, 2015, the jury awarded $25 million in punitive damages. In May 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $21.5 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. On April 29, 2016, the court entered an amended final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $14 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million on May 27, 2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal on June 13, 2016. Briefing is underway.

 

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On June 18, 2015, in Hardin v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $776,000 in compensatory damages, found the decedent 87% at fault and RJR Tobacco 13% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. In June 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $100,880. The plaintiff appealed to the Third DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. On December 21, 2016, the Third DCA remanded the case for a new trial limited to the issue of punitive damages for the plaintiff’s non-intentional tort claims. Otherwise, the final judgment was affirmed. Neither party sought further review. The new trial is scheduled to begin August 21, 2017.

On July 13, 2015, in McCoy v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $1.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 35% at fault, RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, Lorillard Tobacco 20% at fault and the remaining defendant 20% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On July 17, 2015, the jury awarded $3 million in punitive damages against each defendant. In August 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco, RJR Tobacco as successor-by-merger to Lorillard Tobacco, and the remaining defendant, jointly and severally, in the amount of $1.5 million in compensatory damages and, against each of them, $3 million in punitive damages. On January 4, 2016, the trial court entered an amended final judgment in the amount of $370,000 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco, $300,000 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco as successor-by-merger to Lorillard Tobacco, and $300,000 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $3.35 million, and the plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On July 29, 2015, in Collar v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Indian River County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the plaintiff was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. Oral argument is scheduled for June 13, 2017.

On August 6, 2015, in Block v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $1.03 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On August 7, 2015, the jury awarded $800,000 in punitive damages. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $926,000 in compensatory damages and $800,000 in punitive damages. On December 9, 2015, the trial court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion to alter or amend the judgment in part in light of the Fourth DCA’s decision in Schoeff v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. , described above, finding that the intentional tort exception in Section 768.81, Florida Statutes, does not apply to the fraud and conspiracy claims brought by Engle Progeny plaintiffs. As a result, an amended final judgment was entered in the amount of approximately $463,000 in compensatory damages and $800,000 in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $1.3 million, and the plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal. Briefing is complete. On February 3, 2017, the Fourth DCA entered an order dispensing with oral argument. On April 27, 2017, the Fourth DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court, per curiam.

On September 1, 2015, in Lewis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Volusia County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $750,000 in compensatory damages, found the decedent 75% at fault and RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $187,500 in March 2016. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fifth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $187,500. Briefing is complete. On April 13, 2017, the Fifth DCA entered an order dispensing with oral argument. A decision is pending.

 

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On September 8, 2015, in Cooper v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $4.5 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 50% at fault, RJR Tobacco 40% at fault and the remaining defendant 10% at fault; and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied on December 2, 2015. In February 2016, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $1.2 million. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, and the plaintiff cross appealed. RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $1.2 million. Briefing is underway.

On September 10, 2015, in Duignan v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 33% at fault, RJR Tobacco 30% at fault, and the remaining defendant 37% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 11, 2015, the jury awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $3.5 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant in the amount of $6 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $3.5 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. The defendants appealed to the Second DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $2.3 million. Oral argument occurred on December 5, 2016. A decision is pending.

On September 10, 2015, in O’Hara v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Escambia County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $14.7 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault and RJR Tobacco 85% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 11, 2015, the jury awarded $20 million in punitive damages. In September 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $14.7 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the First DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is complete. Oral argument is scheduled for May 10, 2017.

On September 22, 2015, in Suarez v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. In November 2015, the trial court entered final judgment. The plaintiff appealed to the Third DCA, and the defendants cross appealed. On October 19, 2016, the Third DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court, per curiam . On October 27, 2016, the plaintiff filed a motion for a written opinion and certification to the Florida Supreme Court. A decision is pending.

On October 2, 2015, in Marchese v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $1 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 55% at fault, RJR Tobacco 22.5% at fault, and the remaining defendant 22.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 6, 2015, the jury awarded $250,000 in punitive damages against each defendant. Final judgment was entered on November 5, 2015. On May 17, 2016, an amended final judgment was entered in the amount of $450,000 in compensatory damages against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant, jointly and severally, and $250,000 in punitive damages against each defendant. RJR Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $475,000. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On November 17, 2015, in Barbose v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Pasco County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 15% at fault, RJR Tobacco 42.5% at fault and the remaining defendant 42.5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 18, 2015,

 

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the jury awarded $500,000 in punitive damages against each of RJR Tobacco and the other defendant. The defendants appealed to the Second DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $2.5 million. Briefing is underway.

On November 20, 2015, in Fanali v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that cigarette smoking was not a legal cause of the decedent’s coronary artery disease and death, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. On December 17, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff appealed to the Fourth DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On November 24, 2015, in Green v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the plaintiff does not have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Post-trial motions were denied on March 23, 2016. On April 4, 2016, final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff appealed to the Third DCA, and RJR Tobacco cross appealed. Oral argument occurred on April 12, 2017. A decision is pending.

On December 9, 2015, in Monroe v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Gadsden County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims, awarded $11 million in compensatory damages, found the plaintiff 42% at fault and RJR Tobacco 58% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. On December 31, 2015, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6.38 million in compensatory damages. RJR Tobacco appealed to the First DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. On March 23, 2017, the First DCA affirmed the judgment of the trial court, per curiam .

On December 18, 2015, in Ledoux v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $10 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 6% at fault, RJR Tobacco 47% at fault and the remaining defendant 47% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On December 22, 2015, the jury awarded $12.5 million in punitive damages against each defendant. The trial court later entered final judgment against the defendants, jointly and severally, in the amount of $10 million in compensatory damages and, against each defendant, $12.5 million in punitive damages. The defendants appealed to the Third DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. On May 27, 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a rider amending the supersedeas bond reducing the amount from $5 million to $2.5 million. Oral argument occurred on April 11, 2017. A decision is pending.

On January 26, 2016, in Ewing v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Escambia County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for the defendants on the intentional tort claims; awarded $240,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 98% at fault, RJR Tobacco 2% at fault and the remaining defendant 0% at fault, and did not reach the issue of entitlement to punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied on February 25, 2016. Final judgment has not been entered.

On February 12, 2016, in Ahrens v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $9 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 32% at fault, RJR Tobacco 44% at fault, and the remaining defendant 24% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On February 13, 2016, the jury awarded $2.5 million in punitive damages against each defendant. In February 2016, the trial court entered final judgment. On April 13, 2016, RJR Tobacco appealed to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $2.5 million. Oral argument occurred on April 5, 2017. A decision is pending.

On March 8, 2016, in Gamble v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on class membership, but found for RJR Tobacco on addiction causation, which resulted in

 

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a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco on June 9, 2016. The plaintiff appealed to the First DCA on July 8, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On April 7, 2016, in Davis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on class membership, but found for RJR Tobacco on addiction causation, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. On August 17, 2016, the court granted the plaintiff’s motion for a new trial. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Third DCA on August 25, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On April 21, 2016, in Turner v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 20% at fault and RJR Tobacco 80% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On April 22, 2016, the jury awarded $10 million in punitive damages. The court entered judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2.4 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. In July 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. The plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal in August 2016. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On April 26, 2016, in Enochs v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $21 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 22% at fault, RJR Tobacco 66% at fault and the remaining defendant 12% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On April 27, 2016, the jury awarded $6.25 million in punitive damages against each defendant. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $13.9 million in compensatory damages and $6.25 million in punitive damages on May 9, 2016. The defendants appealed to the Fourth DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $3.5 million. Briefing is complete. Oral argument has not been scheduled.

On May 11, 2016, in Dion v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Sarasota County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $12 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 12, 2016, the jury awarded $30,000 in punitive damages. On August 9, 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is underway.

On May 16, 2016, in Nally v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Polk County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault and RJR Tobacco 75% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 17, 2016, the jury awarded $12 million in punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6 million in compensatory damages and $12 million in punitive damages on May 25, 2016. In September 2016, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Second DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million. Briefing is underway.

On May 19, 2016, in McCabe v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Hillsborough County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims, awarded $5 million in compensatory damages, found the decedent 70% at fault and RJR Tobacco 30% at fault, and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On May 20, 2016, the jury awarded $6.5 million in punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $1.5 million in compensatory damages and $6.5 million in punitive damages on May 31, 2016. Post-trial motions were denied on January 26, 2017. On February 24, 2017, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Second DCA. RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million on February 27, 2017. Briefing is underway.

 

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On June 21, 2016, in Mooney v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the decedent’s addiction to nicotine was not a legal cause of her death, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. Final judgment has not been entered.

On July 1, 2016, in Sermons v. Philip Morris USA Inc. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims; awarded $65,000 in compensatory damages; found the decedent 80% at fault, RJR Tobacco 5% at fault, and the remaining defendant 15% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On July 6, 2016, the jury awarded $17,075 in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $51,225 in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. Post-trial motions are pending.

On August 5, 2016, in Morales v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial because a death in a juror’s family prevented the juror from deliberating. The new trial was scheduled for January 9, 2017, but has since been removed from the trial calendar.

On August 15, 2016, in Mathis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 45% at fault and RJR Tobacco 55% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered on August 17, 2016. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Third DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million on November 18, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On August 18, 2016, in Wilkins v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco on November 16, 2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Third DCA on December 16, 2016, and RJR Tobacco filed a notice of cross appeal on December 21, 2016. The parties dismissed their respective appeals in April 2017.

On August 25, 2016, in Coursey v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Volusia County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. Final judgment was entered in RJR Tobacco’s favor on September 27, 2016. On October 27, 2016, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fifth DCA. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of cross appeal on November 8, 2016. Briefing is underway.

On September 6, 2016, in Hackimer v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found that the deceased smoker knew or should have known of his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before May 5, 1990, and, for that reason, the claims were barred by the statute of limitations, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. On January 4, 2017, final judgment was entered in favor of RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA on February 1, 2017. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of cross appeal on February 9, 2017. Briefing is underway.

On September 22, 2016, in Oshinsky-Blacker v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6.15 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault, RJR Tobacco 25% at fault, and the remaining defendant 60% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 23, 2016, the jury awarded $2 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $1 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. On March 6, 2017, the court granted the defendants’ motion for a new trial. The new trial has not been scheduled. The plaintiff filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA on March 24, 2017. The defendants filed a notice of cross appeal on March 31, 2017. Briefing is underway.

 

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On September 23, 2016, in Sherry Smith v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co . (Cir. Ct. Volusia County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 35% at fault and RJR Tobacco 65% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $3 million. In January 2017, RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fifth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $3 million. Briefing is underway.

On September 28, 2016, in Prentice v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Duval County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $6.4 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 60% at fault and RJR Tobacco 40% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On September 29, 2016, the jury awarded $0 in punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending.

On October 24, 2016, in Konzelman v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $8.8 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 15% at fault and RJR Tobacco 85% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On October 26, 2016, the jury awarded $20 million in punitive damages. On December 1, 2016, the trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $7.48 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA and posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $5 million on December 22, 2016. The plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal on January 2, 2017. Briefing is underway.

On November 2, 2016, in Johnston v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Sarasota County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $7.5 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 10% at fault and RJR Tobacco 90% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 5, 2016, the jury awarded $14 million in punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $6.75 million in compensatory damages and $14 million in punitive damages on November 28, 2016. Post-trial motions were denied on March 30, 2017. RJR Tobacco filed a notice of appeal to the Second DCA on April 25, 2017. Briefing is underway.

On November 3, 2016, in Ledo v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 51% at fault and RJR Tobacco 49% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. After receiving the verdict, the trial court granted a directed verdict in favor of RJR Tobacco on entitlement to punitive damages. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2.94 million in compensatory damages on December 22, 2016. Post-trial motions are pending.

On November 10, 2016, in Howles v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability and intentional tort claims; awarded $4 million in compensatory damages; found RJR Tobacco 50% at fault and the remaining defendant 50% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 14, 2016, the jury awarded $3 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $3 million against the remaining defendant. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $2 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages. On December 30, 2016, the defendants filed a joint notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA. Briefing is underway.

On November 16, 2016, in Ford v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded

 

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approximately $1.02 million in compensatory damages; found the plaintiff 85% at fault and RJR Tobacco 15% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. The trial court entered final judgment against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $153,400 on March 13, 2017. Post-trial motions are pending.

On November 16, 2016, in Stanley Martin v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $5.41 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 32% at fault, RJR Tobacco 22% at fault and the remaining defendant 46% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On November 18, 2016, the jury awarded $200,000 in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $450,000 against the remaining defendant. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $1.2 million in compensatory damages and $200,000 in punitive damages and against the remaining defendant in the amount of $2.5 million in compensatory damages and $450,000 in punitive damages. Post-trial motions were denied on January 26, 2017. On February 23, 2017, the defendants filed a joint notice of appeal to the Fourth DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of approximately $1.4 million. The plaintiff filed a notice of cross appeal on February 24, 2017. Briefing is underway.

On December 16, 2016, in Dubinsky v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Brevard County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found that the decedent was not a class member, which resulted in a verdict for the defendants, including RJR Tobacco. Final judgment was entered in favor of the defendants on April 3, 2017. The deadline for the plaintiff to file a notice of appeal to the Fifth DCA was May 3, 2017.

On December 16, 2016, in Pardue v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Alachua County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury, in a retrial following a mistrial, found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $5.9 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 25% at fault, RJR Tobacco 50% at fault, and the remaining defendant 25% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On December 19, 2016, the jury awarded $6.75 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $6.75 million in punitive damages against the remaining defendant. Final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $5.9 million in compensatory damages (jointly and severally with the remaining defendant) and, against each defendant, $6.75 million in punitive damages on December 29, 2016. An amended final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of approximately $5.2 million in compensatory damages (jointly and severally with the remaining defendant) and, against each defendant, $6.75 million in punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending. On March 8, 2017, the defendants filed a notice of appeal to the First DCA, and RJR Tobacco posted a supersedeas bond in the amount of $2.5 million on March 9, 2017. Briefing is underway.

On February 8, 2017, in Durrance v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Highlands County, Fla., filed 2011), a jury found that the decedent knew or should have known of her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before May 5, 1990, which resulted in a verdict for RJR Tobacco. The plaintiff’s post-trial motions were denied on March 31, 2017. Final judgment has not been entered.

On February 15, 2017, in John Brown v. Philip Morris USA Inc. (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $5.4 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 30% at fault, RJR Tobacco 35% at fault and the remaining defendant 35% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On February 17, 2017, the jury awarded $200,000 each in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and the remaining defendant. Post-trial motions are pending.

On February 23, 2017, in Nixon v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial due to the inability to seat a jury. Retrial has not been scheduled.

 

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On February 23, 2017, in Fox v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims; awarded $6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 50% at fault and RJR Tobacco 50% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending.

On March 16, 2017, in Theis v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Sarasota County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial due to the inability to seat a jury. Retrial is scheduled to begin June 4, 2018.

On March 28, 2017, in Whitmire v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Leon County, Fla., filed 2008), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 33% at fault and RJR Tobacco 67% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On March 29, 2017, the court declared a mistrial in the punitive damages phase because the jury was deadlocked. On April 6, 2017, final judgment was entered against RJR Tobacco in the amount of $3 million in compensatory damages. Post-trial motions are pending.

On March 29, 2017, in Santoro v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded approximately $1.6 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 36% at fault, RJR Tobacco 26% at fault, and the remaining defendants 38% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages. On March 31, 2017, the jury awarded $90,000 in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco and $115,000 against the remaining defendants. Post-trial motions are pending.

On April 18, 2017, in Schlefstein v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2007), the court declared a mistrial during jury selection. Retrial has not been scheduled.

On April 20, 2017, in Lima v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Hillsborough County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence, strict liability, and intentional tort claims; awarded $3 million in compensatory damages; found the decedent 40% at fault, RJR Tobacco 60% at fault, and the remaining defendant 0% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was entitled to punitive damages with respect to RJR Tobacco and that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages with respect to the other defendant. On April 21, 2017, the jury awarded $12 million in punitive damages against RJR Tobacco. Post-trial motions are pending.

On April 24, 2017, in Shadd v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Palm Beach County, Fla., filed 2007), a jury found for the plaintiff on the negligence and strict liability claims and for RJR Tobacco on the intentional tort claims; awarded $0 in compensatory damages; found that the decedent was 95% at fault and RJR Tobacco 5% at fault; and found that the plaintiff was not entitled to punitive damages. Post-trial motions are pending.

Broin II Cases

Broin v. Philip Morris, Inc. (Cir. Ct. Miami-Dade County, Fla., filed 1991), was a class action brought on behalf of flight attendants alleged to have suffered from diseases or ailments caused by exposure to ETS in airplane cabins. In October 1997, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, B&W and other cigarette manufacturer defendants settled Broin , agreeing to pay a total of $300 million in three annual $100 million installments, allocated among the companies by market share, to fund research on the early detection and cure of diseases associated with tobacco smoke. It also required those companies to pay a total of $49 million for the plaintiffs’ counsel’s fees and expenses. RJR Tobacco’s portion of these payments was approximately $86 million; Lorillard Tobacco’s was approximately $57 million; and B&W’s was approximately $31 million. The settlement agreement, among other things, limits the types of claims class members may bring and eliminates claims for punitive damages. The settlement agreement also provides that, in individual cases by class members that are referred to as Broin II lawsuits, the defendant will bear the burden of proof with respect to whether ETS can

 

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cause certain specifically enumerated diseases, referred to as “general causation.” With respect to all other liability issues, including whether an individual plaintiff’s disease was caused by his or her exposure to ETS in airplane cabins, referred to as “specific causation,” individual plaintiffs will bear the burden of proof. On September 7, 1999, the Florida Supreme Court approved the settlement.

As of March 31, 2017, there were 2,352 Broin II lawsuits pending in Florida. There have been no Broin II trials since 2007.

Class-Action Suits

Overview. As of March 31, 2017, 26 class-action cases, excluding the shareholder case described below, were pending in the United States against Reynolds Defendants. These class actions seek recovery for personal injuries allegedly caused by cigarette smoking or, in some cases, for economic damages allegedly incurred by cigarette or e-cigarette purchasers.

In 1996, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Castano v. American Tobacco Co. overturned the certification of a nation-wide class of persons whose claims related to alleged addiction to tobacco products, finding that the district court failed to properly assess variations in the governing state laws and whether common issues predominated over individual issues. Since the Fifth Circuit’s ruling in Castano , few smoker class-action complaints have been certified or, if certified, have survived on appeal. Eighteen federal courts, including two courts of appeals, and most state courts that have considered the issue have rejected class certification in such cases. Apart from Castano , only two smoker class actions have been certified by a federal court — In re Simon (II) Litigation and Schwab [McLaughlin] v. Philip Morris USA Inc. , both of which were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and were later decertified.

Class-action suits based on claims that class members are at a greater risk of injury or injured by the use of tobacco or exposure to ETS, or claims that seek primarily economic damages are pending against RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, or their affiliates or indemnitees in state or federal courts in California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina and West Virginia. All pending class-action cases are discussed below.

The pending class actions against RJR Tobacco or its affiliates or indemnitees include four cases alleging that the use of the term “lights” constitutes unfair and deceptive trade practices under state law or violates federal RICO. Such suits are pending in state courts in Illinois and Missouri and are discussed below under “— ‘Lights’ Cases.”

E-cigarette class-action cases are pending against RJR Vapor, RAI, and other RAI affiliates in California state and federal courts. In general, the plaintiffs allege that RJR Vapor, Lorillard Tobacco, and other RAI affiliates made false and misleading claims that e-cigarettes are less hazardous than other cigarette products or failed to disclose that e-cigarettes expose users to certain substances. The cases are typically filed pursuant to state consumer protection and related statutes and seek recovery of economic damages and are discussed below under “— E-Cigarette Cases.”

Several class actions relating to claims in advertising and promotional materials for SFNTC’s NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes are pending in federal courts. In general, these plaintiffs allege that use of the words “natural,” “additive-free,” or “organic” in NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT advertising and promotional materials suggests that those cigarettes are less harmful than other cigarettes and, for that reason, violated state consumer protection statutes or amounted to fraud or a negligent or intentional misrepresentation. These cases are discussed below under “— No Additive/Natural Claim Cases.”

 

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Additional class actions relating to alleged personal injuries purportedly caused by use of cigarettes or exposure to ETS are pending. These cases are discussed below under “— Other Class Actions.”

Finally, certain third-party payers have filed health-care cost recovery actions in the form of class actions. These cases are discussed separately below under “— Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases.”

Lights Cases .

As noted above, four “lights” class-action cases are pending against RJR Tobacco or B&W, two in Illinois state court and two in Missouri state court. The classes in these cases generally seek to recover compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive and other forms of relief, and attorneys’ fees and costs from RJR Tobacco and/or B&W. In general, the plaintiffs allege that RJR Tobacco or B&W made false and misleading claims that “lights” cigarettes were lower in tar and nicotine and/or were less hazardous or less mutagenic than other cigarettes. The cases typically are filed pursuant to state consumer protection and related statutes.

The seminal “lights” class-action case is Price v. Philip Morris, Inc . (Cir. Ct. Madison County, Ill., filed 2000), an action filed against the predecessor of Philip Morris USA Inc., referred to as Philip Morris. In March 2003, the trial court entered judgment against Philip Morris in the amount of $7.1 billion in compensatory damages and $3 billion in punitive damages. In December 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court issued an opinion reversing and remanding with instructions to dismiss the case. On December 5, 2006, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its mandate, and the trial court entered a judgment of dismissal later in December 2006. In multiple filings since December 2008, the Price plaintiffs have argued that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Good v. Altria Group, Inc . rejected the basis upon which the Illinois Supreme Court had reversed the Price trial court’s 2003 judgment and, on that basis, have attempted to reinstate that judgment. In April 2014, the intermediate appellate court reinstated the trial court’s 2003 judgment. In November 2015, the Illinois Supreme Court (1) vacated the lower courts’ judgments, (2) dismissed the case without prejudice to allow the plaintiffs to file a motion to have the Illinois Supreme Court recall its December 5, 2006, mandate that had reversed the trial court’s 2003 judgment, and (3) directed entry of a judgment of dismissal. The plaintiffs then moved in the Illinois Supreme Court to have that court recall its December 5, 2006 mandate. On January 11, 2016, the Illinois Supreme Court denied the plaintiffs’ motion. The plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 2016, which was denied on June 20, 2016.

In Turner v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. Madison County, Ill., filed 2000), the trial court certified a class of purchasers of RJR Tobacco “lights” cigarettes in November 2001. In November 2003, the Illinois Supreme Court granted RJR Tobacco’s motion for a stay pending the court’s final appeal decision in the Price case described above . The stay subsequently expired, and the court accordingly scheduled a series of status conferences, all of which were continued by agreement of the parties. The status conference scheduled for March 29, 2017 did not occur and has not been rescheduled.

In Howard v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. (Cir. Ct. Madison County, Ill., filed 2000), the trial court certified a class of purchasers of B&W “lights” cigarettes in December 2001. In June 2003, the trial judge issued an order staying all proceedings pending resolution of the Price  case described above. In August 2005, the Illinois Fifth District Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court’s stay order. There is currently no activity in the case.

In Collora v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (Cir. Ct. City of St. Louis, Mo., filed 2000), the trial court certified a class of purchasers of RJR Tobacco “lights” cigarettes in December 2003. A status conference is scheduled for June 5, 2017.

In Black v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. (Cir. Ct. City of St. Louis, Mo., filed 2000), a putative class action filed on behalf of a class of purchasers of B&W “lights” cigarettes, a status conference is scheduled for June 5, 2017.

 

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In the event RJR Tobacco and its affiliates or indemnitees lose one or more of the pending “lights” class-action suits, RJR Tobacco, depending upon the amount of any damages ordered, could face difficulties in its ability to pay the judgment or obtain any bond required to stay execution of the judgment which could have a material adverse effect on RJR Tobacco’s, and consequently RAI’s, results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

E-Cigarette Cases .

In In re Fontem US, Inc. Consumer Class Action Litig. (U.S.D.C. C.D. Cal., filed 2015), the plaintiffs brought a class action against RAI, Lorillard, another RAI affiliate, and two other defendants on behalf of putative classes of California, New York, and Illinois purchasers of blu brand e-cigarettes. This action results from the consolidation of two actions — Diek v. Lorillard Tobacco Co. and Whitney v. ITG Brands, LLC. The plaintiffs allege that certain advertising, marketing and packaging materials for blu brand e-cigarettes made deceptive claims, omitted material information, or failed to contain required disclosures. On behalf of one or more of the classes, the plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, equitable relief, and compensatory and punitive damages under California Civil Code §1,750 et seq ., California Business & Professions Code §17,200 et seq ., California Business and Professions Code §17,500 et seq ., New York General Business Law § 349, and Illinois Consumer Fraud And Deceptive Business Practices Act § 505/1 et seq. Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, RAI tendered the defense of the now-consolidated Diek and Whitney actions to, and sought indemnification for those actions from, ITG. Pursuant to the terms, limitations and conditions of the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, ITG agreed to defend and indemnify RAI and its affiliates against losses arising from the operation of the blu brand e-cigarette business. On May 20, 2016, the trial court stayed the matter pending the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ rulings in Briseno v. ConAgra Foods, Inc. (decided January 3, 2017), Jones v. ConAgra Foods, Inc. (pending), and Brazil v. Dole Packaged Foods, LLC (decided September 30, 2016). The stay did not apply to finalizing the pleadings and related briefing. On May 23, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint, which the defendants moved to dismiss. On November 1, 2016, the trial court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss in substantial part, finding that federal law preempted all of the plaintiffs’ claims except those based on alleged violations of California’s Proposition 65 under California’s Business and Professions Code §17,200 et seq . On March 8, 2017, the trial court denied the plaintiffs’ motion to reconsider the November 1, 2016 order and certify that order for interlocutory appeal and ordered the defendants to respond to the second amended complaint. On April 21, 2017, the parties filed a joint stipulation dismissing RAI and related entities from the action.

In Harris v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Co. (U.S.D.C. N.D. Cal., filed 2015), the plaintiff brought a class action against RJR Vapor on behalf of a putative class of purchasers of VUSE e-cigarettes. The plaintiff alleges that RJR Vapor failed to advise users that they potentially could be exposed to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The plaintiff asserts failure to warn claims under California’s Proposition 65, as well as California Business & Professions Code § 17,200 et seq . and California Civil Code § 1,750 et seq . and seeks declaratory relief, restitution, disgorgement, injunctive relief and damages. RJR Vapor moved to dismiss contending, among other things, that plaintiff’s action was governed in its entirety by Proposition 65 and that the plaintiff failed to give the 60-day pre-suit notice required by Proposition 65, requiring that the entire case be dismissed with prejudice. The motion to dismiss was argued on March 2, 2016. On September 30, 2016, the court granted RJR Vapor’s motion to dismiss but provided the plaintiff leave to amend. The plaintiff filed a second amended complaint on October 31, 2016, and RJR Vapor has again moved to dismiss. Oral argument occurred on January 19, 2017. A decision is pending.

No Additive/Natural/Organic Claim Cases .

Following the FDA’s August 27, 2015, warning letter to SFNTC relating to the use of the words “natural” and “additive-free” in the labeling, advertising and promotional materials for NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT

 

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brand cigarettes, plaintiffs purporting to bring claims on behalf of themselves and others have filed putative nationwide and/or state-specific class actions against SFNTC and, in some instances, RAI. A total of 16 such actions have been filed in nine U.S. district courts. Each of these cases is discussed below. In various combinations, plaintiffs in these cases generally allege violations of state deceptive and unfair trade practice statutes, and claim state common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment based on the use of descriptors such as “natural,” “organic” and “100% additive-free” in the marketing, labeling, advertising, and promotion of SFNTC’s NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes. The actions seek various categories of recovery, including economic damages, injunctive relief (including medical monitoring and cessation programs), interest, restitution, disgorgement, treble and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

On January 6, 2016, the plaintiffs in one action filed a motion before the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“JPML”) to consolidate these actions before one district court for pretrial purposes. On April 11, 2016, the JPML ordered that these cases be consolidated for pretrial purposes before Judge James O. Browning in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, referred to as the transferee court, and the then-pending and later-filed cases now are consolidated for pretrial purposes in that court. The cases that were filed in or transferred for pretrial purposes to the transferee court are as follows:

 

    Sproule v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc . (U.S.D.C. S.D. Fla., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Brattain v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. N.D. Cal., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of California purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Rothman v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. S.D.N.Y., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of New York purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Dunn v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Minnesota subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Haksal v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2015), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and California, Illinois, Minnesota, and New Mexico subclasses) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Cuebas v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. S.D.N.Y., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and New York subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Okstad v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class and sixteen putative state-based subclasses (Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin subclasses) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Ruggiero v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.D.C., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Maryland subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Waldo v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fla., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Florida subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

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    Grandison v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. E.D.N.Y., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and California, Florida and New York subclasses) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Gudmundson v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. V.I., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of U.S. Virgin Islands purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    LeCompte v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative class of California purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    White v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.N.M., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC on behalf of a putative nationwide class of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Johnston v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. S.D Fla., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and Florida subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Cole v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc. (U.S.D.C. M.D. N.C., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC and RAI on behalf of a putative nationwide class (and North Carolina subclass) of purchasers of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes.

 

    Hebert v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc . (U.S.D.C. M.D. N.C., filed 2016), is an action against SFNTC, RAI and RJR Tobacco on behalf of a putative class of purchasers in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio and Washington of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT cigarettes, and a nationwide putative class of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand menthol cigarette purchasers (and subclass of such purchasers in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois and New Mexico).

The transferee court entered a scheduling order requiring the plaintiffs to file a consolidated amended complaint. On September 19, 2016, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint naming SFNTC, RAI, and RJR Tobacco as defendants. That complaint alleges violations of 12 states’ deceptive and unfair trade practices statutes – California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia – based on the use of descriptors such as “natural,” “organic” and “100% additive-free” in the marketing, labeling, advertising, and promotion of SFNTC’s NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes. It also asserts unjust enrichment claims under those 12 states’ laws and asserts breach of express warranty claims on behalf of a national class of NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT menthol purchasers. The state deceptive and unfair trade practice statutory and unjust enrichment claims are brought on behalf of state-specific classes in the 12 states listed above and, in some instances, state-specific subclasses. The consolidated amended complaint seeks class certification, payment for class notice, injunctive relief, monetary damages, prejudgment interest, statutory damages, restitution, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On November 18, 2016, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss. Before responding to the motion to dismiss, the plaintiffs filed a second amended class action complaint on January 12, 2017. On February 23, 2017, the defendants moved to dismiss the second amended complaint. A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for May 12, 2017. The transferee court’s scheduling order, as amended, provides for the plaintiffs to file a motion for class certification by April 3, 2018, and a hearing on the class certification motion on July 13-14, 2018.

On November 7, 2016, a public health advocacy organization filed Breathe DC v. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., Inc . (D.C. Super. Ct.), an action against SFNTC, RAI and RJR Tobacco based on allegations relating to the labeling, advertising and promotional materials for NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand cigarettes that are similar to the allegations in the actions consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the transferee

 

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court described immediately above. The complaint seeks injunctive and other non-monetary relief, but does not seek monetary damages. On December 6, 2016, the defendants removed the action to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and, on December 7, 2016, filed a notice with the JPML to have the action transferred to the transferee court. On December 7, 2016, the plaintiff moved in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to remand the action to the Superior Court for the District of Columbia. On February 14, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted the plaintiffs’ motion to remand, and the case was remanded to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The parties jointly proposed that the defendants’ motion to dismiss be due on June 9, 2017, and the court has scheduled a status conference for May 19, 2017.

Other Class Actions.

In Young v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. (Cir. Ct. Orleans Parish, La., filed 1997), the plaintiff brought a class action against U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco and B&W, and parent companies of U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR, on behalf of a putative class of Louisiana residents who, though not themselves cigarette smokers, allegedly suffered injury as a result of exposure to ETS from cigarettes manufactured by defendants. The plaintiffs seek to recover an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. In March 2016, the court entered an order staying the case, including all discovery, pending the completion of the smoking cessation program ordered by the court in Scott v. The American Tobacco Co .

In Parsons v. A C & S, Inc. (Cir. Ct. Ohio County, W. Va., filed 1998), the plaintiff brought a class action against asbestos manufacturers, U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, and parent companies of U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR and Lorillard, on behalf of a putative class of persons who allegedly have personal injury claims arising from their exposure to respirable asbestos fibers and cigarette smoke. The plaintiff seeks to recover $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages individually for her purported injuries and an unspecified amount for the class in compensatory and punitive damages. In December 2000, three defendants, Nitral Liquidators, Inc., Desseaux Corporation of North America and Armstrong World Industries, filed bankruptcy petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, In re Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Pursuant to section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, Parsons is automatically stayed with respect to all defendants who filed for bankruptcy. The case remains pending against the other defendants, including RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco, but it has long been dormant.

In Jones v. American Tobacco Co., Inc. (Cir. Ct., Jackson County, Mo., filed 1998), the plaintiff filed a class action against the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, and parent companies of U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR and Lorillard, on behalf of a putative class of Missouri tobacco product users and purchasers who allegedly became addicted to nicotine. The plaintiffs seek an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. There is currently no activity in this case.

Filter Cases

Claims have been brought against Lorillard Tobacco and Lorillard by individuals who seek damages resulting from their alleged exposure to asbestos fibers that were incorporated into filter material used in one brand of cigarettes manufactured by a predecessor to Lorillard Tobacco for a limited period of time ending more than 50 years ago. As of March 31, 2017, Lorillard Tobacco and/or Lorillard was a defendant in 78 Filter Cases. Since January 1, 2014, Lorillard Tobacco and RJR Tobacco have paid, or have reached agreement to pay, a total of approximately $40.3 million in settlements to resolve 154 Filter Cases.

Pursuant to the terms of a 1952 agreement between P. Lorillard Company and H&V Specialties Co., Inc. (the manufacturer of the filter material), Lorillard Tobacco is required to indemnify Hollingsworth & Vose for legal fees, expenses, judgments and resolutions in cases and claims alleging injury from finished products sold by P. Lorillard Company that contained the filter material.

 

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On September 13, 2013, the jury in a Filter Case, DeLisle v. A. W. Chesterton Co. (Cir. Ct. Broward County, Fla., filed 2012), found for the plaintiffs on the negligence and strict liability claims; awarded the plaintiffs $8 million in compensatory damages; and found Lorillard Tobacco 22% at fault, Hollingsworth & Vose 22% at fault, and the other defendants 56% at fault. Punitive damages were not at issue. On November 6, 2013, the trial court entered final judgment against Lorillard Tobacco in the amount of $3.52 million. Lorillard Tobacco appealed to the Fourth DCA. On September 14, 2016, the Fourth DCA ordered a new trial because the trial court erred in admitting certain expert testimony and concluded that the $8 million compensatory damages award should have been remitted. The plaintiffs filed a motion for rehearing or rehearing en banc, which was denied by the Fourth DCA on November 9, 2016. The plaintiffs filed an application for discretionary review by the Florida Supreme Court on December 6, 2016. The Florida Supreme Court has issued a stay of the proceedings in that court pending its disposition of a pending application for review in another case. The matter has not been stayed in the trial court, and post-appeal motions are pending to vacate the final judgment and discharge the surety bonds. The plaintiffs have filed a motion to stay the trial court proceedings in the Florida Supreme Court and a motion to recall the mandate in the Fourth DCA.

Health-Care Cost Recovery Cases

Health-care cost recovery cases have been brought by a variety of plaintiffs. Other than certain governmental actions, these cases largely have been unsuccessful on remoteness grounds, which means that one who pays an injured person’s medical expenses is legally too remote to maintain an action against the person allegedly responsible for the injury.

As of March 31, 2017, two health-care cost recovery cases were pending in the United States against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, or all three, as discussed below after the discussion of the State Settlement Agreements. A limited number of claimants have filed suit against RJR Tobacco, one of its affiliates, and other tobacco industry defendants to recover funds for health care, medical and other assistance paid by foreign provincial governments in treating their citizens. For additional information on these cases, see “— International Cases” below.

State Settlement Agreements. In June 1994, the Mississippi Attorney General brought an action, Moore v. American Tobacco Co. , against various industry members, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco. This case was brought on behalf of the state to recover state funds paid for health care and other assistance to state citizens suffering from diseases and conditions allegedly related to tobacco use. Most other states, through their attorneys general or other state agencies, sued RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and other U.S. cigarette manufacturers based on similar theories. The cigarette manufacturer defendants, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, settled the first four of these cases scheduled for trial — Mississippi, Florida, Texas and Minnesota — by separate agreements with each such state.

On November 23, 1998, the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, entered into the Master Settlement Agreement with attorneys general representing the remaining 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas. Effective on November 12, 1999, the MSA settled all the health-care cost recovery actions brought by, or on behalf of, the settling jurisdictions and released various additional present and future claims.

In the settling jurisdictions, the MSA released RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco, and their affiliates and indemnitees, including RAI and Lorillard, from:

 

    all claims of the settling states and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health-care funds, relating to past conduct arising out of the use, sale, distribution, manufacture, development, advertising, marketing or health effects of, the exposure to, or research, statements or warnings about, tobacco products; and

 

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    all monetary claims of the settling states and their respective political subdivisions and other recipients of state health-care funds, relating to future conduct arising out of the use of or exposure to, tobacco products that have been manufactured in the ordinary course of business.

Set forth below is the unadjusted tobacco industry settlement payment schedule (in millions) for 2015 and thereafter:

 

     2015 and
thereafter
 

First Four States’ Settlements: (1)

  

Mississippi Annual Payment

   $ 136  

Florida Annual Payment

     440  

Texas Annual Payment

     580  

Minnesota Annual Payment

     204  

Master Settlement Agreement:

  

Annual Payments (1)

     8,004  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 9,364  
  

 

 

 

RAI’s operating subsidiaries expenses and payments under the State Settlement Agreements for 2015, 2016 and the projected expenses and payments for 2017 and thereafter (in millions) are set forth below. (1)(2)

 

     2015      2016      2017      2018 and
thereafter
 

Settlement expenses

   $ 2,403      $ 2,727                

Settlement cash payments

   $ 2,166      $ 3,042                

Projected settlement expenses

         $ >3,000      $ >3,000  

Projected settlement cash payments

         $ >2,700      $ >3,000  

 

(1) Subject to adjustments for changes in sales volume, inflation, operating profit and other factors. Payments are allocated among the companies on the basis of relative market share or other methods. For further information, see “— State Settlement Agreements — Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments” below.
(2) The amounts above reflect the impact of the Term Sheet and the NY State Settlement described below under “— State Settlement Agreements — Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments — Partial Settlement of Certain NPM Adjustment Claims.”

The State Settlement Agreements also contain provisions restricting the marketing of tobacco products. Among these provisions are restrictions or prohibitions on the use of cartoon characters, brand-name sponsorships, apparel and other merchandise, outdoor and transit advertising, payments for product placement, free sampling and lobbying. Furthermore, the State Settlement Agreements required the dissolution of three industry-sponsored research and trade organizations.

The State Settlement Agreements have materially adversely affected RJR Tobacco’s shipment volumes. RAI believes that these settlement obligations may materially adversely affect the results of operations, cash flows or financial position of RAI and RJR Tobacco in future periods. The degree of the adverse impact will depend, among other things, on the rate of decline in U.S. cigarette sales in the premium and value categories, RJR Tobacco’s share of the domestic premium and value cigarette categories, and the effect of any resulting cost advantage of manufacturers not subject to the State Settlement Agreements.

 

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U.S. Department of Justice Case.

In United States v. Philip Morris USA Inc. (U.S.D.C. D.D.C., filed 1999) , the U.S. Department of Justice brought an action against RJR Tobacco, B&W, Lorillard Tobacco and other tobacco companies seeking (1) recovery of federal funds expended in providing health care to smokers who developed alleged smoking-related diseases pursuant to the Medical Care Recovery Act and Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act and (2) equitable relief under the civil provisions of RICO, including disgorgement of roughly $280 billion in profits the government contended were earned as a consequence of a purported racketeering “enterprise.” In September 2000, the district court dismissed the government’s Medical Care Recovery Act and Medicare Secondary Payer claims. In February 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, referred to as the D.C. Circuit, ruled that disgorgement was not an available remedy.

On August 17, 2006, after a non-jury bench trial, the district court found certain defendants, including RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, had violated RICO, but did not impose any direct financial penalties. The district court instead enjoined RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and the other defendants from committing future racketeering acts, participating in certain trade organizations, making misrepresentations concerning smoking and health and youth marketing, and using certain brand descriptors such as “low tar,” “light,” “ultra light,” “mild” and “natural.” The district court also ordered RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and the other defendants to issue “corrective communications” on five subjects, including smoking and health and addiction, and to comply with further undertakings, including maintaining web sites of historical corporate documents and disseminating certain marketing information on a confidential basis to the government. In addition, the district court placed restrictions on the defendants’ ability to dispose of certain assets for use in the United States, unless the transferee agrees to abide by the terms of the district court’s order, and ordered certain defendants to reimburse the U.S. Department of Justice its taxable costs incurred in connection with the case.

Defendants, including RJR Tobacco, B&W, and Lorillard Tobacco, appealed, the government cross appealed, and the defendants moved in the district court for clarification and a stay pending appeal. After the district court denied the defendants’ motion to stay, the D.C. Circuit granted a stay in October 2006.

The district court then granted the motion for clarification in part and denied it in part. With respect to the meaning and applicability of the general injunctive relief of the August 2006 order, the district court denied the motion for clarification. With respect to the request for clarification as to the scope of the provisions in the order prohibiting the use of descriptors and requiring corrective statements at retail point of sale, the district court granted the motion and also ruled that the provisions prohibiting the use of express or implied health messages or descriptors do apply to the actions of the defendants taken outside of the United States.

In May 2009, the D.C. Circuit largely affirmed both the finding of liability against the tobacco defendants and the remedial order, including the denial of additional remedies, but vacated the order and remanded for further proceedings as to the following four discrete issues:

 

    the issue of the extent of B&W’s control over tobacco operations was remanded for further fact finding and clarification;

 

    the remedial order was vacated to the extent that it binds all defendants’ subsidiaries and was remanded to the district court for determination as to whether inclusion of the subsidiaries and which of the subsidiaries satisfy Rule 65(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure;

 

    the D.C. Circuit held that the provision found in paragraph four of the injunction, concerning the use of any express or implied health message or health descriptor for any cigarette brand, should not be read to govern overseas sales. The issue was remanded to the district court with instructions to reformulate it so as to exempt foreign activities that have no substantial, direct and foreseeable domestic effects; and

 

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    the remedial order was vacated regarding “point of sale” displays and remanded for the district court to evaluate and make due provisions for the rights of innocent persons, either by abandoning this part of the remedial order or re-crafting a new version reflecting the rights of third parties.

In June 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court denied all parties’ petitions for writ of certiorari.

Post-remand proceedings are underway. On December 22, 2010, the district court dismissed B&W from the litigation. In November 2012, the trial court entered an order setting forth the text of the corrective statements and directed the parties to engage in discussions with the Special Master to implement them. After extensive mediation led the parties to an implementation agreement, the district court entered an implementation order on June 2, 2014. The defendants filed a consolidated appeal challenging both the content of the court-ordered statements and the requirement that those statements be published in redundant media. On May 22, 2015, the D.C. Circuit reversed the corrective statements order in part, affirmed in part, and remanded to the district court for further proceedings. On October 1, 2015, the district court ordered the parties to propose new corrective-statements preambles. On February 8, 2016, the district court entered an order adopting the government’s proposed corrective-statements preamble. The parties then mediated, per the district court’s order, changes to the implementation order necessitated by the new preamble. On April 19, 2016, the district court accepted the parties’ mediated agreement on implementation and entered a superseding consent order with respect to implementation. The superseding consent order stays implementation of the corrective statements until the exhaustion of appeals from the orders establishing the text of those statements and governing implementation details. On April 7, 2016, the defendants and the post-judgment parties regarding remedies noticed an appeal to the D.C. Circuit from the order adopting the government’s proposed corrective-statement preambles. On May 6, 2016, the defendants and post-judgment parties regarding remedies noticed an appeal to the D.C. Circuit from the superseding consent order. On June 7, 2016, the D.C. Circuit granted the unopposed motion of the defendants and the post-judgment parties regarding remedies to consolidate the two appeals. Briefing in the consolidated appeals concluded in late December 2016, and oral argument occurred on February 14, 2017. On April 25, 2017, the D.C. Circuit affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded for further proceedings. Additionally, RJR Tobacco appealed the district court’s May 28, 2015, order requiring RJR Tobacco to televise an additional set of corrective statements on behalf of B&W. On November 1, 2016, the D.C. Circuit upheld the order. In light of the corrective-statements implementation requirements, $20 million has been accrued for the estimated costs of the corrective communications and is included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) as of March 31, 2017.

Native American Tribe Case.

As of March 31, 2017, one Native American tribe case was pending before a tribal court against RJR Tobacco, B&W and Lorillard Tobacco, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe v. American Tobacco Co. (Tribal Ct., Crow Creek Sioux, S.D., filed 1997). The plaintiffs seek to recover actual and punitive damages, restitution, funding of a clinical cessation program, funding of a corrective public education program, and disgorgement of unjust profits from sales to minors. The plaintiffs claim that the defendants are liable under the following theories: unlawful marketing and targeting of minors, contributing to the delinquency of minors, unfair and deceptive acts or practices, unreasonable restraint of trade and unfair method of competition, negligence, negligence per se, conspiracy and restitution of unjust enrichment. The case is dormant.

International Cases.

Each of the ten Canadian provinces has filed a health-care cost recovery action against Canadian and non-Canadian tobacco-related entities, including RJR Tobacco and one of its affiliates. In these actions, which are described below, each of the Canadian provinces seeks to recover for health care, medical and other assistance paid and to be paid for treating tobacco-related disease. Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 sale of RJR Tobacco’s

 

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international tobacco business, RJR Tobacco has tendered the defense of these actions to JTI. Subject to a reservation of rights, JTI has assumed the defense of RJR Tobacco and its affiliate in these actions.

 

    British Columbia (British Columbia Sup. Ct., Vancouver Registry, filed 1997) — In 1997, British Columbia enacted a statute creating a civil cause of action against tobacco-related entities for the provincial government to recover the costs of health-care benefits incurred for insured British Columbia residents resulting from tobacco-related disease. An initial action brought pursuant to the statute against Canadian and non-Canadian tobacco-related entities, including RJR Tobacco and certain of its affiliates, was dismissed in February 2000 when the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled that the legislation was unconstitutional. British Columbia then enacted a revised statute, pursuant to which an action was filed in January 2001 against many of the same defendants, including RJR Tobacco and one of its affiliates. In that action, the British Columbia government seeks to recover the present value of its total expenditures for health-care benefits provided for insured persons resulting from tobacco-related disease or the risk of tobacco-related disease caused by alleged breaches of duty by the manufacturers, the present value of its estimated total expenditures for health-care benefits that reasonably could be expected to be provided for those insured persons resulting from tobacco-related disease or the risk of tobacco-related disease in the future, court ordered interest, and costs, or in the alternative, special or increased costs. The government alleges that the defendants are liable under the British Columbia statute by reason of their “tobacco related wrongs,” which are alleged to include: selling defective products, failure to warn, sale of cigarettes to children and adolescents, strict liability, deceit and misrepresentation, violation of trade practice and competition acts, concerted action, and joint liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in January 2007. Pretrial discovery is ongoing.

 

    New Brunswick (Ct. of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Jud. Dist. Fredericton, filed 2008) — This claim is brought pursuant to New Brunswick legislation enacted in 2008 that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in March 2010. Pretrial discovery is ongoing.

 

    Ontario (Ontario Super. Ct. Justice, Toronto, filed 2009) — This claim is brought pursuant to Ontario legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability, although the government also asserted claims based on the illegal importation of cigarettes, which claims were deleted in an amended statement of claim filed in August 2010. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in April 2016.

 

    Newfoundland and Labrador (Sup. Ct. Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, filed 2011) — This claim is brought pursuant to Newfoundland and Labrador legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in May 2016.

 

    Manitoba (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Winnipeg Jud. Centre, filed 2012) — This claim is brought pursuant to Manitoba legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in September 2014. Pre-trial discovery is ongoing.

 

    Quebec (Super. Ct. Quebec, Dist. Montreal, filed 2012) — This claim is brought pursuant to Quebec legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages being sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed defenses in December 2014. Pretrial discovery is ongoing.

 

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    Saskatchewan (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Jud. Centre Saskatoon, filed 2012) — This claim is brought pursuant to Saskatchewan legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in February 2015.

 

    Alberta (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Alberta Jud. Centre of Calgary, filed 2012) — This claim is brought pursuant to Alberta legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in March 2016.

 

    Prince Edward Island (Sup. Ct. P.E.I., Charlottetown, filed 2012) — This claim is brought pursuant to Prince Edward Island legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in February 2015.

 

    Nova Scotia (Sup. Ct. Nova Scotia, Halifax, filed 2015) — This claim is brought pursuant to Nova Scotia legislation that is substantially similar to the revised British Columbia statute described above. It seeks recovery of essentially the same types of damages sought in the British Columbia action based on analogous theories of liability. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate filed statements of defense in July 2015.

Seven putative class actions, which are described below, have been filed against various Canadian and non-Canadian tobacco-related entities, including RJR Tobacco and one of its affiliates, in Canadian provincial courts. In these cases, the plaintiffs allege claims based on fraud, fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty, breach of warranty of merchantability, and of fitness for a particular purpose, failure to warn, design defects, negligence, breach of a “special duty” to children and adolescents, conspiracy, concert of action, unjust enrichment, market share liability, and violations of various trade practices and competition statutes. The plaintiffs seek recovery on behalf of proposed classes of persons allegedly suffering from tobacco-related disease as a result of smoking defendants’ cigarettes and seek recovery of compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, recovery of government health-care benefits, interest, and costs. Pursuant to the terms of the 1999 sale of RJR Tobacco’s international tobacco business, RJR Tobacco has tendered the defense of these seven actions to JTI. Subject to a reservation of rights, JTI has assumed the defense of RJR Tobacco and its current or former affiliates in these actions. Plaintiffs’ counsel have been actively pursuing only Bourassa , the action pending in British Columbia, at this time.

 

    In Kunka v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Winnipeg Jud. Centre, filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who purchased or smoked defendants’ cigarettes and suffered, or currently suffer, from tobacco-related disease, as well as restitution of profits and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care benefits allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

 

    In Dorion v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Alberta Jud. Centre of Calgary – filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who purchased or smoked defendants’ cigarettes and suffered, or currently suffer, from tobacco-related disease, as well as restitution of profits and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care benefits allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

 

   

In Semple v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Sup. Ct. Nova Scotia, Halifax, filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class comprised of persons who purchased or smoked defendants’ cigarettes for the period from January 1, 1954, to the expiry of the opt-out period as set by the court and suffered, or currently suffer, from tobacco-related

 

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disease, as well as restitution of profits and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care costs allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

 

    In Adams v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ct. of Queen’s Bench, Jud. Centre of Regina, filed 2009), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on July 10, 2009, and suffered, or currently suffer, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, heart disease or cancer, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as disgorgement of revenues earned by the defendants. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate have brought a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the Saskatchewan court.

 

    In Bourassa v. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. (Sup. Ct. of British Columbia, Victoria Registry, filed 2010), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on June 12, 2007, and suffered, or currently suffer, from chronic respiratory diseases, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as disgorgement of revenues earned by the defendants from January 1, 1954, to the date the claim was filed. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate have filed a challenge to the jurisdiction of the British Columbia court. The plaintiff filed a motion for certification in April 2012, and filed affidavits in support in August 2013. An amended claim was filed in December 2014.

 

    In McDermid v. Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. (Sup. Ct. of British Columbia, Victoria Registry, filed 2010), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on June 12, 2007, and suffered, or currently suffer, from heart disease, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as disgorgement of revenues earned by the defendants from January 1, 1954, to the date the claim was filed. RJR Tobacco and its affiliate have filed a challenge to the jurisdiction of the British Columbia court.

 

    In Jacklin v. Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers’ Council (Ontario Super. Ct. of Justice, St. Catherines, filed 2012), the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of a proposed class of persons who were alive on June 12, 2007, and suffered, or currently suffer, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, or cancer, after having smoked a minimum of 25,000 of defendants’ cigarettes, as well as restitution of profits, and reimbursement of government expenditure for health-care benefits allegedly caused by the use of tobacco products.

State Settlement Agreements — Enforcement and Validity; Adjustments

As of March 31, 2017, there were two cases concerning the enforcement, validity or interpretation of the State Settlement Agreements in which RJR Tobacco, B&W or Lorillard Tobacco is a party. This number includes the motion to enforce, discussed below, relating to disputed payments under the State Settlement Agreements.

In May 2006, the State of Florida filed a motion, in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, in and for Palm Beach County, Florida, to enforce the Florida settlement agreement, referred to as the Florida Settlement Agreement, for an accounting by B&W and for an Order of Contempt. The State asserted that B&W failed to report in its net operating profit on its shipments, cigarettes manufactured by B&W under contract for Star Tobacco or its parent, Star Scientific, Inc. The State is seeking approximately $12.4 million in additional payments under the Florida Settlement Agreement, as well as $17.0 million in interest payments. This matter is currently in the discovery phase.

On January 18, 2017, the State of Florida filed a motion to enjoin ITG as a defendant and to enforce the Florida Settlement Agreement. The State’s motion seeks payment under the Florida Settlement Agreement with respect to the four brands (WINSTON, SALEM, KOOL and MAVERICK) that were sold to ITG in the Divestiture. Under the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture (and related documents), ITG was to

 

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assume responsibility with respect to these brands. Since the closing of the Divestiture and the transfer of these brands to it, ITG has not made settlement payments to the State with respect to these brands. The State’s motion asserts that it “is presently owed more than $45 million and will continue to suffer annual losses of approximately $30 million absent the Court’s enforcement of the Settlement Agreement….” The State’s motion seeks, among other things, an order from the court declaring that RJR Tobacco and ITG are in breach of the Florida Settlement Agreement and are required, jointly and severally, to make annual payments to the State under the Florida Settlement Agreement with respect to the brands transferred to ITG in the Divestiture.

Also on January 18, 2017, Philip Morris USA, Inc. filed a motion to enforce the Florida Settlement Agreement. Philip Morris USA, Inc.’s motion asserted that RJR Tobacco and ITG have breached the Florida Settlement Agreement by failing to comply with the obligations under the Florida Settlement Agreement with respect to the transferred brands. Philip Morris USA, Inc.’s motion asserts that RJR Tobacco and ITG have “…deprived the State…of over $40 million in settlement payments and improperly shifted millions of the remaining settlement payment obligations from themselves to Philip Morris USA, Inc., amounts that will increase greatly going forward absent intervention by [the] Court.” Philip Morris USA, Inc.’s motion seeks various forms of relief to modify the settlement payment calculations to address the issues raised in its motion.

On January 27, 2017, RJR Tobacco filed a motion asserting that ITG failed to use its reasonable best efforts to join the Florida Settlement Agreement and breached the asset purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture. Accordingly, RJR Tobacco filed a motion for leave to allow a supplemental pleading for breach by ITG of its obligations regarding joinder into the Florida Settlement Agreement. On March 30, 2017, the Florida court ruled that ITG should be joined into the enforcement action. Discovery related to the various motions is now underway.

On February 17, 2017, ITG filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware seeking declaratory relief and a motion for a temporary restraining order against RAI and RJR Tobacco. In its complaint, ITG asked the court to declare various matters related to its rights and obligations under the asset purchase agreement (and related documents). In its motion, ITG asked for an injunction barring RAI and/or RJR Tobacco from alleging in the Florida enforcement litigation that ITG had breached the asset purchase agreement and requiring these companies to litigate issues under the asset purchase agreement in Delaware. A hearing was held on ITG’s complaint and motion on March 1, 2017. After argument, the court entered a temporary restraining order that enjoined RAI and RJR Tobacco from “taking offensive action to assert claims against ITG Brands” in the Florida enforcement action, but the order does not prevent RJR Tobacco from making arguments in response to claims asserted by the State of Florida, Philip Morris USA, Inc. or ITG in the Florida enforcement litigation. On March 24, 2017, RAI and RJR Tobacco answered the ITG complaint and filed a motion to stay proceedings in Delaware pending the outcome of the Florida enforcement litigation. The motion for stay filed by RAI and RJR Tobacco is pending.

NPM Adjustment Claims. The MSA includes an adjustment that potentially reduces the annual payment obligations of RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and the other PMs. Certain requirements, collectively referred to as the Adjustment Requirements, must be satisfied before the NPM Adjustment for a given year is available:

 

    an Independent Auditor must determine that the PMs have experienced a market share loss, beyond a triggering threshold, to those manufacturers that do not participate in the MSA, such non-participating manufacturers referred to as NPMs; and

 

    in a binding arbitration proceeding, a firm of independent economic consultants must find that the disadvantages of the MSA were a significant factor contributing to the loss of market share. This finding is known as a significant factor determination.

 

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When the Adjustment Requirements are satisfied, the MSA provides that the NPM Adjustment applies to reduce the annual payment obligation of the PMs. However, an individual settling state may avoid its share of the NPM Adjustment if it had in place and diligently enforced during the entirety of the relevant year a “Qualifying Statute” that imposes escrow obligations on NPMs that are comparable to what the NPMs would have owed if they had joined the MSA. In such event, the state’s share of the NPM Adjustment is reallocated to other settling states, if any, that did not have in place and diligently enforce a Qualifying Statute.

NPM Adjustment Claim for 2003. For 2003, the Adjustment Requirements were satisfied. As a result, based on revised numbers calculated by the Independent Auditor, RJR Tobacco placed approximately $615 million, and Lorillard Tobacco placed approximately $109 million, of its 2006 and 2007 MSA payments into a disputed payments account, in accordance with a procedure established by the MSA.

As a result of this action, 37 of the settling states filed legal proceedings in their respective MSA courts seeking declaratory orders that they diligently enforced their Qualifying Statutes during 2003 and/or orders compelling RJR Tobacco and the other PMs that placed money in the disputed payments account to pay the disputed amounts to the settling states. In response, RJR Tobacco and other PMs, pursuant to the MSA’s arbitration provisions, moved to compel arbitration of the parties’ dispute concerning the 2003 NPM Adjustment, including the states’ diligent enforcement claims, before an arbitration panel consisting of three retired federal court judges. The settling states opposed these motions, arguing, among other things, that the issue of diligent enforcement must be resolved by MSA courts in each of the 52 settling states and territories.

Forty-seven of the 48 courts that addressed the question whether the dispute concerning the 2003 NPM Adjustment is arbitrable ruled that arbitration was required under the MSA. The Montana Supreme Court ruled that the State of Montana did not agree to arbitrate the question of whether it diligently enforced a Qualifying Statute. Subsequently, Montana and the PMs reached an agreement whereby the PMs agreed not to contest Montana’s claim that it diligently enforced the Qualifying Statute during 2003.

In January 2009, RJR Tobacco and certain other PMs entered into an Agreement Regarding Arbitration, referred to as the Arbitration Agreement, with 45 of the MSA settling states (representing approximately 90% of the allocable share of the settling states) pursuant to which those states agreed to participate in a multistate arbitration of issues related to the 2003 NPM Adjustment. Under the Arbitration Agreement, the signing states had their ultimate liability, if any, with respect to the 2003 NPM Adjustment reduced by 20%, and RJR Tobacco and the other PMs that placed their share of the disputed 2005 NPM Adjustment (discussed below) into the disputed payments account, without releasing or waiving any claims, authorized the release of those funds to the settling states.

The arbitration panel contemplated by the MSA and the Arbitration Agreement was selected, and proceedings before the panel with respect to the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim began in July 2010. Following the completion of document and deposition discovery, on November 3, 2011, RJR Tobacco and the other PMs advised the Arbitration Panel that they were not contesting the “diligent enforcement” of 12 states and the four U.S. territories with a combined allocable share of less than 14%. The “diligent enforcement” of the remaining 33 settling states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico was contested and became the subject of further proceedings. A common issues hearing was held in April 2012, and state specific evidentiary hearings with respect to the contested states were initiated.

As a result of the partial settlement of certain NPM Adjustment claims, as described in more detail below, as well as the earlier decisions not to contest the diligent enforcement of 12 states, two of which are participants in the partial settlement, and the four U.S. territories, only 15 contested settling states required state specific diligent enforcement rulings. State specific evidentiary hearings were completed in May 2013.

 

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In September 2013, the Arbitration Panel issued rulings with respect to the 15 remaining contested states. The Arbitration Panel ruled that six states — Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico and Pennsylvania (collectively representing approximately 14.68% allocable share) — had not diligently enforced their Qualifying Statutes in 2003. Each of these six states filed motions to vacate and/or modify the diligent enforcement rulings on the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim. The status as to each of these states is as follows:

 

    Indiana and Kentucky (representing approximately 3.80% allocable share) subsequently joined the partial settlement of certain NPM Adjustment claims, as described in more detail below. Indiana participated in a joint motion to stay indefinitely further proceedings on the motions it had filed to vacate the settlement and to modify the adverse diligent enforcement ruling against it. Similarly, Kentucky has joined in a stipulation by the parties filed with the court in that state to stay further proceedings on its motions, but that stipulation has not yet been signed by the court.

 

    Pennsylvania dropped its challenge to the finding of non-diligence entered against it. However, the state court in Pennsylvania entered an order that modified the judgment reduction method that had been adopted by the Arbitration Panel, which reduced RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by $54.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively. Upon appeal, in April 2015, the intermediate appellate court in Pennsylvania upheld the trial court ruling. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court declined to take the industry’s appeal of that ruling. RJR Tobacco filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on April 21, 2016. On October 11, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court denied RJR Tobacco’s petition for writ of certiorari.

 

    Missouri dropped its challenge to the finding of non-diligence entered against it. However, the state court in Missouri entered an order that modified the judgment reduction method that had been adopted by the Arbitration Panel which reduced RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by $21.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Upon appeal, in September 2015, the intermediate appellate court in Missouri reversed the trial court ruling. Missouri appealed that ruling to the Missouri Supreme Court. On February 14, 2017, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the judgment reduction method adopted by the Arbitration Panel should be modified as originally ordered by the court.

 

    Maryland dropped its challenge to the finding of non-diligence entered against it. Maryland’s motion challenging the judgment reduction method adopted by the Arbitration Panel was denied by its state court. Upon appeal, in October 2015, the intermediate appellate court in Maryland reversed the trial court, the effect of which was to reduce RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by a total of $21.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The Maryland Supreme Court declined to take the industry’s appeal of that ruling. RJR Tobacco filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on June 22, 2016. On October 11, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court denied RJR Tobacco’s petition for writ of certiorari.

 

    New Mexico filed motions challenging the finding of non-diligence and seeking a modification of the judgment reduction method adopted by the Arbitration Panel. The New Mexico trial court denied the state’s motion to vacate the finding of non-diligence, but granted the state’s motion challenging the judgment reduction method that had been adopted by the Arbitration Panel, which reduced RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s recovery from this state by $5.6 million and $1 million, respectively. RJR Tobacco has appealed the court’s ruling on the judgment reduction method. The State did not appeal the trial court’s denial of its motion to vacate the finding on non-diligence.

As noted above, the effect from the four non-diligent states, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maryland and New Mexico, no longer challenging the findings of non-diligence entered against them by the Arbitration Panel was that a certain portion of the potential recovery from these four states was probable and reasonably estimable. Consequently, $6 million and $93 million was recognized as a reduction of cost of products sold in RAI’s consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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RJR Tobacco now estimates that the maximum remaining amount of its claim and Lorillard Tobacco’s claim with respect to the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim is $6 million and $1 million, respectively, plus any applicable interest and earnings. Until such time RJR Tobacco’s appeal of the New Mexico state court’s ruling that modified the judgment reduction method adopted by the Arbitration Panel has been resolved, including any necessary appeals, uncertainty exists as to the timing, process and amount of RJR Tobacco’s ultimate recovery with respect to its remaining share of the 2003 NPM Adjustment claim and, accordingly, no additional amounts have been recognized in RAI’s condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) as of March 31, 2017.

NPM Adjustment Claims for 2004-2016. From 2006 to 2008, proceedings (including significant factor arbitrations before an independent economic consulting firm) were initiated with respect to the NPM Adjustment for 2004, 2005 and 2006. Ultimately, the Adjustment Requirements were satisfied with respect to each of these NPM Adjustments.

In subsequent years, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, certain other PMs and the settling states entered into three separate agreements, covering fiscal years 2007 to 2009, fiscal years 2010 to 2012 and fiscal years 2013 to 2014, respectively, wherein the settling states would not contest that the disadvantages of the MSA were “a significant factor contributing to” the market share loss experienced by the PMs in those years. The stipulation pertaining to each of the years covered by the three agreements became effective in February of the year a final determination by the firm of independent economic consultants would otherwise have been expected if the issue had been arbitrated on the merits. RJR Tobacco and the PMs paid certain amounts into the States’ Antitrust/Consumer Protection Tobacco Enforcement Fund established under Section VIII(c) of the MSA for each year covered by these agreements, with RJR Tobacco paying approximately 47% and Lorillard Tobacco paying approximately 20% of such amounts.

Based on the payment calculations of the Independent Auditor and the agreements described above regarding the significant factor determinations, the Adjustment Requirements have been satisfied with respect to the NPM Adjustments for fiscal years 2007 to 2014. The approximate maximum principal amounts of RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s shares of the disputed NPM Adjustments for the years 2004 through 2014 (in millions), as currently calculated by the Independent Auditor, and the remaining amounts after the settlements of certain NPM Adjustments claims (see below), are as follows (1):

 

     RJR Tobacco      Lorillard Tobacco  
Volume Year    Disputed      Remaining after
settlements
     Disputed      Remaining after
settlements
 
2004    $ 562      $ 200      $ 111      $ 39  
2005      445        158        76        27  
2006      419        149        73        26  
2007      435        157        83        30  
2008      468        169        104        38  
2009      472        171        107        39  
2010      470        170        119        44  
2011      422        152        88        32  
2012      430        156        97        36  
2013      457        165        92        34  
2014      433        156        93        34  

 

(1) The amounts shown above do not include the interest or earnings thereon to which RJR Tobacco and Lorillard Tobacco believe they would be entitled under the MSA.

In addition to the above, SFNTC’s portion of the disputed NPM Adjustments for the years 2004 through 2014 is approximately $67 million and the remaining amount after the settlements is approximately $25 million.

 

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The 2015 volume year NPM Adjustments for RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco and SFNTC are $482 million, $41 million, and $18 million, respectively.

The 2016 volume year NPM Adjustments for RJR Tobacco and SFNTC are $505 million and $22 million, respectively.

The 2004 NPM Adjustment proceeding is underway before two overlapping panels, with one panel hearing the issues with respect to five states and the other panel hearing the issues as to the remaining states that will be part of the arbitration. A revised case management order governing the arbitration was entered on January 4, 2017. Under the timing established by that case management order, it is expected that discovery in the arbitration proceedings will be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2017. A hearing on common issues will take place starting in June 2017. State specific evidentiary hearings are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2017 and will likely conclude by the end of the third quarter of 2018. Diligent enforcement rulings from the panels are likely by the end of the fourth quarter of 2018. RJR Tobacco’s and Lorillard Tobacco’s remaining claim with respect to 2004 is approximately $239 million collectively.

Missouri obtained an order from the Missouri court of appeals for a separate state specific arbitration of the diligent enforcement issue, but on appeal, the Missouri Supreme Court ordered Missouri to participate in the nationwide arbitration of the 2004 NPM Adjustment. Also, in the context of the 2003 NPM Adjustment proceedings, Montana obtained a ruling from the Montana Supreme Court that the issue of diligent enforcement under the MSA must be heard before that state’s MSA court. Finally, New Mexico and the four U.S. territories have been asked to join the 2004 NPM Adjustment Arbitration, but have not yet done so. New Mexico has, however, been ordered by its state court to participate in the nationwide arbitration, although it is appealing that order.

Due to the uncertainty over the final resolution of the 2004-2016 NPM Adjustment claims asserted by RJR Tobacco (including Lorillard Tobacco claims) and SFNTC, no assurances can be made related to the amounts, if any, that will be realized or any amounts (including interest) that will be owed, except as described below related to the partial settlement of certain NPM Adjustment claims.

Settlement/Partial Settlement of Certain NPM Adjustment Claims. In November 2012, RJR Tobacco, certain other PMs and certain settling states entered into a Term Sheet that set forth terms on which accrued and potential NPM Adjustment claims for 2003 through 2014 could be resolved. The Term Sheet also set forth a restructured NPM Adjustment process to be applied on a going-forward basis, starting with the 2013 volume year. The Term Sheet was provided to all of the MSA settling states for their review and consideration. A total of 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, collectively representing approximately 42% allocable share, joined the proposed settlement. RJR Tobacco and the other PMs indicated that they were prepared to go forward with the proposed settlement with that level of jurisdictional participation.

The Term Sheet provided that the Arbitration Panel in place to deal with the 2003 NPM Adjustment (and other NPM Adjustment-related matters) must review the proposed settlement and enter an appropriate order to confirm for the Independent Auditor that it should implement, as necessary, the terms of the settlement agreement.

In March 2013, the Arbitration Panel entered a Stipulated Partial Settlement and Award, referred to as the Award, reflecting the financial terms of the Term Sheet. Shortly thereafter, the Independent Auditor issued a notice indicating that it intended to implement the financial provisions of the Term Sheet, and also issued various revised payment calculations pertaining to payment years 2009 through 2012 and final calculations pertaining to payment year 2013 that reflected implementation of the financial provisions of the Term Sheet.

 

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Subsequently in 2013, Oklahoma, Connecticut and South Carolina joined the Term Sheet. Efforts by two states, Colorado and Ohio, to obtain injunctions to prevent implementation of the Award were unsuccessful that year.

In June 2014, Kentucky and Indiana, both of which were among the states found “non-diligent” by the Arbitration Panel, joined the Term Sheet on financial terms more favorable to the industry than those agreed to by the original signatory states. In April 2017, Rhode Island and Oregon joined the Term Sheet settlement. Twenty-six jurisdictions have now joined the Term Sheet settlement representing approximately 51.73% allocable share.

On October 20, 2015, RJR Tobacco and certain other PMs (including SFNTC) entered into the NY Settlement Agreement with the State of New York to settle certain claims related to the NPM Adjustment. The NY Settlement Agreement resolves NPM Adjustment claims related to payment years from 2004 through 2014 and puts in place a new method to determine future adjustments from 2015 forward as to New York. With the addition of New York’s allocable share of 12.76%, RJR Tobacco has resolved the 2004 through 2014 NPM Adjustments with 27 jurisdictions, representing approximately 64.49% allocable share.

For additional information related to the Term Sheet and the NY Settlement Agreement, see “— Cost of Products Sold” in note 1.

Other Litigation and Developments

JTI Claims for Indemnification . By a purchase agreement dated March 9, 1999, amended and restated as of May 11, 1999, referred to as the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco sold its international tobacco business to JTI. Under the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco retained certain liabilities relating to the international tobacco business sold to JTI. Under its reading of the indemnification provisions of the 1999 Purchase Agreement, JTI has requested indemnification for damages allegedly arising out of these retained liabilities. As previously reported, a number of the indemnification claims between the parties relating to the activities of Northern Brands in Canada have been resolved. The other matters for which JTI has requested indemnification for damages under the indemnification provisions of the 1999 Purchase Agreement are described below:

 

    In a letter dated March 31, 2006, counsel for JTI stated that JTI would be seeking indemnification under the 1999 Purchase Agreement for any damages it may incur or may have incurred arising out of a Southern District of New York grand jury investigation, a now-terminated Eastern District of North Carolina grand jury investigation, and various actions filed by the European Community and others in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, referred to as the EDNY, against RJR Tobacco and certain of its affiliates on November 3, 2000, August 6, 2001, and (as discussed in greater detail below) October 30, 2002, and against JTI on January 11, 2002.

 

   

JTI also has sought indemnification relating to a Statement of Claim filed on April 23, 2010, in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, London, against JTI Macdonald Corp., referred to as JTI-MC, by the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers’ Marketing Board, referred to as the Board, Andy J. Jacko, Brian Baswick, Ron Kichler, and Aprad Dobrenty, proceeding on their own behalf and on behalf of a putative class of Ontario tobacco producers that sold tobacco to JTI-MC during the period between January 1, 1986 and December 31, 1996, referred to as the Class Period, through the Board pursuant to certain agreements. The Statement of Claim seeks recovery for damages allegedly incurred by the class representatives and the putative class for tobacco sales during the Class Period made at the contract price for duty free or export cigarettes with respect to cigarettes that, rather than being sold duty free or for export, purportedly were sold in Canada, which allegedly breached one or more of a series of contracts dated between June 4, 1986, and July 3, 1996. Appeals taken from an unsuccessful motion to

 

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dismiss the action as barred by the statute of limitations were ultimately denied on November 4, 2016. Certification proceedings are pending.

 

    Finally, JTI has advised RJR and RJR Tobacco of its view that, under the terms of the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco are liable for approximately $1.85 million related to a judgment entered in 1998, plus interest and costs, in an action filed in Brazil by Lutz Hanneman, a former employee of a former RJR Tobacco subsidiary. RJR and RJR Tobacco deny that they are liable for this judgment under the terms of the 1999 Purchase Agreement.

Although RJR and RJR Tobacco recognize that, under certain circumstances, they may have these and other unresolved indemnification obligations to JTI under the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco disagree with JTI as to (1) what circumstances relating to any such matters may give rise to indemnification obligations by RJR and RJR Tobacco, and (2) the nature and extent of any such obligation. RJR and RJR Tobacco have conveyed their position to JTI, and the parties have agreed to resolve their differences at a later time.

European Community. In European Community v. RJR Nabisco, Inc. (U.S.D.C. E.D.N.Y., filed 2002), the European Community and several of its member states allege that RJR, RJR Tobacco and other currently and formerly related companies engaged in money laundering and other conduct violating civil RICO and a variety of common laws. The plaintiffs also allege that the defendants manufactured cigarettes that were eventually sold in Iraq in violation of U.S. sanctions. The plaintiffs seek compensatory, punitive and treble damages among other types of relief. On February 15, 2010, the defendants moved to dismiss, and the action has been stayed and largely inactive since then while the parties have litigated that motion. On March 8, 2011, the district court granted the defendants’ motion in part and dismissed the plaintiffs’ RICO claims. On May 13, 2011, the district court granted the remaining portion of the defendants’ motion and dismissed the plaintiffs’ state-law claims based on the court’s lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The plaintiffs appealed to the Second Circuit.

On April 29, 2014, the Second Circuit vacated and remanded in a decision concluding that (1) as pled, the RICO claims are within the scope of the RICO statute, and (2) the federal court has subject matter jurisdiction over the state-law claims. The defendants sought rehearing and rehearing en banc . On August 20, 2014, the Second Circuit denied panel rehearing and issued an amended opinion that, in addition to adhering to the earlier opinion, held that a civil RICO cause of action extends to extraterritorial injuries. The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari and, on June 20, 2016, reversed the Second Circuit’s decision and ordered the dismissal of the plaintiffs’ RICO damages claims, finding that RICO civil causes of action extend only to domestic injuries, which claims the plaintiffs had abandoned. The court also held that any private RICO claims for equitable relief must also rest on domestic injuries but reserved decision on whether the plaintiffs had alleged such claims. The court’s decision does not affect the plaintiffs’ common-law claims. After remand, the district court entered an order allowing the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint by October 24, 2016, which later was extended indefinitely. Once the amended complaint is filed, the parties have been directed to submit a joint briefing schedule for the defendants’ anticipated motion to dismiss. Further, the district court stayed discovery until ten days after entry of an order deciding the defendants’ anticipated motion to dismiss.

Fontem Patent Litigation . On April 4, 2016, a case was filed in federal court, Fontem Ventures B.V. and Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. v. R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company (U.S.D.C. C.D. Cal.), which alleges that VUSE products infringe four patents owned by Fontem purportedly directed to e-cigarettes. On May 3, 2016, Fontem filed a second complaint asserting that the VUSE products infringe two additional Fontem patents purportedly directed to e-cigarettes. On June 22, 2016, Fontem filed a third complaint asserting that the VUSE products infringe one additional Fontem patent purportedly directed to e-cigarettes. RJR Vapor filed an answer in the first case on June 27, 2016, and an amended answer on July 25, 2016. RJR Vapor also filed answers in the second and third cases on July 25, 2016. On June 29, 2016, RJR Vapor filed a motion to transfer the three cases to the

 

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Middle District of North Carolina, which was granted on August 8, 2016. The cases are now pending in the Middle District of North Carolina. On March 1, 2017, Fontem filed a fourth complaint in the Middle District of North Carolina asserting that the VUSE products infringe eight additional Fontem patents. RJR Vapor filed an answer to the fourth complaint on April 24, 2017. On April 14, 2017, Fontem filed a motion to amend the now-consolidated three prior actions to add certain Reynolds Defendants as additional defendants, and a response to the motion will be filed on May 5, 2017.

Also, to date, RJR Vapor has filed multiple petitions for inter partes review against six of the 15 asserted patents. Three of the petitions have been granted, five denied, and the others are still pending decision.

FDA Litigation. On February 25, 2011, RJR Tobacco, Lorillard and Lorillard Tobacco jointly filed a lawsuit, Lorillard, Inc. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration , in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the composition of TPSAC which had been established by the FDA under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, referred to as the FDA Tobacco Act. The complaint alleges that certain members of the TPSAC and certain members of its Constituents Subcommittee have financial and appearance conflicts of interest that are disqualifying under federal ethics law and regulations, and that the TPSAC is not “fairly balanced,” as required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to as FACA. In March 2011, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which added an additional claim, based on a nonpublic meeting of members of the TPSAC, in violation of the FACA. The court granted the plaintiffs’ unopposed motion to file a second amended complaint adding a count addressing the FDA’s refusal to produce all documents generated by the TPSAC and its subcommittee in preparation of the menthol report. On July 21, 2014, the court granted the plaintiffs’ summary judgment motions finding that three members of the TPSAC Committee had impermissible conflicts of interest. As relief, the court ordered the FDA to reconstitute the committee in conformance with the law and enjoined the agency from using or relying on the TPSAC’s 2011 Menthol Report. On September 18, 2014, the FDA appealed the decision to the D.C. Circuit. On January 15, 2016, the appellate court reversed the decision of the district court, finding that the plaintiffs did not have standing to challenge appointments of certain TPSAC members. Under the appellate court’s order, the three former committee members can serve once again on the TPSAC and FDA can rely on the TPSAC menthol report. On May 9, 2016, the plaintiffs’ petition for rehearing or rehearing en banc was denied. On May 18, 2016, the appellate court issued a mandate vacating the injunction that had barred use of the TPSAC menthol report and had ordered reconstitution of the TPSAC.

For a detailed description of the FDA Tobacco Act, see “— Governmental Activity” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in Part I, Item 2.

Smokeless Tobacco Litigation

In 1999, when the IPIC litigation was first filed, the named defendants included manufacturers of smokeless products, including Conwood Company, LLC (now known as American Snuff Company, LLC) and others. When the IPIC plaintiffs filed discovery responses in IPIC listing the products they used, 41 of them listed a smokeless product. Six of those 41 plaintiffs listed a brand owned by American Snuff (Levi Garrett). Seven listed a brand (Beechnut) once manufactured by Lorillard Tobacco (now manufactured by National Tobacco Company). On December 3, 2001, the IPIC court severed all smokeless claims and all smokeless defendants from IPIC. There was no order staying the case during IPIC. In the ensuing 15 years, the plaintiffs in the severed cases did nothing to pursue the cases. The plaintiffs now seek to activate various smokeless claims, including certain plaintiffs whose cases were dismissed in IPIC after severance of the smokeless claims and whose claims are not counted in the 41 claims described above. After a status conference on July 11, 2016, the court set a schedule for briefing the issue of whether the severed claims should be dismissed because of the prolonged inaction in the case. On January 25, 2017, the trial court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss those claims as abandoned. The plaintiffs are now free to move forward with their claims, and an initial schedule for discovery has been set through 2019.

 

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ERISA Litigation

In May 2002, in Tatum v. The R.J.R. Pension Investment Committee of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Capital Investment Plan , an employee of RJR Tobacco filed a class-action suit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, alleging that the defendants, RJR, RJR Tobacco, the RJR Employee Benefits Committee and the RJR Pension Investment Committee, violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, referred to as ERISA. The actions about which the plaintiff complains stem from a decision made in 1999 by RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp., subsequently renamed Nabisco Group Holdings Corp., referred to as NGH, to spin off RJR, thereby separating NGH’s tobacco business and food business. As part of the spin-off, the 401(k) plan for the previously related entities had to be divided into two separate plans for the now separate tobacco and food businesses. The plaintiff contends that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to participants of the RJR 401(k) plan when the defendants removed the stock funds of the companies involved in the food business, NGH and Nabisco Holdings Corp., referred to as Nabisco, as investment options from the RJR 401(k) plan approximately six months after the spin-off. The plaintiff asserts that a November 1999 amendment (the “1999 Amendment”) that eliminated the NGH and Nabisco funds from the RJR 401(k) plan on January 31, 2000, contained sufficient discretion for the defendants to have retained the NGH and Nabisco funds after January 31, 2000, and that the failure to exercise such discretion was a breach of fiduciary duty. In his complaint, the plaintiff requests, among other things, that the court require the defendants to pay as damages to the RJR 401(k) plan an amount equal to the subsequent appreciation that was purportedly lost as a result of the liquidation of the NGH and Nabisco funds.

In July 2002, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss, which the court granted in December 2003. In December 2004, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed the dismissal of the complaint, holding that the 1999 Amendment did contain sufficient discretion for the defendants to have retained the NGH and Nabisco funds as of February 1, 2000, and remanded the case for further proceedings. The court granted the plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint and denied all pending motions as moot. In April 2007, the defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint. The court granted the motion in part and denied it in part, dismissing all claims against the RJR Employee Benefits Committee and the RJR Pension Investment Committee. The plaintiff filed a motion for class certification, which the court granted in September 2008.

A non-jury trial was held in January and February 2010. On February 25, 2013, the district court dismissed the case with prejudice, finding that a hypothetical prudent fiduciary could have made the same decision and thus the plan’s loss was not caused by the procedural prudence which the court found to have existed. On August 4, 2014, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, referred to as Fourth Circuit, reversed, holding that the district court applied the wrong standard when it held that the defendants did not cause any loss to the plan, determined the test was whether a hypothetical prudent fiduciary would have made the same decision and remanded the case back to the district court to apply the “would have standard.” On February 18, 2016, the district court dismissed the case with prejudice, finding that the defendants have shown by a preponderance of the evidence that a fiduciary acting with prudence would have divested the NGH and Nabisco Funds at the time and in the manner that the defendants did. On March 17, 2016, the plaintiff appealed arguing that the district court erred in finding that a hypothetical prudent fiduciary would have divested the NGH and Nabisco Funds at the same time and in the same manner as RJR. On April 28, 2017, the Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court’s judgment in favor of RJR. The plaintiff’s petition for rehearing is due May 12, 2017.

Environmental Matters

RAI and its subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances. Such laws and regulations provide for significant fines, penalties and liabilities, sometimes without regard to whether the owner or operator of the property or facility knew of, or was responsible for, the release or presence of hazardous or

 

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toxic substances. In addition, third parties may make claims against owners or operators of properties for personal injuries and property damage associated with releases of hazardous or toxic substances. In the past, RJR Tobacco has been named a potentially responsible party with third parties under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act with respect to several superfund sites. RAI and its subsidiaries are not aware of any current environmental matters that are expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations or financial position of RAI or its subsidiaries.

RAI and its operating subsidiaries believe that climate change is an environmental issue primarily driven by carbon dioxide emissions from the use of energy. RAI’s operating subsidiaries are working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by minimizing the use of energy where cost effective, minimizing waste to landfills and increasing recycling. Climate change is not viewed by RAI’s operating subsidiaries as a significant direct economic risk to their businesses, but rather an indirect risk involving the potential for a longer-term general increase in the cost of doing business. Regulatory changes are difficult to predict, but the current regulatory risks to the business of RAI’s operating subsidiaries with respect to climate change are relatively low. Financial impacts will be driven more by the cost of natural gas and electricity. Efforts are made to anticipate the effect of increases in fuel costs directly impacting RAI’s operating subsidiaries by evaluating natural gas usage and market conditions. Occasionally forward contracts are purchased, limited to a two-year period, for natural gas. In addition, RAI’s operating subsidiaries are continually evaluating energy conservation measures and energy efficient equipment to mitigate impacts of increases in energy costs, and adopting or utilizing such measures and equipment where appropriate.

Regulations promulgated by the EPA and other governmental agencies under various statutes have resulted in, and likely will continue to result in, substantial expenditures for pollution control, waste treatment or handling, facility modification and similar activities. RAI and its subsidiaries are engaged in a continuing program to comply with federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, and dependent upon the probability of occurrence and reasonable estimation of cost, accrue or disclose any material liability. Although it is difficult to reasonably estimate the portion of capital expenditures or other costs attributable to compliance with environmental laws and regulations, RAI does not expect such expenditures or other costs to have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, cash flows or financial position of RAI or its subsidiaries.

Shareholder Case

RAI, the members of the RAI board of directors and BAT have been named as defendants in a putative class-action lawsuit captioned Corwin v. British American Tobacco PLC , brought in North Carolina state court, referred to as the North Carolina Action, by a person identifying himself as a shareholder of RAI. The North Carolina Action was initiated on August 8, 2014, and an amended complaint was filed on November 7, 2014. The amended complaint generally alleges, among other things, that the members of the RAI board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to RAI shareholders by approving the share purchase by BAT and the sharing of technology with BAT, as well as that there were various conflicts of interest in the transaction. More specifically, the amended complaint alleges that (1) RAI aided and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by its board of directors and (2) BAT was a controlling shareholder of RAI and, as a consequence, owed other RAI shareholders fiduciary duties in connection with the BAT Share Purchase. The North Carolina Action seeks injunctive relief, damages and reimbursement of costs, among other remedies. On January 2, 2015, the plaintiff in the North Carolina Action filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin temporarily the RAI shareholder meeting and votes scheduled for January 28, 2015. RAI and the RAI board of directors timely opposed that motion prior to a hearing that was scheduled to occur on January 16, 2015.

RAI believed that the North Carolina Action was without merit and that no further disclosure was necessary to supplement the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus under applicable laws. However, to eliminate certain burdens, expenses and uncertainties, on January 17, 2015, RAI and the director defendants in the North Carolina

 

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Action entered into the North Carolina Memorandum of Understanding regarding the settlement of the disclosure claims asserted in that lawsuit. The North Carolina Memorandum of Understanding outlines the terms of the parties’ agreement in principle to settle and release the disclosure claims which were or could have been asserted in the North Carolina Action. In consideration of the partial settlement and release, RAI agreed to make certain supplemental disclosures to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, which it did on January 20, 2015. On August 4, 2015, the trial court granted the defendants’ motions to dismiss all of the remaining non-disclosure claims. The plaintiff appealed. On February 17, 2016, the trial court approved the partial settlement, including the plaintiff’s unopposed request for $415,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs. The partial settlement did not affect the consideration paid to Lorillard shareholders in connection with the Lorillard Merger. On December 20, 2016, the North Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of the claims against RAI and RAI’s Board of Directors on the grounds that the plaintiff could not state a direct claim against RAI’s Board of Directors for breach of fiduciary duties. The Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal of the claims against BAT. On January 4, 2017, BAT filed a motion for rehearing en banc of the Court of Appeals’ opinion, which was denied on February 2, 2017. On February 27, 2017, BAT petitioned the North Carolina Supreme Court for review of the Court of Appeals’ decision.

Other Contingencies

JTI Indemnities . In connection with the sale of the international tobacco business to JTI, pursuant to the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco agreed to indemnify JTI against:

 

    any liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of the imposition or assessment of any tax with respect to the international tobacco business arising prior to the sale, other than as reflected on the closing balance sheet;

 

    any liabilities, costs and expenses that JTI or any of its affiliates, including the acquired entities, may incur after the sale with respect to any of RJR’s or RJR Tobacco’s employee benefit and welfare plans; and

 

    any liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by JTI or any of its affiliates arising out of certain activities of Northern Brands.

As described above in “— Litigation Affecting the Cigarette Industry — Other Litigation and Developments — JTI Claims for Indemnification,” RJR Tobacco has received claims for indemnification from JTI, and several of these have been resolved. Although RJR and RJR Tobacco recognize that, under certain circumstances, they may have other unresolved indemnification obligations to JTI under the 1999 Purchase Agreement, RJR and RJR Tobacco disagree what circumstances described in such claims give rise to any indemnification obligations by RJR and RJR Tobacco and the nature and extent of any such obligation. RJR and RJR Tobacco have conveyed their position to JTI, and the parties have agreed to resolve their differences at a later date.

In connection with the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks to JTI Holding, along with the international companies that distribute and market the brand outside the United States, pursuant to the 2015 Purchase Agreement, SFNTC, R. J. Reynolds Global Products, Inc., and R. J. Reynolds Tobacco B.V. agreed to indemnify JTI Holding against, among other things, any liabilities, costs, and expenses relating to actions:

 

    commenced on or before (1) January 13, 2019, to the extent relating to alleged personal injuries, and (2) in all other cases, January 13, 2021;

 

    brought by (1) a governmental authority to enforce legislation implementing European Union Directive 2001/37/EC or European Directive 2014/40/EU or (2) consumers or a consumer association; and

 

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    arising out of any statement or claim (1) made on or before January 13, 2016, (2) by any company sold to JTI Holding in the transaction, (3) concerning NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand products consumed or intended to be consumed outside of the United States and (4) that the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand product is natural, organic, or additive free.

ITG Indemnity . In the purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, RAI agreed to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and limitations, ITG in connection with claims relating to the purchase or use of one or more of the WINSTON, KOOL, SALEM, or MAVERICK cigarette brands on or before June 12, 2015, as well as in actions filed before June 13, 2023, relating to the purchase or use of one or more of the WINSTON, KOOL, SALEM, or MAVERICK cigarette brands. In the purchase agreement relating to the Divestiture, ITG agreed to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and limitations, RAI and its affiliates in connection with claims relating to the purchase or use of blu brand e-cigarettes. ITG also agreed to defend and indemnify, subject to certain conditions and limitations, RAI and its affiliates in actions filed after June 12, 2023, relating to the purchase or use of one or more of the WINSTON, KOOL, SALEM, or MAVERICK cigarette brands after June 12, 2015.

Loews Indemnity . In 2008, Loews Corporation, referred to as Loews, entered into an agreement with Lorillard, Lorillard Tobacco, and certain of their affiliates, which agreement is referred to as the Separation Agreement. In the Separation Agreement, Lorillard agreed to indemnify Loews and its officers, directors, employees and agents against all costs and expenses arising out of third party claims (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, interest, penalties and costs of investigation or preparation of defense), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, liabilities, taxes, demands, assessments, and amounts paid in settlement based on, arising out of or resulting from, among other things, Loews’s ownership of or the operation of Lorillard and its assets and properties, and its operation or conduct of its businesses at any time prior to or following the separation of Lorillard and Loews (including with respect to any product liability claims). Loews is a defendant in three pending product liability actions, each of which is a putative class action. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Lorillard is required to indemnify Loews for the amount of any losses and any legal or other fees with respect to such cases. Following the closing of the Lorillard Merger, RJR Tobacco assumed Lorillard’s obligations under the Separation Agreement as was required under the Separation Agreement.

Indemnification of Distributors and Retailers. RJR Tobacco, Lorillard Tobacco, SFNTC, American Snuff Co. and RJR Vapor have entered into agreements to indemnify certain distributors and retailers from liability and related defense costs arising out of the sale or distribution of their products. Additionally, SFNTC has entered into an agreement to indemnify a supplier from liability and related defense costs arising out of the sale or use of SFNTC’s products. The cost has been, and is expected to be, insignificant. RJR Tobacco, SFNTC, American Snuff Co. and RJR Vapor believe that the indemnified claims are substantially similar in nature and extent to the claims that they are already exposed to by virtue of their having manufactured those products.

 

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Except as otherwise noted above, RAI is not able to estimate the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, related to these indemnification obligations.

Note 8 — Shareholders’ Equity

 

    Common
Stock
    Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Loss
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2016

  $     $ 18,285     $ 3,740     $ (314   $ 21,711  

Net income

                780             780  

Retirement benefits, net of $4 million tax benefit

                      (4     (4

Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of $1 million tax expense

                      3       3  

Dividends — $0.51 per share

                (730           (730

Common stock repurchased

          (73                 (73

Equity incentive award plan and stock-based compensation

          19                   19  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2017

  $     $ 18,231     $ 3,790     $ (315   $ 21,706  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Common
Stock
    Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

  $     $ 18,402     $ 188     $ (338   $ 18,252  

Net income

                3,565             3,565  

Retirement benefits, net of $4 million tax benefit

                      (6     (6

Long-term investments, net of $1 million tax expense

                      (1     (1

Hedging instruments, net of $6 million tax expense

                      11       11  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net of $11 million tax expense

                      22       22  

Dividends — $0.42 per share

                (602           (602

Common stock repurchased

          (125                 (125

Equity incentive award plan and stock-based compensation

          21                   21  

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

          26                   26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2016

  $     $ 18,324     $ 3,151     $ (312   $ 21,163  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

     Retirement
Benefits
    Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
and Other
    Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2016

   $ (255   $ (59   $ (314

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

           3       3  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (4           (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

     (4     3       (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2017

   $ (259   $ (56   $ (315
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

     Retirement
Benefits
    Long-Term
Investments
    Hedging
Instruments
    Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
and Other
    Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2015

   $ (244   $ (14   $ (11   $ (69   $ (338

Other comprehensive income (losses) before reclassifications

           1             (5     (4

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (6     (2     11       27       30  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

     (6     (1     11       22       26  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2016

   $ (250   $ (15   $     $ (47   $ (312
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidated statement of income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, were as follows:

 

     Amounts Reclassified      

Components

   2017     2016    

Affected Line Item

Retirement benefits:

      

Amortization of prior service credit

   $ (4   $ (5   Cost of products sold

Amortization of prior service credit

     (4     (5   Selling, general and administrative expenses
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
     (8     (10   Operating income

Deferred taxes

     4       4     Provision for income taxes
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

     (4     (6   Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Long-term investments:

      

Realized gain on long-term investments

           (3   Other expense, net

Deferred taxes

           1     Provision for income taxes
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

           (2   Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

      

Forward starting interest rate contracts

           16     Other expense, net

Amortization of realized loss

           1     Interest and debt expense
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
           17     Income before income taxes

Deferred taxes

           (6   Provision for income taxes
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

           11     Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Cumulative translation adjustment and other:

      

Derecognition of cumulative translation adjustment

           27     Gain on divestiture
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

   $ (4   $ 30     Net income
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Share Repurchases and Other

Restricted stock units granted in March 2014 under the Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan, referred to as the Omnibus Plan, vested in March 2017 and were settled with the issuance of 2,104,718 shares of RAI common stock. In addition, during the first three months of 2017, at a cost of $49 million, RAI purchased 803,697 shares of RAI common stock that were forfeited and cancelled with respect to tax liabilities associated with restricted stock units vesting under the Omnibus Plan.

On July 25, 2016, the board of directors of RAI authorized the repurchase, from time to time, on or before December 31, 2018, of up to $2 billion of outstanding shares of RAI common stock in open-market or privately negotiated transactions, referred to as the Share Repurchase Program. The purchases are subject to prevailing market and business conditions, and the program may be terminated or suspended at any time. In connection with the Share Repurchase Program, B&W and Louisville Securities Limited, referred to as LSL, wholly owned subsidiaries of BAT, entered into an agreement, referred to as the Share Repurchase Agreement, with RAI, pursuant to which BAT and its subsidiaries will participate in the Share Repurchase Program on a basis approximately proportionate with BAT’s and its subsidiaries’ ownership of RAI’s common stock. During 2016,

 

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RAI repurchased 1,565,698 shares of RAI common stock for $75 million in accordance with the Share Repurchase Program. Subject to certain exceptions, the Merger Agreement places restrictions on RAI’s ability to repurchase its common stock. As a result, RAI did not repurchase any shares under the Share Repurchase Program during the first three months of 2017 and does not expect to make future repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program while the Merger Agreement is in effect.

In November 2011, RAI, B&W and BAT entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Governance Agreement, pursuant to which RAI has agreed that, so long as the beneficial ownership interest of BAT and its subsidiaries in RAI has not dropped below 25%, if RAI issues shares of its common stock or any other RAI equity security to certain designated persons, including its directors, officers or employees, then RAI will repurchase a number of shares of outstanding RAI common stock so that the number of outstanding shares of RAI common stock are not increased, and the beneficial ownership interest of BAT and its subsidiaries in RAI is not decreased, by such issuance after taking into account such repurchase. In February 2017, RAI and BAT entered into a letter agreement, pursuant to which BAT waived the requirement that RAI share repurchases required to be made by RAI pursuant to Amendment No. 3 to the Governance Agreement be made within the time period set forth in that amendment, and permitted RAI to make repurchases in a manner that qualifies for the affirmative defense and safe harbor provided by Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 under the Exchange Act, respectively. Pursuant to the letter agreement, BAT also waived compliance with the general prohibition on repurchases contained in the Merger Agreement to permit RAI to make these repurchases. During the first three months of 2017, RAI repurchased 396,062 shares of RAI common stock for $24 million in accordance with the Governance Agreement.

Due to RAI’s incorporation in North Carolina, which does not recognize treasury shares, the shares repurchased were cancelled at time of purchase.

On February 8, 2017, RAI’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.51 per common share, payable to shareholders of record as of March 10, 2017.

Note 9 — Stock Plans

Three-Year Grant

In February 2017, the board of directors of RAI approved a grant to key employees of RAI and its subsidiaries, effective March 1, 2017, of 970,240 nonvested restricted stock units under the Omnibus Plan. The restricted stock units generally will vest on March 1, 2020. Upon settlement, each grantee will receive a number of shares of RAI’s common stock equal to the product of the number of vested units and a percentage up to 150% based on the average RAI annual incentive award plan score over the three-year period ending December 31, 2019.

As an equity-based grant, compensation expense relating to the 2017 grant will take into account the vesting period lapsed and will be calculated based on the per share closing price of RAI common stock on the date of grant, or $61.93. Following the vesting date, each grantee will receive a cash dividend equivalent payment equal to the aggregate amount of dividends per share paid on shares of RAI common stock during the performance period multiplied by the actual number of restricted stock units earned by the grantee. If RAI fails to pay its shareholders cumulative dividends of at least $6.12 per share for the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2019, then each award will be reduced by an amount equal to three times the percentage of the dividend underpayment, up to a maximum reduction of 50%. The Company’s policy is to account for forfeitures as they occur. Outstanding grants have certain change-of-control terms that either permit assumption of the grants by the acquiring entity for the remaining term or provide for pro-rata or full vesting of the awards upon a change of control.

 

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One-Year Grant

In May 2016, the board of directors of RAI approved a grant to a key employee of RAI, effective May 5, 2016, of 164,841 nonvested restricted stock units under the Omnibus Plan. The restricted stock units generally will vest on May 1, 2017. Upon settlement, the grantee will receive a number of shares of RAI’s common stock equal to the product of the number of vested units and a percentage up to 200% based on the overall performance of RAI and its subsidiaries during the one-year performance period beginning May 1, 2016, and ending April 30, 2017, against RAI’s 2016 annual incentive award program metrics and other performance factors.

As an equity-based grant, compensation expense relating to this one-year grant will take into account the vesting period lapsed and will be calculated based on the per share closing price of RAI common stock as of the end of each quarter, which was $63.02 as of March 31, 2017. Following the vesting date, the grantee will receive a cash dividend equivalent payment equal to the aggregate amount of dividends per share paid on shares of RAI common stock during the performance period multiplied by the actual number of restricted stock units earned by the grantee. If RAI fails to pay its shareholders cumulative dividends of at least $1.68 per share for the one-year performance period ending April 30, 2017, then the award will be reduced by an amount equal to three times the percentage of the dividend underpayment, up to a maximum reduction of 50%.

Note 10 — Segment Information

RAI’s reportable operating segments are RJR Tobacco, Santa Fe and American Snuff. The RJR Tobacco segment consists of the primary operations of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The Santa Fe segment consists of the primary operations of SFNTC. The American Snuff segment consists of the primary operations of American Snuff Co. Included in All Other, among other RAI subsidiaries, are RJR Vapor, Niconovum USA, Inc., Niconovum AB, and until their sale on January 13, 2016, SFRTI and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI. The segments were identified based on how RAI’s chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. Certain of RAI’s operating subsidiaries have entered into intercompany agreements for products or services with other subsidiaries. As a result, certain activities of an operating subsidiary may be included in a different segment of RAI.

RJR Tobacco is RAI’s largest reportable operating segment, and is the second largest tobacco company in the United States. Its brands include three of the top four best-selling cigarettes in the United States: NEWPORT, CAMEL and PALL MALL. These brands, and its other brands, including DORAL, MISTY and CAPRI, are manufactured in a variety of styles and marketed in the United States. As part of its total tobacco strategy, RJR Tobacco offers a smokeless tobacco product, CAMEL Snus. RJR Tobacco manages contract manufacturing of cigarettes and tobacco products through arrangements with BAT affiliates, and manages the export of tobacco products to U.S. territories, U.S. duty-free shops and U.S. overseas military bases. In the United States, RJR Tobacco also manages the premium cigarette brands DUNHILL, which RJR Tobacco licenses from BAT and one or more of its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the BAT Group, and STATE EXPRESS 555, which RJR Tobacco licenses from CTBAT International Co. Ltd., referred to as CTBAT, a joint venture between the BAT Group and China National Tobacco Corporation, referred to as CNTC.

Santa Fe manufactures and markets premium cigarettes and other tobacco products under the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand in the United States.

American Snuff is the second largest smokeless tobacco products manufacturer in the United States, and offers adult tobacco consumers a range of differentiated smokeless tobacco products, primarily moist snuff. The moist snuff category is divided into premium, price-value and popular-price brands. American Snuff’s primary brands include its largest selling moist snuff brands, GRIZZLY, in the price-value category, and KODIAK, in the premium category.

 

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RJR Vapor is a marketer of digital vapor cigarettes, manufactured on its behalf by RJR Tobacco, under the VUSE brand name in the United States. Niconovum USA, Inc. and Niconovum AB are marketers of nicotine replacement therapy products in the United States and Sweden, respectively, under the ZONNIC brand name.

SFRTI and various foreign subsidiaries affiliated with SFRTI distributed the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand outside of the United States. On January 13, 2016, RAI, through the Sellers, completed the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand name and associated trademarks, along with the international companies that distributed and marketed the brand outside the United States to JTI Holding, in an all-cash transaction of approximately $5 billion and recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $4.9 billion.

Intersegment revenues and items below the operating income line of the condensed consolidated statements of income (unaudited) are not presented by segment, since they are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by RAI’s chief operating decision maker. Additionally, information about total assets by segment is not reviewed by RAI’s chief operating decision maker and therefore is not disclosed.

Segment Data:

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2017     2016  

Net sales:

    

RJR Tobacco

   $ 2,371     $ 2,411  

Santa Fe

     238       218  

American Snuff

     242       216  

All Other

     98       72  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated net sales

   $ 2,949     $ 2,917  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss):

    

RJR Tobacco

   $ 1,083     $ 1,107  

Santa Fe

     144       123  

American Snuff

     157       133  

All Other

     (27     (34

Gain on divestiture

           4,861  

Corporate expense

     (31     (48
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated operating income

   $ 1,326     $ 6,142  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation to income before income taxes:

    

Consolidated operating income

   $ 1,326     $ 6,142  

Interest and debt expense

     149       174  

Interest income

     (2     (3

Other expense, net

     4       252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   $ 1,175     $ 5,719  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 11 — Related Party Transactions

On January 16, 2017, RAI, BAT, a subsidiary of BAT, and Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, Merger Sub will merge with and into RAI, with RAI surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of BAT. For additional information see “— Proposed Merger with BAT” in note 1.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

RAI and RAI’s operating subsidiaries engage in transactions with affiliates of BAT. BAT, through its subsidiaries, beneficially owns approximately 42% of RAI’s outstanding common stock. A summary of balances and transactions with such BAT affiliates is as follows:

 

     March 31, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Current Balances:

     

Accounts receivable, related party

   $ 39      $ 113  

Due to related party

     4        7  

Deferred revenue, related party

     122        66  

Long-term Balances:

     

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

   $ 29      $ 39  

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
     2017      2016  

Significant transactions:

     

Net sales

   $ 38      $ 55  

Purchases

     1        2  

RJR Tobacco sells contract-manufactured cigarettes, tobacco leaf and processed tobacco to BAT affiliates. In December 2012, RJR Tobacco entered into an amendment to its contract manufacturing agreement (relating to the production of cigarettes to be sold in Japan) with a BAT affiliate, which amendment, among other things, requires either party to provide three years’ notice to the other party to terminate the agreement without cause, with any such notice to be given no earlier than January 1, 2016. In January 2016, RJR Tobacco received written notice from a BAT affiliate terminating that contract manufacturing agreement effective January 5, 2019. In July 2016, RJR Tobacco further amended the contract manufacturing agreement with a BAT affiliate to permit an early transition of the cigarette production covered by the agreement to BAT facilities over several months beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016. The amendment provides for a BAT affiliate to make a payment to RJR Tobacco of $89.6 million, in exchange for RJR Tobacco’s commitment to provide contingent manufacturing capacity to a BAT affiliate through December 31, 2018. Of this amount, $40.1 million was recorded as current deferred revenue, and $29.2 million was recorded as long-term deferred revenue in RAI’s condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) as of March 31, 2017. The first installment of $7.4 million was received in September 2016. The second installment of $82.2 million was received in March 2017. RJR Tobacco will recognize the income ratably from the effective date of the amendment to December 31, 2018. Net sales to BAT affiliates, primarily cigarettes, represented approximately 1% and 2% of RAI’s total net sales during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

RJR Tobacco recorded deferred sales revenue relating to leaf sold to BAT affiliates that had not been delivered as of the end of the respective quarter, given that RJR Tobacco has a legal right to bill the BAT affiliates. Leaf sales revenue to BAT affiliates is recognized when the product is shipped to the customer.

RAI’s operating subsidiaries also purchase unprocessed leaf at market prices, and import cigarettes at prices not to exceed manufacturing costs plus 10%, from BAT affiliates.

In connection with the Share Repurchase Program, B&W and LSL, wholly owned subsidiaries of BAT, entered into the Share Repurchase Agreement on July 25, 2016, with RAI, pursuant to which BAT and its subsidiaries will participate in the Share Repurchase Program on a basis approximately proportionate with BAT’s and its subsidiaries’ ownership of RAI’s common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Agreement, RAI repurchased 660,385 shares of RAI common stock for $32 million from BAT and its subsidiaries during 2016. Subject to certain exceptions, the Merger Agreement places restrictions on RAI’s ability to repurchase its common stock. As a result, RAI did not repurchase any shares under the Share Repurchase Program during the

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

first three months of 2017, and does not expect to make future repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program while the Merger Agreement is in effect.

In January 2016, prior to the sale of the international rights to the NATURAL AMERICAN SPIRIT brand to JTI, SFRTI paid $6 million to a BAT affiliate pursuant to a contract manufacturing agreement, whereby the BAT affiliate agreed to contract manufacture certain tobacco products for SFRTI. The $6 million fee paid to amend the contract was recognized within selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income (unaudited).

In December 2015, RJR Tobacco and Nicoventures Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of BAT, signed a technology sharing and development services agreement, pursuant to which the companies will collaborate on the development of next generation vapor products.

Note 12 — RAI Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

The following condensed consolidating financial statements relate to the guaranties of RAI’s $12.7 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes. Certain of RAI’s direct, wholly owned subsidiaries and certain of its indirectly owned subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally, and jointly and severally, guaranteed these notes. Such guarantees may be released or terminated under certain circumstances. See note 6 to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited). The following condensed consolidating financial statements include: the accounts and activities of RAI, the parent issuer; RJR, RJR Tobacco, American Snuff Co., SFNTC and certain of RAI’s other subsidiaries, the Guarantors; other direct and indirect subsidiaries of RAI that are not Guarantors; and elimination adjustments.

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

          

Net sales

   $     $ 2,903     $ 48     $ (40   $ 2,911  

Net sales, related party

           38                   38  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           2,941       48       (40     2,949  

Cost of products sold

           1,194       43       (38     1,199  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     15       374       29             418  

Amortization expense

           5       1             6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (15     1,368       (25     (2     1,326  

Interest and debt expense

     147       18       4       (20     149  

Interest income

     (20     (2           20       (2

Other (income) expense, net

     1       (10     3       10       4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from before income taxes

     (143     1,362       (32     (12     1,175  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (75     480       (10           395  

Equity income (loss) from subsidiaries

     848       (5           (843      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 780     $ 877     $ (22   $ (855   $ 780  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

          

Net sales

   $     $ 2,839     $ 49     $ (26   $ 2,862  

Net sales, related party

           55                   55  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

           2,894       49       (26     2,917  

Cost of products sold

           1,149       43       (27     1,165  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     16       401       48             465  

Gain on divestiture

           (4,843     (16     (2     (4,861

Amortization expense

           6                   6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (16     6,181       (26     3       6,142  

Interest and debt expense

     174       23       2       (25     174  

Interest income

     (26     (2           25       (3

Other (income) expense, net

     240       (6     7       11       252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (404     6,166       (35     (8     5,719  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

     (142     2,308       (12           2,154  

Equity income from subsidiaries

     3,827                   (3,827      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,565     $ 3,858     $ (23   $ (3,835   $ 3,565  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 780     $ 877     $ (22   $ (855   $ 780  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

          

Retirement benefits

     (4     (3     1       2       (4

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     3       3       4       (7     3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 779     $ 877     $ (17   $ (860   $ 779  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,565     $ 3,858     $ (23   $ (3,835   $ 3,565  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

          

Retirement benefits

     (6     (6           6       (6

Long-term investments

     (1     (1           1       (1

Hedging instruments

     11                         11  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     22       22       33       (55     22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 3,591     $ 3,873     $ 10     $ (3,883   $ 3,591  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidating statements of income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amounts Reclassified    

Affected Line Item

    Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated      

Retirement benefits:

           

Amortization of prior service credit

  $     $ (4   $     $     $ (4   Cost of products sold

Amortization of prior service credit

          (4                 (4   Selling, general and administrative expenses
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          (8                 (8   Operating income (loss)

Deferred taxes

          4                   4     Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          (4                 (4   Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity loss from subsidiaries

    (4                 4           Equity income (loss) from subsidiaries
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ (4   $ (4   $     $ 4     $ (4   Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidating statements of income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amounts Reclassified    

Affected Line Item

    Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated      

Retirement benefits:

           

Amortization of prior service credit

  $     $ (5   $     $     $ (5   Cost of products sold

Amortization of prior service credit

          (5                 (5   Selling, general and administrative expenses
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          (10                 (10   Operating income (loss)

Deferred taxes

          4                   4     Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          (6                 (6   Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Long-term investments:

           

Realized gain on long-term investments

          (3                 (3   Other (income) expense, net

Deferred taxes

          1                   1     Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          (2                 (2   Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

           

Forward starting interest rate contracts

    16                         16     Other (income) expense, net

Amortization of realized loss

    1                         1     Interest and debt expense
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    17                         17     Income (loss) before income taxes

Deferred taxes

    (6                       (6   Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    11                         11     Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Cumulative translation adjustment and other:

           

Derecognition of cumulative

translation adjustment

                27             27     Gain on divestiture
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    19       27             (46         Equity income from subsidiaries
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 30     $ 19     $ 27     $ (46   $ 30     Net income (loss)
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

          

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

   $ 646     $ 2,014     $ (48   $ (751   $ 1,861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

          

Capital expenditures

           (32     (1           (33

Return of intercompany investments

     145                   (145      

Other, net

     53       12             (64     1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

     198       (20     (1     (209     (32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

          

Dividends paid on common stock

     (656     (740           740       (656

Repurchase of common stock

     (73                       (73

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (11                 11        

Distribution of equity

           (145           145        

Other, net

     (11     (100     47       64        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     (751     (985     47       960       (729
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                 3             3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     93       1,009       1             1,103  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     726       997       328             2,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 819     $ 2,006     $ 329     $     $ 3,154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
    Guarantors     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

          

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

   $ (563   $ 2,009     $ (30   $ (283   $ 1,133  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

          

Capital expenditures

           (39     (4           (43

Proceeds from settlement of short-term investments

           159                   159  

Proceeds from divestiture

     5,014                         5,014  

Return of intercompany investments

     412       26             (438      

Other, net

     20       12             (31     1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

     5,446       158       (4     (469     5,131  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

          

Dividends paid on common stock

     (514     (247     (25     272       (514

Repurchase of common stock

     (125                       (125

Early extinguishment of debt

     (3,642                       (3,642

Premiums paid for early extinguishment of debt

     (206                       (206

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps

           66                   66  

Debt financing fees

     (7                       (7

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

     26                         26  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

     (11                 11        

Distribution of equity

           (412     (26     438        

Other, net

     (11     (20           31        
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

     (4,490     (613     (51     752       (4,402
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                 12             12  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     393       1,554       (73           1,874  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     575       1,544       448             2,567  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 968     $ 3,098     $ 375     $     $ 4,441  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
     Guarantors      Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

March 31, 2017

            

Assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 819      $ 2,006      $ 329     $     $ 3,154  

Accounts receivable

            50        5             55  

Accounts receivable, related party

            39                    39  

Other receivables

     431        32        60       (510     13  

Inventories

            1,541        54       (3     1,592  

Other current assets

     17        257        3       (27     250  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,267        3,925        451       (540     5,103  

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

     2        1,321        32             1,355  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

            29,427        13       (2     29,438  

Goodwill

            15,976        16             15,992  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

     1,336        138              (1,474      

Investment in subsidiaries

     33,299        333              (33,632      

Other assets and deferred charges

     69        49        37       (84     71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 35,973      $ 51,169      $ 549     $ (35,732   $ 51,959  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

            

Accounts payable

   $ 2      $ 168      $ 5     $     $ 175  

Tobacco settlement accruals

            3,232                    3,232  

Due to related party

            4                    4  

Deferred revenue, related party

            122                    122  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     448        53                    501  

Dividends payable on common stock

     728                           728  

Other current liabilities

     458        1,143        67       (539     1,129  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,636        4,722        72       (539     5,891  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

     138        800        536       (1,474      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     12,393        258                    12,651  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

            9,708              (81     9,627  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     60        1,730        42             1,832  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

            29                    29  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     40        183                    223  

Shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     21,706        33,739        (101     (33,638     21,706  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 35,973      $ 51,169      $ 549     $ (35,732   $ 51,959  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

H-88


Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Issuer
     Guarantors      Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

December 31, 2016

            

Assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 726      $ 997      $ 328     $     $ 2,051  

Accounts receivable

            62        4             66  

Accounts receivable, related party

            113                    113  

Other receivables

     63        3,572        17       (3,642     10  

Inventories

            1,604        43       (2     1,645  

Other current assets

     112        238              3       353  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     901        6,586        392       (3,641     4,238  

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

     2        1,314        32             1,348  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

            29,432        14       (2     29,444  

Goodwill

            15,976        16             15,992  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

     1,390        148              (1,538      

Investment in subsidiaries

     36,865        333              (37,198      

Other assets and deferred charges

     80        52        37       (96     73  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 39,238      $ 53,841      $ 491     $ (42,475   $ 51,095  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

            

Accounts payable

   $ 1      $ 213      $ 7     $     $ 221  

Tobacco settlement accruals

            2,498                    2,498  

Due to related party

            7                    7  

Deferred revenue, related party

            66                    66  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     448        53                    501  

Dividends payable on common stock

     656                           656  

Other current liabilities

     3,767        871        40       (3,642     1,036  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     4,872        3,708        47       (3,642     4,985  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

     148        900        490       (1,538      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

     12,404        260                    12,664  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

            9,700              (93     9,607  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

     59        1,767        43             1,869  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

            39                    39  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     44        176                    220  

Shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     21,711        37,291        (89     (37,202     21,711  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 39,238      $ 53,841      $ 491     $ (42,475   $ 51,095  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

H-89


Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Note 13 — RJR Tobacco Guaranteed, Unsecured Notes — Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

The following condensed consolidating financial statements relate to the guaranties of RJR Tobacco’s $284 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes. RAI and RJR have fully and unconditionally, and jointly and severally, guaranteed these notes. The following condensed consolidating financial statements include: the accounts and activities of RAI, the Parent Guarantor; RJR Tobacco, the Issuer; RJR, a Guarantor; other direct and indirect subsidiaries of RAI that are not Guarantors; and elimination adjustments.

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

           

Net sales

  $     $ 2,376     $     $ 587     $ (52   $ 2,911  

Net sales, related party

          38                         38  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

          2,414             587       (52     2,949  

Cost of products sold

          1,025             224       (50     1,199  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net

    15       1,319       (1     (915           418  

Amortization expense

          4             2             6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    (15     66       1       1,276       (2     1,326  

Interest and debt expense

    147       2             20       (20     149  

Interest income

    (20     (1           (1     20       (2

Other (income) expense, net

    1       1       (11     3       10       4  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (143     64       12       1,254       (12     1,175  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

    (75     38             432             395  

Equity income from subsidiaries

    848       643       666             (2,157      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 780     $ 669     $ 678     $ 822     $ (2,169   $ 780  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

           

Net sales

  $     $ 2,383     $     $ 524     $ (45   $ 2,862  

Net sales, related party

          55                         55  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net sales

          2,438             524       (45     2,917  

Cost of products sold

          1,017             194       (46     1,165  

Selling, general and administrative expenses, net

    16       635             (186           465  

Gain on divestiture

                      (4,861           (4,861

Amortization expense

          4             2             6  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    (16     782             5,375       1       6,142  

Interest and debt expense

    174                   26       (26     174  

Interest income

    (26     (2     (1           26       (3

Other (income) expense, net

    240       4       (10     7       11       252  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (404     780       11       5,342       (10     5,719  

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

    (142     327             1,969             2,154  

Equity income from subsidiaries

    3,827       184       656             (4,667      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $ 3,565     $ 637     $ 667     $ 3,373     $ (4,677   $ 3,565  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

H-90


Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in Millions)

 

     Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

             

Net income

   $ 780     $ 669     $ 678     $ 822      $ (2,169   $ 780  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

             

Retirement benefits

     (4     (3     (3     1        5       (4

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     3       2       3       3        (8     3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 779     $ 668     $ 678     $ 826      $ (2,172   $ 779  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

             

Net income

   $ 3,565     $ 637     $ 667     $ 3,373      $ (4,677   $ 3,565  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

             

Retirement benefits

     (6     (6     (6            12       (6

Long-term investments

     (1     (1     (1            2       (1

Hedging instruments

     11                                11  

Cumulative translation adjustment and other

     22       21       22       22        (65     22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 3,591     $ 651     $ 682     $ 3,395      $ (4,728   $ 3,591  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidating statements of income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amounts Reclassified     Affected Line
Item
 
    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated        

Retirement benefits:

             

Amortization of prior service credit

  $     $ (4   $     $     $     $ (4    
Cost of
products sold
 
 

Amortization of prior service credit

          (4                       (4    


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          (8                       (8    
Operating
income (loss)
 
 

Deferred taxes

          4                         4      

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          (4                       (4     Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity loss from subsidiaries

    (4           (4           8            

Equity
income from
subsidiaries
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ (4   $ (4   $ (4   $     $ 8     $ (4     Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

H-91


Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Details about the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss and the affected line items in the condensed consolidating statements of income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

Components

  Amounts Reclassified     Affected Line
Item
 
    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated        

Retirement benefits:

             

Amortization of prior service credit

  $     $ (5   $     $     $     $ (5    
Cost of
products sold
 
 

Amortization of prior service credit

          (5                       (5    


Selling,
general and
administrative
expenses, net
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
          (10                       (10    
Operating
income (loss)
 
 

Deferred taxes

          4                         4      

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          (6                       (6     Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Long-term investments:

             

Realized gain on long-term investments

          (3                       (3    

Other
(income)
expense, net
 
 
 

Deferred taxes

          1                         1      

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

          (2                       (2     Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Hedging instruments:

             

Forward starting interest rate contracts

    16                               16      

Other
(income)
expense, net
 
 
 

Amortization of realized loss

    1                               1      
Interest and
debt expense
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
    17                               17      

Income (loss)
before
income taxes
 
 
 

Deferred taxes

    (6                             (6    

Provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net of tax

    11                               11       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Cumulative translation adjustment and other:

             

Derecognition of cumulative translation adjustment

                      27             27      
Gain on
divestiture
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Equity income from subsidiaries

    19       27       19             (65          

Equity
income from
subsidiaries
 
 
 
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications

  $ 30     $ 19     $ 19     $ 27     $ (65   $ 30       Net income  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

H-92


Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Millions)

 

    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

           

Cash flows from operating activities

  $ 646     $ 2,004     $ 341     $ 334     $ (1,464   $ 1,861  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

           

Capital expenditures

          (22           (11           (33

Return of intercompany investments

    145       12       535             (692      

Other, net

    53             9       11       (72     1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

    198       (10     544             (764     (32
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

           

Dividends paid on common stock

    (656     (275     (740     (438     1,453       (656

Repurchase of common stock

    (73                             (73

Dividends paid on preferred stock

    (11                       11        

Distribution of equity

          (535     (145     (12     692        

Other, net

    (11                 (61     72        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

    (751     (810     (885     (511     2,228       (729
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                      3             3  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    93       1,184             (174           1,103  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    726       670       1       654             2,051  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 819     $ 1,854     $ 1     $ 480     $     $ 3,154  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

           

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

  $ (563   $ 1,762     $ 37     $ 315     $ (418   $ 1,133  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:

           

Capital expenditures

          (29           (14           (43

Proceeds from settlement of short-term investments

          159                         159  

Proceeds from divestiture

    5,014                               5,014  

Return of intercompany investments

    412       495       598             (1,505      

Other, net

    20       1       8       11       (39     1  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities

    5,446       626       606       (3     (1,544     5,131  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:

           

Dividends paid on common stock

    (514           (247     (160     407       (514

Repurchase of common stock

    (125                             (125

Early extinguishment of debt

    (3,642                             (3,642

Premiums paid for early extinguishment of debt

    (206                             (206

Proceeds from termination of interest rate swaps

          66                         66  

Debt financing fees

    (7                             (7

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation plans

    26                               26  

Dividends paid on preferred stock

    (11                       11        

Distribution of equity

          (580     (412     (513     1,505        

Other, net

    (11                 (28     39        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

    (4,490     (514     (659     (701     1,962       (4,402
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

                      12             12  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    393       1,874       (16     (377           1,874  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    575       809       19       1,164             2,567  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 968     $ 2,683     $ 3     $ 787     $     $ 4,441  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

H-93


Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

March 31, 2017

           

Assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 819     $ 1,854     $ 1     $ 480     $     $ 3,154  

Accounts receivable

          15             40             55  

Accounts receivable, related party

          39                         39  

Other receivables

    431       6       17       4,509       (4,950     13  

Inventories

          815             781       (4     1,592  

Other current assets

    17       212             65       (44     250  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

    1,267       2,941       18       5,875       (4,998     5,103  

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

    2       861             492             1,355  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

          313             29,127       (2     29,438  

Goodwill

          3,453       9,853       2,686             15,992  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

    1,336             65       138       (1,539      

Investment in subsidiaries

    33,299       22,263       23,797             (79,359      

Other assets and deferred charges

    69       1,183       11       12       (1,204     71  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 35,973     $ 31,014     $ 33,744     $ 38,330     $ (87,102   $ 51,959  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

           

Accounts payable

  $ 2     $ 151     $     $ 22     $     $ 175  

Tobacco settlement accruals

          3,013             219             3,232  

Due to related party

          4                         4  

Deferred revenue, related party

          122                         122  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    448       53                         501  

Dividends payable on common stock

    728                               728  

Other current liabilities

    458       1,825       3,589       255       (4,998     1,129  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    1,636       5,168       3,589       496       (4,998     5,891  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

    138                   1,402       (1,540      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

    12,393       258                         12,651  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

                      10,827       (1,200     9,627  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

    60       1,614       27       131             1,832  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

          29                         29  

Other noncurrent liabilities

    40       160             23             223  

Shareholders’ equity

    21,706       23,785       30,128       25,451       (79,364     21,706  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 35,973     $ 31,014     $ 33,744     $ 38,330     $ (87,102   $ 51,959  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

H-94


Table of Contents

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—continued

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Millions)

 

    Parent
Guarantor
    Issuer     Guarantor     Non-
Guarantors
    Eliminations     Consolidated  

December 31, 2016

           

Assets

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 726     $ 670     $ 1     $ 654     $     $ 2,051  

Accounts receivable

          27             39             66  

Accounts receivable, related party

          113                         113  

Other receivables

    63       5       38       4,828       (4,924     10  

Inventories

          812             835       (2     1,645  

Other current assets

    112       195             43       3       353  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

    901       1,822       39       6,399       (4,923     4,238  

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

    2       855             491             1,348  

Trademarks and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization

          317             29,129       (2     29,444  

Goodwill

          3,453       9,853       2,686             15,992  

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

    1,390             73       148       (1,611      

Investment in subsidiaries

    36,865       22,954       23,938             (83,757      

Other assets and deferred charges

    80       1,204       11       13       (1,235     73  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 39,238     $ 30,605     $ 33,914     $ 38,866     $ (91,528   $ 51,095  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

           

Accounts payable

  $ 1     $ 190     $     $ 30     $     $ 221  

Tobacco settlement accruals

          2,326             172             2,498  

Due to related party

          7                         7  

Deferred revenue, related party

          66                         66  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    448       53                         501  

Dividends payable on common stock

    656                               656  

Other current liabilities

    3,767       1,923       2       268       (4,924     1,036  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    4,872       4,565       2       470       (4,924     4,985  

Long-term intercompany notes payable

    148                   1,463       (1,611      

Long-term debt (less current maturities)

    12,404       260                         12,664  

Long-term deferred income taxes, net

                      10,839       (1,232     9,607  

Long-term retirement benefits (less current portion)

    59       1,651       28       131             1,869  

Long-term deferred revenue, related party

          39                         39  

Other noncurrent liabilities

    44       153             23             220  

Shareholders’ equity

    21,711       23,937       33,884       25,940       (83,761     21,711  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 39,238     $ 30,605     $ 33,914     $ 38,866     $ (91,528   $ 51,095  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

H-95


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Except as hereinafter set forth, there is no charter provision, by-law, contract, arrangement or statute under which any director or officer of BAT is insured or indemnified in any manner against any liability which he or she may incur in his or her capacity as such.

Under English law, any provision that purports to exempt a director of a company (to any extent) from any liability that would otherwise attach to him or her in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the company is void.

Subject to certain exceptions, English law does not permit BAT to indemnify a director against any liability attaching to him or her in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to BAT. The exceptions allow BAT to: (1) purchase and maintain director and officer insurance insuring its directors or the directors of an “associated company” (i.e., a company that is a parent, subsidiary or sister company of BAT) against any liability attaching in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust owed to the company of which he or she is a director; (2) provide a qualifying third party indemnity provision which permits BAT to indemnify its directors and directors of an associated company in respect of proceedings brought by third parties (covering both legal costs and the amount of any adverse judgment), except for (a) the legal costs of an unsuccessful defense of criminal proceedings or civil proceedings brought by the company or an associated company, or the legal costs incurred in connection with certain specified applications by the director for relief where the court refuses to grant the relief, (b) fines imposed in criminal proceedings, and (c) penalties imposed by regulatory bodies; (3) loan funds to a director to meet expenditure incurred defending civil and criminal proceedings against him or her (even if the action is brought by the company itself), or expenditure incurred applying for certain specified relief, subject to the requirement that the loan must be on terms that it is repaid if the defense or application for relief is unsuccessful; and (4) provide a qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision, which allows the company to indemnify a director of a company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme against liability incurred in connection with such director’s activities as a trustee of the scheme (subject to certain exceptions).

Under the BAT articles of association, subject to the UK Companies Act 2006, BAT may do any or all of the following:

 

    indemnify to any extent any person who is or was a director, or a director of any associated company, directly or indirectly (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him or her) against any loss or liability, whether in connection with any proven or alleged negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or her or otherwise, in relation to BAT or any associated company;

 

    indemnify to any extent any person who is or was a director of an associated company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme, directly or indirectly (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him or her) against any liability incurred by him or her in connection with the company’s activities as trustee of an occupational pension scheme;

 

    purchase and maintain insurance for any person who is or was a director, or a director of any associated company, against any loss or liability or any expenditure he or she may incur, whether in connection with any proven or alleged negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or her or otherwise, in relation to BAT or any associated company.

 

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Table of Contents
Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., BATUS Holdings Inc., Reynolds American Inc. and Flight Acquisition Corporation (attached as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus forming part of this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).
  2.2    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2014, among Lorillard, Inc., Reynolds American Inc. and Lantern Acquisition Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated July 16, 2014).
  2.3    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2014, among Reynolds American Inc., Lignum-2, L.L.C. and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated July 16, 2014).
  2.4    Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2015, by and between Reynolds American Inc. and ITG Brands, LLC (formerly known as Lignum-2, L.L.C.) and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated May 28, 2015).
  2.5    Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2015, by and among Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., R. J. Reynolds Global Products, Inc., R. J. Reynolds Tobacco B.V., JT International Holding BV, Reynolds American Inc. and Japan Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated September 29, 2015).
  3.1    Articles of Association of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (attached as Annex F to the proxy statement/prospectus forming part of this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).
  4.1    Agreement of British American Tobacco p.l.c. to furnish certain debt instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  4.2    Acquisition facilities agreement, dated as of January 16, 2017, among B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, as original borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent and the lenders and financial institutions party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.13 to the Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D filed by British American Tobacco p.l.c. with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated January 17, 2017).
  4.3    Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, and all holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form F-6 registration statement, Reg. No. 333-155563, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2017).
  4.4    Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, and all holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder.
  4.5    Revolving credit facilities agreement, dated January 20, 2017, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V., B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent and euro swingline agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent and U.S.$ swingline agent, and the banks and financial institutions party thereto.

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

    4.6    Revolving credit facility agreement, dated May 29, 2014, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. and B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V., as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent and euro swingline agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S.$ swingline agent, and the banks and financial institutions party thereto.
    4.7    Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed, dated as of May 20, 2016, by and among B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V., B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V., British American Tobacco p.l.c. and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. further modifying and restating the Trust Deed dated July 6, 1998 (as previously modified and restated) relating to the U.S.$3,000,000,000 (now £15,000,000,000) Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
    4.8    Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 31, 2006).
    4.9    First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 30, 2006, to Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor to The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated September 30, 2006).
    4.10    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated February 6, 2009, to Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 30, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., f/k/a The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed February 23, 2009).
    4.11    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated September 17, 2013, to Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, by and among Reynolds American Inc., as issuer, and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated September 12, 2013).
    4.12    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 2, 2015, to Indenture dated May 31, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated August 31, 2015).
    5.1    Form of Opinion of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP regarding legality of the British American Tobacco p.l.c. common stock being registered pursuant to this Registration Statement.
  10.1    Formation Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (n/k/a Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.), Brown & Williamson U.S.A., Inc. (n/k/a R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated August 9, 2004).
  10.2    Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (n/k/a Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated August 9, 2004).
  10.3    Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 18, 2004, to the Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Tobacco Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Brown & Williamson Corporation) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated November 23, 2004).

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  10.4    Amendment No. 2, dated April 29, 2008, to the Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, as amended, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Brown & Williamson Corporation) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 30, 2008).
  10.5    Amendment No. 3, dated November 11, 2011, to the Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, as amended, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Brown & Williamson Corporation) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated November 14, 2011).
  10.6    Rules of the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan.
  10.7    Rules of the British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan.
  10.8    British American Tobacco p.l.c. Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme.
  10.9    Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and Nicandro Durante, dated as of December 10, 2010.
  10.10    Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and John Benedict Stevens, dated as of March 26, 2008.
  10.11    Letter Agreement between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and John Benedict Stevens, dated as of July 23, 2010.
  10.12    Form of Letter of Appointment of Richard Burrows as Director and Chairman of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.13    Form of Letter of Appointment of Kieran Poynter as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.14    Form of Letter of Appointment of Susan Farr as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.15    Form of Letter of Appointment of Ann Godbehere as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.16    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dr. Marion Helmes as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.17    Form of Letter of Appointment of Savio Kwan as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.18    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dr. Pedro Malan as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.19    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dimitri Panayotopoulos as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.20    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dr. Gerard Murphy as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.21    Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 9, 1999, as amended and restated as of May 11, 1999, among R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, RJR Nabisco, Inc. and Japan Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 28, 1999).
  10.22    Settlement Agreement, dated August 25, 1997, between the State of Florida and settling defendants in The State of Florida v. American Tobacco Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated September 5, 1997).

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  10.23    Comprehensive Settlement Agreement and Release, dated January 16, 1998, between the State of Texas and settling defendants in The State of Texas v. American Tobacco Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated January 27, 1998).
  10.24    Settlement Agreement and Release in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc., dated as of May 8, 1998, by and among the State of Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the various tobacco company defendants named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1998, filed May 15, 1998).
  10.25    Settlement Agreement and Stipulation for Entry of Consent Judgment in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc., dated as of May 8, 1998, by and among the State of Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the various tobacco company defendants named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1998, filed May 15, 1998).
  10.26    Form of Consent Judgment by Judge Kenneth J. Fitzpatrick, Judge of District Court in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1998, filed May 15, 1998).
  10.27    Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Agreed Order, dated July 2, 1998, by and among the Mississippi Defendants, Mississippi and the Mississippi Counsel in connection with the Mississippi Action (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, filed August 14, 1998).
  10.28    Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Consent Decree, dated July 24, 1998, by and among the Texas Defendants, Texas and the Texas Counsel in connection with the Texas Action (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, filed August 14, 1998).
  10.29    Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Consent Decree, dated September 11, 1998, by and among the State of Florida and the tobacco companies named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, filed November 12, 1998).
  10.30    Master Settlement Agreement, referred to as the MSA, dated November 23, 1998, between the Settling States named in the MSA and the Participating Manufacturers also named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated November 24, 1998).
  10.31    Term Sheet agreed to by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, an indirect subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., certain other Participating Manufacturers, 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated March 12, 2013).
  10.32    Comprehensive Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2010, among R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada and the Provinces and Territories listed on the signature pages attached thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 16, 2010).
  10.33    Agreed Statement of Facts, dated as of April 13, 2010, between Her Majesty the Queen and Northern Brands International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 16, 2010).

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

10.34    Form of Directors and Officers Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated December 1, 2016).
10.35    Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc., referred to as the EIAP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed February 11, 2014).
10.36    Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement between Reynolds American Inc. and the Director named therein, pursuant to the EIAP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed February 23, 2009).
10.37    Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement between R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. and the Director named therein, pursuant to the EIAP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, filed August 16, 1999).
10.38    Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc. (Amended and Restated Effective November 30, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, filed February 27, 2008).
10.39    Reynolds American Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 12, 2014).
10.40    Form of Performance Share Agreement (three-year vesting), dated March 2, 2015, between Reynolds American Inc. and the grantee named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, filed April 20, 2015).
10.41    Form of Performance Share Agreement (three-year vesting), dated March 1, 2016, between Reynolds American Inc. and the grantee named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, filed April 26, 2016).
10.42    Performance Share Agreement (one-year vesting), dated May 5, 2016, between Reynolds American Inc. and Susan M. Cameron (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, filed July 26, 2016).
10.43    Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (retention grant), dated October 1, 2014, between Reynolds American Inc. and Debra A. Crew (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed October 21, 2014).
10.44    Form of Performance Share Agreement (three-year vesting), dated March 1, 2017, between Reynolds American Inc. and the grantee named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017).
10.45    Performance Share Agreement, between Reynolds American Inc. and Joseph P. Fragnito, entered into October 17, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed February 9, 2017).
10.46    Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (retention grant), between Reynolds American Inc. and Joseph P. Fragnito, entered into October 17, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed February 9, 2017).

 

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Exhibit
Number

    

Description

    10.47      Form of Amended Letter Agreement regarding Severance Benefits and Change of Control Protections between Reynolds American Inc. and the officer named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10- K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, filed February 27, 2008).
    10.48      Reynolds American Inc. Executive Severance Plan, as amended and restated effective May 5, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 5, 2016).
    10.49      Standard Supplier Agreement, dated August 1, 2003, as amended, by and between R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Eastman Chemical Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed October 23, 2012).
    10.50      Amendment, effective January 8, 2014, to Standard Supplier Agreement among R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc. and Eastman Chemical Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated February 10, 2014).
    12.1      BAT Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
    12.2      RAI Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
    21.1      List of Subsidiaries of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
    23.1      Consent of KPMG LLP (United Kingdom), independent registered public accounting firm of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
    23.2      Consent of KPMG LLP (United States), independent registered public accounting firm of Reynolds American Inc.
    24.1      Power of Attorney (contained on signature page to this Registration Statement).
    99.1      Form of Proxy Card of Reynolds American Inc.
    99.2      Consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
    99.3      Consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.
    99.4      Consent of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC.

 

Item 22. Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(a) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(b) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

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(c) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A. of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed or continuous offering.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser: if the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(a) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(b) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(c) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(d) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(7) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(8) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) under the Securities Act, the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will

 

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contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.

(9) That every prospectus: (a) that is filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, or (b) that purports to meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(10) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(11) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means, and to arrange or provide for a facility in the United States for the purpose of responding to such requests. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

(12) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in London, England on May 12, 2017.

 

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.
By:  

/s/ John Benedict Stevens

  Name: John Benedict Stevens
  Title:   Executive Director

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS , that each person whose signature appears above and below hereby constitutes and appoints Richard Burrows, Nicandro Durante, John Benedict Stevens, Robert Casey and Paul McCrory, and each of them acting without the other, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his or her name, place and stead, with full power and authority to act in any and all capacities in connection with a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”) relating to the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the ordinary shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c., including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to execute the Registration Statement on his or her behalf as a director or officer of, or on behalf of, British American Tobacco p.l.c., and any or all amendments or supplements thereto, including any or all pre- and post-effective amendments, whether on Form F-4 or otherwise, and any new registration statement related thereto, filed under Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, including this power of attorney, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done or incidental to the performance and execution of the powers herein expressly granted and that may be required to enable British American Tobacco p.l.c. to comply with the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules, regulations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that either said attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on May 12, 2017.

 

Name

  

Title

/s/ Richard Burrows

Name: Richard Burrows

   Chairman

/s/ Nicandro Durante

Name: Nicandro Durante

  

Executive Director—Chief Executive

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ John Benedict Stevens

Name: John Benedict Stevens

  

Executive Director—Finance Director

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Susan Farr

Name: Susan Farr

   Non-Executive Director

/s/ Ann Frances Godbehere

Name: Ann Frances Godbehere

   Non-Executive Director

 

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Name

  

Title

/s/ Dr. Marion Helmes

Name: Dr. Marion Helmes

   Non-Executive Director

/s/ Savio Kwan

Name: Savio Kwan

   Non-Executive Director

/s/ Dr. Pedro Malan

Name: Dr. Pedro Malan

   Non-Executive Director

/s/ Dimitri Panayotopoulos

Name: Dimitri Panayotopoulos

   Non-Executive Director

/s/ Kieran Poynter

Name: Kieran Poynter

   Non-Executive Director

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

 

  

/s/ Greg Lavelle

  
By:    Name: Greg Lavelle    Authorized Representative in the United States
  

Managing Director

Puglisi & Associates

  

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

    2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., BATUS Holdings Inc., Reynolds American Inc. and Flight Acquisition Corporation (attached as Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus forming part of this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).
    2.2    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 15, 2014, among Lorillard, Inc., Reynolds American Inc. and Lantern Acquisition Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated July 16, 2014).
    2.3    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2014, among Reynolds American Inc., Lignum-2, L.L.C. and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated July 16, 2014).
    2.4    Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 2015, by and between Reynolds American Inc. and ITG Brands, LLC (formerly known as Lignum-2, L.L.C.) and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated May 28, 2015).
    2.5    Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2015, by and among Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., R. J. Reynolds Global Products, Inc., R. J. Reynolds Tobacco B.V., JT International Holding BV, Reynolds American Inc. and Japan Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated September 29, 2015).
    3.1    Articles of Association of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (attached as Annex F to the proxy statement/prospectus forming part of this Registration Statement and incorporated herein by reference).
    4.1    Agreement of British American Tobacco p.l.c. to furnish certain debt instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
    4.2    Acquisition facilities agreement, dated as of January 16, 2017, among B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, as original borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent and the lenders and financial institutions party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.13 to the Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D filed by British American Tobacco p.l.c. with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated January 17, 2017).
    4.3    Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, and all holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form F-6 registration statement, Reg. No. 333-155563, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2017).
    4.4    Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, and all holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder.
    4.5    Revolving credit facilities agreement, dated January 20, 2017, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V., B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. and B.A.T Capital Corporation, as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent and euro swingline agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S. agent and U.S.$ swingline agent, and the banks and financial institutions party thereto.


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

    4.6    Revolving credit facility agreement, dated May 29, 2014, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. and B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V., as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c., as guarantor, HSBC Bank plc, as agent and euro swingline agent, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as U.S.$ swingline agent, and the banks and financial institutions party thereto.
    4.7    Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed, dated as of May 20, 2016, by and among B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V., B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V., British American Tobacco p.l.c. and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. further modifying and restating the Trust Deed dated July 6, 1998 (as previously modified and restated) relating to the U.S.$3,000,000,000 (now £15,000,000,000) Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
    4.8    Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 31, 2006).
    4.9    First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 30, 2006, to Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor to The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated September 30, 2006).
    4.10    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated February 6, 2009, to Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 30, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., f/k/a The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed February 23, 2009).
    4.11    Third Supplemental Indenture, dated September 17, 2013, to Indenture, dated May 31, 2006, by and among Reynolds American Inc., as issuer, and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated September 12, 2013).
    4.12    Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 2, 2015, to Indenture dated May 31, 2006, among Reynolds American Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K, dated August 31, 2015).
    5.1    Form of Opinion of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP regarding legality of the British American Tobacco p.l.c. common stock being registered pursuant to this Registration Statement.
  10.1    Formation Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (n/k/a Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.), Brown & Williamson U.S.A., Inc. (n/k/a R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated August 9, 2004).
  10.2    Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (n/k/a Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated August 9, 2004).
  10.3    Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 18, 2004, to the Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Tobacco Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Brown & Williamson Corporation) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated November 23, 2004).


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  10.4    Amendment No. 2, dated April 29, 2008, to the Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, as amended, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Brown & Williamson Corporation) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 30, 2008).
  10.5    Amendment No. 3, dated November 11, 2011, to the Governance Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2004, as amended, by and among British American Tobacco p.l.c., Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Brown & Williamson Corporation) and Reynolds American Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated November 14, 2011).
  10.6    Rules of the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan.
  10.7    Rules of the British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan.
  10.8    British American Tobacco p.l.c. Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme.
  10.9    Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and Nicandro Durante, dated as of December 10, 2010.
  10.10    Service Contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and John Benedict Stevens, dated as of March 26, 2008.
  10.11    Letter Agreement between British American Tobacco p.l.c. and John Benedict Stevens, dated as of July 23, 2010.
  10.12    Form of Letter of Appointment of Richard Burrows as Director and Chairman of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.13    Form of Letter of Appointment of Kieran Poynter as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.14    Form of Letter of Appointment of Susan Farr as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.15    Form of Letter of Appointment of Ann Godbehere as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.16    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dr. Marion Helmes as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.17    Form of Letter of Appointment of Savio Kwan as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.18    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dr. Pedro Malan as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.19    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dimitri Panayotopoulos as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.20    Form of Letter of Appointment of Dr. Gerard Murphy as Non-Executive Director of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  10.21    Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 9, 1999, as amended and restated as of May 11, 1999, among R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, RJR Nabisco, Inc. and Japan Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 28, 1999).
  10.22    Settlement Agreement, dated August 25, 1997, between the State of Florida and settling defendants in The State of Florida v. American Tobacco Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated September 5, 1997).
  10.23    Comprehensive Settlement Agreement and Release, dated January 16, 1998, between the State of Texas and settling defendants in The State of Texas v. American Tobacco Co. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated January 27, 1998).


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

10.24    Settlement Agreement and Release in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc., dated as of May 8, 1998, by and among the State of Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the various tobacco company defendants named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1998, filed May 15, 1998).
10.25    Settlement Agreement and Stipulation for Entry of Consent Judgment in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc., dated as of May 8, 1998, by and among the State of Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the various tobacco company defendants named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1998, filed May 15, 1998).
10.26    Form of Consent Judgment by Judge Kenneth J. Fitzpatrick, Judge of District Court in re: The State of Minnesota v. Philip Morris, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 1998, filed May 15, 1998).
10.27    Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Agreed Order, dated July 2, 1998, by and among the Mississippi Defendants, Mississippi and the Mississippi Counsel in connection with the Mississippi Action (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, filed August 14, 1998).
10.28    Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Consent Decree, dated July 24, 1998, by and among the Texas Defendants, Texas and the Texas Counsel in connection with the Texas Action (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, filed August 14, 1998).
10.29    Stipulation of Amendment to Settlement Agreement and for Entry of Consent Decree, dated September 11, 1998, by and among the State of Florida and the tobacco companies named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, filed November 12, 1998).
10.30    Master Settlement Agreement, referred to as the MSA, dated November 23, 1998, between the Settling States named in the MSA and the Participating Manufacturers also named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Form 8-K dated November 24, 1998).
10.31    Term Sheet agreed to by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, an indirect subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., certain other Participating Manufacturers, 17 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated March 12, 2013).
10.32    Comprehensive Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2010, among R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada and the Provinces and Territories listed on the signature pages attached thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 16, 2010).
10.33    Agreed Statement of Facts, dated as of April 13, 2010, between Her Majesty the Queen and Northern Brands International, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated April 16, 2010).
10.34    Form of Directors and Officers Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated December 1, 2016).
10.35    Equity Incentive Award Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc., referred to as the EIAP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed February 11, 2014).


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

10.36    Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement between Reynolds American Inc. and the Director named therein, pursuant to the EIAP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed February 23, 2009).
10.37    Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement between R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc. and the Director named therein, pursuant to the EIAP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, filed August 16, 1999).
10.38    Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors of Reynolds American Inc. (Amended and Restated Effective November 30, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, filed February 27, 2008).
10.39    Reynolds American Inc. Amended and Restated 2009 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 12, 2014).
10.40    Form of Performance Share Agreement (three-year vesting), dated March 2, 2015, between Reynolds American Inc. and the grantee named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, filed April 20, 2015).
10.41    Form of Performance Share Agreement (three-year vesting), dated March 1, 2016, between Reynolds American Inc. and the grantee named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, filed April 26, 2016).
10.42    Performance Share Agreement (one-year vesting), dated May 5, 2016, between Reynolds American Inc. and Susan M. Cameron (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, filed July 26, 2016).
10.43    Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (retention grant), dated October 1, 2014, between Reynolds American Inc. and Debra A. Crew (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed October 21, 2014).
10.44    Form of Performance Share Agreement (three-year vesting), dated March 1, 2017, between Reynolds American Inc. and the grantee named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2017).
10.45    Performance Share Agreement, between Reynolds American Inc. and Joseph P. Fragnito, entered into October 17, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed February 9, 2017).
10.46    Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (retention grant), between Reynolds American Inc. and Joseph P. Fragnito, entered into October 17, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed February 9, 2017).
10.47    Form of Amended Letter Agreement regarding Severance Benefits and Change of Control Protections between Reynolds American Inc. and the officer named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.67 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10- K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, filed February 27, 2008).
10.48    Reynolds American Inc. Executive Severance Plan, as amended and restated effective May 5, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated May 5, 2016.)


Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  10.49    Standard Supplier Agreement, dated August 1, 2003, as amended, by and between R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Eastman Chemical Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed October 23, 2012).
  10.50    Amendment, effective January 8, 2014, to Standard Supplier Agreement among R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc. and Eastman Chemical Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Reynolds American Inc.’s Form 8-K dated February 10, 2014).
  12.1    BAT Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  12.2    RAI Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  21.1    List of Subsidiaries of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  23.1    Consent of KPMG LLP (United Kingdom), independent registered public accounting firm of British American Tobacco p.l.c.
  23.2    Consent of KPMG LLP (United States), independent registered public accounting firm of Reynolds American Inc.
  24.1    Power of Attorney (contained on signature page to this Registration Statement).
  99.1    Form of Proxy Card of Reynolds American Inc.
  99.2    Consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
  99.3    Consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
  99.4    Consent of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC

Exhibit 4.1

AGREEMENT TO FURNISH DEBT INSTRUMENTS

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K (the “Item”), British American Tobacco p.l.c. has not included as an Exhibit any instrument with respect to long-term debt if the total amount of debt authorized by such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total assets of British American Tobacco p.l.c and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. British American Tobacco p.l.c. agrees, pursuant to this Item, to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) upon request of the Commission.

 

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.
By:  

/s/ British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Date:

  May 12, 2017

Exhibit 4.4

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

AND

CITIBANK, N.A.,

As Depositary,

AND

ALL HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

OUTSTANDING UNDER THE TERMS OF THE

AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT,

DATED AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2008

 

 

Amendment No. 1

to

Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement

 

 

Dated as of February 14, 2017

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1  

SECTION 1.01

   Definitions      1  

SECTION 1.02

   Effective Date      1  

ARTICLE II AMENDMENTS TO DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

     2  

SECTION 2.01

   Deposit Agreement      2  

SECTION 2.02

   Deletion of Stock Exchange Listing      2  

SECTION 2.03

   Change of Ratio      2  

SECTION 2.04

   Amendment to Compliance with Information Requests Section      2  

SECTION 2.05

   Change of Agent      4  

SECTION 2.06

   Amendments Binding on all Holders and Beneficial Owners      4  

ARTICLE III AMENDMENTS TO THE FORM OF ADR

     4  

SECTION 3.01

   Amendment to Introductory Paragraph of ADR      4  

SECTION 3.02

   Amendment to Paragraph (1) of ADR      5  

SECTION 3.03

   Change of Ratio      5  

SECTION 3.04

   Amendment to Paragraph (5) of ADR      5  

SECTION 3.05

   Amendment to references to “England” and “England or Wales”      7  

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     7  

SECTION 4.01

   Representations and Warranties      7  

ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS

     7  

SECTION 5.01

   New ADRs      7  

SECTION 5.02

   Notice of Amendment to Holders of ADSs      7  

SECTION 5.03

   Indemnification      8  

SECTION 5.04

   Ratification      8  

SECTION 5.05

   Governing Law      8  

SECTION 5.06

   Counterparts      8  

 

i


AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, dated as of February 14, 2017 (the “ Amendment ”), by and among BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C., a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, and its successors (the “ Company ”), CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America (the “ Depositary ”), and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares outstanding under the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008 among the Company, the Depositary and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder (the “ Deposit Agreement ”).

WITNESSETH THAT:

WHEREAS, the parties to the Deposit Agreement entered into the Deposit Agreement for the creation of American Depositary Shares (“ ADSs ”) representing deposited Shares (as defined in the Deposit Agreement) and for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Receipts (“ ADRs ”) evidencing such ADSs;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to change the ADS-to-Share ratio from “one (1) ADS-to-two (2) Shares” to “one (1) ADS-to-one (1) Share” as of February 14, 20 17, and desires to (x) amend the Deposit Agreement, the ADRs currently outstanding and the form of ADR annexed as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement to reflect such change, and (y) give notice thereof to all Holders (as defined in the Deposit Agreement) of ADSs; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, the Company and the Depositary deem it necessary and desirable to amend the Deposit Agreement, the ADRs currently outstanding and the form of ADR annexed to the Deposit Agreement as Exhibit A for the purposes set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, in accordance with Section 6.1 of the Deposit Agreement, the Company and the Depositary hereby agree to amend the Deposit Agreement, the ADRs currently outstanding and the form of ADR annexed as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01 Definitions . Unless otherwise specified in this Amendment, all capitalized terms used, but not defined, herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Deposit Agreement.

SECTION 1.02 Effective Date . The term “ Effective Date ” shall mean the date set forth above and as of which this Amendment shall become effective.


ARTICLE II

AMENDMENTS TO DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

SECTION 2.01 Deposit Agreement . All references in the Deposit Agreement to the term “Deposit Agreement” shall, as of the Effective Date, refer to the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, as amended by this Amendment and as further amended and supplemented after the Effective Date.

SECTION 2.02 Deletion of Stock Exchange Listing . The fifth recital of the Deposit Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety.

SECTION 2.03 Change of Ratio . The definition of “American Depositary Share(s)” and “ADS(s)” in Section 1.4 of the Deposit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date by deleting the fourth sentence in its entirety and inserting the following in its stead:

“Each ADS shall represent the right to receive the number of Shares specified in the form of ADR attached to Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017 (as further amended from time to time) until there shall occur a distribution upon Deposited Securities referred to in Section 4.2 or a change in Deposited Securities referred to in Section 4.11 with respect to which additional ADSs are not issued, and thereafter each ADS shall represent the right to receive the Deposited Securities determined in accordance with the terms of such Sections.”

SECTION 2.04 Amendment to Compliance with Information Requests Section . Section 3.4 of the Deposit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date by deleting such section in its entirety and inserting the following in its stead:

“Section 3.4 Compliance with Information Requests . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or the ADR to the contrary, each Holder and Beneficial Owner of the ADSs represented hereby agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to applicable law, the rules and requirements of the London Stock Exchange, the UK Financial Conduct Authority and Listing Authority, the New York Stock Exchange and any other stock exchange on which Shares or ADSs are, or will be, registered, traded or listed, or the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, which are made to provide information, inter alia, as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs (and Shares, as the case may be) and regarding the identity of any other person(s) interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the

 

2


time of such request. The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to assist the Company in obtaining such information, including agreeing to forward, upon the request of the Company and at the Company’s expense, any such request from the Company to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary; provided, that, nothing herein shall be interpreted as obliging the Depositary to (x) provide or obtain any such information not provided to the Depositary by such Holders and/or Beneficial Owners or (y) to verify or vouch for the accuracy of any information so provided to the Depositary.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or any ADR to the contrary and without limiting the foregoing, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to provide such information as the Company may request in a disclosure notice (a “Disclosure Notice”) given pursuant to the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006 (as amended from time to time and including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof, the “Companies Act”), including pursuant to Section 793 thereof, or the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner acknowledges that it understands that failure to comply with a Disclosure Notice may result in the imposition of sanctions against the holder of Shares in respect of which the non-complying person is or was, or appears to be or has been, interested as provided in the Companies Act and the Memorandum and Articles of Association which currently include, the withdrawal of voting rights of such Shares and the imposition of restrictions on the rights to receive dividends on and to transfer such Shares. In addition, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to comply with the provisions of the Transparency Directive as amended (2004/109/EC) and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook (“DTR”), including Chapter 5 thereof (“DTR 5, Vote holder and issuer notification rules”) with regard to the notification to the Company of interests in Shares, which currently provide, inter alia, that a person must notify the issuer of the percentage of its voting rights he holds as shareholder or through his direct or indirect holding of financial instruments falling within DTR 5.3.1 R (or a combination of such holdings) if the percentage of those voting rights reaches, exceeds or falls below 3% as a result of an acquisition or disposal of shares or financial instruments falling within DTR 5.3.1 R. The Company may, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner who has not complied with any information request of the Company.

 

3


Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or any ADR(s) to the contrary and without limiting the foregoing, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees that, to the extent such Holder or Beneficial Owner is a “person discharging managerial responsibilities” or a “person closely associated”, each as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EC) (“MAR”), such individual shall comply with the obligations under MAR, including to make a notification to the Company and the national competent authority of any transaction in the Shares they hold or financial instruments relating to those Shares within three business days of any transaction or such earlier period as may be applied by the Company.”

SECTION 2.05 Change of Agent . The fourth sentence in Section 7.6 of the Deposit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date by deleting the fourth sentence in its entirety and inserting the following in its stead:

“The Company hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers Puglisi & Associates (the “Agent”) now at, c/o Greg Lavelle, 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, DE 19711 as its authorized agent to receive and accept for and on its behalf, and on behalf of its properties, assets and revenues, service by mail of any and all legal process, summons, notices and documents that may be served in any suit, action or proceeding brought against the Company in any federal or state court as described in the preceding sentence or in the next paragraph of this Section 7.6.”

SECTION 2.06 Amendments Binding on all Holders and Beneficial Owners . From and after the Effective Date, the amendments to the Deposit Agreement effected hereby shall be binding on all Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date and on all Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs issued after the Effective Date.

ARTICLE III

AMENDMENTS TO THE FORM OF ADR

SECTION 3.01 Amendment to Introductory Paragraph of ADR . The second sentence of the introductory paragraph of the form of ADR attached as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement and in each of the ADRs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date by deleting such sentence in its entirety and inserting the following in its stead:

“As of the date hereof, each ADS represents the right to receive one (1) Share deposited under the Deposit Agreement with the Custodian, which at the date of hereof is Citibank, N.A., London Branch (the “Custodian”).”

 

4


SECTION 3.02 Amendment to Paragraph (1) of ADR . The first sentence of paragraph (1) of the form of ADR attached as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement and in each of the ADRs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date by deleting such sentence in its entirety and inserting the following in its stead:

“This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), all issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017 (as further amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Deposit Agreement”), by and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of ADSs issued thereunder.”

SECTION 3.03 Change of Ratio . All references to the ADS-to-Share ratio made in the form of ADR attached as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement and in each of the ADRs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement shall, as of the Effective Date, refer to the ADS-to-Share ratio of “one (1) ADS to one (1) Share”.

SECTION 3.04 Amendment to Paragraph (5) of ADR . Paragraph (5) of the form of ADR attached as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement and in each of the ADRs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement is hereby amended as of the Effective Date by deleting such paragraph in its entirety and inserting the following in its stead:

“Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to the contrary, each Holder and Beneficial Owner of the ADSs represented hereby agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to applicable law, the rules and requirements of the London Stock Exchange, the UK Financial Conduct Authority and Listing Authority, the New York Stock Exchange and any other stock exchange on which Shares or ADSs are, or will be, registered, traded or listed, or the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, which are made to provide information, inter alia , as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs (and Shares, as the case may be) and regarding the identity of any other person(s) interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the time of such request. The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to assist the Company in obtaining such information, including agreeing to forward, upon the request of the Company and at the Company’s expense, any such request from the Company to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary.

 

5


Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or any ADR to the contrary and without limiting the foregoing, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to provide such information as the Company may request in a disclosure notice (a “Disclosure Notice”) given pursuant to the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006 (as amended from time to time and including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof, the “Companies Act”), including pursuant to Section 793 thereof, or the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner acknowledges that it understands that failure to comply with a Disclosure Notice may result in the imposition of sanctions against the holder of Shares in respect of which the non-complying person is or was, or appears to be or has been, interested as provided in the Companies Act and the Memorandum and Articles of Association which currently include, the withdrawal of voting rights of such Shares and the imposition of restrictions on the rights to receive dividends on and to transfer such Shares. In addition, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to comply with the provisions of the Transparency Directive as amended (2004/109/EC) and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook (“DTR”), including Chapter 5 thereof (“DTR 5, Vote holder and issuer notification rules”) with regard to the notification to the Company of interests in Shares, which currently provide, inter alia, that a person must notify the issuer of the percentage of its voting rights he holds as shareholder or through his direct or indirect holding of financial instruments falling within DTR 5.3.1 R (or a combination of such holdings) if the percentage of those voting rights reaches, exceeds or falls below 3% as a result of an acquisition or disposal of shares or financial instruments falling within DTR 5.3.1 R. The Company may, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner who has not complied with any information request of the Company.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or any ADR(s) to the contrary and without limiting the foregoing, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees that, to the extent such Holder or Beneficial Owner is a “person discharging managerial responsibilities” or a “person closely associated”, each as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EC) (“MAR”), such individual shall comply with the obligations under MAR, including to make a notification to the Company and the national competent authority of any transaction in the Shares they hold or financial instruments relating to those Shares within three business days of any transaction or such earlier period as may be applied by the Company.”

 

6


SECTION 3.05 Amendment to references to “England” and “England or Wales” . All references to “England” and “England or Wales” made in the form of ADR attached as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement and in each of the ADRs issued and outstanding under the terms of the Deposit Agreement shall, as of the Effective Date, refer to “England and Wales”.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

SECTION 4.01 Representations and Warranties . The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Depositary and the Holders and Beneficial Owners, that:

(1) this Amendment, when executed and delivered by the Company, will have been, and the Deposit Agreement has been, duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and each constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its respective terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles;

(2) in order to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility into evidence of this Amendment or the Deposit Agreement as amended hereby, and other document furnished hereunder or thereunder in England and Wales, neither of such agreements need to be filed or recorded with any court or other authority in England and Wales, nor does any stamp or similar tax need be paid in England and Wales on or in respect of such agreements; and

(3) all of the information provided to the Depositary by the Company in connection with this Amendment is true, accurate and correct.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 5.01 New ADRs . From and after the Effective Date, the Depositary shall arrange to have new ADRs printed or amended that reflect the changes to the form of ADR effected by this Amendment. All ADRs issued hereunder after the Effective Date, once such new ADRs are available, whether upon the deposit of Shares or other Deposited Securities or upon the transfer, combination or split up of existing ADRs, shall be substantially in the form of the specimen ADR attached as Exhibit A hereto. The Depositary is authorized and directed to take any and all actions deemed necessary to effect the foregoing.

SECTION 5.02 Notice of Amendment to Holders of ADSs . The Depositary has, at the direction of the Company, sent to Holders of ADSs the notice in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, informing the Holders of ADSs (i) of the terms of this Amendment, (ii) of the Effective Date of this Amendment, (iii) that Holders do not need to take any action in connection with this Amendment, and (iv) that copies of this Amendment may be retrieved from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and may be obtained from the Depositary and the Company upon request.

 

7


SECTION 5.03 Indemnification . Each of the Company and the Depositary hereby acknowledges that Section 5.8 of the Deposit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and that the terms thereof, to the extent set forth therein, shall apply to this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 5.04 Ratification . Except as expressly amended hereby, the terms, covenants and conditions of the Deposit Agreement as originally executed shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 5.05 Governing Law . This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be wholly performed in the State of New York.

SECTION 5.06 Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of such counterparts together shall be deemed an original, and all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

8


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Depositary have caused this Amendment to be executed by representatives thereunto duly authorized as of the date set forth above.

 

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

By:

 

/s/ Richard Burrows

  Name: RICHARD BURROWS
  Title:   CHAIRMAN

 

 

CITIBANK, N.A., as Depositary

By:

 

/s/ Richard Etienne

  Name: Richard Etienne
  Title: Vice President

 

9


EXHIBIT A

[FORM OF FACE OF ADR]

 

Number

   CUSIP NUMBER:

                     

  

American Depositary Shares (each American Depositary Share representing the right to receive one (1) fully paid ordinary share)

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT

evidencing

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

representing

DEPOSITED ORDINARY SHARES

of

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

(Incorporated under the laws of England and Wales)

CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, as depositary (the “Depositary”), hereby certifies that                      is the owner of                      American Depositary Shares (hereinafter “ADS”), representing deposited ordinary shares, including evidence of rights to receive such ordinary shares (the “Shares”), of BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C., a public limited liability corporation incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Company”). As of the date hereof, each ADS represents the right to receive one (1) Share deposited under the Deposit Agreement with the Custodian, which at the date hereof is Citibank, N.A., London Branch (the “Custodian”). The ADS(s)-to-Share(s) ratio is subject to amendment as provided in Articles IV and VI of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary’s Principal Office is located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A.

(1) The Deposit Agreement . This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), all issued and to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2017 (as further amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Deposit

 

A-1


Agreement”), by and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of ADSs issued thereunder. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Shares deposited thereunder and any and all other securities, property and cash from time to time received in respect of such Shares and held thereunder (such Shares, securities, property and cash are herein called “Deposited Securities”). Copies of the Deposit Agreement arc on file at the Principal Office of the Depositary and with the Custodian. Each Holder and each Beneficial Owner, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, shall be deemed for all purposes to (a) be a party to and bound by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and applicable ADR(s), and (b) appoint the Depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable law and to take such action as the Depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof.

The statements made on the face and reverse of this ADR are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company (as in effect on the date of the signing of the Deposit Agreement) and are qualified by and subject to the detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Memorandum and Articles of Association, to which reference is hereby made. All capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities. The Depositary has made arrangements for the acceptance of the ADSs into DTC. Each Beneficial Owner of ADSs held through DTC must rely on the procedures of DTC and the DTC Participants to exercise and be entitled to any rights attributable to such ADSs. The Depositary may issue Uncertificated ADSs subject, however, to the terms and conditions of Section 2. 13 of the Deposit Agreement.

(2) Withdrawal of Deposited Securities . The Holder of this ADR (and of the ADSs evidenced hereby) shall be entitled to Delivery (at the Custodian’s designated office) of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the ADSs evidenced hereby upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (i) the Holder (or a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) has duly Delivered to the Depositary at its Principal Office the ADSs evidenced hereby (and, if applicable, this ADR) for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, (ii) if applicable and so required by the Depositary, this ADR Delivered to the Depositary for such purpose has been properly endorsed in blank or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) if so required by the Depositary, the Holder of the ADSs has executed and delivered to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in such order, and (iv) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in

 

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Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this ADR evidencing the surrendered ADSs, of the Deposit Agreement, of the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, of any applicable laws and the rules of CREST, and to any provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.

Upon satisfaction of each of the conditions specified above, the Depositary (i) shall cancel the ADSs Delivered to it (and, if applicable, the ADRs evidencing the ADSs so Delivered), (ii) shall direct the Registrar to record the cancellation of the ADSs so Delivered on the books maintained for such purpose, and (iii) shall direct the Custodian to Deliver, or cause the Delivery of, in each case, without unreasonable delay, the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs so canceled together with any certificate or other document of title for the Deposited Securities, or evidence of the electronic transfer thereof (if available), as the case may be, to or upon the written order of the person(s) designated in the order delivered to the Depositary for such purpose, subject however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, of this ADR evidencing the ADS so cancelled, of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, of any applicable laws and of the rules of CREST, and to the terms and conditions of or governing the Deposited Securities, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.

The Depositary shall not accept for surrender ADSs representing less than one (1) Share. In the case of Delivery to it of ADSs representing a number other than a whole number of Shares, the Depositary shall cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Shares to be Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of the Depositary, either (i) return to the person surrendering such ADSs the number of ADSs representing any remaining fractional Share, or (ii) sell or cause to be sold the fractional Share represented by the ADSs so surrendered and remit the proceeds of such sale (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the person surrendering the ADSs. Notwithstanding anything else contained in this ADR or the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may make delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary of (i) any cash dividends or cash distributions, or (ii) any proceeds from the sale of any distributions of shares or rights, which are at the time held by the Depositary in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs surrendered for cancellation and withdrawal. At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering ADSs represented by this ADR, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held by the Custodian in respect of the Deposited Securities represented by such ADSs to the Depositary for delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission.

(3) Transfer, Combination and Split-Up of ADRs . The Registrar shall register the transfer of this ADR (and of the ADSs represented hereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall (x) cancel this ADR and execute new ADRs in the name of the transferee evidencing the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by this ADR when canceled by the Depositary, (y) cause the Registrar to countersign such new ADRs and

 

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(z) Deliver such new ADRs to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) this ADR has been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a transfer thereof, (ii) this surrendered ADR has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard securities industry practice), (iii) this surrendered ADR has been duly stamped (if required by the laws of the State of New York or of the United States), and (iv) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and governmental charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this ADR, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.

The Registrar shall register the split-up or combination of this ADR (and of the ADSs represented hereby) on the books maintained for such purpose and the Depositary shall (x) cancel this ADR and execute new ADRs for the number of ADSs requested, but in the aggregate not exceeding the number of ADSs evidenced by this ADR canceled by the Depositary, (y) cause the Registrar to countersign such new ADRs and (z) Deliver such new ADRs to or upon the order of the Holder hereof, if each of the following conditions has been satisfied: (i) this ADR has been duly Delivered by the Holder (or by a duly authorized attorney of the Holder) to the Depositary at its Principal Office for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination hereof, and (ii) all applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and all applicable taxes and government charges (as are set forth in Section 5.9 of, and Exhibit B to, the Deposit Agreement) have been paid, subject, however, in each case, to the terms and conditions of this ADR, of the Deposit Agreement and of applicable law, in each case as in effect at the time thereof.

(4) Pre-Conditions to Registration, Transfer, Etc . As a condition precedent to the execution and delivery, registration of issuance, transfer, split-up, combination or surrender, of any ADS, the delivery of any distribution thereon, or the withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian may require (i) payment from the depositor of Shares or presenter of ADSs or of an ADR of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement and Exhibit B to the Deposit Agreement and in this ADR, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matter contemplated in Section 3.1 of the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the execution and delivery of ADRs or ADSs or to the withdrawal of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable regulations as the Depositary and the Company may establish consistent with the provisions of this ADR, if applicable, the Deposit Agreement and applicable law.

The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Shares generally or against deposits of particular Shares may be suspended, or the deposit of particular Shares may be refused, or the

 

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registration of transfer of ADSs in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfers of ADSs generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Company, the Depositary, a Registrar or the Share Registrar are closed or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or regulation, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange on which the Shares or ADSs are listed, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR, if applicable, or under any provision of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, or because of a meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject, in all cases to paragraph (24) and Section 7.8 of the Deposit Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to the contrary, Holders are entitled to surrender outstanding ADSs to withdraw the Deposited Securities associated therewith at any time subject only to (i) temporary delays caused by closing the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company or the deposit of Shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting or the payment of dividends, (ii) the payment of fees, taxes and similar charges, (iii) compliance with any U.S. or foreign laws or governmental regulations relating to the ADSs or the withdrawal of the Deposited Securities, and (iv) other circumstances specifically contemplated by Instruction I.A.(l) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 (as such General Instructions may be amended from time to time).

(5) Compliance With Information Requests . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to the contrary, each Holder and Beneficial Owner of the ADSs represented hereby agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to applicable law, the rules and requirements of the London Stock Exchange, the UK Financial Conduct Authority and Listing Authority, the New York Stock Exchange and any other stock exchange on which Shares or ADSs are, or will be, registered, traded or listed, or the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, which are made to provide information, inter alia , as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs (and Shares, as the case may be) and regarding the identity of any other person(s) interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the time of such request. The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to assist the Company in obtaining such information, including agreeing to forward, upon the request of the Company and at the Company’s expense, any such request from the Company to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or any ADR to the contrary and without limiting the foregoing, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to provide such information as the Company may request in a disclosure notice (a “Disclosure Notice”) given pursuant to the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006 (as amended from time to time and including any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof, the “Companies Act”), including pursuant to Section 793 thereof, or the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner acknowledges that it understands that failure to comply with a Disclosure Notice may result in the imposition of sanctions against the holder of Shares in respect of which the non-complying person is or was, or appears to be or has been, interested as provided in the Companies Act and the Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

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which currently include, the withdrawal of voting rights of such Shares and the imposition of restrictions on the rights to receive dividends on and to transfer such Shares. In addition, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to comply with the provisions of the Transparency Directive as amended (2004/109/EC) and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook (“DTR”), including Chapter 5 thereof (“DTR 5, Vote holder and issuer notification rules”) with regard to the notification to the Company of interests in Shares, which currently provide, inter alia, that a person must notify the issuer of the percentage of its voting rights he holds as shareholder or through his direct or indirect holding of financial instruments falling within DTR 5.3.1 R (or a combination of such holdings) if the percentage of those voting rights reaches, exceeds or falls below 3% as a result of an acquisition or disposal of shares or financial instruments falling within DTR 5.3.1 R. The Company may, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner who has not complied with any information request of the Company.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or any ADR to the contrary and without limiting the foregoing, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees that, to the extent such Holder or Beneficial Owner is a “person discharging managerial responsibilities” or a “person closely associated”, each as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EC) (“MAR”), such individual shall comply with the obligations under MAR, including to make a notification to the Company and the national competent authority of any transaction in the Shares they hold or financial instruments relating to those Shares within three business days of any transaction or such earlier period as may be applied by the Company.

(6) Ownership Restrictions . Notwithstanding any provision of this ADR or of the Deposit Agreement, the Company may restrict transfers of the Shares where such transfer might result in ownership of Shares exceeding limits imposed by applicable law or the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. The Company may also restrict, in such manner as it deems appropriate, transfers of the ADSs where such transfer may result in the total number of Shares represented by the ADSs owned by a single Holder or Beneficial Owner to exceed any such limits. The Company may, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of the limits set forth in the preceding sentence, including but not limited to, the imposition of restrictions on the transfer of ADSs, the removal or limitation of voting rights or mandatory sale or disposition on behalf of a Holder or Beneficial Owner of the Shares represented by the ADSs held by such Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of such limitations, if and to the extent such disposition is permitted by applicable law and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall be interpreted as obligating the Depositary or the Company to ensure compliance with the ownership restrictions described herein or in Section 3.5 of the Deposit Agreement.

Applicable laws and regulations may require holders and beneficial owners of Shares, including the Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs, to satisfy reporting requirements and obtain regulatory approvals in certain circumstances. Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs are solely responsible for determining and complying with such reporting requirements and

 

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obtaining such approvals. Each Holder and each Beneficial Owner hereby agrees to make such determination, file such reports, and obtain such approvals to the extent and in the form required by applicable laws and regulations as in effect from time to time. Neither the Depositary, the Custodian, the Company or any of their respective agents or affiliates shall be required to take any actions whatsoever on behalf of Holders or Beneficial Owners to determine or satisfy such reporting requirements or obtain such regulatory approvals under applicable laws and regulations.

(7) Liability of Holder for Taxes and Other Charges . Any tax or other governmental charge payable by the Custodian or by the Depositary with respect to any ADR or any Deposited Securities or ADSs shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary. The Company, the Custodian and/or Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of a Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or charges, the Holder and the Beneficial Owner hereof remaining liable for any deficiency. The Custodian may refuse the deposit of Shares and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver ADRs, register the transfer of ADSs, register the split-up or combination of ADRs and (subject to paragraph (24) hereof and Section 7.8 of the Deposit Agreement) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, and any of their agents, officers, employees and Affiliates for, and to hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising from any tax benefit obtained for such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner.

(8) Representations and Warranties of Depositors . Each person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (i) such Shares and the certificates therefor are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and (v) the Shares presented for deposit are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities (except as contemplated in Section 2.14 of the Deposit Agreement), and (vi) the Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit and withdrawal of Shares, the issuance and cancellation of ADSs in respect thereof and the transfer of such ADSs. If any such representations or warranties are false in any way, the Company and the Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing Shares, to take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences thereof.

(9) Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information . Any person presenting Shares for deposit, and any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required, and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, from time to time to provide to the Company, the Depositary and the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable

 

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taxes or other governmental charges, exchange control approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws, the terms of the Deposit Agreement or the ADR(s) evidencing the ADSs and the provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, to execute such certifications and to make such representations and warranties, and to provide such other information and documentation (or, in the case of Shares in registered form presented for deposit, such information relating to the registration on the books of the Company or of the Share Registrar) as the Depositary or the Custodian may reasonably deem necessary or proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary consistent with its obligations under the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s). The Depositary and the Registrar, as applicable, may withhold the execution or delivery or registration of transfer of any ADR or ADS or the distribution or sale of any dividend or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof or, to the extent not limited by paragraph (24) and Section 7.8 of the Deposit Agreement, the delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certifications are executed, or such representations and warranties are made or such other information or documentation are provided, in each case to the Depositary’s, the Registrar’s and the Company’s satisfaction.

 

  (10) Charges of Depositary . The Depositary shall charge the following fees:

 

  (i) Issuance Fee : to any person depositing Shares or to whom ADSs are issued upon the deposit of Shares (excluding issuances as a result of distributions described in paragraph (iv) below), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) so issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement;

 

  (ii) Cancellation Fee : to any person surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities, a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) surrendered;

 

  (iii) Cash Distribution Fee : to any Holder of ADSs, a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held for the distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions (i.e., sale of rights and other entitlements);

 

  (iv) Stock Distribution /Rights Exercise Fee : to any Holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held for (i) stock dividends or other free stock distributions or (ii) the exercise of rights to purchase additional ADSs;

 

  (v) Other Distribution Fee : to any Holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held for the distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs (i.e., spin-off shares); and

 

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  (vi) Depositary Services Fee : to any Holder of ADS(s), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) held on the applicable record date(s) established by the Depositary.

Holders, Beneficial Owners, persons depositing Shares and persons surrendering ADSs for cancellation and for the purpose of withdrawing Deposited Securities shall be responsible for the following charges:

(a) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;

(b) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of Shares or other Deposited Securities on the share register and applicable to transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities to or from the name of the Custodian, the Depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;

(c) such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of the person depositing or withdrawing Shares or Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs;

(d) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary in the conversion of foreign currency;

(e) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Shares, Deposited Securities, ADSs and ADRs; and

(f) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary, the Custodian, or any nominee in connection with the delivery or servicing of Deposited Securities.

All fees and charges so payable may, at any time and from time to time, be changed by agreement between the Depositary and the Company but, in the case of fees and charges payable by Holders or Beneficial Owners, only in the manner contemplated by paragraph (22) of this ADR and as contemplated in Section 6.1 of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall provide, without charge, a copy of its latest fee schedule to anyone upon request.

Depositary Fees payable upon (i) deposit of Shares against issuance of ADSs and (ii) surrender of ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities will be charged by the Depositary to the person to whom the ADSs so issued are delivered (in the case of ADS issuances) and to the person who delivers the ADSs for cancellation to the Depositary (in the case of ADS cancellations). In the case of ADSs issued by the Depositary into DTC or presented to the Depositary via DTC, the ADS issuance and cancellation fees will be payable to the

 

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Depositary by the DTC Participant(s) receiving the ADSs from the Depositary or the DTC Participant(s) surrendering the ADSs to the Depositary for cancellation, as the case may be, on behalf of the Beneficial Owner(s) and will be charged by the DTC Participant(s) to the account(s) of the applicable Beneficial Owner(s) in accordance with the procedures and practices of the DTC participant(s) as in effect at the time. Depositary fees in respect of distributions and the Depositary services fee are payable to the Depositary by Holders as of the applicable ADS Record Date established by the Depositary. In the case of distributions of cash, the amount of the applicable Depositary fees is deducted by the Depositary from the funds being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash and the Depositary service fee, the Depositary will invoice the applicable Holders as of the ADS Record Date established by the Depositary. For ADSs held through DTC, the Depositary fees for distributions other than cash and the Depositary service fee are charged by the Depositary to the DTC Participants in accordance with the procedures and practices prescribed by DTC from time to time and the DTC Participants in turn charge the amount of such fees to the Beneficial Owners for whom they hold ADSs.

The Depositary may reimburse the Company for certain expenses incurred by the Company in respect of the ADR program established pursuant to the Deposit Agreement upon such terms and conditions as the Company and the Depositary may agree to in writing from time to time. The Company shall pay to the Depositary such fees and charges and reimburse the Depositary for such out-of-pocket expenses as the Depositary and the Company may agree from time to time. Responsibility for payment of such charges and reimbursements may from time to time be changed by agreement between the Company and the Depositary. Unless otherwise agreed, the Depositary shall present its statement for such expenses and fees or charges to the Company once every three months. The charges and expenses of the Custodian are for the sole account of the Depositary.

The right of the Depositary to receive payment of fees, charges and expenses as provided above shall survive the termination of the Deposit Agreement. As to any Depositary, upon the resignation or removal of such Depositary as described in Section 5.4 of the Deposit Agreement, such right shall extend for those fees, charges and expenses incurred prior to the effectiveness of such resignation or removal.

(11) Title to ADRs . It is a condition of this ADR, and every successive Holder of this ADR by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees, that title to this ADR (and to each ADS evidenced hereby) shall be transferable upon the same terms as a certificated security under the laws of the State of New York, provided that, in the case of Certificated ADSs, such ADR has been properly endorsed or is accompanied by proper instruments of transfer.

Notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, the Depositary and the Company may deem and treat the Holder of this ADR (that is, the person in whose name this ADR is registered on the books of the Depositary) as the absolute owner thereof for all purposes. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall have any obligation nor be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to any holder of this ADR or any Beneficial Owner unless, in the case of a holder of ADSs, such holder is the Holder of this ADR registered on the books of the Depositary or, in the case of a Beneficial Owner, such Beneficial Owner or the Beneficial Owner’s representative is the Holder registered on the books of the Depositary.

 

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(12) Validity of ADR . The Holder(s) of this ADR (and the ADSs represented hereby) shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable for any purpose against the Depositary or the Company unless this ADR has been (i) dated, (ii) signed by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary, (iii) countersigned by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Registrar, and (iv) registered in the books maintained by the Registrar for the registration of issuances and transfers of ADRs. An ADR bearing the facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, who at the time of signature was a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, as the case may be, shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding the fact that such signatory has ceased to be so authorized prior to the delivery of such ADR by the Depositary.

(13) Available Information; Reports; Inspection of Transfer Books .

The Company publishes the information contemplated in Rule 12g3-2(b)(1)(iii) under the Exchange Act on its internet website or through an electronic information delivery system generally available to the public in the Company’s primary trading market. The electronic information delivery system the Company intends to use for the publication of such reports is the Regulatory News Service (RNS) (or any successor thereof). As of the date hereof the Company’s internet website is www.bat.com. The information so published by the Company may not be in English, except that the Company is required, in order to maintain its exemption from the Exchange Act reporting obligations pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b), to translate such information into English to the extent contemplated in the instructions to Rule 12g3-2(e). The information so published by the Company cannot be retrieved from the Commission’s internet website, and cannot be inspected or copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located (as of the date of the Deposit Agreement) at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The Depositary shall make available for inspection by Holders at its Principal Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Depositary shall also provide or make available to Holders copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to Section 5.6 of the Deposit Agreement.

The Registrar shall keep books for the registration of ADSs which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such ADSs, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Registrar’s knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such ADSs in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to the Deposit Agreement or the ADSs.

The Registrar may close the transfer books with respect to the ADSs, at any time or from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in good faith in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or at the reasonable written request of the Company subject, in all cases, to paragraph (24) and Section 7.8 of the Deposit Agreement.

 

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Dated:    
CITIBANK, N.A.   CITIBANK, N .A.
Transfer Agent and Registrar   as Depositary
By:  

 

  By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory     Authorized Signatory

The address of the Principal Office of the Depositary is 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A.

 

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[FORM OF REVERSE OF ADR]

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

(14) Dividends and Distributions in Cash, Shares, etc . Upon the timely receipt by the Depositary of a notice from the Company that it intends to make a distribution of a cash dividend or other cash distribution, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9. Upon receipt of confirmation from the Custodian of receipt of any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or upon receipt of proceeds from the sale of any Deposited Securities or of any entitlements held in respect of Deposited Securities under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will (i) if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a Foreign Currency can in the judgment of the Depositary (upon the terms of Section 4.8 of the Deposit Agreement), be converted on a practicable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars (upon the terms of Section 4.8 of the Deposit Agreement), (ii) if applicable and unless previously established, establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes withheld) to the Holders entitled thereto as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and become part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution to Holders of ADSs outstanding at the time of the next distribution. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders on the ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority. Evidence of payment thereof by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary, as applicable shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary, as applicable to the Depositary or the Company, as applicable, upon request.

Upon the timely receipt by the Depositary of a notice from the Company that it intends to make a distribution that consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of Shares, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement. Upon receipt of confirmation from the Custodian of the receipt of the Shares so distributed by the Company, the Depositary shall either (i) subject to Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement, distribute to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date, additional ADSs, which represent in the aggregate the number of Shares received as such dividend, or free distribution, subject to the other terms of the

 

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Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes), or (ii) if additional ADSs are not so distributed, take all actions necessary so that each ADS issued and outstanding after the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interest in the additional integral number of Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and (b) taxes). In lieu of delivering fractional ADSs, the Depositary shall sell the number of Shares or ADSs, as the case may be, represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the net proceeds upon the terms set forth in Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement.

In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, or, if the Company in the fulfillment of its obligations under Section 5.7 of the Deposit Agreement, has furnished an opinion of U.S. counsel determining that Shares must be registered under the Securities Act or other laws in order to be distributed to Holders (and no such registration statement has been declared effective), the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction of (a) taxes and (b) fees and charges of, and the expenses incurred by, the Depositary) to Holders entitled thereto upon the terms of Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall hold and/or distribute any unsold balance of such property in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.

Upon the timely receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes an elective distribution in cash or Shares to be made available to Holders of ADSs upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement, the Company and the Depositary shall determine whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable. If so, the Depositary shall, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, establish an ADS Record Date according to paragraph (16) and establish procedures to enable the Holder hereof to elect to receive the proposed distribution in cash or in additional ADSs. If a Holder elects to receive the distribution in cash, the distribution shall be made as in the case of a distribution in cash. If the Holder hereof elects to receive the distribution in additional ADSs, the distribution shall be made as in the case of a distribution in Shares upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement. If such elective distribution is not reasonably practicable or if the Depositary did not receive satisfactory documentation set forth in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date upon the terms of Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement and, to the extent permitted by law, distribute to Holders, on the basis of the same determination as is made in England and Wales in respect of the Shares for which no election is made, either (x) cash or (y) additional ADSs representing such additional Shares, in each case, upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holder hereof a method to receive the elective distribution in Shares (rather than ADSs). There can be no assurance that the Holder hereof will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares.

 

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Upon the timely receipt by the Depositary of a notice indicating that the Company wishes rights to subscribe for additional Shares to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary upon consultation with the Company, shall determine, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights available to the Holders. The Depositary shall make such rights available to any Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that such rights be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received the documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is reasonably practicable. If such conditions are not satisfied, the Depositary shall sell the rights as described below. In the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (upon the terms described in Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement) and establish procedures (x) to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs (by means of warrants or otherwise), (y) to enable the Holders to exercise such rights (upon payment of the subscription price and of the applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes), and (z) to deliver ADSs upon the valid exercise of such rights. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise rights to subscribe for Shares (rather than ADSs). If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5,7 of the Deposit Agreement or determines, upon consultation with the Company, it is not reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders, or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall, upon consultation with the Company, determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, in a riskless principal capacity, at such place and upon such terms (including public and private sale) as it may deem practicable. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes) upon the terms hereof and of Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders upon the terms described in Section 4.4(a) of the Deposit Agreement or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described in Section 4.4(b) of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, nor (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale or exercise. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the ADS Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution.

Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, if registration (under the Securities Act or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the Securities Act (or other applicable law) covering such offering is in effect or (ii) unless the Company furnishes the Depositary opinion(s) of counsel for the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other applicable country in which rights would be

 

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distributed, in each case reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable laws. In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights) an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Holders of ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes or charges.

There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares or be able to exercise such rights. Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any rights or Shares or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights.

Upon receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares, to be made to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall determine whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and reasonably practicable. The Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received the documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined, after consultation with the Company, that such distribution is reasonably practicable. Upon satisfaction of such conditions, the Depositary shall distribute the property so received to the Holders of record, as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the number of ADSs held by them respectively and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and (ii) net of any taxes withheld. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.

If the conditions above are not satisfied, the Depositary shall sell or cause such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem practicable and shall (i) cause the proceeds of such sale, if in a Foreign Currency, to be converted into Dollars and (ii) distribute the proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes) to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date upon the terms hereof and of the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to sell such property, the Depositary may dispose of such property for the account of the Holders in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the circumstances. Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine

 

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whether it is lawful or practicable to make the property described in Section 4.5 of the Deposit Agreement available to Holders in general or any Holder in particular, nor (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with the sale or disposal of such property. The Depositary shall not be responsible for the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the distribution or sale of such property.

(15) Redemption . Upon timely receipt of notice from the Company that it intends to exercise its right of redemption in respect of any of the Deposited Securities, and a satisfactory opinion of counsel, and upon determining that such proposed redemption is practicable, the Depositary shall (to the extent practicable) provide to each Holder a notice setting forth the Company’s intention to exercise the redemption rights and any other particulars set forth in the Company’s notice to the Depositary. Upon receipt of confirmation that the redemption has taken place and that funds representing the redemption price have been received, the Depositary shall convert, transfer, distribute the proceeds (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and (b) taxes), retire ADSs and cancel ADRs, if applicable, upon delivery of such ADSs by Holders thereof upon the terms set forth in Sections 4.1 and 6.2 of the Deposit Agreement. If less than all outstanding Deposited Securities are redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a pro rata basis, as may be determined by the Depositary. The redemption price per ADS shall be the dollar equivalent of the per share amount received by the Depositary (adjusted to reflect the ADS(s)-to-Share(s) ratio) upon the redemption of the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs (subject to the terms of Section 4.8 of the Deposit Agreement and the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and taxes) multiplied by the number of Deposited Securities represented by each ADS redeemed.

(16) Fixing of ADS Record Date . Whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of the fixing of a record date by the Company for the determination of holders of Deposited Securities entitled to receive any distribution (whether in cash, Shares, rights or other distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each ADS, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or proxies of, holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient in connection with the giving of any notice, solicitation of any consent or any other matter, the Depositary shall fix a record date (“ ADS Record Date ”) for the determination of the Holders of ADSs who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, to give or withhold such consent, to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action, or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Shares represented by each ADS. The Depositary shall make reasonable efforts to establish the ADS Record Date as closely as possible to the applicable record date for the Deposited Securities (if any) set by the Company in England and Wales. If the ADSs are listed on any securities exchange, such record date shall be fixed in compliance with any applicable rules or such securities exchange. Subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions of this ADR and Sections 4.1 through 4.8 and to the other terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of ADSs at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distributions, to give such instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action. Subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions of

 

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this ADR and Sections 4.1 through 4.8 and to the other terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of ADSs at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distributions, to give such instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.

(17) Voting of Deposited Securities . As soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Deposited Securities are entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall fix the ADS Record Date in respect of such meeting or solicitation of such consent or proxy in accordance with Section 4.9 of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall, if requested by the Company in writing in a timely manner (the Depositary having no obligation to take any further action if the request shall not have been received by the Depositary at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of such vote or meeting), at the Company’s expense and provided no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, distribute to Holders as of the ADS Record Date: (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consent or proxies, (b) a statement that the Holders at the close of business on the ADS Record Date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and the provisions of or governing Deposited Securities (which provisions, if any, shall be summarized in pertinent part by the Company), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by such Holder’s ADSs and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such voting instructions may be given.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Deposit Agreement or any ADR, the Depositary may, to the extent not prohibited by law or regulations, or by the requirements of the stock exchange on which the ADSs are listed, in lieu of distribution of the materials provided to the Depositary in connection with any meeting of, or solicitation of consents or proxies from, holders of Deposited Securities, distribute to the Holders a notice that provides Holders with, or otherwise publicizes to Holders, instructions on how to retrieve such materials or receive such materials upon request (i.e., by reference to a website containing the materials for retrieval or a contact for requesting copies of the materials).

Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of ADSs representing an integral number of Deposited Securities. Upon the timely receipt from a Holder of ADSs as of the ADS Record Date of voting instructions in the manner specified by the Depositary, the Depositary shall endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under applicable law, the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company and the provisions of the Deposited Securities, to vote, or cause the Custodian to vote, the Deposited Securities (in person or by proxy) represented by such Holder’s ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions, either on a show of hands, in which case, the Depositary shall vote or shall instruct the Custodian to vote in accordance with instructions received from a majority of Holders giving instructions, or on a poll, in which case the Depositary shall vote or cause the Custodian to vote in accordance with the instructions as received from the Holders giving instructions.

 

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Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall under any circumstances exercise any discretion as to voting and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall vote, attempt to exercise the right to vote, or in any way make use of, for purposes of establishing a quorum or otherwise, of the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs, except pursuant to and in accordance with the voting instructions timely received from Holders or as otherwise contemplated herein. If the Depositary timely receives voting instructions from a Holder which fail to specify the manner in which the Depositary is to vote the Deposited Securities represented by such Holder’s ADSs, the Depositary will deem such Holder (unless otherwise specified in the notice distributed to Holders) to have instructed the Depositary to vote in favor of the items set forth in such instructions. Deposited Securities represented by ADSs for which no timely voting instructions are received by the Depositary from the Holder shall not be voted. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, the Depositary shall, if so requested in writing by the Company, represent all Deposited Securities (whether or not voting instructions have been received in respect of such Deposited Securities from Holders as of the ADS Record Date) for the sole purpose of establishing quorum at a meeting of shareholders. Unless otherwise reasonably requested by the Company, on the business day following the date fixed by the Depositary as the last date for delivery of voting instructions, the Depositary shall give notice to the Company of the voting instructions received by the Depositary from the Holders. Notwithstanding anything else contained in the Deposit Agreement or this ADR, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to take any action with respect to any meeting, or solicitation of consents or proxies, of holders of Deposited Securities if the taking of such action would violate U.S. laws. The Company agrees to take any and all actions reasonably necessary to enable Holders and Beneficial Owners to exercise the voting rights accruing to the Deposited Securities and to deliver to the Depositary an opinion of U.S. counsel addressing any actions requested to be taken if so reasonably requested by the Depositary. There can be no assurance that Holders generally or any Holder in particular will receive the notice described above with sufficient time to enable the Holder to return voting instructions to the Depositary in a timely manner.

(18) Changes Affecting Deposited Securities . Upon any change in nominal or par value, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is a party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement of or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be treated as new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, and the ADRs shall, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and applicable law, evidence ADSs representing the right to receive such additional securities. In giving effect to such change, split-up, cancellation, consolidation or other reclassification of Deposited Securities, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets, the Depositary may, with the Company’s approval, and shall, if the Company shall so request, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement and receipt of an opinion of counsel to the Company satisfactory to the Depositary that such actions are not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, (i) issue and deliver additional ADSs as in the case of a stock dividend on the Shares, (ii) amend the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADRs, (iii) amend the applicable Registration Statement(s) on Form F-6 as filed with the Commission in respect of the ADSs, (iv) call for the surrender of outstanding ADRs to be exchanged for new ADRs, and

 

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(v) take such other actions as reasonably requested by the Company or as the Depositary, in consultation with the Company, considers are appropriate to reflect the transaction with respect to the ADSs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so received may not be, in the reasonable judgment of the Depositary, upon consultation with the Company, lawfully distributed to some or all Holders, the Depositary may, with the Company’s approval, and shall, if the Company requests, subject to receipt of an opinion of Company’s counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary that such action is not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes) for the account of the Holders otherwise entitled to such securities upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among such Holders and distribute the net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a distribution received in cash pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Deposit Agreement. Neither the Company nor the Depositary shall be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or any Holder in particular, nor (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale. The Depositary shall not be responsible for any liability to the purchaser of such securities.

(19) Exoneration . Neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement or incur any liability (i) if the Depositary or the Company shall be prevented or forbidden from, or subjected to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States, England and Wales or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of the possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond its control (including, without limitation, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and computer failure), (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement or in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, (iii) for any action or inaction in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information, (iv) for the inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, made available to Holders of ADSs or (v) for any consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary, its controlling persons, its agents, any Custodian and the Company, its controlling persons and its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement or this ADR.

 

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(20) Standard of Care . The Company and the Depositary assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or this ADR to any Holder(s) or Beneficial Owner(s), except that the Company and Depositary agree to perform their respective obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement and this ADR without negligence or bad faith. Without limitation of the foregoing, neither the Depositary, nor the Company, nor any of their respective directors, officers, controlling persons, employees or agents, shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the ADSs, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense (including fees and disbursements of counsel) and liability be furnished as often as may be required (and no Custodian shall be under any obligation whatsoever with respect to such proceedings, the responsibility of the Custodian being solely to the Depositary). Neither the Depositary and its directors, officers, controlling persons, employees or agents nor the Company and its directors, officers, controlling persons, employees or agents shall be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote, provided that any such action or omission is in good faith and in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Neither the Company nor the Depositary shall incur any liability for any failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable, for any investment risk associated with acquiring an interest in the Deposited Securities, for the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities or for any tax consequences that may result from the ownership of ADSs, Shares or Deposited Securities, or for the credit-worthiness of any third party. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for the content of any information submitted to it by the Company for distribution to the Holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement, for the failure or timeliness of any notice from the Company, or for any action or failure to act by, or any information provided or not provided by, DTC or any DTC participant. No waiver of any rights of any Holder or Beneficial Owner under the U.S. securities laws is intended by any provision of this paragraph.

(21) Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary . The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement by written notice of resignation delivered to the Company, such resignation to be effective on the earlier of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Company (whereupon the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 of the Deposit Agreement), or (ii) upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice of such removal, which removal shall be effective on the later of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Depositary (whereupon the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 of the Deposit Agreement), or (ii) upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement. In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be

 

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removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York. Every successor depositary shall be required by the Company to execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed (except as required by applicable law), shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor (other than as contemplated in Sections 5.8 and 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement). The predecessor depositary, upon payment of all sums due it and on the written request of the Company, shall (i) execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder (other than as contemplated in Sections 5.8 and 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement), (ii) duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest to the Deposited Securities to such successor, and (iii) deliver to such successor a list of the Holders of all outstanding ADSs and such other information relating to ADSs and Holders thereof as the successor may reasonably request. Any such successor depositary shall promptly provide notice of its appointment to such Holders. Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act.

(22) Amendment/Supplement . Subject to the terms and conditions of this paragraph 22, and Section 6.1 of the Deposit Agreement and applicable law, this ADR and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended or supplemented by written agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable without the prior written consent of the Holders or Beneficial Owners. Any amendment or supplement which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than charges in connection with foreign exchange control regulations, and taxes and other governmental charges, delivery and other such expenses), or which shall otherwise materially prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders or Beneficial Owners, shall not, however, become effective as to outstanding ADSs until the expiration of thirty (30) days after notice of such amendment or supplement shall have been given to the Holders of outstanding ADSs. Notice of any amendment to the Deposit Agreement or any ADR shall not need to describe in detail the specific amendments effectuated thereby, and failure to describe the specific amendments in any such notice shall not render such notice invalid, provided , however , that, in each such case, the notice given to the Holders identifies a means for Holders and Beneficial Owners to retrieve or receive the text of such amendment (i.e., upon retrieval from the Commission’s, the Depositary’s or the Company’s website or upon request from the Depositary). The parties hereto agree that any amendments or supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for (a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act or (b) the ADSs to be settled solely in electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to materially prejudice any substantial rights of Holders or Beneficial Owners. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner at the time any amendment or supplement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such ADSs, to consent and agree to such amendment or supplement and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement and this ADR, if applicable, as amended or supplemented thereby. In no event shall any amendment or supplement impair the right of the Holder to surrender such ADS and receive therefor the

 

A-22


Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require an amendment of, or supplement to, the Deposit Agreement to ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and this ADR at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement and this ADR in such circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required for compliance with such laws, rules or regulations.

(23) Termination . The Depositary shall, at any time at the written direction of the Company, terminate the Deposit Agreement by distributing notice of such termination to the Holders of all ADSs then outstanding at least thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. If ninety (90) days shall have expired after (i) the Depositary shall have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign, or (ii) the Company shall have delivered to the Depositary a written notice of the removal of the Depositary, and, in either case, a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may terminate the Deposit Agreement by distributing notice of such termination to the Holders of all ADSs then outstanding at least thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination. The date so fixed for termination of the Deposit Agreement in any termination notice so distributed by the Depositary to the Holders of ADSs is referred to as the “ Termination Date ”. Until the Termination Date, the Depositary shall continue to perform all of its obligations under the Deposit Agreement, and the Holders and Beneficial Owners will be entitled to all of their rights under the Deposit Agreement. If any ADSs shall remain outstanding after the Termination Date, the Registrar and the Depositary shall not, after the Termination Date, have any obligation to perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall, subject, in each case, to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, continue to (i) collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, (ii) sell securities and other property received in respect of Deposited Securities, (iii) deliver Deposited Securities, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in Section 2.7 of the Deposit Agreement, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any securities or other property, in exchange for ADSs surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and all applicable taxes or governmental charges for the account of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, in each case upon the terms set forth in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement), and (iv) take such actions as may be required under applicable law in connection with its role as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement. At any time after the Termination Date, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held under the Deposit Agreement and shall after such sale hold un-invested the net proceeds of such sale, together with any other cash then held by it under the Deposit Agreement, in an un-segregated account and without liability for interest, for the pro - rata benefit of the Holders whose ADSs have not theretofore been surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except (i) to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case,

 

A-23


the fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and all applicable taxes or governmental charges for the account of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, in each case upon the terms set forth in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement), and (ii) as may be required at law in connection with the termination of the Deposit Agreement. After the Termination Date, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement, except for its obligations to the Depositary under Sections 5.8, 5.9 and 7.6 of the Deposit Agreement. The obligations under the terms of the Deposit Agreement of Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs outstanding as of the Termination Date shall survive the Termination Date and shall be discharged only when the applicable ADSs are presented by their Holders to the Depositary for cancellation under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.

(24) Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws . Notwithstanding any provisions in this ADR or the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the withdrawal or delivery of Deposited Securities will not be suspended by the Company or the Depositary except as would be permitted by Instruction I.A.(l) of the General Instructions to the Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.

(25) Certain Rights of the Depositary; Limitations . Subject to the further terms and provisions of this paragraph (25) and Section 5.10 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary, its Affiliates and their agents, on their own behalf, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its Affiliates and in ADSs. In its capacity as Depositary, the Depositary shall not lend Shares or ADSs; provided , however , that the Depositary may, except in the case of Restricted ADSs, (i) issue ADSs prior to the receipt of Shares pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Deposit Agreement and (ii) deliver Shares prior to the receipt of ADSs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Deposit Agreement, including ADSs which were issued under (i) above but for which Shares may not have been received (each such transaction a “ Pre-Release Transaction ”). The Depositary may receive ADSs in lieu of Shares under (i) above and receive Shares in lieu of ADSs under (ii) above. Each such Pre-Release Transaction will be (a) subject to a written agreement whereby the person or entity (the “ Applicant ”) to whom ADSs or Shares are to be delivered (w) represents that at the time of the Pre-Release Transaction the Applicant or its customer owns the Shares or ADSs that are to be delivered by the Applicant under such Pre-Release Transaction, (x) agrees to indicate the Depositary as owner of such Shares or ADSs in its records and to hold such Shares or ADSs in trust for the Depositary until such Shares or ADSs are delivered to the Depositary or the Custodian, (y) unconditionally guarantees to deliver to the Depositary or the Custodian, as applicable, such Shares or ADSs and (z) agrees to any additional restrictions or requirements that the Depositary deems appropriate, (b) at all times fully collateralized with cash, U.S. government securities or such other collateral as the Depositary deems appropriate, (c) terminable by the Depositary on not more than five (5) business days’ notice and (d) subject to such further indemnities and credit regulations as the Depositary deems appropriate. The Depositary will normally limit the number of ADSs and Shares involved in such Pre-Release Transactions at any one time to thirty percent (30%) of the ADSs outstanding (without giving effect to ADSs outstanding under (i) above), provided , however , that the Depositary reserves the right to change or disregard such limit from time to time as it deems appropriate. The Depositary may also set limits with respect to the number of ADSs and Shares involved in Pre-Release Transactions with

 

A-24


any one person on a case by case basis as it deems appropriate. The Depositary may retain for its own account any compensation received by it in conjunction with the foregoing. Collateral provided pursuant to (b) above, but not earnings thereon, shall be held for the benefit of the Holders (other than the Applicant).

 

A-25


(ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER SIGNATURE LINES)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Holder hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto                      whose taxpayer identification number is                          and whose address including postal zip code is                          , the within ADS and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing                          attorney in-fact to transfer said ADS on the books of the Depositary with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:     Name:  

 

        By:
        Title:

 

  NOTICE: The signature of the Holder to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.
  If the endorsement be executed by an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, the person executing the endorsement must give his/her full title in such capacity and proper evidence of authority to act in such capacity, if not on file with the Depositary, must be forwarded with this ADR.

 

SIGNATURE GUARANTEED

 
  All endorsements or assignments of ADRs must be guaranteed by a member of a Medallion Signature Program approved by the Securities Transfer Association, Inc.

Legends

[The ADRs issued in respect of Partial Entitlement American Depositary Shares shall bear the following legend on the face of the ADR: “This ADR evidences ADSs representing ‘partial entitlement’ [type of shares] of [Company] and as such do not entitle the holders thereof to the same per-share entitlement as other [type of shares] Shares (which are ‘full entitlement’ Ordinary Shares) issued and outstanding at such time. The ADSs represented by this ADR shall entitle holders to distributions and entitlements identical to other ADSs when the Ordinary Shares represented by such ADSs become ‘full entitlement’ Ordinary Shares.”]

 

A-26


EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF RATIO CHANGE

To the Holders of American Depositary Shares (“ ADSs ”) representing the right to receive Deposited Securities of the Company

 

Company:    British American Tobacco p.l.c., a public limited liability company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales.
Depositary:    Citibank, N.A., as depositary (the “ Depositary ”).
Custodian:    Citibank, N.A. (London Branch).
Deposited Securities:    Ordinary shares (“ Shares ”) of the Company.
Deposit Agreement:    Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2008, by and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs issued thereunder, as proposed to be amended by Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, to be dated as of February 14, 2017 (the “ Amendment ”).
ADS CUSIP No.    110448107.
Existing ADS-to-Share Ratio:    One (1) ADS to two (2) Shares.
New ADS-to-Share Ratio:    One (1) ADS to one (1) Share.
ADS Record Date:    February 6, 2017.
ADS Distribution Date:    February 13, 2017.
ADS Effective Date:    February 14, 2017.

The Company and the Depositary have agreed to amend the Deposit Agreement, the form of ADR attached as Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement, and all outstanding ADRs to change the ADS-to-Share ratio from “one (1) ADS to two (2) Shares” to “one (1) ADS to one (1) Share”, effective February 14, 2017.

A draft copy of the Amendment has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”) under cover of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form F-6 (Registration No. 333-155563).

 

B-1


No action on the part of Holders or Beneficial Owners is required. Holders of Existing ADSs, as of the close of business in New York on the ADS Record Date, should expect to receive on the ADS Distribution Date one (1) additional ADS for each ADS held as of the close of business in New York as of the ADS Record Date.

The change in ADS-to-Share Ratio will impact the fees payable by Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs to the Depositary.

Holders of ADSs as of the ADS Record Date will be issued the applicable ADSs in uncertificated “direct registration” form (“ DRS ”) and should expect to receive from the Depositary a DRS account statement identifying the number of ADSs credited to their DRS accounts at the Depositary. Holders of ADSs, who do not wish to continue to hold ADSs in DRS form and wish to receive ADRs, should follow the instructions set forth on the DRS account statement they receive to request the certification of the ADSs credited to their DRS accounts.

Please note that ADRs that were issued prior to the date hereof and do not reflect the new ADS-to-Share ratio, do not need to be exchanged for new ADRs and may remain outstanding until such time the Holder chooses to surrender them for any reason under the Deposit Agreement.

Also, please note that the ADS books will be closed for cancellation from close of business in New York on February 6, 2017 through February 16, 2017.

Copies of the Deposit Agreement are available, and of the form of the Amendment will be available, prior to the ADS Effective Date, from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and from the Depositary’s office located at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013. If you have any questions regarding the Amendment, please call Citibank, N.A.—ADS Holder Services at

1-877-248-4237.

Citibank, N.A., as Depositary

January 13, 2017

 

B-2

LOGO    Exhibit 4.5

EXECUTION VERSION

DATED 20 JANUARY 2017

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE P.L.C.

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

B.A.T CAPITAL CORPORATION

as Borrowers

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

as Guarantor

HSBC BANK PLC

as Agent

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as US$ Swingline Agent

HSBC BANK PLC

as Euro Swingline Agent

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as US Agent

and

CERTAIN BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

as Banks

 

 

£5,680,000,000

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES

 

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Clause

   Headings      Page  

1.

  

INTERPRETATION

     4  

2.

  

THE FACILITIES

     22  

3.

  

PURPOSE

     27  

4.

  

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     28  

5.

  

ADVANCES

     28  

6.

  

REPAYMENT

     30  

7.

  

PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION

     32  

8.

  

INTEREST

     35  

9.

  

PAYMENTS

     37  

10.

  

TAXES

     40  

11.

  

MARKET DISRUPTION

     45  

12.

  

INCREASED COSTS

     46  

13.

  

ILLEGALITY AND MITIGATION

     47  

14.

  

GUARANTEE

     48  

15.

  

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     50  

16.

  

UNDERTAKINGS

     52  

17.

  

FINANCIAL COVENANT

     55  

18.

  

DEFAULT

     56  

19.

  

THE ADMINISTRATIVE PARTIES

     59  

20.

  

FEES

     64  

21.

  

EXPENSES

     66  

22.

  

STAMP DUTIES

     67  

23.

  

INDEMNITIES

     67  

24.

  

EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS

     68  

25.

  

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

     68  

26.

  

CHANGES TO THE PARTIES

     69  

27.

  

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION AND KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS

     76  

28.

  

SET-OFF

     77  

29.

  

PRO RATA SHARING

     78  

30.

  

SEVERABILITY

     78  

31.

  

COUNTERPARTS

     78  

32.

  

NOTICES

     78  

33.

  

LANGUAGE

     81  

34.

  

JURISDICTION

     81  

35.

  

WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY

     81  

36.

  

GOVERNING LAW

     82  

37.

  

US PATRIOT ACT

     82  


SCHEDULE 1 BANKS AND COMMITMENTS

     84  

SCHEDULE 2 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT DOCUMENTS

     86  

SCHEDULE 3 FORM OF REQUEST

     88  

SCHEDULE 4 FORMS OF ACCESSION DOCUMENTS

     90  

SCHEDULE 5 FORM OF CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERTAKING

     95  

SCHEDULE 6 FORM OF INCREASE CONFIRMATION

     96  

SCHEDULE 7 EXTENSION REQUEST AND EXTENSION NOTICE

     99  

SCHEDULE 8 TERM OUT

     102  

SCHEDULE 9 FORM OF ACCORDION INCREASE REQUEST

     104  


THIS AGREEMENT is dated ……………………… 20 January 2017

BETWEEN:

 

(1) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C. (registered number 3407696), B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE P.L.C. (registered number 1060930), BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V. (registered number 33236251), B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. (registered number 60533536) and B.A.T CAPITAL CORPORATION (registered number 0911777), as original borrowers (the “Original Borrowers” );

 

(2) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C. as guarantor (the “Guarantor” );

 

(3) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Part I of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners (the “MLABs” );

 

(4) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION listed in Part I of Schedule 1 as lead arranger (the “ Lead Arranger ”);

 

(5) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION listed in Part I of Schedule 1 as arranger (together with the MLABs and Lead Arranger, the “ Arrangers ”);

 

(6) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) as banks (the “Original Banks” );

 

(7) HSBC BANK PLC as agent (in this capacity the “Agent” );

 

(8) HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as US$ swingline agent (in this capacity the “US$ Swingline Agent” );

 

(9) HSBC BANK PLC as Euro swingline agent (in this capacity the “Euro Swingline Agent” ); and

 

(10) HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as US agent (in this capacity the “US Agent” ).

IT IS AGREED as follows:

 

1. INTERPRETATION

 

1.1 Definitions

In this Agreement:

“Acceptable Bank” means a bank or financial institution which has a rating for its long term unsecured and non credit-enhanced debt obligations of A- or higher by S&P or Fitch Rating Ltd or A3 or higher by Moody’s or a comparable rating from an internationally recognised credit rating agency.

“Accordion Increase” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 2.6.1.

“Accordion Increase Date” means, in relation to an Accordion Increase in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase - Accordion ), the later of:

 

  (a) the proposed Accordion Increase Date specified in the relevant Accordion Increase Request; and

 

  (b) the date on which the Agent executes the relevant Increase Confirmation.

“Accordion Increase Request” means a notice substantially in the form set out in Schedule 9 ( Form of Accordion Increase Request ).

“Accordion Longstop Date” means the date falling six months after the Closing Date.

“Acquisition” means the proposed acquisition by a member of the Group of all the common shares in Reynolds American Inc. which are not already held by a member of the Group in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

“Additional Borrower” means any member of the Group which becomes a Borrower in accordance with Clause 26.6 ( Additional Borrowers ).

 

4


“Administrative Party” means the Agent, the US$ Swingline Agent, the Euro Swingline Agent or the US Agent.

“Advance” means a Revolving Facility Advance, a Swingline Advance or a Term Advance.

“Affiliate” means a Subsidiary or a holding company (as defined in Section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006) of a person and any other Subsidiary of that holding company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in relation to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, the term “Affiliate” shall not include (i) the UK government or any member or instrumentality thereof, including Her Majesty’s Treasury and UK Financial Investments Limited (or any directors, officers, employees or entities thereof) or (ii) any persons or entities controlled by or under common control with the UK government or any member or instrumentality thereof (including Her Majesty’s Treasury and UK Financial Investments Limited) and which are not part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc and its subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings.

“Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange” means the spot rate of exchange as determined by the Agent for the purchase of the relevant Optional Currency in the London foreign exchange market with Sterling at the relevant time on a particular day.

“Agreed Percentage” means, in relation to a Bank and a Swingline Advance under a Swingline Facility, the amount of its Commitment under the related Revolving Facility expressed as a percentage of the Total Relevant Commitments.

“Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws” means all applicable anti-bribery and corruption laws and regulations, including but not limited to the US Foreign and Corrupt Practices Act 1977 and the UK Bribery Act 2010.

“Anti-Money Laundering Laws” means all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations.

“Available Commitment” means, in relation to a Revolving Facility at any time, a Bank’s relevant Revolving Facility Commitment less the aggregate amount of:

 

  (a) the Original Sterling Amount of its share of any outstanding Revolving Facility Advance under the relevant Revolving Facility; and

 

  (b) the Original Sterling Amount of its share, or if applicable the share of any of its Swingline Affiliates or any Bank of which it is a Swingline Affiliate, of any Advance under any Swingline Facility relating to such Revolving Facility at such time,

provided that for the purposes of calculating any Bank’s Available Commitment on any day, any Advance under the relevant Revolving Facility or Swingline Facility which is due to be repaid or prepaid on such day shall be ignored and any Advance under the relevant Revolving Facility or Swingline Facility which is to be made on such day shall be taken into account.

“Available Facility” means in relation to a Revolving Facility at any time, the aggregate amount at that time of the Available Commitments of all the Banks under that Revolving Facility.

“Available Swingline Commitment” means, in relation to a Swingline Facility at any time, a Bank’s Swingline Commitment under that Swingline Facility less the aggregate amount of its share of any outstanding Swingline Advances under that Swingline Facility at that time, provided that (i) for the purposes of calculating any Bank’s Available Swingline Commitment on any day, any Swingline Advance which is due to be repaid or prepaid on such day shall be ignored and any Swingline Advance which is to be made on such day shall be taken into account, and (ii) such amount is not greater than the Bank’s (or any Bank of which it is a Swingline Affiliate) undrawn Commitment under the related Revolving Facility at that time. If it is greater, that Bank’s Available Swingline Commitment shall be an amount equal to that Bank’s (or any Bank of which it is a Swingline Affiliate) undrawn Commitment under the related Revolving Facility or zero, as the case may be.

“Available Swingline Facility” means, in relation to a Swingline Facility at any time, the aggregate amount at that time of the Available Swingline Commitments of all the Banks under that Swingline Facility.

 

5


“Banks” means those financial institutions listed in Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) and their respective successors and assigns which are for the time being participating in the Facilities and any bank or financial institution which has become a Bank in accordance with Clause 26.11 ( Increase ) or Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ).

“Borrower” means, subject to Clauses 7.4 ( Mandatory Prepayment by Borrowers ) and 7.5 ( Changes to Borrowers ), the Original Borrowers and each Additional Borrower.

“Borrower Accession Agreement” means a letter substantially in the form of Part II of Schedule 4 ( Forms of Accession Documents ) with such amendments as the Agent may approve or reasonably require.

“Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness” means, in relation to any person, any obligation (whether incurred as principal or surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent, comprising or constituted by:

 

  (a) any liability to repay the principal of or to pay interest on borrowed money or deposits; or

 

  (b) any liability:

 

  (i) under or pursuant to any letter of credit, acceptance credit facility or note purchase facility; or

 

  (ii) in relation to any foreign currency transaction or any purchase price for property or services payment of which is deferred for a period in excess of 180 days after the later of taking possession or becoming the legal owner thereof or the service being rendered; or

 

  (iii) with regard to any guarantee or indemnity in respect of repayment of obligations referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above or of any other borrowed money.

“Borrower DTTP Filing” means an HM Revenue & Customs’ Form DTTP2 duly completed and filed by the relevant Borrower, which:

 

  (a) relates to an Original Bank and:

 

  (i) where the Borrower is an Original Borrower, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after the Signing Date; or

 

  (ii) where the Borrower is an Additional Borrower, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after the date on which that Borrower becomes an Additional Borrower; or

 

  (b) relates to a Bank that is a New Bank, an Increase Bank or an Increase Accordion Bank and:

 

  (i) where the Borrower is a Borrower as at the relevant Novation Date (or date on which the increase in Commitments described in the relevant Increase Confirmation takes effect) is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after that Novation Date (or date on which the increase in Commitments described in the relevant Increase Confirmation takes effect); or

 

  (ii) where the Borrower is not a Borrower as at the relevant Novation Date (or date on which the increase in Commitments described in the relevant Increase Confirmation takes effect), is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after the date on which that Borrower becomes an Additional Borrower.

 

6


“Borrowings” means (without double counting) any indebtedness in respect of the following:

 

  (a) money borrowed or raised and debit balances at banks;

 

  (b) any bond, note, loan stock, debenture or similar debt instrument;

 

  (c) acceptance credit facilities;

 

  (d) receivables sold or discounted (otherwise than on a non-recourse basis);

 

  (e) finance leases and hire purchase contracts which are required to be capitalised under generally accepted accounting principles in the UK;

 

  (f) any other transaction having the commercial effect of a borrowing or raising of money excluding trade credit in the ordinary course of business; and

 

  (g) guarantees in respect of indebtedness of any person falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (f) (both inclusive) above,

provided that indebtedness owing by one member of the Group to another member of the Group shall not be taken into account as Borrowings.

“Business Day” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday):

 

  (a) on which banks and the interbank and foreign exchange markets are open for business in London and, in the case of a day on which any payment is required to be made by an Obligor, in New York; and

 

  (b) (in relation to a day on which a payment in US Dollars or an Optional Currency (other than euro) is required hereunder) on which banks and the interbank and foreign exchange markets are open for business in New York or in the principal financial centre of the country of such Optional Currency; or

 

  (c) (in relation to a day on which a payment in euro is required hereunder) which is a Target Day.

“Closing Date” means the date of completion of the Acquisition in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Commitment” means a Revolving Facility Commitment or a Swingline Facility Commitment.

“Dangerous Substance” means any radioactive emissions and any natural or artificial substance (whether in solid or liquid form or in the form of a gas or vapour and whether alone or in combination with any other substance) which, taking into account the concentrations and quantities present and the manner in which it is being used or handled, it is reasonably foreseeable will cause harm to man or any other living organism or damage to the Environment including any controlled, special, hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous waste.

“Default” means an Event of Default or an event specified in Clause 18 ( Default ) which, with the giving of notice, determination of materiality or expiry of any grace period under this Agreement (or any combination of the foregoing), would constitute an Event of Default.

“Defaulting Bank” means any Bank:

 

  (a) which has failed to make its participation in an Advance available or has notified the Agent that it will not make its participation in an Advance available by the Utilisation Date of that Advance in accordance with Clause 5.7 ( Payment of proceeds );

 

  (b) which has otherwise rescinded or repudiated a Finance Document; or

 

7


  (c) with respect to which an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing,

unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:

 

  (i) its failure to pay is caused by:

 

  (1) administrative or technical error; or

 

  (2) a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within five Business Days of its due date; or

 

  (ii) that Bank is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

“Defeased Borrowings” means any indebtedness (or obligations in respect thereof, such as future interest) in respect of capital market issues in existence on the Signing Date which has been fully covered by cash or cash equivalents as a means of achieving the economic effect of full repayment of that indebtedness.

“Disruption Event” means either or both of:

 

  (a) a material disruption to those payment or communication systems or to those financial markets which are, in each case, required to operate in order for payments to be made in connection with a Facility (or otherwise in order for the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents to be carried out) which disruption is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, any of the Parties; or

 

  (b) the occurrence of any other event which results in a disruption (of a technical or systems-related nature) to the treasury or payments operations of a Party preventing that, or any other Party:

 

  (i) from performing its payment obligations under the Finance Documents; or

 

  (ii) from communicating with other Parties in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents,

and which (in either such case) is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, the Party whose operations are disrupted.

“Employee Plan” means an employee pension benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which any US Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

“Environment” means the media of air, water and land (wherever occurring) and in relation to the media of air and water includes, without limitation, the air and water within buildings and the air and water within other natural or man-made structures above or below ground and any water contained in any underground strata.

“Environmental Approvals” means all authorisations of any kind required under Environmental Laws to which any member of the Group is subject at any time.

“Environmental Law” means all legislation, regulations or orders (insofar as such regulations or orders have the force of law) to the extent that it relates to the protection or impairment of the Environment or the control of Dangerous Substances (whether or not in force at the Signing Date) which are capable of enforcement in any applicable jurisdiction by legal process.

“EONIA” means in relation to a Euro Swingline Advance, the Euro OverNight Index Average as determined by the Euro Swingline Agent and notified to the relevant Borrower on a daily basis. EONIA will be determined by the Euro Swingline Agent by reference to:

 

  (a)

the applicable Euro OverNight Index Average displayed on the appropriate page

 

8


  of the Reuters screen during the relevant Term at 7.00 p.m. on the TARGET Day on which EONIA is to be determined (or, if to be determined on a day other than a TARGET Day, the preceding TARGET Day); or

 

  (b) if the rate cannot be determined under paragraph (a) above, the arithmetic mean rounded upwards to five (5) decimal places of the rate at which euro deposits of the amount of the relevant Euro Swingline Advance are offered to the Reference Banks for the same period as the relevant Term by prime banks in the European inter-bank market,

provided that, if that rate is less than zero, EONIA shall be deemed to be zero.

“ERISA” means the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (or any successor legislation thereto) as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.

“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that for purposes of Title I and Title IV of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code would be deemed at any relevant time to be a single employer with any US Borrower, pursuant to Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.

“ERISA Event” means:

 

  (a) any reportable event, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA, with respect to an Employee Plan, as to which PBGC has not by regulation waived the requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified of such event;

 

  (b) the filing under Section 4041 of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate any Employee Plan or the termination of any Employee Plan under Section 4041 of ERISA, or the receipt of notice by any US Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate under section 4042 of ERISA from the PBGC for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Employee Plan;

 

  (c) any failure by any Employee Plan to satisfy the minimum funding requirements of Sections 412 and 430 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA applicable to such Employee Plan, in each case whether or not waived;

 

  (d) the incurrence by any US Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the complete or partial withdrawal, within the meaning of Section 4203 or 4205 of ERISA, of any US Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Employee Plan or Multiemployer Plan;

 

  (e) the filing under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA of any request for a minimum funding variance with respect to any Employee Plan;

 

  (f) any US Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate incurring any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Employee Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); and

 

  (g) a determination that any Employee Plan is, or is expected to be, in “at risk” status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code).

EURIBOR ” means in relation to any Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) or overdue amount denominated in euro:

 

  (a) the applicable Screen Rate;

 

  (b) if no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount, the Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount; or

 

  (c) if:

 

  (i) no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount; and

 

  (ii) it is not possible to calculate an Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount,

 

9


the Reference Bank Rate,

as of, in the case of paragraphs (a) and (c) above, 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the applicable Rate Fixing Day for euro and for a period equal in length to that Term and, if that rate is less than zero, EURIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.

“Euro Swingline Advance” means an advance made or to be made by a Euro Swingline Bank under a Euro Swingline Facility.

“Euro Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange” means the spot rate of exchange as determined by the Euro Swingline Agent for the purchase of euro in the London foreign exchange market with Sterling at the relevant time on the relevant day.

“Euro Swingline Bank” means, subject to Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), a Bank which has a Euro Swingline Commitment.

“Euro Swingline Commitment” means:

 

  (a) in respect of a Euro Swingline Bank under Euro Swingline Facility A, the amount in euro set out opposite its name in Column 3 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) or specified as such in the relevant Novation Certificate or assumed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ); or

 

  (b) in respect of a Euro Swingline Bank under Euro Swingline Facility B, the amount in euro set out opposite its name in Column 6 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) or specified as such in the relevant Novation Certificate or assumed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ),

in each case, to the extent not transferred, cancelled or reduced under this Agreement.

“Euro Swingline Facility” means Euro Swingline Facility A and/or Euro Swingline Facility B, as the context may require.

“Euro Swingline Facility A” means the committed euro swingline facility forming part of Revolving Facility A (described in Clause 2.1.3 ( Facilities )).

“Euro Swingline Facility B” means the committed euro swingline facility forming part of Revolving Facility B (described in Clause 2.1.6 ( Facilities )).

Euro Swingline Rate ” means, on any day, the percentage rate per annum determined by the Euro Swingline Agent to be the aggregate of:

 

  (a) EONIA; and

 

  (b) the Margin.

“Euro Swingline Total Commitments” means the aggregate for the time being of the Euro Swingline Commitments under a Euro Swingline Facility, being €473,300,000 under Euro Swingline Facility A and €946,600,000 under Euro Swingline Facility B as at the Signing Date.

“Event of Default” means an event specified as such in Clause 18 ( Default ).

“Existing Accordion Banks” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 2.6.3.

“Existing Credit Agreement” means the £3,000,000,000 revolving credit facility agreement dated 29 May 2014 made between, among others, British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. and B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c. as guarantor and HSBC Bank plc as agent.

“Facility” means the Revolving Facilities (and if the Term Out Option has been exercised then, after the Term Out Date, the Term Facility) and the Swingline Facilities described in Clause 2.1 ( Facilities ) together, the “Facilities” .

 

10


“Facility Office” means the office(s) notified by a Bank to the Agent:

 

  (a) on or before the date it becomes a Bank; or

 

  (b) by not less than five Business Days’ notice,

as the office(s) through which it will perform all or any of its obligations under this Agreement.

“FATCA” means:

 

  (a) sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code or any associated regulations or other official guidance;

 

  (b) any treaty, law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any other jurisdiction, or relating to an intergovernmental agreement between the US and any other jurisdiction, which (in either case) facilitates the implementation of paragraph (a) above; or

 

  (c) any agreement pursuant to the implementation of paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction.

“FATCA Application Date” means:

 

  (a) in relation to a “withholdable payment” described in section 1473(1)(A)(i) of the Code (which relates to payments of interest and certain other payments from sources within the US), 1 July 2014;

 

  (b) in relation to a “withholdable payment” described in section 1473(1)(A)(ii) of the Code (which relates to “gross proceeds” from the disposition of property of a type that can produce interest from sources within the US), 1 January 2019; or

 

  (c) in relation to a “passthru payment” described in section 1471(d)(7) of the Code not falling within paragraphs (a) or (b) above, 1 January 2019,

or, in each case, such other date from which such payment may become subject to a deduction or withholding required by FATCA as a result of any change in FATCA after the Signing Date.

“FATCA Deduction” means a deduction or withholding required by FATCA.

Federal Funds Rate ” means on any day, the rate per annum determined by the US$ Swingline Agent to be equal to:

 

  (a) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the US Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for that day (or, if that day is not a New York Business Day, for the immediately preceding New York Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; or

 

  (b) if a rate is not so published for any day which is a New York Business Day, the average of the quotations for that day on such transactions received by the US$ Swingline Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognised standing selected by the US$ Swingline Agent.

“Fee Letters” means each letter dated on or about the Signing Date between the Agent, the US Agent and the Parent setting out the amount of various fees referred to in Clause 20 ( Fees ).

“Final Maturity Date” means:

 

  (a) in respect of Revolving Facility A and Swingline Facility A, subject to Clauses 2.4 ( Extension option ) and 2.5 ( Term-out option ), the date falling 364 days after the Closing Date; and

 

  (b) in respect of Revolving Facility B and Swingline Facility B, 29 May 2021.

 

11


“Finance Document” means this Agreement, each Fee Letter, a Novation Certificate, a Borrower Accession Agreement, each novation agreement entered into pursuant to Clause 7.5.2 ( Changes to Borrowers ) or any other document designated as such by the Agent and the Parent.

“Finance Party” means a Bank or an Administrative Party.

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Parent including IFRS.

“Group” means the Parent and its Subsidiaries.

“Holding Company” means, in relation to a person, an entity of which that person is a Subsidiary.

“IFRS” means international financial reporting standards within the meaning of the IAS Regulation 1606/2002 to the extent applicable to the relevant financial statements.

“Impaired Agent” means an Administrative Party at any time when:

 

  (a) it has failed to make (or has notified a Party that it will not make) a payment required to be made by it under the Finance Documents by the due date for payment;

 

  (b) that Administrative Party otherwise rescinds or repudiates a Finance Document;

 

  (c) (if that Administrative Party is also a Bank) it is a Defaulting Bank under paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank”; or

 

  (d) an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to that Administrative Party;

unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:

 

  (i) its failure to pay is caused by:

 

  (a) an administrative or technical error; or

 

  (b) a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within five Business Days of its due date; or

 

  (ii) that Administrative Party is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

“Increase Accordion Bank” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 2.6.4(A).

“Increase Bank” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 26.11 ( Increase ).

“Increase Confirmation” means a confirmation substantially in the form set out in Schedule 6 ( Form of Increase Confirmation ).

“Insolvency Event” means in relation to a Finance Party, that the Finance Party:

 

  (a) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

  (b) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

  (c) makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors;

 

  (d)

institutes or has instituted against it, by a regulator, supervisor or any similar official with primary insolvency, rehabilitative or regulatory jurisdiction over it in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organisation or the jurisdiction of its head or home office, a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other

 

12


  relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, all other than by way of an Undisclosed Administration, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation by it or such regulator, supervisor or similar official;

 

  (e) has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation, and, in the case of any such proceeding or petition instituted or presented against it, such proceeding or petition is instituted or presented by a person or entity not described in paragraph (d) above and:

 

  (i) results in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief or the making of an order for its winding-up or liquidation; or

 

  (ii) is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case within 21 days of the institution or presentation thereof;

 

  (f) has exercised in respect of it one or more of the stabilisation powers pursuant to Part 1 of the Banking Act 2009 and/or has instituted against it a bank insolvency proceeding pursuant to Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009 or a bank administration proceeding pursuant to Part 3 of the Banking Act 2009;

 

  (g) has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

  (h) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all of its assets, all other than by way of an Undisclosed Administration;

 

  (i) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all of its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or substantially all of its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 21 days thereafter;

 

  (j) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in paragraphs (a) to (i) (above); or

 

  (k) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence, in any of the foregoing acts.

Interpolated Screen Rate ” means, in relation to LIBOR or EURIBOR for any Advance or overdue amount, the rate (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the two relevant Screen Rates) which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:

 

  (a) the applicable Screen Rate for the longest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which is less than the Term of that Advance or overdue amount; and

 

  (b) the applicable Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which exceeds the Term of that Advance or overdue amount,

as of:

 

  (i) in the case of LIBOR, 11.00 a.m.(London time); and

 

  (ii) in the case of EURIBOR, 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time),

in each case, on the Rate Fixing Day for the currency of that Advance or overdue amount.

“ITA” means the Income Tax Act 2007.

 

13


LIBOR ” means in relation to any Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) or overdue amount denominated in a currency other than euro:

 

  (a) the applicable Screen Rate;

 

  (b) if no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount, the Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount; or

 

  (c) if:

 

  (i) no Screen Rate is available for the currency of that Advance or overdue amount; or

 

  (ii) no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount and it is not possible to calculate an Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount,

the Reference Bank Rate,

as of, in the case of paragraphs (a) and (c) above, 11 a.m. on the Rate Fixing Day for the currency of that Advance or overdue amount and for a period equal in length to that Term and, if that rate is less than zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.

“Majority Banks” means, at any time:

 

  (a) if any Advances are outstanding, Banks with an aggregate Original Sterling Amount of Advances and undrawn Commitments at that time of more than 66 2 / 3  per cent. of the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all Advances then outstanding and undrawn Commitments then in force; or

 

  (b) if no Advances are outstanding, Banks whose Commitments then aggregate more than 66 2 / 3  per cent. of the Total Commitments (or if the Total Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than 66 2 / 3  per cent. of the Total Commitments immediately before the reduction).

“Margin” means the percentage figure calculated in accordance with Clause 8.2 ( Calculation of the Margin ).

“Margin Stock” means “margin stock” as defined in Regulation U and X issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

“Merger Agreement” means the agreement and plan of merger dated on or about the Signing Date relating to the Acquisition and made between the Parent, BATUS Holdings Inc., Flight Acquisition Corporation and Reynolds American Inc..

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service Limited or any successor to its rating business.

“Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) that is subject to Title IV of ERISA contributed to for any employees of any US Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

“New Bank” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ).

“New York Business Day” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City.

“Novation Certificate” has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.3.1(A) ( Procedure for novations ).

“Novation Date” means, in relation to an assignment, transfer or novation in accordance with Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), the date on which such assignment, transfer or novation takes effect.

“Obligor” means each Borrower and the Guarantor.

“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of the Treasury.

 

14


“Optional Currency” means:

 

  (a) in relation to any Advance or proposed Advance (other than a US$ Swingline Advance or a Euro Swingline Advance), US Dollars and euro or any currency other than Sterling approved by all the Banks and which is readily available and freely transferable in the London foreign exchange market in sufficient amounts to fund that Advance;

 

  (b) in relation to a US$ Swingline Advance, US Dollars; and

 

  (c) in relation to a Euro Swingline Advance, euro.

“Original Sterling Amount” means:

 

  (a) the principal amount of an Advance denominated in Sterling; or

 

  (b) the principal amount of an Advance (other than a US$ Swingline Advance or a Euro Swingline Advance) denominated in any other currency, translated into Sterling on the basis of the Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date of receipt by the Agent of the Request for that Advance (or, in relation to a Term Advance, on the Term Out Date); or

 

  (c) the principal amount of a US$ Swingline Advance denominated in US Dollars translated into Sterling on the basis of the US$ Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date of receipt by the US$ Swingline Agent of the Request for that US$ Swingline Advance; or

 

  (d) the principal amount of a Euro Swingline Advance denominated in euro, translated into Sterling on the basis of the Euro Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date of receipt by the Euro Swingline Agent of the Request for that Euro Swingline Advance.

“Parent” means British American Tobacco p.l.c.

“Participating Member State” means any member state of the European Union that has the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union.

“Party” means a party to this Agreement.

“PBGC” means the US Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any entity succeeding to all or any of its functions under ERISA.

“Prime Rate” means the prime commercial lending rate from time to time announced by the US$ Swingline Agent. Each change in the interest rate on a US$ Swingline Advance which results from a change in the Prime Rate becomes effective on the day on which the change in the Prime Rate becomes effective.

“Qualifying Bank” means a bank or financial institution which:

 

  (a) is a bank as defined for the purposes of section 879 of the ITA which is making an advance under this Agreement and is within the charge to United Kingdom corporation tax as regards any interest received by it in respect of that advance, or would be within such charge as respects such payment apart from section 18A Corporation Tax Act 2009, which is beneficially entitled to that interest; or

 

  (b)

is resident (as such term is defined in the appropriate double taxation treaty) in a country with which the United Kingdom has an appropriate double taxation treaty under which that institution is entitled to exemption from United Kingdom tax on interest and is entitled to apply for, and has applied for and obtained, approval (and with an effective notice of direction to this effect provided by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs to the relevant Borrower before the date of payment of the interest in question) under the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (General)

 

15


  Regulations 1970 to have interest under this Agreement paid to its Facility Office (being the Facility Office which is beneficially entitled to the interest paid to the relevant Bank under this Agreement) without withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom taxation (and does not carry on business in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment with which any loan or advance made under this Agreement in respect of which the interest is paid is effectively connected) and for this purpose “ double taxation treaty ” means any convention or agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and any other government for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital gains; or

 

  (c) (i) holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and has complied with the obligations in Clause 10.5 ( Borrower DTTP Filing ); and

(ii) approval has been given (and with an effective notice of direction to this effect provided by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs to the relevant Borrower before the date of payment of the interest in question) under the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (General) Regulations 1970 to have interest under this Agreement paid to that Bank’s Facility Office (being the Facility Office which is beneficially entitled to the interest paid to the relevant Bank under this Agreement) without withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom taxation, provided that this limb (ii) shall only apply where the relevant Borrower has made a Borrower DTTP Filing.

“Rate Fixing Day” means:

 

  (a) in respect of a Revolving Facility Advance: (i) the Utilisation Date for an Advance denominated in Sterling; or (ii) the second Business Day before the Utilisation Date for an Advance denominated in any other currency; and

 

  (b) in respect of a Term Advance: (i) the Term Out Date or the first day of a Term (as applicable) for an Advance denominated in Sterling, or (ii) the second Business Day before the Term Out Date or the first day of a Term (as applicable) for an Advance denominated in any other currency.

“Rating Agencies” means Moody’s and S&P and “Rating Agency” shall mean any one of them.

“Reference Bank Rate” means the arithmetic mean of the rates (rounded upwards to four decimal places) as supplied to the Agent at its request by the Reference Banks:

 

  (a) in relation to LIBOR, as the rate at which the relevant Reference Bank could borrow funds in the London interbank market; or

 

  (b) in relation to EURIBOR, as the rate at which the relevant Reference Bank could borrow funds in the European interbank market,

in the relevant currency and for the relevant period, were it to do so by asking for and then accepting interbank offers for deposits in reasonable market size in that currency and for that period.

“Reference Banks” means, subject to Clause 26.8 ( Reference Banks ), any Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank appointed as such by the Agent in consultation with the Parent.

“Register” has the meaning ascribed to it in Clause 26.9 ( Register ).

“Replacement Bank” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 26.13 ( Replacement of a Defaulting Bank ).

“Request” means a request made by a Borrower to utilise a Facility, substantially in the form of Schedule 3 ( Form of Request ).

“Requested Amount” means the amount requested in a Request.

“Revolving Facility” means Revolving Facility A and/or Revolving Facility B, as the context may require.

 

16


“Revolving Facility A” means the committed multicurrency revolving credit facility described in Clause 2.1.1 ( Facilities ).

“Revolving Facility B” means the committed multicurrency revolving credit facility described in Clause 2.1.4 ( Facilities ).

“Revolving Facility Advance” means an advance made or to be made by the Banks under a Revolving Facility which has not been converted into a Term Advance pursuant to the Term Out Option.

“Revolving Facility Bank” means, at any time, a Bank with a Revolving Facility Commitment.

“Revolving Facility Commitment” means a Revolving Facility A Commitment and/or a Revolving Facility B Commitment, as the context may require.

“Revolving Facility A Commitment” means:

 

  (a) in relation to an Original Bank, the amount in Sterling set opposite its name under Column 1 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) and the amount of any other Revolving Facility A Commitments transferred to it under this Agreement or committed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ); and

 

  (b) in relation to any other Bank, the amount in Sterling of any Revolving Facility A Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement or assumed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ),

to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.

“Revolving Facility B Commitment” means:

 

  (c) in relation to an Original Bank, the amount in Sterling set opposite its name under Column 4 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) and the amount of any other Revolving Facility B Commitments transferred to it under this Agreement or assumed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ); and

 

  (d) in relation to any other Bank, the amount in Sterling of any Revolving Facility B Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement or committed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ),

to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.

“Rollover Advance” means one or more Revolving Facility Advances under a Revolving Facility:

 

  (a) made or to be made on the same day that a Revolving Facility Advance under the same Revolving Facility is due to be repaid;

 

  (b) the Original Sterling Amount of which equals or is less than the Original Sterling Amount of the relevant maturing Revolving Facility Advance(s); and

 

  (c) made or to be made to the same Borrower for the purpose of refinancing the relevant maturing Revolving Facility Advance(s).

Screen Rate ” means:

 

  (a) in relation to LIBOR, the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant currency and period displayed on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate); and

 

  (b) in relation to EURIBOR, the euro interbank offered rate administered by the Banking Federation of the European Union (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant period displayed on page EURIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate),

 

17


or, in each case, on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Reuters. If such page or service ceases to be available, the Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Parent.

“S&P” means Standard and Poor’s Credit Market Services Europe Limited or any successor to its rating business.

“Security Interest” means any mortgage, hypothecation, charge, pledge or lien (unless arising by operation of law) or other security interest securing any obligation of any person.

“Selection Notice” means a notice substantially in the form set out in Part II ( Form of Selection Notice for Term Advances ) of Schedule 8 ( Term Out ) given in relation to a Term Advance.

“Signing Date” means the date of this Agreement.

“Sterling Amount” means, in relation to a Swingline Commitment, the amount of that Swingline Commitment translated into Sterling on the basis of the Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date any part of the Facility is to be cancelled pursuant to Clause 7.1 ( Voluntary cancellation ).

“Subsidiary” means:

 

  (a) a subsidiary within the meaning of Section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006; and

 

  (b) unless the context otherwise requires, a subsidiary undertaking within the meaning of Section 1162(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

“Swingline Advance” means a US$ Swingline Advance or a Euro Swingline Advance.

“Swingline Affiliate” means, in relation to a Bank, any US$ Swingline Bank or, as the case may be, Euro Swingline Bank that is an Affiliate of that Bank and which has been notified to the Administrative Parties by that Bank in writing to be a Swingline Affiliate.

“Swingline Agent” means the US$ Swingline Agent or the Euro Swingline Agent.

“Swingline Bank” means a US$ Swingline Bank or a Euro Swingline Bank.

“Swingline Commitment” means a US$ Swingline Commitment or a Euro Swingline Commitment.

“Swingline Facility” means Swingline Facility A and/or Swingline Facility B, as the context may require (together the “Swingline Facilities” ).

“Swingline Facility A” means US$ Swingline Facility A and/or Euro Swingline Facility A, as the context may require.

“Swingline Facility B” means US$ Swingline Facility B and/or Euro Swingline Facility B, as the context may require.

“Swingline Total Commitments” means the US$ Swingline Total Commitments and the Euro Swingline Total Commitments.

TARGET2 ” means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system which utilises a single shared platform and which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor thereto.

“TARGET Day” means any day on which TARGET2 is open for the settlement of payments in euro.

“Term” means each period:

 

  (a) selected by a Borrower in a Request for which the relevant Revolving Facility Advance or Swingline Advance is to be outstanding;

 

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  (b) selected by a Borrower in a Selection Notice in relation to the relevant Term Advance; or

 

  (c) by reference to which interest on an overdue amount is calculated.

“Term Advance” means any Revolving Facility Advance converted to a term loan pursuant to the Term Out Option or the principal amount outstanding for the time being of that loan.

“Term End Date” means the last day of a Term of an Advance.

“Term Facility” means the term facility described in Clause 2.5 ( Term Out Option ).

“Term Out Date” means the date which, but for the exercise of the Term Out Option, would be the applicable Final Maturity Date.

“Term Out Notice” means a notice substantially in the form set out in Part I ( Form of Term Out Notice ) of Schedule 8 ( Term Out ).

“Term Out Option” means the term out option described in Clause 2.5 ( Term Out Option ).

“Total Commitments” means the aggregate of the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments and the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments from time to time, being £5,680,000,000 as at the Signing Date.

“Total Relevant Commitments” means in respect of a Swingline Facility, the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments or the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments, as applicable to that Swingline Facility.

“Total Revolving Facility A Commitments” means the aggregate of the Revolving Facility A Commitments from time to time, being £2,840,000,000 as at the Signing Date (of which, subject to Clause 2.2 ( Overall facility limit ), up to US$785,714,285 is available under the US$ Swingline Facility A and €473,300,000 is available under the Euro Swingline Facility A).

“Total Revolving Facility B Commitments” means the aggregate of the Revolving Facility B Commitments from time to time, being £2,840,000,000 as at the Signing Date (of which, subject to Clause 2.2 ( Overall facility limit ), up to US$1,571,428,571 is available under the US$ Swingline Facility B and €946,600,000 is available under the Euro Swingline Facility B).

“UK” or “United Kingdom” means the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“UK Resident Borrower” means a Borrower resident in the UK for the purposes of UK taxation.

“Undisclosed Administration” means in relation to a Bank the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official by a supervisory authority or regulator under or based on the law in the country where such Bank is subject to home jurisdiction supervision if applicable law requires that such appointment is not to be publicly disclosed;

“United States” means the United States of America.

“US$ Swingline Advance” means an advance made or to be made by a US$ Swingline Bank under a US$ Swingline Facility.

“US$ Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange” means the spot rate of exchange as determined by the US$ Swingline Agent for the purchase of US Dollars in the New York foreign exchange market with Sterling at the relevant time on the relevant day.

“US$ Swingline Bank” means, subject to Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), a Bank which has a US$ Swingline Commitment.

“US$ Swingline Commitment” means:

 

  (a) in respect of a US$ Swingline Bank under US$ Swingline Facility A, the amount in US Dollars set out opposite its name in Column 2 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) or specified as such in the relevant Novation Certificate or as or assumed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ),

 

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  (b) in respect of a US$ Swingline Bank under US$ Swingline Facility B, the amount in US Dollars set out opposite its name in Column 5 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) or specified as such in the relevant Novation Certificate or assumed by it in accordance with Clause 2.6 ( Increase Accordion ),

in each case, to the extent not transferred, cancelled or reduced under this Agreement.

“US$ Swingline Facility” means US$ Swingline Facility A and/or US$ Swingline Facility B, as the context may require.

“US$ Swingline Facility A” means the committed US Dollar swingline facility, forming part of Revolving Facility A, described in Clause 2.1.2 ( Facilities ).

“US$ Swingline Facility B” means the committed US Dollar swingline facility, forming part of Revolving Facility B, described in Clause 2.1.5 ( Facilities ).

“US$ Swingline Rate” means, on any day, the higher of:

 

  (a) the Prime Rate; and

 

  (b) the aggregate of the Federal Funds Rate determined by the US$ Swingline Agent for that day and 1.00 per cent. per annum.

“US$ Swingline Total Commitments” means the aggregate for the time being of the US$ Swingline Commitments under a US$ Swingline Facility, being US$785,714,285 under US$ Swingline Facility A and US$1,571,428,571 under US$ Swingline Facility B as at the Signing Date.

“US Bankruptcy Law” means the United States Bankruptcy Code or any other United States Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.

“US Borrower” means each Borrower that is incorporated or organised under the laws of the United States or any State of the United States (including the District of Columbia).

“US Debtor” means a US Borrower in respect of which an Advance is outstanding under this Agreement.

“US Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of the Code and a disregarded entity (for US federal income tax purposes) owned by any such person.

“Utilisation Date” means the date for the making of an Advance.

 

1.2 Construction

 

  1.2.1 In this Agreement, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to:

 

  (A) assets ” includes properties, revenues and rights of every description;

 

  (B) an “ authorisation ” includes an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, registration and notarisation;

 

  (C) a “ month ” is a reference to a period starting on one day in a calendar month and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the next calendar month, except that, if there is no numerically corresponding day in the month in which that period ends, that period shall end on the last Business Day in that calendar month;

 

  (D) pro rata ” shall mean in proportion to;

 

  (E) a “ regulation ” includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental body, agency, department or regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or organisation;

 

  (F) tax ” shall mean any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding (including backup withholding) of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same);

 

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  (G) the currency of a country is to the lawful currency of that country for the time being, “ ” and “ euro ” is a reference to the single currency of the Participating Member States, “ £ ” and “ Sterling ” is a reference to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom for the time being, “ US$ ” and “ US Dollars ” is a reference to the lawful currency of the United States for the time being;

 

  (H) a provision of a law is a reference to that provision as amended or re-enacted;

 

  (I) a Clause or a Schedule is a reference to a clause of or a schedule to this Agreement;

 

  (J) a person includes any person, firm, company, corporation, government, state or agency of a state or any association, trust or partnership (whether or not having separate legal personality) or two or more of the foregoing;

 

  (K) a Finance Document or another document is a reference to that Finance Document or that other document as amended, novated or supplemented; and

 

  (L) a time of day is a reference to London time.

 

  1.2.2 Unless the contrary intention appears, a term used in any other Finance Document or in any notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document has the same meaning in that Finance Document or notice as in this Agreement.

 

  1.2.3 The index to and the headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and are to be ignored in construing this Agreement.

 

  1.2.4 The representation and warranty given in Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption ) and the undertaking given in Clause 16.12 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption ) (each a “ Sanctions Provision ”) shall only apply to a Restricted Lender to the extent that the relevant Sanctions Provision would not result in a violation of, conflict with or create a liability under: (i) EU Regulation (EC) 2271/96; (ii) §7 of the German Außenwirtschaftsverordnung (in connection with section 4 paragraph 1 no. 3 of the German Außenwirtschaftsgesetz); or (iii) any similar applicable anti-boycott statute, and in connection with any waiver, determination or direction relating to any part of any Sanctions Provision which does not apply to any Restricted Lender, the Commitment of that Restricted Lender will be excluded for the purpose of determining whether the consent of the requisite majority of Lenders has been obtained or whether the determination or direction by the requisite majority of Lenders has been made (as applicable). For the purposes of this Clause 1.2.4 a “Restricted Lender” means a Lender that has notified the Agent and the Parent that a Sanctions Provision may result in a violation of, a conflict with or liability under: (i) EU Regulation (EC) 2271/96; (ii) §7 of the German Außenwirtschaftsverordnung (in connection with section 4 paragraph 1 no. 3 of the German Außenwirtschaftsgesetz); or (iii) any similar applicable anti-boycott statute.

 

1.3 Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999

No term of this Agreement is enforceable under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 by a person who is not a party to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this shall not prevent any person taking the benefit of this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Clause 7.5 ( Changes to Borrowers ), Clause 19.7.2 ( Exoneration ), Clause 19.16 ( Resignation of an Administrative Party ), Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ) and Clause 26.5 ( Additional Borrowers ).

 

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2. THE FACILITIES

 

2.1 Facilities

The Banks grant to the Borrowers the following facilities:

 

  2.1.1 subject to Clauses 2.4 ( Extension option ) and 2.5 ( Term Out Option ), a committed 364-day multi-currency revolving credit facility, to be designated as Revolving Facility A, under which the relevant Revolving Facility Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make cash advances in Sterling or Optional Currencies to that Borrower on a revolving basis;

 

  2.1.2 subject to Clauses 2.4 ( Extension option ), a committed US Dollar swingline advance facility (which is a sub-division of Revolving Facility A) under which the relevant US$ Swingline Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make to that Borrower US$ Swingline Advances;

 

  2.1.3 subject to Clauses 2.4 ( Extension option ), a committed euro swingline advance facility (which is a sub-division of Revolving Facility A) under which the relevant Euro Swingline Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make to that Borrower Euro Swingline Advances;

 

  2.1.4 a committed multi-currency revolving credit facility, to be designated as Revolving Facility B, under which the relevant Revolving Facility Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make cash advances in Sterling or Optional Currencies to that Borrower on a revolving basis;

 

  2.1.5 a committed US Dollar swingline advance facility (which is a sub-division of Revolving Facility B) under which the relevant US$ Swingline Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make to that Borrower US$ Swingline Advances; and

 

  2.1.6 a committed euro swingline advance facility (which is a sub-division of Revolving Facility B) under which the relevant Euro Swingline Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make to that Borrower Euro Swingline Advances,

in all cases subject to the other terms of this Agreement.

 

2.2 Overall facility limit

 

  2.2.1 The aggregate:

 

  (A) Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances under:

 

  (1) Revolving Facility A (or if applicable, the Term Facility) and Swingline Facility A, shall not at any time exceed the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments at that time;

 

  (2) Revolving Facility B and Swingline Facility B, shall not at any time exceed the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments at that time;

 

  (B) amount of all Advances under a US$ Swingline Facility, shall not at any time exceed the relevant US$ Swingline Total Commitments at that time; and

 

  (C) amount of all Advances under a Euro Swingline Facility, shall not at any time exceed the relevant Euro Swingline Total Commitments at that time.

 

  2.2.2 The aggregate:

 

  (A) Original Sterling Amount of:

 

  (1)

Revolving Facility Advances under Revolving Facility A (or if applicable, Term Advances under the Term Facility) and Swingline Advances under Swingline Facility A made by a Bank

 

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  and, if applicable, any of that Bank’s Swingline Affiliates, shall not at any time exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment under Revolving Facility A at that time; and

 

  (2) Revolving Facility Advances under Revolving Facility B and Swingline Advances under Swingline Facility B made by a Bank and, if applicable, any of that Bank’s Swingline Affiliates, shall not at any time exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment under Revolving Facility B at that time;

 

  (B) amount of US$ Swingline Advances made by a US$ Swingline Bank under a US$ Swingline Facility shall not at any time exceed its US$ Swingline Commitment under the relevant US$ Swingline Facility at that time; and

 

  (C) amount of Euro Swingline Advances made by a Euro Swingline Bank under a Euro Swingline Facility shall not at any time exceed its Euro Swingline Commitment under the relevant Euro Swingline Facility at that time.

 

2.3 Number of Requests and Advances

 

  2.3.1 No more than one Request may be delivered on any one day but that Request may specify any number and type of Advances from any Revolving Facility and/or Swingline Facility.

 

  2.3.2 Unless the Agent agrees otherwise:

 

  (A) no more than 10 Advances may be outstanding under each Revolving Facility at any time; and

 

  (B) outstanding Advances at any time may not be denominated in more than 5 different currencies under each Facility.

 

2.4 Extension Option

 

  2.4.1 The Parent may request by giving notice to the Agent (an “ Extension Request ”) no more than 90 days, and not less than 30 days prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, that the relevant Final Maturity Date for all or part of Revolving Facility A and Swingline Facility A be extended for an additional 365-day period. Any Extension Request shall be in the form set out in Schedule 7 ( Extension Request and Extension Notice ).

 

  2.4.2 Upon receipt of an Extension Request under Clause 2.4.1 above, the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank. Each such Bank shall have the right, in its absolute discretion, to accept or decline any Extension Request and any such Bank which wishes to accept the Extension Request (“ Extension Banks ”) shall so notify the Agent no later than the date falling 20 days before the first anniversary of the Closing Date. If any Bank does not accept an Extension Request by that date, it will be deemed to have refused it.

 

  2.4.3 The Agent shall promptly notify the Parent of the Extension Banks, whereupon in respect of those Banks only (if any), the Final Maturity Date in respect of Revolving Facility A and Swingline Facility A shall be extended to the second anniversary of the Closing Date.

 

  2.4.4 Subject to Clause 2.5 ( Term out Option ), on the date falling 364 days after the Closing Date:

 

  (A) the Borrower shall repay the participation in the Advances under Revolving Facility A and Swingline Facility A of each Bank (other than an Extension Bank) in full; and

 

23


  (B) the Commitment of each Bank (other than an Extension Bank) under Revolving Facility A and Swingline Facility A shall be cancelled automatically.

 

  2.4.5 Subject to Clause 2.5 ( Term out Option ), on the second anniversary of the Closing Date:

 

  (A) the Borrower shall repay the participation in the Advances under Revolving Facility A and Swingline Facility A of each Extension Bank in full; and

 

  (B) the Commitment of each Extension Bank under Revolving Facility A and Swingline Facility A shall be cancelled automatically.

 

  2.4.6 No more than one Extension Request may be given under Clause 2.4.1 above, and any such request is irrevocable.

 

2.5 Term Out Option

 

  2.5.1 The Parent may exercise the term out option by issue of a Term Out Notice to the Agent no more than 90 days, and not less than 10 days before the Final Maturity Date then applicable to Revolving Facility A.

 

  2.5.2 The Agent shall promptly notify each Bank upon receipt of a Term Out Notice.

 

  2.5.3 If the Term Out Option is so exercised then, on the Term Out Date:

 

  (A) any Available Commitment under Revolving Facility A and any Commitment under Swingline Facility A shall be automatically cancelled;

 

  (B) the applicable Final Maturity Date of all Advances then outstanding under Revolving Facility A shall be extended to either the second anniversary of the Closing Date or, if the applicable Final Maturity Date has already been extended pursuant to Clause 2.4 ( Extension Option ) above, the third anniversary of the Closing Date; and

 

  (C) accordingly, the Banks participating in Advances under Revolving Facility A on the Term Out Date shall make available a term facility to the relevant Borrowers in the amount of the Advances then outstanding under those Facilities.

 

  2.5.4 For the avoidance of doubt, Swingline Facility A shall not be extended pursuant to this Clause and any Advances outstanding under Swingline Facility A shall be repaid in full on or before the Term Out Date in accordance with Clause 6 ( Repayment ).

 

2.6 Increase Accordion

 

  2.6.1 The Parent may by delivering to the Agent an Accordion Increase Request on or prior to the Accordion Longstop Date, at least 10 Business Days in advance of the Accordion Increase Date specified in such Accordion Increase Request and provided that no Event of Default is continuing on the date of, or would arise as a result of, such Accordion Increase Request, increase any or both of:

 

  (A) the amount of the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments by £160,000,000 and, at the option of the Parent any or both of:

 

  (1) the amount of the Euro Swingline Total Commitments under Euro Swingline Facility A pro rata with that Accordion Increase provided that the maximum aggregate additional Euro Swingline Commitments under Euro Swingline Facility A shall not exceed EUR26,700,000; and

 

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  (2) the amount of the US$ Swingline Total Commitments under US$ Swingline Facility A pro rata with that Accordion Increase provided that the maximum aggregate additional US$ Swingline Commitments under US$ Swingline Facility A shall not exceed US$47,619,048; and

 

  (B) the amount of the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments by £160,000,000 and, at the option of the Parent any or both of:

 

  (1) the amount of the Euro Swingline Total Commitments under Euro Swingline Facility B pro rata with that Accordion Increase provided that the maximum aggregate additional Euro Swingline Commitments under Euro Swingline Facility B shall not exceed EUR53,400,000; and

 

  (2) the amount of the US$ Swingline Total Commitments under US$ Swingline Facility B pro rata with that Accordion Increase provided that the maximum aggregate additional US$ Swingline Commitments under US$ Swingline Facility B shall not exceed US$95,238,096,

(such increase being, an “ Accordion Increase ”).

 

  2.6.2 The Parent shall have the discretion to decide which Bank or other bank or financial institution will make available and provide the Increase Amount (as defined below) provided that no Existing Accordion Bank (as defined below) shall be under any obligation to become an Increase Accordion Bank (unless it has agreed otherwise with the Parent).

 

  2.6.3 The Agent shall notify each Bank party to this Agreement immediately prior to the Accordion Increase Date (the “ Existing Accordion Banks ”) as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the notice specified in Clause 2.6.1 above.

 

  2.6.4 Following receipt by the Agent of the notice specified in Clause 2.6.1 above and subject to the maximum aggregate amount specified in Clause 2.6.1 above, the amount of the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments and the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments (as applicable) and, if the Parent has so elected, the Euro Swingline Total Commitments and US$ Swingline Total Commitments (as applicable) under the relevant Revolving Facilities will be increased on the Accordion Increase Date by the amount(s) specified in the notice (the “ Increase Amount ”), as follows and with effect from the Accordion Increase Date:

 

  (A) the increased Revolving Facility Commitments and, if applicable, the increased Swingline Commitments will be assumed by one Bank or one other bank or financial institution (the “ Increase Accordion Bank ”) selected by the Parent (which shall not be a member of the Group) and which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of a Bank corresponding to that part of the increased Revolving Facility Commitments and, if applicable, the increased Swingline Commitments which it is to assume, as if it had been an Original Bank (such confirmation to be evidenced by its execution of an Increase Confirmation) provided that no Existing Accordion Bank or any other person shall be under any obligation to become an Increase Accordion Bank (unless it has agreed otherwise with the Parent);

 

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  (B) each of the Obligors and any Increase Accordion Bank shall assume obligations towards one another and/or acquire rights against one another in respect of the relevant increased Revolving Facility Commitments and, if applicable, the relevant increased Swingline Commitments as the Obligors and the Increase Accordion Bank would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Accordion Bank been an Original Bank in respect of the relevant increased Revolving Facility Commitments and, as the case may be, the relevant increased Swingline Commitments;

 

  (C) the Increase Accordion Bank shall become a Party as a “Bank” and the Increase Accordion Bank and each of the other Finance Parties shall assume obligations towards one another in respect of the relevant increased Revolving Facility Commitments and, if applicable, the relevant increased Swingline Commitments and acquire rights against one another in respect of the relevant increased Revolving Facility Commitments and, if applicable, the relevant increased Swingline Commitments as that Increase Accordion Bank and those Finance Parties would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Accordion Bank been an Original Bank in respect of the relevant increased Revolving Facility Commitments and, as the case may be, the relevant increased Swingline Commitments; and

 

  (D) the Commitments of the other Banks shall continue in full force and effect.

 

  2.6.5 Subject to Clause 2.6.4 above, an increase in the relevant Revolving Facility Commitments or Swingline Commitments will only be effective when the Agent executes an otherwise duly completed Increase Confirmation. The Agent shall, subject to Clause 2.6.6 below, as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by it of a duly completed Increase Confirmation appearing on its face to comply with the terms of this Agreement and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, execute that Increase Confirmation except to the extent an Event of Default is continuing on, or would arise as a result of, the proposed Accordion Increase Date.

 

  2.6.6 The Agent shall only be obliged to execute an Increase Confirmation delivered to it by an Increase Accordion Bank which is not a Bank immediately prior to the relevant increase once it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assumption of the increased Commitments by that Increase Accordion Bank (which it shall attend to as soon as reasonably practicable), the completion of which the Agent shall promptly notify to the Parent and the Increase Accordion Bank.

 

  2.6.7 The Parent may only request one Accordion Increase.

 

  2.6.8 The Increase Accordion Bank, by executing the Increase Confirmation, confirms (for the avoidance of doubt) that the Agent has authority to execute on its behalf any amendment or waiver that has been approved by or on behalf of the requisite Bank or Banks in accordance with this Agreement on or prior to the date on which the increase becomes effective.

 

  2.6.9 Clauses 26.2.4 to 26.2.6 ( Transfers by Banks ) shall apply mutatis mutandis in this Clause 2.6 in relation to an Increase Accordion Bank as if references in that Clause to:

 

  (A) an “Existing Banks” were references to the Existing Accordion Banks;

 

  (B) the “New Bank” were references to the “Increase Accordion Bank “; and

 

26


  (C) a “re-transfer” and “re-assignment” were references to respectively a “transfer” and “assignment”.

 

  2.6.10 Any amounts due or owing to the Existing Accordion Banks pursuant to any Finance Document on or before the date of any increase in the Revolving Facility Commitments and, if applicable, the Swingline Commitments pursuant to this Clause 2.6 (including, without limitation, all amounts in respect of interest, fees and commission) shall be for the account of such Existing Accordion Banks and no Increase Accordion Bank shall have any interest in, or any rights in respect of, any such amount save to the extent that it is also an Existing Accordion Bank.

 

2.7 Nature of a Finance Party’s rights and obligations

 

  2.7.1 The obligations of a Finance Party under the Finance Documents are several. Failure of a Finance Party to carry out those obligations does not affect the obligations of any other Party under the Finance Documents. No Finance Party is responsible for the obligations of any other Finance Party under the Finance Documents.

 

  2.7.2 The rights of a Finance Party under or in connection with the Finance Documents are separate and independent rights and any debt arising under the Finance Documents to a Finance Party from an Obligor shall be a separate and independent debt in respect of which a Finance Party shall be entitled to enforce its rights in accordance with Clause 2.7.3 below. The rights of each Finance Party include any debt owing to that Finance Party under the Finance Documents and, for the avoidance of doubt, any part of an Advance or any other amount owed by an Obligor which relates to a Finance Party’s participation in the Facilities or its role under a Finance Document (including any such amount payable to the US Agent on its behalf) is a debt owing to that Finance Party by that Obligor.

 

  2.7.3 A Finance Party may, except as specifically provided in the Finance Documents, separately enforce its rights under or in connection with the Finance Documents.

 

2.8 Parent as agent for Obligors

Each Obligor irrevocably authorises and instructs the Parent to give and receive as agent on its behalf all notices (including Requests and Selection Notices) and sign all documents in connection with the Finance Documents on its behalf (including Novation Certificates and novation agreements under Clause 7.5.2 ( Changes to Borrowers )) and take such other action as may be necessary or desirable under or in connection with the Finance Documents and confirms that it will be bound by any action taken by the Parent under or in connection with the Finance Documents.

 

2.9 Actions of Parent as agent for Obligors

The respective liabilities of each of the Obligors under the Finance Documents shall not be in any way affected by:

 

  2.9.1 any irregularity (or purported irregularity) in any act done by or any failure (or purported failure) by the Parent;

 

  2.9.2 the Parent acting (or purporting to act) in any respect outside any authority conferred upon it by any Obligor; or

 

  2.9.3 the failure (or purported failure) by or inability (or purported inability) of the Parent to inform any Obligor of receipt by it of any notification under this Agreement.

 

3. PURPOSE

 

3.1 Each Revolving Facility Advance (or if applicable, Term Advance) shall be applied in or towards the general corporate purposes of the Group.

 

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3.2 Each US$ Swingline Advance will be applied in or towards refinancing short term Borrowings of the Group and providing support for the Group’s euro-commercial paper programme(s) and United States commercial paper programme(s), provided that a US$ Swingline Advance may not be applied in or towards refinancing another Swingline Advance.

 

3.3 Each Euro Swingline Advance will be applied in or towards refinancing short term Borrowings of the Group and providing support for the Group’s euro-commercial paper programme(s), provided that a Euro Swingline Advance may not be applied in or towards refinancing another Swingline Advance.

 

3.4 Without affecting the obligations of any Borrower in any way, no Finance Party is bound to monitor or verify the application of the proceeds of any Advance.

 

4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

4.1 Documentary conditions precedent

The obligations of each Finance Party to any Borrower under this Agreement are subject to the conditions precedent that:

 

  4.1.1 the Parent has paid to such Finance Party an up-front fee in the amount and on the date agreed in the relevant Fee Letter; and

 

  4.1.2 the Agent has notified the Parent and the Banks that it has received all of the documents set out in Part I of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent Documents ) in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, other than paragraph 10 of Part I of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent Documents ) in respect of which delivery of the relevant document shall satisfy the condition precedent. The Agent will promptly notify the Parent and the Banks upon such receipt.

 

4.2 Further conditions precedent

The obligations of each Bank to participate in a Revolving Facility Advance or a Swingline Advance are subject to the further conditions precedent that on the date of the Request for the Advance and on its Utilisation Date:

 

  4.2.1 the representations and warranties in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ) deemed to be repeated on those dates pursuant to Clause 15.15.3 ( Times for making representations and warranties ) are correct and will be correct immediately after the disbursement of the Advance;

 

  4.2.2 in the case of a Rollover Advance, no Event of Default is outstanding and, in the case of any other Advance, no Default is outstanding or would result from the disbursement of the Advance; and

 

  4.2.3 the Advance would not cause Clause 2.2 ( Overall facility limit ) to be contravened.

 

5. ADVANCES

 

5.1 Receipt of Requests

 

  5.1.1 A Borrower may borrow Revolving Facility Advances under a Revolving Facility if the Agent receives, not later than 3 p.m. on the third Business Day before the proposed Utilisation Date, or, in the case of a Revolving Facility Advance in Sterling not later than 9.30 a.m. on the proposed Utilisation Date, a duly completed Request, copied to each of the Swingline Agents. For the avoidance of doubt, the Request contemplated by this Clause 5.1.1 shall not be required for any Swingline Advance.

 

  5.1.2 A Borrower may borrow US$ Swingline Advances if the US$ Swingline Agent receives, not later than 11.00 a.m. (New York City time) on the proposed Utilisation Date, a duly completed Request, copied to the Agent and the Euro Swingline Agent.

 

  5.1.3 A Borrower may borrow Euro Swingline Advances if the Euro Swingline Agent receives, not later than 11.00 a.m. (London time) on the proposed Utilisation Date, a duly completed Request, copied to the Agent and the US$ Swingline Agent.

 

  5.1.4 Each Request is irrevocable.

 

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5.2 Completion of Requests for Revolving Facility Advances

A Request for Revolving Facility Advances will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:

 

  5.2.1 it identifies the relevant Borrower and the relevant Revolving Facility;

 

  5.2.2 the Utilisation Date is a Business Day falling on or after the Closing Date and before the earlier of the relevant Final Maturity Date and, if applicable in relation to Revolving Facility A, the Term Out Date;

 

  5.2.3 only one currency is specified for each separate Advance and the Requested Amount for each separate Advance is in a minimum Original Sterling Amount of £25,000,000 (rounded to the nearest convenient 100,000 units in the case of currencies other than Sterling); and

 

  5.2.4 only one Term for each separate Advance is specified, which:

 

  (A) does not overrun the relevant Final Maturity Date; and

 

  (B) is a period of one month, two, three or six months (or such other period as the Agent, acting on the instructions of all the Banks, may previously have agreed for the purposes of such Advance).

 

5.3 Completion of Requests for US$ Swingline Advances

A Request for US$ Swingline Advances will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:

 

  5.3.1 it identifies the relevant Borrower;

 

  5.3.2 the Utilisation Date is a New York Business Day falling on or after the Closing Date and before the earlier of the relevant Final Maturity Date and, if applicable in relation to US$ Swingline Facility A, the Term Out Date;

 

  5.3.3 it is specified that the US$ Swingline Advances are to be made in US Dollars under a specified US$ Swingline Facility;

 

  5.3.4 the Requested Amount is an integral multiple of US$10,000,000 or such other amount as the US$ Swingline Agent and the relevant Borrower may agree; and

 

  5.3.5 only one Term is specified, which:

 

  (A) does not overrun the relevant Final Maturity Date; and

 

  (B) is a period not exceeding seven days.

 

5.4 Completion of Requests for Euro Swingline Advances

A Request for Euro Swingline Advances will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:

 

  5.4.1 the Utilisation Date is a Business Day falling on or after the Closing Date and before the earlier of the relevant Final Maturity Date and, if applicable in relation to Euro Swingline Facility A, the Term Out Date;

 

  5.4.2 it is specified that the Euro Swingline Advances are to be made in euro under a specified Euro Swingline Facility;

 

  5.4.3 the Requested Amount is an integral multiple of €10,000,000 or such other amount as the Euro Swingline Agent and the relevant Borrower may agree; and

 

  5.4.4 only one Term is specified, which:

 

  (A) does not overrun the relevant Final Maturity Date; and

 

  (B) is a period not exceeding seven days.

 

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5.5 Amount of each Bank’s Advance

The amount of a Bank’s Advance will, in the case of a Revolving Facility Advance, be the proportion of the Requested Amount which its relevant Available Commitment under the relevant Revolving Facility bears to the relevant Available Facility on the relevant Utilisation Date and, in the case of a Swingline Advance, the proportion of the Requested Amount which its relevant Available Swingline Commitment under the relevant Swingline Facility bears to the relevant Available Swingline Facility on the relevant Utilisation Date.

 

5.6 Notification of the Banks

The Agent, the US$ Swingline Agent or the Euro Swingline Agent (as the case may be) shall promptly notify the US Agent together with each Revolving Facility Bank, US$ Swingline Bank or Euro Swingline Bank (as the case may be) of the details of the requested Advances and the amount of each relevant Bank’s Advance.

 

5.7 Payment of proceeds

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, each Bank (or each US$ Swingline Bank or each Euro Swingline Bank, as the case may be) shall make its Advance available to the Agent (or the US$ Swingline Agent in the case of US$ Swingline Advances or the Euro Swingline Agent in the case of Euro Swingline Advances) for the Borrower concerned for value on the relevant Utilisation Date (which in the case of Euro Swingline Advances shall mean by no later than 2.00 p.m.). In the case of any Euro Swingline Advance, the Euro Swingline Agent shall by no later than 2.30 p.m. on the Utilisation Date for such Euro Swingline Advance issue instructions for all amounts actually received by it from the Euro Swingline Banks in respect of that Euro Swingline Advance to be transferred in accordance with the payment instructions set out in the Request relating to that Euro Swingline Advance.

 

6. REPAYMENT

 

6.1 Repayment of Revolving Facility Advances

 

  6.1.1 Subject to Clause 6.3 ( Repayment of Term Advances ) below, each Borrower shall repay each Revolving Facility Advance made to it in full on its Term End Date to the US Agent for the Banks. No Revolving Facility Advance may be outstanding under a Revolving Facility after the relevant Final Maturity Date.

 

  6.1.2 Without prejudice to each Borrower’s obligation under Clause 6.1.1 above, if one or more Revolving Facility Advances are to be made available to a Borrower under a Revolving Facility:

 

  (A) on the same day that a maturing Revolving Facility Advance is due to be repaid by that Borrower under the same Revolving Facility;

 

  (B) in the same currency as the maturing Revolving Facility Advance; and

 

  (C) in whole or in part for the purpose of refinancing the maturing Revolving Facility Advance,

the aggregate amount of the new Revolving Facility Advances shall be treated as if applied in or towards repayment of the maturing Revolving Facility Advance so that:

 

  (1) if the amount of the maturing Revolving Facility Advance exceeds the aggregate amount of the new Revolving Facility Advances:

 

  (a) the relevant Borrower will only be required to pay an amount in cash in the relevant currency equal to that excess; and

 

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  (b) each Bank’s participation (if any) in the new Revolving Facility Advances shall be treated as having been made available and applied by the Borrower in or towards repayment of that Bank’s participation (if any) in the maturing Revolving Facility Advance and that Bank will not be required to make its participation in the new Revolving Facility Advances available in cash; and

 

  (2) if the amount of the maturing Revolving Facility Advance is equal to or less than the aggregate amount of the new Revolving Facility Advances:

 

  (a) the relevant Borrower will not be required to make any payment in cash; and

 

  (b) each Bank will be required to make its participation in the new Revolving Facility Advances available in cash only to the extent that its participation (if any) in the new Revolving Facility Advances exceeds that Bank’s participation (if any) in the maturing Revolving Facility Advance and the remainder of that Bank’s participation in the new Revolving Facility Advances shall be treated as having been made available and applied by the Borrower in or towards repayment of that Bank’s participation in the maturing Revolving Facility Advance.

 

6.2 Repayment of Swingline Advances

 

  6.2.1 Subject to Clause 6.2.2, each Borrower shall repay each Swingline Advance made to it in full on its Term End Date:

 

  (A) in respect of US$ Swingline Advances, to the US Agent for the US$ Swingline Banks; and

 

  (B) in respect of Euro Swingline Advances, to the US Agent for the Euro Swingline Banks.

No Swingline Advance may be outstanding under a Swingline Facility after the relevant Final Maturity Date.

 

  6.2.2 Each Swingline Advance shall be repaid on its Term End Date in accordance with Clause 6.2.1 above. In the event that a Swingline Advance under Swingline Facility A or Swingline Facility B is not so repaid, each Revolving Facility Bank under the corresponding Revolving Facility will within four Business Days of a demand to that effect from the US$ Swingline Agent or the Euro Swingline Agent (as the case may be) pay to the US Agent on behalf of the Swingline Banks who funded such Swingline Advance an amount equal to its Agreed Percentage of the principal of such Swingline Advance and accrued interest (including default interest) thereon to the date of actual payment by such Bank. The relevant Borrower shall forthwith reimburse such Banks (through the US Agent) in full for each payment made by such Banks under this Clause 6.2.2. Each amount the relevant Borrower is required to reimburse to the Banks under this Clause 6.2.2 shall be deemed to be an overdue amount (as defined in Clause 8.6.1 ( Default interest )) which fell due for payment by the relevant Borrower on the day on which the payment by the Banks giving rise to the reimbursement obligation was made and shall accrue default interest under Clause 8.6 ( Default interest ) accordingly.

 

6.3 Repayment of Term Advances

Each Borrower which has a Term Advance outstanding after the Term Out Date shall repay that Advance to the US Agent on the Final Maturity Date for the Term Facility.

 

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7. PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION

 

7.1 Voluntary cancellation

 

  7.1.1 The Parent may, by giving not less than three Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and the US Agent, cancel the whole or any part of an Available Facility (but if in part, in an aggregate minimum amount of £25,000,000). Any cancellation in part shall be applied against the Commitment of each Bank pro rata under that Facility.

 

  7.1.2 Whenever part of the Total Commitments are cancelled (prior to the Term Out Date, in the case of the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments):

 

  (A) no US$ Swingline Commitment under a US$ Swingline Facility shall be cancelled unless (i) the Sterling Amount of the relevant US$ Swingline Total Commitments would exceed the Total Relevant Commitments after such cancellation or (ii) the Sterling Amount of the US$ Swingline Commitment of any US$ Swingline Bank under the relevant US$ Swingline Facility would exceed its relevant Revolving Facility Commitment after such cancellation. In any such case, the relevant US$ Swingline Total Commitments shall, at the same time as the cancellation of the Total Relevant Commitments takes effect, be cancelled by such amount as is necessary to ensure that after the cancellation of the Total Relevant Commitments, the Sterling Amount of the relevant US$ Swingline Total Commitments does not exceed the Total Relevant Commitments and the Sterling Amount of the relevant US$ Swingline Commitment of each US$ Swingline Bank under the relevant US$ Swingline Facility does not exceed its relevant Revolving Facility Commitment; and

 

  (B) no Euro Swingline Commitment under a Euro Swingline Facility shall be cancelled unless (i) the Sterling Amount of the relevant Euro Swingline Total Commitments would exceed the Total Relevant Commitments after such cancellation or (ii) the Sterling Amount of the Euro Swingline Commitment of any Euro Swingline Bank under the relevant Euro Swingline Facility would exceed its relevant Revolving Facility Commitment after such cancellation. In any such case, the relevant Euro Swingline Total Commitments shall, at the same time as the cancellation of the Total Relevant Commitments takes effect, be cancelled by such amount as is necessary to ensure that after the cancellation of the Total Relevant Commitments, the Sterling Amount of the relevant Euro Swingline Total Commitments does not exceed the Total Relevant Commitments and the Sterling Amount of the relevant Euro Swingline Commitment of each Euro Swingline Bank under the relevant Euro Swingline Facility does not exceed its relevant Revolving Facility Commitment.

 

7.2 Automatic cancellation of Commitment

The Revolving Facility Commitment of each Bank under each Revolving Facility shall be automatically cancelled on the earlier of: (i) confirmation by the Parent that the Acquisition will not be completed; (ii) if the Closing Date has not occurred on or before such date, 31 March 2018, and (iii) close of business in London on the applicable Final Maturity Date.

 

7.3 Voluntary prepayment

 

  7.3.1 Any Borrower may, by giving not less than three Business Days prior written notice to the Agent and the US Agent, prepay subject to breakage costs, if any, the whole or any part of the Advances made to it under this Agreement (but if in part in an aggregate minimum Original Sterling Amount, taking all prepayments made by all the Borrowers on the same day together, of £25,000,000).

 

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  7.3.2 Any voluntary prepayment under Clause 7.3.1 above will:

 

  (A) be applied against Revolving Facility Advances (or if applicable, Term Advances) in such proportions as may be specified by the Parent in the notice of prepayment or, if not specified, against all Revolving Facility Advances (and if applicable, Term Advances) pro rata (or, if no Revolving Facility Advances are outstanding, against any Swingline Advances pro rata);

 

  (B) be applied against the relevant Advances of the relevant Banks pro rata; and

 

  (C) be accompanied by all amounts payable under Clause 23.2.3 ( Other indemnities ) in respect of that prepayment if not made on the Term End Date of the relevant Advance.

 

7.4 Mandatory Prepayment by Borrowers

 

  7.4.1 If any Borrower (other than the Parent) ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Parent, it shall forthwith prepay all Advances made to it together with all amounts payable by it under this Agreement, and thereupon cease to be a Borrower.

 

  7.4.2 If any person or group of persons acting in concert gains control of the Parent:

 

  (A) the Parent shall promptly notify the Agent and the US Agent upon becoming aware of such event; and

 

  (B) if the Majority Banks so require, the Agent shall, by not less than 10 Business Days’ written notice to the Parent and the US Agent, cancel the Total Commitments and declare all outstanding Advances, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents, to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the Total Commitments will be cancelled in full and all such outstanding amounts will become immediately due and payable.

For the purpose of this Clause 7.4.2:

“control” has the meaning given to it in section 450 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010; and

“acting in concert” has the meaning given to it in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

 

7.5 Changes to Borrowers

 

  7.5.1 Any Borrower in respect of which no Advance is outstanding hereunder (including any other amounts outstanding in relation thereto) may, at the request of the Parent, cease to be a Borrower by entering into a supplemental agreement to this Agreement in such form as the Agent may reasonably require which shall discharge that Borrower’s obligations hereunder.

 

  7.5.2 Any Borrower (the “ Existing Borrower ”) may be released from its obligations under this Agreement as a Borrower, provided that another Borrower (the “ Substitute Borrower ”) assumes the obligations in respect thereof of the Existing Borrower and provided further that:

 

  (A) any such substitution shall take effect on and from the later of the day upon which the Agent notifies the Parent in writing that it is satisfied with the compliance with the matters set out in paragraphs (C) and (D) below and the date for substitution specified in the relevant notice under paragraph (B) below;

 

  (B) notice of the proposed substitution has been delivered by the Parent to the Agent not less than 14 days prior to the proposed substitution;

 

  (C) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and

 

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  (D) the Substitute Borrower enters into a novation agreement with the Existing Borrower, the Parent and the Agent on behalf of the Banks in the form of Part III of Schedule 4 ( Forms of Accession Documents ) together with such amendments as the Agent may reasonably require.

Each Bank authorises the Agent to sign on its behalf any novation agreement entered into in accordance with this Clause 7.5.2.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Clause 7.5 shall not operate to release the Guarantor from its obligations under this Agreement in its capacity as the Guarantor.

 

7.6 Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank

 

  7.6.1 If any Bank becomes a Defaulting Bank, a Borrower may, at any time whilst the Bank continues to be a Defaulting Bank, give the Agent three Business Days’ notice of cancellation of each Available Commitment of that Bank.

 

  7.6.2 On the notice referred to in Clause 7.6.1 above becoming effective, each Available Commitment of the Defaulting Bank shall immediately be reduced to zero.

 

  7.6.3 The Agent shall as soon as practicable after receipt of a notice referred to in Clause 7.6.1 above, notify all the Banks.

 

7.7 Right of prepayment and cancellation

If any Borrower is required to pay or is notified by any Bank in writing that it will be required to pay any amount to a Bank under Clause 10 ( Taxes ) or Clause 12 ( Increased Costs ), or if circumstances exist such that a Borrower will be required to pay any amount to a Bank under Clause 10 ( Taxes ), the Parent may, whilst the circumstances giving rise or which will give rise to the requirement continue, serve a notice of prepayment and cancellation on that Bank through the Agent. On the date falling five Business Days after the date of service of the notice:

 

  7.7.1 each Borrower shall prepay all outstanding Advances made to it by that Bank; and

 

  7.7.2 the Bank’s Commitment (including its (and its Swingline Affiliates’) Swingline Commitments (if any)) shall be permanently cancelled on the date of service of the notice.

 

7.8 Miscellaneous provisions

 

  7.8.1 Any notice of prepayment and/or cancellation under this Agreement is irrevocable once given. The Agent shall notify the US Agent and the Banks promptly of receipt of any such notice.

 

  7.8.2 All prepayments under this Agreement shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount prepaid and any other amounts due under this Agreement in respect of the prepayment (including, but not limited to, any amounts payable under Clause 23.2.3 ( Other indemnities ) if the prepayment is not made on the Term End Date of the relevant Advance.

 

  7.8.3 No prepayment or cancellation is permitted except in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement.

 

  7.8.4 No amount prepaid under Clauses 7.4 ( Mandatory Prepayment by Borrowers ) or 7.7 ( Right of prepayment and cancellation ) may subsequently be reborrowed. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, any amount prepaid under Clause 7.3 ( Voluntary prepayment ) in respect of a Revolving Facility or a Swingline Facility may be reborrowed. Subject to Clauses 26.11 ( Increase ) and 2.6 ( Increase - Accordion ), no amount of the Total Commitments (including the Swingline Total Commitments) cancelled under this Agreement may subsequently be reinstated.

 

  7.8.5 No Borrower may reborrow any part of any Term Advance which is prepaid.

 

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8. INTEREST

 

8.1 Interest rate for Revolving Facility Advances and Term Advances

The rate of interest on each Revolving Facility Advance and each Term Advance for its Term is the rate per annum determined by the Agent to be the aggregate of:

 

  8.1.1 the applicable Margin; and

 

  8.1.2 LIBOR (or, in the case of an Advance denominated in euro, EURIBOR).

 

8.2 Calculation of the Margin

 

  8.2.1 Subject to the following provisions of this Clause 8.2:

 

  (A) the Margin for the Term of a Revolving Facility Advance under Revolving Facility A or a Term Advance will be determined on the Rate Fixing Day for that Term by reference to the table below:

 

Rating (S&P/Moody’s)   Facility Margin per annum

A-/A3

  0.200 per cent.

BBB+/Baa1

  0.275 per cent.

BBB/Baa2

  0.400 per cent.

BBB-/Baa3 or below

  0.550 per cent.

 

  (B) the Margin for the Term of a Revolving Facility Advance under Revolving Facility B will be determined on the Rate Fixing Day for that Term by reference to the table below:

 

Rating (S&P/Moody’s)   Facility Margin per annum

A-/A3

  0.275 per cent.

BBB+/Baa1

  0.350 per cent.

BBB/Baa2

  0.500 per cent.

BBB-/Baa3 or below

  0.650 per cent.

where, for the purposes of this Clause:

“Rating” means the corporate rating of the Parent assigned by S&P (currently known as the “Corporate Credit Rating” ) and/or Moody’s (currently known as the “Issuer Rating” ) as at the Rate Fixing Day on which the Margin is being determined.

For the avoidance of doubt, if there is a change to the Rating during the Term of a Revolving Facility Advance or a Term Advance there shall be no adjustment to the Margin for that Term until the next Rate Fixing Day for that Advance.

 

  8.2.2 If Ratings are confirmed or assigned to the Parent by S&P and Moody’s that are not equivalent at any time, then the Margin will be the average of the Margins applicable to such credit ratings.

 

  8.2.3 If only one Rating Agency publishes a Rating for the Parent, the rating assigned by that Rating Agency shall be deemed also to be the rating assigned by the other Rating Agency.

 

  8.2.4

If on the relevant Rate Fixing Day both Rating Agencies have ceased to publish a Rating for the Parent, the Margin for the relevant Advance shall be determined on

 

35


  the basis of a deemed Corporate Credit Rating of BBB- and a deemed Issuer Rating of Baa3 until the date on which a Rating Agency publishes a Rating for the Parent.

 

  8.2.5 For so long as an Event of Default is continuing, the Margin for the relevant Advance shall be determined on the basis of a deemed Corporate Credit Rating of BBB- and a deemed Issuer Rating of Baa3 (and any increase in the Margin pursuant to this Clause 8.2.5 shall take effect immediately following the occurrence of the relevant Event of Default).

 

  8.2.6 The Parent shall notify the Agent promptly of any publicly announced change in its Rating.

 

  8.2.7 In calculating the Margin for any Advance under this Clause 8.2, no account shall be taken of any rating outlook or credit watch action assigned to any Rating by the relevant Rating Agency.

 

8.3 Interest rate on US$ Swingline Advances

The rate of interest on each US$ Swingline Advance during its Term is the rate per annum determined by the US$ Swingline Agent to be the US$ Swingline Rate for each day during its Term.

 

8.4 Interest rate on Euro Swingline Advances

The rate of interest on each Euro Swingline Advance during its Term is the rate per annum determined by the Euro Swingline Agent to be the Euro Swingline Rate for each day during its Term.

 

8.5 Due dates

 

  8.5.1 Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, accrued interest on each Advance is payable by the relevant Borrower on each Term End Date, and also, in the case of any Advance with a Term longer than six months, at six monthly intervals after its Utilisation Date (or in the case of a Term Advance, the first day of the relevant Term) for so long as the Term is outstanding.

 

  8.5.2 A Borrower may select a Term for a Term Advance in a Selection Notice (and the conditions in Clause 5.2.4 shall also apply to each Selection Notice).

 

  8.5.3 Each Selection Notice for a Term Advance is irrevocable and must be delivered to the Agent by the Borrower to which that Term Advance was made not later than 11.00 a.m. on the applicable Rate Fixing Day.

 

  8.5.4 If a Borrower fails to deliver a Selection Notice to the Agent in accordance with Clause 8.5.3 above, the relevant Term will be one month.

 

  8.5.5 A Term for a Term Advance shall not extend beyond the applicable Final Maturity Date. Each Term for a Term Advance shall start on the Term Out Date or on the last day of its preceding Term.

 

  8.5.6 If two or more Terms:

 

  (A) relate to Term Advances in the same currency made to the same Borrower; and

 

  (B) any Term End Dates for such Term Advances are the same date,

those Term Advances will, unless that Borrower specifies to the contrary in the Selection Notice for the next Term, be consolidated into, and treated as, a single Term Advance on that Term End Date.

 

8.6 Default interest

 

  8.6.1

If an Obligor fails to pay any amount payable by it under this Agreement (an “overdue amount” ), it shall forthwith on demand by the Agent or, as the case

 

36


  may be, the relevant Swingline Agent pay interest on the overdue amount from the due date up to the date of actual payment, both before and after judgment, at a rate (the “default rate” ) determined by the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent to be one per cent. per annum above the higher of:

 

  (A) the rate on the overdue amount under Clause 8.1 ( Interest rate for Revolving Facility Advances and Term Advances ), Clause 8.3 ( Interest rate on US$ Swingline Advances ) or Clause 8.4 ( Interest rate on Euro Swingline Advances ) immediately before the due date (in the case of principal); and

 

  (B) the rate which would have been payable if the overdue amount had, during the period of non-payment, constituted an Advance at the highest Margin applicable at the time in the currency of the overdue amount for such successive Terms of such duration as the Agent may determine (each a “Designated Term” ).

 

  8.6.2 The default rate will be determined on each Business Day or the first day of, or two Business Days before the first day of, the relevant Designated Term, as appropriate.

 

  8.6.3 If the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent determines that deposits in the currency of the overdue amount are not at the relevant time being made available by the Reference Banks to leading banks in the London interbank market, the default rate will be determined by reference to the cost of funds to the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent from whatever sources it reasonably selects after consultation with the Reference Banks.

 

  8.6.4 Default interest will be compounded at three-month intervals.

 

  8.6.5 The Agent shall notify the Parent of the duration of each Designated Term.

 

8.7 Notification of rates of interest

The Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent will promptly notify each relevant Party of the determination of a rate of interest under this Agreement.

 

8.8 Notification

The Agent shall notify the Banks and the relevant Borrower of Optional Currency amounts (and the applicable Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange) promptly after they are ascertained.

 

9. PAYMENTS

 

9.1 Place of Payment

All payments by an Obligor or a Bank under this Agreement shall be made to the Agent (in the case of a payment by a Bank) or to the US Agent (in the case of a payment by an Obligor) or, if the payment relates to a Swingline Facility, by a Bank to the relevant Swingline Agent, in each case to its account at such office or bank in the principal financial centre of the country of the currency concerned (or, in the case of a payment in euro, in the financial centre of the country selected by the Agent or, as the case may be, the US Agent) as it may notify to the Obligor or Bank for this purpose.

 

9.2 Funds

Payments under this Agreement to an Administrative Party shall be made for value on the due date at such times and in such funds as such Administrative Party may specify to the Party concerned as being customary at the time for the settlement of transactions in the relevant currency in the place for payment.

 

9.3 Distribution

 

  9.3.1

Each payment received by an Administrative Party under this Agreement for another Party shall, subject to Clauses 9.3.2 and 9.3.3 below, be made available

 

37


  by such Administrative Party to that Party by payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) to its account with such bank in the principal financial centre of the country of the relevant currency (or, in the case of a payment in euro, to its account in the financial centre of a country selected by it) as it may notify to the relevant Administrative Party for this purpose by not less than five Business Days’ prior notice.

 

  9.3.2 An Administrative Party may apply any amount received by it for an Obligor in or towards payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) of any amount due from an Obligor under this Agreement or in or towards the purchase of any amount of any currency to be so applied.

 

  9.3.3 Where a sum is to be paid under this Agreement to an Administrative Party for the account of another Party, such Administrative Party is not obliged to pay that sum to that Party until it has established that it has actually received that sum. Such Administrative Party may, but is not obliged to, assume that the sum has been paid to it in accordance with this Agreement and, in reliance on that assumption, make available to that Party a corresponding amount. If the sum has not been made available but such Administrative Party has paid a corresponding amount to another Party, that Party shall forthwith on demand refund the corresponding amount to such Administrative Party together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt, calculated at a rate reasonably determined by such Administrative Party to reflect its cost of funds.

 

9.4 Currency

 

  9.4.1 A repayment or prepayment of an Advance is payable in the currency in which the Advance is denominated.

 

  9.4.2 Interest is payable in the currency in which the relevant amount in respect of which it is payable is denominated.

 

  9.4.3 Amounts payable in respect of costs, expenses, taxes and the like are payable in the currency in which they are incurred.

 

  9.4.4 Any other amount payable under this Agreement is, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, payable in Sterling.

 

9.5 Set-off and counterclaim

All payments made by an Obligor under this Agreement shall be made without set-off or counterclaim.

 

9.6 Non-Business Days

 

  9.6.1 If a payment under this Agreement is due on a day which is not a Business Day, the due date for that payment shall instead be the next Business Day in the same calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).

 

  9.6.2 During any extension of the due date for payment of any principal under this Agreement interest is payable on the principal at the rate payable on the original due date.

 

9.7 Impaired Agent

 

  9.7.1 If, at any time, an Administrative Party becomes an Impaired Agent and a Borrower or a Bank is required to make a payment under the Finance Documents to that Administrative Party in accordance with Clause 9.1 ( Place of Payment ), that Borrower or Bank may, subject to Clause 9.7.2 below, instead either pay that amount:

 

  (A) direct to the required recipient; or

 

  (B)

to an interest-bearing account held with an Acceptable Bank and in relation to which no Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing, in

 

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  the name of the relevant Borrower or the Bank making the payment and designated as a trust account for the benefit of the Party or Parties beneficially entitled to that payment under the Finance Documents. In each case, such payments must be made on the due date for payment under the Finance Documents.

 

  9.7.2 If a Bank has become and continues to be a Defaulting Bank and a payment is required to be made by a Borrower or a Bank in accordance with Clause 9.7.1, that Obligor or Bank will make such payment in accordance with Clause 9.7.1(B).

 

  9.7.3 A Party which is required to make a payment in accordance with Clause 9.7.1 shall notify the required recipient of the account into which the payment is made.

 

  9.7.4 All interest accrued on the amounts standing to the credit of a trust account shall be for the benefit of the beneficiaries of that trust account pro rata to their respective entitlements.

 

  9.7.5 A Party which has made a payment in accordance with this Clause 9.7 shall be discharged of the relevant payment obligation under the Finance Documents and shall not take any credit risk with respect to the amounts standing to the credit of the trust account.

 

  9.7.6 Promptly upon the appointment of a successor Administrative Party to an Impaired Agent in accordance with Clause 19.16 ( Resignation of an Administrative Party ), each Party which has made a payment to a trust account in accordance with this Clause 9.7 shall give all requisite instructions to the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the amount (together with any accrued interest) to the successor Administrative Party for distribution in accordance with Clause 9.3 ( Distribution ).

 

9.8 Partial payments

 

  9.8.1 If an Administrative Party receives a payment insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by an Obligor under this Agreement, such Administrative Party shall apply that payment towards the obligations of the Obligors under this Agreement in the following order:

 

  (A) first, in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid costs, fees and expenses of the Administrative Parties under this Agreement;

 

  (B) secondly, in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued fees due but unpaid under Clause 20 ( Fees );

 

  (C) thirdly, in or towards payment pro rata of any interest due but unpaid under this Agreement;

 

  (D) fourthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due but unpaid under this Agreement; and

 

  (E) fifthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any other sum due but unpaid under this Agreement.

 

  9.8.2 The Administrative Parties, shall, if so directed by all the Banks, vary the order set out in Clause 9.8.1 above (other than Clause 9.8.1(A)). The Administrative Parties shall notify the Parent of any such variation.

 

  9.8.3 Clauses 9.8.1 and 9.8.2 above shall override any appropriation made by any Obligor.

 

9.9 Clawback

 

  9.9.1 Where a sum is to be paid to an Administrative Party under the Finance Documents for another Party, that Administrative Party is not obliged to pay that sum to that other Party (or to enter into or perform any related exchange contract) until it has been able to establish to its satisfaction that it has actually received that sum.

 

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  9.9.2 If an Administrative Party pays an amount to another Party and it proves to be the case that that Administrative Party had not actually received that amount, then the Party to whom that amount (or the proceeds of any related exchange contract) was paid by the Administrative Party shall on demand refund the same to the Administrative Party together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt by the Administrative Party, calculated by the Administrative Party to reflect its costs of funds.

 

9.10 Disruption to Payment Systems etc.

If either the Agent determines (in its discretion) that a Disruption Event has occurred or the Agent is notified by the Parent that a Disruption Event has occurred:

 

  9.10.1 the Agent shall consult with the Parent and shall use reasonable endeavours to agree with the Parent such changes to the operation or administration of the Facilities as the Agent may reasonably deem necessary in the circumstances;

 

  9.10.2 the Agent may consult with the Finance Parties in relation to any changes mentioned in Clause 9.10.1 but shall not be obliged to do so if, in its opinion, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances;

 

  9.10.3 any such changes agreed upon by the Agent and the Parent shall (whether or not it is finally determined that a Disruption Event has occurred) be binding upon the Parties as an amendment to (or, as the case may be, waiver of) the terms of the Finance Documents notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 25 ( Amendments and Waivers );

 

  9.10.4 the Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses whatsoever arising as a result of its taking, or failing to take, any actions pursuant to or in connection with this Clause 9.10 provided that any decision to act, or not to act, was taken in good faith; and

 

  9.10.5 the Agent shall notify the Finance Parties of all changes agreed pursuant to Clause 9.10.4 above.

 

9.11 Relationship between Agent and US Agent

The Agent shall notify the US Agent of the details of all relevant payments (whether of principal, interest or fees) due to the Parties under this Agreement.

 

10. TAXES

 

10.1 Gross-up

All payments by an Obligor under the Finance Documents shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for or on account of any taxes, except to the extent that the Obligor is required by law to make payment subject to any taxes or such deduction is a FATCA Deduction. Subject to Clauses 10.3 ( Qualifying Banks ) and 10.7 ( US Borrower ), if any tax or amounts in respect of tax (other than a FATCA Deduction) must be deducted from any amounts payable or paid by an Obligor, or paid or payable by the Agent or the US Agent or a Swingline Agent (in their capacity as agent) (as the case may be) to a Finance Party under the Finance Documents, the Obligor shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary to ensure that the relevant Finance Party receives a net amount equal to the full amount which it would have received had payment not been made subject to tax. The Parent shall upon becoming aware that an Obligor must make such deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such a deduction) notify the Agent accordingly. Similarly, a Bank shall notify the Agent on becoming so aware in respect of a payment payable to that Bank (and if the Agent receives such notification it shall notify the Parent).

 

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10.2 Tax receipts

All taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by an Obligor from any amounts paid or payable under the Finance Documents shall be paid by the relevant Obligor when due and the Obligor shall, within 15 days of the payment being made, deliver to the Agent for the relevant Bank evidence satisfactory to that Bank (including any relevant tax receipts) that the payment has been duly remitted to the appropriate authority.

 

10.3 Qualifying Banks

If:

 

  10.3.1 on the Signing Date, any Bank which is a Party on the Signing Date is not a Qualifying Bank; or

 

  10.3.2 after the Signing Date, a Bank ceases to be a Qualifying Bank, other than as a result of the introduction, suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of, or change in, or change in the official interpretation, administration or official application of, any law, regulation having the force of law, tax treaty or any published practice or published concession of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs or any other relevant taxing or fiscal authority in any jurisdiction with which the relevant Bank has a connection, occurring after the Signing Date or, if later, the date on which that Bank becomes a Party; or

 

  10.3.3 on the date of any assignment, transfer or novation under Clause 26 ( Changes to the Parties ) a New Bank (as such term is defined in that Clause) is not a Qualifying Bank,

then no UK Resident Borrower shall be liable to pay to that Bank under Clause 10.1 ( Gross-up ) any amount in respect of taxes levied or imposed by the UK or any taxing authority of or in the UK in excess of the amount (if any) it would have been obliged to pay if that Bank had been, or had not ceased to be, a Qualifying Bank.

 

10.4 Tax Credit

 

  10.4.1 If an Obligor makes a payment pursuant to Clause 10.1 ( Gross-up ) for the account of any Finance Party and such Finance Party has received or been granted a credit against, or relief or remission or repayment of, any tax paid or payable by it (a “Tax Credit” ) which is attributable to that payment or the corresponding payment under the Finance Document such Finance Party shall, to the extent that it can do so without prejudice to the retention of the amount of such credit, relief, remission or repayment, pay to the Obligor concerned such amount as the Finance Party shall have reasonably determined to be attributable to such payments and which will leave the Finance Party (after such payment) in no better or worse position than it would have been if the Obligor concerned had not been required to make any deduction or withholding.

 

  10.4.2 Nothing in this Clause 10.4 shall interfere with the right of a Finance Party to arrange its tax affairs in whatever manner it thinks fit and without limiting the foregoing no Finance Party shall be under any obligation to claim a Tax Credit or to claim a Tax Credit in priority to any other claims, relief, credit or deduction available to it. No Finance Party shall be obliged to disclose any information relating to its tax affairs or any computations in respect thereof. Unless it would in a Bank’s reasonable judgement be prejudicial to its interests, such Bank shall seek any Tax Credit available to it consequent upon any deductions or withholdings for tax being made from any payment to it under Clause 10.1 ( Gross-up ).

 

10.5 Borrower DTTP Filing

 

  10.5.1 If a Bank holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and wishes that scheme to apply to this Agreement, it shall, or the Agent shall (if notified by the Bank) on its behalf, notify the Parent in accordance with the provisions of Clause 32 ( Notices ) that the relevant Bank wishes the scheme to apply and provide that Bank’s scheme reference number and jurisdiction of tax residence within five Business Days of becoming a Party to this Agreement.

 

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  10.5.2 Each Bank which wishes the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme to apply to this Agreement shall promptly provide such further information (directly to an Obligor or via the Agent) as an Obligor may request in order to enable the Obligor to make a Borrower DTTP Filing.

 

  10.5.3 If a Borrower had received authority from HM Revenue & Customs to make payments to that Bank without deduction for or on account of tax as a result of a Borrower DTTP Filing, but as a result of (i) a withdrawal or expiry of that authority; or (ii) a withdrawal or cessation of the DTTP passport scheme due to any change in law or change in practice of HM Revenue & Customs, it is no longer possible for that Borrower to make payments to the Bank without deduction for or on account of tax by virtue of that authority, and the Borrower has notified that Bank in writing, that Bank and the Borrower shall co-operate in completing any additional procedural formalities necessary for that Borrower to obtain authorisation to make payment without deduction for or on account of tax.

 

10.6 FATCA

 

  10.6.1 Each Party may make any FATCA Deduction and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no Party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.

 

  10.6.2 Each Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction) in respect of an Advance made to an Obligor that is not a US Person, notify the Party to whom it is making payment and, in addition, shall notify the Parent, the Agent and the other Finance Parties.

 

  10.6.3 Subject to Clause 10.6.4 below, each Party shall, within ten Business Days of a reasonable request by another Party, confirm to that other Party whether it is entitled to receive payments under the Finance Documents free from any deduction or withholding required by FATCA (hereafter referred to as “ FATCA Exempt ”) or is not so entitled, and shall supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA (including information required under the US Treasury Regulations or other official guidance including intergovernmental agreements) as that other Party reasonably requests and is necessary for the purposes of that other Party’s compliance with FATCA or any other exchange of information regime (provided that the necessity of such request is reasonably evidenced to the satisfaction of the Party to whom the request is made (acting reasonably)). If a Party confirms to another Party pursuant to this Clause that it is FATCA Exempt and it subsequently becomes aware that it is not, or has ceased to be FATCA Exempt, that Party shall promptly notify that other Party.

 

  10.6.4 Clause 10.6.3 above shall not oblige a Finance Party to do anything which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of any law or regulation, any fiduciary duty, or any duty of confidentiality.

 

  10.6.5 If a Finance Party fails to confirm its status or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with Clause 10.6.3 above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where Clause 10.6.4 above applies), then if that Finance Party failed to confirm whether it is (and/or remains) FATCA Exempt then such Finance Party shall be treated for the purposes of this Agreement as if it is not FATCA Exempt until such time as the Finance Party provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information.

 

10.7 US Borrower

 

  10.7.1

Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any Finance Party that is

 

42


  entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments made under any Finance Document shall deliver to the Agent or the relevant Obligor, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Agent or any Obligor, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Agent or such Obligor as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Finance Party, if reasonably requested by the Agent or any Obligor, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Agent or such Obligor as will enable the Agent or such Obligor to determine whether or not such Finance Party is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. This Clause 10.7.1 shall not require any Finance Party to provide to the Agent or any Obligor any documentation if it would result in a breach of any applicable law or regulation, any fiduciary duty or any duty of confidentiality (other than any such documentation required to be provided under Clause 10.7.2 or Clause 10.7.3). Any taxes attributable to a Finance Party’s failure to comply with this Clause 10.7.1 shall be considered excluded from the gross-up provided in Clause 10.1.

 

  10.7.2 Without limitation to the generality of the foregoing, each Finance Party that is a US Person shall:

 

  (A) on or prior to the Signing Date (or, if it becomes a Finance Party after such date, on the date it becomes a Finance Party); or

 

  (B) otherwise, from time to time thereafter as reasonably requested by the Agent or any Obligor (but only so long as such Finance Party is lawfully able to do so),

provide the Agent and the relevant Obligor with one copy of a properly completed and duly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or any successor or other form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service) certifying that such Finance Party is a US Person and is not subject to US backup withholding on payments made by an Obligor that is a US Person to such Finance Party under any Finance Document.

 

  10.7.3 Without limitation to the generality of the foregoing, each Finance Party that is not a US Person shall: (i) on or prior to the Signing Date (or, if it becomes a Finance Party after such date, on the date it becomes a Finance Party); or (ii) otherwise, from time to time thereafter as reasonably requested by the Agent or any Obligor (but only so long as such Finance Party is lawfully able to do so):

 

  (A) in the case of a Finance Party claiming the benefits of an exemption from or a reduction in US federal withholding tax pursuant to a double taxation agreement between the United States and the jurisdiction of which such Finance Party is or is treated as a resident, provide the Agent and the relevant Obligor with one copy of a properly completed and duly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable (or any successor or other form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service), certifying that such Finance Party is exempt from or entitled to a reduced rate of US federal withholding tax under an applicable double taxation agreement or treaty on payments made by an Obligor that is a US Person to such Finance Party under any Finance Document;

 

  (B)

in the case of a Finance Party claiming the benefits of an exemption from US federal withholding tax because payments otherwise subject to such withholding tax made by an Obligor that is a US Person are effectively connected with such Finance Party’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States, provide the Agent and the relevant Obligor with one copy of a properly completed and duly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or any successor or other form prescribed by the

 

43


  Internal Revenue Service) certifying that such payments are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States;

 

  (C) in the case of a Finance Party claiming the benefits of the exemption from US federal withholding tax pursuant to Section 881(c) of the Code with respect to payments of “portfolio interest” made by an Obligor that is a US Person to such Finance Party under any Finance Document, provide the Agent and the relevant Obligor with:

 

  (1) a certificate to the effect that such Finance Party is: (i) not a “bank” (within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code); (ii) not a 10-percent shareholder of any Obligor (within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code); and (iii) not a controlled foreign corporation related to any Obligor (as such term is described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code); and

 

  (2) one copy of a properly completed and duly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable (or any successor or other form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service), certifying that such Finance Party is not a US Person; or

 

  (D) in the case of a Finance Party that is a foreign intermediary or foreign flow-through entity for US federal income tax purposes, provide the Agent and the relevant Obligor with one copy of a properly completed and duly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor or other form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service) as a basis for claiming an exemption from or a reduction in US federal withholding tax on payments made by the relevant Obligor that is a US Person to such Finance Party under any Finance Document, together with any supplementary information such Finance Party is required to transmit with such form and, in the case of a nonqualified intermediary that is a Finance Party or a non-withholding Finance Party that is a foreign flow-through entity, with respect to each beneficiary or member of such Finance Party, one copy of the forms or certificates described in paragraphs (A), (B) or (C) above of this Clause 10.7.3, as applicable.

 

  10.7.4

If a Finance Party fails to provide the Agent or the relevant Obligor with the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form or, if applicable, the certificate, each as described above and each being properly completed and duly executed, or to update them as requested (other than if the failure to furnish such form or certificate is due to a change in law, or in the interpretation or application thereof, occurring after the date on which the form or certificate originally was required to be provided or if such form, certificate or other document otherwise is not required under Clause 10.7.1, 10.7.2 or 10.7.3), US backup withholding tax and US federal withholding tax, in each case, imposed on any amount paid by (or on account of) an Obligor that is a US Person under any Finance Document shall be considered excluded from the gross-up provided in Clause 10.1 by reason of such failure unless and until such Finance Party provides the appropriate Internal Revenue Service form or certificate that is properly completed and duly executed establishing (A) an exemption from US backup withholding tax and (B) a complete exemption from, or a reduction of, US federal withholding tax on such amount, whereupon US federal withholding tax at such reduced rate only (to the extent a complete exemption is not available to such Finance Party) shall be considered excluded from such gross-up for periods governed by such form and certificate. If any Internal Revenue Service form provided by a Finance Party pursuant to this Clause 10.7.4 at the time such Finance Party first becomes a Finance Party hereunder, or when it first provides such form, indicates a US federal withholding tax rate in excess of zero in respect of any amount paid by (or

 

44


  an account of) the relevant Obligor that is a US Person to such Finance Party under any Finance Document, US federal withholding tax imposed on such amount at such rate shall be considered excluded from the gross-up provided in Clause 10.1 unless and until such Finance Party provides the appropriate form certifying that a lesser rate applies, whereupon US federal withholding tax at the lesser rate only shall be considered excluded from the gross-up for periods governed by such form; provided, however, that if at the date a New Bank becomes a party to this Agreement or any other Finance Document, the applicable transferor Existing Bank was entitled to payments under Clause 10.1 in respect of US federal withholding tax in connection with any amount paid at such date, then, to that extent, the payments under Clause 10.1 shall include an amount of US federal withholding tax applicable with respect to such transferor Existing Bank on such date.

 

  10.7.5 On or prior to the Signing Date (and from time to time thereafter as reasonably requested by any Obligor), the US Agent shall provide to any Obligor that is a US Person a properly completed and duly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.

 

11. MARKET DISRUPTION

 

11.1 Market disturbance

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, if and each time that prior to or on a Utilisation Date relative to an Advance to be made:

 

  11.1.1 only one or no Reference Bank supplies a rate for the purposes of determining LIBOR or EURIBOR (as the case may be); or

 

  11.1.2 the Agent is notified by Banks whose Commitments represent 25 per cent or more of the Total Commitments that deposits in the currency of that Advance are not in the ordinary course of business available in the London Interbank Market for a period equal to the Term concerned in amounts sufficient to fund their participations in that Advance; or

 

  11.1.3 the Agent is notified by Banks whose Commitments represent 25 per cent or more of the Total Commitments that by reason of circumstances affecting the London Interbank Market generally, adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the LIBOR or EURIBOR (as the case may be) applicable to such Advance during its Term or LIBOR or EURIBOR (as the case may be) does not adequately represent the cost of funding to the Banks,

the Agent shall promptly give written notice of such circumstance (in respect of Clause 11.1.1) or notification to the Parent and to each of the Banks.

 

11.2 Alternative Rates

If the Agent gives a notice under Clause 11.1 ( Market disturbance ):

 

  11.2.1 the Parent and the Banks may (through the Agent) agree that (in the case of Revolving Facility Advances) the Advances concerned shall not be borrowed; or

 

  11.2.2 in the absence of such agreement:

 

  (A) the Term of the Advances concerned shall be one month;

 

  (B) in the case of Clause 11.1.2, the Advance shall be denominated in Sterling in an amount equal to the Original Sterling Amount of the Advance concerned; and

 

  (C) during the Term of each Advance the rate of interest applicable to such Advance shall be the applicable Margin plus the rate per annum notified by each Bank concerned to the Agent before the last day of such Term to be that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to such Bank of funding such Advances from whatever sources it may reasonably select.

 

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11.3 Non-availability of currency

If any Bank notifies the Agent before 10.00 a.m. (London time) on the Business Day prior to the proposed Utilisation Date of an Advance to be denominated in an Optional Currency that it is unable for any reason to fund its participation in such Advance in the Optional Currency concerned, the Agent shall notify the Parent and such Bank shall make its participation in the Advance available in Sterling for the period in question.

 

11.4 Change in circumstances

If before 9.00 a.m. (London time) on the proposed Utilisation Date in respect of an Advance which is to be denominated in an Optional Currency, there occurs any change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions, currency availability, currency exchange rates or exchange controls, which in the opinion of the Agent renders the making of the Advance in such currency impracticable:

 

  11.4.1 the Agent shall give notice to each of the Banks and the Parent to that effect as soon as practicable but in any event before 11.00 a.m. (London time) on the proposed Utilisation Date;

 

  11.4.2 unless the Parent and the Banks agree otherwise, the Advance shall be made in Sterling and the Rate Fixing Day for the Term of the Advance shall be the Utilisation Date; and

 

  11.4.3 the relevant Borrower shall pay to the US Agent on behalf of the Bank any amount claimed in accordance with Clause 23.2 ( Other indemnities ).

 

11.5 Change in currency

 

  11.5.1 If more than one currency or currency unit are at the same time recognised by the central bank of any country as the lawful currency of that country, then:

 

  (A) any reference in the Finance Documents to, and any obligations arising under the Finance Documents in, the currency of that country shall be translated into, or paid in, the currency or currency unit of that country designated by the Agent; and

 

  (B) any translation from one currency or currency unit to another shall be at the official rate of exchange recognised by the central bank for the conversion of that currency or currency unit into the other, rounded up or down by the Agent acting reasonably.

 

  11.5.2 If any change in any currency of a country occurs, this Agreement will be amended to the extent the Agent specifies to be necessary to reflect the change in the currency and to put the Finance Parties in the same position, so far as possible, that they would have been in if no change in currency had occurred.

 

12. INCREASED COSTS

 

12.1 Increased costs

 

  12.1.1 Subject to Clause 12.3 ( Exceptions ), the Parent shall forthwith on demand by a Finance Party pay that Finance Party the amount of any increased cost incurred by it or any of its holding companies as a result of any change in or change in the interpretation of or introduction of any law or regulation (including any relating to taxation or reserve asset, special deposit, cash ratio, liquidity or capital adequacy requirements or any other form of banking or monetary control introduced by any central bank or other competent authority), or reduce or repay that Finance Party’s commitments or outstandings without penalty.

 

  12.1.2 In this Agreement, “increased cost” means:

 

  (A) an additional cost incurred by a Finance Party or any of its holding companies as a result of it performing, maintaining or funding its obligations under, this Agreement; or

 

46


  (B) that portion of an additional cost incurred by a Finance Party or any of its holding companies in making, funding or maintaining all or any advances comprised in a class of advances formed by or including the Advances made or to be made by it under this Agreement as is attributable to it making, funding or maintaining its Advances; or

 

  (C) a reduction in any amount payable to a Finance Party or the effective return to a Finance Party under this Agreement or on its capital (or the capital of any of its holding companies); or

 

  (D) the amount of any payment made by a Finance Party, or the amount of interest or other return foregone by a Finance Party, calculated by reference to any amount received or receivable by a Finance Party from any other Party under this Agreement.

 

12.2 Increased costs claim

 

  12.2.1 A Finance Party intending to make a claim pursuant to Clause 12.1 ( Increased costs ) shall notify the Agent of the event giving rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall promptly notify the Parent.

 

  12.2.2 Each Finance Party shall, as soon as practicable after a demand by the Agent or the Parent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its increased costs, detailing the calculation of the claim and confirming that it has considered whether there are any reasonable steps available to it to mitigate the circumstances of such claim in accordance with Clause 13.2 ( Mitigation ) and there are no such steps available to it.

 

12.3 Exceptions

Clause 12.1 ( Increased costs ) does not apply to any increased cost:

 

  12.3.1 attributable to any tax or amounts in respect of tax which must be deducted from any amounts payable or paid by a Borrower, or paid or payable by the Agent or the US Agent, to a Finance Party under the Finance Documents;

 

  12.3.2 which is, or is attributable to, any tax on the overall net income, profits or gains of a Finance Party or any of its holding companies (or the overall net income, profits or gains of a division or branch of the Finance Party or any of its holding companies) or any branch profit tax with respect to such division or branch;

 

  12.3.3 attributable to a Finance Party or its Affiliate wilfully failing to comply with any law or regulation; or

 

  12.3.4 attributable to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party.

 

13. ILLEGALITY AND MITIGATION

 

13.1 Illegality

If it becomes unlawful in any jurisdiction for a Bank to give effect to any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund or maintain any Advance or it becomes unlawful for any Affiliate of a Bank for that Bank to do so, then the Bank may notify the Parent through the Agent accordingly and thereupon:

 

  13.1.1 each Borrower shall, upon request from that Bank within the period allowed or if no period is allowed, forthwith, repay any Advances made to it by that Bank together with all other amounts payable by it to that Bank under this Agreement; and

 

  13.1.2 the Bank’s Commitment shall be cancelled.

 

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13.2 Mitigation

Notwithstanding the provisions of Clauses 10 ( Taxes ), 12 ( Increased Costs ) and 13.1 ( Illegality ), if in relation to a Finance Party circumstances arise which would result in:

 

  13.2.1 any deduction, withholding or payment of the nature referred to in Clause 10 ( Taxes ); or

 

  13.2.2 any increased cost of the nature referred to in Clause 12 ( Increased Costs ); or

 

  13.2.3 a notification pursuant to Clause 13.1 ( Illegality ),

then without in any way limiting, reducing or otherwise qualifying the rights of such Finance Party, such Finance Party shall promptly upon becoming aware of the same notify the Agent thereof (whereupon the Agent shall promptly notify the Parent) and such Finance Party shall use reasonable endeavours to transfer its participation in the Facilities and its rights hereunder and under the Finance Documents to another financial institution or Facility Office not affected by the circumstances having the results set out in Clauses 13.2.1 to 13.2.3 above and shall otherwise take such reasonable steps as may be open to it to mitigate the effects of such circumstances provided that such Finance Party shall not be under any obligation to take any such action if, in its reasonable opinion, to do so would or would be likely to have a material adverse effect upon its business, operations or financial condition or would involve it in any unlawful activity or any activity that is contrary to its policies or any request, guidance or directive of any competent authority (whether or not having the force of law) or (unless indemnified to its satisfaction) would involve it in any significant expense or tax disadvantage.

 

14. GUARANTEE

 

14.1 Guarantee

The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally:

 

  14.1.1 guarantees to each Finance Party prompt performance by each Borrower of all its obligations under the Finance Documents;

 

  14.1.2 undertakes with each Finance Party that whenever a Borrower does not pay any amount when due under or in connection with any Finance Document, the Guarantor shall forthwith on demand by the Agent pay that amount as if the Guarantor instead of the relevant Borrower were expressed to be the principal obligor; and

 

  14.1.3 indemnifies each Finance Party on demand against any loss or liability suffered by it if any obligation guaranteed by the Guarantor is or becomes unenforceable, invalid or illegal.

 

14.2 Continuing guarantee

This guarantee is a continuing guarantee and will extend to the ultimate balance of all sums payable by the Borrowers under the Finance Documents, regardless of any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part.

 

14.3 Reinstatement

 

  14.3.1 Where any discharge, release or arrangement (whether in respect of the obligations of any Borrower or any security for those obligations or otherwise) is made in whole or in part or any arrangement is made on the faith of any payment, security or other disposition which is avoided or must be restored on insolvency, liquidation or otherwise without limitation, the liability of the Guarantor under this Clause 14 shall continue as if the discharge or arrangement had not occurred (but only to the extent that such payment, security or other disposition is avoided or restored).

 

  14.3.2 Each Finance Party may concede or compromise any claim that any payment, security or other disposition is liable to avoidance or restoration.

 

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14.4 Waiver of defences

The obligations of the Guarantor under this Clause 14 will not be affected by any act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this provision, would reduce, release or prejudice any of its obligations under this Clause 14 or prejudice or diminish those obligations in whole or in part, including, without limitation, (whether or not known to it or any Finance Party):

 

  14.4.1 any time or waiver granted to, or composition with, any Borrower or other person;

 

  14.4.2 the taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal or neglect to perfect, take up or enforce, any rights against, or security over assets of, any Borrower or other person or any non-presentation or non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any security;

 

  14.4.3 any incapacity or lack of powers, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the members or status of a Borrower or any other person;

 

  14.4.4 any variation (however fundamental) or replacement of a Finance Document or any other document or security so that references to that Finance Document in this Clause 14 shall include each variation or replacement;

 

  14.4.5 any unenforceability, illegality or invalidity of any obligation of any person under any Finance Document or any other document or security, to the intent that the Guarantor’s obligations under this Clause 14 shall remain in full force and its guarantee be construed accordingly, as if there were no unenforceability, illegality or invalidity; and

 

  14.4.6 any postponement, discharge, reduction, non-provability or other similar circumstance affecting any obligation of any Borrower under a Finance Document resulting from any insolvency, liquidation or dissolution proceedings or from any law, regulation or order so that each such obligation shall for the purposes of the Guarantor’s obligations under this Clause 14 be construed as if there were no such circumstance.

 

14.5 Immediate recourse

The Guarantor waives any right it may have of first requiring any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) to proceed against or enforce any other rights or security or claim payment from any person before claiming from the Guarantor under this Clause 14. This waiver applies irrespective of any law or any provision of a Finance Document to the contrary.

 

14.6 Appropriations

Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Borrowers to it under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full, each Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) may:

 

  14.6.1 refrain from applying or enforcing any other moneys, security or rights held or received by that Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) in respect of those amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise) and the Guarantor shall not be entitled to the benefit of the same; and

 

  14.6.2 hold in an interest bearing suspense account any moneys received from the Guarantor or on account of the Guarantor’s liability under this Clause 14.

 

14.7 Non-competition

Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Borrowers under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been paid in full, the Guarantor shall not, after a claim has been made or by virtue of any payment or performance by it under this Clause 14:

 

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  14.7.1 be subrogated to any rights, security or moneys held, received or receivable by any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) or be entitled to any right of contribution or indemnity in respect of any payment made or moneys received on account of the Guarantor’s liability under this Clause 14;

 

  14.7.2 claim, rank, prove or vote as a creditor of any Borrower or its estate in competition with any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf); or

 

  14.7.3 receive, claim or have the benefit of any payment, distribution or security from or on account of any Borrower, or exercise any right of set-off as against any Borrower.

The Guarantor shall hold on trust for and forthwith pay or transfer to the US Agent for the Finance Parties any payment or distribution or benefit of security received by it contrary to this Clause 14.7.

 

14.8 Additional security

This guarantee is in addition to and is not in any way prejudiced by any other security now or hereafter held by any Finance Party.

 

15. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

15.1 Representations and warranties

Each Obligor makes the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 15 to each Finance Party (but in the case of an Obligor other than the Parent only in respect of itself).

 

15.2 Status

It is a duly incorporated and validly existing corporation under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.

 

15.3 Powers and authority

It has the power to enter into, or, as the case may be, to comply with, and be bound by all obligations expressed on its part under the Finance Documents and (in the case of a Borrower) to borrow under this Agreement and (in the case of the Guarantor) to give the guarantee in Clause 14 ( Guarantee ) and has taken all necessary actions to authorise (in the case of a Borrower) borrowings under this Agreement and (in the case of the Guarantor) the giving of the guarantee in Clause 14 ( Guarantee ) and to authorise the execution, delivery and performance of the Finance Documents.

 

15.4 Non-conflict

The execution, delivery and performance of the Finance Documents will not violate any provisions of any existing law or regulation or statute applicable to it or of any mortgage, contract or other undertaking to which it is a party or which is binding upon its assets.

 

15.5 Borrowing limits

Borrowings under this Agreement up to and including the maximum amount available under this Agreement will not when borrowed cause any limit on borrowings or, as the case may be, on the giving of guarantees (whether imposed by statute, regulation, agreement or otherwise), or on the powers of its board of directors, applicable to it to be exceeded.

 

15.6 Authorisations

All relevant consents or authorisations of any governmental authority or agency required by it in connection with the execution, validity, performance or enforceability of the Finance Documents have been obtained and are subsisting.

 

15.7 Pari passu

Its obligations under the Finance Documents constitute its legal, valid and binding

 

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unsecured and unsubordinated obligations ranking (subject to the preference of certain obligations in the liquidation, bankruptcy or other analogous proceedings in respect of it by operation of applicable law) pari passu with all its other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations.

 

15.8 Litigation

Save in respect of legal or arbitration proceedings disclosed in the last published annual audited or interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Parent or disclosed by the Parent to the Agent in writing on or before the Signing Date: (i) no liability has arisen in relation to any legal or arbitration proceedings involving any member of the Group which will require a provision to be made in the next published consolidated financial statements of the Parent and, in the reasonable judgement of the board of directors of the Parent, will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents, and (ii) to the best of the knowledge of the Obligors, no actions or investigations by any governmental or regulatory agency are ongoing against any of the Obligors in relation to an alleged breach of any Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws.

 

15.9 Material adverse change

There has been no material adverse change in the financial condition of the Group (taken as a whole) since the last audited consolidated financial statements of the Group, which in the reasonable judgement of the board of directors of the Parent has had or will have a material adverse effect on the Obligors’ ability (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents. This Clause 15.9 does not apply to matters covered by Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ).

 

15.10 Accounts

The most recent audited consolidated profit and loss account and balance sheet of the Parent which have been or are to be delivered to the Agent together with the notes thereto give a true and fair view of the results of the operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the period to which they relate and, as the case may be, the financial position of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the date to which they relate and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

 

15.11 Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption

 

  15.11.1 None of the Obligors nor, to the best of the knowledge of the Obligors, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Obligors (i) are currently subject to any sanctions administered by OFAC or any equivalent sanctions administered by the European Union or HM Treasury; or (ii) has engaged in any activity which would breach the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws.

 

  15.11.2 Each of the Obligors have in place and will enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws and Anti-Money Laundering Laws.

 

15.12 No Event of Default

No Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

15.13 Investment company status

No US Borrower is required to be registered as an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

15.14 ERISA and Multiemployer Plans

All US Borrowers and their ERISA Affiliates are in compliance with all applicable provisions and requirements of ERISA and the Code and the regulations thereunder with respect to

 

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each Employee Plan, except for instances of non-compliance that would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents. No ERISA Events have occurred, except as would not reasonably be likely to result in a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

15.15 Times for making representations and warranties

The representations and warranties set out in this Clause 15:

 

  15.15.1 are made on the Signing Date;

 

  15.15.2 (except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ), Clause 15.10 ( Accounts ), Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption ) and Clause 15.14 ( ERISA and Multiemployer Plans )) in the case of an Obligor which becomes a Party after the Signing Date, are deemed to be made by that Obligor on the date it executes a Borrower Accession Agreement; and

 

  15.15.3 (except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ), Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption ) and Clause 15.14 ( ERISA and Multiemployer Plans )) are deemed to be repeated by each Obligor with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing on:

 

  (A) the date of each Request; and

 

  (B) each Utilisation Date;

in each case in respect of any Advance.

 

  15.15.4 (except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ), Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption ) and Clause 15.14 ( ERISA and Multiemployer Plans )) are deemed to be repeated by each Obligor with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing on the date on which the Final Maturity Date for all or part of Revolving Facility A is extended in accordance with Clause 2.4.3 ( Extension Option ) or Clause 2.5 ( Term Out Option ).

 

16. UNDERTAKINGS

 

16.1 Duration

The undertakings in this Clause 16 will remain in force from the Signing Date for so long as any amount is or may be outstanding under this Agreement or any Commitment is in force.

 

16.2 Financial information

Each Obligor shall supply to the Agent in sufficient copies for all the Banks:

 

  16.2.1 as soon as the same are publicly available (and in any event within 180 days of the end of each of its financial years):

 

  (A) in the case of the Parent, its audited consolidated financial statements for that financial year; and

 

  (B) in the case of each other Obligor, its audited statutory accounts for that financial year; and

 

  16.2.2 as soon as the same are publicly available (and in any event within 90 days of the end of the first half-year of each of its financial years) in the case of the Parent, its interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for that half-year.

 

16.3 Information - Miscellaneous

The Parent shall supply to the Agent (in sufficient copies for all the Banks if the Agent so requests):

 

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  16.3.1 all documents despatched by it to its shareholders (or any class of them) or its creditors generally (or any class of them) in relation to it or its Subsidiaries at the same time as they are despatched;

 

  16.3.2 promptly upon becoming aware of them, details of any legal or arbitration proceedings of the kind referred to in Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ); and

 

  16.3.3 as soon as reasonably practicable, such further information in the possession or control of the Parent regarding its financial condition, business or operations as the Agent may reasonably request unless such information is, in the sole opinion of the Parent, confidential or price sensitive (acting in good faith).

 

16.4 Notification of Default

The Parent shall notify the Agent of any Event of Default (and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy it) promptly upon becoming aware of it.

 

16.5 Authorisations

Each Obligor shall promptly:

 

  16.5.1 comply with the terms of each Finance Document to which it is a party; and

 

  16.5.2 obtain and maintain, and, if requested, supply certified copies to the Agent of, any authorisation required under any law or regulation to enable it to perform its obligations under, or for the validity or enforceability of, any Finance Document to which it is a party.

 

16.6 Pari passu ranking

Each Obligor shall procure that its obligations under the Finance Documents do and will rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations (subject to the preference of certain obligations in the liquidation, bankruptcy or other analogous proceedings in respect of it by operation of applicable law).

 

16.7 Negative pledge

No Obligor shall create or permit to subsist any Security Interest on any of its assets except for any Security Interest:

 

  16.7.1 to secure any excise or import taxes or duties, tobacco taxes or sales or goods and services taxes owed to, or industrial grants made by, any state, government, political sub-division or international organisation, or any agency, authority, instrumentality or body of any thereof or any regulatory authority; or

 

  16.7.2 created or arising with the prior written approval of the Majority Banks; or

 

  16.7.3 created or arising out of retention of title provisions or a conditional sale in respect of goods acquired by an Obligor in the ordinary course of business; or

 

  16.7.4 which is a lien or other Security Interest arising in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and not securing Borrowings; or

 

  16.7.5 over assets or revenues acquired after the Signing Date and existing on the date of such acquisition and not created in contemplation thereof provided the aggregate principal amount secured thereby at the date of acquisition is not exceeded; or

 

  16.7.6 the principal purpose and effect of which is to allow the setting-off or netting of obligations with those of a financial institution in the ordinary course of the cash management arrangements of the Group; or

 

  16.7.7 constituted by netting, set-off or cash collateral arrangements in relation to swaps or other derivative agreements in the ordinary course of its business; or

 

  16.7.8

arising under arrangements in connection with the participation in or trading on or

 

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  through any clearing system or investment, commodities or stock exchange where the Security Interest arises in the ordinary course of business under the rules or normal procedures or legislation governing such system or exchange; or

 

  16.7.9 on Margin Stock or otherwise over securities, derivatives or commodities, in respect of the acquisition cost of securities, derivatives or commodities owed to a dealer therein or an agent for the purchase thereof where such cost falls to be paid within 180 days of being incurred; or

 

  16.7.10 arising out of or in connection with pre-judgment legal process or a judgment or a judicial award relating to security for costs; or

 

  16.7.11 which is to renew, extend or replace a Security Interest permitted by this Clause 16.7 if the principal amount secured is not thereby exceeded and such permitted Security Interest is discharged or released within three months of the creation of the replacement Security Interest; or

 

  16.7.12 created by it in favour of another Obligor, or

 

  16.7.13 over cash or cash equivalents covering Defeased Borrowings; or

 

  16.7.14 created by or arising out of any Obligor provided the aggregate principal, capital or nominal amount secured by all such Security Interests does not exceed £400,000,000 or its equivalent in other currencies at any one time.

 

16.8 Disposals

The Parent shall not, either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions, whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, sell, transfer, grant or lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (save for the purposes of an amalgamation, reconstruction or corporate reorganisation, the terms of which have been approved by the Majority Banks).

 

16.9 Change of business

The Group taken as a whole shall not change to a material extent the nature of the businesses carried on by the Group as at the Signing Date.

 

16.10 Insurance

The Parent will procure that each member of the Group will effect and maintain such insurance over and in respect of its respective assets and business and in such a manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or a similar business and in the same or similar localities.

 

16.11 Environmental undertakings

 

  16.11.1 Each Obligor will not, and the Parent will procure that no member of the Group will, other than when duly licensed by the appropriate regulatory authorities, use, generate, store, handle, transport, dump, release, deposit, bury, emit, abandon or place any Dangerous Substance at, on, from or under any property which it owns or occupies if to do so will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

  16.11.2 Each Obligor will, and the Parent will procure that each member of the Group will, comply in all respects (consistently with the manner in which similar businesses operating in the relevant jurisdiction comply) with:

 

  (A) all applicable Environmental Laws; and

 

  (B) the terms of all Environmental Approvals necessary for the ownership and operation of its facilities and businesses as owned and operated from time to time,

if failure to do so will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

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16.12 Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption

Each Obligor will ensure that the proceeds of any Advance will not directly or indirectly be lent, contributed or otherwise made available to any person or entity (whether or not related to any Obligor) for (i) the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any sanctions administered by OFAC or any equivalent sanctions administered by the European Union or HM Treasury; or (ii) for any purpose that would breach the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws or Anti-Money Laundering Laws.

 

16.13 Margin Stock

None of the Advances will be used by any of the Obligors (i) to directly or indirectly purchase or carry any Margin Stock; (ii) to refinance any Borrowings originally incurred for any such purpose; or (iii) for any other purpose or in any other manner that, in each case, would violate (including on the part of any Finance Party) any provision of Regulation U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

 

17. FINANCIAL COVENANT

 

17.1 Definitions

 

  17.1.1 In this Clause 17:

“Associates and Joint Ventures” means entities (other than a subsidiary or a joint operation) in which any member of the Group has a participating interest and exercises significant influence or joint control, respectively, and which are equity accounted in accordance with IAS 28.

“EBITDA” means, in respect of any Ratio Period, the aggregate of:

 

  (A) the consolidated profit for the period of the Group, including results from discontinued operations and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of Associates and Joint Ventures;

adjusted by:

 

  (B) adding back net finance costs and taxation for the period (including net finance costs and taxation included within Associates and Joint Ventures);

 

  (C) taking no account of any adjusting items (as such term is used in the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Parent), including (but not restricted to) gains or losses arising on:

 

  (1) restructurings of the activities of an entity and reversals of any provisions for the costs of restructuring;

 

  (2) disposals of non-current assets, including the disposal of net assets associated with discontinued operations;

 

  (3) amortisation of trademarks and similar items;

 

  (4) adjusting items of Associates and Joint Ventures;

 

  (D) taking no account of any income or charge attributable to a defined benefit pensions scheme other than the current service costs on plan liabilities attributable to the scheme;

 

  (E) adding back any depreciation and amortisation and taking no account of any charge for impairment or any reversal of any previous impairment charge made in the period, unless already adjusted for under (C) above; and

 

  (F) including interest and dividend income of the Group,

all as determined by reference to the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Parent delivered pursuant to Clause 16.2 ( Financial information ) or other relevant information, where applicable.

 

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“Interest Payable” means, in respect of any Ratio Period, all interest, discount and acceptance commission, commitment fees and all other continuing, regular or periodic costs, charges and expenses in the nature of interest (whether paid, payable or capitalised) or treated for accounting purposes as interest, incurred by the Group and net of guarantee fees paid to any member of the Group by lenders as represented by the Interest Payable account line of the notes to the published accounts.

“Ratio Period” means each twelve month period ending on the date to which the latest annual or interim semi-annual consolidated financial statements of the Group were prepared: the first such date shall be 30 June 2017.

 

  17.1.2 All amounts defined by the terms used in Clause 17.1.1 above are to be calculated in accordance with EU-endorsed IFRS, where applicable and as applied to each set of audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Group delivered under Clause 16.2 ( Financial information ). For the purposes of Clause 17.1.1 above, amounts in currencies other than Sterling shall be translated into Sterling at the rates used in the latest audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Group.

 

  17.1.3 If there is a dispute as to any interpretation of or computation for this Clause 16.12, the interpretation or computation of the auditors for the time being of the Parent will prevail.

 

17.2 Interest Cover Ratio

The Parent shall procure that for each Ratio Period the ratio of EBITDA to Interest Payable shall not be less than 4.5:1.

 

18. DEFAULT

 

18.1 Events of Default

Each of the events set out in Clauses 18.2 ( Non-payment ) to Clause 18.13 ( Guarantee ) is an Event of Default (whether or not caused by any reason whatsoever outside the control of any Obligor or any other person).

 

18.2 Non-payment

An Obligor does not pay, within five Business Days of the due date, any amount payable by it under the Finance Documents at the place at and in the currency in which it is expressed to be payable.

 

18.3 Breach of other obligations

 

  18.3.1 An Obligor does not comply with Clause 17 ( Financial Covenant ).

 

  18.3.2 An Obligor does not comply with any provision of the Finance Documents (other than those referred to in Clause 18.3.1 above or in Clause 18.2 ( Non-payment )) and such failure (if capable of remedy before the expiry of such period) continues un-remedied for a period of 30 days from the earlier of the date on which (i) an Obligor becomes aware of the failure to comply or (ii) the Agent gives notice to the Parent requiring the same to be remedied.

 

18.4 Misrepresentation

A representation, warranty or statement made or deemed to be repeated by any Obligor in any Finance Document or in any document delivered by or on behalf of any Obligor under or in connection with any Finance Document is incorrect in any respect which is material in the context of this Agreement when made or deemed to be made or repeated.

 

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18.5 Cross-default

Any other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness of an Obligor becomes due and repayable by reason of an event of default (howsoever described) prior to its stated date of payment or any other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness of an Obligor is not paid within the longer of seven days of its due date or any applicable grace period therefor (and for such purpose there shall be deemed to be a grace period of not less than seven days in respect of any obligation under any guarantee or indemnity or otherwise as surety), provided that no such event shall constitute an Event of Default unless the Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness either:

 

  18.5.1 in any particular case amounts to at least £50,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in any other currency; or

 

  18.5.2 when aggregated with other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness then so due and repayable or not so paid amounts to at least £200,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in any other currency.

 

18.6 Insolvency

 

  18.6.1 An Obligor is, or is deemed for the purposes of any law to be unable to pay its debts as they fall due or to be insolvent (except by reason of the failure to pay individual liability not exceeding US$10,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency), or admits inability to pay its debts as they fall due; or

 

  18.6.2 an Obligor suspends making payments on all or any class of its debt or announces an intention to do so, or a moratorium (such moratorium including a surseance van betaling , in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands) (other than a general governmental moratorium affecting foreign currency or exchange controls) is declared in respect of any of its indebtedness; or

 

  18.6.3 an Obligor, by reason of financial difficulties, begins negotiations with its creditors generally or any class of them with a view to the readjustment or rescheduling of any of its indebtedness.

 

18.7 Insolvency proceedings

 

  18.7.1 Any formal voluntary step commencing legal proceedings (including petition or convening a meeting) is taken by an Obligor (other than a US Debtor) with a view to a composition, assignment or arrangement with any class of creditors of an Obligor (other than a US Debtor); or

 

  18.7.2 a meeting of an Obligor (other than a US Debtor) is convened by its directors or secretary for the purpose of considering any resolution for (or to petition for) its winding-up or for its administration or, in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands, its bankruptcy ( faillissement ), or any such resolution is passed; or

 

  18.7.3 any person presents a petition for the winding-up or for the administration of an Obligor (other than a US Debtor) or, in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands, its bankruptcy ( faillissement ), and the petition is not discharged or stayed within 21 days; or

 

  18.7.4 an order for the winding up or administration of an Obligor (other than a US Debtor) or, in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands, its bankruptcy ( faillissement ), is made.

 

18.8 Appointment of receivers and managers

 

  18.8.1 Any liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, judicial custodian, compulsory manager, receiver, administrative receiver, administrator or the like is appointed in respect of an Obligor (other than a US Debtor) or all or substantially all of its assets and, only in the case of the appointment of a judicial custodian, compulsory manager or receiver, is not discharged within 21 days; or

 

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  18.8.2 the directors of an Obligor (other than a US Debtor) request the appointment of a liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, judicial custodian, compulsory manager, receiver, administrative receiver, administrator or the like in respect of itself.

 

18.9 Creditors’ process

Any attachment, sequestration, distress or execution affects any material asset of an Obligor and is not discharged within 21 days.

 

18.10 Analogous proceedings

There occurs, in relation to an Obligor any event anywhere which corresponds with any of those mentioned in Clauses 18.6 ( Insolvency ) to 18.9 ( Creditors’ process ) (both inclusive).

 

18.11 US Bankruptcy Law

Any of the following occurs in respect of a US Debtor:

 

  18.11.1 it makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

 

  18.11.2 it commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any US Bankruptcy Law; or

 

  18.11.3 an involuntary case under any US Bankruptcy Law is commenced against it and is not dismissed or stayed within 60 days after commencement of the case.

 

18.12 Unlawfulness

It is or becomes unlawful for any Obligor to perform any of its payment or other material obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

18.13 Guarantee

The guarantee of the Guarantor under Clause 14 ( Guarantee ) is not effective or is alleged by an Obligor to be ineffective for any reason (other than by reason of written release or waiver by the Finance Parties).

 

18.14 Employee Plans

Any ERISA Event shall have occurred that, when aggregated with all other ERISA Events, would have or would be reasonably expected to result in a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

18.15 Exceptions

Nothing in Clauses 18.7 ( Insolvency proceedings ), 18.8 ( Appointment of receivers and managers ) or 18.10 ( Analogous proceedings ) applies to any reconstruction, amalgamation or other transfer of any part of any Obligor’s business and/or assets to or with another Obligor.

 

18.16 Acceleration

 

  18.16.1 If an Event of Default described in Clause 18.11 ( US Bankruptcy Law ) occurs, the Total Commitments will, if not already cancelled under this Agreement, be immediately and automatically cancelled and all amounts outstanding under the Finance Documents will be immediately and automatically due and payable, without the requirement of notice or any other formality.

 

  18.16.2 On and at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default and while such event is continuing the Agent may, and shall if so directed by the Majority Banks, by notice to the Parent, declare that an Event of Default has occurred and:

 

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  (A) to the extent not already cancelled under Clause 18.16.1, cancel the Total Commitments; and/or

 

  (B) to the extent not already due and payable pursuant to Clause 18.16.1, demand that all the Advances, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued under this Agreement be immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall become immediately due and payable; and/or

 

  (C) demand that all the Advances be payable on demand, whereupon they shall immediately become payable on demand.

 

19. THE ADMINISTRATIVE PARTIES

 

19.1 Appointment and duties of the Administrative Parties

Each Finance Party (other than the Agent) irrevocably: (i) appoints the Agent to act as its agent under and in connection with the Finance Documents, and (ii) appoints the US Agent to act as its agent under and in connection with the Finance Documents, and each US$ Swingline Bank appoints the US$ Swingline Agent to act as its agent in relation to the US$ Swingline Facility, each Euro Swingline Bank appoints the Euro Swingline Agent to act as its agent in relation to the Euro Swingline Facility, and each Finance Party irrevocably authorises the Agent or, as the case may be, the US Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent on its behalf to perform the duties and to exercise the rights, powers and discretions that are specifically delegated to it under or in connection with the Finance Documents, together with any other incidental rights, powers and discretions. The Administrative Parties shall have only those duties which are expressly specified in this Agreement (and no duties, responsibilities or obligations shall be implied). Those duties are solely of a mechanical and administrative nature.

 

19.2 Relationship

The relationship between each Administrative Party and the other Finance Parties is that of agent and principal only. Nothing in this Agreement constitutes any of the Administrative Parties as trustee or fiduciary for any other Party or any other person and the Administrative Parties need not hold in trust any moneys paid to it for a Party or be liable to account for interest on those moneys.

 

19.3 Majority Banks’ directions

Each Administrative Party will be fully protected if it acts in accordance with the instructions of the Majority Banks in connection with the exercise of any right, power or discretion or any matter not expressly provided for in the Finance Documents. Any such instructions given by the Majority Banks will be binding on all the Banks. In the absence of such instructions, an Administrative Party may act or refuse to act as it considers to be in the best interests of all the Banks. No Administrative Party shall be liable to any Bank for any act (or omission) if it acts (or refrains from taking any action) in accordance with an instruction of the Majority Banks. An Administrative Party may refrain from acting in accordance with any instructions of any Bank or group of Banks until it has received any indemnification and/or security from such Bank or group of Banks that it may in its discretion require (which may be greater in extent than that contained in the Finance Documents and which may include payment in advance) for any cost, loss or liability which it may incur in complying with those instructions.

 

19.4 Delegation

Each Administrative Party may act under the Finance Documents through its personnel and agents.

 

19.5 Responsibility for documentation

No Administrative Party is responsible to any other Party for:

 

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  19.5.1 the execution, genuineness, validity, enforceability or sufficiency of any Finance Document or any other document;

 

  19.5.2 the collectability of amounts payable under any Finance Document; or

 

  19.5.3 the accuracy of any statements (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with any Finance Document.

 

19.6 Default

 

  19.6.1 No Administrative Party is obliged to monitor or enquire as to whether or not a Default has occurred. No Administrative Party will be deemed to have knowledge of the occurrence of a Default. However, if an Administrative Party receives notice from a Party referring to this Agreement, describing the Default and stating that the event is a Default, it shall promptly notify the Banks.

 

  19.6.2 Any Administrative Party may require the receipt of security satisfactory to it from the Banks whether by way of payment in advance or otherwise, against any liability or loss which it will or may incur in taking any proceedings or action arising out of or in connection with any Finance Document before it commences these proceedings or takes that action.

 

19.7 Exoneration

 

  19.7.1 Without limiting Clause 19.7.2 below, no Administrative Party will be liable to any other Party for any action taken or not taken by it under or in connection with any Finance Document, unless directly caused by its negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

  19.7.2 No Party may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of any Administrative Party in respect of any claim it might have against that Administrative Party in respect of any act or omission of any kind (including negligence or wilful misconduct) by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document.

 

  19.7.3 No Administrative Party will be liable for any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of:

 

  (A) any act, event or circumstance not reasonably within its control; or

 

  (B) the general risks of investment in, or the holding of assets in, any jurisdiction,

including (in each case and without limitation) such damages, costs, losses, diminution in value or liability arising as a result of: nationalisation, expropriation or other governmental actions; any regulation, currency restriction, devaluation or fluctuation; market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions or the value of assets (including any Disruption Event); breakdown, failure or malfunction of any third party transport, telecommunications, computer services or systems; natural disasters or acts of God; war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or strikes or industrial action.

 

  19.7.4 Without prejudice to any provision of any Finance Document excluding or limiting any Administrative Party’s liability, any liability of an Administrative Party arising under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be limited to the amount of actual loss suffered (as determined by reference to the date of default of that Administrative Party or, if later, the date on which the loss arises as a result of such default) but without reference to any special conditions or circumstances known to that Administrative Party at any time which increase the amount of that loss. In no event shall any Administrative Party be liable for any loss of profits, goodwill, reputation, business opportunity or anticipated saving, or for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, whether or not that Administrative Party has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damages.

 

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19.8 Reliance

Each Administrative Party may:

 

  19.8.1 rely on any notice or document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed by, or with the authority of, the proper person;

 

  19.8.2 rely on any statement made by a director or employee of any person regarding any matters which may reasonably be assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify; and

 

  19.8.3 engage, pay for and rely on legal or other professional advisers selected by it (including those in that Administrative Party’s employment and those representing a Party other than that Administrative Party).

 

19.9 Credit approval and appraisal

Without affecting the responsibility of any Obligor for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Finance Document, each Bank confirms that it:

 

  19.9.1 has made its own independent investigation and assessment of the financial condition and affairs of each Obligor and its related entities in connection with its participation in this Agreement and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by any Administrative Party in connection with any Finance Document; and

 

  19.9.2 will continue to make its own independent appraisal of the creditworthiness of each Obligor and its related entities while any amount is or may be outstanding under the Finance Documents or any Commitment is in force.

 

19.10 Information

 

  19.10.1 Each Administrative Party shall promptly forward to the person concerned the original or a copy of any document which is delivered to that Administrative Party by a Party for that person.

 

  19.10.2 The Agent shall promptly supply a Bank with a copy of each document received by the Agent under Clauses 4 ( Conditions Precedent ) or 26.6 ( Additional Borrowers ) upon the request and at the expense of that Bank.

 

  19.10.3 Except where this Agreement specifically provides otherwise, no Administrative Party is obliged to review or check the accuracy or completeness of any document it forwards to another Party.

 

  19.10.4 Except as provided above, no Administrative Party has any duty:

 

  (A) either initially or on a continuing basis to provide any Bank with any credit or other information concerning the financial condition or affairs of any Obligor or any related entity of any Obligor whether coming into its possession or that of any of its related entities before, on or after the Signing Date; or

 

  (B) unless specifically requested to do so by a Bank in accordance with this Agreement, to request any certificates or other documents from any Obligor.

 

  19.10.5 An Administrative Party may disclose the identity of a Defaulting Bank to the other Finance Parties and the Parent and shall disclose the same upon the written request of the Parent, a Borrower or the Majority Banks.

 

19.11 The Administrative Parties individually

 

  19.11.1 If it is also a Bank, each Administrative Party has the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Bank and may exercise those rights and powers as though it were not an Administrative Party.

 

  19.11.2 Each Administrative Party may:

 

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  (A) carry on any business with an Obligor or its related entities;

 

  (B) act as agent or trustee for, or in relation to any financing involving, an Obligor or its related entities; and

 

  (C) retain any profits or remuneration in connection with its activities under this Agreement or in relation to any of the foregoing.

 

19.12 Indemnities

 

  19.12.1 Without limiting the liability of any Obligor under the Finance Documents, each Bank shall forthwith on demand indemnify each Administrative Party for its proportion of any cost, liability or loss incurred by that Administrative Party in any way relating to or arising out of its acting as an Administrative Party, except to the extent that the liability or loss arises directly from that Administrative Party’s negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

  19.12.2 A Bank’s proportion of the liability or loss set out in Clause 19.12.1 above is the proportion which the Original Sterling Amount of its Advance(s) bears to the Original Sterling Amount of all Advances outstanding on the date of the demand. If, however, no Advances are outstanding on the date of demand, then the proportion will be the proportion which its Commitment bears to the Total Commitments at the date of demand or, if the Total Commitments have been cancelled, bore to the Total Commitments immediately before being cancelled.

 

  19.12.3 The Parent shall forthwith on demand reimburse each Bank for any payment made by it under Clause 19.12.1 above except to the extent it arises out of the Bank’s negligence or default.

 

19.13 Compliance

 

  19.13.1 An Administrative Party may refrain from doing anything which might, in its opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any person, and may do anything which, in its opinion, is necessary or desirable to comply with any law or regulation of any jurisdiction.

 

  19.13.2 Without limiting Clause 19.13.1 above, an Administrative Party need not disclose any information relating to any Obligor or any of its related entities if the disclosure might, in the opinion of that Administrative Party constitute a breach of any law or regulation or any duty of secrecy or confidentiality or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any person.

 

19.14 Deduction from amounts payable by the Agent or the US Agent

If any Party owes an amount to the Agent or, as the case may be, the US Agent under the Finance Documents the Agent or, as the case may be, the US Agent may, after giving notice to that Party, deduct an amount not exceeding that amount from any payment to that Party which the Agent or, as the case may be, the US Agent would otherwise be obliged to make under the Finance Documents and apply the amount deducted in or towards satisfaction of the amount owed. For the purposes of the Finance Documents that Party shall be regarded as having received any amount so deducted.

 

19.15 Money held as banker

Each of the Agent and the US Agent shall be entitled to deal with money paid to it by any person for the purposes of this Agreement in the same manner as other money paid to a banker by its customers except that it shall not be liable to account to any person for any interest or other amounts in respect of the money.

 

19.16 Resignation of an Administrative Party

 

  19.16.1

Notwithstanding its irrevocable appointment an Administrative Party may resign by giving notice to the Banks and the Parent, in which case the Parent may (following consultation with the Banks, or the relevant Swingline Banks, as the

 

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  case may be) forthwith appoint a successor Administrative Party (which shall be a Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank) or, failing that, the retiring Administrative Party shall forthwith appoint its successor or, failing that, the Majority Banks shall appoint the successor Administrative Party.

 

  19.16.2 The resignation of the retiring Administrative Party and the appointment of any successor Administrative Party will both become effective only upon the successor Administrative Party notifying all the Parties that it accepts the appointment. On giving the notification and receiving such approval, the successor Administrative Party will succeed to the position of the retiring Administrative Party and the term “Agent”, “US Agent”, “US$ Swingline Agent” or “Euro Swingline Agent” will mean the successor Agent, successor US Agent, successor US$ Swingline Agent or successor Euro Swingline Agent.

 

  19.16.3 The retiring Administrative Party shall, at its own cost, make available to its successor such documents and records and provide such assistance as the relevant successor Administrative Party may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as the relevant Administrative Party under this Agreement.

 

  19.16.4 Upon its resignation becoming effective, this Clause 19 shall continue to benefit the relevant retiring Administrative Party in respect of any action taken or not taken by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents while it was the relevant Administrative Party and, subject to Clause 19.16.3 above, it shall have no further obligation under any Finance Document.

 

  19.16.5 Notwithstanding the irrevocable appointment of an Administrative Party, after consultation with the Parent, the Majority Banks may, by notice to that Administrative Party, require it to resign in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above. In this event, such Administrative Party shall resign in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above.

 

  19.16.6 An Administrative Party shall resign in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above if on or after the date which is three months before the earliest FATCA Application Date relating to any payment to that Administrative Party under the Finance Documents:

 

  (A) that Administrative Party fails to respond to a request under Clause 10.6 ( FATCA ) and an Obligor or a Bank reasonably believes that that Administrative Party will not be (or will have ceased to be) FATCA Exempt (as defined in Clause 10.6 ( FATCA )) on or after that FATCA Application Date;

 

  (B) the information supplied by that Administrative Party pursuant to Clause 10.6 ( FATCA ) indicates that that Administrative Party will not be (or will have ceased to be) FATCA Exempt on or after that FATCA Application Date; or

 

  (C) that Administrative Party notifies an Obligor and the Bank that that Administrative Party will not be (or will have ceased to be) FATCA Exempt on or after that FATCA Application Date,

and (in each case) an Obligor or a Bank reasonably believes that a Party will be required to make a FATCA Deduction that would not be required if that Administrative Party were FATCA Exempt, and the Obligor or a Bank, by notice to that Administrative Party, requires it to resign.

 

  19.16.7 If an Administrative Party resigns pursuant to Clause 19.16.6 above:

 

  (A) its successor shall be appointed in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above; and

 

  (B) such resignation shall only become effective when the successor Administrative Party notifies all the Parties that it accepts such appointment.

 

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19.17 Replacement of an Administrative Party

 

  19.17.1 After consultation with the Parent, the Majority Banks may, by giving 30 days’ written notice to the relevant Administrative Party (or, at any time the relevant Administrative Party is an Impaired Agent, by giving any shorter notice determined by the Majority Banks) replace that Administrative Party by appointing a successor Administrative Party.

 

  19.17.2 The retiring Administrative Party shall (at its own cost if it is an Impaired Agent and otherwise at the expense of the Banks) make available to the successor Administrative Party such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Administrative Party may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as agent under the Finance Documents.

 

  19.17.3 The appointment of the successor Administrative Party shall take effect on the date specified in the notice from the Majority Banks to the retiring Administrative Party. As from this date, the retiring Administrative Party shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents but shall remain entitled to the benefit of this Clause 19 (and any agency fees for the account of the retiring Administrative Party shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date).

 

  19.17.4 Any successor Administrative Party and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party.

 

19.18 Banks

Each Administrative Party may treat each Bank as a Bank, entitled to payments under this Agreement and as acting through its Facility Office(s) until it has received notice from the Bank to the contrary by not less than five Business Days prior to the relevant payment.

 

19.19 Regulatory Position

The Agent is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Agent to carry on an activity of the kind specified by any provision of Part II (other than article 5 (accepting deposits)) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 or to lend money to any Borrower in its capacity as Agent.

 

19.20 Chinese Wall

In acting as an Administrative Party, the agency and syndications division of each Administrative Party shall be treated as a separate entity from its other divisions and departments. Any information acquired at any time by an Administrative Party otherwise than in the capacity of an Administrative Party through its agency and syndications division (whether as financial advisor to any member of the Group or otherwise) may be treated as confidential by that Administrative Party and shall not be deemed to be information possessed by that Administrative Party in their capacity as such. Each Finance Party acknowledges that each Administrative Party may, now or in the future, be in possession of, or provided with, information relating to the Obligors which has not or will not be provided to the other Finance Parties. Each Finance Party agrees that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement no Administrative Party will be under any obligation to provide, or under any liability for failure to provide, any such information.

 

20. FEES

 

20.1 Ticking fee

The Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the US Agent for distribution to each Bank a ticking fee in the amount and on the date agreed in the relevant Fee Letter.

 

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20.2 Commitment fee

 

  20.2.1 The Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the US Agent:

 

  (A) a commitment fee at the rate of 25 per cent. of the applicable Margin calculated in accordance with Clause 8.2 ( Calculation of the Margin ) on the undrawn, uncancelled amount of the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments on each day, for distribution to each Bank pro rata to the proportion its Revolving Facility A Commitment bears to the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments from time to time; and

 

  (B) a commitment fee at the rate of 35 per cent. of the applicable Margin calculated in accordance with Clause 8.2 ( Calculation of the Margin ) on the undrawn, uncancelled amount of the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments on each day, for distribution to each Bank pro rata to the proportion its Revolving Facility B Commitment bears to the Total Revolving Facility B Commitments from time to time.

 

  20.2.2 Each commitment fee is calculated and accrues from the Closing Date on a daily basis and is payable quarterly in arrear with the first payment due three months after the Closing Date for the period from the Closing Date. Accrued commitment fee is also payable to the US Agent for the relevant Bank(s) on the cancelled amount of its Commitment at the time the cancellation takes effect.

 

  20.2.3 No commitment fee is payable to the US Agent (for the account of a Bank) on any Available Commitment of a Bank on any day on which such Bank is a Bank in relation to which (i) any of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank” has occurred and (ii) in so far as such event or circumstance relates to paragraph (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank”, a notice of cancellation has been despatched by the Parent to the Agent under Clause 7.6 ( Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank ) (such Bank being a “Disenfranchised Bank” ).

 

20.3 Utilisation Fee

 

  20.3.1 On any day on which the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances is less than or equal to one third of the Total Commitments on that day, the Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the US Agent for distribution to each Bank a utilisation fee at the rate of 0.075 per cent. per annum on the Original Sterling Amount of each Bank’s share of the Advances outstanding on that day.

 

  20.3.2 On any day on which the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances exceeds one third but is less than or equal to two thirds of the Total Commitments on that day, the Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the US Agent for distribution to each Bank a utilisation fee at the rate of 0.150 per cent. per annum on the Original Sterling Amount of each Bank’s share of the Advances outstanding on that day.

 

  20.3.3 On any day on which the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances exceeds two thirds of the Total Commitments on that day, the Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the US Agent for distribution to each Bank a utilisation fee at the rate of 0.300 per cent. per annum on the Original Sterling Amount of each Bank’s share of the Advances outstanding on that day.

 

  20.3.4 Utilisation fees (if any) are calculated on a daily basis and are payable quarterly in arrears, with the first payment (if any) due three months after the Closing Date for the period from the Closing Date. Any accrued utilisation fee unpaid at the time the Commitments are repaid and cancelled in full will be paid on the date of such repayment and cancellation.

 

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20.4 Administrative Parties fees

 

  20.4.1 The Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the Administrative Parties for their own account agency fees in the amounts and on the dates agreed in the relevant Fee Letter.

 

  20.4.2 The fees, commissions and expenses payable to an Administrative Party for services rendered and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement shall not be abated by any remuneration or other amounts or profits receivable by that Administrative Party (or by any of its associates) in connection with any transaction effected by that Administrative Party with or for the Banks or the Parent.

 

20.5 Up-front fee

The Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the US Agent for distribution to each Bank an up-front fee in the amounts and on the date agreed in the relevant Fee Letter.

 

20.6 Extension fee

If all or part of the Facility is extended in accordance with Clause 2.4.3 ( Extension Option ), the Parent shall pay to the US Agent for distribution to each Extension Bank an extension fee in the amounts and on the date agreed in the relevant Fee Letter.

 

20.7 Term Out fee

If the Term Out Option is exercised in accordance with Clause 2.5 ( Term Out Option ), the Parent shall pay to the US Agent for distribution to each relevant Bank a term out fee in the amounts and on the date agreed in the relevant Fee Letter.

 

20.8 VAT

Any fee referred to in this Clause 20 is exclusive of any United Kingdom value added tax. If any value added tax is so chargeable, it shall be paid by the Parent at the same time as it pays the relevant fee.

 

21. EXPENSES

 

21.1 Initial and special costs

The Parent shall forthwith on demand pay the Administrative Parties the amount of all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including but not limited to legal fees) reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with:

 

  21.1.1 the negotiation, preparation, printing and execution of:

 

  (A) this Agreement and any other documents referred to in this Agreement, and

 

  (B) any other Finance Document (other than a Novation Certificate) executed after the Signing Date;

 

  21.1.2 any amendment waiver, consent or suspension of rights (or any proposal for any of the foregoing) requested by or on behalf of an Obligor and relating to a Finance Document or a document referred to in any Finance Document; and

 

  21.1.3 any other matter, not of an ordinary administrative nature, arising out of or in connection with a Finance Document.

 

21.2 Enforcement costs

The Parent shall forthwith on demand pay to each Finance Party the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred by it:

 

  21.2.1 in connection with the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, any Finance Document; or

 

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  21.2.2 in investigating any possible Default of which an Obligor or the Majority Banks have given notice.

 

22. STAMP DUTIES

The Parent shall pay and forthwith on demand indemnify each Finance Party against any liability it incurs in respect of any stamp, registration or similar tax which is or becomes payable in connection with the entry into, performance or enforcement of any Finance Document other than a Novation Certificate or any document signed or otherwise entered into pursuant to Clauses 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ) and Clause 26.10 ( Affiliates of Banks ).

 

23. INDEMNITIES

 

23.1 Currency indemnity

 

  23.1.1 If a Finance Party receives an amount in respect of an Obligor’s liability under the Finance Documents or if that liability is converted into a claim, proof, judgment or order in a currency other than the currency (the “ contractual currency ”) in which the amount is expressed to be payable under the relevant Finance Document:

 

  (A) that Obligor shall indemnify that Finance Party as an independent obligation against any loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion;

 

  (B) if the amount received by that Finance Party, when converted into the contractual currency at a market rate in the usual course of its business, is less than the amount owed in the contractual currency, the Obligor concerned shall forthwith on demand pay to that Finance Party an amount in the contractual currency equal to the deficit; and

 

  (C) the Obligor shall pay to the Finance Party concerned on demand any exchange costs and taxes payable in connection with any such conversion.

 

  23.1.2 Each Obligor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Finance Documents in a currency other than that in which it is expressed to be payable.

 

23.2 Other indemnities

The Parent shall forthwith on demand indemnify each Finance Party against any loss or liability which that Finance Party incurs as a consequence of:

 

  23.2.1 the occurrence of any Event of Default;

 

  23.2.2 the operation of Clause 18.16 ( Acceleration ) or Clause 29 ( Pro Rata Sharing );

 

  23.2.3 any payment of principal or an overdue amount being received from any source otherwise than on its Term End Date (and, for the purposes of this Clause 23.2.3, the Term End Date of an overdue amount is the last day of each Designated Term (as defined in Clause 8.6 ( Default interest )));

 

  23.2.4 the occurrence of a change described in, and the operation of Clause 11.4 ( Change in circumstances ) in relation to, an Optional Currency; or

 

  23.2.5 (other than by reason of negligence or default by a Finance Party) an Advance not being disbursed after a Borrower has delivered a Request for that Advance.

The Parent’s liability in each case includes any loss or expense on account of funds borrowed, contracted for or utilised to fund any amount payable under any Finance Document, any amount repaid or prepaid or any Advance.

 

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23.3 Indemnity

The Parent shall forthwith on demand by the Agent or, as the case may be, the US Agent indemnify the Agent or, as the case may be, US Agent, against any actual costs, loss or liability incurred by the Agent or, as the case may be, US Agent (acting reasonably) as a direct result of the Agent or, as the case may be, US Agent acting or relying on any notice, request or instruction which it reasonably believes to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised.

 

24. EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS

 

24.1 Accounts

Accounts maintained by a Finance Party in connection with this Agreement are prima facie evidence of the matters to which they relate.

 

24.2 Certificates and determinations

Any certification or determination by a Finance Party of a rate or amount under this Agreement is, in the absence of manifest error, conclusive evidence of the matters to which it relates.

 

24.3 Calculations

Interest and the fee payable under Clause 20.1 ( Commitment fee ) accrue from day to day and are calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a year of 365 days or, in the case of interest at the US$ Swingline Rate or Euro Swingline Rate or any interest payable on an amount denominated in a currency other than Sterling, 360 days (or such other day count convention as shall be consistent with the then generally accepted practice in the London interbank market).

 

25. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

 

25.1 Procedure

 

  25.1.1 Subject to Clause 25.2 ( Exceptions ), any term of the Finance Documents may be amended or waived with the agreement of the Parent and the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Banks). The Agent may effect, on behalf of the Banks, any amendment or waiver permitted by this Clause 25.1.1.

 

  25.1.2 The Agent shall promptly notify the other Parties of any amendment or waiver effected under Clause 25.1.1 above, and any such amendment or waiver shall be binding on all the Parties.

 

25.2 Exceptions

 

  25.2.1 An amendment or waiver which relates to:

 

  (A) the definition of “Majority Banks” in Clause 1.1 ( Definitions );

 

  (B) an extension of the date for, or a decrease in an amount or a change in the currency of, any payment under the Finance Documents;

 

  (C) an increase in a Bank’s Commitment;

 

  (D) a change in the guarantee under Clause 14 ( Guarantee );

 

  (E) a term of a Finance Document which expressly requires the consent of each Bank; or

 

  (F) Clause 29 ( Pro Rata Sharing ) or this Clause 25 ( Amendments and Waivers ),

may not be effected without the consent of each Bank.

 

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  25.2.2 An amendment or waiver which relates to the rights or obligations of an Administrative Party (in its capacity as such) may not be effected without the consent of that Administrative Party.

 

25.3 Waivers and remedies cumulative

The rights of each Party under the Finance Documents:

 

  25.3.1 may be exercised as often as necessary;

 

  25.3.2 are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under the general law; and

 

  25.3.3 may be waived only in writing and specifically.

Delay in exercising or non-exercise of any such right is not a waiver of that right.

 

26. CHANGES TO THE PARTIES

 

26.1 Transfers by Obligors

No Obligor may assign, transfer, novate or dispose of any of, or any interest in, its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement, except in the manner contemplated in Clause 7.5 ( Changes to Borrowers ).

 

26.2 Transfers by Banks

 

  26.2.1 A Bank (the “ Existing Bank ”) may at any time assign, transfer, novate or sub-participate any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to another person (the “ New Bank ”) provided that:

 

  (A) the Parent shall have given its prior written consent to such assignment, transfer, novation or sub-participation (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, having regard (without limitation) to the relative credit rating of the New Bank and the other Banks), except that such consent shall not be required if an Event of Default is outstanding or where the New Bank is an Existing Bank or is an Affiliate of the Existing Bank or any other Bank;

 

  (B) in the case of a partial assignment, transfer or novation of rights and/or obligations, a minimum amount of £5,000,000 (unless to an Affiliate of the Existing Bank or the Agent agrees otherwise) must be assigned, transferred or novated; and

 

  (C) in the case of an assignment, transfer or novation by a Swingline Bank, a portion of that Swingline Bank’s Swingline Commitment must also be assigned, transferred or novated to the extent necessary (if at all) to ensure that the Swingline Bank’s Swingline Commitments under a Revolving Facility do not exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment under that Revolving Facility after the assignment, transfer or novation. A Bank may not acquire a Swingline Commitment under a Revolving Facility if that Swingline Commitment would exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment under that Revolving Facility.

 

  26.2.2 A transfer of obligations will be effective only if either:

 

  (A) the obligations are novated in accordance with Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ); or

 

  (B) the New Bank confirms to the Agent and the Parent that it undertakes to be bound by the terms of this Agreement as a Bank in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and the Parent. On the transfer becoming effective in this manner the Existing Bank shall be relieved of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent that they are transferred to the New Bank.

 

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  26.2.3 On each occasion an Existing Bank assigns, transfers or novates any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (other than to an Affiliate), the New Bank shall, on the date the assignment, transfer and/or novation takes effect, pay to the Agent for its own account a fee of £2,500.

 

  26.2.4 An Existing Bank is not responsible to a New Bank for:

 

  (A) the execution, genuineness, validity, enforceability or sufficiency of any Finance Document or any other document;

 

  (B) the collectability of amounts payable under any Finance Document; or

 

  (C) the accuracy of any statements (whether written or oral) made in connection with any Finance Document.

 

  26.2.5 Each New Bank confirms to the Existing Bank and the other Finance Parties that it:

 

  (A) has made its own independent investigation and assessment of the financial condition and affairs of each Obligor and its related entities in connection with its participation in this Agreement and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by the Existing Bank in connection with any Finance Document; and

 

  (B) will continue to make its own independent appraisal of the creditworthiness of each Obligor and its related entities while any amount is or may be outstanding under this Agreement or any Commitment is in force.

 

  26.2.6 Nothing in any Finance Document obliges an Existing Bank to:

 

  (A) accept a re-transfer from a New Bank of any of the rights and/or obligations assigned, transferred or novated under this Clause 26.2; or

 

  (B) support any losses incurred by the New Bank by reason of the non-performance by any Obligor of its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise.

 

  26.2.7 Any reference in this Agreement to a Bank includes a New Bank but excludes a Bank if no amount is or may be owed to or by it under this Agreement and its Commitment has been cancelled or reduced to nil.

 

26.3 Procedure for novations

 

  26.3.1 A novation is effected if:

 

  (A) the Existing Bank and the New Bank deliver to the Agent a duly completed certificate (a “ Novation Certificate ”), substantially in the form of Part I of Schedule 4 ( Forms of Accession Documents ), with such amendments as the Agent approves to achieve a substantially similar effect (which may be delivered by fax and confirmed by delivery of a hard copy original but the fax will be effective irrespective of whether confirmation is received); and

 

  (B) the Agent (except if the novation is to an Existing Bank or an Affiliate of the Existing Bank or any other Bank) executes it. The Agent shall only be obliged to execute a Novation Certificate delivered to it by the Existing Bank and the New Bank once it is satisfied it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the transfer to such New Bank.

 

  26.3.2 Each Party (other than the Existing Bank, the New Bank and the Parent) irrevocably authorises the Agent to execute any duly completed Novation Certificate on its behalf.

 

  26.3.3 To the extent that they are expressed to be the subject of the novation in the Novation Certificate:

 

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  (A) the Existing Bank and the other Parties (the “ Existing Parties ”) will be released from their obligations to each other (the “ discharged obligations ”);

 

  (B) the New Bank and the Existing Parties will assume obligations towards each other which differ from the discharged obligations only insofar as they are owed to or assumed by the New Bank instead of the Existing Bank;

 

  (C) the rights of the Existing Bank against the Existing Parties and vice versa (the “ discharged rights ”) will be cancelled; and

 

  (D) the New Bank and the Existing Parties will acquire rights against each other which differ from the discharged rights only insofar as they are exercisable by or against the New Bank instead of the Existing Bank,

all on the date of execution of the Novation Certificate by the Agent, the Existing Party, the New Party and the Parent or, if later, the date specified in the Novation Certificate.

 

  26.3.4 If the effective date of a novation (other than a novation by an Existing Bank to an Affiliate) is after the date a Request is received by the Agent but before the date the requested Advance is disbursed to the relevant Borrower, the Existing Bank shall be obliged to participate in that Advance in respect of its discharged obligations notwithstanding that novation, and the New Bank shall reimburse the Existing Bank for its participation in that Advance and all interest and fees thereon up to the date of reimbursement (in each case to the extent attributable to the discharged obligations) within three Business Days of the Utilisation Date of that Advance.

 

26.4 Security over Bank’s Rights

A Bank may, without consulting with or obtaining consent from any Obligor, at any time charge to, assign to, or otherwise create a Security Interest in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of that Bank to a federal reserve, central bank or any authorised government body, except that no such charge, assignment or Security Interest shall:

 

  26.4.1 release a Bank from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or Security Interest for the Bank as party to any of the Finance Documents; or

 

  26.4.2 affect the obligations of the Obligors under the Finance Documents or require any payments to be made by an Obligor other than or in excess of, or grant to any person any more extensive rights than, those required to be made or granted to the relevant Bank under the Finance Documents.

 

26.5 Pro rata interest settlement

 

  26.5.1 If the Agent has notified the Banks that it is able to distribute interest payments on a “pro rata basis” to Existing Banks and New Banks then (in respect of any transfer pursuant to Clause 26.2 ( Transfer by Banks ) or a novation pursuant to Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ) the date on which the transfer or novation effective (the “ Transfer Date ”) of which, in each case, is after the date of such notification and is not on a Term End Date):

 

  (A)

any interest or fees in respect of the relevant participation which are expressed to accrue by reference to the lapse of time shall continue to accrue in favour of the Existing Bank up to but excluding the Transfer Date (“ Accrued Amounts ”) and shall become due and payable to the Existing Bank (without further interest accruing on them) on the Term End

 

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  Date of the current Term (or, if the Term is longer than six months, on the next of the dates which falls at six monthly intervals after the first day of that Term); and

 

  (B) the rights assigned or transferred by the Existing Bank will not include the right to the Accrued Amounts so that, for the avoidance of doubt:

 

  (1) when the Accrued Amounts become payable, those Accrued Amounts will be payable for the account of the Existing Bank; and

 

  (2) the amount payable to the New Bank on that date will be the amount which would, but for the application of this Clause 26.5, have been payable to it on that date, but after deduction of the Accrued Amounts.

 

  26.5.2 In this Clause 26.5, references to “Term” shall be construed to include a reference to any other period for accrual of fees.

 

26.6 Additional Borrowers

 

  26.6.1 If the Parent wishes one of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries to become an Additional Borrower, then it may (if the Majority Banks and the Agent have approved the identity of the Additional Borrower in writing) deliver to the Agent the documents listed in Part II of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent Documents ).

 

  26.6.2 On delivery of a Borrower Accession Agreement, executed by the relevant Subsidiary and the Parent, the Subsidiary concerned will become an Additional Borrower. However, it may not submit a Request until the Agent confirms to the other Finance Parties and the Parent that it has received all the documents referred to in Clause 26.6.1 above in form and substance satisfactory to it.

 

  26.6.3 Delivery of a Borrower Accession Agreement, executed by the relevant Subsidiary and the Parent, constitutes confirmation by that Subsidiary that the representations and warranties set out in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ), except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ), Clause 15.10 ( Accounts ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption )), deemed to be made by it on the date of the Borrower Accession Agreement are correct, as if made with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing.

 

26.7 Bank Retirement

 

  26.7.1 Without prejudice to Clause 26.13 ( Replacement of a Defaulting Bank ), the Parent may, at any time whilst an Event of Default is not continuing, require a Bank to retire from the Facilities by giving at least ten Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Parties and the relevant Bank.

 

  26.7.2 If the Parent has given its prior written consent to such retirement (which consent may be withheld in the Parent’s absolute discretion), a Bank may retire from the Facilities by giving at least ten Business Days’ notice to each of the Administrative Parties and the Parent.

 

  26.7.3 On expiry of a notice (a “ Retirement Notice ”) given pursuant to Clause 26.7.1 or 26.7.2 then, at the Parent’s option:

 

  (A)

 

  (1) the Commitment of the relevant Bank shall be automatically cancelled;

 

  (2) each Borrower shall repay any Advances made to it by the relevant Bank together with all accrued interest on the amount repaid, all accrued commitment fees on the cancelled Commitment, and any other amounts payable by it to that Bank under this Agreement (including under Clause 23.2.3 ( Other indemnities )); and

 

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  (3) (upon payment of the amounts referred to in sub-paragraph (2) above) the relevant Bank shall cease to be a Party to this Agreement and shall cease to have any rights or obligations hereunder (other than in respect of any amounts referred to in sub-paragraph (2) subsequently required by a court of competent jurisdiction to be repaid by the relevant Bank to any person); or

 

  (B) the relevant Bank shall novate to another bank or financial institution selected by the Parent its Commitment and the Advances made by it in accordance with Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ).

 

  26.7.4 Any Retirement Notice is irrevocable once given.

 

26.8 Reference Banks

If a Reference Bank (or, if a Reference Bank is not a Bank, the Bank of which it is an Affiliate) ceases to be a Bank, the Agent shall (in consultation with the Parent) appoint another Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank which is not a Reference Bank to replace that Reference Bank.

 

26.9 Register

The Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of each Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each transfer effected pursuant to Clause 26.2 and a register for the recordation of the names and Facility Offices of the Banks, and the Commitment of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Advances owing to, each Bank pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “ Register ”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrowers, the Agent, the US Agent and the Banks shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers and any Bank, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

26.10 Affiliates of Banks

 

  26.10.1 Each Bank may fulfil its obligations in respect of any Advance through an Affiliate if:

 

  (A) the relevant Affiliate is specified in this Agreement as a Bank or becomes a Bank by means of a Novation Certificate in accordance with this Agreement; and

 

  (B) the Advances in which that Affiliate will participate are specified in this Agreement or in a notice given by that Bank to the Agent and the Borrowers.

In this event, the Bank and the Affiliate will participate in Advances in the manner provided for in sub-paragraph (B) above.

 

  26.10.2 If Clause 26.10.1 above applies, the Bank and its Affiliate will be treated as having a single Commitment and a single vote, but, for all other purposes, will be treated as separate Banks.

 

26.11 Increase

 

  26.11.1 The Parent may by giving prior written notice to the Agent after the effective date of a cancellation of:

 

  (A) the Available Commitments of a Defaulting Bank in accordance with Clause 7.6 ( Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank ); or

 

  (B)

the Commitments of a Bank in accordance with Clause 13.1 ( Illegality ),

 

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request that the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments and/or Total Revolving Facility B Commitments (as applicable) be increased (and the Total Commitments shall be so increased) in an aggregate amount under each relevant Revolving Facility in sterling of up to the amount of the Available Commitments or Commitments so cancelled under that Revolving Facility as follows:

 

  (1) the increased Total Commitments will be assumed by one or more Banks or other banks or financial institutions (each an “ Increase Bank ”) selected by the Parent (each of which shall not be a member of the Group and which is acceptable to the Agent (acting reasonably)), and each of which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of a Bank corresponding to that part of the increased Commitments which it is to assume, as if it had been an Original Bank;

 

  (2) each Obligor and any Increase Bank shall assume obligations towards one another and/or acquire rights against one another as that Obligor and the Increase Bank would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Bank been an Original Bank;

 

  (3) each Increase Bank shall become a Party as a “Bank” and any Increase Bank and each of the other Finance Parties shall assume obligations towards one another and acquire rights against one another as that Increase Bank and those Finance Parties would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Bank been an Original Bank; and

 

  (4) the Commitments of the other Banks shall continue in full force and effect.

 

  26.11.2 An increase in the Total Commitments will only be effective on:

 

  (A) the execution by the Agent of an Increase Confirmation from the relevant Increase Bank;

 

  (B) in relation to an Increase Bank which is not a Bank immediately prior to the relevant increase, the performance by the Agent of all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assumption of the increased Commitments by that Increase Bank, the completion of which the Agent shall promptly notify to the Parent and the Increase Bank; and

 

  (C) any increase in the Total Commitments shall take effect on the date specified by the Parent in the notice referred to in Clause 26.11.1 above or any later date on which the conditions set out in this Clause 26.11.2 are satisfied.

 

  26.11.3 Each Increase Bank, by executing the Increase Confirmation, confirms (for the avoidance of doubt) that the Agent has authority to execute on its behalf any amendment or waiver that has been approved by or on behalf of the relevant Bank or Banks in accordance with this Agreement on or prior to the date on which the increase becomes effective.

 

  26.11.4 Unless the Agent otherwise agrees or the increased Commitment is assumed by an Existing Bank, the Obligors shall, on the date upon which the increase takes effect, pay to the Agent (for its own account) a fee of £2,000 and the Obligors shall promptly on demand pay the Agent the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) reasonably incurred by it in connection with any increase in Commitments under this Clause 26.11.

 

  26.11.5 Clauses 26.2.4 to 26.2.6 (both inclusive), shall apply mutatis mutandis in this Clause 26.11 in relation to an Increase Bank as if references in that Clause to:

 

  (A) an “Existing Bank” were references to all the Banks immediately prior to the relevant increase;

 

  (B) the “New Bank” were references to that “Increase Bank” ; and

 

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  (C) a “re-transfer” and “re-assignment” were references to respectively a “transfer” and “assignment” .

 

26.12 Disenfranchisement of a Bank

 

  26.12.1 For so long as a Disenfranchised Bank (as such term is defined in Clause 20.2.3 ( Commitment fee )) has any Available Commitment, in ascertaining the Majority Banks or whether any given percentage has been obtained to approve any request for a consent, waiver, amendment or other vote under the Finance Documents, that Disenfranchised Bank’s Commitments will be reduced by the amount of its Available Commitments.

 

  26.12.2 For the purposes of this Clause 26.12, the Agent may assume that the following Banks are Disenfranchised Banks:

 

  (A) any Bank which has notified the Agent that it has become a Disenfranchised Bank; and

 

  (B) any Bank in relation to which it is aware that any of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank” has occurred and, in so far as such event or circumstance relates to paragraph (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank”, it has received a notice of cancellation from the Parent in respect of that Bank pursuant to Clause 7.6 ( Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank ),

unless it has received notice to the contrary from the Bank concerned (together with any supporting evidence reasonably requested by the Agent) or the Agent is otherwise aware that the Bank has ceased to be a Disenfranchised Bank.

 

26.13 Replacement of a Defaulting Bank

 

  26.13.1 Without prejudice to Clause 26.7 ( Bank Retirement ), the Parent may, at any time a Bank has become and continues to be a Defaulting Bank, by giving five Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and such Bank:

 

  (A) replace such Bank by requiring such Bank to (and such Bank shall) transfer pursuant to this Clause 26 ( Changes to the Parties ) all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement; or

 

  (B) require such Bank to (and such Bank shall) transfer pursuant to this Clause 26 ( Changes to the Parties ) all (and not part only) of the undrawn Commitments of the Bank,

to a Bank or other bank or financial institution (a “Replacement Bank” ) selected by the Parent, and which (unless the Agent is an Impaired Agent) is acceptable to the Agent (acting reasonably), which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations or all the relevant obligations of the transferring Bank (including the assumption of the transferring Bank’s participations or unfunded participations (as the case may be) on the same basis as the transferring Bank) for a purchase price in cash, payable at the time of transfer, equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Bank’s participation in the outstanding Advances and all accrued but unpaid interest, any amounts payable under Clause 23.2 ( Other indemnities ) and any other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents.

 

  26.13.2 The Agent may in its absolute discretion (and is authorised by each Finance Party, but is not obliged by the Obligors, to) execute, without requiring any further consent or action from any other Party, a Novation Certificate on behalf of any Defaulting Bank which is required to transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement pursuant to Clause 26.13 above which shall be effective for the purposes of Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ). The Agent shall not be liable in any way for any action taken by it pursuant to this Clause 26.13 and, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Clause 19.7 ( Exoneration ) shall apply in relation thereto.

 

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  26.13.3 Any transfer of rights and obligations of a Defaulting Bank pursuant to this Clause 26.13 shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

  (A) neither the Agent nor the Defaulting Bank shall have any obligation to the Obligors to find a Replacement Bank;

 

  (B) the transfer must take place no later than seven days after the notice referred to in Clause 26.13.1 above; and

 

  (C) in no event shall the Defaulting Bank be required to pay or surrender to the Replacement Bank any of the fees received by the Defaulting Bank pursuant to the Finance Documents.

 

  26.13.4 For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of the Obligors under Clause 26.7 ( Bank Retirement ) and Clause 26.13 ( Replacement of a Defaulting Bank ) are without prejudice to each other and the rights under each Clause are capable of being exercised independently of each other by the Obligors.

 

27. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION AND KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS

 

27.1 Disclosure of information

A Bank may disclose:

 

  27.1.1 a copy of any Finance Document; and

 

  27.1.2 any information which that Bank has acquired under or in connection with any Finance Document,

to:

 

  27.1.3 any of its Affiliates and any of its or their officers, directors, employees, professional advisers and auditors to the extent necessary in connection with the Facilities;

 

  27.1.4 any person with whom it is proposing to enter, or has entered into, any kind of transfer, novation, participation or other agreement in relation to this Agreement;

 

  27.1.5 a federal reserve, central bank or any authorised government body to whom a Bank is charging to, assigning to or otherwise creating a Security Interest in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document under Clause 26.4 ( Security over Bank’s Rights ); or

 

  27.1.6 any person to whom it is required to disclose such information under any law or regulation or by any taxation or regulatory authority,

provided that a Bank shall not disclose any such information to a person under:

 

  (a) Clause 27.1.3 above unless such person is informed of its confidential nature and that some or all of such information may be price-sensitive information and such person is subject to professional obligations to maintain the confidentiality of the information or is otherwise bound by requirements of confidentiality in relation to such information; and

 

  (b) Clause 27.1.4 above (other than one of its Affiliates) unless that person has provided to that Bank a confidentiality undertaking addressed to that Bank and the Parent substantially in the form of Schedule 5 ( Form of Confidentiality Undertaking ) or such other form as the Parent may approve.

 

27.2 Disclosure to numbering service providers

 

  27.2.1 Any Finance Party may disclose to any national or international numbering service provider appointed by that Finance Party to provide identification numbering services in respect of this Agreement, the Facilities and/or one or more Obligors the following information:

 

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  (A) names of Obligors;

 

  (B) country of domicile of Obligors;

 

  (C) place of incorporation of Obligors;

 

  (D) Signing Date;

 

  (E) governing law of this Agreement;

 

  (F) the names of the Agent, the US Agent, the US$ Swingline Agent, the Euro Swingline Agent and the Arrangers;

 

  (G) date of each amendment and restatement of this Agreement;

 

  (H) amounts of, and names of the Facilities (and any tranches);

 

  (I) amount of Total Commitments;

 

  (J) currencies of the Facilities;

 

  (K) type of Facilities;

 

  (L) ranking of Facilities;

 

  (M) Final Maturity Date of the Facilities;

 

  (N) changes to any of the information previously supplied pursuant to paragraphs (A) to (K) above; and

 

  (O) such other information agreed between such Finance Party and the Parent,

to enable such numbering service provider to provide its usual syndicated loan numbering identification services.

 

  27.2.2 The Parties acknowledge and agree that each identification number assigned to this Agreement, the Facilities and/or one or more Obligors by a numbering service provider and the information associated with each such number may be disclosed to users of its services in accordance with the standard terms and conditions of that numbering service provider.

 

27.3 Know your Customer requirements

 

  27.3.1 Each Obligor must promptly on the request of any Finance Party supply to that Finance Party any documentation or other evidence which is reasonably requested by that Finance Party (whether for itself, on behalf of any Finance Party or any prospective new Bank) to enable a Finance Party or prospective New Bank to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all applicable know your customer requirements.

 

  27.3.2 Each Bank must promptly on the request of the Agent supply to the Agent any documentation or other evidence which is reasonably required by the Agent to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all applicable know your customer requirements.

 

28. SET-OFF

Whilst an Event of Default is continuing, a Finance Party may set off any matured obligation owed by an Obligor under this Agreement (to the extent beneficially owned by that Finance Party) against any obligation (whether or not matured) owed by that Finance Party to that Obligor, regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. If the obligations are in different currencies, the Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. If either obligation is unliquidated or unascertained, the Finance Party may set off in an amount estimated by it in good faith to be the amount of that obligation.

 

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29. PRO RATA SHARING

 

29.1 Redistribution

If any amount owing by an Obligor under this Agreement to a Finance Party (the “recovering Finance Party” ) is discharged by payment, set-off or any other manner other than in accordance with Clause 9 ( Payments ) (a “recovery” ), then:

 

  29.1.1 the recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days, notify details of the recovery to the Agent;

 

  29.1.2 the Agent shall determine whether the recovery is in excess of the amount which the recovering Finance Party would have received had the recovery been received and distributed in accordance with Clause 9 ( Payments );

 

  29.1.3 subject to Clause 29.3 ( Exception ), the recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days of demand by the Agent pay to the Agent an amount (the “redistribution”) equal to the excess;

 

  29.1.4 the Agent shall treat the redistribution as if it were a payment by the Obligor concerned under Clause 9 ( Payments ) and shall pay the redistribution to the Finance Parties (other than the recovering Finance Party) in accordance with Clause 9.8 ( Partial payments ); and

 

  29.1.5 after payment of the full redistribution, the recovering Finance Party will be subrogated to the portion of the claims paid under Clause 29.1.4 above, and that Obligor will owe the recovering Finance Party a debt which is equal to the redistribution, immediately payable and of the type originally discharged.

 

29.2 Reversal of redistribution

If under Clause 29.1 ( Redistribution ):

 

  29.2.1 a recovering Finance Party must subsequently return a recovery, or an amount measured by reference to a recovery, to an Obligor; and

 

  29.2.2 the recovering Finance Party has paid a redistribution in relation to that recovery,

each Finance Party shall, within three Business Days of demand by the recovering Finance Party through the Agent, reimburse the recovering Finance Party all or the appropriate portion of the redistribution paid to that Finance Party. Thereupon the subrogation in Clause 29.1.5 will operate in reverse to the extent of the reimbursement.

 

29.3 Exception

A recovering Finance Party need not pay a redistribution to the extent that it would not, after the payment, have a valid claim against the Obligor concerned in the amount of the redistribution pursuant to Clause 29.1.5.

 

30. SEVERABILITY

If a provision of any Finance Document is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that shall not affect:

 

  30.1.1 the legality, validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other provision of the Finance Documents; or

 

  30.1.2 the legality, validity or enforceability in other jurisdictions of that or any other provision of the Finance Documents.

 

31. COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement.

 

32. NOTICES

 

32.1 Giving of notices

All notices or other communications under or in connection with this Agreement shall be

 

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given in writing, by facsimile or, to the extent agreed by the Parties making and receiving communication, by email or other electronic communication. Any such notice will be deemed to be given as follows:

 

  32.1.1 if in writing, when delivered;

 

  32.1.2 if by facsimile, when received; and

 

  32.1.3 if by email or any other electronic communication, when received.

However, a notice given in accordance with the above but received on a non-business day or after business hours in the place of receipt will only be deemed to be given on the next business day in that place. Facsimile or email Requests or Selection Notices are to be confirmed by the relevant Borrower in writing (but may be relied upon by the Agent and the Banks irrespective of receipt of such confirmation).

 

32.2 Addresses for notices

 

  32.2.1 The address, facsimile number and email address of each Party (other than the Administrative Parties and the Parent) for all notices under or in connection with this Agreement are:

 

  (A) that notified by that Party for this purpose to the Agent on or before it becomes a Party; or

 

  (B) any other notified by that Party for this purpose to the Agent by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.2 The address and facsimile number of the Agent are:

HSBC Bank plc

Level 28

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

 

Contact:

  

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:

   (020) 7991 4348

or such other as the Agent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.3 The address, facsimile number and email address of the US Agent are:

HSBC Bank USA, National Association

452 Fifth Avenue (8E6)

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

New York, NY 10018

U.S.A

 

Primary Contact:

    

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:

    

+1 917 229 4459

Email:

    

ctlany.loanagency@us.hsbc.com

With a copy to:

HSBC Bank plc

Level 27

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

 

Contact:

  

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:

   (020) 7991 4348

or such other as the US Agent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.4 The address, facsimile number and email address of the US$ Swingline Agent are:

 

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HSBC Bank USA, National Association

452 Fifth Avenue (8E6)

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

New York, NY 10018

U.S.A

 

Primary Contact:

  

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:

  

+1 917 229 4459

Email:

  

ctlany.loanagency@us.hsbc.com

With a copy to:

HSBC Bank plc

Level 27

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

 

Contact:

  

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:

   (020) 7991 4348

or such other as the US$ Swingline Agent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.5 The address and facsimile number of the Euro Swingline Agent are:

HSBC Bank plc

Level 27

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

 

Contact:

  

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:

   (020) 7991 4348

or such other as the Euro Swingline Agent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.6 The address and facsimile number of the Parent are:

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London WC2R 2PG

 

Contact:

  

The Group Treasurer

Facsimile:

   (020) 7845 2141

or such other as the Parent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.7 Notices to be served on an Obligor other than the Parent shall be validly served on such Obligor by being addressed in accordance with Clause 32.2.6 and marked as served on the Parent on behalf of the relevant Obligor.

 

  32.2.8 The Agent shall, promptly upon request from any Party, give to that Party the address, facsimile number or email address of any other Party applicable at the time for the purposes of this Clause.

 

32.3 Communications when Agent is an Impaired Agent

If the Agent is an Impaired Agent, the Parties may, instead of communicating with each other through the Agent, communicate with each other directly and (while the Agent is an Impaired Agent) all the provisions of the Finance Documents which require communications to be made or notices to be given to or by the Agent shall be varied so that communications may be made and notices given to or by the relevant Parties directly. This provision shall not operate after a replacement Agent has been appointed.

 

80


33. LANGUAGE

 

33.1 Any notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be in English.

 

33.2 All other documents provided under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be:

 

  33.2.1 in English; or

 

  33.2.2 if not in English, accompanied by a certified English translation and, in this case, the English translation shall prevail unless the document is a statutory or other official document.

 

34. JURISDICTION

 

34.1 Submission

For the benefit of each other Party, each Party agrees that the courts of England have jurisdiction to settle any disputes in connection with any Finance Document (including a dispute relating to the existence, validity or termination of any Finance Document or any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with any Finance Document) and accordingly submits to the jurisdiction of the English courts.

 

34.2 Service of process

Without prejudice to any other mode of service, each Obligor (other than an Obligor incorporated in England and Wales):

 

  34.2.1 irrevocably appoints the Parent as its agent for service of process relating to any proceedings before the English courts in connection with any Finance Document (and the Parent accepts this appointment);

 

  34.2.2 agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the Obligor of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned; and

 

  34.2.3 consents to the service of process relating to any such proceedings by prepaid posting of a copy of the process to its address for the time being applying under Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ).

 

34.3 Forum convenience and enforcement abroad

Each Party:

 

  34.3.1 waives objection to the English courts on grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise as regards proceedings in connection with a Finance Document; and

 

  34.3.2 agrees that a judgment or order of an English court in connection with a Finance Document is conclusive and binding on it and may be enforced against it in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

 

34.4 Non-exclusivity

Nothing in this Clause 34 limits the right of a Finance Party to bring proceedings or enforce a judgment against an Obligor in connection with any Finance Document:

 

  34.4.1 in any other court of competent jurisdiction; or

 

  34.4.2 to the extent permitted by applicable law, concurrently in more than one jurisdiction.

 

35. WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY

EACH PARTY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH ANY FINANCE DOCUMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED BY ANY FINANCE DOCUMENT. THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO TRIAL BY THE COURT.

 

81


36. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter, existence, negotiation, validity, termination or enforceability (including any non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.

 

37. US PATRIOT ACT

Each Finance Party that is subject to the requirements of the (ii) the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56 (commonly known as the USA Patriot Act) (the USA Patriot Act) hereby notifies each Obligor that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Obligors, which information includes the name and address of the Obligors and other information that will allow such Finance Party to identify the Obligors in accordance with the USA Patriot Act. Each Obligor agrees that it will provide each Finance Party with such information as it may reasonably request in order for such Finance Party to satisfy the requirements of the USA Patriot Act.

THIS AGREEMENT has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.

 

82


SCHEDULE 1

BANKS AND COMMITMENTS

PART I

ARRANGERS

Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC (trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL CORPORATE BANKING)

 

BANCO SANTANDER, SA, LONDON BRANCH

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

BANK OF CHINA LIMITED, LONDON BRANCH

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

CITIBANK, N.A.

CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH

HSBC BANK PLC

ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH

LLOYDS BANK PLC

MIZUHO BANK, LTD

SOCIETE GENERALE, LONDON BRANCH

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

Lead Arranger

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

Arranger

DANSKE BANK A/S

 

83


PART II

BANKS AND COMMITMENTS

 

Bank

   Column 1      Column 2      Column 3      Column 4      Column 5      Column 6  
     Commitment
under
Revolving
Facility A
     Commitment
under US$
Swingline
Facility A
     Commitment
under Euro
Swingline
Facility A
     Commitment
under
Revolving
Facility B
     Commitment
under US$
Swingline
Facility B
     Commitment
under Euro
Swingline
Facility B
 
     £      US$           £      US$       

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC (trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL CORPORATE BANKING)

              160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

BANCO SANTANDER, SA, LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000           

BBVA IRELAND P.L.C.

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

BANK OF CHINA LIMITED, LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000           26,700,000        160,000,000           53,400,000  

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

CITIBANK, N.A.

        47,619,048              95,238,096     

CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000           26,700,000        160,000,000           53,400,000  

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

HSBC BANK PLC

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

 

84


Bank

   Column 1      Column 2      Column 3      Column 4      Column 5      Column 6  
     Commitment
under Revolving
Facility A
     Commitment
under US$
Swingline
Facility A
     Commitment
under Euro
Swingline
Facility A
     Commitment
under Revolving
Facility B
     Commitment
under US$
Swingline
Facility B
     Commitment
under Euro
Swingline
Facility B
 
     £      US$           £      US$       

LLOYDS BANK PLC

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

MIZUHO BANK, LTD

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

SOCIETE GENERALE, LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

SCOTIABANK EUROPE PLC

              160,000,000        

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000           95,238,096        53,400,000  

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

     160,000,000        47,619,048        26,700,000        160,000,000        95,238,096        53,400,000  

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

     80,000,000        23,809,517        13,300,000        80,000,000        47,619,035        26,600,000  

DANSKE BANK A/S

     40,000,000           6,100,000        40,000,000           12,200,000  

Total

     2,840,000,000        785,714,285        473,300,000        2,840,000,000        1,571,428,571        946,600,000  

 

85


SCHEDULE 2

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT DOCUMENTS

PART I

TO BE DELIVERED BEFORE THE FIRST ADVANCE

 

1. A copy of the articles of association and certificate of incorporation and by-laws (or equivalent constitutional documents) of each Obligor.

 

2. An up-to-date extract of the registration of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

 

3. A copy of a resolution of the board of directors of each Obligor (or any duly authorised committee of any such board):

 

  (a) approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents and resolving that it execute and, where applicable, deliver the Finance Documents to which it is a party;

 

  (b) authorising a specified person or persons to execute and, where applicable, deliver the Finance Documents to which it is a party on its behalf; and

 

  (c) authorising a specified person or persons, on its behalf, to sign and/or despatch all documents and notices (including Requests and Selection Notices) to be signed and/or despatched by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents.

 

4. A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolutions referred to in paragraph 2 above.

 

5. A certificate of an officer of each Obligor confirming that the borrowing of the Total Commitments in full would not cause any borrowing limits binding on that Obligor to be exceeded.

 

6. A certificate of an authorised signatory of each Obligor certifying that each copy document specified in Part I of this Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the Signing Date.

 

7. Legal opinions of Allen & Overy LLP in relation to English law, Stibbe N.V. in relation to Dutch law and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in relation to United States and relevant state laws.

 

8. Evidence of cancellation and (if applicable) repayment or prepayment in full of the Existing Credit Agreement.

 

9. Confirmation from the Parent that each of the Parent and Reynolds American Inc. has received the requisite shareholder approval required to approve the Acquisition.

 

10. A copy of the Merger Agreement.

 

11. Confirmation from the Parent that the registration statement on Form F-4, relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) of the ordinary shares of the Parent to be issued in the Acquisition, shall have been declared effective under the Securities Act.

 

12. Confirmation from the Parent that any waiting period applicable to the Acquisition under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, shall have been terminated or shall have expired.

 

86


PART II

TO BE DELIVERED BY AN ADDITIONAL BORROWER

 

1. A Borrower Accession Agreement, duly executed by the Additional Borrower and the Parent.

 

2. A copy of the articles of association and certificate of incorporation and by-laws or equivalent constitutional documents of the Additional Borrower.

 

3. A copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the Additional Borrower:

 

  (a) approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Borrower Accession Agreement and resolving that it execute the Borrower Accession Agreement;

 

  (b) authorising a specified person or persons to execute the Borrower Accession Agreement on its behalf; and

 

  (c) authorising a specified person or persons, on its behalf, to sign and/or despatch all other documents and notices (including Requests and Selection Notices) to be signed and/or despatched by it under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

4. A copy of any other authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Agent reasonably considers to be necessary in connection with the entry into and performance of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Borrower Accession Agreement or for the validity and enforceability of any Finance Document.

 

5. A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolution referred to in paragraph 3 above.

 

6. The latest audited accounts of the Additional Borrower (if any).

 

7. A legal opinion of Allen & Overy LLP, English legal advisers to the Agent and, if applicable, other lawyers approved by the Agent in the place of incorporation of the Additional Borrower, addressed to the Finance Parties.

 

8. A certificate of an authorised signatory of the Additional Borrower certifying that each copy document specified in Part II of this Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the date of the Borrower Accession Agreement.

 

9. A process agent appointment letter if the Additional Borrower is incorporated outside the United Kingdom.

 

87


SCHEDULE 3

FORM OF REQUEST

 

To:    [            ] as Agent/US$ Swingline Agent/Euro Swingline Agent*   
From:    [Borrower]    Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “ Facilities Agreement”)

We wish to utilise Revolving Facility A/B*/ US$ Swingline Facility A/B*/ Euro Swingline Facility A/B* by way of Revolving Facility Advances*/US$ Swingline Advances*/Euro Swingline Advances as follows:

 

(a)    Name of Borrower:      
(b)    Utilisation Date:   

Revolving Facility [A/B]:

US$Swingline Facility [A/B]:

Euro Swingline Facility [A/B]:

  

[            ]*

[            ]*

[            ]*

(c)    Requested Amount (including currency):   

Revolving Facility [A/B]:

US$Swingline Facility [A/B]:

Euro Swingline Facility [A/B]:

  

[            ]*

[            ]*

[            ]*

(d)    Term*:   

Revolving Facility [A/B]:

US$Swingline Facility [A/B]:

Euro Swingline Facility [A/B]:

  

[            ]*

[            ]*

[            ]*

(e)    Payment Instructions:   

Revolving Facility [A/B]:

US$Swingline Facility [A/B]:

Euro Swingline Facility [A/B]:

  

[            ]*

[            ]*

[            ]*

We confirm that each condition specified in Clause 4.2 ( Further conditions precedent ) of the Facilities Agreement is satisfied on the date of this Request and this Advance would not cause any borrowing limit binding on us to be exceeded.

 

By:

[BORROWER]

Authorised Signatory

 

 

[NOTE: PLEASE SEEK DUTCH LEGAL ADVICE (I) UNTIL THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY PUBLISHES ITS INTERPRETATION OF THE TERM “PUBLIC” (AS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 4.1(1) OF THE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS REGULATION (EU/575/2013)), IF ANY AMOUNT LENT TO A DUTCH BORROWER IS TO BE ASSIGNED WHICH IS LESS THAN €100,000 (OR ITS EQUIVALENT). AND (II) AS SOON AS THECOMPETENT AUTHORITY PUBLISHES ITS INTERPRETATION OF THE TERM “PUBLIC”, IF THE NEW LENDER IS CONSIDERED TO BE

 

88


PART OF THE PUBLIC ON THE BASIS OF THAT INTERPRETATION.]

* Delete as appropriate

 

89


SCHEDULE 4

FORMS OF ACCESSION DOCUMENTS

PART I

NOVATION CERTIFICATE

 

To:    HSBC Bank plc as Agent and British American Tobacco p.l.c. as Parent   
From:    [The Existing Bank] and [The New Bank] 1    Date: [                     ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “ Facilities Agreement”)

We refer to Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ) of the Facilities Agreement.

 

1. We ● (the “Existing Bank” ) and ● (the “New Bank” ) agree to the novation to the New Bank of all the Existing Bank’s rights and obligations under the Facilities Agreement referred to in the Schedule in accordance with Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ).

 

2. The specified date for the purposes of Clause 26.3.3 ( Procedure for novations ) is [date of novation].

 

3. The Facility Office and address for notices of the New Bank for the purposes of Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ) are set out in the Schedule.

 

4. This Novation Certificate, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it, are governed by English law. Capitalised terms used in this Novation Certificate have the meanings specified in the Facilities Agreement.

[NOTE: PLEASE SEEK DUTCH LEGAL ADVICE (I) UNTIL THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY PUBLISHES ITS INTERPRETATION OF THE TERM “PUBLIC” (AS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 4.1(1) OF THE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS REGULATION (EU/575/2013)), IF ANY AMOUNT LENT TO A DUTCH BORROWER IS TO BE ASSIGNED WHICH IS LESS THAN €100,000 (OR ITS EQUIVALENT) AND (II) AS SOON AS THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY PUBLISHES ITS INTERPRETATION OF THE TERM “PUBLIC”, IF THE NEW LENDER IS CONSIDERED TO BE PART OF THE PUBLIC ON THE BASIS OF THAT INTERPRETATION.]

 

1   If the New Bank holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and wishes that scheme to apply to the Facilities Agreement, it must comply with the obligations set out in clause 10.5 of the Facilities Agreement.

 

90


The Schedule

Rights and obligations to be novated

[Details of the rights and obligations of the Existing Bank to be novated].

[New Bank]

 

[Facility Office

 

Address for notices]

 

[Existing Bank]

 

[New Bank]

 

[HSBC Bank plc]

By:

 

By:

 

By:

Date:

 

Date:

 

Date:

 

[British American Tobacco p.l.c.]

By:

Date:

 

91


PART II

BORROWER ACCESSION AGREEMENT

 

To:    HSBC Bank plc as Agent
From:    [Proposed Borrower] and British American Tobacco p.l.c.
   [Date]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “Facilities Agreement”)

We refer to Clause 26.6 ( Additional Borrowers ) of the Facilities Agreement.

[Name of company] of [registered office] (registered no. ●) (the “Proposed Borrower” ) agrees to become an Additional Borrower and to be bound by the terms of the Facilities Agreement as an Additional Borrower in accordance with Clause 26.6 ( Additional Borrowers ) of the Facilities Agreement.

The address for notices of the Proposed Borrower for the purposes of Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ) of the Facilities Agreement is:

[                      ]

This Borrower Accession Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it, are governed by English law. Capitalised terms used in this Borrower Accession Agreement have the meanings specified in the Facilities Agreement.

 

By:
[Proposed Borrower]
Authorised Signatory
By:
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
Authorised Signatory

 

92


PART III

FORM OF BORROWER NOVATION AGREEMENT

A NOVATION AGREEMENT dated [             ]

BETWEEN:

 

(1) [                    ] (the “Existing Borrower” );

 

(2) [                    ] (the “Substitute Borrower” );

 

(3) British American Tobacco p.l.c. on behalf of itself and each other Obligor (such capitalised term are defined in the Facilities Agreement referred to below) the ( “Parent” ); and

 

(4) HSBC Bank plc as agent (the “Agent” ) on behalf of itself and the Finance Parties (as defined in the Facilities Agreement referred to below),

and is supplemental to the £5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement dated [            ] 2017 between, among others, British American Tobacco p.l.c., HSBC Bank plc as agent and the financial institutions listed in Part II of Schedule 1 thereto (the “Facilities Agreement” ).

IT IS AGREED:

 

1. Novation

In consideration of a payment made by the Existing Borrower to the Substitute Borrower and the release of the Existing Borrower from its obligations and liabilities (actual or contingent) specified in the Schedule hereto under the Facilities Agreement and with effect on and from ● (the “Substitution Date” ) the Substitute Borrower hereby undertakes to observe and perform all the obligations and liabilities (actual or contingent) of the Existing Borrower under the Facilities Agreement in respect of the Advances specified in the Schedule (including any such obligations or liabilities as may have accrued or become due in respect thereof prior to the Substitution Date).

 

2. Integration

This Borrower Novation Agreement shall be read as one with the Facilities Agreement so that any reference therein to “this Agreement”, “hereunder” and similar shall include and be deemed to include this Borrower Novation Agreement.

 

3. Continuing Liability

The Parent on behalf of itself and each other Obligor acknowledges and confirms that its obligations as Guarantor under Clause 14 of the Facilities Agreement apply to the obligations and liabilities assumed by the Substitute Borrower hereunder.

 

93


Schedule

[                    ]

IN WITNESS whereof the parties hereto have caused this Borrower Novation Agreement to be duly executed on the date first written above.

 

 

For and on behalf of
[The Existing Borrower]

 

 

For and on behalf of

[The Substitute Borrower]

 

 

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

For and on behalf of each Obligor

 

 

HSBC Bank plc as Agent
For and on behalf of each
Finance Party

 

94


SCHEDULE 5

FORM OF CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERTAKING

 

To:    British American Tobacco p.l.c.
To:    [Bank]

Dear Sirs

We refer to the £5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement dated [            ] 2017 (the Facilities Agreement” ) between, among others, British American Tobacco p.l.c. and HSBC Bank plc as Agent.

This is a confidentiality undertaking referred to in Clause 27 ( Disclosure of Information and Know Your Customer Requirements ) of the Facilities Agreement. A capitalised term defined in the Facilities Agreement has the same meaning in this undertaking.

We are considering entering into contractual relations with [insert name of Bank] (the “Bank” ) and understand that it is a condition of our receiving information about British American Tobacco p.l.c. and its related companies and any Finance Document and/or any information under or in connection with any Finance Document (the “Information” ) that we execute this undertaking.

We undertake to treat as confidential any Information and to use the Information solely for the purposes of determining whether or not to enter into the contractual relations and to keep any Information under secured and controlled conditions. We will not disclose any of the Information to any third party (other than our directors, officers, employees or outside advisors, who shall be advised of and agree to those confidentiality obligations) without the prior written consent of the Parent.

The foregoing undertakings do not apply to any Information that is publicly available when provided or that thereafter becomes publicly available other than through a breach by us of the above undertakings, or that is required to be disclosed by us by judicial or administrative process in connection with any action, suit, proceedings or claim or in order to comply with a request from any fiscal, monetary or other authority with which we are accustomed to comply or otherwise by applicable law. Information shall be deemed “publicly available” if it becomes a matter of public knowledge or is contained in materials available to the public or is obtained by us from any source other than the Bank or from you (or its or your directors, officers, employees or outside advisors), provided that such source has not entered into a confidentiality agreement with you with respect to the Information

Yours faithfully,

 

95


SCHEDULE 6

FORM OF INCREASE CONFIRMATION

 

To:   

HSBC Bank plc as Agent, British American Tobacco p.l.c. as Parent

From:   

[the Increase [Accordion] Bank ] (the “Increase [Accordion] Bank” ) 2

Dated:   

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “Facilities Agreement”)

 

1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This agreement (the “Agreement” ) shall take effect as an Increase Confirmation for the purpose of the Facilities Agreement. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Agreement unless given a different meaning in this Agreement.

 

2. We refer to [Clause 26.11 ( Increase )]/[Clause 2.6 ( Increase - Accordion )] of the Facilities Agreement.

 

3. The Increase [Accordion] Bank agrees to assume and will assume all of the obligations corresponding to the Commitment specified in the Schedule (the “Relevant Commitment” ) as if it was an Original Bank under the Facilities Agreement.

 

4. [The proposed date on which the increase in relation to the Increase Bank and the Relevant Commitment is to take effect (the “Increase Date” ) is [            ].]/[The proposed date on which the increase in relation to the Increase [Accordion] Bank and the Relevant Commitment is to take effect in the Accordion Increase Date set out in the Accordion Increase Request dated [            ].]

 

5. On the [Accordion] Increase Date, the Increase [Accordion] Bank becomes party to the relevant Finance Documents as a Bank.

 

6. The Facility Office and address, fax number, attention, credit contact and loan administration contact details for notices to the Increase [Accordion] Bank for the purposes of Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ) are set out in the Schedule.

 

7. The Increase [Accordion] Bank expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Banks’ obligations referred to in [Clause 26.11 ( Increase )]/[Clause 2.6 ( Increase - Accordion )].

 

8. The Increase [Accordion] Bank confirms that it is not an Affiliate of the Parent.

 

9. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement.

 

10. This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.

 

11. This Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.

[NOTE: PLEASE SEEK DUTCH LEGAL ADVICE (I) UNTIL THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY PUBLISHES ITS INTERPRETATION OF THE TERM “PUBLIC” (AS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 4.1(1) OF THE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS REGULATION (EU/575/2013)), IF ANY AMOUNT LENT TO A DUTCH BORROWER IS TO BE ASSIGNED WHICH IS LESS THAN €100,000 (OR ITS EQUIVALENT) AND (II) AS SOON AS THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY PUBLISHES ITS

 

2  

If the Increase [Accordion] Bank holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and wishes that scheme to apply to the Facilities Agreement, it must comply with the obligations set out in clause 10.5 of the Facilities Agreement.

 

96


INTERPRETATION OF THE TERM “PUBLIC”, IF THE NEW LENDER IS CONSIDERED TO BE PART OF THE PUBLIC ON THE BASIS OF THAT INTERPRETATION..].]

 

97


THE SCHEDULE

RELEVANT COMMITMENT/RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS TO BE ASSUMED BY THE

INCREASE [ACCORDION] BANK

[Facility office address, fax number and attention details for notices and account details for

payments/standard settlement instructions]

[Increase [Accordion] Bank]

By:

This Agreement is accepted as an Increase Confirmation for the purposes of the Facilities Agreement by the Agent and the [Accordion] Increase Date is confirmed as [            ].

Agent:

By:

 

98


SCHEDULE 7

EXTENSION REQUEST AND EXTENSION NOTICE

PART I

EXTENSION REQUEST FORM OF EXTENSION REQUEST

 

To:    HSBC Bank plc as Agent
From:    British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Date: [            ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “Facilities Agreement”)

 

1. We wish to request an extension to the Final Maturity Date under Revolving Facility A[ and Swingline Facility A] for an additional period of 365 days to the second anniversary of the Closing Date.

 

2. We confirm that as at the date of this Extension Request:

 

  (a) the representations and warranties in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ) of the Facilities Agreement except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption ) are correct; and

 

  (b) no Event of Default is outstanding.

 

3. Capitalised terms used in this Extension Request bear the meaning given to them in the Facilities Agreement.

 

By:
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.
Authorised Signatory

 

 

99


PART II

EXTENSION NOTICE

 

To:    British American Tobacco p.l.c.
From:    HSBC Bank plc as Agent

Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “Facilities Agreement”)

 

1. We refer to your Extension Request dated [            ] and confirm that the Banks listed in the Schedule to this Extension Notice have agreed to your request of an extension of the Final Maturity Date under Revolving Facility A[ and Swingline Facility A] for an additional period of 365 days to the second anniversary of the Closing Date.

 

2. Capitalised terms used in this Extension Notice bear the meaning given to them in the Facilities Agreement.

 

By:
HSBC Bank plc as Agent
Authorised Signatory

 

 

Dated:            201[    ]

 

100


Schedule

 

Bank    Revolving Facility    Commitment £    US$ Swingline
Commitment
   €Swingline
Commitment
[            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]    [            ]

Total:

Percentage

of Total

Commitments:

 

101


SCHEDULE 8

TERM OUT

PART I

FORM OF TERM OUT NOTICE

 

To:    HSBC Bank plc as Agent
From:    British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “ Facilities Agreement”)

 

1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Term Out Notice. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Term Out Notice unless given a different meaning in this Term Out Notice.

 

2. We elect to exercise the Term Out Option pursuant to Clause 2.5 ( Term Out Option ) in relation to all outstanding Revolving Facility Advances under Revolving Facility A.

 

3. We confirm that as at the date of this Term Out Notice:

 

  (a) the representations and warranties in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ) of the Facilities Agreement except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions and Anti-Bribery and Corruption ) are correct; and

 

  (b) no Event of Default is outstanding.

 

4. This Term Out Notice is irrevocable.

By:

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

Authorised Signatory

 

 

102


PART II

FORM OF SELECTION NOTICE FOR TERM ADVANCES

From: [Borrower]

To: [Agent]

Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [            ] 2017 (the “Facilities Agreement”)

 

1. We refer to the Facilities Agreement. This is a Selection Notice. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meaning in this Selection Notice unless given a different meaning in this Selection Notice.

 

2. We refer to the following [Revolving Facility/Term] Advance[s] in [identify currency] with a Term ending on [    ]. 3

 

3. We request that the next Term for the above Advance[s] is [    ].

 

4. This Selection Notice is irrevocable.

By:

[Borrower]

Authorised Signatory

 

 

 

3   Insert details of all Term Advances in the same currency which have a Term ending on the same date.

 

103


SCHEDULE 9

FORM OF ACCORDION INCREASE REQUEST

 

From:    British American Tobacco p.l.c.
To:    HSBC Bank plc as Agent
Date:    [●]

Dear Sirs,

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£5,680,000,000 Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement

dated [                ] 2017 (the “ Facilities Agreement”)

 

1. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall have the same meaning in this notice.

 

2. We wish to request that:

 

  (a) the [Revolving Facility A Commitments]/[Revolving Facility B Commitments] be increased by £[●] such that the Total Revolving Facility A Commitments]/[Total Revolving Facility B Commitments] after such increase shall be £[●][; and]

 

  (b) [the Euro Swingline Commitments under [Euro Swingline Facility A]/[Euro Swingline Facility B] be increased by €[ ] such that the Euro Swingline Total Commitments under such Swingline Facility after such increase shall be [●]; and]

 

  (c) [the US$ Swingline Commitments under [US$ Swingline Facility A]/[US$ Swingline Facility B] be increased by $[ ] such that the US$ Swingline Total Commitments after such increase shall be $[ ]].

 

3. The date on which the Accordion Increase as referred to in paragraph 2 above is proposed to become effective is [ insert Accordion Increase Date ] (the “ Accordion Increase Date ”).

 

4. We confirm that (by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing):

 

  (a) no Event of Default is continuing on the date of this notice or would arise as a result of this notice; and

 

  (b) unless we notify you to the contrary, no Event of Default is continuing on the Accordion Increase Date or would arise as a result of the Accordion Increase Date.

Yours faithfully

 

 

duly authorised

for and on behalf of

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

We acknowledge and agree to the above.

 

 

 

104


duly authorised

for and on behalf of

HSBC Bank plc as Agent

 

105


SIGNATORIES

 

Original Borrowers
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.
By:
B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE P.L.C.
By:
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.
By:
B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.
By:
B.A.T CAPITAL CORPORATION
By:
Guarantor
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.
By:

 

106


Agent

HSBC BANK PLC

By:

US Agent

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:

US$ Swingline Agent

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:

Euro Swingline Agent

HSBC BANK PLC

By:

Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC (trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL CORPORATE BANKING)

By:

BANCO SANTANDER, SA, LONDON BRANCH

By:

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

By:

BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

By:

BANK OF CHINA LIMITED, LONDON BRANCH

By:

 

107


BARCLAYS BANK PLC

By:

CITIBANK, N.A.

By:

CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH

By:

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

By:

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH

By:

HSBC BANK PLC

By:

ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH

By:

LLOYDS BANK PLC

By:

MIZUHO BANK, LTD

By:

SOCIETE GENERALE, LONDON BRANCH

By:

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

By:

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

By:

 

108


THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

By:

UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

By:

Lead Arranger

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

By:

Arranger

DANSKE BANK A/S

By:

Banks

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC (trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL CORPORATE BANKING)

By:

BANCO SANTANDER, SA, LONDON BRANCH

By:

BBVA IRELAND P.L.C.

By:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

By:

BANK OF CHINA LIMITED, LONDON BRANCH

By:

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

By:

 

109


CITIBANK, N.A.
By:
CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH
By:
COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH
By:
DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH
By:
HSBC BANK PLC
By:
ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH
By:
LLOYDS BANK PLC
By:
MIZUHO BANK, LTD
By:
SOCIETE GENERALE, LONDON BRANCH
By:
SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
By:
SCOTIABANK EUROPE PLC
By:
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, LONDON BRANCH
By:

 

110


THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC
By:
UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH
By:
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
By:
DANSKE BANK A/S
By:

 

111

LOGO    Exhibit 4.6

 

CONFORMED COPY

DATED 29 MAY 2014

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE P.L.C.

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

as Borrowers

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

as Guarantor

HSBC BANK PLC

as Agent

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as US$ Swingline Agent

HSBC BANK PLC

as Euro Swingline Agent

and

CERTAIN BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

as Banks

 

 

£3,000,000,000

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

 

 

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Clause    Headings      Page  
1.    INTERPRETATION      4  
2.    THE FACILITIES      18  
3.    PURPOSE      21  
4.    CONDITIONS PRECEDENT      21  
5.    ADVANCES      21  
6.    REPAYMENT      23  
7.    PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION      25  
8.    INTEREST      27  
9.    PAYMENTS      29  
10.    TAXES      32  
11.    MARKET DISRUPTION      35  
12.    INCREASED COSTS      36  
13.    ILLEGALITY AND MITIGATION      37  
14.    GUARANTEE      38  
15.    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES      40  
16.    UNDERTAKINGS      41  
17.    FINANCIAL COVENANT      44  
18.    DEFAULT      45  
19.    THE ADMINISTRATIVE PARTIES      47  
20.    FEES      53  
21.    EXPENSES      54  
22.    STAMP DUTIES      55  
23.    INDEMNITIES      55  
24.    EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS      56  
25.    AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS      56  
26.    CHANGES TO THE PARTIES      57  
27.    DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION AND KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS      64  
28.    SET-OFF      65  
29.    PRO RATA SHARING      65  
30.    SEVERABILITY      66  
31.    COUNTERPARTS      66  
32.    NOTICES      66  
33.    LANGUAGE      68  
34.    JURISDICTION      68  
35.    GOVERNING LAW      69  

SCHEDULE 1 BANKS AND COMMITMENTS

     70  

SCHEDULE 2 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT DOCUMENTS

     73  


SCHEDULE 3 FORM OF REQUEST

     75  

SCHEDULE 4 FORMS OF ACCESSION DOCUMENTS

     76  

SCHEDULE 5 FORM OF CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERTAKING

     81  

SCHEDULE 6 FORM OF INCREASE CONFIRMATION

     82  

SCHEDULE 7 EXTENSION REQUEST AND EXTENSION NOTICE

     84  

SCHEDULE 8 SECOND EXTENSION REQUEST AND SECOND EXTENSION NOTICE

     87  


THIS AGREEMENT is dated 29 May 2014

BETWEEN:

 

(1) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C. (registered number 3407696), B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE P.L.C. (registered number 1060930), BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V. (registered number 33236251) and B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. (registered number 60533536), as original borrowers (the “Original Borrowers” );

 

(2) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C. as guarantor (the “Guarantor” );

 

(3) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Part I of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) as mandated lead arrangers (the “Arrangers” );

 

(4) THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS listed in Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) as banks (the “Original Banks” );

 

(5) HSBC BANK PLC as agent (in this capacity the “Agent” );

 

(6) HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as US$ swingline agent (in this capacity the “US$ Swingline Agent” ); and

 

(7) HSBC BANK PLC as Euro swingline agent (in this capacity the “Euro Swingline Agent” ).

IT IS AGREED as follows:

 

1. INTERPRETATION

 

1.1 Definitions

In this Agreement:

“Acceptable Bank” means a bank or financial institution which has a rating for its long term unsecured and non credit-enhanced debt obligations of A- or higher by S&P or Fitch Rating Ltd or A3 or higher by Moody’s or a comparable rating from an internationally recognised credit rating agency.

“Additional Borrower” means any member of the Group which becomes a Borrower in accordance with Clause 26.6 ( Additional Borrowers ).

“Administrative Party” means the Agent, the US$ Swingline Agent or the Euro Swingline Agent.

“Advance” means a Revolving Facility Advance or a Swingline Advance.

“Affiliate” means a Subsidiary or a holding company (as defined in Section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006) of a person and any other Subsidiary of that holding company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in relation to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, the term “Affiliate” shall include The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. and each of its subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings, but shall not include (i) the UK government or any member or instrumentality thereof, including Her Majesty’s Treasury and UK Financial Investments Limited (or any directors, officers, employees or entities thereof) or (ii) any persons or entities controlled by or under common control with the UK government or any member or instrumentality thereof (including Her Majesty’s Treasury and UK Financial Investments Limited) and which are not part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc and its subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings.

“Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange” means the spot rate of exchange as determined by the Agent for the purchase of the relevant Optional Currency in the London foreign exchange market with Sterling at the relevant time on a particular day.

“Agreed Percentage” means, in relation to a Bank and a Swingline Advance, the amount of its Commitment expressed as a percentage of the Total Commitments.

“Available Commitment” means at any time a Bank’s Revolving Facility Commitment less the aggregate amount of:

 

  (a) the Original Sterling Amount of its share of any outstanding Revolving Facility Advance; and

 

4


  (b) the Original Sterling Amount of its share, or if applicable the share of any of its Swingline Affiliates or any Bank of which it is a Swingline Affiliate, of any Advance under any Swingline Facility at such time,

provided that for the purposes of calculating any Bank’s Available Commitment on any day, any Advance which is due to be repaid or prepaid on such day shall be ignored and any Advance which is to be made on such day shall be taken into account.

“Available Facility” means at any time the aggregate amount at that time of the Available Commitments of all the Banks.

“Available Swingline Commitment” means, in relation to a Swingline Facility at any time, a Bank’s Swingline Commitment under that Swingline Facility less the aggregate amount of its share of any outstanding Swingline Advances under that Swingline Facility at that time, provided that (i) for the purposes of calculating any Bank’s Available Swingline Commitment on any day, any Swingline Advance which is due to be repaid or prepaid on such day shall be ignored and any Swingline Advance which is to be made on such day shall be taken into account, and (ii) such amount is not greater than the Bank’s (or any Bank of which it is a Swingline Affiliate) undrawn Commitment at that time. If it is greater, that Bank’s Available Swingline Commitment shall be an amount equal to that Bank’s (or any Bank of which it is a Swingline Affiliate) undrawn Commitment or zero, as the case may be.

“Available Swingline Facility” means, in relation to a Swingline Facility at any time, the aggregate amount at that time of the Available Swingline Commitments of all the Banks under that Swingline Facility.

“Banks” means those financial institutions listed in Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) and their respective successors and assigns which are for the time being participating in the Facilities and any bank or financial institution which has become a Bank in accordance with Clause 26.11 ( Increase ).

“Borrower” means, subject to Clauses 7.4 ( Mandatory Prepayment by Borrowers ) and 7.5 ( Changes to Borrowers ), the Original Borrowers and each Additional Borrower.

“Borrower Accession Agreement” means a letter substantially in the form of Part II of Schedule 4 ( Forms of Accession Documents ) with such amendments as the Agent may approve or reasonably require.

“Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness” means, in relation to any person, any obligation (whether incurred as principal or surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent, comprising or constituted by:

 

  (a) any liability to repay the principal of or to pay interest on borrowed money or deposits; or

 

  (b) any liability:

 

  (i) under or pursuant to any letter of credit, acceptance credit facility or note purchase facility; or

 

  (ii) in relation to any foreign currency transaction or any purchase price for property or services payment of which is deferred for a period in excess of 180 days after the later of taking possession or becoming the legal owner thereof or the service being rendered; or

 

  (iii) with regard to any guarantee or indemnity in respect of repayment of obligations referred to in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above or of any other borrowed money.

“Borrower DTTP Filing” means an HM Revenue & Customs’ Form DTTP2 duly completed and filed by the relevant Borrower, which:

 

  (a) relates to an Original Bank and:

 

5


  (i) where the Borrower is an Original Borrower, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after the date of this Agreement; or

 

  (ii) where the Borrower is an Additional Borrower, is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after the date on which that Borrower becomes an Additional Borrower; or

 

  (b) relates to a Bank that is a New Bank or an Increase Bank and:

 

  (i) where the Borrower is a Borrower as at the relevant Novation Date (or date on which the increase in Commitments described in the relevant Increase Confirmation takes effect) is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after that Novation Date (or date on which the increase in Commitments described in the relevant Increase Confirmation takes effect); or

 

  (ii) where the Borrower is not a Borrower as at the relevant Novation Date (or date on which the increase in Commitments described in the relevant Increase Confirmation takes effect), is filed with HM Revenue & Customs at least 30 working days prior to the date of the first interest payment after the date on which that Borrower becomes an Additional Borrower.

“Borrowings” means (without double counting) any indebtedness in respect of the following:

 

  (a) money borrowed or raised and debit balances at banks;

 

  (b) any bond, note, loan stock, debenture or similar debt instrument;

 

  (c) acceptance credit facilities;

 

  (d) receivables sold or discounted (otherwise than on a non-recourse basis);

 

  (e) finance leases and hire purchase contracts which are required to be capitalised under generally accepted accounting principles in the UK;

 

  (f) any other transaction having the commercial effect of a borrowing or raising of money excluding trade credit in the ordinary course of business; and

 

  (g) guarantees in respect of indebtedness of any person falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (f) (both inclusive) above,

provided that indebtedness owing by one member of the Group to another member of the Group shall not be taken into account as Borrowings.

“Business Day” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday):

 

  (a) on which banks and the interbank and foreign exchange markets are open for business in London; and

 

  (b) (in relation to a day on which a payment in US Dollars or an Optional Currency (other than euro) is required hereunder) on which banks and the interbank and foreign exchange markets are open for business in New York or in the principal financial centre of the country of such Optional Currency; or

 

  (c) (in relation to a day on which a payment in euro is required hereunder) which is a Target Day.

“Code” means the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

“Commitment” means a Revolving Facility Commitment or a Swingline Facility Commitment.

 

6


“Dangerous Substance” means any radioactive emissions and any natural or artificial substance (whether in solid or liquid form or in the form of a gas or vapour and whether alone or in combination with any other substance) which, taking into account the concentrations and quantities present and the manner in which it is being used or handled, it is reasonably foreseeable will cause harm to man or any other living organism or damage to the Environment including any controlled, special, hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous waste.

“Default” means an Event of Default or an event specified in Clause 18 ( Default ) which, with the giving of notice, determination of materiality or expiry of any grace period under this Agreement (or any combination of the foregoing), would constitute an Event of Default.

“Defaulting Bank” means any Bank:

 

  (a) which has failed to make its participation in an Advance available or has notified the Agent that it will not make its participation in an Advance available by the Utilisation Date of that Advance in accordance with Clause 5.7 ( Payment of proceeds );

 

  (b) which has otherwise rescinded or repudiated a Finance Document; or

 

  (c) with respect to which an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing,

unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:

 

  (i) its failure to pay is caused by:

 

  (1) administrative or technical error; or

 

  (2) a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within five Business Days of its due date; or

 

  (ii) that Bank is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

“Defeased Borrowings” means any indebtedness (or obligations in respect thereof, such as future interest) in respect of capital market issues in existence on the Signing Date which has been fully covered by cash or cash equivalents as a means of achieving the economic effect of full repayment of that indebtedness.

“Disruption Event” means either or both of:

 

  (a) a material disruption to those payment or communication systems or to those financial markets which are, in each case, required to operate in order for payments to be made in connection with the Facility (or otherwise in order for the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents to be carried out) which disruption is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, any of the Parties; or

 

  (b) the occurrence of any other event which results in a disruption (of a technical or systems-related nature) to the treasury or payments operations of a Party preventing that, or any other Party:

 

  (i) from performing its payment obligations under the Finance Documents; or

 

  (ii) from communicating with other Parties in accordance with the terms of the Finance Documents,

and which (in either such case) is not caused by, and is beyond the control of, the Party whose operations are disrupted.

“Environment” means the media of air, water and land (wherever occurring) and in relation to the media of air and water includes, without limitation, the air and water within buildings and the air and water within other natural or man-made structures above or below ground and any water contained in any underground strata.

 

7


“Environmental Approvals” means all authorisations of any kind required under Environmental Laws to which any member of the Group is subject at any time.

“Environmental Law” means all legislation, regulations or orders (insofar as such regulations or orders have the force of law) to the extent that it relates to the protection or impairment of the Environment or the control of Dangerous Substances (whether or not in force at the date of this Agreement) which are capable of enforcement in any applicable jurisdiction by legal process.

“EONIA” means in relation to a Euro Swingline Advance, the Euro OverNight Index Average as determined by the Euro Swingline Agent and notified to the relevant Borrower on a daily basis. EONIA will be determined by the Euro Swingline Agent by reference to:

 

  (a) the applicable Euro OverNight Index Average displayed on the appropriate page of the Reuters screen during the relevant Term at 7.00 p.m. on the TARGET Day on which EONIA is to be determined (or, if to be determined on a day other than a TARGET Day, the preceding TARGET Day); or

 

  (b) if the rate cannot be determined under paragraph (a) above, the arithmetic mean rounded upwards to five (5) decimal places of the rate at which euro deposits of the amount of the relevant Euro Swingline Advance are offered to the Reference Banks for the same period as the relevant Term by prime banks in the European inter-bank market,

provided that, if that rate is less than zero, EONIA shall be deemed to be zero.

EURIBOR ” means in relation to any Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) or overdue amount denominated in euro:

 

  (a) the applicable Screen Rate;

 

  (b) if no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount, the Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount; or

 

  (c) if:

 

  (i) no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount; and

 

  (ii) it is not possible to calculate an Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount,

the Reference Bank Rate,

as of, in the case of paragraphs (a) and (c) above, 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the applicable Rate Fixing Day for euro and for a period equal in length to that Term and, if that rate is less than zero, EURIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.

“Euro Swingline Advance” means an advance made or to be made by a Euro Swingline Bank under the Euro Swingline Facility.

“Euro Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange” means the spot rate of exchange as determined by the Euro Swingline Agent for the purchase of euro in the London foreign exchange market with Sterling at the relevant time on the relevant day.

“Euro Swingline Bank” means, subject to Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), a Bank which has a Euro Swingline Commitment.

“Euro Swingline Commitment” means, in respect of a Euro Swingline Bank, the amount in euro set out opposite its name in Column 3 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) or specified as such in the relevant Novation Certificate, to the extent not transferred, cancelled or reduced under this Agreement.

“Euro Swingline Facility” means the committed euro swingline facility, forming part of the Revolving Facility, described in Clause 2.1.3 ( Facilities ).

 

8


Euro Swingline Rate ” means, on any day, the percentage rate per annum determined by the Euro Swingline Agent to be the aggregate of:

 

  (a) EONIA; and

 

  (b) the Margin.

“Euro Swingline Total Commitments” means the aggregate for the time being of the Euro Swingline Commitments, being €1,000,000,000 as at the Signing Date.

“Event of Default” means an event specified as such in Clause 18 ( Default ).

“Existing Credit Agreement” means the £2,000,000,000 revolving credit facility agreement dated 25 November 2010 made between, among others, British American Tobacco p.l.c., B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c., British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. as borrowers, British American Tobacco p.l.c. as guarantor and HSBC Bank plc as agent.

“Facility” means the Revolving Facility and the Swingline Facilities described in Clause 2.1 ( Facilities ) together, the “Facilities” .

“Facility Office” means the office(s) notified by a Bank to the Agent:

 

  (a) on or before the date it becomes a Bank; or

 

  (b) by not less than five Business Days’ notice,

as the office(s) through which it will perform all or any of its obligations under this Agreement.

“FATCA” means:

 

  (a) sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code or any associated regulations or other official guidance;

 

  (b) any treaty, law, regulation or other official guidance enacted in any other jurisdiction, or relating to an intergovernmental agreement between the US and any other jurisdiction, which (in either case) facilitates the implementation of paragraph (a) above; or

 

  (c) any agreement pursuant to the implementation of paragraphs (a) or (b) above with the US Internal Revenue Service, the US government or any governmental or taxation authority in any other jurisdiction.

“FATCA Application Date” means:

 

  (a) in relation to a “withholdable payment” described in section 1473(1)(A)(i) of the Code (which relates to payments of interest and certain other payments from sources within the US), 1 July 2014;

 

  (b) in relation to a “withholdable payment” described in section 1473(1)(A)(ii) of the Code (which relates to “gross proceeds” from the disposition of property of a type that can produce interest from sources within the US), 1 January 2017; or

 

  (c) in relation to a “passthru payment” described in section 1471(d)(7) of the Code not falling within paragraphs (a) or (b) above, 1 January 2017,

or, in each case, such other date from which such payment may become subject to a deduction or withholding required by FATCA as a result of any change in FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

“FATCA Deduction” means a deduction or withholding required by FATCA.

Federal Funds Rate ” means on any day, the rate per annum determined by the US$ Swingline Agent to be equal to:

 

9


  (a) the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the US Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for that day (or, if that day is not a New York Business Day, for the immediately preceding New York Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; or

 

  (b) if a rate is not so published for any day which is a New York Business Day, the average of the quotations for that day on such transactions received by the US$ Swingline Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognised standing selected by the US$ Swingline Agent.

“Fee Letters” means each letter dated on or about the Signing Date between the Agent and the Parent setting out the amount of various fees referred to in Clause 20 ( Fees ).

“Final Maturity Date” means, subject to Clause 2.4 ( Extension option ), the date falling five years after the date of this Agreement.

“Finance Document” means this Agreement, each Fee Letter, a Novation Certificate, a Borrower Accession Agreement, each novation agreement entered into pursuant to Clause 7.5.2 ( Changes to Borrowers ) or any other document designated as such by the Agent and the Parent.

“Finance Party” means a Bank or an Administrative Party.

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Parent including IFRS.

“Group” means the Parent and its Subsidiaries.

“Holding Company” means, in relation to a person, an entity of which that person is a Subsidiary.

“IFRS” means international financial reporting standards within the meaning of the IAS Regulation 1606/2002 to the extent applicable to the relevant financial statements.

“Impaired Agent” means an Administrative Party at any time when:

 

  (a) it has failed to make (or has notified a Party that it will not make) a payment required to be made by it under the Finance Documents by the due date for payment;

 

  (b) that Administrative Party otherwise rescinds or repudiates a Finance Document;

 

  (c) (if that Administrative Party is also a Bank) it is a Defaulting Bank under paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank”; or

 

  (d) an Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to that Administrative Party;

unless, in the case of paragraph (a) above:

 

  (i) its failure to pay is caused by:

 

  (a) an administrative or technical error; or

 

  (b) a Disruption Event; and

payment is made within five Business Days of its due date; or

 

  (ii) that Administrative Party is disputing in good faith whether it is contractually obliged to make the payment in question.

“Increase Bank” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 26.11 ( Increase ).

“Increase Confirmation” means a confirmation substantially in the form set out in Schedule 6 ( Form of Increase Confirmation ).

 

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“Insolvency Event” means in relation to a Finance Party, that the Finance Party:

 

  (a) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

  (b) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

  (c) makes a general assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors;

 

  (d) institutes or has instituted against it, by a regulator, supervisor or any similar official with primary insolvency, rehabilitative or regulatory jurisdiction over it in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organisation or the jurisdiction of its head or home office, a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, all other than by way of an Undisclosed Administration, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation by it or such regulator, supervisor or similar official;

 

  (e) has instituted against it a proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors’ rights, or a petition is presented for its winding-up or liquidation, and, in the case of any such proceeding or petition instituted or presented against it, such proceeding or petition is instituted or presented by a person or entity not described in paragraph (d) above and:

 

  (i) results in a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief or the making of an order for its winding-up or liquidation; or

 

  (ii) is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case within 21 days of the institution or presentation thereof;

 

  (f) has exercised in respect of it one or more of the stabilisation powers pursuant to Part 1 of the Banking Act 2009 and/or has instituted against it a bank insolvency proceeding pursuant to Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009 or a bank administration proceeding pursuant to Part 3 of the Banking Act 2009;

 

  (g) has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger);

 

  (h) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or substantially all of its assets, all other than by way of an Undisclosed Administration;

 

  (i) has a secured party take possession of all or substantially all of its assets or has a distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or substantially all of its assets and such secured party maintains possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained, in each case within 21 days thereafter;

 

  (j) causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect to any of the events specified in paragraphs (a) to (i) (above); or

 

  (k) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence, in any of the foregoing acts.

“Interest Cover Ratio” means the ratio calculated in accordance with Clause 17 ( Financial Covenants ).

 

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Interpolated Screen Rate ” means, in relation to LIBOR or EURIBOR for any Advance or overdue amount, the rate (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the two relevant Screen Rates) which results from interpolating on a linear basis between:

 

  (a) the applicable Screen Rate for the longest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which is less than the Term of that Advance or overdue amount; and

 

  (b) the applicable Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which that Screen Rate is available) which exceeds the Term of that Advance or overdue amount,

as of:

 

  (i) in the case of LIBOR, 11.00 a.m. (London time); and

 

  (ii) in the case of EURIBOR, 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time),

in each case, on the Rate Fixing Day for the currency of that Advance or overdue amount.

“ITA” means the Income Tax Act 2007.

LIBOR ” means in relation to any Advance (other than a Swingline Advance) or overdue amount denominated in a currency other than euro:

 

  (a) the applicable Screen Rate;

 

  (b) if no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount, the Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount; or

 

  (c) if:

 

  (i) no Screen Rate is available for the currency of that Advance or overdue amount; or

 

  (ii) no Screen Rate is available for the Term of that Advance or overdue amount and it is not possible to calculate an Interpolated Screen Rate for that Advance or overdue amount,

the Reference Bank Rate,

as of, in the case of paragraphs (a) and (c) above, 11 a.m. on the Rate Fixing Day for the currency of that Advance or overdue amount and for a period equal in length to that Term and, if that rate is less than zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.

“Majority Banks” means, at any time:

 

  (a) if any Advances are outstanding, Banks with an aggregate Original Sterling Amount of Advances and undrawn Commitments at that time of more than 66 2 / 3  per cent. of the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all Advances then outstanding and undrawn Commitments then in force; or

 

  (b) if no Advances are outstanding, Banks whose Commitments then aggregate more than 66 2 / 3  per cent. of the Total Commitments (or if the Total Commitments have been reduced to zero, aggregated more than 66 2 / 3  per cent. of the Total Commitments immediately before the reduction).

“Margin” means the percentage figure calculated in accordance with Clause 8.2 ( Calculation of the Margin ).

“Maturity Date” means the last day of the Term of a Revolving Facility Advance or a Swingline Advance.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service Limited or any successor to its rating business.

“New Bank” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ).

“New York Business Day” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City.

 

12


Novation Certificate” has the meaning given to it in Clause 26.3.1(A) ( Procedure for novations ).

“Novation Date” means, in relation to an assignment, transfer or novation in accordance with Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), the date on which such assignment, transfer or novation takes effect.

“Obligor” means each Borrower and the Guarantor.

“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of the Treasury.

“Optional Currency” means:

 

  (a) in relation to any Advance or proposed Advance (other than a US$ Swingline Advance or a Euro Swingline Advance), US Dollars and euro or any currency other than Sterling approved by all the Banks and which is readily available and freely transferable in the London foreign exchange market in sufficient amounts to fund that Advance;

 

  (b) in relation to a US$ Swingline Advance, US Dollars; and

 

  (c) in relation to a Euro Swingline Advance, euro.

“Original Sterling Amount” means:

 

  (a) the principal amount of an Advance denominated in Sterling; or

 

  (b) the principal amount of an Advance (other than a US$ Swingline Advance or a Euro Swingline Advance) denominated in any other currency, translated into Sterling on the basis of the Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date of receipt by the Agent of the Request for that Advance; or

 

  (c) the principal amount of a US$ Swingline Advance denominated in US Dollars translated into Sterling on the basis of the US$ Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date of receipt by the US$ Swingline Agent of the Request for that US$ Swingline Advance; or

 

  (d) the principal amount of a Euro Swingline Advance denominated in euro, translated into Sterling on the basis of the Euro Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date of receipt by the Euro Swingline Agent of the Request for that Euro Swingline Advance.

“Parent” means British American Tobacco p.l.c.

“Participating Member State” means any member state of the European Union that has the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union.

“Party” means a party to this Agreement.

“Prime Rate” means the prime commercial lending rate from time to time announced by the US$ Swingline Agent. Each change in the interest rate on a US$ Swingline Advance which results from a change in the Prime Rate becomes effective on the day on which the change in the Prime Rate becomes effective.

“Qualifying Bank” means a bank or financial institution which:

 

  (a) is a bank as defined for the purposes of section 879 of the ITA which is making an advance under this Agreement and is within the charge to United Kingdom corporation tax as regards any interest received by it in respect of that advance, or would be within such charge as respects such payment apart from section 18A Corporation Tax Act 2009, which is beneficially entitled to that interest; or

 

  (b)

is resident (as such term is defined in the appropriate double taxation treaty) in a

 

13


  country with which the United Kingdom has an appropriate double taxation treaty under which that institution is entitled to exemption from United Kingdom tax on interest and is entitled to apply for, and has applied for and obtained, approval (and with an effective notice of direction to this effect provided by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs to the relevant Borrower before the date of payment of the interest in question) under the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (General) Regulations 1970 to have interest under this Agreement paid to its Facility Office (being the Facility Office which is beneficially entitled to the interest paid to the relevant Bank under this Agreement) without withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom taxation (and does not carry on business in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment with which any loan or advance made under this Agreement in respect of which the interest is paid is effectively connected) and for this purpose “ double taxation treaty ” means any convention or agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and any other government for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital gains; or

 

  (c) (i) holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and has complied with the obligations in Clause 10.5; and

(ii) approval has been given (and with an effective notice of direction to this effect provided by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs to the relevant Borrower before the date of payment of the interest in question) under the Double Taxation Relief (Taxes on Income) (General) Regulations 1970 to have interest under this Agreement paid to that Bank’s Facility Office (being the Facility Office which is beneficially entitled to the interest paid to the relevant Bank under this Agreement) without withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom taxation, provided that this limb (ii) shall only apply where the relevant Borrower has made a Borrower DTTP Filing.

“Rate Fixing Day” means:

 

  (a) the Utilisation Date for an Advance denominated in Sterling; or

 

  (b) the second Business Day before the Utilisation Date for an Advance denominated in any other currency.

“Rating Agency” means Moody’s or S&P (together the “Rating Agencies” ).

“Reference Bank Rate” means the arithmetic mean of the rates (rounded upwards to four decimal places) as supplied to the Agent at its request by the Reference Banks:

 

  (a) in relation to LIBOR, as the rate at which the relevant Reference Bank could borrow funds in the London interbank market; or

 

  (b) in relation to EURIBOR, as the rate at which the relevant Reference Bank could borrow funds in the European interbank market,

in the relevant currency and for the relevant period, were it to do so by asking for and then accepting interbank offers for deposits in reasonable market size in that currency and for that period.

“Reference Banks” means, subject to Clause 26.8 ( Reference Banks ), any Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank appointed as such by the Facility Agent in consultation with the Parent.

“Replacement Bank” has the meaning given to that term in Clause 26.13 ( Replacement of a Defaulting Bank ).

“Request” means a request made by a Borrower to utilise a Facility, substantially in the form of Schedule 3 ( Form of Request ).

“Requested Amount” means the amount requested in a Request.

“Revolving Facility” means the committed multicurrency revolving credit facility described in Clause 2.1.1 ( Facilities ).

 

14


“Revolving Facility Advance” means an advance made or to be made by the Banks under the Revolving Facility.

“Revolving Facility Bank” means, at any time, a Bank with a Revolving Facility Commitment.

“Revolving Facility Commitment” means:

 

  (a) in relation to an Original Bank, the amount in Sterling set opposite its name under Column 1 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) and the amount of any other Revolving Facility Commitments transferred to it under this Agreement; and

 

  (b) in relation to any other Bank, the amount in Sterling of any Revolving Facility Commitment transferred to it under this Agreement,

to the extent not cancelled, reduced or transferred by it under this Agreement.

“Rollover Advance” means one or more Revolving Facility Advances under the Revolving Facility:

 

  (a) made or to be made on the same day that a Revolving Facility Advance under the Revolving Facility is due to be repaid;

 

  (b) the Original Sterling Amount of which equals or is less than the Original Sterling Amount of the maturing Revolving Facility Advance(s); and

 

  (c) made or to be made to the same Borrower for the purpose of refinancing the maturing Revolving Facility Advance(s).

Screen Rate ” means:

 

  (a) in relation to LIBOR, the London interbank offered rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant currency and period displayed on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate); and

 

  (b) in relation to EURIBOR, the euro interbank offered rate administered by the Banking Federation of the European Union (or any other person which takes over the administration of that rate) for the relevant period displayed on page EURIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate),

or, in each case, on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Reuters. If such page or service ceases to be available, the Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Parent.

“S&P” means Standard and Poor’s Credit Market Services Europe Limited or any successor to its rating business.

“Security Interest” means any mortgage, hypothecation, charge, pledge or lien (unless arising by operation of law) or other security interest securing any obligation of any person.

“Signing Date” means the date of this Agreement.

“Sterling Amount” means, in relation to a Swingline Commitment, the amount of that Swingline Commitment translated into Sterling on the basis of the Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange on the date any part of the Facility is to be cancelled pursuant to Clause 7.1 ( Voluntary cancellation ).

“Subsidiary” means:

 

  (a) a subsidiary within the meaning of Section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006; and

 

15


  (b) unless the context otherwise requires, a subsidiary undertaking within the meaning of Section 1162(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

“Swingline Advance” means a US$ Swingline Advance or a Euro Swingline Advance.

“Swingline Affiliate” means, in relation to a Bank, any US$ Swingline Bank or, as the case may be, Euro Swingline Bank that is an Affiliate of that Bank and which has been notified to the Administrative Parties by that Bank in writing to be a Swingline Affiliate.

“Swingline Agent” means the US$ Swingline Agent or the Euro Swingline Agent.

“Swingline Bank” means a US$ Swingline Bank or a Euro Swingline Bank.

“Swingline Commitment” means a US$ Swingline Commitment or a Euro Swingline Commitment.

“Swingline Facility” means the US$ Swingline Facility or the Euro Swingline Facility (together the “Swingline Facilities” ).

“Swingline Total Commitments” means the US$ Swingline Total Commitments and the Euro Swingline Total Commitments.

TARGET2 ” means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system which utilises a single shared platform and which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor thereto.

“TARGET Day” means any day on which TARGET2 is open for the settlement of payments in euro.

“Term” means each period:

 

  (a) selected by a Borrower in a Request for which the relevant Revolving Facility Advance or Swingline Advance is to be outstanding; or

 

  (b) by reference to which interest on an overdue amount is calculated.

“Total Commitments” means the aggregate of the Commitments from time to time, being £3,000,000,000 as at the Signing Date (of which, subject to Clause 2.2 ( Overall facility limit ), up to US$1,200,000,000 is available under the US$ Swingline Facility and €1,000,000,000 is available under the Euro Swingline Facility).

“UK” or “United Kingdom” means the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“UK Resident Borrower” means a Borrower resident in the UK for the purposes of UK taxation.

“Undisclosed Administration” means in relation to a Bank the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official by a supervisory authority or regulator under or based on the law in the country where such Bank is subject to home jurisdiction supervision if applicable law requires that such appointment is not to be publicly disclosed;

“United States” means the United States of America.

“US$ Swingline Advance” means an advance made or to be made by a US$ Swingline Bank under the US$ Swingline Facility.

“US$ Swingline Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange” means the spot rate of exchange as determined by the US$ Swingline Agent for the purchase of US Dollars in the New York foreign exchange market with Sterling at the relevant time on the relevant day.

“US$ Swingline Bank” means, subject to Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), a Bank which has a US$ Swingline Commitment.

“US$ Swingline Commitment” means, in respect of a US$ Swingline Bank, the amount in US Dollars set out opposite its name in Column 2 of Part II of Schedule 1 ( Banks and Commitments ) or specified as such in the relevant Novation Certificate, to the extent not transferred, cancelled or reduced under this Agreement.

 

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“US$ Swingline Facility” means the committed US Dollar swingline facility, forming part of the Revolving Facility, described in Clause 2.1.3 ( Facilities ).

“US$ Swingline Rate” means, on any day, the higher of:

 

  (a) the Prime Rate; and

 

  (b) the aggregate of the Federal Funds Rate determined by the US$ Swingline Agent for that day and 1.00 per cent. per annum.

“US$ Swingline Total Commitments” means the aggregate for the time being of the US$ Swingline Commitments, being US$1,200,000,000 as at the Signing Date.

“Utilisation Date” means the date for the making of an Advance.

 

1.2 Construction

 

  1.2.1 In this Agreement, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to:

 

  (A) “assets” includes properties, revenues and rights of every description;

 

  (B) an “authorisation” includes an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, registration and notarisation;

 

  (C) a “month” is a reference to a period starting on one day in a calendar month and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the next calendar month, except that, if there is no numerically corresponding day in the month in which that period ends, that period shall end on the last Business Day in that calendar month;

 

  (D) “pro rata” shall mean in proportion to;

 

  (E) a “regulation” includes any regulation, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law) of any governmental body, agency, department or regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or organisation;

 

  (F) “tax” shall mean any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same);

 

  (G) the currency of a country is to the lawful currency of that country for the time being, “€” and “euro” is a reference to the single currency of the Participating Member States, “£” and “Sterling” is a reference to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom for the time being, “US$” and “US Dollars” is a reference to the lawful currency of the United States for the time being;

 

  (H) a provision of a law is a reference to that provision as amended or re-enacted;

 

  (I) a Clause or a Schedule is a reference to a clause of or a schedule to this Agreement;

 

  (J) a person includes any person, firm, company, corporation, government, state or agency of a state or any association, trust or partnership (whether or not having separate legal personality) or two or more of the foregoing;

 

  (K) a Finance Document or another document is a reference to that Finance Document or that other document as amended, novated or supplemented; and

 

  (L) a time of day is a reference to London time.

 

  1.2.2

Unless the contrary intention appears, a term used in any other Finance

 

17


  Document or in any notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document has the same meaning in that Finance Document or notice as in this Agreement.

 

  1.2.3 The index to and the headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and are to be ignored in construing this Agreement.

 

  1.2.4 Bayerische Landesbank will not benefit from or place any reliance on Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions ) or Clause 16.12 ( Sanctions ).

 

1.3 Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999

No term of this Agreement is enforceable under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 by a person who is not a party to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, this shall not prevent any person taking the benefit of this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Clause 7.5 ( Changes to Borrowers ), Clause 19.7.2 ( Exoneration ), Clause 19.14 ( Resignation of Agents ), Clause 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ) and Clause 26.5 ( Additional Borrowers ).

 

2. THE FACILITIES

 

2.1 Facilities

The Banks grant to the Borrowers the following facilities:

 

  2.1.1 a committed five year multi-currency revolving credit facility, to be designated as the Revolving Facility, under which the Revolving Facility Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make cash advances in Sterling or Optional Currencies to that Borrower on a revolving basis;

 

  2.1.2 a committed US Dollar swingline advance facility (which is a sub-division of the Revolving Facility) under which the US$ Swingline Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make to that Borrower US$ Swingline Advances; and

 

  2.1.3 a committed euro swingline advance facility (which is a sub-division of the Revolving Facility) under which the Euro Swingline Banks will, when requested by a Borrower, make to that Borrower Euro Swingline Advances,

in all cases subject to Clause 2.4 ( Extension option ) and the other terms of this Agreement.

 

2.2 Overall facility limit

 

  2.2.1 The aggregate:

 

  (A) Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances under the Revolving Facility and the Swingline Facilities, shall not at any time exceed the Total Commitments at that time;

 

  (B) amount of all Advances under the US$ Swingline Facility, shall not at any time exceed the US$ Swingline Total Commitments at that time; and

 

  (C) amount of all Advances under the Euro Swingline Facility, shall not at any time exceed the Euro Swingline Total Commitments at that time.

 

  2.2.2 The aggregate:

 

  (A) Original Sterling Amount of Revolving Facility Advances and Swingline Advances made by a Bank and, if applicable, any of that Bank’s Swingline Affiliates, shall not at any time exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment at that time;

 

  (B) amount of US$ Swingline Advances made by a US$ Swingline Bank shall not at any time exceed its US$ Swingline Commitment at that time; and

 

  (C) amount of Euro Swingline Advances made by a Euro Swingline Bank shall not at any time exceed its Euro Swingline Commitment at that time.

 

18


2.3 Number of Requests and Advances

 

  2.3.1 No more than one Request may be delivered on any one day but that Request may specify any number and type of Advances from the Revolving Facility and/or either Swingline Facility.

 

  2.3.2 Unless the Agent agrees otherwise:

 

  (A) no more than 10 Advances may be outstanding under the Facility at any time; and

 

  (B) outstanding Advances at any time may not be denominated in more than 5 different currencies under the Facility.

 

2.4 Extension Option

 

  2.4.1 The Parent may request by giving notice to the Agent (an “ Extension Request ”) no more than 90 days, and not less than 30 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement, that the Final Maturity Date for all or part of the Facility be extended for an additional 365 day period. Any Extension Request shall be in the form set out in Schedule 7 ( Extension Request and Extension Notice ).

 

  2.4.2 Without prejudice to Clause 2.4.1 above, the Parent may request by giving notice to the Agent (a “Second Extension Request”) no more than 90 days, and not less than 30 days prior to the second anniversary of the date of this Agreement, that the then current Final Maturity Date for all or part of the Facility be extended for a further 365 day period. Where a Bank has not previously agreed to an extension requested pursuant to an Extension Request, such Second Extension Request, with respect to such Bank, may be for an additional 365 day period or an additional 730 day period. Any Second Extension Request shall be in the form set out in Schedule 8 ( Second Extension Request and Second Extension Notice ).

 

  2.4.3 Upon receipt of an Extension Request under Clause 2.4.1 above, the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank. Each such Bank shall have the right, in its absolute discretion, to accept or decline any Extension Request and any such Bank which wishes to accept the Extension Request (“ First Extension Banks ”) shall so notify the Agent no later than the date falling 20 days before the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement. If any Bank does not accept an Extension Request by that date, it will be deemed to have refused it.

 

  2.4.4 The Agent shall promptly notify the Parent of the First Extension Banks, whereupon in respect of those Banks only (if any), the Final Maturity Date shall be extended by 365 days to the sixth anniversary of the date of this Agreement.

 

  2.4.5 Upon receipt of a Second Extension Request under Clause 2.4.2 above, the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank (including, for the avoidance of doubt, each First Extension Bank). Each such Bank shall have the right, in its absolute discretion, to accept or decline any Second Extension Request and any such Bank which wishes to accept the Second Extension Request (“ Second Extension Banks ”) shall so notify the Agent no later than the date falling 20 days before the second anniversary of the date of this Agreement. If any Bank does not accept a Second Extension Request by that date, it will be deemed to have refused it.

 

  2.4.6 The Agent shall promptly notify the Parent of the Second Extension Banks, whereupon in respect of those Banks only (if any), the then current Final Maturity Date in respect of those Banks shall be extended by 365 days or 730 days (as the case may be) to the seventh anniversary of the date of this Agreement.

 

  2.4.7 On the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement:

 

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  (A) the Borrower shall repay the participation in the Advances of each Bank (other than a First Extension Bank or a Second Extension Bank) in full; and

 

  (B) the Commitment of each Bank (other than a First Extension Bank or a Second Extension Bank) shall be cancelled automatically.

 

  2.4.8 On the sixth anniversary of the date of this Agreement:

 

  (A) the Borrower shall repay the participation in the Advances of each First Extension Bank that has refused any Second Extension Request under Clause 2.4.2 above and any Second Extension Bank that was not originally a First Extension Bank but which agreed to extend the Final Maturity Date only by 365 days pursuant to Clause 2.4.2 above, in full; and

 

  (B) the Commitment of each First Extension Bank that has refused such Second Extension Request and any Second Extension Bank that was not originally a First Extension Bank but which agreed to extend the Final Maturity Date only by 365 days shall be cancelled automatically.

 

  2.4.9 On the seventh anniversary of the date of this Agreement:

 

  (A) the Borrower shall repay the participation in the Advances of each Second Extension Bank in full; and

 

  (B) the Commitment of each Second Extension Bank shall be cancelled automatically.

 

  2.4.10 No more than one Extension Request or one Second Extension Request may be given under each of Clauses 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 above, and any such request is irrevocable.

 

2.5 Nature of a Finance Party’s rights and obligations

 

  2.5.1 The obligations of a Finance Party under the Finance Documents are several. Failure of a Finance Party to carry out those obligations does not relieve any other Party of its obligations under the Finance Documents. No Finance Party is responsible for the obligations of any other Finance Party under the Finance Documents.

 

  2.5.2 The rights of a Finance Party under the Finance Documents are divided rights and any debt arising under the Finance Documents to a Finance Party from an Obligor shall be a separate and independent debt. A Finance Party may, except as otherwise stated in the Finance Documents, separately enforce those rights.

 

2.6 Parent as agent for Obligors

Each Obligor irrevocably authorises and instructs the Parent to give and receive as agent on its behalf all notices (including Requests) and sign all documents in connection with the Finance Documents on its behalf (including Novation Certificates and novation agreements under Clause 7.5.2 ( Changes to Borrowers )) and take such other action as may be necessary or desirable under or in connection with the Finance Documents and confirms that it will be bound by any action taken by the Parent under or in connection with the Finance Documents.

 

2.7 Actions of Parent as agent for Obligors

The respective liabilities of each of the Obligors under the Finance Documents shall not be in any way affected by:

 

  2.7.1 any irregularity (or purported irregularity) in any act done by or any failure (or purported failure) by the Parent;

 

20


  2.7.2 the Parent acting (or purporting to act) in any respect outside any authority conferred upon it by any Obligor; or

 

  2.7.3 the failure (or purported failure) by or inability (or purported inability) of the Parent to inform any Obligor of receipt by it of any notification under this Agreement.

 

3. PURPOSE

 

3.1 Each Revolving Facility Advance shall be applied in or towards the general corporate purposes of the Group.

 

3.2 Each US$ Swingline Advance will be applied in or towards refinancing short term Borrowings of the Group and providing support for the Group’s euro-commercial paper programme(s) and United States commercial paper programme(s), provided that a US$ Swingline Advance may not be applied in or towards refinancing another Swingline Advance.

 

3.3 Each Euro Swingline Advance will be applied in or towards refinancing short term Borrowings of the Group and providing support for the Group’s euro-commercial paper programme(s), provided that a Euro Swingline Advance may not be applied in or towards refinancing another Swingline Advance.

 

3.4 Without affecting the obligations of any Borrower in any way, no Finance Party is bound to monitor or verify the application of the proceeds of any Advance.

 

4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

4.1 Documentary conditions precedent

The obligations of each Finance Party to any Borrower under this Agreement are subject to the conditions precedent that:

 

  4.1.1 the Parent has paid to such Finance Party an up-front fee in the amount and on the date agreed in the relevant Fee Letter; and

 

  4.1.2 the Agent has notified the Parent and the Banks that it has received all of the documents set out in Part I of Schedule 2 ( Conditions Precedent Documents ) in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent. The Agent will promptly notify the Parent and the Banks upon such receipt.

 

4.2 Further conditions precedent

The obligations of each Bank to participate in an Advance are subject to the further conditions precedent that on the date of the Request for the Advance and on its Utilisation Date:

 

  4.2.1 the representations and warranties in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ) deemed to be repeated on those dates pursuant to Clause 15.13.3 ( Times for making representations and warranties ) are correct and will be correct immediately after the disbursement of the Advance;

 

  4.2.2 in the case of a Rollover Advance, no Event of Default is outstanding and, in the case of any other Advance, no Default is outstanding or would result from the disbursement of the Advance; and

 

  4.2.3 the Advance would not cause Clause 2.2 ( Overall facility limit ) to be contravened.

 

5. ADVANCES

 

5.1 Receipt of Requests

 

  5.1.1

A Borrower may borrow Revolving Facility Advances under the Revolving Facility if the Agent receives, not later than 3 p.m. on the third Business Day before the proposed Utilisation Date, or, in the case of a Revolving Facility Advance in

 

21


  Sterling not later than 9.30 a.m. on the proposed Utilisation Date, a duly completed Request, copied to each of the Swingline Agents. For the avoidance of doubt, the Request contemplated by this Clause 5.1.1 shall not be required for any Swingline Advance.

 

  5.1.2 A Borrower may borrow US$ Swingline Advances if the US$ Swingline Agent receives, not later than 11.00 a.m. (New York City time) on the proposed Utilisation Date, a duly completed Request, copied to the Agent and the Euro Swingline Agent.

 

  5.1.3 A Borrower may borrow Euro Swingline Advances if the Euro Swingline Agent receives, not later than 11.00 a.m. (London time) on the proposed Utilisation Date, a duly completed Request, copied to the Agent and the US$ Swingline Agent.

 

  5.1.4 Each Request is irrevocable.

 

5.2 Completion of Requests for Revolving Facility Advances

A Request for Revolving Facility Advances will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:

 

  5.2.1 it identifies the relevant Borrower;

 

  5.2.2 the Utilisation Date is a Business Day falling on or after the date of this Agreement and before the Final Maturity Date;

 

  5.2.3 only one currency is specified for each separate Advance and the Requested Amount for each separate Advance is in a minimum Original Sterling Amount of £25,000,000 (rounded to the nearest convenient 100,000 units in the case of currencies other than Sterling); and

 

  5.2.4 only one Term for each separate Advance is specified, which:

 

  (A) does not overrun the Final Maturity Date; and

 

  (B) is a period of one month, two, three or six months (or such other period as the Agent, acting on the instructions of all the Banks, may previously have agreed for the purposes of such Advance).

 

5.3 Completion of Requests for US$ Swingline Advances

A Request for US$ Swingline Advances will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:

 

  5.3.1 it identifies the relevant Borrower;

 

  5.3.2 the Utilisation Date is a New York Business Day falling before the Final Maturity Date;

 

  5.3.3 it is specified that the US$ Swingline Advances are to be made in US Dollars under the US$ Swingline Facility;

 

  5.3.4 the Requested Amount is an integral multiple of US$10,000,000 or such other amount as the US$ Swingline Agent and the relevant Borrower may agree; and

 

  5.3.5 only one Term is specified, which:

 

  (A) does not overrun the Final Maturity Date; and

 

  (B) is a period not exceeding seven days.

 

5.4 Completion of Requests for Euro Swingline Advances

A Request for Euro Swingline Advances will not be regarded as having been duly completed unless:

 

  5.4.1 the Utilisation Date is a Business Day falling before the Final Maturity Date;

 

  5.4.2 it is specified that the Euro Swingline Advances are to be made in euro under the Euro Swingline Facility;

 

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  5.4.3 the Requested Amount is an integral multiple of €10,000,000 or such other amount as the Euro Swingline Agent and the relevant Borrower may agree; and

 

  5.4.4 only one Term is specified, which:

 

  (A) does not overrun the Final Maturity Date; and

 

  (B) is a period not exceeding seven days.

 

5.5 Amount of each Bank’s Advance

The amount of a Bank’s Advance will, in the case of a Revolving Facility Advance, be the proportion of the Requested Amount which its Available Commitment bears to the Available Facility on the relevant Utilisation Date and, in the case of a Swingline Advance, the proportion of the Requested Amount which its relevant Available Swingline Commitment bears to the relevant Available Swingline Facility on the relevant Utilisation Date.

 

5.6 Notification of the Banks

The Agent, the US$ Swingline Agent or the Euro Swingline Agent (as the case may be) shall promptly notify each Revolving Facility Bank, US$ Swingline Bank or Euro Swingline Bank (as the case may be) of the details of the requested Advances and the amount of its Advance.

 

5.7 Payment of proceeds

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, each Bank (or each US$ Swingline Bank or each Euro Swingline Bank, as the case may be) shall make its Advance available to the Agent (or the US$ Swingline Agent in the case of US$ Swingline Advances or the Euro Swingline Agent in the case of Euro Swingline Advances) for the Borrower concerned for value on the relevant Utilisation Date (which in the case of Euro Swingline Advances shall mean by no later than 2.00 p.m.). In the case of any Euro Swingline Advance, the Euro Swingline Agent shall by no later than 2.30 p.m. on the Utilisation Date for such Euro Swingline Advance issue instructions for all amounts actually received by it from the Euro Swingline Banks in respect of that Euro Swingline Advance to be transferred in accordance with the payment instructions set out in the Request relating to that Euro Swingline Advance.

 

6. REPAYMENT

 

6.1 Repayment of Revolving Facility Advances

 

  6.1.1 Each Borrower shall repay each Revolving Facility Advance made to it in full on its Maturity Date to the Agent for the Banks. No Revolving Facility Advance may be outstanding after the Final Maturity Date.

 

  6.1.2 Without prejudice to each Borrower’s obligation under Clause 6.1.1 above, if one or more Revolving Facility Advances are to be made available to a Borrower:

 

  (A) on the same day that a maturing Revolving Facility Advance is due to be repaid by that Borrower;

 

  (B) in the same currency as the maturing Revolving Facility Advance; and

 

  (C) in whole or in part for the purpose of refinancing the maturing Revolving Facility Advance,

the aggregate amount of the new Revolving Facility Advances shall be treated as if applied in or towards repayment of the maturing Revolving Facility Advance so that:

 

  (1) if the amount of the maturing Revolving Facility Advance exceeds the aggregate amount of the new Revolving Facility Advances:

 

23


  (a) the relevant Borrower will only be required to pay an amount in cash in the relevant currency equal to that excess; and

 

  (b) each Bank’s participation (if any) in the new Revolving Facility Advances shall be treated as having been made available and applied by the Borrower in or towards repayment of that Bank’s participation (if any) in the maturing Revolving Facility Advance and that Bank will not be required to make its participation in the new Revolving Facility Advances available in cash; and

 

  (2) if the amount of the maturing Revolving Facility Advance is equal to or less than the aggregate amount of the new Revolving Facility Advances:

 

  (a) the relevant Borrower will not be required to make any payment in cash; and

 

  (b) each Bank will be required to make its participation in the new Revolving Facility Advances available in cash only to the extent that its participation (if any) in the new Revolving Facility Advances exceeds that Bank’s participation (if any) in the maturing Revolving Facility Advance and the remainder of that Bank’s participation in the new Revolving Facility Advances shall be treated as having been made available and applied by the Borrower in or towards repayment of that Bank’s participation in the maturing Revolving Facility Advance.

 

6.2 Repayment of Swingline Advances

 

  6.2.1 Subject to Clause 6.2.2, each Borrower shall repay each Swingline Advance made to it in full on its Maturity Date:

 

  (A) in respect of US$ Swingline Advances, to the US$ Swingline Agent for the US$ Swingline Banks; and

 

  (B) in respect of Euro Swingline Advances, to the Euro Swingline Agent for the Euro Swingline Banks.

No Swingline Advance may be outstanding after the Final Maturity Date.

 

  6.2.2 Each Swingline Advance shall be repaid on its Maturity Date in accordance with Clause 6.2.1 above. In the event that a Swingline Advance is not so repaid, each Revolving Facility Bank will within four Business Days of a demand to that effect from the US$ Swingline Agent or the Euro Swingline Agent (as the case may be) pay to that Swingline Agent on behalf of the Swingline Banks who funded such Swingline Advance an amount equal to its Agreed Percentage of the principal of such Swingline Advance and accrued interest (including default interest) thereon to the date of actual payment by such Bank. The relevant Borrower shall forthwith reimburse such Banks (through the Agent) in full for each payment made by such Banks under this Clause 6.2.2. Each amount the relevant Borrower is required to reimburse to the Banks under this Clause 6.2.2 shall be deemed to be an overdue amount (as defined in Clause 8.6.1 ( Default interest )) which fell due for payment by the relevant Borrower on the day on which the payment by the Banks giving rise to the reimbursement obligation was made and shall accrue default interest under Clause 8.6 ( Default interest ) accordingly.

 

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7. PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION

 

7.1 Voluntary cancellation

 

  7.1.1 The Parent may, by giving not less than three Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent, cancel the whole or any part of the Available Facility (but if in part, in an aggregate minimum amount of £25,000,000). Any cancellation in part shall be applied against the Commitment of each Bank pro rata under that Facility.

 

  7.1.2 Whenever part of the Total Commitments are cancelled:

 

  (A) no US$ Swingline Commitment under the US$ Swingline Facility shall be cancelled unless (i) the Sterling Amount of the US$ Swingline Total Commitments would exceed the Total Commitments after such cancellation or (ii) the Sterling Amount of the US$ Swingline Commitment of any US$ Swingline Bank would exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment after such cancellation. In any such case, the US$ Swingline Total Commitments shall, at the same time as the cancellation of the Total Commitments takes effect, be cancelled by such amount as is necessary to ensure that after the relevant cancellation of the Total Commitments, the Sterling Amount of the US$ Swingline Total Commitments does not exceed the Total Commitments and the Sterling Amount of the US$ Swingline Commitment of each US$ Swingline Bank under the US$ Swingline Facility does not exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment; and

 

  (B) no Euro Swingline Commitment under the Euro Swingline Facility shall be cancelled unless (i) the Sterling Amount of the Euro Swingline Total Commitments would exceed the Total Commitments after such cancellation or (ii) the Sterling Amount of the Euro Swingline Commitment of any Euro Swingline Bank would exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment after such cancellation. In any such case, the Euro Swingline Total Commitments shall, at the same time as the cancellation of the Total Commitments takes effect, be cancelled by such amount as is necessary to ensure that after the relevant cancellation of the Total Commitments, the Sterling Amount of the Euro Swingline Total Commitments does not exceed the Total Commitments and the Sterling Amount of the Euro Swingline Commitment of each Euro Swingline Bank under the Euro Swingline Facility does not exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment.

 

7.2 Automatic cancellation of Commitment

The Revolving Facility Commitment of each Bank shall be automatically cancelled at the close of business in London on the Final Maturity Date.

 

7.3 Voluntary prepayment

 

  7.3.1 Any Borrower may, by giving not less than three Business Days prior written notice to the Agent, prepay subject to breakage costs, if any, the whole or any part of the Advances made to it under this Agreement (but if in part in an aggregate minimum Original Sterling Amount, taking all prepayments made by all the Borrowers on the same day together, of £25,000,000).

 

  7.3.2 Any voluntary prepayment under Clause 7.3.1 above will:

 

  (A) be applied against Revolving Facility Advances in such proportions as may be specified by the Parent in the notice of prepayment or, if not specified, against all Revolving Facility Advances pro rata (or, if no Revolving Facility Advances are outstanding, against any Swingline Advances pro rata);

 

  (B) be applied against the relevant Advances of the relevant Banks pro rata; and

 

25


  (C) be accompanied by all amounts payable under Clause 23.2.3 ( Other indemnities ) in respect of that prepayment if not made on the Maturity Date of the relevant Revolving Facility Advance or Swingline Advance.

 

7.4 Mandatory Prepayment by Borrowers

 

  7.4.1 If any Borrower (other than the Parent) ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Parent, it shall forthwith prepay all Advances made to it together with all amounts payable by it under this Agreement, and thereupon cease to be a Borrower.

 

  7.4.2 If any person or group of persons acting in concert gains control of the Parent:

 

  (A) the Parent shall promptly notify the Agent upon becoming aware of such event; and

 

  (B) if the Majority Banks so require, the Agent shall, by not less than 10 Business Days’ written notice to the Parent, cancel the Total Commitments and declare all outstanding Advances, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued under the Finance Documents, to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the Total Commitments will be cancelled in full and all such outstanding amounts will become immediately due and payable.

For the purpose of this Clause 7.4.2:

“control” has the meaning given to it in section 450 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010; and

“acting in concert” has the meaning given to it in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.

 

7.5 Changes to Borrowers

 

  7.5.1 Any Borrower in respect of which no Advance is outstanding hereunder (including any other amounts outstanding in relation thereto) may, at the request of the Parent, cease to be a Borrower by entering into a supplemental agreement to this Agreement in such form as the Agent may reasonably require which shall discharge that Borrower’s obligations hereunder.

 

  7.5.2 Any Borrower (the “Existing Borrower” ) may be released from its obligations under this Agreement as a Borrower, provided that another Borrower (the “Substitute Borrower” ) assumes the obligations in respect thereof of the Existing Borrower and provided further that:

 

  (A) any such substitution shall take effect on and from the later of the day upon which the Agent notifies the Parent in writing that it is satisfied with the compliance with the matters set out in paragraphs (C) and (D) below and the date for substitution specified in the relevant notice under paragraph (B) below;

 

  (B) notice of the proposed substitution has been delivered by the Parent to the Agent not less than 14 days prior to the proposed substitution;

 

  (C) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and

 

  (D) the Substitute Borrower enters into a novation agreement with the Existing Borrower, the Parent and the Agent on behalf of the Banks in the form of Part III of Schedule 4 ( Forms of Accession Documents ) together with such amendments as the Agent may reasonably require.

Each Bank authorises the Agent to sign on its behalf any novation agreement entered into in accordance with this Clause 7.5.2.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Clause 7.5 shall not operate to release the Guarantor from its obligations under this Agreement in its capacity as the Guarantor.

 

26


7.6 Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank

 

  7.6.1 If any Bank becomes a Defaulting Bank, a Borrower may, at any time whilst the Bank continues to be a Defaulting Bank, give the Agent three Business Days’ notice of cancellation of each Available Commitment of that Bank.

 

  7.6.2 On the notice referred to in Clause 7.6.1 above becoming effective, each Available Commitment of the Defaulting Bank shall immediately be reduced to zero.

 

  7.6.3 The Agent shall as soon as practicable after receipt of a notice referred to in Clause 7.6.1 above, notify all the Banks.

 

7.7 Right of prepayment and cancellation

If any Borrower is required to pay or is notified by any Bank in writing that it will be required to pay any amount to a Bank under Clause 10 ( Taxes ) or Clause 12 ( Increased Costs ), or if circumstances exist such that a Borrower will be required to pay any amount to a Bank under Clause 10 ( Taxes ), the Parent may, whilst the circumstances giving rise or which will give rise to the requirement continue, serve a notice of prepayment and cancellation on that Bank through the Agent. On the date falling five Business Days after the date of service of the notice:

 

  7.7.1 each Borrower shall prepay all outstanding Advances made to it by that Bank; and

 

  7.7.2 the Bank’s Commitment (including its (and its Swingline Affiliates’) Swingline Commitments (if any)) shall be permanently cancelled on the date of service of the notice.

 

7.8 Miscellaneous provisions

 

  7.8.1 Any notice of prepayment and/or cancellation under this Agreement is irrevocable once given. The Agent shall notify the Banks promptly of receipt of any such notice.

 

  7.8.2 All prepayments under this Agreement shall be made together with accrued interest on the amount prepaid and any other amounts due under this Agreement in respect of the prepayment (including, but not limited to, any amounts payable under Clause 23.2.3 ( Other indemnities ) if the prepayment is not made on the Maturity Date of the relevant Revolving Facility Advance or Swingline Advance).

 

  7.8.3 No prepayment or cancellation is permitted except in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement.

 

  7.8.4 No amount prepaid under Clauses 7.4 ( Mandatory Prepayment by Borrowers ) or 7.7 ( Right of prepayment and cancellation ) may subsequently be reborrowed. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, any amount prepaid under Clause 7.3 ( Voluntary prepayment ) in respect of a Revolving Facility or a Swingline Facility may be reborrowed. No amount of the Total Commitments (including the Swingline Total Commitments) cancelled under this Agreement may subsequently be reinstated.

 

8. INTEREST

 

8.1 Interest rate for Revolving Facility Advances

The rate of interest on each Revolving Facility Advance for its Term is the rate per annum determined by the Agent to be the aggregate of:

 

  8.1.1 the applicable Margin; and

 

  8.1.2 LIBOR (or, in the case of an Advance denominated in euro, EURIBOR).

 

8.2 Calculation of the Margin

 

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  8.2.1 Subject to the following provisions of this Clause 8.2, the Margin for the Term of a Revolving Facility Advance will be determined on the Rate Fixing Day for that Term by reference to the table below:

 

Rating (S&P/Moody’s)

 

Facility Margin per annum

A/A2 or above

  0.250 per cent.

A-/A3

  0.275 per cent.

BBB+/Baa1

  0.350 per cent.

BBB/Baa2 or below

  0.500 per cent.

where, for the purposes of this Clause:

“Rating” means the corporate rating of the Parent assigned by S&P (currently known as the “Corporate Credit Rating” ) and/or Moody’s (currently known as the “Issuer Rating” ) as at the Rate Fixing Day on which the Margin is being determined.

For the avoidance of doubt, if there is a change to the Rating during the Term of a Revolving Facility Advance there shall be no adjustment to the Margin for that Term until the next Rate Fixing Day for that Advance.

 

  8.2.2 If Ratings are confirmed or assigned to the Parent by S&P and Moody’s that are not equivalent at any time, then the Margin will be the average of the Margins applicable to such credit ratings.

 

  8.2.3 If only one Rating Agency publishes a Rating for the Parent, the rating assigned by that Rating Agency shall be deemed also to be the rating assigned by the other Rating Agency.

 

  8.2.4 If on the relevant Rate Fixing Day both Rating Agencies have ceased to publish a Rating for the Parent, the Margin for the relevant Advance shall be determined on the basis of a deemed Corporate Credit Rating of BBB and a deemed Issuer Rating of Baa2 until the date on which a Rating Agency publishes a Rating for the Parent.

 

  8.2.5 For so long as an Event of Default is continuing, the Margin for the relevant Advance shall be determined on the basis of a deemed Corporate Credit Rating of BBB and a deemed Issuer Rating of Baa2 (and any increase in the Margin pursuant to this Clause 8.2.5 shall take effect immediately following the occurrence of the relevant Event of Default).

 

  8.2.6 The Parent shall notify the Agent promptly of any publicly announced change in its Rating.

 

  8.2.7 In calculating the Margin for any Advance under this Clause 8.2, no account shall be taken of any rating outlook or credit watch action assigned to any Rating by the relevant Rating Agency.

 

8.3 Interest rate on US$ Swingline Advances

The rate of interest on each US$ Swingline Advance during its Term is the rate per annum determined by the US$ Swingline Agent to be the US$ Swingline Rate for each day during its Term.

 

8.4 Interest rate on Euro Swingline Advances

The rate of interest on each Euro Swingline Advance during its Term is the rate per annum determined by the Euro Swingline Agent to be the Euro Swingline Rate for each day during its Term.

 

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8.5 Due dates

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, accrued interest on each Advance is payable by the relevant Borrower on its Maturity Date, and also, in the case of any Advance with a Term longer than six months, at six monthly intervals after its Utilisation Date for so long as the Term is outstanding.

 

8.6 Default interest

 

  8.6.1 If an Obligor fails to pay any amount payable by it under this Agreement (an “overdue amount” ), it shall forthwith on demand by the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent pay interest on the overdue amount from the due date up to the date of actual payment, both before and after judgment, at a rate (the “default rate” ) determined by the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent to be one per cent. per annum above the higher of:

 

  (A) the rate on the overdue amount under Clause 8.1 ( Interest rate for Revolving Facility Advances ), Clause 8.3 ( Interest rate on US$ Swingline Advances ) or Clause 8.4 ( Interest rate on Euro Swingline Advances ) immediately before the due date (in the case of principal); and

 

  (B) the rate which would have been payable if the overdue amount had, during the period of non-payment, constituted an Advance at the highest Margin applicable at the time in the currency of the overdue amount for such successive Terms of such duration as the Agent may determine (each a “Designated Term” ).

 

  8.6.2 The default rate will be determined on each Business Day or the first day of, or two Business Days before the first day of, the relevant Designated Term, as appropriate.

 

  8.6.3 If the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent determines that deposits in the currency of the overdue amount are not at the relevant time being made available by the Reference Banks to leading banks in the London interbank market, the default rate will be determined by reference to the cost of funds to the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent from whatever sources it reasonably selects after consultation with the Reference Banks.

 

  8.6.4 Default interest will be compounded at three-month intervals.

 

  8.6.5 The Agent shall notify the Parent of the duration of each Designated Term.

 

8.7 Notification of rates of interest

The Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent will promptly notify each relevant Party of the determination of a rate of interest under this Agreement.

 

8.8 Notification

The Agent shall notify the Banks and the Borrower of Optional Currency amounts (and the applicable Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange) promptly after they are ascertained.

 

9. PAYMENTS

 

9.1 Place of Payment

All payments by an Obligor or a Bank under this Agreement shall be made to the Agent or, if the payment relates to a Swingline Facility, the relevant Swingline Agent, in each case to its account at such office or bank in the principal financial centre of the country of the currency concerned (or, in the case of a payment in euro, in the financial centre of the country selected by the Agent) as it may notify to the Obligor or Bank for this purpose.

 

9.2 Funds

Payments under this Agreement to an Administrative Party shall be made for value on the

 

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due date at such times and in such funds as such Administrative Party may specify to the Party concerned as being customary at the time for the settlement of transactions in the relevant currency in the place for payment.

 

9.3 Distribution

 

  9.3.1 Each payment received by an Administrative Party under this Agreement for another Party shall, subject to Clauses 9.3.2 and 9.3.3 below, be made available by such Administrative Party to that Party by payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) to its account with such bank in the principal financial centre of the country of the relevant currency (or, in the case of a payment in euro, to its account in the financial centre of a country selected by it) as it may notify to the relevant Administrative Party for this purpose by not less than five Business Days’ prior notice.

 

  9.3.2 An Administrative Party may apply any amount received by it for an Obligor in or towards payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of receipt) of any amount due from an Obligor under this Agreement or in or towards the purchase of any amount of any currency to be so applied.

 

  9.3.3 Where a sum is to be paid under this Agreement to an Administrative Party for the account of another Party, such Administrative Party is not obliged to pay that sum to that Party until it has established that it has actually received that sum. Such Administrative Party may, but is not obliged to, assume that the sum has been paid to it in accordance with this Agreement and, in reliance on that assumption, make available to that Party a corresponding amount. If the sum has not been made available but such Administrative Party has paid a corresponding amount to another Party, that Party shall forthwith on demand refund the corresponding amount to such Administrative Party together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt, calculated at a rate reasonably determined by such Administrative Party to reflect its cost of funds.

 

9.4 Currency

 

  9.4.1 A repayment or prepayment of an Advance is payable in the currency in which the Advance is denominated.

 

  9.4.2 Interest is payable in the currency in which the relevant amount in respect of which it is payable is denominated.

 

  9.4.3 Amounts payable in respect of costs, expenses, taxes and the like are payable in the currency in which they are incurred.

 

  9.4.4 Any other amount payable under this Agreement is, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, payable in Sterling.

 

9.5 Set-off and counterclaim

All payments made by an Obligor under this Agreement shall be made without set-off or counterclaim.

 

9.6 Non-Business Days

 

  9.6.1 If a payment under this Agreement is due on a day which is not a Business Day, the due date for that payment shall instead be the next Business Day in the same calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).

 

  9.6.2 During any extension of the due date for payment of any principal under this Agreement interest is payable on the principal at the rate payable on the original due date.

 

9.7 Impaired Agent

 

  9.7.1

If, at any time, an Administrative Party becomes an Impaired Agent and a Borrower or a Bank is required to make a payment under the Finance Documents

 

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  to that Administrative Party in accordance with Clause 9.1 ( Place of Payment ), that Borrower or Bank may, subject to Clause 9.7.2 below, instead either pay that amount:

 

  (A) direct to the required recipient; or

 

  (B) to an interest-bearing account held with an Acceptable Bank and in relation to which no Insolvency Event has occurred and is continuing, in the name of the relevant Borrower or the Bank making the payment and designated as a trust account for the benefit of the Party or Parties beneficially entitled to that payment under the Finance Documents. In each case, such payments must be made on the due date for payment under the Finance Documents.

 

  9.7.2 If a Bank has become and continues to be a Defaulting Bank and a payment is required to be made by a Borrower or a Bank in accordance with Clause 9.7.1, that Obligor or Bank will make such payment in accordance with Clause 9.7.1(B).

 

  9.7.3 A Party which is required to make a payment in accordance with Clause 9.7.1 shall notify the required recipient of the account into which the payment is made.

 

  9.7.4 All interest accrued on the amounts standing to the credit of a trust account shall be for the benefit of the beneficiaries of that trust account pro rata to their respective entitlements.

 

  9.7.5 A Party which has made a payment in accordance with this Clause 9.7 shall be discharged of the relevant payment obligation under the Finance Documents and shall not take any credit risk with respect to the amounts standing to the credit of the trust account.

 

  9.7.6 Promptly upon the appointment of a successor Administrative Party to an Impaired Agent in accordance with Clause 19.14 ( Resignation of Agents ), each Party which has made a payment to a trust account in accordance with this Clause 9.7 shall give all requisite instructions to the bank with whom the trust account is held to transfer the amount (together with any accrued interest) to the successor Administrative Party for distribution in accordance with Clause 9.3 ( Distribution ).

 

9.8 Partial payments

 

  9.8.1 If an Administrative Party receives a payment insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by an Obligor under this Agreement, such Administrative Party shall apply that payment towards the obligations of the Obligors under this Agreement in the following order:

 

  (A) first, in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid costs, fees and expenses of the Administrative Parties under this Agreement;

 

  (B) secondly, in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued fees due but unpaid under Clause 20 ( Fees );

 

  (C) thirdly, in or towards payment pro rata of any interest due but unpaid under this Agreement;

 

  (D) fourthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due but unpaid under this Agreement; and

 

  (E) fifthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any other sum due but unpaid under this Agreement.

 

  9.8.2 The Administrative Parties, shall, if so directed by all the Banks, vary the order set out in Clause 9.8.1 above (other than Clause 9.8.1(A)). The Administrative Parties shall notify the Parent of any such variation.

 

  9.8.3 Clauses 9.8.1 and 9.8.2 above shall override any appropriation made by any Obligor.

 

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9.9 Clawback

 

  9.9.1 Where a sum is to be paid to an Administrative Party under the Finance Documents for another Party, that Administrative Party is not obliged to pay that sum to that other Party (or to enter into or perform any related exchange contract) until it has been able to establish to its satisfaction that it has actually received that sum.

 

  9.9.2 If an Administrative Party pays an amount to another Party and it proves to be the case that that Administrative Party had not actually received that amount, then the Party to whom that amount (or the proceeds of any related exchange contract) was paid by the Administrative Party shall on demand refund the same to the Administrative Party together with interest on that amount from the date of payment to the date of receipt by the Administrative Party, calculated by the Administrative Party to reflect its costs of funds.

 

9.10 Disruption to Payment Systems etc.

If either the Agent determines (in its discretion) that a Disruption Event has occurred or the Agent is notified by the Parent that a Disruption Event has occurred:

 

  9.10.1 the Agent shall consult with the Parent and shall use reasonable endeavours to agree with the Parent such changes to the operation or administration of the Facilities as the Agent may reasonably deem necessary in the circumstances;

 

  9.10.2 the Agent may consult with the Finance Parties in relation to any changes mentioned in Clause 9.10.1 but shall not be obliged to do so if, in its opinion, it is not practicable to do so in the circumstances;

 

  9.10.3 any such changes agreed upon by the Agent and the Parent shall (whether or not it is finally determined that a Disruption Event has occurred) be binding upon the Parties as an amendment to (or, as the case may be, waiver of) the terms of the Finance Documents notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 25 ( Amendments and Waivers );

 

  9.10.4 the Agent shall not be liable for any damages, costs or losses whatsoever arising as a result of its taking, or failing to take, any actions pursuant to or in connection with this Clause 9.10 provided that any decision to act, or not to act, was taken in good faith; and

 

  9.10.5 the Agent shall notify the Finance Parties of all changes agreed pursuant to Clause 9.10.4 above.

 

10. TAXES

 

10.1 Gross-up

All payments by an Obligor under the Finance Documents shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for or on account of any taxes, except to the extent that the Obligor is required by law to make payment subject to any taxes or such deduction is a FATCA Deduction. Subject to Clauses 10.3 ( Qualifying Banks ), if any tax or amounts in respect of tax (other than a FATCA Deduction) must be deducted from any amounts payable or paid by an Obligor, or paid or payable by the Agent or a Swingline Agent (in their capacity as agent) (as the case may be) to a Finance Party under the Finance Documents, the Obligor shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary to ensure that the relevant Finance Party receives a net amount equal to the full amount which it would have received had payment not been made subject to tax.

 

10.2 Tax receipts

All taxes required by law to be deducted or withheld by an Obligor from any amounts paid or payable under the Finance Documents shall be paid by the relevant Obligor when due

 

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and the Obligor shall, within 15 days of the payment being made, deliver to the Agent for the relevant Bank evidence satisfactory to that Bank (including any relevant tax receipts) that the payment has been duly remitted to the appropriate authority.

 

10.3 Qualifying Banks

If:

 

  10.3.1 on the Signing Date, any Bank which is a Party on the Signing Date is not a Qualifying Bank; or

 

  10.3.2 after the Signing Date, a Bank ceases to be a Qualifying Bank, other than as a result of the introduction, suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of, or change in, or change in the official interpretation, administration or official application of, any law, regulation having the force of law, tax treaty or any published practice or published concession of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs or any other relevant taxing or fiscal authority in any jurisdiction with which the relevant Bank has a connection, occurring after the Signing Date or, if later, the date on which that Bank becomes a Party; or

 

  10.3.3 on the date of any assignment, transfer or novation under Clause 26 ( Changes to the Parties ) a New Bank (as such term is defined in that Clause) is not a Qualifying Bank,

then no UK Resident Borrower shall be liable to pay to that Bank under Clause 10.1 ( Gross-up ) any amount in respect of taxes levied or imposed by the UK or any taxing authority of or in the UK in excess of the amount (if any) it would have been obliged to pay if that Bank had been, or had not ceased to be, a Qualifying Bank.

 

10.4 Tax Credit

 

  10.4.1 If an Obligor makes a payment pursuant to Clause 10.1 ( Gross-up ) for the account of any Finance Party and such Finance Party has received or been granted a credit against, or relief or remission or repayment of, any tax paid or payable by it (a “ Tax Credit ”) which is attributable to that payment or the corresponding payment under the Finance Document such Finance Party shall, to the extent that it can do so without prejudice to the retention of the amount of such credit, relief, remission or repayment, pay to the Obligor concerned such amount as the Finance Party shall have reasonably determined to be attributable to such payments and which will leave the Finance Party (after such payment) in no better or worse position than it would have been if the Obligor concerned had not been required to make any deduction or withholding.

 

  10.4.2 Nothing in this Clause 10.4 shall interfere with the right of a Finance Party to arrange its tax affairs in whatever manner it thinks fit and without limiting the foregoing no Finance Party shall be under any obligation to claim a Tax Credit or to claim a Tax Credit in priority to any other claims, relief, credit or deduction available to it. No Finance Party shall be obliged to disclose any information relating to its tax affairs or any computations in respect thereof. Unless it would in a Bank’s reasonable judgement be prejudicial to its interests, such Bank shall seek any Tax Credit available to it consequent upon any deductions or withholdings for tax being made from any payment to it under Clause 10.1 ( Gross-up ).

 

10.5 Borrower DTTP Filing

 

  10.5.1 If a Bank holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and wishes that scheme to apply to this Agreement, it shall, or the Agent shall (if notified by the Bank) on its behalf, notify the Parent in accordance with the provisions of Clause 32 ( Notices ) that the relevant Bank wishes the scheme to apply and provide that Bank’s scheme reference number and jurisdiction of tax residence within five Business Days of becoming a Party to this Agreement.

 

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  10.5.2 Each Bank which wishes the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme to apply to this Agreement shall promptly provide such further information (directly to an Obligor or via the Agent) as an Obligor may request in order to enable the Obligor to make a Borrower DTTP Filing.

 

  10.5.3 If a Borrower had received authority from HM Revenue & Customs to make payments to that Lender without deduction for or on account of tax as a result of a Borrower DTTP Filing, but as a result of (i) a withdrawal or expiry of that authority; or (ii) a withdrawal or cessation of the DTTP passport scheme due to any change in law or change in practice of HM Revenue & Customs, it is no longer possible for that Borrower to make payments to the Bank without deduction for or on account of tax by virtue of that authority, and the Borrower has notified that Bank in writing, that Bank and the Borrower shall co-operate in completing any additional procedural formalities necessary for that Borrower to obtain authorisation to make payment without deduction for or on account of tax.

 

10.6 FATCA

 

  10.6.1 Each Party may make any FATCA Deduction and any payment required in connection with that FATCA Deduction, and no Party shall be required to increase any payment in respect of which it makes such a FATCA Deduction or otherwise compensate the recipient of the payment for that FATCA Deduction.

 

  10.6.2 Each Party shall promptly, upon becoming aware that it must make a FATCA Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate or the basis of such FATCA Deduction), notify the Party to whom it is making payment and, in addition, shall notify the Parent, the Agent and the other Finance Parties.

 

  10.6.3 Subject to Clause 10.6.4 below, each Party shall, within ten Business Days of a reasonable request by another Party, confirm to that other Party whether it is entitled to receive payments under the Finance Documents free from any deduction or withholding required by FATCA (hereafter referred to as “ FATCA Exempt ”) or is not so entitled, and shall supply to that other Party such forms, documentation and other information relating to its status under FATCA (including its applicable “passthru payment percentage” or other information required under the US Treasury Regulations or other official guidance including intergovernmental agreements) as that other Party reasonably requests and is necessary for the purposes of that other Party’s compliance with FATCA (provided that the necessity of such request is reasonably evidenced to the satisfaction of the Party to whom the request is made (acting reasonably)). If a Party confirms to another Party pursuant to this Clause that it is FATCA Exempt and it subsequently becomes aware that it is not, or has ceased to be FATCA Exempt, that Party shall promptly notify that other Party.

 

  10.6.4 Clause 10.6.3 above shall not oblige a Finance Party to do anything which would or might in its reasonable opinion constitute a breach of any law or regulation, any fiduciary duty, or any duty of confidentiality.

 

  10.6.5 If a Finance Party fails to confirm its status or to supply forms, documentation or other information requested in accordance with Clause 10.6.3 above (including, for the avoidance of doubt, where Clause 10.6.4 above applies), then:

 

  (A) if that Finance Party failed to confirm whether it is (and/or remains) FATCA Exempt then such Finance Party shall be treated for the purposes of this Agreement as if it is not FATCA Exempt; and

 

  (B) if that Finance Party failed to confirm its applicable “passthru payment percentage” then such Finance Party shall be treated for the purposes of the Finance Documents (and payments made thereunder) as if its applicable “passthru payment percentage” is 100%,

until (in each case) such time as the Finance Party provides the requested confirmation, forms, documentation or other information.

 

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11. MARKET DISRUPTION

 

11.1 Market disturbance

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, if and each time that prior to or on a Utilisation Date relative to an Advance to be made:

 

  11.1.1 only one or no Reference Bank supplies a rate for the purposes of determining LIBOR or EURIBOR (as the case may be); or

 

  11.1.2 the Agent is notified by Banks whose Commitments represent 25 per cent or more of the Total Commitments that deposits in the currency of that Advance are not in the ordinary course of business available in the London Interbank Market for a period equal to the Term concerned in amounts sufficient to fund their participations in that Advance; or

 

  11.1.3 the Agent is notified by Banks whose Commitments represent 25 per cent or more of the Total Commitments that by reason of circumstances affecting the London Interbank Market generally, adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the LIBOR or EURIBOR (as the case may be) applicable to such Advance during its Term or LIBOR or EURIBOR (as the case may be) does not adequately represent the cost of funding to the Banks,

the Agent shall promptly give written notice of such circumstance (in respect of Clause 11.1.1) or notification to the Parent and to each of the Banks.

 

11.2 Alternative Rates

If the Agent gives a notice under Clause 11.1 ( Market disturbance ):

 

  11.2.1 the Parent and the Banks may (through the Agent) agree that (in the case of Revolving Facility Advances) the Advances concerned shall not be borrowed; or

 

  11.2.2 in the absence of such agreement:

 

  (A) the Term of the Advances concerned shall be one month;

 

  (B) in the case of Clause 11.1.2, the Advance shall be denominated in Sterling in an amount equal to the Original Sterling Amount of the Advance concerned; and

 

  (C) during the Term of each Advance the rate of interest applicable to such Advance shall be the applicable Margin plus the rate per annum notified by each Bank concerned to the Agent before the last day of such Term to be that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to such Bank of funding such Advances from whatever sources it may reasonably select.

 

11.3 Non-availability of currency

If any Bank notifies the Agent before 10.00 a.m. (London time) on the Business Day prior to the proposed Utilisation Date of an Advance to be denominated in an Optional Currency that it is unable for any reason to fund its participation in such Advance in the Optional Currency concerned, the Agent shall notify the Parent and such Bank shall make its participation in the Advance available in Sterling for the period in question.

 

11.4 Change in circumstances

If before 9.00 a.m. (London time) on the proposed Utilisation Date in respect of an Advance which is to be denominated in an Optional Currency, there occurs any change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions, currency availability, currency exchange rates or exchange controls, which in the opinion of the Agent renders the making of the Advance in such currency impracticable:

 

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  11.4.1 the Agent shall give notice to each of the Banks and the Parent to that effect as soon as practicable but in any event before 11.00 a.m. (London time) on the proposed Utilisation Date;

 

  11.4.2 unless the Parent and the Banks agree otherwise, the Advance shall be made in Sterling and the Rate Fixing Date for the Term of the Advance shall be the Utilisation Date; and

 

  11.4.3 the relevant Borrower shall pay to the Agent on behalf of the Bank any amount claimed in accordance with Clause 23.2 ( Other indemnities ).

 

11.5 Change in currency

 

  11.5.1 If more than one currency or currency unit are at the same time recognised by the central bank of any country as the lawful currency of that country, then:

 

  (A) any reference in the Finance Documents to, and any obligations arising under the Finance Documents in, the currency of that country shall be translated into, or paid in, the currency or currency unit of that country designated by the Agent; and

 

  (B) any translation from one currency or currency unit to another shall be at the official rate of exchange recognised by the central bank for the conversion of that currency or currency unit into the other, rounded up or down by the Agent acting reasonably.

 

  11.5.2 If any change in any currency of a country occurs, this Agreement will be amended to the extent the Agent specifies to be necessary to reflect the change in the currency and to put the Finance Parties in the same position, so far as possible, that they would have been in if no change in currency had occurred.

 

12. INCREASED COSTS

 

12.1 Increased costs

 

  12.1.1 Subject to Clause 12.3 ( Exceptions ), the Parent shall forthwith on demand by a Finance Party pay that Finance Party the amount of any increased cost incurred by it or any of its holding companies as a result of any change in or change in the interpretation of or introduction of any law or regulation (including any relating to taxation or reserve asset, special deposit, cash ratio, liquidity or capital adequacy requirements or any other form of banking or monetary control introduced by any central bank or other competent authority), or reduce or repay that Finance Party’s commitments or outstandings without penalty.

 

  12.1.2 In this Agreement “ increased cost ” means:

 

  (A) an additional cost incurred by a Finance Party or any of its holding companies as a result of it performing, maintaining or funding its obligations under, this Agreement; or

 

  (B) that portion of an additional cost incurred by a Finance Party or any of its holding companies in making, funding or maintaining all or any advances comprised in a class of advances formed by or including the Advances made or to be made by it under this Agreement as is attributable to it making, funding or maintaining its Advances; or

 

  (C) a reduction in any amount payable to a Finance Party or the effective return to a Finance Party under this Agreement or on its capital (or the capital of any of its holding companies); or

 

  (D) the amount of any payment made by a Finance Party, or the amount of interest or other return foregone by a Finance Party, calculated by reference to any amount received or receivable by a Finance Party from any other Party under this Agreement.

 

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12.2 Increased costs claim

 

  12.2.1 A Finance Party intending to make a claim pursuant to Clause 12.1 ( Increased costs ) shall notify the Agent of the event giving rise to the claim, following which the Agent shall promptly notify the Parent.

 

  12.2.2 Each Finance Party shall, as soon as practicable after a demand by the Agent or the Parent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its increased costs, detailing the calculation of the claim and confirming that it has considered whether there are any reasonable steps available to it to mitigate the circumstances of such claim in accordance with Clause 13.2 ( Mitigation ) and there are no such steps available to it.

 

12.3 Exceptions

Clause 12.1 ( Increased costs ) does not apply to any increased cost:

 

  12.3.1 attributable to any tax or amounts in respect of tax which must be deducted from any amounts payable or paid by a Borrower, or paid or payable by the Agent, to a Finance Party under the Finance Documents;

 

  12.3.2 which is, or is attributable to, any tax on the overall net income, profits or gains of a Finance Party or any of its holding companies (or the overall net income, profits or gains of a division or branch of the Finance Party or any of its holding companies) or any branch profit tax with respect to such division or branch;

 

  12.3.3 attributable to a Finance Party or its Affiliate wilfully failing to comply with any law or regulation; or

 

  12.3.4 attributable to a FATCA Deduction required to be made by a Party.

 

13. ILLEGALITY AND MITIGATION

 

13.1 Illegality

If it becomes unlawful in any jurisdiction for a Bank to give effect to any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund or maintain any Advance, then the Bank may notify the Parent through the Agent accordingly and thereupon:

 

  13.1.1 each Borrower shall, upon request from that Bank within the period allowed or if no period is allowed, forthwith, repay any Advances made to it by that Bank together with all other amounts payable by it to that Bank under this Agreement; and

 

  13.1.2 the Bank’s Commitment shall be cancelled.

 

13.2 Mitigation

Notwithstanding the provisions of Clauses 10 ( Taxes ), 12 ( Increased Costs ) and 13.1 ( Illegality ), if in relation to a Finance Party circumstances arise which would result in:

 

  13.2.1 any deduction, withholding or payment of the nature referred to in Clause 10 ( Taxes ); or

 

  13.2.2 any increased cost of the nature referred to in Clause 12 ( Increased Costs ); or

 

  13.2.3 a notification pursuant to Clause 13.1 ( Illegality ),

then without in any way limiting, reducing or otherwise qualifying the rights of such Finance Party, such Finance Party shall promptly upon becoming aware of the same notify the Agent thereof (whereupon the Agent shall promptly notify the Parent) and such Finance Party shall use reasonable endeavours to transfer its participation in the Facility and its rights hereunder and under the Finance Documents to another financial institution or Facility Office not affected by the circumstances having the results set out in Clauses 13.2.1 to 13.2.3 above and shall otherwise take such reasonable steps as may be open to it to mitigate the effects of such circumstances provided that such Finance Party shall not

 

37


be under any obligation to take any such action if, in its reasonable opinion, to do so would or would be likely to have a material adverse effect upon its business, operations or financial condition or would involve it in any unlawful activity or any activity that is contrary to its policies or any request, guidance or directive of any competent authority (whether or not having the force of law) or (unless indemnified to its satisfaction) would involve it in any significant expense or tax disadvantage.

 

14. GUARANTEE

 

14.1 Guarantee

The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally:

 

  14.1.1 as principal obligor, guarantees to each Finance Party prompt performance by each Borrower of all its obligations under the Finance Documents;

 

  14.1.2 undertakes with each Finance Party that whenever a Borrower does not pay any amount when due under or in connection with any Finance Document, the Guarantor shall forthwith on demand by the Agent pay that amount as if the Guarantor instead of the relevant Borrower were expressed to be the principal obligor; and

 

  14.1.3 indemnifies each Finance Party on demand against any loss or liability suffered by it if any obligation guaranteed by the Guarantor is or becomes unenforceable, invalid or illegal.

 

14.2 Continuing guarantee

This guarantee is a continuing guarantee and will extend to the ultimate balance of all sums payable by the Borrowers under the Finance Documents, regardless of any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part.

 

14.3 Reinstatement

 

  14.3.1 Where any discharge, release or arrangement (whether in respect of the obligations of any Borrower or any security for those obligations or otherwise) is made in whole or in part or any arrangement is made on the faith of any payment, security or other disposition which is avoided or must be restored on insolvency, liquidation or otherwise without limitation, the liability of the Guarantor under this Clause 14 shall continue as if the discharge or arrangement had not occurred (but only to the extent that such payment, security or other disposition is avoided or restored).

 

  14.3.2 Each Finance Party may concede or compromise any claim that any payment, security or other disposition is liable to avoidance or restoration.

 

14.4 Waiver of defences

The obligations of the Guarantor under this Clause 14 will not be affected by any act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this provision, would reduce, release or prejudice any of its obligations under this Clause 14 or prejudice or diminish those obligations in whole or in part, including, without limitation, (whether or not known to it or any Finance Party):

 

  14.4.1 any time or waiver granted to, or composition with, any Borrower or other person;

 

  14.4.2 the taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal or neglect to perfect, take up or enforce, any rights against, or security over assets of, any Borrower or other person or any non-presentation or non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any security;

 

  14.4.3 any incapacity or lack of powers, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the members or status of a Borrower or any other person;

 

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  14.4.4 any variation (however fundamental) or replacement of a Finance Document or any other document or security so that references to that Finance Document in this Clause 14 shall include each variation or replacement;

 

  14.4.5 any unenforceability, illegality or invalidity of any obligation of any person under any Finance Document or any other document or security, to the intent that the Guarantor’s obligations under this Clause 14 shall remain in full force and its guarantee be construed accordingly, as if there were no unenforceability, illegality or invalidity; and

 

  14.4.6 any postponement, discharge, reduction, non-provability or other similar circumstance affecting any obligation of any Borrower under a Finance Document resulting from any insolvency, liquidation or dissolution proceedings or from any law, regulation or order so that each such obligation shall for the purposes of the Guarantor’s obligations under this Clause 14 be construed as if there were no such circumstance.

 

14.5 Immediate recourse

The Guarantor waives any right it may have of first requiring any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) to proceed against or enforce any other rights or security or claim payment from any person before claiming from the Guarantor under this Clause 14. This waiver applies irrespective of any law or any provision of a Finance Document to the contrary.

 

14.6 Appropriations

Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Borrowers to it under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full, each Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) may:

 

  14.6.1 refrain from applying or enforcing any other moneys, security or rights held or received by that Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) in respect of those amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise) and the Guarantor shall not be entitled to the benefit of the same; and

 

  14.6.2 hold in an interest bearing suspense account any moneys received from the Guarantor or on account of the Guarantor’s liability under this Clause 14.

 

14.7 Non-competition

Until all amounts which may be or become payable by the Borrowers under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been paid in full, the Guarantor shall not, after a claim has been made or by virtue of any payment or performance by it under this Clause 14:

 

  14.7.1 be subrogated to any rights, security or moneys held, received or receivable by any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf) or be entitled to any right of contribution or indemnity in respect of any payment made or moneys received on account of the Guarantor’s liability under this Clause 14;

 

  14.7.2 claim, rank, prove or vote as a creditor of any Borrower or its estate in competition with any Finance Party (or any trustee or agent on its behalf); or

 

  14.7.3 receive, claim or have the benefit of any payment, distribution or security from or on account of any Borrower, or exercise any right of set-off as against any Borrower.

The Guarantor shall hold in trust for and forthwith pay or transfer to the Agent for the Finance Parties any payment or distribution or benefit of security received by it contrary to this Clause 14.7.

 

14.8 Additional security

 

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This guarantee is in addition to and is not in any way prejudiced by any other security now or hereafter held by any Finance Party.

 

15. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

15.1 Representations and warranties

Each Obligor makes the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 15 to each Finance Party (but in the case of an Obligor other than the Parent only in respect of itself).

 

15.2 Status

It is a duly incorporated and validly existing corporation under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation.

 

15.3 Powers and authority

It has the power to enter into, or, as the case may be, to comply with, and be bound by all obligations expressed on its part under the Finance Documents and (in the case of a Borrower) to borrow under this Agreement and (in the case of the Guarantor) to give the guarantee in Clause 14 ( Guarantee ) and has taken all necessary actions to authorise (in the case of a Borrower) borrowings under this Agreement and (in the case of the Guarantor) the giving of the guarantee in Clause 14 ( Guarantee ) and to authorise the execution, delivery and performance of the Finance Documents.

 

15.4 Non-conflict

The execution, delivery and performance of the Finance Documents will not violate any provisions of any existing law or regulation or statute applicable to it or of any mortgage, contract or other undertaking to which it is a party or which is binding upon its assets.

 

15.5 Borrowing limits

Borrowings under this Agreement up to and including the maximum amount available under this Agreement will not when borrowed cause any limit on borrowings or, as the case may be, on the giving of guarantees (whether imposed by statute, regulation, agreement or otherwise), or on the powers of its board of directors, applicable to it to be exceeded.

 

15.6 Authorisations

All relevant consents or authorisations of any governmental authority or agency required by it in connection with the execution, validity, performance or enforceability of the Finance Documents have been obtained and are subsisting.

 

15.7 Pari passu

Its obligations under the Finance Documents constitute its legal, valid and binding unsecured and unsubordinated obligations ranking (subject to the preference of certain obligations in the liquidation, bankruptcy or other analogous proceedings in respect of it by operation of applicable law) pari passu with all its other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations.

 

15.8 Litigation

Save in respect of legal or arbitration proceedings disclosed in the last published annual audited or interim unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Parent or disclosed by the Parent to the Agent in writing on or before the Signing Date, no liability has arisen in relation to any legal or arbitration proceedings involving any member of the Group which will require a provision to be made in the next published consolidated financial statements of the Parent and, in the reasonable judgement of the board of directors of the Parent, will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

15.9 Material adverse change

 

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There has been no material adverse change in the financial condition of the Group (taken as a whole) since the last audited consolidated financial statements of the Group, which in the reasonable judgement of the board of directors of the Parent has had or will have a material adverse effect on the Obligors’ ability (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents. This Clause 15.9 does not apply to matters covered by Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ).

 

15.10 Accounts

The most recent audited consolidated profit and loss account and balance sheet of the Parent which have been or are to be delivered to the Agent together with the notes thereto give a true and fair view of the results of the operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the period to which they relate and, as the case may be, the financial position of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the date to which they relate and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

 

15.11 Sanctions

None of the Obligors nor, to the best of the knowledge of the Obligors, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Obligors are currently subject to any sanctions administered by OFAC or any equivalent sanctions administered by the European Union or HM Treasury.

 

15.12 No Event of Default

No Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

15.13 Times for making representations and warranties

The representations and warranties set out in this Clause 15:

 

  15.13.1 are made on the Signing Date;

 

  15.13.2 (except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ) and Clause 15.10 ( Accounts ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions )) in the case of an Obligor which becomes a Party after the date of this Agreement, are deemed to be made by that Obligor on the date it executes a Borrower Accession Agreement; and

 

  15.13.3 (except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions )) are deemed to be repeated by each Obligor with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing on:

 

  (A) the date of each Request;

 

  (B) each Utilisation Date; and

in each case in respect of any Advance.

 

  15.13.4 (except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions )) are deemed to be repeated by each Obligor with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing on the date on which the Final Maturity Date for all or part of the Facility is extended in accordance with Clause 2.4.4 or Clause 2.4.6 ( Extension Option ).

 

16. UNDERTAKINGS

 

16.1 Duration

The undertakings in this Clause 16 will remain in force from the date of this Agreement for so long as any amount is or may be outstanding under this Agreement or any Commitment is in force.

 

16.2 Financial information

Each Obligor shall supply to the Agent in sufficient copies for all the Banks:

 

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  16.2.1 as soon as the same are publicly available (and in any event within 180 days of the end of each of its financial years):

 

  (A) in the case of the Parent, its audited consolidated financial statements for that financial year; and

 

  (B) in the case of each other Obligor, its audited statutory accounts for that financial year; and

 

  16.2.2 as soon as the same are publicly available (and in any event within 90 days of the end of the first half-year of each of its financial years) in the case of the Parent, its interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for that half-year.

 

16.3 Information - Miscellaneous

The Parent shall supply to the Agent (in sufficient copies for all the Banks if the Agent so requests):

 

  16.3.1 all documents despatched by it to its shareholders (or any class of them) or its creditors generally (or any class of them) in relation to it or its Subsidiaries at the same time as they are despatched;

 

  16.3.2 promptly upon becoming aware of them, details of any legal or arbitration proceedings of the kind referred to in Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ); and

 

  16.3.3 as soon as reasonably practicable, such further information in the possession or control of the Parent regarding its financial condition, business or operations as the Agent may reasonably request unless such information is, in the sole opinion of the Parent, confidential or price sensitive (acting in good faith).

 

16.4 Notification of Default

The Parent shall notify the Agent of any Event of Default (and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy it) promptly upon becoming aware of it.

 

16.5 Authorisations

Each Obligor shall promptly:

 

  16.5.1 comply with the terms of each Finance Document to which it is a party; and

 

  16.5.2 obtain and maintain, and, if requested, supply certified copies to the Agent of, any authorisation required under any law or regulation to enable it to perform its obligations under, or for the validity or enforceability of, any Finance Document to which it is a party.

 

16.6 Pari passu ranking

Each Obligor shall procure that its obligations under the Finance Documents do and will rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations (subject to the preference of certain obligations in the liquidation, bankruptcy or other analogous proceedings in respect of it by operation of applicable law).

 

16.7 Negative pledge

No Obligor shall create or permit to subsist any Security Interest on any of its assets except for any Security Interest:

 

  16.7.1 to secure any excise or import taxes or duties, tobacco taxes or sales or goods and services taxes owed to, or industrial grants made by, any state, government, political sub-division or international organisation, or any agency, authority, instrumentality or body of any thereof or any regulatory authority; or

 

  16.7.2 created or arising with the prior written approval of the Majority Banks; or

 

  16.7.3 created or arising out of retention of title provisions or a conditional sale in respect of goods acquired by an Obligor in the ordinary course of business; or

 

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  16.7.4 which is a lien or other Security Interest arising in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and not securing Borrowings; or

 

  16.7.5 over assets or revenues acquired after the Signing Date and existing on the date of such acquisition and not created in contemplation thereof provided the aggregate principal amount secured thereby at the date of acquisition is not exceeded; or

 

  16.7.6 the principal purpose and effect of which is to allow the setting-off or netting of obligations with those of a financial institution in the ordinary course of the cash management arrangements of the Group; or

 

  16.7.7 constituted by netting, set-off or cash collateral arrangements in relation to swaps or other derivative agreements in the ordinary course of its business; or

 

  16.7.8 arising under arrangements in connection with the participation in or trading on or through any clearing system or investment, commodities or stock exchange where the Security Interest arises in the ordinary course of business under the rules or normal procedures or legislation governing such system or exchange; or

 

  16.7.9 on margin stock (as defined in Regulation U and X of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System) or otherwise over securities, derivatives or commodities, in respect of the acquisition cost of securities, derivatives or commodities owed to a dealer therein or an agent for the purchase thereof where such cost falls to be paid within 180 days of being incurred; or

 

  16.7.10 arising out of or in connection with pre-judgment legal process or a judgment or a judicial award relating to security for costs; or

 

  16.7.11 which is to renew, extend or replace a Security Interest permitted by this Clause 16.7 if the principal amount secured is not thereby exceeded and such permitted Security Interest is discharged or released within three months of the creation of the replacement Security Interest; or

 

  16.7.12 created by it in favour of another Obligor, or

 

  16.7.13 over cash or cash equivalents covering Defeased Borrowings; or

 

  16.7.14 created by or arising out of any Obligor provided the aggregate principal, capital or nominal amount secured by all such Security Interests does not exceed £200,000,000 or its equivalent in other currencies at any one time.

 

16.8 Disposals

The Parent shall not, either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions, whether related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, sell, transfer, grant or lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (save for the purposes of an amalgamation, reconstruction or corporate reorganisation, the terms of which have been approved by the Majority Banks).

 

16.9 Change of business

The Group taken as a whole shall not change to a material extent the nature of the businesses carried on by the Group as at the date of this Agreement.

 

16.10 Insurance

The Parent will procure that each member of the Group will effect and maintain such insurance over and in respect of its respective assets and business and in such a manner and to such extent as is reasonable and customary for a business enterprise engaged in the same or a similar business and in the same or similar localities.

 

16.11 Environmental undertakings

 

  16.11.1

Each Obligor will not, and the Parent will procure that no member of the Group will, other than when duly licensed by the appropriate regulatory authorities, use,

 

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  generate, store, handle, transport, dump, release, deposit, bury, emit, abandon or place any Dangerous Substance at, on, from or under any property which it owns or occupies if to do so will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

  16.11.2 Each Obligor will, and the Parent will procure that each member of the Group will, comply in all respects (consistently with the manner in which similar businesses operating in the relevant jurisdiction comply) with:

 

  (A) all applicable Environmental Laws; and

 

  (B) the terms of all Environmental Approvals necessary for the ownership and operation of its facilities and businesses as owned and operated from time to time,

if failure to do so will have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

16.12 Sanctions

Each Obligor will ensure that the proceeds of any Advance will not directly or indirectly be lent, contributed or otherwise made available to any person or entity (whether or not related to any Obligor) for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any sanctions administered by OFAC or any equivalent sanctions administered by the European Union or HM Treasury.

 

17. FINANCIAL COVENANT

 

17.1 Definitions

 

  17.1.1 In this Clause 17:

“Associates and Joint Ventures” means entities (other than a subsidiary or a joint operation) in which any member of the Group has a participating interest and exercises significant influence or joint control, respectively, and which are equity accounted in accordance with IAS 28.

“EBITDA” means, in respect of any Ratio Period, the aggregate of:

 

  (A) the consolidated profit for the period of the Group, including results from discontinued operations and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of Associates and Joint Ventures;

adjusted by:

 

  (B) adding back net finance costs and taxation for the period (including net finance costs and taxation included within Associates and Joint Ventures);

 

  (C) taking no account of any adjusting items (as such term is used in the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Parent), including (but not restricted to) gains or losses arising on:

 

  (1) restructurings of the activities of an entity and reversals of any provisions for the costs of restructuring;

 

  (2) disposals of non-current assets, including the disposal of net assets associated with discontinued operations;

 

  (3) amortisation of trademarks and similar items;

 

  (4) adjusting items of Associates and Joint Ventures;

 

  (D) taking no account of any income or charge attributable to a defined benefit pensions scheme other than the current service costs on plan liabilities attributable to the scheme;

 

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  (E) adding back any depreciation and amortisation and taking no account of any charge for impairment or any reversal of any previous impairment charge made in the period, unless already adjusted for under (C) above; and

 

  (F) including interest and dividend income of the Group,

all as determined by reference to the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Parent delivered pursuant to Clause 16.2 ( Financial information ) or other relevant information, where applicable.

“Interest Payable” means, in respect of any Ratio Period, all interest, discount and acceptance commission, commitment fees and all other continuing, regular or periodic costs, charges and expenses in the nature of interest (whether paid, payable or capitalised) or treated for accounting purposes as interest, incurred by the Group and net of guarantee fees paid to any member of the Group by lenders as represented by the Interest Payable account line of the notes to the published accounts.

“Ratio Period” means each twelve month period ending on the date to which the latest annual or interim semi-annual consolidated financial statements of the Group were prepared: the first such date shall be 30 June 2014.

 

  17.1.2 All amounts defined by the terms used in Clause 17.1.1 above are to be calculated in accordance with EU-endorsed IFRS, where applicable and as applied to each set of audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Group delivered under Clause 16.2 ( Financial information ). For the purposes of Clause 17.1.1 above, amounts in currencies other than Sterling shall be translated into Sterling at the rates used in the latest audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Group.

 

  17.1.3 If there is a dispute as to any interpretation of or computation for this Clause 17, the interpretation or computation of the auditors for the time being of the Parent will prevail.

 

17.2 Interest Cover Ratio

The Parent shall procure that for each Ratio Period the ratio of EBITDA to Interest Payable shall not be less than 4.5:1.

 

18. DEFAULT

 

18.1 Events of Default

Each of the events set out in Clauses 18.2 ( Non-payment ) to Clause 18.12 ( Guarantee ) is an Event of Default (whether or not caused by any reason whatsoever outside the control of any Obligor or any other person).

 

18.2 Non-payment

An Obligor does not pay, within five Business Days of the due date, any amount payable by it under the Finance Documents at the place at and in the currency in which it is expressed to be payable.

 

18.3 Breach of other obligations

 

  18.3.1 An Obligor does not comply with Clause 17 ( Financial Covenant ).

 

  18.3.2 An Obligor does not comply with any provision of the Finance Documents (other than those referred to in Clause 18.3.1 above or in Clause 18.2 ( Non-payment )) and such failure (if capable of remedy before the expiry of such period) continues un-remedied for a period of 30 days from the earlier of the date on which (i) an Obligor becomes aware of the failure to comply or (ii) the Agent gives notice to the Parent requiring the same to be remedied.

 

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18.4 Misrepresentation

A representation, warranty or statement made or deemed to be repeated by any Obligor in any Finance Document or in any document delivered by or on behalf of any Obligor under or in connection with any Finance Document is incorrect in any respect which is material in the context of this Agreement when made or deemed to be made or repeated.

 

18.5 Cross-default

Any other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness of an Obligor becomes due and repayable by reason of an event of default (howsoever described) prior to its stated date of payment or any other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness of an Obligor is not paid within the longer of seven days of its due date or any applicable grace period therefor (and for such purpose there shall be deemed to be a grace period of not less than seven days in respect of any obligation under any guarantee or indemnity or otherwise as surety), provided that no such event shall constitute an Event of Default unless the Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness either:

 

  18.5.1 in any particular case amounts to at least £25,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in any other currency; or

 

  18.5.2 when aggregated with other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness then so due and repayable or not so paid amounts to at least £100,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in any other currency.

 

18.6 Insolvency

 

  18.6.1 An Obligor is, or is deemed for the purposes of any law to be unable to pay its debts as they fall due or to be insolvent (except by reason of the failure to pay individual liability not exceeding US$1,000,000 or its equivalent in any other currency), or admits inability to pay its debts as they fall due; or

 

  18.6.2 an Obligor suspends making payments on all or any class of its debt or announces an intention to do so, or a moratorium (such moratorium including a surseance van betaling , in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands) (other than a general governmental moratorium affecting foreign currency or exchange controls) is declared in respect of any of its indebtedness; or

 

  18.6.3 an Obligor, by reason of financial difficulties, begins negotiations with its creditors generally or any class of them with a view to the readjustment or rescheduling of any of its indebtedness.

 

18.7 Insolvency proceedings

 

  18.7.1 Any formal voluntary step commencing legal proceedings (including petition or convening a meeting) is taken by an Obligor with a view to a composition, assignment or arrangement with any class of creditors of an Obligor; or

 

  18.7.2 a meeting of an Obligor is convened by its directors or secretary for the purpose of considering any resolution for (or to petition for) its winding-up or for its administration or, in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands, its bankruptcy ( faillissement ), or any such resolution is passed; or

 

  18.7.3 any person presents a petition for the winding-up or for the administration of an Obligor or, in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands, its bankruptcy ( faillissement ), and the petition is not discharged or stayed within 21 days; or

 

  18.7.4 an order for the winding up or administration of an Obligor or, in the case of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands, its bankruptcy ( faillissement ), is made.

 

18.8 Appointment of receivers and managers

 

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  18.8.1 Any liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, judicial custodian, compulsory manager, receiver, administrative receiver, administrator or the like is appointed in respect of an Obligor or all or substantially all of its assets and, only in the case of the appointment of a judicial custodian, compulsory manager or receiver, is not discharged within 21 days; or

 

  18.8.2 the directors of an Obligor request the appointment of a liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, judicial custodian, compulsory manager, receiver, administrative receiver, administrator or the like in respect of itself.

 

18.9 Creditors’ process

Any attachment, sequestration, distress or execution affects any material asset of an Obligor and is not discharged within 21 days.

 

18.10 Analogous proceedings

There occurs, in relation to an Obligor any event anywhere which corresponds with any of those mentioned in Clauses 18.6 ( Insolvency ) to 18.9 ( Creditors’ process ) (both inclusive).

 

18.11 Unlawfulness

It is or becomes unlawful for any Obligor to perform any of its payment or other material obligations under the Finance Documents.

 

18.12 Guarantee

The guarantee of the Guarantor under Clause 14 ( Guarantee ) is not effective or is alleged by an Obligor to be ineffective for any reason (other than by reason of written release or waiver by the Finance Parties).

 

18.13 Exceptions

Nothing in Clauses 18.7 ( Insolvency proceedings ), 18.8 ( Appointment of receivers and managers ) or 18.10 ( Analogous proceedings ) applies to any reconstruction, amalgamation or other transfer of any part of any Obligor’s business and/or assets to or with another Obligor.

 

18.14 Acceleration

On and at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default and while such event is continuing the Agent may, and shall if so directed by the Majority Banks, by notice to the Parent, declare that an Event of Default has occurred and:

 

  18.14.1 cancel the Total Commitments; and/or

 

  18.14.2 demand that all the Advances, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued under this Agreement be immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall become immediately due and payable; and/or

 

  18.14.3 demand that all the Advances be payable on demand, whereupon they shall immediately become payable on demand.

 

19. THE ADMINISTRATIVE PARTIES

 

19.1 Appointment and duties of the Administrative Parties

Each Finance Party (other than the Agent) irrevocably appoints the Agent to act as its agent under and in connection with the Finance Documents, each US$ Swingline Bank appoints the US$ Swingline Agent to act as its agent in relation to the US$ Swingline Facility, each Euro Swingline Bank appoints the Euro Swingline Agent to act as its agent in relation to the Euro Swingline Facility, and each Finance Party irrevocably authorises the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent on its behalf to perform the duties and to exercise the rights, powers and discretions that are specifically delegated to it under or in connection with the Finance Documents, together with any other incidental

 

47


rights, powers and discretions. The Administrative Parties shall have only those duties which are expressly specified in this Agreement (and no duties, responsibilities or obligations shall be implied). Those duties are solely of a mechanical and administrative nature.

 

19.2 Relationship

The relationship between the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent and the other Finance Parties is that of agent and principal only. Nothing in this Agreement constitutes any of the Administrative Parties as trustee or fiduciary for any other Party or any other person and the Administrative Parties need not hold in trust any moneys paid to it for a Party or be liable to account for interest on those moneys.

 

19.3 Majority Banks’ directions

Each Administrative Party will be fully protected if it acts in accordance with the instructions of the Majority Banks in connection with the exercise of any right, power or discretion or any matter not expressly provided for in the Finance Documents. Any such instructions given by the Majority Banks will be binding on all the Banks. In the absence of such instructions, an Administrative Party may act or refuse to act as it considers to be in the best interests of all the Banks. No Administrative Party shall be liable to any Bank for any act (or omission) if it acts (or refrains from taking any action) in accordance with an instruction of the Majority Banks.

 

19.4 Delegation

Each Administrative Party may act under the Finance Documents through its personnel and agents.

 

19.5 Responsibility for documentation

No Administrative Party is responsible to any other Party for:

 

  19.5.1 the execution, genuineness, validity, enforceability or sufficiency of any Finance Document or any other document;

 

  19.5.2 the collectability of amounts payable under any Finance Document; or

 

  19.5.3 the accuracy of any statements (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with any Finance Document.

 

19.6 Default

 

  19.6.1 No Administrative Party is obliged to monitor or enquire as to whether or not a Default has occurred. No Administrative Party will be deemed to have knowledge of the occurrence of a Default. However, if an Administrative Party receives notice from a Party referring to this Agreement, describing the Default and stating that the event is a Default, it shall promptly notify the Banks.

 

  19.6.2 Any Administrative Party may require the receipt of security satisfactory to it from the Banks whether by way of payment in advance or otherwise, against any liability or loss which it will or may incur in taking any proceedings or action arising out of or in connection with any Finance Document before it commences these proceedings or takes that action.

 

19.7 Exoneration

 

  19.7.1 Without limiting Clause 19.7.2 below, no Administrative Party will be liable to any other Party for any action taken or not taken by it under or in connection with any Finance Document, unless directly caused by its negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

  19.7.2 No Party may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of any Administrative Party in respect of any claim it might have against that Administrative Party in respect of any act or omission of any kind (including negligence or wilful misconduct) by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document.

 

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  19.7.3 No Administrative Party will be liable for any damages, costs or losses to any person, any diminution in value or any liability whatsoever arising as a result of:

 

  (A) any act, event or circumstance not reasonably within its control; or

 

  (B) the general risks of investment in, or the holding of assets in, any jurisdiction,

including (in each case and without limitation) such damages, costs, losses, diminution in value or liability arising as a result of: nationalisation, expropriation or other governmental actions; any regulation, currency restriction, devaluation or fluctuation; market conditions affecting the execution or settlement of transactions or the value of assets (including any Disruption Event); breakdown, failure or malfunction of any third party transport, telecommunications, computer services or systems; natural disasters or acts of God; war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution; or strikes or industrial action.

 

  19.7.4 Without prejudice to any provision of any Finance Document excluding or limiting any Administrative Party’s liability, any liability of an Administrative Party arising under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be limited to the amount of actual loss suffered (as determined by reference to the date of default of that Administrative Party or, if later, the date on which the loss arises as a result of such default) but without reference to any special conditions or circumstances known to that Administrative Party at any time which increase the amount of that loss. In no event shall any Administrative Party be liable for any loss of profits, goodwill, reputation, business opportunity or anticipated saving, or for special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, whether or not that Administrative Party has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damages.

 

19.8 Reliance

Each Administrative Party may:

 

  19.8.1 rely on any notice or document believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed by, or with the authority of, the proper person;

 

  19.8.2 rely on any statement made by a director or employee of any person regarding any matters which may reasonably be assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify; and

 

  19.8.3 engage, pay for and rely on legal or other professional advisers selected by it (including those in that Administrative Party’s employment and those representing a Party other than that Administrative Party).

 

19.9 Credit approval and appraisal

Without affecting the responsibility of any Obligor for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Finance Document, each Bank confirms that it:

 

  19.9.1 has made its own independent investigation and assessment of the financial condition and affairs of each Obligor and its related entities in connection with its participation in this Agreement and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by any Administrative Party in connection with any Finance Document; and

 

  19.9.2 will continue to make its own independent appraisal of the creditworthiness of each Obligor and its related entities while any amount is or may be outstanding under the Finance Documents or any Commitment is in force.

 

19.10 Information

 

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  19.10.1 Each Administrative Party shall promptly forward to the person concerned the original or a copy of any document which is delivered to that Administrative Party by a Party for that person.

 

  19.10.2 The Agent shall promptly supply a Bank with a copy of each document received by the Agent under Clauses 4 ( Conditions Precedent ) or 26.5 ( Additional Borrowers ) upon the request and at the expense of that Bank.

 

  19.10.3 Except where this Agreement specifically provides otherwise, no Administrative Party is obliged to review or check the accuracy or completeness of any document it forwards to another Party.

 

  19.10.4 Except as provided above, no Administrative Party has any duty:

 

  (A) either initially or on a continuing basis to provide any Bank with any credit or other information concerning the financial condition or affairs of any Obligor or any related entity of any Obligor whether coming into its possession or that of any of its related entities before, on or after the date of this Agreement; or

 

  (B) unless specifically requested to do so by a Bank in accordance with this Agreement, to request any certificates or other documents from any Obligor.

 

  19.10.5 The Agent may disclose the identity of a Defaulting Bank to the other Finance Parties and the Parent and shall disclose the same upon the written request of the Parent, a Borrower or the Majority Banks.

 

19.11 The Administrative Parties individually

 

  19.11.1 If it is also a Bank, each Administrative Party has the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Bank and may exercise those rights and powers as though it were not an Administrative Party.

 

  19.11.2 Each Administrative Party may:

 

  (A) carry on any business with an Obligor or its related entities;

 

  (B) act as agent or trustee for, or in relation to any financing involving, an Obligor or its related entities; and

 

  (C) retain any profits or remuneration in connection with its activities under this Agreement or in relation to any of the foregoing.

 

19.12 Indemnities

 

  19.12.1 Without limiting the liability of any Obligor under the Finance Documents, each Bank shall forthwith on demand indemnify each Administrative Party for its proportion of any cost, liability or loss incurred by that Administrative Party in any way relating to or arising out of its acting as an Administrative Party, except to the extent that the liability or loss arises directly from that Administrative Party’s negligence or wilful misconduct.

 

  19.12.2 A Bank’s proportion of the liability or loss set out in Clause 19.12.1 above is the proportion which the Original Sterling Amount of its Advance(s) bears to the Original Sterling Amount of all Advances outstanding on the date of the demand. If, however, no Advances are outstanding on the date of demand, then the proportion will be the proportion which its Commitment bears to the Total Commitments at the date of demand or, if the Total Commitments have been cancelled, bore to the Total Commitments immediately before being cancelled.

 

  19.12.3 The Parent shall forthwith on demand reimburse each Bank for any payment made by it under Clause 19.12.1 above except to the extent it arises out of the Bank’s negligence or default.

 

19.13 Compliance

 

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  19.13.1 An Administrative Party may refrain from doing anything which might, in its opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any person, and may do anything which, in its opinion, is necessary or desirable to comply with any law or regulation of any jurisdiction.

 

  19.13.2 Without limiting Clause 19.13.1 above, an Administrative Party need not disclose any information relating to any Obligor or any of its related entities if the disclosure might, in the opinion of that Administrative Party constitute a breach of any law or regulation or any duty of secrecy or confidentiality or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any person.

 

19.14 Deduction from amounts payable by the Agent

If any Party owes an amount to the Agent under the Finance Documents the Agent may, after giving notice to that Party, deduct an amount not exceeding that amount from any payment to that Party which the Agent would otherwise be obliged to make under the Finance Documents and apply the amount deducted in or towards satisfaction of the amount owed. For the purposes of the Finance Documents that Party shall be regarded as having received any amount so deducted.

 

19.15 Money held as banker

The Agent shall be entitled to deal with money paid to it by any person for the purposes of this Agreement in the same manner as other money paid to a banker by its customers except that it shall not be liable to account to any person for any interest or other amounts in respect of the money.

 

19.16 Resignation of Agents

 

  19.16.1 Notwithstanding its irrevocable appointment an Administrative Party may resign by giving notice to the Banks and the Parent, in which case the Parent may (following consultation with the Banks, or the relevant Swingline Banks, as the case may be) forthwith appoint a successor Administrative Party (which shall be a Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank) or, failing that, the retiring Administrative Party shall forthwith appoint its successor or, failing that, the Majority Banks shall appoint the successor Administrative Party.

 

  19.16.2 The resignation of the retiring Administrative Party and the appointment of any successor Administrative Party will both become effective only upon the successor Administrative Party notifying all the Parties that it accepts the appointment. On giving the notification and receiving such approval, the successor Administrative Party will succeed to the position of the retiring Administrative Party and the term “Agent”, “US$ Swingline Agent” or “Euro Swingline Agent” will mean the successor Agent, successor US$ Swingline Agent or successor Euro Swingline Agent.

 

  19.16.3 The retiring Administrative Party shall, at its own cost, make available to its successor such documents and records and provide such assistance as the relevant successor Administrative Party may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as the Agent or the relevant Swingline Agent under this Agreement.

 

  19.16.4 Upon its resignation becoming effective, this Clause 19 shall continue to benefit the relevant retiring Administrative Party in respect of any action taken or not taken by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents while it was the Agent or, as the case may be, a Swingline Agent, and, subject to Clause 19.16.3 above, it shall have no further obligation under any Finance Document.

 

  19.16.5 Notwithstanding the irrevocable appointment of the Agent and the Swingline Agents, after consultation with the Parent, the Majority Banks may, by notice to the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent, require it to resign in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above. In this event, the Agent or, as the case may be, the relevant Swingline Agent shall resign in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above.

 

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  19.16.6 An Administrative Party shall resign in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above if on or after the date which is three months before the earliest FATCA Application Date relating to any payment to that Administrative Party under the Finance Documents:

 

  (A) that Administrative Party fails to respond to a request under Clause 10.5 ( FATCA ) and an Obligor or a Bank reasonably believes that that Administrative Party will not be (or will have ceased to be) FATCA Exempt (as defined in Clause 10.6 ( FATCA )) on or after that FATCA Application Date;

 

  (B) the information supplied by that Administrative Party pursuant to Clause 10.5 ( FATCA ) indicates that that Administrative Party will not be (or will have ceased to be) FATCA Exempt on or after that FATCA Application Date; or

 

  (C) that Administrative Party notifies an Obligor and the Bank that that Administrative Party will not be (or will have ceased to be) FATCA Exempt on or after that FATCA Application Date,

and (in each case) an Obligor or a Bank reasonably believes that a Party will be required to make a FATCA Deduction that would not be required if that Administrative Party were FATCA Exempt, and the Obligor or a Bank, by notice to that Administrative Party, requires it to resign.

 

  19.16.7 If an Administrative Party resigns pursuant to Clause 19.16.6 above:

 

  (A) its successor shall be appointed in accordance with Clause 19.16.1 above; and

 

  (B) such resignation shall only become effective when the successor Administrative Party notifies all the Parties that it accepts such appointment.

 

19.17 Replacement of the Agent

 

  19.17.1 After consultation with the Parent, the Majority Banks may, by giving 30 days’ written notice to the relevant Administrative Party (or, at any time the relevant Administrative Party is an Impaired Agent, by giving any shorter notice determined by the Majority Banks) replace that Administrative Party by appointing a successor Administrative Party.

 

  19.17.2 The retiring Administrative Party shall (at its own cost if it is an Impaired Agent and otherwise at the expense of the Banks) make available to the successor Administrative Party such documents and records and provide such assistance as the successor Administrative Party may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as agent under the Finance Documents.

 

  19.17.3 The appointment of the successor Administrative Party shall take effect on the date specified in the notice from the Majority Banks to the retiring Administrative Party. As from this date, the retiring Administrative Party shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents but shall remain entitled to the benefit of this Clause 19 (and any agency fees for the account of the retiring Administrative Party shall cease to accrue from (and shall be payable on) that date).

 

  19.17.4 Any successor Administrative Party and each of the other Parties shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor had been an original Party.

 

19.18 Banks

Each Administrative Party may treat each Bank as a Bank, entitled to payments under this Agreement and as acting through its Facility Office(s) until it has received notice from the Bank to the contrary by not less than five Business Days prior to the relevant payment.

 

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19.19 Regulatory Position

The Agent is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Agent to carry on an activity of the kind specified by any provision of Part II (other than article 5 (accepting deposits)) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 or to lend money to any Borrower in its capacity as Agent.

 

19.20 Chinese Wall

In acting as an Administrative Party, the agency and syndications division of each Administrative Party shall be treated as a separate entity from its other divisions and departments. Any information acquired at any time by an Administrative Party otherwise than in the capacity of an Administrative Party through its agency and syndications division (whether as financial advisor to any member of the Group or otherwise) may be treated as confidential by that Administrative Party and shall not be deemed to be information possessed by that Administrative Party in their capacity as such. Each Finance Party acknowledges that each Administrative Party may, now or in the future, be in possession of, or provided with, information relating to the Obligors which has not or will not be provided to the other Finance Parties. Each Finance Party agrees that, except as expressly provided in this Agreement no Administrative Party will be under any obligation to provide, or under any liability for failure to provide, any such information.

 

20. FEES

 

20.1 Commitment fee

 

  20.1.1 The Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the Agent for distribution to each Bank pro rata to the proportion its Revolving Facility Commitment bears to the Total Commitments from time to time a commitment fee at the rate of 35 per cent. of the applicable Margin calculated in accordance with Clause 8.2 ( Calculation of the Margin ) on the undrawn, uncancelled amount of the Total Commitments on each day.

 

  20.1.2 Each commitment fee is calculated and accrues from the date of this Agreement on a daily basis and is payable quarterly in arrear with the first payment due three months after the date of this Agreement for the period from the date of this Agreement. Accrued commitment fee is also payable to the Agent for the relevant Bank(s) on the cancelled amount of its Commitment at the time the cancellation takes effect.

 

  20.1.3 No commitment fee is payable to the Agent (for the account of a Bank) on any Available Commitment of a Bank on any day on which such Bank is a Bank in relation to which (i) any of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank” has occurred and (ii) in so far as such event or circumstance relates to paragraph (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank”, a notice of cancellation has been despatched by the Parent to the Agent under Clause 7.6 ( Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank ) (such Bank being a “Disenfranchised Bank” ).

 

20.2 Utilisation Fee

 

  20.2.1 On any day on which the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances is less than or equal to one third of the Total Commitments on that day, the Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the Agent for distribution to each Bank a utilisation fee at the rate of 0.075 per cent. per annum on the Original Sterling Amount of each Bank’s share of the Advances outstanding on that day.

 

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  20.2.2 On any day on which the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances exceeds one third but is less than or equal to two thirds of the Total Commitments on that day, the Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the Agent for distribution to each Bank a utilisation fee at the rate of 0.150 per cent. per annum on the Original Sterling Amount of each Bank’s share of the Advances outstanding on that day.

 

  20.2.3 On any day on which the aggregate Original Sterling Amount of all outstanding Advances exceeds two thirds of the Total Commitments on that day, the Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the Agent for distribution to each Bank a utilisation fee at the rate of 0.300 per cent. per annum on the Original Sterling Amount of each Bank’s share of the Advances outstanding on that day.

 

  20.2.4 Utilisation fees (if any) are calculated on a daily basis and are payable quarterly in arrears, with the first payment (if any) due three months after the date of this Agreement for the period from the date of this Agreement. Any accrued utilisation fee unpaid at the time the Commitments are repaid and cancelled in full will be paid on the date of such repayment and cancellation.

 

20.3 Administrative Parties fees

 

  20.3.1 The Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the Administrative Parties for their own account agency fees in the amounts and on the dates agreed in the relevant Fee Letter.

 

  20.3.2 The fees, commissions and expenses payable to an Administrative Party for services rendered and the performance of its obligations under this Agreement shall not be abated by any remuneration or other amounts or profits receivable by that Administrative Party (or by any of its associates) in connection with any transaction effected by that Administrative Party with or for the Banks or the Parent.

 

20.4 Up-front fee

The Parent shall, on behalf of the Borrowers, pay to the Banks an up-front fee in the amounts and on the date agreed in the relevant Fee Letter.

 

20.5 VAT

Any fee referred to in this Clause 20 is exclusive of any United Kingdom value added tax. If any value added tax is so chargeable, it shall be paid by the Parent at the same time as it pays the relevant fee.

 

21. EXPENSES

 

21.1 Initial and special costs

The Parent shall forthwith on demand pay the Administrative Parties the amount of all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including but not limited to legal fees) reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with:

 

  21.1.1 the negotiation, preparation, printing and execution of:

 

  (A) this Agreement and any other documents referred to in this Agreement, and

 

  (B) any other Finance Document (other than a Novation Certificate) executed after the date of this Agreement;

 

  21.1.2 any amendment waiver, consent or suspension of rights (or any proposal for any of the foregoing) requested by or on behalf of an Obligor and relating to a Finance Document or a document referred to in any Finance Document; and

 

  21.1.3 any other matter, not of an ordinary administrative nature, arising out of or in connection with a Finance Document.

 

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21.2 Enforcement costs

The Parent shall forthwith on demand pay to each Finance Party the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred by it:

 

  21.2.1 in connection with the enforcement of, or the preservation of any rights under, any Finance Document; or

 

  21.2.2 in investigating any possible Default of which an Obligor or the Majority Banks have given notice.

 

22. STAMP DUTIES

The Parent shall pay and forthwith on demand indemnify each Finance Party against any liability it incurs in respect of any stamp, registration or similar tax which is or becomes payable in connection with the entry into, performance or enforcement of any Finance Document other than a Novation Certificate or any document signed or otherwise entered into pursuant to Clauses 26.2 ( Transfers by Banks ), 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ) and Clause 26.10 ( Affiliates of Banks ).

 

23. INDEMNITIES

 

23.1 Currency indemnity

 

  23.1.1 If a Finance Party receives an amount in respect of an Obligor’s liability under the Finance Documents or if that liability is converted into a claim, proof, judgment or order in a currency other than the currency (the “contractual currency” ) in which the amount is expressed to be payable under the relevant Finance Document:

 

  (A) that Obligor shall indemnify that Finance Party as an independent obligation against any loss or liability arising out of or as a result of the conversion;

 

  (B) if the amount received by that Finance Party, when converted into the contractual currency at a market rate in the usual course of its business, is less than the amount owed in the contractual currency, the Obligor concerned shall forthwith on demand pay to that Finance Party an amount in the contractual currency equal to the deficit; and

 

  (C) the Obligor shall pay to the Finance Party concerned on demand any exchange costs and taxes payable in connection with any such conversion.

 

  23.1.2 Each Obligor waives any right it may have in any jurisdiction to pay any amount under the Finance Documents in a currency other than that in which it is expressed to be payable.

 

23.2 Other indemnities

The Parent shall forthwith on demand indemnify each Finance Party against any loss or liability which that Finance Party incurs as a consequence of:

 

  23.2.1 the occurrence of any Event of Default;

 

  23.2.2 the operation of Clause 18.14 ( Acceleration ) or Clause 29 ( Pro Rata Sharing );

 

  23.2.3 any payment of principal or an overdue amount being received from any source otherwise than on its Maturity Date (and, for the purposes of this Clause 23.2.3, the Maturity Date of an overdue amount is the last day of each Designated Term (as defined in Clause 8.6 ( Default interest )));

 

  23.2.4 the occurrence of a change described in, and the operation of Clause 11.4 ( Change in circumstances ) in relation to, an Optional Currency; or

 

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  23.2.5 (other than by reason of negligence or default by a Finance Party) an Advance not being disbursed after a Borrower has delivered a Request for that Advance.

The Parent’s liability in each case includes any loss or expense on account of funds borrowed, contracted for or utilised to fund any amount payable under any Finance Document, any amount repaid or prepaid or any Advance.

 

23.3 Indemnity

The Parent shall forthwith on demand by the Agent indemnify the Agent against any actual costs, loss or liability incurred by the Agent (acting reasonably) as a direct result of the Agent acting or relying on any notice, request or instruction which it reasonably believes to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised.

 

24. EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS

 

24.1 Accounts

Accounts maintained by a Finance Party in connection with this Agreement are prima facie evidence of the matters to which they relate.

 

24.2 Certificates and determinations

Any certification or determination by a Finance Party of a rate or amount under this Agreement is, in the absence of manifest error, conclusive evidence of the matters to which it relates.

 

24.3 Calculations

Interest and the fee payable under Clause 20.1 ( Commitment fee ) accrue from day to day and are calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a year of 365 days or, in the case of interest at the US$ Swingline Rate or Euro Swingline Rate or any interest payable on an amount denominated in a currency other than Sterling, 360 days (or such other day count convention as shall be consistent with the then generally accepted practice in the London interbank market).

 

25. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

 

25.1 Procedure

 

  25.1.1 Subject to Clause 25.2 ( Exceptions ), any term of the Finance Documents may be amended or waived with the agreement of the Parent and the Agent (acting on the instructions of the Majority Banks). The Agent may effect, on behalf of the Banks, any amendment or waiver permitted by this Clause 25.1.1.

 

  25.1.2 The Agent shall promptly notify the other Parties of any amendment or waiver effected under Clause 25.1.1 above, and any such amendment or waiver shall be binding on all the Parties.

 

25.2 Exceptions

 

  25.2.1 An amendment or waiver which relates to:

 

  (A) the definition of “Majority Banks” in Clause 1.1 ( Definitions );

 

  (B) an extension of the date for, or a decrease in an amount or a change in the currency of, any payment under the Finance Documents;

 

  (C) an increase in a Bank’s Commitment;

 

  (D) a change in the guarantee under Clause 14 ( Guarantee );

 

  (E) a term of a Finance Document which expressly requires the consent of each Bank; or

 

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  (F) Clause 29 ( Pro Rata Sharing ) or this Clause 25 ( Amendments and Waivers ),

may not be effected without the consent of each Bank.

 

  25.2.2 An amendment or waiver which relates to the rights or obligations of an Administrative Party (in its capacity as such) may not be effected without the consent of that Administrative Party.

 

25.3 Waivers and remedies cumulative

The rights of each Party under the Finance Documents:

 

  25.3.1 may be exercised as often as necessary;

 

  25.3.2 are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under the general law; and

 

  25.3.3 may be waived only in writing and specifically.

Delay in exercising or non-exercise of any such right is not a waiver of that right.

 

26. CHANGES TO THE PARTIES

 

26.1 Transfers by Obligors

No Obligor may assign, transfer, novate or dispose of any of, or any interest in, its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement, except in the manner contemplated in Clause 7.5 ( Changes to Borrowers ).

 

26.2 Transfers by Banks

 

  26.2.1 A Bank (the “Existing Bank” ) may at any time assign, transfer, novate or sub-participate any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to another person (the “New Bank” ) provided that:

 

  (A) the Parent shall have given its prior written consent to such assignment, transfer, novation or sub-participation (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, having regard (without limitation) to the relative credit rating of the New Bank and the other Banks), except that such consent shall not be required if an Event of Default is outstanding or where the New Bank is an Existing Bank or is an Affiliate of the Existing Bank or any other Bank;

 

  (B) in the case of a partial assignment, transfer or novation of rights and/or obligations, a minimum amount of £5,000,000 (unless to an Affiliate of the Existing Bank or the Agent agrees otherwise) must be assigned, transferred or novated; and

 

  (C) in the case of an assignment, transfer or novation by a Swingline Bank, a portion of that Swingline Bank’s Swingline Commitment must also be assigned, transferred or novated to the extent necessary (if at all) to ensure that the Swingline Bank’s Swingline Commitments do not exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment after the assignment, transfer or novation. A Bank may not acquire a Swingline Commitment if that Swingline Commitment would exceed its Revolving Facility Commitment.

 

  26.2.2 A transfer of obligations will be effective only if either:

 

  (A) the obligations are novated in accordance with Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ); or

 

  (B)

the New Bank confirms to the Agent and the Parent that it undertakes to be bound by the terms of this Agreement as a Bank in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and the Parent. On the transfer

 

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  becoming effective in this manner the Existing Bank shall be relieved of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent that they are transferred to the New Bank.

 

  26.2.3 On each occasion an Existing Bank assigns, transfers or novates any of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (other than to an Affiliate), the New Bank shall, on the date the assignment, transfer and/or novation takes effect, pay to the Agent for its own account a fee of £2,000.

 

  26.2.4 An Existing Bank is not responsible to a New Bank for:

 

  (A) the execution, genuineness, validity, enforceability or sufficiency of any Finance Document or any other document;

 

  (B) the collectability of amounts payable under any Finance Document; or

 

  (C) the accuracy of any statements (whether written or oral) made in connection with any Finance Document.

 

  26.2.5 Each New Bank confirms to the Existing Bank and the other Finance Parties that it:

 

  (A) has made its own independent investigation and assessment of the financial condition and affairs of each Obligor and its related entities in connection with its participation in this Agreement and has not relied exclusively on any information provided to it by the Existing Bank in connection with any Finance Document; and

 

  (B) will continue to make its own independent appraisal of the creditworthiness of each Obligor and its related entities while any amount is or may be outstanding under this Agreement or any Commitment is in force.

 

  26.2.6 Nothing in any Finance Document obliges an Existing Bank to:

 

  (A) accept a re-transfer from a New Bank of any of the rights and/or obligations assigned, transferred or novated under this Clause 26.2; or

 

  (B) support any losses incurred by the New Bank by reason of the non-performance by any Obligor of its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise.

 

  26.2.7 Any reference in this Agreement to a Bank includes a New Bank but excludes a Bank if no amount is or may be owed to or by it under this Agreement and its Commitment has been cancelled or reduced to nil.

 

26.3 Procedure for novations

 

  26.3.1 A novation is effected if:

 

  (A) the Existing Bank and the New Bank deliver to the Agent a duly completed certificate (a “Novation Certificate” ), substantially in the form of Part I of Schedule 4 ( Forms of Accession Documents ), with such amendments as the Agent approves to achieve a substantially similar effect (which may be delivered by fax and confirmed by delivery of a hard copy original but the fax will be effective irrespective of whether confirmation is received); and

 

  (B) the Agent (except if the novation is to an Existing Bank or an Affiliate of the Existing Bank or any other Bank) executes it. The Agent shall only be obliged to execute a Novation Certificate delivered to it by the Existing Lender and the New Lender once it is satisfied it has complied with all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the transfer to such New Lender.

 

  26.3.2 Each Party (other than the Existing Bank, the New Bank and the Parent) irrevocably authorises the Agent to execute any duly completed Novation Certificate on its behalf.

 

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  26.3.3 To the extent that they are expressed to be the subject of the novation in the Novation Certificate:

 

  (A) the Existing Bank and the other Parties (the “Existing Parties” ) will be released from their obligations to each other (the “discharged obligations” );

 

  (B) the New Bank and the Existing Parties will assume obligations towards each other which differ from the discharged obligations only insofar as they are owed to or assumed by the New Bank instead of the Existing Bank;

 

  (C) the rights of the Existing Bank against the Existing Parties and vice versa (the “discharged rights” ) will be cancelled; and

 

  (D) the New Bank and the Existing Parties will acquire rights against each other which differ from the discharged rights only insofar as they are exercisable by or against the New Bank instead of the Existing Bank,

all on the date of execution of the Novation Certificate by the Agent, the Existing Party, the New Party and the Parent or, if later, the date specified in the Novation Certificate.

 

  26.3.4 If the effective date of a novation (other than a novation by an Existing Bank to an Affiliate) is after the date a Request is received by the Agent but before the date the requested Advance is disbursed to the relevant Borrower, the Existing Bank shall be obliged to participate in that Advance in respect of its discharged obligations notwithstanding that novation, and the New Bank shall reimburse the Existing Bank for its participation in that Advance and all interest and fees thereon up to the date of reimbursement (in each case to the extent attributable to the discharged obligations) within three Business Days of the Utilisation Date of that Advance.

 

26.4 Security over Bank’s Rights

A Bank may, without consulting with or obtaining consent from any Obligor, at any time charge to, assign to, or otherwise create a Security Interest in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document to secure obligations of that Bank to a federal reserve, central bank or any authorised government body, except that no such charge, assignment or Security Interest shall:

 

  26.4.1 release a Bank from any of its obligations under the Finance Documents or substitute the beneficiary of the relevant charge, assignment or Security Interest for the Bank as party to any of the Finance Documents; or

 

  26.4.2 affect the obligations of the Obligors under the Finance Documents or require any payments to be made by an Obligor other than or in excess of, or grant to any person any more extensive rights than, those required to be made or granted to the relevant Bank under the Finance Documents.

 

26.5 Pro rata interest settlement

 

  26.5.1 If the Agent has notified the Banks that it is able to distribute interest payments on a “pro rata basis” to Existing Banks and New Banks then (in respect of any transfer pursuant to Clause 26.2 ( Transfer by Banks ) or a novation pursuant to Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ) the date on which the transfer or novation effective (the “ Transfer Date ”) of which, in each case, is after the date of such notification and is not on the last day of a Term):

 

  (A)

any interest or fees in respect of the relevant participation which are expressed to accrue by reference to the lapse of time shall continue to

 

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  accrue in favour of the Existing Bank up to but excluding the Transfer Date (“ Accrued Amounts ”) and shall become due and payable to the Existing Bank (without further interest accruing on them) on the last day of the current Term (or, if the Term is longer than six Months, on the next of the dates which falls at six Monthly intervals after the first day of that Term); and

 

  (B) the rights assigned or transferred by the Existing Bank will not include the right to the Accrued Amounts so that, for the avoidance of doubt:

 

  (1) when the Accrued Amounts become payable, those Accrued Amounts will be payable for the account of the Existing Bank; and

 

  (2) the amount payable to the New Bank on that date will be the amount which would, but for the application of this Clause 26.5, have been payable to it on that date, but after deduction of the Accrued Amounts.

 

  26.5.2 In this Clause 26.5, references to “Term” shall be construed to include a reference to any other period for accrual of fees.

 

26.6 Additional Borrowers

 

  26.6.1 If the Parent wishes one of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries to become an Additional Borrower, then it may (if the Majority Banks have approved the identity of the Additional Borrower in writing) deliver to the Agent the documents listed in Part II of Schedule 2 ( Condition Precedent Documents ).

 

  26.6.2 On delivery of a Borrower Accession Agreement, executed by the relevant Subsidiary and the Parent, the Subsidiary concerned will become an Additional Borrower. However, it may not submit a Request until the Agent confirms to the other Finance Parties and the Parent that it has received all the documents referred to in Clause 26.6.1 above in form and substance satisfactory to it.

 

  26.6.3 Delivery of a Borrower Accession Agreement, executed by the relevant Subsidiary and the Parent, constitutes confirmation by that Subsidiary that the representations and warranties set out in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ), except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ), Clause 15.10 ( Accounts ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions )), deemed to be made by it on the date of the Borrower Accession Agreement are correct, as if made with reference to the facts and circumstances then existing.

 

26.7 Bank Retirement

 

  26.7.1 Without prejudice to Clause 26.13 ( Replacement of a Defaulting Bank ), the Parent may, at any time whilst an Event of Default is not continuing, require a Bank to retire from the Facilities by giving at least ten Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Parties and the relevant Bank.

 

  26.7.2 If the Parent has given its prior written consent to such retirement (which consent may be withheld in the Parent’s absolute discretion), a Bank may retire from the Facilities by giving at least ten Business Days’ notice to each of the Administrative Parties and the Parent.

 

  26.7.3 On expiry of a notice (a “Retirement Notice” ) given pursuant to Clause 26.7.1 or 26.7.2 then, at the Parent’s option:

 

  (A)

 

  (1) the Commitment of the relevant Bank shall be automatically cancelled;

 

  (2)

each Borrower shall repay any Advances made to it by the relevant Bank together with all accrued interest on the amount

 

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  repaid, all accrued commitment fees on the cancelled Commitment, and any other amounts payable by it to that Bank under this Agreement (including under Clause 23.2.3 ( Other indemnities )); and

 

  (3) (upon payment of the amounts referred to in sub-paragraph (2) above) the relevant Bank shall cease to be a Party to this Agreement and shall cease to have any rights or obligations hereunder (other than in respect of any amounts referred to in sub-paragraph (2) subsequently required by a court of competent jurisdiction to be repaid by the relevant Bank to any person); or

 

  (B) the relevant Bank shall novate to another bank or financial institution selected by the Parent its Commitment and the Advances made by it in accordance with Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ).

 

  26.7.4 Any Retirement Notice is irrevocable once given.

 

26.8 Reference Banks

If a Reference Bank (or, if a Reference Bank is not a Bank, the Bank of which it is an Affiliate) ceases to be a Bank, the Agent shall (in consultation with the Parent) appoint another Bank or an Affiliate of a Bank which is not a Reference Bank to replace that Reference Bank.

 

26.9 Register

The Agent shall keep a register of all the Parties including in the case of Banks the details of their Facility Office notified to the Agent from time to time, and shall supply any other Party (at that Party’s expense) with a copy of the register on request.

 

26.10 Affiliates of Banks

 

  26.10.1 Each Bank may fulfil its obligations in respect of any Advance through an Affiliate if:

 

  (A) the relevant Affiliate is specified in this Agreement as a Bank or becomes a Bank by means of a Novation Certificate in accordance with this Agreement; and

 

  (B) the Advances in which that Affiliate will participate are specified in this Agreement or in a notice given by that Bank to the Agent and the Borrowers.

In this event, the Bank and the Affiliate will participate in Advances in the manner provided for in sub-paragraph (B) above.

 

  26.10.2 If Clause 26.10.1 above applies, the Bank and its Affiliate will be treated as having a single Commitment and a single vote, but, for all other purposes, will be treated as separate Banks.

 

26.11 Increase

 

  26.11.1 The Parent may by giving prior written notice to the Agent after the effective date of a cancellation of:

 

  (A) the Available Commitments of a Defaulting Bank in accordance with Clause 7.6 ( Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank ); or

 

  (B) the Commitments of a Bank in accordance with Clause 13.1 ( Illegality ),

request that the Total Commitments be increased (and the Total Commitments shall be so increased) in an aggregate amount in sterling of up to the amount of the Available Commitments or Commitments so cancelled as follows:

 

  (1)

the increased Total Commitments will be assumed by one or more Banks or other banks or financial institutions (each an “Increase Bank” )

 

61


  selected by the Parent (each of which shall not be a member of the Group and which is acceptable to the Agent (acting reasonably)), and each of which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations of a Bank corresponding to that part of the increased Commitments which it is to assume, as if it had been an Original Bank;

 

  (2) each Obligor and any Increase Bank shall assume obligations towards one another and/or acquire rights against one another as that Obligor and the Increase Bank would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Bank been an Original Bank;

 

  (3) each Increase Bank shall become a Party as a “Bank” and any Increase Bank and each of the other Finance Parties shall assume obligations towards one another and acquire rights against one another as that Increase Bank and those Finance Parties would have assumed and/or acquired had the Increase Bank been an Original Bank; and

 

  (4) the Commitments of the other Banks shall continue in full force and effect.

 

  26.11.2 An increase in the Total Commitments will only be effective on:

 

  (A) the execution by the Agent of an Increase Confirmation from the relevant Increase Bank;

 

  (B) in relation to an Increase Bank which is not a Bank immediately prior to the relevant increase, the performance by the Agent of all necessary “know your customer” or other similar checks under all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the assumption of the increased Commitments by that Increase Bank, the completion of which the Agent shall promptly notify to the Parent and the Increase Bank; and

 

  (C) any increase in the Total Commitments shall take effect on the date specified by the Parent in the notice referred to in Clause 26.11.1 above or any later date on which the conditions set out in this Clause 26.11.2 are satisfied.

 

  26.11.3 Each Increase Bank, by executing the Increase Confirmation, confirms (for the avoidance of doubt) that the Agent has authority to execute on its behalf any amendment or waiver that has been approved by or on behalf of the relevant Bank or Banks in accordance with this Agreement on or prior to the date on which the increase becomes effective.

 

  26.11.4 Unless the Agent otherwise agrees or the increased Commitment is assumed by an Existing Bank, the Obligors shall, on the date upon which the increase takes effect, pay to the Agent (for its own account) a fee of £2,000 and the Obligors shall promptly on demand pay the Agent the amount of all costs and expenses (including legal fees) reasonably incurred by it in connection with any increase in Commitments under this Clause 26.11.

 

  26.11.5 Clauses 26.2.4 to 26.2.6 (both inclusive), shall apply mutatis mutandis in this Clause 26.11 in relation to an Increase Bank as if references in that Clause to:

 

  (A) an “Existing Bank” were references to all the Banks immediately prior to the relevant increase;

 

  (B) the “New Bank” were references to that “Increase Bank” ; and

 

  (C) a “re-transfer” and “re-assignment” were references to respectively a “transfer” and “assignment” .

 

26.12 Disenfranchisement of a Bank

 

  26.12.1

For so long as a Disenfranchised Bank (as such term is defined in Clause 20.1.3 ( Commitment fee )) has any Available Commitment, in ascertaining the Majority Banks or whether any given percentage has been obtained to approve any

 

62


  request for a consent, waiver, amendment or other vote under the Finance Documents, that Disenfranchised Bank’s Commitments will be reduced by the amount of its Available Commitments.

 

  26.12.2 For the purposes of this Clause 26.12, the Agent may assume that the following Banks are Disenfranchised Banks:

 

  (A) any Bank which has notified the Agent that it has become a Disenfranchised Bank; and

 

  (B) any Bank in relation to which it is aware that any of the events or circumstances referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank” has occurred and, in so far as such event or circumstance relates to paragraph (c) of the definition of “Defaulting Bank”, it has received a notice of cancellation from the Parent in respect of that Bank pursuant to Clause 7.6 ( Right of cancellation in relation to a Defaulting Bank ),

unless it has received notice to the contrary from the Bank concerned (together with any supporting evidence reasonably requested by the Agent) or the Agent is otherwise aware that the Bank has ceased to be a Disenfranchised Bank.

 

26.13 Replacement of a Defaulting Bank

 

  26.13.1 Without prejudice to Clause 26.7 ( Bank Retirement ), the Parent may, at any time a Bank has become and continues to be a Defaulting Bank, by giving five Business Days’ prior written notice to the Agent and such Bank:

 

  (A) replace such Bank by requiring such Bank to (and such Bank shall) transfer pursuant to this Clause 26 ( Changes to the Parties ) all (and not part only) of its rights and obligations under this Agreement; or

 

  (B) require such Bank to (and such Bank shall) transfer pursuant to this Clause 26 ( Changes to the Parties ) all (and not part only) of the undrawn Commitments of the Bank,

to a Bank or other bank or financial institution (a “Replacement Bank” ) selected by the Parent, and which (unless the Agent is an Impaired Agent) is acceptable to the Agent (acting reasonably), which confirms its willingness to assume and does assume all the obligations or all the relevant obligations of the transferring Bank (including the assumption of the transferring Bank’s participations or unfunded participations (as the case may be) on the same basis as the transferring Bank) for a purchase price in cash, payable at the time of transfer, equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Bank’s participation in the outstanding Advances and all accrued but unpaid interest, any amounts payable under Clause 23.2 ( Other indemnities ) and any other amounts payable in relation thereto under the Finance Documents.

 

  26.13.2 The Agent may in its absolute discretion (and is authorised by each Finance Party, but is not obliged by the Obligors, to) execute, without requiring any further consent or action from any other Party, a Novation Certificate on behalf of any Defaulting Bank which is required to transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement pursuant to Clause 26.13 above which shall be effective for the purposes of Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ). The Agent shall not be liable in any way for any action taken by it pursuant to this Clause 26.13 and, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Clause 19.7 ( Exoneration ) shall apply in relation thereto.

 

  26.13.3 Any transfer of rights and obligations of a Defaulting Bank pursuant to this Clause 26.13 shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

  (A) neither the Agent nor the Defaulting Bank shall have any obligation to the Obligors to find a Replacement Bank;

 

  (B) the transfer must take place no later than seven days after the notice referred to in Clause 26.13.1 above; and

 

63


  (C) in no event shall the Defaulting Bank be required to pay or surrender to the Replacement Bank any of the fees received by the Defaulting Bank pursuant to the Finance Documents.

 

  26.13.4 For the avoidance of doubt, the rights of the Obligors under Clause 26.7 ( Bank Retirement ) and Clause 26.13 ( Replacement of a Defaulting Bank ) are without prejudice to each other and the rights under each Clause are capable of being exercised independently of each other by the Obligors.

 

27. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION AND KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS

 

27.1 Disclosure of information

A Bank may disclose:

 

  27.1.1 a copy of any Finance Document; and

 

  27.1.2 any information which that Bank has acquired under or in connection with any Finance Document,

to:

 

  27.1.3 one of its Affiliates to the extent necessary in connection with the Facilities;

 

  27.1.4 any person with whom it is proposing to enter, or has entered into, any kind of transfer, novation, participation or other agreement in relation to this Agreement;

 

  27.1.5 a federal reserve, central bank or any authorised government body to whom a Bank is charging to, assigning to or otherwise creating a Security Interest in or over (whether by way of collateral or otherwise) all or any of its rights under any Finance Document under Clause 26.4 ( Security over Bank’s Rights ); or

 

  27.1.6 any person to whom it is required to disclose such information under any law or regulation or by any regulatory authority,

provided that a Bank shall not disclose any such information to a person under Clause 27.1.3 above (other than one of its Affiliates) unless that person has provided to that Bank a confidentiality undertaking addressed to that Bank and the Parent substantially in the form of Schedule 5 ( Form of Confidential Undertakings ) or such other form as the Parent may approve.

 

27.2 Disclosure to numbering service providers

 

  27.2.1 Any Finance Party may disclose to any national or international numbering service provider appointed by that Finance Party to provide identification numbering services in respect of this Agreement, the Facility and/or one or more Obligors the following information:

 

  (A) names of Obligors;

 

  (B) country of domicile of Obligors;

 

  (C) place of incorporation of Obligors;

 

  (D) date of this Agreement;

 

  (E) the names of the Agent, the US$ Swingline Agent and the Euro Swingline Agent;

 

  (F) date of each amendment and restatement of this Agreement;

 

  (G) amount of Total Commitments;

 

  (H) currencies of the Facility;

 

  (I) type of Facility;

 

  (J) ranking of Facility;

 

64


  (K) Final Maturity Date for Facility;

 

  (L) changes to any of the information previously supplied pursuant to paragraphs (A) to (K) above; and

 

  (M) such other information agreed between such Finance Party and the Parent,

to enable such numbering service provider to provide its usual syndicated loan numbering identification services.

 

  27.2.2 The Parties acknowledge and agree that each identification number assigned to this Agreement, the Facility and/or one or more Obligors by a numbering service provider and the information associated with each such number may be disclosed to users of its services in accordance with the standard terms and conditions of that numbering service provider.

 

27.3 Know your Customer requirements

 

  27.3.1 Each Obligor must promptly on the request of any Finance Party supply to that Finance Party any documentation or other evidence which is reasonably requested by that Finance Party (whether for itself, on behalf of any Finance Party or any prospective new Bank) to enable a Finance Party or prospective New Bank to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all applicable know your customer requirements.

 

  27.3.2 Each Bank must promptly on the request of the Agent supply to the Agent any documentation or other evidence which is reasonably required by the Agent to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all applicable know your customer requirements.

 

28. SET-OFF

Whilst an Event of Default is continuing, a Finance Party may set off any matured obligation owed by an Obligor under this Agreement (to the extent beneficially owned by that Finance Party) against any obligation (whether or not matured) owed by that Finance Party to that Obligor, regardless of the place of payment, booking branch or currency of either obligation. If the obligations are in different currencies, the Finance Party may convert either obligation at a market rate of exchange in its usual course of business for the purpose of the set-off. If either obligation is unliquidated or unascertained, the Finance Party may set off in an amount estimated by it in good faith to be the amount of that obligation.

 

29. PRO RATA SHARING

 

29.1 Redistribution

If any amount owing by an Obligor under this Agreement to a Finance Party (the “recovering Finance Party” ) is discharged by payment, set-off or any other manner other than in accordance with Clause 9 ( Payments ) (a “recovery” ), then:

 

  29.1.1 the recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days, notify details of the recovery to the Agent;

 

  29.1.2 the Agent shall determine whether the recovery is in excess of the amount which the recovering Finance Party would have received had the recovery been received and distributed in accordance with Clause 9 ( Payments );

 

  29.1.3 subject to Clause 29.3 ( Exception ), the recovering Finance Party shall, within three Business Days of demand by the Agent pay to the Agent an amount (the “redistribution” ) equal to the excess;

 

  29.1.4 the Agent shall treat the redistribution as if it were a payment by the Obligor concerned under Clause 9 ( Payments ) and shall pay the redistribution to the Finance Parties (other than the recovering Finance Party) in accordance with Clause 9.8 ( Partial payments ); and

 

65


  29.1.5 after payment of the full redistribution, the recovering Finance Party will be subrogated to the portion of the claims paid under Clause 29.1.4 above, and that Obligor will owe the recovering Finance Party a debt which is equal to the redistribution, immediately payable and of the type originally discharged.

 

29.2 Reversal of redistribution

If under Clause 29.1 ( Redistribution ):

 

  29.2.1 a recovering Finance Party must subsequently return a recovery, or an amount measured by reference to a recovery, to an Obligor; and

 

  29.2.2 the recovering Finance Party has paid a redistribution in relation to that recovery,

each Finance Party shall, within three Business Days of demand by the recovering Finance Party through the Agent, reimburse the recovering Finance Party all or the appropriate portion of the redistribution paid to that Finance Party. Thereupon the subrogation in Clause 29.1.5 will operate in reverse to the extent of the reimbursement.

 

29.3 Exception

A recovering Finance Party need not pay a redistribution to the extent that it would not, after the payment, have a valid claim against the Obligor concerned in the amount of the redistribution pursuant to Clause 29.1.5.

 

30. SEVERABILITY

If a provision of any Finance Document is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, that shall not affect:

 

  30.1.1 the legality, validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other provision of the Finance Documents; or

 

  30.1.2 the legality, validity or enforceability in other jurisdictions of that or any other provision of the Finance Documents.

 

31. COUNTERPARTS

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement.

 

32. NOTICES

 

32.1 Giving of notices

All notices or other communications under or in connection with this Agreement shall be given in writing, by facsimile or, to the extent agreed by the Parties making and receiving communication, by email or other electronic communication. Any such notice will be deemed to be given as follows:

 

  32.1.1 if in writing, when delivered;

 

  32.1.2 if by facsimile, when received; and

 

  32.1.3 if by email or any other electronic communication, when received.

However, a notice given in accordance with the above but received on a non-business day or after business hours in the place of receipt will only be deemed to be given on the next business day in that place. Facsimile or email Requests are to be confirmed by the relevant Borrower in writing (but may be relied upon by the Agent and the Banks irrespective of receipt of such confirmation).

 

32.2 Addresses for notices

 

  32.2.1 The address, facsimile number and email address of each Party (other than the Administrative Parties and the Parent) for all notices under or in connection with this Agreement are:

 

66


  (A) that notified by that Party for this purpose to the Agent on or before it becomes a Party; or

 

  (B) any other notified by that Party for this purpose to the Agent by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.2 The address and facsimile number of the Agent are:

HSBC Bank plc

Level 27

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

Contact:                  Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:             (020) 7991 4348

or such other as the Agent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.3 The address, facsimile number and email address of the US$ Swingline Agent are:

HSBC Bank USA, National Association

452 Fifth Avenue (8EG)

Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

New York, NY 10018

U.S.A

Primary Contact:     Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:                +1 917 229 4459

Email:                       ctlany.loanagency@us.hsbc.com

With a copy to:

HSBC Bank plc

Level 27

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

Contact:                Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:             (020) 7991 4348

or such other as the US$ Swingline Agent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.4 The address and facsimile number of the Euro Swingline Agent are:

HSBC Bank plc

Level 27

8 Canada Square

London E14 5HQ

Contact:                Corporate Trust and Loan Agency

Facsimile:             (020) 7991 4348

or such other as the Euro Swingline Agent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.5 The address and facsimile number of the Parent are:

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London WC2R 2PG

 

67


Contact:             The Group Treasurer

Facsimile:           (020) 7845 2141

or such other as the Parent may notify to the other Parties by not less than five Business Days’ notice.

 

  32.2.6 Notices to be served on an Obligor other than the Parent shall be validly served on such Obligor by being addressed in accordance with Clause 32.2.5 and marked as served on the Parent on behalf of the relevant Obligor.

 

  32.2.7 The Agent shall, promptly upon request from any Party, give to that Party the address, facsimile number or email address of any other Party applicable at the time for the purposes of this Clause.

 

32.3 Communications when Agent is an Impaired Agent

If the Agent is an Impaired Agent, the Parties may, instead of communicating with each other through the Agent, communicate with each other directly and (while the Agent is an Impaired Agent) all the provisions of the Finance Documents which require communications to be made or notices to be given to or by the Agent shall be varied so that communications may be made and notices given to or by the relevant Parties directly. This provision shall not operate after a replacement Agent has been appointed.

 

33. LANGUAGE

 

33.1 Any notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be in English.

 

33.2 All other documents provided under or in connection with any Finance Document shall be:

 

  33.2.1 in English; or

 

  33.2.2 if not in English, accompanied by a certified English translation and, in this case, the English translation shall prevail unless the document is a statutory or other official document.

 

34. JURISDICTION

 

34.1 Submission

For the benefit of each other Party, each Party agrees that the courts of England have jurisdiction to settle any disputes in connection with any Finance Document (including a dispute relating to the existence, validity or termination of any Finance Document or any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with any Finance Document) and accordingly submits to the jurisdiction of the English courts.

 

34.2 Service of process

Without prejudice to any other mode of service, each Obligor (other than an Obligor incorporated in England and Wales):

 

  34.2.1 irrevocably appoints the Parent as its agent for service of process relating to any proceedings before the English courts in connection with any Finance Document (and the Parent accepts this appointment);

 

  34.2.2 agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the Obligor of the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned; and

 

  34.2.3 consents to the service of process relating to any such proceedings by prepaid posting of a copy of the process to its address for the time being applying under Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ).

 

34.3 Forum convenience and enforcement abroad

 

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Each Party:

 

  34.3.1 waives objection to the English courts on grounds of inconvenient forum or otherwise as regards proceedings in connection with a Finance Document; and

 

  34.3.2 agrees that a judgment or order of an English court in connection with a Finance Document is conclusive and binding on it and may be enforced against it in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

 

34.4 Non-exclusivity

Nothing in this Clause 34 limits the right of a Finance Party to bring proceedings or enforce a judgment against an Obligor in connection with any Finance Document:

 

  34.4.1 in any other court of competent jurisdiction; or

 

  34.4.2 to the extent permitted by applicable law, concurrently in more than one jurisdiction.

 

35. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter, existence, negotiation, validity, termination or enforceability (including any non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.

THIS AGREEMENT has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.

 

69


SCHEDULE 1

BANKS AND COMMITMENTS

PART I

ARRANGERS

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC (trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL BANKING AND MARKETS)

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

BNP PARIBAS

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH

HSBC BANK PLC

ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH

J.P. MORGAN LIMITED

LLOYDS BANK PLC

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE, LONDON BRANCH

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

 

70


PART II

BANKS AND COMMITMENTS

 

Bank    Column 1      Column 2      Column 3  
     Revolving
Facility
Commitment
     US$ Swingline
Commitment
     Euro Swingline
Commitment
 
     £      US$       

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC (trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL BANKING AND MARKETS)

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

BNP PARIBAS, LONDON BRANCH

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH

     166,666,667        —          57,142,857  

CITIBANK, N.A.

     —          70,588,236        —    

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

     166,666,667        —          57,142,857  

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, NEW YORK BRANCH

     —          70,588,236        —    

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH

     166,666,667        —          57,142,857  

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

     —          70,588,236        —    

HSBC BANK PLC

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH

     166,666,667        —          57,142,857  

ING BANK N.V., DUBLIN BRANCH

     —          70,588,236        —    

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

LLOYDS BANK PLC

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE, LONDON BRANCH

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

 

71


Bank    Column 1      Column 2      Column 3  
     Revolving Facility
Commitment
     US$ Swingline
Commitment
     Euro Swingline
Commitment
 
     £      US$       

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

     166,666,667        70,588,236        57,142,857  

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED

     83,333,333        35,294,116        28,571,429  

BANK OF CHINA LIMITED, LONDON BRANCH

     83,333,333        —          —    

BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

     83,333,333        —          28,571,429  

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

     —          35,294,116        —    

BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK

     83,333,333        —          28,571,429  

BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK, NEW YORK BRANCH

     —          35,294,116        —    

BBVA IRELAND P.L.C.

     83,333,333        35,294,116        28,571,429  

DANSKE BANK A/S

     83,333,333        —          28,571,429  

SCOTIABANK (IRELAND) LIMITED

     83,333,332        —          —    

SCOTIABANK EUROPE PLC

     —          —          28,571,429  

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, LONDON

     —          35,294,116        —    

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

     83,333,332        35,294,116        28,571,428  

Total

   £ 3,000,000,000      $ 1,200,000,000      1,000,000,000  

 

72


SCHEDULE 2

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT DOCUMENTS

PART I

TO BE DELIVERED BEFORE THE FIRST ADVANCE

 

1. A copy of the articles of association and certificate of incorporation (or equivalent constitutional documents) of each Obligor.

 

2. An up-to-date extract of the registration of an Obligor incorporated in the Netherlands in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

 

3. A copy of a resolution of the board of directors of each Obligor (or any duly authorised committee of any such board):

 

  (a) approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents and resolving that it execute and, where applicable, deliver the Finance Documents to which it is a party;

 

  (b) authorising a specified person or persons to execute and, where applicable, deliver the Finance Documents to which it is a party on its behalf; and

 

  (c) authorising a specified person or persons, on its behalf, to sign and/or despatch all documents and notices (including Requests) to be signed and/or despatched by it under or in connection with the Finance Documents.

 

4. A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolutions referred to in paragraph 2 above.

 

5. A certificate of an officer of each Obligor confirming that the borrowing of the Total Commitments in full would not cause any borrowing limits binding on that Obligor to be exceeded.

 

6. A certificate of an authorised signatory of each Obligor certifying that each copy document specified in Part I of this Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the Signing Date.

 

7. Legal opinions of Allen & Overy LLP in relation to English law and Stibbe N.V. in relation to Dutch law.

 

8. A letter from the Parent to British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. ( “BATH(TN)” ) and B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. ( “BATNF” ) confirming the Parent’s appointment as BATH(TN)‘s and BATNF’s agent for service of process pursuant to Clause 34.2 ( Service of process ).

 

9. If the Existing Credit Agreement has not expired and been repaid in full in accordance with its terms on the date of this Agreement, evidence of cancellation and repayment or prepayment in full of the Existing Credit Agreement.

 

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PART II

TO BE DELIVERED BY AN ADDITIONAL BORROWER

 

1. A Borrower Accession Agreement, duly executed by the Additional Borrower and the Parent.

 

2. A copy of the articles of association and certificate of incorporation or equivalent constitutional documents of the Additional Borrower.

 

3. A copy of a resolution of the board of directors of the Additional Borrower:

 

  (a) approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Borrower Accession Agreement and resolving that it execute the Borrower Accession Agreement;

 

  (b) authorising a specified person or persons to execute the Borrower Accession Agreement on its behalf; and

 

  (c) authorising a specified person or persons, on its behalf, to sign and/or despatch all other documents and notices (including Requests) to be signed and/or despatched by it under or in connection with this Agreement.

 

4. A copy of any other authorisation or other document, opinion or assurance which the Agent reasonably considers to be necessary in connection with the entry into and performance of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Borrower Accession Agreement or for the validity and enforceability of any Finance Document.

 

5. A specimen of the signature of each person authorised by the resolution referred to in paragraph 3 above.

 

6. The latest audited accounts of the Additional Borrower (if any).

 

7. A legal opinion of Allen & Overy LLP, legal advisers to the Agent and, if applicable, other lawyers approved by the Agent in the place of incorporation of the Additional Borrower, addressed to the Finance Parties.

 

8. A certificate of an authorised signatory of the Additional Borrower certifying that each copy document specified in Part II of this Schedule 2 is correct, complete and in full force and effect as at a date no earlier than the date of the Borrower Accession Agreement.

 

9. A process agent appointment letter if the Additional Borrower is incorporated outside the United Kingdom.

 

74


SCHEDULE 3

FORM OF REQUEST

 

To:    [                 ] as Agent/US$ Swingline Agent/Euro Swingline Agent*   
From:    [Borrower]    Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

 

1. We wish to utilise the Revolving Facility*/the US$ Swingline Facility*/the Euro Swingline Facility* by way of Revolving Facility Advances*/US$ Swingline Advances*/Euro Swingline Advances as follows:

 

(a)

   Name of Borrower:      

(b)

   Utilisation Date:   

Revolving Facility:

US$ Swingline Facility:

Euro Swingline Facility:

    

[                    

[                    

[                    

]* 

]* 

]* 

(c)

   Requested Amount (including currency):   

Revolving Facility:

US$ Swingline Facility:

Euro Swingline Facility:

    

[                    

[                    

[                    

]* 

]* 

]* 

(d)

   Term*:   

Revolving Facility:

US$ Swingline Facility:

Euro Swingline Facility:

    

[                    

[                    

[                    

]* 

]* 

]* 

(e)

   Payment Instructions:   

Revolving Facility:

US$ Swingline Facility:

Euro Swingline Facility:

    

[                    

[                    

[                    

]* 

]* 

]* 

 

2. We confirm that each condition specified in Clause 4.2 ( Further conditions precedent ) of the Facility Agreement is satisfied on the date of this Request and this Advance would not cause any borrowing limit binding on us to be exceeded.

By:

[BORROWER]

Authorised Signatory

 

[NOTE: PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE SHARE OF A BANK IN ANY UTILISATION REQUESTED BY A DUTCH BORROWER IS MORE THAN €100,000 (OR THE EQUIVALENT IN ANOTHER CURRENCY). OTHERWISE, PLEASE SEEK DUTCH LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING THE DUTCH FINANCIAL SUPERVISION ACT.]

 

* Delete as appropriate

 

75


SCHEDULE 4

FORMS OF ACCESSION DOCUMENTS

PART I

NOVATION CERTIFICATE

 

To:    HSBC Bank plc as Agent and British American Tobacco p.l.c. as Parent   
From:    [The Existing Bank] and [The New Bank] 1    Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

We refer to Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ) of the Facility Agreement.

 

1. We ● (the “Existing Bank” ) and ● (the “New Bank” ) agree to the novation to the New Bank of all the Existing Bank’s rights and obligations under the Facility Agreement referred to in the Schedule in accordance with Clause 26.3 ( Procedure for novations ).

 

2. The specified date for the purposes of Clause 26.3.3 ( Procedure for novations ) is [date of novation].

 

3. The Facility Office and address for notices of the New Bank for the purposes of Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ) are set out in the Schedule.

 

4. This Novation Certificate, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it, are governed by English law. Capitalised terms used in this Novation Certificate have the meanings specified in the Facility Agreement.

[NOTE: PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE AMOUNT ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED OR NOVATED BY ONE BANK TO ANOTHER BANK IN RELATION TO A LOAN/COMMITMENT IS AT LEAST €100,000 (OR THE EQUIVALENT IN ANOTHER CURRENCY). OTHERWISE, PLEASE SEEK DUTCH LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING THE DUTCH FINANCIAL SUPERVISION ACT.]

 

1   If the New Bank holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and wishes that scheme to apply to the Facility Agreement, it must comply with the obligations set out in clause 10.5 of the Facility Agreement.

 

76


The Schedule

Rights and obligations to be novated

[Details of the rights and obligations of the Existing Bank to be novated].

[New Bank]

 

[Facility Office    Address for notices]   

[Existing Bank]

   [New Bank]    [HSBC Bank plc]

By:

   By:    By:

Date:

   Date:    Date:

[British American Tobacco p.l.c.]

By:

Date:

 

77


PART II

BORROWER ACCESSION AGREEMENT

 

To: HSBC Bank plc as Agent

 

From: [Proposed Borrower] and British American Tobacco p.l.c.

[Date]

British American Tobacco p.l.c

.£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

We refer to Clause 26.5 ( Additional Borrowers ) of the Facility Agreement.

[Name of company] of [registered office] (registered no. ●) (the “Proposed Borrower” ) agrees to become an Additional Borrower and to be bound by the terms of the Facility Agreement as an Additional Borrower in accordance with Clause 26.5 ( Additional Borrowers ) of the Facility Agreement.

The address for notices of the Proposed Borrower for the purposes of Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ) of the Facility Agreement is:

[                     ]

This Borrower Accession Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it, are governed by English law. Capitalised terms used in this Borrower Accession Agreement have the meanings specified in the Facility Agreement.

By:

[Proposed Borrower]

Authorised Signatory

By:

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Authorised Signatory

 

78


PART III

FORM OF BORROWER NOVATION AGREEMENT

A NOVATION AGREEMENT dated [                    ]

BETWEEN:

 

(1) [                    ] (the “Existing Borrower” );

 

(2) [                    ] (the “Substitute Borrower” );

 

(3) British American Tobacco p.l.c. on behalf of itself and each other Obligor (such capitalised term are defined in the Facility Agreement referred to below) the ( “Parent” ); and

 

(4) HSBC Bank plc as agent (the “Agent” ) on behalf of itself and the Finance Parties (as defined in the Facility Agreement referred to below),

and is supplemental to the £3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated [                ] 2014 between, among others, British American Tobacco p.l.c., HSBC Bank plc as agent and the financial institutions listed in Part II of Schedule 1 thereto (the “Facility Agreement” ).

IT IS AGREED:

 

1. Novation

In consideration of a payment made by the Existing Borrower to the Substitute Borrower and the release of the Existing Borrower from its obligations and liabilities (actual or contingent) specified in the Schedule hereto under the Facility Agreement and with effect on and from ● (the “Substitution Date” ) the Substitute Borrower hereby undertakes to observe and perform all the obligations and liabilities (actual or contingent) of the Existing Borrower under the Facility Agreement in respect of the Advances specified in the Schedule (including any such obligations or liabilities as may have accrued or become due in respect thereof prior to the Substitution Date).

 

2. Integration

This Borrower Novation Agreement shall be read as one with the Facility Agreement so that any reference therein to “this Agreement”, “hereunder” and similar shall include and be deemed to include this Borrower Novation Agreement.

 

3. Continuing Liability

The Parent on behalf of itself and each other Obligor acknowledges and confirms that its obligations as Guarantor under Clause 14 of the Facility Agreement apply to the obligations and liabilities assumed by the Substitute Borrower hereunder.

 

79


Schedule

[                    ]

IN WITNESS whereof the parties hereto have caused this Borrower Novation Agreement to be duly executed on the date first written above.

 

 

For and on behalf of
[The Existing Borrower]

 

For and on behalf of

[The Substitute Borrower]

 

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

For and on behalf of each Obligor

 

HSBC Bank plc as Agent

For and on behalf of each

Finance Party

 

80


SCHEDULE 5

FORM OF CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERTAKING

 

To: British American Tobacco p.l.c.

 

To: [Bank]

Dear Sirs

We refer to the £3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated [    ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement” ) between, among others, British American Tobacco p.l.c. and HSBC Bank plc as Agent.

This is a confidentiality undertaking referred to in Clause 27 ( Disclosure of Information and Know Your Customer Requirements ) of the Facility Agreement. A capitalised term defined in the Facility Agreement has the same meaning in this undertaking.

We are considering entering into contractual relations with [insert name of Bank] (the “Bank” ) and understand that it is a condition of our receiving information about British American Tobacco p.l.c. and its related companies and any Finance Document and/or any information under or in connection with any Finance Document (the “Information” ) that we execute this undertaking.

We undertake to treat as confidential any Information and to use the Information solely for the purposes of determining whether or not to enter into the contractual relations and to keep any Information under secured and controlled conditions. We will not disclose any of the Information to any third party (other than our directors, officers, employees or outside advisors, who shall be advised of and agree to those confidentiality obligations) without the prior written consent of the Parent.

The foregoing undertakings do not apply to any Information that is publicly available when provided or that thereafter becomes publicly available other than through a breach by us of the above undertakings, or that is required to be disclosed by us by judicial or administrative process in connection with any action, suit, proceedings or claim or in order to comply with a request from any fiscal, monetary or other authority with which we are accustomed to comply or otherwise by applicable law. Information shall be deemed “publicly available” if it becomes a matter of public knowledge or is contained in materials available to the public or is obtained by us from any source other than the Bank or from you (or its or your directors, officers, employees or outside advisors), provided that such source has not entered into a confidentiality agreement with you with respect to the Information

Yours faithfully,

 

81


SCHEDULE 6

FORM OF INCREASE CONFIRMATION

 

To: HSBC Bank plc as Agent, British American Tobacco p.l.c. as Parent

 

From: [the Increase Bank ] (the “Increase Bank” ) 2

Dated:

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                    ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

 

1. We refer to the Facility Agreement. This agreement (the “Agreement” ) shall take effect as an Increase Confirmation for the purpose of the Facility Agreement. Terms defined in the Facility Agreement have the same meaning in this Agreement unless given a different meaning in this Agreement.

 

2. We refer to Clause 26.11 ( Increase ) of the Facility Agreement.

 

3. The Increase Bank agrees to assume and will assume all of the obligations corresponding to the Commitment specified in the Schedule (the “Relevant Commitment” ) as if it was an Original Bank under the Facility Agreement.

 

4. The proposed date on which the increase in relation to the Increase Bank and the Relevant Commitment is to take effect (the “Increase Date” ) is [                    ].

 

5. On the Increase Date, the Increase Bank becomes party to the relevant Finance Documents as a Bank.

 

6. The Facility Office and address, fax number, attention, credit contact and loan administration contact details for notices to the Increase Bank for the purposes of Clause 32.2 ( Addresses for notices ) are set out in the Schedule.

 

7. The Increase Bank expressly acknowledges the limitations on the Banks’ obligations referred to in Clause 26.11 ( Increase ).

 

8. The Increase Bank confirms that it is not an Affiliate of the Parent.

 

9. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and this has the same effect as if the signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement.

 

10. This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by English law.

 

11. This Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.

[NOTE: PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE INCREASE OF THE TOTAL COMMITMENT IS AT LEAST €100,000 (OR THE EQUIVALENT IN ANOTHER CURRENCY). OTHERWISE, PLEASE SEEK DUTCH LEGAL ADVICE REGARDING THE DUTCH FINANCIAL SUPERVISION ACT.]

 

2   If the Increase Bank holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and wishes that scheme to apply to the Facility Agreement, it must comply with the obligations set out in clause 10.5 of the Facility Agreement.

 

82


THE SCHEDULE

RELEVANT COMMITMENT/RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS TO BE ASSUMED BY THE INCREASE BANK

[Facility office address, fax number and attention details for notices and account details for payments/standard settlement instructions]

[Increase Bank]

By:

This Agreement is accepted as an Increase Confirmation for the purposes of the Facility Agreement by the Agent and the Increase Date is confirmed as [                    ].

Agent:

By:

 

83


SCHEDULE 7

EXTENSION REQUEST AND EXTENSION NOTICE

PART I

EXTENSION REQUEST

FORM OF EXTENSION REQUEST

To:

   HSBC Bank plc as Agent

From:

   British American Tobacco p.l.c.
   Date: [                     ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

 

1. We wish to request an extension to the Final Maturity Date for an additional period of 365 days to the sixth anniversary of the date of the Facility Agreement.

 

2. We confirm that as at the date of this Extension Request:

 

  (a) the representations and warranties in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ) of the Facility Agreement except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions ) are correct; and

 

  (b) no Default is outstanding

 

3. Capitalised terms used in this Extension Request bear the meaning given to them in the Facility Agreement.

By:

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

Authorised Signatory

 

 

84


PART II

EXTENSION NOTICE

 

To:   British American Tobacco p.l.c.   
From:   HSBC Bank plc as Agent   
       Date:  [                    ] 

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                    ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

 

1. We refer to your Extension Request dated [                    ] and confirm that the Banks listed in the Schedule to this Extension Notice have agreed to your request of an extension of the Final Maturity Date for an additional period of 365 days to the sixth anniversary of the date of the Facility Agreement.

 

2. Capitalised terms used in this Extension Notice bear the meaning given to them in the Facility Agreement.

By:

HSBC Bank plc as Agent

Authorised Signatory

 

Dated:                    201[     ]

 

85


Schedule

 

Bank    Revolving Facility    Commitment £    US$ Swingline
Commitment
  

€ Swingline

Commitment

[                ]

   [                ]    [                ]    [                ]    [                ]

Total:

Percentage

of Total

Commitments:

 

86


SCHEDULE 8

SECOND EXTENSION REQUEST AND SECOND EXTENSION NOTICE

PART I

SECOND EXTENSION REQUEST

FORM OF SECOND EXTENSION REQUEST

 

To: HSBC Bank plc as Agent

 

From: British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                    ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

 

1. We wish to request an extension of the Final Maturity Date:

 

  1.1 in the case of the First Extension Banks, for an additional period of 365 days to the seventh anniversary of the date of the Facility Agreement; and

 

  1.2 [in the case of the Banks that have refused an Extension Request, for an additional period of 365 days to the sixth anniversary of the date of the Facility Agreement or for an additional period of 730 days to the seventh anniversary of the date of the Facility Agreement.]

 

2. We confirm that as at the date of this Second Extension Request:

 

  2.1 the representations and warranties in Clause 15 ( Representations and Warranties ) of the Facility Agreement except for Clause 15.8 ( Litigation ), Clause 15.9 ( Material adverse change ) and Clause 15.11 ( Sanctions )) are correct; and

 

  2.2 no Default is outstanding.

 

3. Capitalised terms used in this Second Extension Request bear the meaning given to them in the Facility Agreement.

By:

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

Authorised Signatory

 

87


PART II

SECOND EXTENSION NOTICE

 

To:        

  

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

  

From:   

  

HSBC Bank plc as Agent

  
      Date: [                    ]

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

£3,000,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement

dated [                    ] 2014 (the “Facility Agreement”)

 

1. We refer to your Second Extension Request dated [                    ] and confirm that the Banks listed in the Schedule to this Second Extension Notice have agreed to your request of an extension of the Final Maturity Date for an additional period of:

 

  1.1 365 days, in the case of the First Extension Banks; and

 

  1.2 [365 days to the sixth anniversary of the date of the Facility Agreement or 730 days to the seventh anniversary of the date of the Facility Agreement (as specified in the Schedule), in the case of Banks who refused an Extension Request.]

 

2. Capitalised terms used in this Second Extension Notice bear the meaning given to them in the Facility Agreement.

By:

HSBC Bank plc as Agent

Authorised Signatory

 

Dated:                     201[     ]

 

88


Schedule

 

Bank    Period of Extension
(days) for Banks
other than First
Extension Banks
   Revolving
Facility
   Commitment £    US$ Swingline
Commitment
   € Swingline
Commitment

[                 ]

   [                ]    [                ]    [                ]    [                ]    [                ]

Total:

Percentage

of Total

Commitments:

 

89


SIGNATORIES

Original Borrowers

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

By: Ben Stevens

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE P.L.C.

By: Neil Wadey

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

By: Judith Clot-Bollen            By: Rik Lina

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

By: Judith Clot-Bollen            By: Rik Lina

Guarantor

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

By: Ben Stevens

 

90


Agent

HSBC BANK PLC

 

By: Aimee Flynn

US$ Swingline Agent

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

By: Joseph A. Loret

Euro Swingline Agent

HSBC BANK PLC

 

By: Aimee Flynn

Arrangers

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC

(trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL BANKING AND MARKETS)

 

By: Kevin Lovell

 

By: Neville Crow

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

 

By: Matthew Jackson

BNP PARIBAS

 

By: M. Redferne

 

By: S. West

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED

 

By: Michael Parker

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

 

By: James Weber

 

By: Bradley Lieberstein

 

91


DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: Simon Derrick

 

By: Alistair Macdonald

HSBC BANK PLC

 

By: Guy Jolly

ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH

 

By: S. Fitch

 

By: I. Taylor

J.P. MORGAN LIMITED

 

By: Owen Medler

LLOYDS BANK PLC

 

By: Ian Dimmock

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: Ian Fisher

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

 

By: S. Carvil

 

By: T. Sakurai

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

 

By: Dave Rome

UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: A. J. Holmes

 

By: N. Lamedica

 

92


Banks

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED

 

By: Nicholas Hill

ABBEY NATIONAL TREASURY SERVICES PLC

(trading as SANTANDER GLOBAL BANKING AND MARKETS)

 

By: Kevin Lovell

 

By: Neville Crow

BANK OF CHINA LIMITED, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: Stephen Hardman

 

By: Huabin Wang

BANK OF AMERICA MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

 

By: Tarun Mehta

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

 

By: Emilia Evangelidis

BARCLAYS BANK PLC

 

By: Matthew Jackson

BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK

 

By: Nikolai Meugdeu

 

By: Ian Little

BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK, NEW YORK BRANCH

 

By: Rolf Siebert

 

By: Matthew DeCarlo

BBVA IRELAND P.L.C.

 

By: Pablo Vallejo

BNP PARIBAS, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: M. Redferne

 

By: S. West

 

93


CITIBANK, N.A., LONDON BRANCH

 

By: Michael Parker

CITIBANK, N.A.

 

By: Michael Parker

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: Pete Voice

 

By: James Weber

COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, NEW YORK BRANCH

 

By: Philipp Huesgen

 

By: David Johansson

DANSKE BANK A/S

 

By: Jovan Atkinson

 

By: David Daniel

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: Simon Derrick

 

By: Alistair Macdonald

DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH

 

By: Simon Derrick

 

By: Alistair Macdonald

HSBC BANK PLC

 

By: Guy Jolly

ING BANK N.V., LONDON BRANCH

 

By: S. Fitch

 

By: I. Taylor

ING BANK N.V., DUBLIN BRANCH

 

By: Maurice Kenny

 

By: Aidan Neill

 

94


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

 

By: Owen Medler

LLOYDS BANK PLC

 

By: Ian Dimmock

SCOTIABANK (IRELAND) LIMITED

 

By: Clive Sinnamon

 

By: Sue Foster

SCOTIABANK EUROPE PLC

 

By: Pavinder Bhinder

 

By: William Swords

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, LONDON

 

By: Pavinder Bhinder

 

By: William Swords

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: Ian Fisher

STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

 

By: Prabhakar Sundaresan

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION

 

By: S. Carvil

 

By: T. Sakurai

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC

 

By: Dave Rome

UNICREDIT BANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LONDON BRANCH

 

By: A. J. Holmes

 

By: N. Lamedica

 

95

Exhibit 4.7

CONFORMED COPY

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUPPLEMENTAL TRUST DEED

20 MAY 2016

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.

and

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

and

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

and

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

and

THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c.

further modifying and restating the Trust Deed dated 6 July 1998 (as previously modified and restated) relating to the U.S.$3,000,000,000 (now £15,000,000,000) Euro Medium Term Note Programme

 

LOGO

Allen & Overy LLP

0015437-0009726 ICM:2435822224.1


THIS TWENTY-SEVENTH SUPPLEMENTAL TRUST DEED is made on 20 May 2016

BETWEEN :

 

(1) B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c. (a public limited company with company number 1060930) whose registered office is at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG ( BATIF );

 

(2) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V. (a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of The Netherlands and registered with the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce under No. 33236251) whose registered office is at Handelsweg 53A, 1181 ZA Amstelveen, The Netherlands ( BATHTN );

 

(3) B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. (a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of The Netherlands and registered with the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce under No. 60533536) whose registered office is at Handelsweg 53A, 1181 ZA Amstelveen, The Netherlands ( BATNF and, together with BATIF and BATHTN each in their capacities as Issuer , the Issuers and each an Issuer );

 

(4) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c. (a public limited company with company number 3407696) whose registered office is at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG ( British American Tobacco and, together with BATIF, BATHTN and BATNF in their capacities as guarantors of Notes issued by the other Issuers, the Guarantors and each a Guarantor ); and

 

(5) THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c. (company number 1675231) whose registered office is at Fifth Floor, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7EX (the Trustee , which expression, where the context so admits, includes any successor or other trustee for the time being of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed) as trustee for the Noteholders and the Couponholders.

WHEREAS :

 

(A) This Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed is supplemental to:

 

  (i) the Trust Deed dated 6 July 1998 (hereinafter called the Principal Trust Deed ) made between BATIF, B.A.T Capital Corporation ( BATCAP ), British American Tobacco, B.A.T Finance B.V. ( BATFIN ), B.A.T. Industries p.l.c. ( BAT Industries ), British American Tobacco Mexico, S.A. de C.V. ( BAT Mexico ) and the Trustee relating to the U.S.$3,000,000,000 (now £15,000,000,000) Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the Programme ) established by BATIF, BATCAP and originally BATFIN;

 

  (ii) the First Supplemental Trust Deed dated 22 March 1999 (hereinafter called the First Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to the Principal Trust Deed and modifying the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed;

 

  (iii) the Second Supplemental trust Deed dated 19 January 2000 (hereinafter called the Second Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to the Principal Trust deed and BAT(CI) Finance Limited ( BATCIF ) and effecting the substitution of BATCIF in place of BATIF as principal debtor in respect of certain Notes issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (iv) the Third Supplemental Trust Deed dated 15 August 2000 (hereinafter called the Third Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to the Principal Trust Deed and BATCIF and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed;

 

1


  (v) the Fourth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 3 July 2002 (hereinafter called the Fourth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATHTN and BATNF), BATCAP, BATFIN and BATCIF and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (vi) the Fifth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 16 April 2003 (hereinafter called the Fifth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF), BATCAP and BATFIN and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (vii) the Sixth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 26 May 2005 (hereinafter called the Sixth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and BATCAP and effecting the substitution of BATHTN in place of BATIF as principal debtor in respect of the Series 25 EUR 1,000,000,000 Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2006 issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (viii) the Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed dated 21 June 2005 (hereinafter called the Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF), BATCAP, BATFIN, BAT Industries and BAT Mexico and effecting the substitution of BATHTN in place of BATIF as principal debtor in respect of the Series 1 DM 1,000,000,000 5.375 per cent Guaranteed Notes due 2006 issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (ix) the Eighth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 30 November 2005 (hereinafter called the Eighth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and BATCAP and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (x) the Ninth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 30 November 2007 (hereinafter called the Ninth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and BATCAP and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (xi) the Tenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 1 December 2008 (hereinafter called the Tenth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and BATCAP and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (xii) the Eleventh Supplemental Trust Deed dated 4 March 2010 (hereinafter called the Eleventh Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and BATCAP and effecting the substitution of BATHTN in place of BATIF as principal debtor in respect of the Series 22 €1,000,000,000 5.125 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2013 issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xiii) the Twelfth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 1 December 2010 (hereinafter called the Twelfth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and BATCAP and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

2


  (xiv) the Thirteenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 25 May 2011 (hereinafter called the Thirteenth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and BATCAP and substituting BATHTN in place of BATIF as the principal debtor in respect of the Series 36 €650,000,000 4.875 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2021 issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xv) the Fourteenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 9 December 2011 (hereinafter called the Fourteenth Supplemental Trust Deed) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (xvi) the Fifteenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 11 December 2012 (hereinafter called the Fifteenth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (xvii) the Sixteenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 12 December 2013 (hereinafter called the Sixteenth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (other than BATNF) and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (xviii) the Seventeenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 16 May 2014 (hereinafter called the Seventeenth Supplemental Trust Deed) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and modifying and restating the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated);

 

  (xix) the Eighteenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 4 September 2014 (hereinafter called the Eighteenth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and modifying the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated) in respect of the Series 47 CHF 400,000,000 0.625 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2021 issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xx) the Nineteenth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 4 September 2014 (hereinafter called the Nineteenth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and modifying the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated) in respect of the Series 48 CHF 250,000,000 1.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2026 issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xxi) the Twentieth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 4 September 2014 (hereinafter called the Twentieth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and modifying the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated) in respect of the Series 46 CHF 350,000,000 Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2016 issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xxii)

the Twenty-First Supplemental Trust Deed dated 8 December 2014 (hereinafter called the Twenty-First Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and BATCAP and substituting BATNF in

 

3


  place of BATHTN as the principal debtor in respect of the Series 30 £325,000,000 5.500 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2016, the Series 36 €650,000,000 4.875 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2021 and the Series 37 €600,000,000 4.000 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2020, each issued by BATHTN pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xxiii) the Twenty-Second Supplemental Trust Deed dated 8 December 2014 (hereinafter called the Twenty-Second Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and substituting BATNF in place of BATHTN as the principal debtor in respect of the Series 40 €750,000,000 2.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2023 and the Series 44 €600,000,000 3.125 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2029, each issued by BATHTN pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xxiv) the Twenty-Third Supplemental Trust Deed dated 8 December 2014 (hereinafter called the Twenty-Third Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and BATCAP and effecting the addition of BATNF as a guarantor in respect of the Series 26 £500,000,000 6.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2019, the Series 32 €1,250,000,000 5.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2017, the Series 33 £500,000,000 7.250 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2024, the Series 34 €1,250,000,000 5.875 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2015, the Series 35 £250,000,000 6.000 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2022, the Series 37 £500,000,000 6.000 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2034, the Series 38 £275,000,000 5.750 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2040 and the Series 39 €600,000,000 3.625 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2021, each issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xxv) the Twenty-Fourth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 8 December 2014 (hereinafter called the Twenty-Fourth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and effecting the addition of BATNF as a guarantor in respect of the Series 41 US$300,000,000 1.125 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2016, the Series 42 €650,000,000 2.750 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2025, the Series 43 £650,000,000 4.000 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2026, and the Series 45 €400,000,000 Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2018, each issued by BATIF pursuant to the Programme;

 

  (xxvi) the Twenty-Fifth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 12 April 2016 (hereinafter called the Twenty-Fifth Supplemental Trust Deed ) made between the same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and BATCAP and substituting BATIF in place of BATNF as the principal debtor in respect of the Series 36 €650,000,000 4.875 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2021 and the Series 37 €600,000,000 4.000 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2020, each issued by BATNF pursuant to the Programme; and

 

  (xxvii)

the Twenty-Sixth Supplemental Trust Deed dated 12 April 2016 (hereinafter called the Twenty-Sixth Supplemental Trust Deed and together with the Principal Trust Deed, the First Supplemental Trust Deed, the Second Supplemental Trust Deed, the Third Supplemental Trust Deed, the Fourth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Fifth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Sixth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed, the Eighth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Ninth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Tenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Eleventh Supplemental Trust Deed, the Twelfth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Thirteenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Fourteenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Fifteenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Sixteenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Seventeenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Eighteenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Nineteenth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Twentieth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Twenty-First Supplemental Trust Deed, the Twenty-Second Supplemental Trust Deed, the Twenty-Third Supplemental Trust Deed, the Twenty-Fourth Supplemental Trust Deed and the Twenty-Fifth Supplemental Trust Deed, the Subsisting Trust Deeds ) made between the

 

4


  same parties as are parties to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed substituting BATIF in place of BATNF as the principal debtor in respect of the Series 40 €750,000,000 2.375 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2023 and the Series 44 €600,000,000 3.125 per cent. Guaranteed Notes due 2029, each issued by BATNF pursuant to the Programme.

 

(B) On 20 May 2016 the Issuers published a modified and updated Prospectus relating to the Programme (the Base Prospectus ).

 

(C) The Issuers have requested the Trustee to concur in making further modifications to the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified and restated) to reflect the relevant modifications referred to in Recital (B) above.

NOW THIS TWENTY-SEVENTH SUPPLEMENTAL TRUST DEED WITNESSETH AND IT IS HEREBY DECLARED as follows:

 

1. Subject as hereinafter provided and unless there is something in the subject matter or context inconsistent therewith, all words and expressions defined in the Subsisting Trust Deeds shall have the same meanings in this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed.

 

2. Save:

 

  (a) in relation to all Series of Notes issued during the period up to and including the day last preceding the date of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed;

 

  (b) in relation to any Notes issued on or after the date of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed so as to be consolidated and form a single series with the Notes of any Series issued during the period up to and including the day last preceding the date of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed; and

 

  (c) for the purpose (where necessary) of construing the provisions of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed,

with effect on and from the date of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed:

 

  (a) the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified, restated and supplemented) is hereby modified and restated in such manner as would result in the Principal Trust Deed being in the form set out in the Schedule hereto; and

 

  (b) the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed (as previously modified, restated and supplemented) insofar as the same still have effect shall cease to have effect and in lieu thereof the provisions of the Principal Trust Deed as so further modified (and being in the form set out in the Schedule hereto) shall have effect.

 

3. The Subsisting Trust Deeds and this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed shall henceforth be read and construed together as one trust deed.

 

4. A memorandum of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed shall be endorsed by the Trustee on the original of the Principal Trust Deed and by BATIF, BATHTN, BATNF and the Guarantors on their respective duplicates thereof.

 

5. This Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.

 

5


6. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that the courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed (including a dispute relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it) and that accordingly any suit, action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with these presents (together referred to as Proceedings ) may be brought in the courts of England, including any Proceedings relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to raise any objection which it may have now or subsequently to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in the courts of England and any claim that any Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that a judgment in any Proceedings brought in the courts of England shall be conclusive and binding upon it and may be enforced in the courts of any other jurisdiction. Nothing in this Clause shall limit any right to take Proceedings against any of the parties hereto in any other court of competent jurisdiction (outside the Contracting States, as defined in Section 1(3) of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982), nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not.

 

7. Each of BATHTN and BATNF irrevocably and unconditionally appoints British American Tobacco at its registered office at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG and in the event of its ceasing so to act will appoint such other person as the Trustee may approve and as BATHTN or BATNF, as the case may be, may nominate in writing to the Trustee for the purpose to accept service of process on its behalf in England in respect of any Proceedings. Each of BATHTN and BATNF:

 

  (a) agrees to procure that, so long as any Notes issued by it remain liable to prescription, there shall be in force an appointment of such a person approved by the Trustee with an office in London with authority to accept service as aforesaid;

 

  (b) agrees that failure by any such person to give notice of such service of process to BATHTN or BATNF, as the case may be, shall not impair the validity of such service or of any judgment based thereon; and

 

  (c) agrees that nothing in this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

8. This Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed may be executed and delivered in any number of counterparts, all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same deed and any party to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed may enter into the same by executing and delivering a counterpart.

 

9. A person who is not a party to this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed, but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act.

IN WITNESS whereof this Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed has been executed as a deed by each of the parties hereto and delivered on the date first stated above.

 

6


SCHEDULE 1

FORM OF MODIFIED AND RESTATED PRINCIPAL TRUST DEED

Dated 6 July 1998 and modified and restated on 20 May 2016

TRUST DEED

6 JULY 1998

DATED 6 JULY 1998 AND MODIFIED AND RESTATED ON 20 MAY 2016

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.

and

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

and

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

and

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

and

THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c.

relating to a

£15,000,000,000

Euro Medium Term Note Programme

 

7


CONTENTS

 

Clause        Page  

1.

  Interpretation      10  

2.

  Amount and Issue of the Notes      18  

3.

  Form of the Notes      21  

4.

  Stamp Duties and Taxes      22  

5.

  Guarantee and Indemnity      23  

6.

  Application of Moneys and Partial Payments      26  

7.

  Covenants      27  

8.

  Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee      29  

9.

  Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts      30  

10.

  Trustee Liable for Negligence      34  

11.

  Waiver and Proof of Default      34  

12.

  Trustee Contracting with the Issuer and the Guarantors      34  

13.

  Modification and Substitution      35  

14.

  Appointment, Retirement and Removal of the Trustee      37  

15.

  Holder of Definitive Note Assumed to be Couponholder      37  

16.

  Currency Indemnity      38  

17.

  Communications      38  

18.

  Governing Law      39  

19.

  Submission to Jurisdiction      40  

20.

  Counterparts      40  

21.

  Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999      40  
Schedule   

1.

  Terms and Conditions of the Notes      41  

2.

  Forms of Global and Definitive Notes, Coupons and Talons      64  
  Part 1     Form of Temporary Global Note      64  
  Part 2     Form of Permanent Global Note      73  
  Part 3     Form of Definitive Note      82  
  Part 4     Form of Coupon      85  
  Part 5     Form of Talon      87  

3.

  Provisions for Meetings of Noteholders      89  

Signatories

     97  

 

8


THIS TRUST DEED originally made on 6 July 1998 was amended and restated on 20 May 2016

BETWEEN :

 

(1) B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c. (company number 1060930) whose registered office is at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG ( BATIF );

 

(2) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V. (a company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands and registered with the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam under No. 33236251) whose registered office is at Handelsweg 53A, 1181 ZA Amstelveen, The Netherlands ( BATHTN );

 

(3) B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. (a company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of The Netherlands and registered with the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce under No. 60533536) whose registered office is at Handelsweg 53A, 1181 ZA Amstelveen, The Netherlands ( BATNF and, together with BATIF and BATHTN each in their capacities as Issuer , the Issuers and each an Issuer );

 

(4) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c. (company number 3407696) whose registered office is at Globe House, as aforesaid ( British American Tobacco and, together with, in their capacities as guarantors of Notes issued by the other Issuer, BATIF, BATHTN and BATNF, the Guarantors and each a Guarantor ); and

 

(5) THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c. (company number 1675231) whose registered office is at Fifth Floor, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7EX (the Trustee , which expression, where the context so admits, includes any successor or other trustee for the time being of this Trust Deed) as trustee for the Noteholders and the Couponholders (each as defined below).

WHEREAS :

 

(A) By a resolution of the Board of Directors of BATIF passed on 30 June 1998 BATIF has resolved to establish a Euro Medium Term Note Programme pursuant to which it may from time to time issue Notes as set out herein. By a resolution of the Board of Directors of BATHTN passed on 14 April 2003, BATHTN has resolved to accede to the Programme as an issuer. By a resolution of the Board of Directors of BATNF passed on 12 May 2014, BATNF has resolved to accede to the Programme as an issuer. By resolutions of the Boards of Directors of BATIF passed on 23 February 1999, 23 May 2000, 24 July 2000, 24 June 2002, 14 April 2003, 25 February 2004, 12 April 2005, 21 November 2005, 23 November 2006, 23 November 2007, 21 November 2008, 25 November 2009, 19 November 2010, 23 November 2011, 30 November 2012, 29 November 2013, 15 May 2014, 24 April 2015 and 6 May 2016 and of BATHTN passed on 25 February 2004, 14 April 2005, 21 November 2005, 16 November 2006, 23 November 2007, 21 November 2008, 20 November 2009, 19 November 2010, 23 November 2011, 30 November 2012, 2 December 2013, 12 May 2014, 28 April 2015 and 11 May 2016 and of BATNF passed on 28 April 2015 and 11 May 2016, the Issuers have resolved to update the Programme. Notes up to a maximum nominal amount (calculated in accordance with Clause 3.5 of the Programme Agreement (as defined below)) from time to time outstanding of £15,000,000,000 (subject to increase as provided in the Programme Agreement) (the Programme Limit ) may be issued pursuant to the said Programme.

 

(B)

By resolutions of the Board of Directors of British American Tobacco passed on 18 June 1998, 5 March 1999, 24 May 2000, 28 July 2000, 14 April 2003, 20 February 2004, 29 October 2007 and 25 February 2014 of a Committee of the Board of Directors passed on 1 July 1998 and of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors passed on 24 April 2002 and 24 June 2002 and of the Transactions Committee of the Board of Directors on 11 April 2005, 21 November 2005, 16

 

9


  November 2006, 20 November 2007, 21 November 2008, 17 November 2009, 19 November 2010, 23 November 2011, 30 November 2012, 29 November 2013, 12 May 2014, 23 April 2015 and 3 May 2016 and of the Board of Directors of BATIF passed on 30 June 1998, 23 February 1999, 23 May 2000, 24 July 2000, 24 June 2002, 14 April 2003, 25 February 2004, 12 April 2005, 21 November 2005, 23 November 2006, 23 November 2007, 21 November 2008, 25 November 2009, 19 November 2010, 23 November 2011, 30 November 2012, 29 November 2013, 15 May 2014, 24 April 2015 and 6 May 2016 and of the Board of Directors of BATHTN passed on 14 April 2003, 25 February 2004, 14 April 2005, 21 November 2005, 16 November 2006, 23 November 2007, 21 November 2008, 20 November 2009, 19 November 2010, 23 November 2011, 30 November 2012, 2 December 2013, 12 May 2014, 28 April 2015 and 11 May 2016 and of the Board of Directors of BATNF passed on 12 May 2014, 28 April 2015 and 11 May 2016, the Guarantors have resolved to guarantee Notes issued under the said Programme and to enter into certain covenants as set out in this Trust Deed.

 

(C) The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed for the benefit of the Noteholders and the Couponholders upon and subject to the terms and conditions of this Trust Deed.

 

(D) References hereafter in this Trust Deed to the Issuer and the Guarantors are to the Issuer and the Guarantors specified in the applicable Final Terms (as defined below) in relation to a particular Series of the Notes.

THIS DEED WITNESSES AND IT IS DECLARED as follows:

 

1. INTERPRETATION

 

1.1 Definitions

The following expressions have the following meanings:

Agency Agreement means the agreement dated 6 July 1998, as amended and/or supplemented and/or restated from time to time, appointing the Agent and the other Paying Agents in relation to all or any Series of the Notes and any other agreement for the time being in force appointing another Agent or further or other Paying Agents in relation to all or any Series of the Notes, or in connection with their duties, the terms of which have previously been approved in writing by the Trustee, together with any agreement for the time being in force amending or modifying with the prior written approval of the Trustee any of the aforesaid agreements;

Agent means, in relation to all or any Series of the Notes, Citibank, N.A., London Branch at its office at Citigroup Centre, Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB, England, or, if applicable, any Successor agent in relation thereto;

Auditors means the auditors for the time being of the relevant Issuer or a Guarantor (as the case may be), or, if they are unable or unwilling to carry out any action requested of them pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed, such other firm of accountants as may be selected for the purpose by the relevant Issuer or the relevant Guarantor (as the case may be) which, for the avoidance of doubt in the case of the auditors of the relevant Issuer so being unable or unwilling, may be the auditors of the ultimate Holding Company of the Group, in either such case, as approved by the Trustee (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) and, failing such selection by the relevant Issuer or the relevant Guarantor (as the case may be) as may be nominated in writing by the Trustee for the purpose;

Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness has the meaning ascribed thereto in Condition 9(a);

 

10


Calculation Agent means, in relation to all or any Series of the Notes, the person appointed as such from time to time pursuant to the provisions of the Agency Agreement or, if applicable, any Successor calculation agent in relation thereto;

CGN means a Temporary Global Note or a Permanent Global Note and in either case in respect of which the applicable Final Terms indicates is not in New Global Note form;

Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ;

Conditions means, in relation to the Notes of any Series, the terms and conditions endorsed on or incorporated by reference into the Note or Notes constituting such Series, such terms and conditions being in or substantially in the form set out in Schedule 1 or in such other form, having regard to the terms of issue of the Notes of the relevant Series, as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer, the relevant Guarantor(s), the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s) as supplemented by the Final Terms applicable to the Notes of the relevant Series, in each case as from time to time modified in accordance with the provisions of this Trust Deed;

Coupon means an interest coupon appertaining to a Definitive Note (other than a Zero Coupon Note), such coupon being:

 

  (a) if appertaining to a Fixed Rate Note, in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 4 (Part A) of Schedule 2 or in such other form, having regard to the terms of issue of the Notes of the relevant Series, as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer, the relevant Guarantor(s), the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s); or

 

  (b) if appertaining to a Floating Rate Note, in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 4 (Part B) of Schedule 2 or in such other form, having regard to the terms of issue of the Notes of the relevant Series, as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer, the relevant Guarantor(s), the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s),

and includes, where applicable, the Talon(s) appertaining thereto and any replacements for Coupons and Talons issued pursuant to Condition 10;

Couponholders means the several persons who are for the time being holders of the Coupons and includes, where applicable, the Talonholders;

Dealers means Banco Santander, S.A., Barclays Bank PLC, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, Lloyds Bank plc, SMBC Nikko Capital Markets Limited, Société Générale and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and any other entity appointed as a Dealer and notice of whose appointment has been given to the Agent and the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Programme Agreement but excluding any entity whose appointment has been terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Programme Agreement and notice of which termination has been given to the Agent and the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Programme Agreement and references to a relevant Dealer or relevant Dealer(s) mean, in relation to any Tranche or Series of Notes, the Dealer or Dealers with whom the relevant Issuer has agreed the issue of the Notes of such Tranche or Series and Dealer means any one of them;

Definitive Note means a Note in definitive form issued or, as the case may require, to be issued by the relevant Issuer in accordance with the provisions of the Programme Agreement or any other agreement between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s), the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed in exchange for either a Temporary Global Note or part thereof or a Permanent Global Note (all as indicated in the applicable Final Terms), such Note in definitive form being in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 3 of Schedule 2 with such modifications (if any) as may be

 

11


agreed between the relevant Issuer, the relevant Guarantor(s), the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s) and having the Conditions endorsed thereon or, if permitted by the relevant Stock Exchange, incorporating the Conditions by reference (where applicable to this Trust Deed) as indicated in the applicable Final Terms and having the relevant information supplementing, replacing or modifying the Conditions appearing in the applicable Final Terms endorsed thereon or attached thereto and (except in the case of a Zero Coupon Note) having Coupons and, where appropriate, Talons attached thereto on issue;

Distribution Compliance Period has the meaning given to such term in Regulation S under the Securities Act;

Early Redemption Amount has the meaning ascribed thereto in Condition 6(e);

Euroclear means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.;

Eurosystem means the central banking system for the euro;

Event of Default means an event described in Condition 9(a) and which, if so required by that Condition, has been certified by the Trustee to be, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interest of the holders of the Notes of the relevant Series;

Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning set out in Schedule 3;

Final Terms has the meaning set out in the Programme Agreement;

Fixed Rate Note means a Note on which interest is calculated at a fixed rate payable in arrear on a fixed date or fixed dates in each year and on redemption or on such other dates as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s) (as indicated in the applicable Final Terms);

Floating Rate Note means a Note on which interest is calculated at a floating rate payable one-, two-, three-, six- or twelve-monthly or in respect of such other period or on such date(s) as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s) (as indicated in the applicable Final Terms);

FSMA means the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom;

Global Note means a Temporary Global Note and/or a Permanent Global Note, as the context may require;

Group has the meaning ascribed thereto in Condition 9(a);

Guarantee means the guarantee and indemnity of the Guarantors in Clause 5;

Holding Company means a holding company within the meaning of Section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006;

Interest Commencement Date means, in the case of interest-bearing Notes, the date specified in the applicable Final Terms from (and including) which such Notes bear interest, which may or may not be the Issue Date;

Interest Payment Date means, in relation to any Floating Rate Note, either:

 

  (a) the date which falls the number of months or other period specified as the Specified Period in the applicable Final Terms after the preceding Interest Payment Date or the Interest Commencement Date (in the case of the first Interest Payment Date); or

 

12


  (b) such date or dates as are indicated in the applicable Final Terms;

Issue Date means, in respect of any Note, the date of issue and purchase of such Note pursuant to and in accordance with the Programme Agreement or any other agreement between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s), being in the case of any Definitive Note the same date as the date of issue of the Temporary Global Note which initially represented such Note;

Issue Price means the price, generally expressed as a percentage of the nominal amount of the Notes, at which the Notes will be issued;

London Business Day has the meaning set out in Condition 4(b)(v);

London Stock Exchange means the London Stock Exchange plc or such other body to which its functions and business have been transferred;

Maturity Date means the date on which a Note is expressed to be redeemable;

month means calendar month;

NGN means a Temporary Global Note or a Permanent Global Note and in either case in respect of which the applicable Final Terms indicates is in New Global Note form;

Note means a note issued pursuant to the Programme and denominated in such currency or currencies as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s) which:

 

  (a) has such maturity as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s), subject to such minimum or maximum maturity as may be allowed or required from time to time by the relevant central bank (or equivalent body) or any laws or regulations applicable to the relevant Issuer or the relevant currency; and

 

  (b) has such denomination as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s), subject to such minimum denomination as may be allowed or required from time to time by the relevant central bank (or equivalent body) or any laws or regulations applicable to the relevant currency, which will be at least €1,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) in any event, provided that (i) in the case of any Notes which are to be admitted to trading on a regulated market within the European Economic Area ( EEA ) or offered to the public in a Member State of the EEA in circumstances which require the publication of a prospectus under the Prospectus Directive (2003/71/EC), the minimum denomination shall be €100,000 (or the equivalent of such amounts in another currency as at the date of issue of the Notes); and (ii) unless otherwise permitted by then current laws and regulations, Notes (including Notes denominated in sterling) in respect of which the issue proceeds are received by the relevant Issuer in the United Kingdom and which have a maturity of less than one year will have a minimum redemption value of £100,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies),

issued or to be issued by the relevant Issuer pursuant to the Programme Agreement or any other agreement between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s), the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed and which shall initially be represented by, and comprised in, either (a) a Temporary Global Note which may (in accordance with the terms of such Temporary Global Note) be exchanged for either Definitive Notes or a Permanent Global Note, which Permanent Global Note may (in accordance with the terms of such Permanent Global Note) in turn be exchanged for Definitive Notes or (b) a Permanent Global Note which may (in accordance with the terms of such Permanent Global Note) be exchanged for Definitive Notes (all as indicated in the applicable Final Terms) and includes any replacements for a Note issued pursuant to Condition 10;

 

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Noteholders means the several persons who are for the time being bearers of outstanding Notes save that, in respect of the Notes of any Series, for so long as such Notes or any part thereof are represented by a Global Note deposited with a common depositary (in the case of a CGN) or common safekeeper (in the case of a NGN) for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg, each person who is for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg (other than Clearstream, Luxembourg, if Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be an accountholder of Euroclear and Euroclear, if Euroclear shall be an accountholder of Clearstream, Luxembourg) as the holder of a particular nominal amount of the Notes of such Series shall be deemed to be the holder of such nominal amount of such Notes (and the holder of the relevant Global Note shall be deemed not to be the holder) for all purposes of this Trust Deed other than with respect to the payment of principal or interest on such nominal amount of such Notes, the rights to which shall be vested, as against the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors, solely in such common depositary (in the case of a CGN) or common safekeeper (in the case of a NGN) and for which purpose such common depositary (in the case of a CGN) or common safekeeper (in the case of a NGN) shall be deemed to be the holder of such nominal amount of such Notes in accordance with and subject to the terms of the relevant Global Note and the provisions of this Trust Deed and the expressions Noteholder , holder and holder of Notes and related expressions shall be construed accordingly;

notice means, in respect of a notice to be given to Noteholders, a notice validly given pursuant to Condition 13;

Official List has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 103 of the FSMA;

outstanding means, in relation to the Notes of all or any Series, all the Notes of such Series issued other than:

 

  (a) those Notes which have been redeemed pursuant to this Trust Deed;

 

  (b) those Notes in respect of which the date for redemption in accordance with the Conditions has occurred and the redemption moneys (including all interest payable thereon) have been duly paid to the Trustee or to the Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement (and where appropriate notice to that effect has been given to the relative Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13) and remain available for payment against presentation of the relevant Notes and/or Coupons;

 

  (c) those Notes which have been purchased and cancelled in accordance with Conditions 6(f) and 6(g);

 

  (d) those Notes which have become void under Condition 8;

 

  (e) those mutilated or defaced Notes which have been surrendered and cancelled and in respect of which replacements have been issued pursuant to Condition 10;

 

  (f) (for the purpose only of ascertaining the nominal amount of the Notes outstanding and without prejudice to the status for any other purpose of the relevant Notes) those Notes which are alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacements have been issued pursuant to Condition 10; and

 

  (g) any Temporary Global Note to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a Permanent Global Note and any Permanent Global Note to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for Definitive Notes in each case pursuant to its provisions, the provisions of this Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement;

PROVIDED THAT for each of the following purposes, namely:

 

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  (i) the right to attend and vote at any meeting of the holders of the Notes of any Series;

 

  (ii) the determination of how many and which Notes of any Series are for the time being outstanding for the purposes of Conditions 9(a) and (b) and 14 and Schedule 3;

 

  (iii) any discretion, power or authority (whether contained in this Trust Deed or vested by operation of law) which the Trustee is required, expressly or impliedly, to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the holders of the Notes of any Series; and

 

  (iv) the determination by the Trustee whether any event, circumstance, matter or thing is, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the holders of the Notes of any Series,

those Notes of the relevant Series (if any) which are for the time being held by or on behalf of the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors or any other subsidiary of the relevant Issuer or the Guarantors, in each case as beneficial owner, shall (unless and until ceasing to be so held) be deemed not to remain outstanding;

Paying Agents means, in relation to all or any Series of the Notes, the several institutions (including, where the context permits, the Agent) at their respective specified offices initially appointed as paying agents in relation to such Notes pursuant to the Agency Agreement and/or, if applicable, any Successor paying agents in relation thereto;

Permanent Global Note means a global note in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 2 with such modifications (if any) as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer, the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s), together with the copy of the applicable Final Terms annexed thereto, comprising some or all of the Notes of the same Series, issued by the relevant Issuer pursuant to the Programme Agreement or any other agreement between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s), the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed either on issue or in exchange for the whole or part of any Temporary Global Note issued in respect of such Notes;

Potential Event of Default means an event or circumstance which would with the giving of notice, lapse of time, issue of a certificate and/or fulfilment of any other requirement provided for in Condition 9(a) become an Event of Default;

Programme means the Euro Medium Term Note Programme established by, or otherwise contemplated in, the Programme Agreement;

Programme Agreement means the agreement of even date herewith between the parties hereto (other than the Trustee) and the Dealers named therein concerning the purchase of Notes to be issued pursuant to the Programme as amended and/or supplemented and/or restated from time to time;

Put Notice means a notice in the form set out in Schedule 2 to the Agency Agreement;

Reference Banks means the several banks initially appointed as reference banks in relation to the Notes of any relevant Series and/or, if applicable, any Successor reference banks in relation thereto such banks being, in the case of a determination of LIBOR, the principal London office of four major banks in the London inter-bank market and, in the case of a determination of EURIBOR, the principal Euro-zone office of four major banks in the Euro-zone inter-bank market, in each case selected by the Agent or as specified in the applicable Final Terms;

Relevant Date has the meaning ascribed thereto in Condition 7;

repay , redeem and pay shall each include both the others and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;

 

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Series means a Tranche of Notes together with any further Tranche or Tranches of Notes which are (a) expressed to be consolidated and form a single series and (b) identical in all respects (including as to listing) except for their respective Issue Dates, Interest Commencement Dates and/or Issue Prices and the expressions Notes of the relevant Series , holders of Notes of the relevant Series and related expressions shall be construed accordingly;

specified office means, in relation to a Paying Agent, the office identified with its name at the end of the Conditions or any other office approved by the Trustee and notified to the Noteholders pursuant to Clause 7(j);

Specified Time means 11.00 a.m. (London time, in the case of a determination of LIBOR, or Brussels time, in the case of a determination of EURIBOR).

Stock Exchange means, in relation to the Notes of any Series, the stock exchange or exchanges on which such Notes may from time to time be listed, and references in this Trust Deed to the relevant Stock Exchange shall, in relation to the Notes of any Series, be references to the Stock Exchange on which such Notes are, from time to time, or are intended to be, listed;

subsidiary means a subsidiary within the meaning of Section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006 of Great Britain;

Successor means, in relation to the Agent, any other Paying Agent, the Reference Banks and the Calculation Agent, any successor to any one or more of them in relation to the Notes which shall become such pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed and/or the Agency Agreement (as the case may be) and/or such other or further agent, paying agent, reference banks or calculation agent (as the case may be) in relation to the Notes as may (with the prior approval of, and on terms previously approved by, the Trustee in writing) from time to time be appointed as such, and/or, if applicable, such other or further specified offices (in the former case being within the same city as those for which they are substituted) as may from time to time be nominated, in each case by the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors and (except in the case of the initial appointments and specified offices made under and specified in the Conditions and/or the Agency Agreement, as the case may be) notice of whose appointment or, as the case may be, nomination has been given to the Noteholders pursuant to Clause 7(j);

successor in business means a company which has acquired as a going concern all or substantially all of the undertaking, assets and liabilities of the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be;

Talonholders means the several persons who are for the time being holders of the Talons;

Talons means the talons (if any) appertaining to, and exchangeable in accordance with the provisions therein contained for further Coupons appertaining to, the Definitive Notes (other than the Zero Coupon Notes), such talons being in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 5 of Schedule 2 or in such other form as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer, the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s) and includes any replacements for Talons issued pursuant to Condition 10;

Temporary Global Note means a temporary global note in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 with such modifications (if any) as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer, the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s), together with the copy of the applicable Final Terms annexed thereto, comprising some or all of the Notes of the same Series, issued by the relevant Issuer pursuant to the Programme Agreement or any other agreement between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s), the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed;

 

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this Deed means this trust deed and the Schedules (or, in respect of any reference to the provisions thereof, the same as may be from time to time modified in accordance with the provisions hereof);

this Trust Deed means this Deed and any trust deed supplemental hereto and the schedules (if any) thereto and the Notes, the Coupons, the Talons, the Conditions and, unless the context otherwise requires, the Final Terms, all as from time to time modified in accordance with the provisions herein or therein contained;

Tranche means all Notes which are identical in all respects (including as to listing);

trust corporation means a trust corporation (as defined in the Law of Property Act 1925) or a corporation entitled to act as a trustee pursuant to applicable foreign legislation relating to trustees;

Trustee Acts means the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000; and

Zero Coupon Note means a Note on which no interest is payable.

 

1.2 Construction of Certain References

 

(a) All references in this Trust Deed to costs, charges, remuneration or expenses include any value added, turnover or similar tax charged in respect thereof.

 

(b) All references in this Trust Deed to principal and/or principal amount and/or interest in respect of the Notes or to any moneys payable by the relevant Issuer and/or the Guarantors under this Trust Deed shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be construed in accordance with Condition 5(f).

 

(c) All references in this Trust Deed to any statute or any provision of any statute shall be deemed also to refer to any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof or any statutory instrument, order or regulation made thereunder or under any such modification or re-enactment.

 

(d) All references in this Trust Deed to any action, remedy or method of proceeding for the enforcement of the rights of creditors shall be deemed to include, in respect of any jurisdiction other than England, references to such action, remedy or method of proceeding for the enforcement of the rights of creditors available or appropriate in such jurisdiction as shall most nearly approximate to such action, remedy or method of proceeding described or referred to in this Trust Deed.

 

(e) All references in this Trust Deed to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, whenever the context so permits (but not in the case of any NGN), be deemed to include references to any additional or alternative clearing system as is approved by the relevant Issuer, the Agent and the Trustee. In the case of NGNs, such alternative clearing system must also be authorised to hold such Notes as eligible collateral for Eurosystem monetary policy and intra-day credit operations.

 

(f) All references in this Trust Deed to the relevant currency shall be construed as references to the currency in which payments in respect of the Notes and/or Coupons of the relevant Series are to be made as indicated in the applicable Final Terms.

 

(g) All references in this Trust Deed to a Directive include any relevant implementing measure of each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented such Directive.

 

(h)

As used herein, in relation to any Notes which have a listing or are listed (i) on the London Stock Exchange, listing and listed shall be construed to mean that such Notes have been admitted to the Official List and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange’s Regulated Market and (ii) on any other Stock Exchange within the European Economic Area, listing and listed shall be construed to mean that Notes have been admitted to trading on a market within that jurisdiction which is a

 

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  regulated market for the purposes of Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on Markets in Financial Instruments. All references in this Trust Deed to listing and listed shall include references to quotation and quoted respectively.

 

(i) All references in this Trust Deed to the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be to the records that each of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interest in the Notes.

 

1.3 Headings

Headings shall be ignored in construing this Trust Deed.

 

1.4 Schedules

The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and have effect accordingly.

 

1.5 Defined terms

Words and expressions defined in this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or used in the applicable Final Terms shall have the same meanings where used herein unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise stated and provided that, in the event of inconsistency between the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed, this Trust Deed shall prevail and, in the event of inconsistency between the Agency Agreement or this Trust Deed and the applicable Final Terms, the applicable Final Terms shall prevail.

 

2. AMOUNT AND ISSUE OF THE NOTES

 

2.1 Amount of the Notes, Final Terms and Legal Opinions

The Notes will be issued in Series in an aggregate nominal amount from time to time outstanding not exceeding the Programme Limit from time to time and for the purpose of determining such aggregate nominal amount Clause 3.5 of the Programme Agreement shall apply.

By not later than 3.00 p.m. (London time) on the London Business Day preceding each proposed Issue Date, the relevant Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee a copy of the applicable Final Terms and shall notify the Trustee in writing without delay of the relevant Issue Date and the nominal amount of the Notes to be issued. Upon the issue of the relevant Notes, such Notes shall become constituted by this Trust Deed without further formality.

Before the first issue of Notes occurring after each anniversary of this Deed and on such other occasions as the Trustee acting reasonably so requests (on the basis that the Trustee considers it necessary in view of a change (or proposed change) in applicable law or regulations (or the interpretation or application thereof) affecting the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantors, this Trust Deed, the Programme Agreement or the Agency Agreement, or the Trustee has other grounds), the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantors will procure that further legal opinion(s) (relating, if applicable, to any such change or proposed change (or interpretation or application)) in such form and with such content as the Trustee may require from the legal advisers specified in the Programme Agreement or such other legal advisers as the Trustee may require is/are delivered to the Trustee. Whenever such a request is made with respect to any Notes to be issued, the receipt of such opinion in a form satisfactory to the Trustee shall be a further condition precedent to the issue of those Notes.

 

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2.2 Covenant to repay principal and to pay interest

The relevant Issuer covenants with the Trustee that it will, as and when the Notes of any Series or any of them becomes due to be redeemed in accordance with the Conditions, unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee in the relevant currency in immediately available funds the principal amount in respect of the Notes of such Series becoming due for redemption on that date and (except in the case of Zero Coupon Notes) shall (subject to the provisions of the Conditions) in the meantime and until redemption in full of the Notes of such Series (both before and after any judgment or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction) unconditionally pay or procure to be paid to or to the order of the Trustee as aforesaid interest (which shall accrue from day to day) on the nominal amount of the Notes outstanding of such Series at rates and/or in amounts calculated from time to time in accordance with, or specified in, and on the dates provided for in, the Conditions (subject to Clause 2.4) PROVIDED THAT:

 

  (a) every payment of principal or interest or other sum due in respect of the Notes made to or to the order of the Agent in the manner provided in the Agency Agreement shall be in satisfaction pro tanto of the relative covenant by the relevant Issuer in this Clause contained in relation to the Notes of such Series, except to the extent that there is a default in the subsequent payment thereof in accordance with the Conditions to the relevant Noteholders or Couponholders (as the case may be);

 

  (b) in the case of any payment of principal made to the Trustee or the Agent after the due date or on or after accelerated maturity following an Event of Default, interest shall (subject, where applicable, as provided in the Conditions) continue to accrue on the nominal amount of the relevant Notes (except in the case of Zero Coupon Notes to which the provisions of Condition 6(h) shall apply) (both before and after any judgment or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction) at the rates aforesaid (or, if higher, the rate of interest on judgment debts for the time being provided by English law) up to and including the date which the Trustee determines to be the date on and after which payment is to be made in respect thereof as stated in a notice given to the holders of such Notes (such date to be not later than seven days after the day on which the whole of such principal amount, together with an amount equal to the interest which has accrued and is to accrue pursuant to this proviso up to and including that date, has been received by the Trustee or the Agent); and

 

  (c) in any case where payment of the whole or any part of the principal amount of any Note is improperly withheld or refused upon due presentation thereof (other than in circumstances contemplated by (b) above), interest shall accrue on the nominal amount of such Note (except in the case of Zero Coupon Notes to which the provisions of Condition 6(h) shall apply) payment of which has been so withheld or refused (both before and after any judgment or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction) at the rates aforesaid (or, if higher, the rate of interest on judgment debts for the time being provided by English law) from the date of such withholding or refusal until the date on which, upon further presentation of the relevant Note, payment of the full amount (including interest as aforesaid) in the relevant currency payable in respect of such Note is made or (if earlier) the seventh day after notice is given to the relevant Noteholder(s) (whether individually or in accordance with Condition 13) that the full amount (including interest as aforesaid) in the relevant currency in respect of such Note is available for payment, provided that, upon further presentation thereof being duly made, such payment is made.

The Trustee will hold the benefit of this covenant on trust for the Noteholders and the Couponholders and itself in accordance with this Trust Deed.

 

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2.3 Trustee’s requirements regarding Paying Agents

At any time after an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default shall have occurred, the Trustee may:

 

  (a) by notice in writing to the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors, the Agent and any other Paying Agent require the Agent and any other Paying Agent, until notified by the Trustee to the contrary, so far as permitted by applicable law:

 

  (i) to act as Paying Agents of the Trustee under this Trust Deed and the Notes on the terms of the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary and except that the Trustee’s liability for the indemnification, remuneration and expenses of the Paying Agents will be limited to the amounts for the time being held by the Trustee in respect of the Notes on the terms of this Trust Deed) and thereafter to hold all Notes and Coupons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of Notes and Coupons to the order of the Trustee; or

 

  (ii) to deliver all Notes and Coupons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of the Notes and Coupons to the Trustee or as the Trustee directs in such notice; and

 

  (b) by notice in writing to the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors require them to make all subsequent payments in respect of the Notes and Coupons to or to the order of the Trustee and not to the Agent.

 

2.4 Rate and amount of interest

If the Floating Rate Notes of any Series become immediately due and repayable under Condition 9(a), the rate and/or amount of interest payable in respect of them will be calculated at the same intervals as if such Notes had not become due and repayable, the first of which will commence on the expiry of the Interest Period during which the Notes of the relevant Series become so due and repayable mutatis mutandis in accordance with the provisions of Condition 4(b) except that the rates of interest need not be published.

 

2.5 Currency of payments

All payments in respect of, under and in connection with this Trust Deed and the Notes of any Series to the relevant Noteholders and Couponholders shall be made in the relevant currency.

 

2.6 Further Notes

The relevant Issuer shall be at liberty from time to time (but subject always to the provisions of this Trust Deed) without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders, to create and issue further Notes ranking pari passu in all respects (or in all respects save for the date from which interest thereon accrues and the amount of the first payment of interest on such further Notes) and so that the same shall be consolidated and form a single series with the outstanding Notes of a particular Series.

 

2.7 Separate Series

The Notes of each Series shall form a separate Series of Notes and accordingly, unless for any purpose the Trustee in its absolute discretion shall otherwise determine, the provisions of this Clause and of Clauses 3 to 13 (both inclusive), 14.3, 15, 16 and Schedule 3 shall apply mutatis mutandis separately and independently to the Notes of each Series and in such Clauses and Schedule the expressions Notes , Noteholders , Coupons , Couponholders , Talons and Talonholders shall be construed accordingly.

 

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3. FORM OF THE NOTES

 

3.1 Global Notes

 

(a) The Notes of each Tranche will initially be represented by a single Temporary Global Note or a single Permanent Global Note, as indicated in the applicable Final Terms. Each Temporary Global Note shall be exchangeable for either Definitive Notes together with (except in the case of Zero Coupon Notes) Coupons and, where applicable, Talons attached or a Permanent Global Note, in each case in accordance with the provisions of such Temporary Global Note. Each Permanent Global Note shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes together with, where applicable, (except in the case of Zero Coupon Notes) Coupons and, where applicable, Talons attached, in accordance with the provisions of such Permanent Global Note.

All Global Notes shall be prepared, completed and delivered to a common depositary (in the case of a CGN) or a common safekeeper (in the case of a NGN) for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg in accordance with the provisions of the Programme Agreement or (in the case of a CGN) to another appropriate depositary in accordance with any other agreement between the relevant Issuer and the relevant Dealer(s) and, in each case, the Agency Agreement and this Trust Deed.

 

(b) Each Temporary Global Note shall be printed or typed in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 and may be a facsimile. Each Temporary Global Note shall have annexed thereto a copy of the applicable Final Terms and shall be signed manually or in facsimile by two directors or one director and the secretary or assistant secretary of the relevant Issuer, and shall be authenticated by or on behalf of the Agent and shall, in the case of a NGN held by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as the common safekeeper, be effectuated by such common safekeeper acting on the instructions of the Agent. Each Temporary Global Note so executed and authenticated shall be a binding and valid obligation of the Issuer and title thereto shall pass by delivery.

 

(c) Each Permanent Global Note shall be printed or typed in the form or substantially in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 2 and may be a facsimile. Each Permanent Global Note shall have annexed thereto a copy of the applicable Final Terms and shall be signed manually or in facsimile by two directors or one director and the secretary or assistant secretary of the relevant Issuer, and shall be authenticated by or on behalf of the Agent and shall, in the case of a Eurosystem-eligible NGN or in the case of a Non-eligible NGN in respect of which effectuation is to be applicable, be effectuated by the common safekeeper acting on the instructions of the Agent. Each Permanent Global Note so executed and authenticated shall be a binding and valid obligation of the Issuer and title thereto shall pass by delivery.

 

3.2 Definitive Notes

 

(a) The Definitive Notes, the Coupons and the Talons shall be to bearer in the respective forms or substantially in the respective forms set out in Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5, respectively, of Schedule 2. The Definitive Notes, the Coupons and the Talons shall be serially numbered and, if listed or quoted, shall be security printed in accordance with the requirements (if any) from time to time of the relevant Stock Exchange and the relevant Conditions shall be incorporated by reference (where applicable to this Trust Deed) into such Definitive Notes if permitted by the relevant Stock Exchange (if any), or, if not so permitted, the Definitive Notes shall be endorsed with or have attached thereto the relevant Conditions, and, in either such case, the Definitive Notes shall have endorsed thereon or attached thereto a copy of the applicable Final Terms (or the relevant provisions thereof). Title to the Definitive Notes, the Coupons and the Talons shall pass by delivery.

 

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(b) The Definitive Notes shall be signed manually or in facsimile by two directors or one director and the secretary or assistant secretary of the relevant Issuer, and shall be authenticated by or on behalf of the Agent. The Definitive Notes so executed and authenticated, and the Coupons and Talons, upon execution, and upon execution and authentication of the Definitive Notes, shall be binding and valid obligations of the Issuer. The Coupons and the Talons shall be signed manually or in facsimile by two directors or one director and the secretary or assistant secretary of the relevant Issuer. No Definitive Note and none of the Coupons or Talons appertaining to such Definitive Note shall be binding or valid until such Definitive Note shall have been executed and authenticated and the Coupons or Talons shall have been executed, in each case as aforesaid.

 

3.3 Facsimile Signatures

The relevant Issuer may use the facsimile signature of any person who at the date such signature is affixed to a Note is duly authorised by the relevant Issuer or a director or a secretary of the relevant Issuer notwithstanding that at the time of issue of any of the Notes he may have ceased for any reason to be so authorised or to hold such office.

 

3.4 Persons to be treated as Noteholders

Except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Agent and any other Paying Agent (notwithstanding any notice to the contrary and whether or not it is overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or writing thereon or notice of any previous loss or theft thereof) may (a) for the purpose of making payment thereon or on account thereof deem and treat the bearer of any Global Note, Definitive Note, Coupon or Talon and of all rights thereunder free from all encumbrances, and shall not be required to obtain proof of such ownership or as to the identity of the bearer and (b) for all other purposes deem and treat:

 

  (a) the bearer of any Definitive Note, Coupon or Talon; and

 

  (b) each person for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as having a particular nominal amount of Notes credited to his securities account,

as the absolute owner thereof free from all encumbrances and shall not be required to obtain proof of such ownership or as to the identity of the bearer of any Global Note, Definitive Note, Coupon or Talon.

 

4. STAMP DUTIES AND TAXES

 

4.1 Stamp Duties

The relevant Issuer will pay any stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes and duties, including interest and penalties, payable in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg in respect of the creation, issue and offering of the Notes and the Coupons and the execution or delivery of this Trust Deed. The relevant Issuer will also indemnify the Trustee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders from and against all stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes paid by any of them in any jurisdiction in connection with any action taken by or on behalf of the Trustee or, as the case may be, the Noteholders or the Couponholders to enforce the relevant Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s obligations under this Trust Deed.

 

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4.2 Change of Taxing Jurisdiction

If the relevant Issuer or a Guarantor becomes subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of a territory or an authority of or in that territory having power to tax other than or in addition to the United Kingdom (in the case of BATIF and British American Tobacco) or The Netherlands (in the case of BATHTN and BATNF) or any such authority of or in such territory then such Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor will (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give the Trustee an undertaking satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 7 with the substitution for, or (as the case may require) the addition to, the references in that Condition to the United Kingdom (in the case of BATIF and British American Tobacco) or The Netherlands (in the case of BATHTN and BATNF) of references to that other or additional territory or authority to whose taxing jurisdiction such Issuer or the relevant Guarantor has become so subject. In such event this Trust Deed and the Notes will be read accordingly.

 

5. GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY

 

5.1 Guarantee

The Guarantors, jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee that, if the relevant Issuer does not pay any sum payable by it under this Trust Deed by the time and on the date specified for such payment (whether on the normal due date, on acceleration or otherwise), the Guarantors will pay that sum to or to the order of the Trustee, in the manner provided in Clause 2.2 (or if in respect of sums due under Clause 8, in London in pounds sterling in immediately available funds) before close of business on that date in the city to which payment is so to be made. Clause 2.2(a), (b) and (c) will apply (with consequential amendments as necessary) to such payments other than those in respect of sums due under Clause 8. All payments under this Trust Deed by the Guarantors will be made subject to the provisions of Clause 4.2, Condition 7 and Subclause 5.9 of this Clause.

 

5.2 Guarantor(s) as Principal Debtor

As between the Guarantors and the Trustee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders but without affecting the relevant Issuer’s obligations, each of the Guarantors will be liable under this Clause as if it were the sole principal debtor and not merely a surety. Accordingly, it will not be discharged, nor will its liability be affected, by anything which would not discharge it or affect its liability if it were the sole principal debtor (including (a) any time, indulgence, waiver or consent at any time given to the relevant Issuer or any other person, (b) any amendment to any other provisions of this Trust Deed or to the Conditions or to any security or other guarantee or indemnity, (c) the making or absence of any demand on the relevant Issuer or any other person for payment, (d) the enforcement or absence of enforcement of this Trust Deed or of any security or other guarantee or indemnity, (e) the taking, existence or release of any security, guarantee or indemnity, (f) the dissolution, amalgamation, reconstruction or reorganisation of the relevant Issuer or any other person or (g) the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of or any defect in any provision of this Trust Deed or any of the relevant Issuer’s obligations under any of them).

 

5.3 Guarantor’s Obligations Continuing

Each of the Guarantors’ obligations under this Trust Deed are and will remain in full force and effect by way of continuing security until no sum remains payable under this Trust Deed. Furthermore, the obligations of the Guarantors are additional to, and not instead of, any security or other guarantee or indemnity at any time existing in favour of any person, whether from the Guarantors or otherwise and may be enforced without first having recourse to the relevant Issuer, any other person, any security or any other guarantee or indemnity. Each of the Guarantors irrevocably waives (a) any right which it has whether by virtue of the droit de discussion or otherwise to require that recourse be had to the assets of the relevant Issuer before any claim is enforced against it and (b) all notices and demands of any kind.

 

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5.4 Exercise of Guarantor’s Rights

So long as any sum remains due and outstanding under this Trust Deed:

 

  (a) any right of a Guarantor, by reason of the performance of any of its obligations under this Clause, to be indemnified by the relevant Issuer or to take the benefit of or to enforce any security or other guarantee or indemnity will be exercised and enforced by such Guarantor only in such manner and on such terms as the Trustee may require or approve; and

 

  (b) any amount received or recovered by a Guarantor (a) as a result of any exercise of any such right or (b) in the dissolution, amalgamation, reconstruction or reorganisation of the relevant Issuer will be immediately paid to the Trustee and the Trustee will hold it on the trusts set out in Clause 6.1.

 

5.5 Suspense Account

Any amount received or recovered by the Trustee (otherwise than as a result of a payment by the relevant Issuer to the Trustee in accordance with Clause 2) in respect of any sum payable by the relevant Issuer under this Trust Deed may be placed in a suspense account and kept there for so long as the Trustee thinks fit.

 

5.6 Avoidance of Payments

If any payment received by the Trustee or any Noteholder or Couponholder pursuant to the provisions of this Trust Deed is, on the subsequent bankruptcy or insolvency of the relevant Issuer, avoided under any laws related to bankruptcy or insolvency, such payment will not be considered as having discharged or diminished the liability of the Guarantors and this Guarantee will continue to apply as if such payment had at all times remained owing by the relevant Issuer.

 

5.7 Debts of Issuer

If any moneys become payable by the Guarantors under this Guarantee, the relevant Issuer will not (except in the event of the liquidation of the relevant Issuer), so long as any such moneys remain unpaid, pay any moneys for the time being due from the relevant Issuer to any of the Guarantors.

 

5.8 Indemnity

As separate, independent and alternative stipulations, each of the Guarantors unconditionally and irrevocably agrees (a) that any sum which, although expressed to be payable by the relevant Issuer under this Trust Deed, is for any reason (whether or not now existing and whether or not now known or becoming known to the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or any Noteholder or Couponholder) not recoverable from a Guarantor on the basis of a guarantee will nevertheless be recoverable from it as if it were the sole principal debtor and will be paid by it to the Trustee on demand and (b) as a primary obligation to indemnify the Trustee, each Noteholder and each Couponholder against any loss suffered by it as a result of (i) any sum expressed to be payable by the relevant Issuer under this Trust Deed not being paid on the date and otherwise in the manner specified in this Trust Deed or (ii) any payment obligation of the relevant Issuer under this Trust Deed being or becoming void, voidable or unenforceable for any reason (whether or not now existing and whether or not now known or becoming known to the Trustee, any Noteholder or any Couponholder), the amount of that loss being the amount expressed to be payable by the relevant Issuer in respect of the relevant sum.

 

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5.9 Taxes

 

(a) All payments of principal and interest by the Guarantors will be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges (together, Taxes ) of whatever nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or on behalf of the United Kingdom (in the case of BATIF and British American Tobacco) and The Netherlands (in the case of BATHTN and BATNF) or any political subdivision thereof or any authority thereof or therein having power to levy the same unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. In that event, the relevant Guarantor shall (subject as provided below) pay such amounts (the Additional Amounts ) as will result in the receipt by the Noteholders and the Couponholders of such amounts as would have been received by them had no such Taxes been required to be withheld or deducted.

 

(b) No Additional Amounts will be payable by BATIF or British American Tobacco in respect of Notes or Coupons:

 

  (i) presented for payment by or on behalf of a Noteholder or Couponholder who is liable for such withheld or deducted Taxes by reason of his having some connection with the United Kingdom other than the mere holding of a Note or Coupon; or

 

  (ii) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder if such withholding or deduction may be avoided by complying with any statutory requirement or by making a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to any authority of or in the United Kingdom, unless such holder proves that he is not entitled so to comply or to make such declaration or claim; or

 

  (iii) presented for payment in the United Kingdom; or

 

  (iv) presented for payment more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that a Noteholder or Couponholder would have been entitled to payment of such Additional Amounts if he had presented his Note or Coupon for payment on the thirtieth day after the Relevant Date.

 

(c) No Additional Amounts will be payable by BATHTN or BATNF in respect of Notes or Coupons:

 

  (i) presented for payment by or on behalf of a Noteholder or Couponholder who is liable for such withheld or deducted Taxes by reason of his having some connection with The Netherlands other than the mere holding of a Note or Coupon; or

 

  (ii) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder if such withholding or deduction may be avoided by complying with any statutory requirement or by making a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to any authority of or in The Netherlands, unless such holder proves that he is not entitled so to comply or to make such declaration or claim; or

 

  (iii) presented for payment in The Netherlands; or

 

  (iv) presented for payment more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that a Noteholder or Couponholder would have been entitled to payment of such Additional Amounts if he had presented his Note or Coupon for payment on the thirtieth day after the Relevant Date.

 

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6. APPLICATION OF MONEYS AND PARTIAL PAYMENTS

 

6.1 Declaration of Trust

All moneys received by the Trustee under this Trust Deed from the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantors (including any moneys which represent principal or interest in respect of Notes or Coupons which have become void under Condition 8) shall, unless and to the extent attributable, in the opinion of the Trustee, to a particular Series of the Notes, be apportioned pari passu and rateably between each Series of the Notes, and all moneys received by the Trustee under this Trust Deed from the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantors to the extent attributable in the opinion of the Trustee to a particular Series of the Notes or which are apportioned to such Series as aforesaid, be held by the Trustee upon trust to apply them (subject to Clause 5.5 and Subclauses 6.2 and 6.3):

FIRST in payment or satisfaction of all amounts then due and unpaid under Clause 8 to the Trustee and/or any appointee;

SECONDLY in or towards payment pari passu and rateably of all principal and interest then due and unpaid in respect of the Notes of that Series;

THIRDLY in or towards payment pari passu and rateably of all principal and interest then due and unpaid in respect of the Notes of each other Series; and

FOURTHLY in payment of the balance (if any) to the relevant Issuer (without prejudice to, or liability in respect of, any question as to how such payment to the relevant Issuer shall be dealt with as between the relevant Issuer and any other person) or, in the event that any moneys were received from any Guarantor, to the extent of such moneys, to such Guarantor.

Without prejudice to this Subclause 6.1, if the Trustee holds any moneys which represent principal or interest in respect of Notes which have become void or in respect of which claims have been prescribed under Condition 8, the Trustee will hold such moneys on the above trusts.

 

6.2 Accumulation

The Trustee may at its discretion and pending payment invest moneys at any time available for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes in some or one of the investments hereinafter authorised for such periods as it may consider expedient with power from time to time at the like discretion to vary such investments and to accumulate such investments and the resulting interest and other income derived therefrom. The accumulated investments shall be applied under Subclause 6.1. All interest and other income deriving from such investments shall be applied first in payment or satisfaction of all amounts then due and unpaid under Clause 8 to the Trustee and/or any appointee and otherwise held for the benefit of and paid to the holders of the Notes or the holders of the related Coupons.

 

6.3 Investment

Moneys held by the Trustee may be invested in its name or under its control in any investments or other assets anywhere in the world whether or not they produce income or deposited in its name or under its control at such bank or other financial institution and in such currency as the Trustee may, in its absolute discretion, think fit. If that bank or institution is the Trustee or a subsidiary, holding or associated company of the Trustee, it shall only account for an amount of interest equal to the largest amount of interest payable by it on such a deposit to an independent customer. The Trustee may at any time vary or transpose any such investments or assets for or into other such investments or assets or convert any moneys so deposited into any other currency, and will not be responsible for any loss whether by depreciation in value, change in exchange rates or otherwise.

 

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6.4 Partial Payments

Upon any payment under Subclause 6.1 (other than payment in full against surrender of a Note or Coupon) the Note or Coupon in respect of which such payment is made shall be produced to the Trustee or the Paying Agent by or through whom such payment is made and (except in the case of a NGN) the Trustee shall or shall cause such Paying Agent to enface thereon a memorandum of the amount and the date of payment but the Trustee may in any particular case dispense with such production and enfacement upon such indemnity being given as it shall think sufficient.

 

7. COVENANTS

So long as any of the Notes of any Series remains outstanding, the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors will each:

 

  (a) Books of Account : keep, and use reasonable endeavours to procure that each of their respective subsidiaries keeps, proper books of account and, at any time after an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred or if the Trustee reasonably believes that such an event has occurred, so far as permitted by applicable law, allow, and procure that each of their respective subsidiaries will allow, the Trustee and anyone appointed by it to whom the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors and/or the relevant subsidiary has no reasonable objection, access to its books of account at all reasonable times during normal business hours;

 

  (b) Notice of Events of Default : notify the Trustee in writing immediately on becoming aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default;

 

  (c) Information : so far as permitted by applicable law, give the Trustee such information as it reasonably requires to perform its functions pursuant to this Trust Deed;

 

  (d) Financial Statements etc : send to the Trustee at the time of their issue and in the case of annual financial statements in any event within 180 days of the end of each financial year three copies (in English) of every balance sheet, profit and loss account, report or other notice, statement or circular issued, or which legally or contractually should be issued, to the members or creditors (or any class of them) of the relevant Issuer or the Guarantors or any Holding Company thereof, as the case may be, generally in its or their capacity as such;

 

  (e) Certificates of Directors : send to the Trustee, within 30 days of its annual audited financial statements being made available to its members, and also within 30 days of any request by the Trustee, a certificate of the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, each Guarantor signed by any two of its Directors or any one of its Directors and its Secretary or Assistant Secretary that, having made all reasonable enquiries, to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor as at a date (the Certification Date ) not more than five days before the date of the certificate no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default or other breach of this Trust Deed existed or had occurred since the Certification Date of the last such certificate or, if none, the date of this Deed or, if such an event exists or had occurred, giving details of it;

 

  (f) Notices to Bondholders : send, or procure that the Agent sends, to the Trustee at least 48 hours prior to publication the form of each notice to be given to Noteholders and, once given, two copies of each such notice, such notice to be in a form approved in writing by the Trustee (such approval, unless expressed to do so not to constitute approval for the purposes of Section 21 of the FSMA of a communication within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA);

 

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  (g) Further Acts : so far as permitted by applicable law, do such further things as may be necessary in the opinion of the Trustee to give effect to this Trust Deed;

 

  (h) Notice of late payment : forthwith upon request by the Trustee give notice to the Noteholders of any unconditional payment to the Agent or the Trustee of any sum due in respect of the Notes or Coupons made after the due date for such payment;

 

  (i) Listing : use all reasonable endeavours to maintain the quotation or listing of the Notes on the Stock Exchange but, if it is unable to do so, having used such endeavours, or if the obtaining or maintenance of such quotation or listing is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly onerous and the Trustee is satisfied that the interests of the Noteholders would not be thereby materially prejudiced, instead use all reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain a quotation or listing of the Notes on another stock exchange approved in writing by the Trustee;

 

  (j) Change in Agents : give at least 14 days’ prior notice to the Noteholders of any future appointment, resignation or removal of any Agent, Calculation Agent, Reference Bank or other Paying Agent or of any change by any Paying Agent or Reference Bank of its specified office and not make any such appointment or removal without the Trustee’s written approval;

 

  (k) Notes held by Issuer etc : send to the Trustee as soon as practicable after being so requested by the Trustee a certificate of the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, each Guarantor signed by any two of its Directors or any one of its Directors and its Secretary or Assistant Secretary stating the number and nominal amount of Notes held at the date of such certificate by or on behalf of the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, each Guarantor or their respective subsidiaries;

 

  (l) Payment of interest in the United States : if, in accordance with the provisions of the Conditions, interest in respect of the Notes becomes payable at the specified office of any Paying Agent in the United States of America promptly give notice thereof to the relative Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13;

 

  (m) Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg : use all reasonable endeavours to procure that Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg (as the case may be) issue(s) any record, certificate or other document requested by the Trustee under Clause 9.17 or otherwise as soon as practicable after such request;

 

  (n) Drawings : give prior written notice to the Trustee of any proposed redemption pursuant to Conditions 6(b) or 7(c) and, if it shall have given notice to the Noteholders of its intention to redeem any Notes pursuant to Condition 6(c), duly proceed to make drawings (if appropriate) and to redeem Notes accordingly;

 

  (o) Programme Agreement : promptly provide the Trustee with copies of all supplements and/or amendments and/or restatements of the Programme Agreement; and

 

  (p)

Holding Company : in the event that any company, the share capital of which is or is to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, becomes the ultimate Holding Company of British American Tobacco, procure that such Holding Company shall become a guarantor under this Trust Deed, jointly and severally with the Guarantors, with effect from the later of (i) the date on which such company becomes the ultimate Holding Company of British American

 

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  Tobacco and (ii) the date on which the share capital of such Holding Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and, in such event, the term “Guarantors” herein shall be deemed to include such Holding Company.

 

8. REMUNERATION AND INDEMNIFICATION OF THE TRUSTEE

 

8.1 Normal Remuneration

So long as the Notes remain outstanding the relevant Issuer will pay the Trustee as remuneration for its services as Trustee such sum on such dates in each case as they may from time to time agree. Such remuneration will accrue from day to day from the date of this Deed or as otherwise agreed between the relevant Issuer, and the Trustee from time to time and shall be payable on such dates as they may from time to time agree. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day and be payable (in priority to payments to Noteholders and Couponholders) up to and including the date when, all the Notes having become due for redemption, the moneys payable in respect thereof have been paid to the Agent or the Trustee. However, if any payment to a Noteholder or Couponholder of moneys due in respect of any Note or Coupon is improperly withheld or refused, such remuneration will again accrue as from the date of such withholding or refusal until payment to such Noteholder or Couponholder is duly made.

 

8.2 Extra Remuneration

If an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default shall have occurred the relevant Issuer hereby agrees that the Trustee shall be entitled to be paid additional remuneration, which may be calculated at its normal hourly rates in force from time to time. In any other case, if the Trustee finds it expedient or necessary or is requested by the relevant Issuer to undertake duties which they both agree to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the Trustee’s normal duties under this Trust Deed, the relevant Issuer will pay such additional remuneration as they may agree (which may be calculated by reference to the Trustee’s normal hourly rates in force from time to time) or, in the event of the Trustee and the relevant Issuer failing to agree as to any of the matters in this Subclause (or as to such sums referred to in Subclause 8.1), as determined by an investment bank or other person (acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator) selected by the Trustee and approved by the relevant Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales. The expenses involved in such nomination and such investment bank’s or other person’s fee will be payable by the relevant Issuer. The determination of such investment bank or other person will be conclusive and binding on the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders.

 

8.3 Expenses

The relevant Issuer will also on demand by the Trustee pay or discharge all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by the Trustee in the preparation and execution of this Trust Deed and the performance of its functions under this Trust Deed including, but not limited to, legal and travelling expenses and any stamp, documentary or other taxes or duties paid by the Trustee in connection with any legal proceedings reasonably brought or contemplated by the Trustee against the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor to enforce any provision of, or resolving any doubt concerning, or for any other purpose in relation to this Trust Deed.

 

8.4 Indemnity

The relevant Issuer will indemnify the Trustee in respect of all liabilities and expenses properly incurred by it or by anyone appointed by it or to whom any of its functions hereunder may be delegated by it in the carrying out of its functions hereunder and against any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense (including, but not limited to, all costs, charges and expenses paid

 

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or incurred in disputing or defending any of the foregoing) which any of them may incur or which may be made against any of them arising out of or in relation to or in connection with, its appointment or the exercise of its functions hereunder.

 

8.5 Rate of Interest

All amounts due and payable pursuant to Subclauses 8.3 and 8.4 shall be payable by the relevant Issuer on the date specified in a demand in writing by the Trustee. The rate of interest applicable to such payments shall be a rate equivalent to the Trustee’s cost of borrowing and interest shall accrue:

 

  (a) in the case of payments made by the Trustee before the date of such written demand from the date on which the payment was made or such later date as specified in such written demand; or

 

  (b) in the case of payments made by the Trustee on or after the date of the written demand, from the date specified in such written demand, which date shall not be a date earlier than the date such payments are made.

A certificate from the Trustee as to the Trustee’s cost of borrowing on any particular date shall be conclusive and binding on the relevant Issuer. All remuneration payable to the Trustee shall carry interest at the rate specified in this clause 8.5 from the date thereof.

 

8.6 Continuing Effect

Subclauses 8.3 and 8.4 will continue in full force and effect as regards the Trustee even if it no longer is Trustee.

 

8.7 Apportionment

The Trustee shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to determine in respect of which Series of Notes any liabilities, costs, charges and expenses incurred under this Trust Deed have been incurred or to allocate any such liabilities, costs, charges and expenses between the Notes of more than one Series.

 

8.8 No withholding or deduction

All payments to be made by the relevant Issuer to the Trustee under this Trust Deed shall be made free and clear of, and without withholding or deduction for, any taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges of whatever nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or within any relevant jurisdiction or any authority therein or thereof having power to tax, unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. In that event, the relevant Issuer shall pay such additional amounts as will, after such deduction or withholding has been made, leave the Trustee with the full amount which would have been received by it had no such withholding or deduction been required.

 

9. PROVISIONS SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE TRUSTEE ACTS

 

9.1 Advice

The Trustee may act on the opinion or advice of, or information obtained from, any expert and will not be responsible to anyone for any loss occasioned by so acting. Any such opinion, advice or information may be sent or obtained by letter, telex or fax and the Trustee will not be liable to anyone for acting in good faith on any opinion, advice or information purporting to be conveyed by such means even if it contains some error or is not authentic.

 

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9.2 Trustee to Assume Performance

The Trustee need not notify anyone of the execution of this Trust Deed or do anything to find out if an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred. Until it has actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no such event has occurred and that the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors are performing all their obligations under this Trust Deed.

 

9.3 Resolutions of Noteholders

The Trustee will not be responsible for having acted in good faith on a resolution in writing or any resolution purporting to have been passed at a meeting of Noteholders in respect of which minutes have been made and signed or any Extraordinary Resolution passed by way of electronic consents received through the relevant Clearing System(s) in accordance with this Trust Deed even if it is later found that there was a defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution, (in the case of a resolution in writing) that not all the holders had signed the resolution or (in the case of an Extraordinary Resolution passed by electronic consents received through the relevant Clearing System(s)) it was not approved by the requisite number of Noteholders or that the resolution was not valid or binding on the Noteholders or the Couponholders.

 

9.4 Certificate signed by Directors

If the Trustee, in the exercise of its functions, requires to be satisfied or to have information as to any fact or the expediency of any act, it may call for and accept as sufficient evidence of that fact or the expediency of that act a certificate signed by any two Directors or any one Director and the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor (as the case may be) as to that fact or to the effect that, in their opinion, that act is expedient and the Trustee need not call for further evidence and will not be responsible for any loss occasioned by acting on such a certificate.

 

9.5 Deposit of Documents

The Trustee may deposit this Trust Deed and any other documents with any bank or entity whose business includes the safe custody of documents or with any lawyer or firm of lawyers believed by it to be of good repute and may pay all sums due in respect thereof.

 

9.6 Discretion

The Trustee will have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise of its functions and will not be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand, expense or inconvenience which may result from their exercise or non-exercise.

 

9.7 Agents

Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Noteholders, the Trustee may, in the conduct of its trust business, instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent selected by it, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money). If the Trustee exercises reasonable care in selecting such agent, the Trustee will not be responsible to anyone for any misconduct or omission by any such agent so employed by it or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such agent.

 

9.8 Delegation

Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Noteholders, the Trustee may delegate to any person on any terms (including power to sub-delegate) all or any of its functions. If the Trustee

 

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exercises reasonable care in selecting such delegate, it will not have any obligation to supervise such delegate or be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense incurred by reason of any misconduct or default by any such delegate or sub-delegate.

 

9.9 Forged Bonds

The Trustee will not be liable to the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor or any Noteholder or Couponholder by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any Note or Coupon purporting to be such and later found to be forged or not authentic.

 

9.10 Confidentiality

Unless ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction the Trustee shall not be required to disclose to any Noteholder or Couponholder any confidential, financial or other information made available to the Trustee by the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor or any other person.

 

9.11 Determinations Conclusive

As between itself and the Noteholders and Couponholders the Trustee may determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed. Such determinations, whether made upon such a question actually raised or implied in the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, will be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee, the Noteholders and the Couponholders.

 

9.12 Currency Conversion

Where it is necessary or desirable to convert any sum from one currency to another, it will (unless otherwise provided hereby or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date as may reasonably be specified by the Trustee but having regard to current rates of exchange, if available. Any rate, method and date so specified will be binding on the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors, the Noteholders and the Couponholders.

 

9.13 Events of Default

The Trustee may determine whether or not an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default is in its opinion capable of remedy and/or materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders. Any such determination will be conclusive and binding on the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors, the Noteholders and the Couponholders.

 

9.14 Payment for and Delivery of Notes

The Trustee will not be responsible for the receipt or application by the relevant Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of the Notes, any exchange of Notes or the delivery of Notes to the persons entitled to them.

 

9.15 Notes held by the Issuer etc

In the absence of knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate under Clause 7(k)) that no Notes are for the time being held by or on behalf of the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors or their respective subsidiaries.

 

9.16 Interests of Noteholders as a class

In connection with the exercise by it of any of its trusts, powers, authorities or discretions under this Trust Deed (including, without limitation, any modification, waiver, authorisation or determination),

 

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the Trustee shall have regard to the general interests of the Noteholders as a class but shall not have regard to any interests arising from circumstances particular to individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) and, in particular but without limitation, shall not have regard to the consequences of such exercise for individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) resulting from their being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory or any political sub-division thereof and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Noteholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee or any other person any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Noteholders or Couponholders except to the extent already provided for in Condition 7 and/or any undertaking given in addition thereto or in substitution therefor under this Trust Deed.

 

9.17 Certificate of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg

The Trustee may call for and rely on any record and/or document and/or evidence and/or information and/or certification to be issued or given by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg (a) as to the nominal amount of Notes represented by a Global Note standing to the account of any person and/or (b) in relation to any determination of the nominal amount of Notes represented by a NGN. Any such certificate or other document shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding for all purposes. Any such certificate or other document may comprise any form of statement or print out of electronic records provided by the relevant clearing system (including Euroclear’s EUCLID or Clearstream, Luxembourg’s Creation Online system) in accordance with its usual procedures. The Trustee shall not be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any record and/or document and/or evidence and/or information and/or certification to such effect purporting to be issued or given by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.

 

9.18 Trustee not bound to act

Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Trust Deed, the Trustee shall have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise of the discretions hereby vested in the Trustee, but, whenever the Trustee is under the provisions of this Trust Deed bound to act at the request or direction of the Noteholders, the Trustee shall nevertheless not be so bound unless first indemnified and/or secured and/or prefunded to its satisfaction against all proceedings, claims and demands to which it may render itself liable and all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities which it may incur by so doing, including the cost of its management’s time and/or other internal resources, calculated using its normal hourly rates in force from time to time.

 

9.19 Illegality

No provision of this Trust Deed shall require the Trustee to do anything which may in its opinion be illegal or contrary to applicable law or regulation.

 

9.20 Trustee’s own funds

Nothing contained in this Trust Deed shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of its duties or the exercise of any right, power, authority or discretion hereunder if it has grounds for believing the repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against, or security for, such risk or liability is not assured to it.

 

9.21 Trustee entitled to evaluate risk

When determining whether an indemnity or any security is satisfactory to it, the Trustee shall be entitled to evaluate its risk in given circumstances by considering the worst-case scenario and, for

 

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this purpose, it may take into account, without limitation, the potential costs of defending or commencing proceedings in England or elsewhere and the risk however remote, of any award of damages against it in England or elsewhere.

 

9.22 Noteholder indemnities

The Trustee shall be entitled to require that any indemnity or security given to it by the Noteholders or any of them be given on a joint and several basis and be supported by evidence satisfactory to it as to the financial standing and creditworthiness of each counterparty and/or as to the value of the security and an opinion as to the capacity, power and authority of each counterparty and/or the validity and effectiveness of the security.

 

10. TRUSTEE LIABLE FOR NEGLIGENCE

The duty of care contained in Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to this Trust Deed. However, if the Trustee fails to show the degree of care and diligence required of it as trustee, nothing in this Trust Deed shall relieve or indemnify it for, from or against any liability which would otherwise attach to it in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which it may be guilty.

 

11. WAIVER AND PROOF OF DEFAULT

 

11.1 Waiver

The Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, from time to time and at any time, if in its opinion the interests of the Noteholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby, on such terms as seem expedient to it, waive or authorise any breach or proposed breach by the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor of this Trust Deed or the Conditions or determine that any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default will not be treated as such provided that the Trustee will not do so in contravention of an express direction given by an Extraordinary Resolution or a request made pursuant to Condition 9(a). No such direction or request will affect a previous waiver, authorisation or determination. Any such waiver, authorisation or determination will be binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, if the Trustee so requires, will be notified to the Noteholders as soon as practicable.

 

11.2 Proof of Default

Proof that the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor has failed to pay a sum due to the holder of any Note or Coupon will (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that it has made the same default as regards all other Notes or Coupons which are then payable.

 

12. TRUSTEE CONTRACTING WITH THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS

Neither the Trustee nor any director or officer or holding company, subsidiary or associated company of a corporation acting as a trustee under this Trust Deed shall by reason of its or his fiduciary position be in any way precluded from:

 

  (a)

entering into or being interested in any contract or financial or other transaction or arrangement with the relevant Issuer or any of the Guarantors or any person or body corporate associated with the relevant Issuer or any of the Guarantors (including without limitation any contract, transaction or arrangement of a banking or insurance nature or any contract, transaction or arrangement in relation to the making of loans or the provision of financial facilities or financial advice to, or the purchase, placing or underwriting of or the

 

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  subscribing or procuring subscriptions for or otherwise acquiring, holding or dealing with, or acting as paying agent in respect of, the Notes or any other notes, bonds, stocks, shares, debenture stock, debentures or other securities of, any Issuer or any person or body corporate associated as aforesaid); or

 

  (b) accepting or holding the trusteeship of any other trust deed constituting or securing any other securities issued by or relating to the relevant Issuer or any of the Guarantors or any such person or body corporate so associated or any other office of profit under the relevant Issuer or any of the Guarantors or any such person or body corporate so associated,

and shall be entitled to exercise and enforce its rights, comply with its obligations and perform its duties under or in relation to any such contract, transaction or arrangement as is referred to in (a) above or, as the case may be, any such trusteeship or office of profit as is referred to in (b) above without regard to the interests of the Noteholders and notwithstanding that the same may be contrary or prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders and shall not be responsible for any liability or expense occasioned to the Noteholders thereby and shall be entitled to retain and shall not be in any way liable to account for any profit made or share of brokerage or commission or remuneration or other amount or benefit received thereby or in connection therewith.

Where any holding company, subsidiary or associated company of the Trustee or any director or officer of the Trustee acting other than in his capacity as such a director or officer has any information, the Trustee shall not thereby be deemed also to have knowledge of such information and, unless it shall have actual knowledge of such information, shall not be responsible for any loss suffered by Noteholders resulting from the Trustee’s failing to take such information into account in acting or refraining from acting under or in relation to this Trust Deed.

 

13. MODIFICATION AND SUBSTITUTION

 

13.1 Modification

The Trustee may without the consent or sanction of the Noteholders or the Couponholders at any time and from time to time concur with the relevant Issuer in making any modification (a) to this Trust Deed which in the opinion of the Trustee it may be proper to make PROVIDED THAT the Trustee is of the opinion that such modification will not be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or (b) to this Trust Deed if in the opinion of the Trustee such modification is of a formal, minor or technical nature, to correct a manifest error or to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Any such modification may be made on such terms and subject to such conditions (if any) as the Trustee may determine, shall be binding upon the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee agrees otherwise, shall be notified by the relevant Issuer to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13 as soon as practicable thereafter.

 

13.2 Substitution

 

(a) Substitute Issuer

The Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders, agree to the substitution of any Guarantor or its successor in business or Holding Company or any subsidiary of any Guarantor or its successor in business or Holding Company (the Substituted Obligor ) in place of the relevant Issuer (or of any previous substitute under this Subclause) as the principal debtor under this Trust Deed provided that:

 

  (i)

amendments to this Trust Deed are made or a trust deed is executed or some other form of undertaking is given by the Substituted Obligor to the Trustee, in any such case, in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee, agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Trust Deed

 

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  with any consequential amendments which the Trustee may deem appropriate as fully as if the Substituted Obligor had been named in this Trust Deed and on the Notes and Coupons as the principal debtor in place of the relevant Issuer;

 

  (ii) where the Substituted Obligor is subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of any territory or any authority of or in that territory having power to tax (the Substituted Territory ) other than the territory to the taxing jurisdiction of which (or to any such authority of or in which) the relevant Issuer is subject generally (the Issuer’s Territory ), the Substituted Obligor will (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give to the Trustee an undertaking in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 7 with the substitution for the references in that Condition to the relevant jurisdiction specified in such Condition of references to the Substituted Territory and in such event this Trust Deed, the Notes and the Coupons (including, but without limitation, Clause 4.2) will be read accordingly;

 

  (iii) if any two of the Directors of the Substituted Obligor certify that it will be solvent immediately after such substitution, the Trustee need not have regard to the financial condition, profits or prospects of the Substituted Obligor or compare them with those of the relevant Issuer or any Guarantor; and

 

  (iv) the obligations of the Substituted Obligor under this Trust Deed are guaranteed by the Guarantors or their successors in business or Holding Companies (or where a Guarantor or its successor in business or Holding Company is the Substituted Obligor by the other Guarantors or their successors in business or Holding Companies) in the same terms (with consequential amendments as necessary) as the Guarantee in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee.

 

(b) Release of Substituted Issuer

Any such agreement by the Trustee pursuant to this Subclause 13.2 will, if so expressed, operate to release the relevant Issuer (or any such previous substitute) from any or all of its obligations under this Trust Deed. Not later than 14 days after the execution of any such documents and after compliance with such requirements, notice of the substitution will be given to the Noteholders.

 

(c) Completion of Substitution

Upon the execution of such documents and compliance with such requirements, the Substituted Obligor will be deemed to be named in this Trust Deed and on the Notes and Coupons as the principal debtor in place of the relevant Issuer (or of any previous substitute under this Subclause 14.2) and this Trust Deed will be deemed to be modified in such manner as shall be necessary to give effect to the substitution.

 

(d) Substitute Guarantor

The Trustee may similarly, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders, agree to the substitution of any Guarantor’s successor in business or Holding Company in place of any Guarantor, mutatis mutandis so far as applicable (except that the references to Condition 7 in paragraph 13.2(a)(ii) shall be construed as references to Clause 5.9 and paragraph 13.2(a)(iv) shall not be so applicable) upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinbefore provided, with such modifications or additions as the Trustee may agree or require.

 

(e) In the case of any proposed substitution pursuant to this Clause 13.2, the Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders, agree to a change in law governing the Notes, the Coupons and/or this Trust Deed, provided that such change would not, in the opinion of the Trustee, be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders.

 

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14. APPOINTMENT, RETIREMENT AND REMOVAL OF THE TRUSTEE

 

14.1 Appointment

The Issuer has the power of appointing new trustees but no trustee may be so appointed unless previously approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. A trust corporation will at all times be a Trustee and may be the sole Trustee. Any appointment of a new Trustee will be notified by the relevant Issuer to the Noteholders as soon as practicable.

 

14.2 Retirement and Removal

Any Trustee may retire at any time on giving at least three months’ written notice to the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors without giving any reason or being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement and the Noteholders may by Extraordinary Resolution remove any Trustee provided that the retirement or removal of a sole trust corporation will not be effective until a trust corporation is appointed as successor Trustee. If a sole trust corporation gives notice of retirement or an Extraordinary Resolution is passed for its removal, the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors will use all reasonable endeavours to procure that another trust corporation be appointed as Trustee.

 

14.3 Co-Trustees

The Trustee may, despite Subclause 14.1, by written notice to the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors appoint anyone to act as an additional Trustee jointly with the Trustee:

 

  (a) if the Trustee considers the appointment to be in the interests of the Noteholders and/or the Couponholders;

 

  (b) to conform with a legal requirement, restriction or condition in any jurisdiction in which a particular act is to be performed; or

 

  (c) to obtain a judgment or to enforce a judgment or any provision of this Trust Deed in any jurisdiction.

Subject to the provisions of this Trust Deed the Trustee may confer on any person so appointed such functions as it thinks fit. The Trustee may by written notice to the relevant Issuer, the Guarantors and that person remove that person. At the Trustee’s request, the relevant Issuer and the Guarantors will forthwith do all things as may be required to perfect such appointment or removal and each of them irrevocably appoints the Trustee as its attorney in its name and on its behalf to do so other than the payment of the costs of such appointee, if any, which will be agreed between the appointee and the Issuers and the Guarantors and otherwise subject to Clause 8.

 

14.4 Competence of a Majority of Trustees

If there are more than two Trustees the majority of them will be competent to perform the Trustee’s functions provided the majority includes a trust corporation.

 

15. HOLDER OF DEFINITIVE NOTE ASSUMED TO BE COUPONHOLDER

 

15.1 Wherever in this Trust Deed the Trustee is required or entitled to exercise a power, trust, authority or discretion under this Trust Deed, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by applicable law, the Trustee shall, notwithstanding that it may have express notice to the contrary, assume that each Noteholder is the holder of all Coupons appertaining to each Definitive Note of which he is the holder.

 

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NO NOTICE TO COUPONHOLDERS

 

15.2 No notices need be given to Couponholders. They will be deemed to have notice of the contents of any notice given to Noteholders. Even if it has express notice to the contrary, in exercising any of its functions by reference to the interests of the Noteholders, the Trustee will assume that the holder of each Note is the holder of all Coupons relating to it.

 

16. CURRENCY INDEMNITY

 

16.1 Currency of Account and Payment

The currency in which the Notes are denominated (the Contractual Currency ) is the currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the relevant Issuer or a Guarantor under or in connection with this Trust Deed in respect of such Notes and the relative Coupons, including damages.

 

16.2 Extent of discharge

An amount received or recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the winding-up or dissolution of the relevant Issuer or a Guarantor or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Noteholder or Couponholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the relevant Issuer or a Guarantor will only discharge the relevant Issuer and the relevant Guarantor to the extent of the Contractual Currency amount which the recipient is able to purchase with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so).

 

16.3 Indemnity

If the relevant Contractual Currency amount is less than the Contractual Currency amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed, the Notes or the Coupons, the relevant Issuer will indemnify it against any loss sustained by it as a result. In any event, the relevant Issuer will indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.

 

16.4 Indemnity separate

This indemnity constitutes a separate and independent obligation from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, will give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Trustee and/or any Noteholder or Couponholder and will continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons or any other judgment or order.

 

17. COMMUNICATIONS

Any communication shall be by letter or fax:

 

  (a) in the case of BATIF, to it (with a copy to British American Tobacco) at:

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London WC2R 2PG

 

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Tel No.    020 7845 1000
Fax No.    020 7845 0555
Attention    The Company Secretary

 

  (b) in the case of BATHTN, to it (with a copy to British American Tobacco) at:

Handelsweg 53A

1181 ZA Amstelveen

The Netherlands

 

Tel No.    00 31 20 644 5366
Fax No.    00 31 20 646 3248
Attention    The General Manager

 

  (c) in the case of BATNF, to it (with a copy to British American Tobacco) at:

Handelsweg 53A

1181 ZA Amstelveen

The Netherlands

 

Tel No.    00 31 20 644 5366
Fax No.    00 31 20 646 3248
Attention    The General Manager

 

  (d) in the case of British American Tobacco, to it at:

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London WC2R 2PG

 

Tel No.    020 7845 1000
Fax No.    020 7845 0555
Attention    The Company Secretary

 

  (e) and in the case of the Trustee, to it at:

Fifth Floor

100 Wood Street

London EC2V 7EX

 

Fax No.    020 7606 0643
Attention    The Manager, Trust Management

Communications will take effect, in the case of delivery, when delivered or, in the case of telex or fax, when received. Communications not by letter shall be confirmed by letter but failure to send or receive that letter shall not invalidate the original communication.

 

18. GOVERNING LAW

Governing Law : This Trust Deed and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.

 

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19. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION

 

19.1 Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that the courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with this Trust Deed (including a dispute relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it) and that accordingly any suit, action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Trust Deed (together referred to as Proceedings ) may be brought in the courts of England, including any Proceedings relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Trust Deed. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to raise any objection which it may have now or subsequently to the laying of the venue of any Proceedings in the courts of England and any claim that any Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that a judgment in any Proceedings brought in the courts of England shall be conclusive and binding upon it and may be enforced in the courts of any other jurisdiction. Nothing in this Clause shall limit any right to take Proceedings against any of the parties hereto in any other court of competent jurisdiction (outside the Contracting States, as defined in Section 1(3) of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982), nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not.

 

19.2 Each of BATHTN and BATNF irrevocably and unconditionally appoints British American Tobacco at its registered office at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG and in the event of its ceasing so to act will appoint such other person as the Trustee may approve and as BATHTN or BATNF, as the case may be, may nominate in writing to the Trustee for the purpose to accept service of process on its behalf in England in respect of any Proceedings. Each of BATHTN and BATNF:

 

  (a) agrees to procure that, so long as any of the Notes issued by it remains liable to prescription, there shall be in force an appointment of such a person approved by the Trustee with an office in London with authority to accept service as aforesaid;

 

  (b) agrees that failure by any such person to give notice of such service of process to BATHTN or BATNF, as the case may be, shall not impair the validity of such service or of any judgment based thereon; and

 

  (c) agrees that nothing in this Trust Deed shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

20. COUNTERPARTS

This Deed and any trust deed supplemental hereto may be executed and delivered in any number of counterparts, all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same deed and any party to this Deed or any trust deed supplemental hereto may enter into the same by executing and delivering a counterpart.

 

21. CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999

A person who is not a party to this Trust Deed or any trust deed supplemental hereto has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Trust Deed or any trust deed supplemental hereto, but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act.

IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been executed as a deed by BATIF, BATHTN, BATNF, British American Tobacco and the Trustee and delivered on the date first stated on page 1.

 

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SCHEDULE 1

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES

This Note is one of a Series (as defined below) of Notes issued by B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. (“ BATIF ”), British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V. (“ BATHTN ”) or B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V. (“ BATNF ”) as indicated in the applicable Final Terms (each in its capacity as the issuer of the Notes, the “ Issuers ” and, together with the other in its capacity as issuer of other notes, the “ Issuers ”) constituted by a Trust Deed (such Trust Deed as modified and/or supplemented and/or restated from time to time, the “ Trust Deed ”) dated 6 July 1998 made between, inter alios , each of BATIF, BATHTN and BATNF as an Issuer, and where it is not the Issuer of the Notes, as guarantor of notes issued by the other Issuers, British American Tobacco p.l.c. (“ British American Tobacco ”) as a guarantor and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (the “ Trustee ”, which expression shall include any successor as trustee). Each of BATIF, BATHTN, BATNF and British American Tobacco in its capacity as a guarantor is herein referred to as a “ Guarantor ” and all together in such capacities are herein referred to as the “ Guarantors ”. The Issuer and the Guarantors in relation to the Notes are specified in the applicable Final Terms (as defined below) and such expressions shall be construed accordingly.

References herein to the “ Notes ” shall be references to the Notes of this Series and shall mean:

 

(i) in relation to any Notes represented by a global Note (a “ Global Note ”), units of each Specified Denomination in the Specified Currency;

 

(ii) any Global Note; and

 

(iii) any definitive Notes issued in exchange for a Global Note.

The Notes and the Coupons (as defined below) have the benefit of an amended and restated Agency Agreement (such Agency Agreement as amended and/or supplemented and/or restated from time to time, the “ Agency Agreement ”) dated 16 May 2014 and made between the same parties as are parties to the Trust Deed, Citibank, N.A., London Branch as issuing and principal paying agent and agent bank (the “ Agent ”, which expression shall include any successor agent) and the other paying agent named therein (together with the Agent, the “ Paying Agents ”, which expression shall include any additional or successor paying agent).

Interest bearing definitive Notes (unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Final Terms) have interest coupons (“ Coupons ”) and, if indicated in the applicable Final Terms, talons for further Coupons (“ Talons ”) attached on issue. Any reference herein to Coupons or coupons shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be deemed to include a reference to Talons or talons. Global Notes do not have Coupons or Talons attached on issue.

The final terms for this Note (or the relevant provisions thereof) are set out in Part A of the Final Terms attached to or endorsed on this Note which supplement these Terms and Conditions and may specify other terms and conditions which shall, to the extent so specified or to the extent inconsistent with these Terms and Conditions, complete these Terms and Conditions for the purposes of this Note. References to the “ applicable Final Terms ” are to Part A of the Final Terms (or the relevant provisions thereof) attached to or endorsed on this Note.

The Trustee acts for the benefit of the holders for the time being of the Notes (the “ Noteholders ”, which expression shall, in relation to any Notes represented by a Global Note, be construed as provided below) and the holders of the Coupons (the “ Couponholders ”, which expression shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include the holders of the Talons), in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Deed.

As used herein, “ Tranche ” means Notes which are identical in all respects (including as to listing and admission to trading) and “ Series ” means a Tranche of Notes together with any further Tranche or Tranches of Notes which are (i) expressed to be consolidated and form a single series with an existing Tranche of Notes; and (ii) identical in all respects (including as to listing and admission to trading) except for their respective Issue Dates, Interest Commencement Dates and/or Issue Prices.

Copies of the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the applicable Final Terms are available for inspection during normal business hours at the registered office for the time being of the Trustee (being at the date of this Base Prospectus at Fifth Floor, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7EX) and at the specified office of each of the Paying Agents. The Noteholders and the Couponholders are deemed to have notice of, and are entitled to the benefit of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed, the Agency Agreement and the applicable Final Terms which are applicable to them. The statements in these Terms and Conditions include summaries of, and are subject to, the detailed provisions of and definitions contained in the Trust Deed.

 

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Words and expressions defined in the Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement or used in the applicable Final Terms shall have the same meanings where used in these Terms and Conditions unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise stated and provided that, in the event of inconsistency between the Agency Agreement and the Trust Deed, the Trust Deed will prevail and, in the event of inconsistency between the Agency Agreement or the Trust Deed and the applicable Final Terms, the applicable Final Terms will prevail.

In the Conditions, “ Euro ” means the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of European economic and monetary union pursuant to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, as amended.

 

1. FORM, DENOMINATION AND TITLE

The Notes are in bearer form and, in the case of definitive Notes, serially numbered, in the Specified Currency and the Specified Denomination(s) specified in the applicable Final Terms. Notes of one Specified Denomination may not be exchanged for Notes of another Specified Denomination.

This Note may be a Fixed Rate Note, a Floating Rate Note, a Zero Coupon Note or a combination of any of the foregoing, depending upon the Interest Basis shown in the applicable Final Terms.

Definitive Notes are issued with Coupons attached, unless they are Zero Coupon Notes in which case references to Coupons and Couponholders in these Terms and Conditions, the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are not applicable.

Subject as set out below, title to the Notes and Coupons will pass by delivery. The Issuer, the Guarantors and any Paying Agent will (except as otherwise required by law) deem and treat the bearer of any Note or Coupon as the absolute owner thereof (whether or not overdue and notwithstanding any notice of ownership or writing thereon or notice of any previous loss or theft thereof) for all purposes but, in the case of any Global Note, without prejudice to the provisions set out in the next succeeding paragraph.

For so long as any of the Notes is represented by a Global Note held on behalf of Euroclear Bank SA/NV (“ Euroclear ”) and/or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme (“ Clearstream, Luxembourg ”), each person (other than Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg) who is for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or of Clearstream, Luxembourg as the holder of a particular nominal amount of such Notes (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as to the nominal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes save in the case of manifest error) shall be treated by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Paying Agents as the holder of such nominal amount of such Notes for all purposes, other than with respect to the payment of principal or interest on such nominal amount of such Notes, for which purpose the bearer of the relevant Global Note shall be treated by the Issuer, the Guarantors and any Paying Agent as the holder of such nominal amount of such Notes in accordance with and subject to the terms of the relevant Global Note and the expressions “ Noteholder ” and “ holder of Notes ” and related expressions shall be construed accordingly.

Notes which are represented by a Global Note will be transferable only in accordance with the rules and procedures for the time being of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be. References to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, whenever the context so permits, be deemed to include a reference to any additional or alternative clearing system specified in the applicable Final Terms, or as may otherwise be approved by the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Agent and the Trustee.

 

2. STATUS OF THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEE

 

(a) Status of the Notes

The Notes and Coupons constitute direct, unconditional and (subject to the provisions of Condition 3) unsecured obligations of the Issuer and rank and will rank pari passu and without any preference among themselves and (subject as aforesaid and save to the extent that laws affecting creditors’ rights generally in a bankruptcy or winding up may give preference to any of such other obligations) equally with all other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer from time to time outstanding.

 

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(b) Status of the Guarantee

The payment of principal of, and interest on, the Notes together with all other amounts payable by the Issuer under or pursuant to the Trust Deed has been unconditionally and irrevocably and jointly and severally guaranteed in the Trust Deed by the Guarantors (other than the Issuer).

The obligations of each Guarantor under its guarantee constitute direct, unconditional and (subject to the provisions of Condition 3) unsecured obligations of the relevant Guarantor and (subject as aforesaid and save to the extent that laws affecting creditors’ rights generally in a bankruptcy or winding up may give preference to any of such other obligations) rank and will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the relevant Guarantor from time to time outstanding.

The Trust Deed contains a covenant on the part of the Issuers and the Guarantors in the event that any other company, the share capital of which is or is to be admitted to the official list of the Financial Conduct Authority under Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “ Official List ”) and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange plc’s Regulated Market (the “ Market ”), becomes the ultimate Holding Company of British American Tobacco, to procure that such other Holding Company shall become a guarantor under the Trust Deed, jointly and severally with the Guarantors, with effect from the later of (i) the date on which such other company becomes the ultimate Holding Company of British American Tobacco and (ii) the date on which the share capital of such other Holding Company is admitted to the Official List and admitted to trading on the Market. In such event, the term “ Guarantors ” herein shall be deemed to include such other Holding Company.

 

3. NEGATIVE PLEDGE

So long as any of the Notes remains outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed) neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor will secure or allow to be secured any Quoted Borrowing or any payment under any guarantee by any of them of any Quoted Borrowing by any mortgage, charge, pledge or lien (other than arising by operation of law) upon any of its undertaking or assets, whether present or future, unless at the same time the same mortgage, charge, pledge or lien is extended, or security which is in the opinion of the Trustee not materially less beneficial to the Noteholders than the security given as aforesaid or which shall be approved by Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Noteholders is extended, or (as the case may be) created, in favour of the Trustee to secure equally and rateably the principal of, and interest on, and all other payments (if any) in respect of the Notes and under the Trust Deed.

For the purposes of this Condition 3, “ Quoted Borrowing ” means any indebtedness which (a) is represented by notes, debentures or other securities issued otherwise than to constitute or represent advances made by banks and/or other lending institutions; (b) is denominated, or confers any right to payment of principal and/or interest, in or by reference to any currency other than the currency of the country in which the issuer of the indebtedness has its principal place of business or is denominated, or confers any right to payment of principal and/or interest, in or by reference to the currency of such country but is placed or offered for subscription or sale by or on behalf of, or by agreement with, the issuer of such indebtedness as to over 20 per cent. outside such country; and (c) at its date of issue is, or is intended by the issuer of such indebtedness to become, quoted, listed, traded or dealt in on any stock exchange or other organised and regulated securities market in any part of the world.

 

4. INTEREST

 

(a) Interest on Fixed Rate Notes

The applicable Final Terms contains provisions applicable to the determination of fixed rate interest and must be read in conjunction with this Condition 4 (a) for full information on the manner in which interest is calculated on Fixed Rate Notes. In particular, the applicable Final Terms will specify, as applicable, the Interest Commencement Date, the Rate(s) of Interest, the Interest Payment Date(s), the Maturity Date, the Fixed Coupon Amount, any applicable Broken Amount, the Calculation Amount, the Day Count Fraction and any applicable Determination Date.

Each Fixed Rate Note bears interest from (and including) the Interest Commencement Date at the rate(s) per annum equal to the Rate(s) of Interest payable in arrear on the Interest Payment Date(s) in each year up to (and including) the Maturity Date.

If the Notes are in definitive form, except as otherwise provided in the applicable Final Terms, the amount of interest payable on each Interest Payment Date will amount to the Fixed Coupon Amount. Payments of interest on any Interest Payment Date will, if so specified in the applicable Final Terms, amount to the Broken Amount so specified.

 

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Except in the case of Notes in definitive form where an applicable Fixed Coupon Amount or Broken Amount is specified in the applicable Final Terms, interest shall be calculated in respect of any period by applying the Rate of Interest to:

 

  (A) in the case of Fixed Rate Notes which are represented by a Global Note, the aggregate outstanding amount of the Fixed Rate Notes represented by such Global Note; or

 

  (B) in the case of Fixed Rate Notes in definitive form, the Calculation Amount;

and in each case, multiplying such sum by the applicable Day Count Fraction, and rounding the resultant figure to the nearest sub-unit of the relevant Specified Currency, half of any such sub-unit being rounded upwards or otherwise in accordance with applicable market convention.

Where the Specified Denomination of a Fixed Rate Note in definitive form is a multiple of the Calculation Amount, the amount of interest payable in respect of such Fixed Rate Note shall be the product of the amount (determined in the manner provided above) for the Calculation Amount and the amount by which the Calculation Amount is multiplied to reach the Specified Denomination, without any further rounding.

Day Count Fraction ” means in respect of the calculation of an amount of interest in accordance with Condition 4 (a) :

 

  (i) if “ Actual/Actual (ICMA) ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms:

 

  (A) in the case of Notes where the number of days in the relevant period from (and including) the most recent Interest Payment Date (or, if none, the Interest Commencement Date) to (but excluding) the relevant payment date (the “ Accrual Period ”) is equal to or shorter than the Determination Period during which the Accrual Period ends, the number of days in such Accrual Period divided by the product of (1) the number of days in such Determination Period and (2) the number of Determination Dates that would occur in one calendar year; or

 

  (B) in the case of Notes where the Accrual Period is longer than the Determination Period commencing on the last Interest Payment Date (or, if none, the Interest Commencement Date), the sum of:

 

  (1) the number of days in such Accrual Period falling in the Determination Period in which the Accrual Period begins divided by the product of (x) the number of days in such Determination Period and (y) the number of Determination Periods normally ending in one calendar year; and

 

  (2) the number of days in such Accrual Period falling in the next Determination Period divided by the product of (x) the number of days in such Determination Period and (y) the number of Determination Periods normally ending in one calendar year;

 

  (ii) if “ 30/360 ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the number of days in the period from (and including) the most recent Interest Payment Date (or, if none, the Interest Commencement Date) to (but excluding) the relevant payment date (such number of days being calculated on the basis of 12 30-day months) divided by 360; and

 

  (iii) if “ Actual/365 (Fixed) ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the actual number of days in the period from (and including) the most recent Interest Payment Date (or, if none, the Interest Commencement Date) to (but excluding) the relevant payment date divided by 365.

In these Terms and Conditions:

Determination Period ” means the period from (and including) a Determination Date to (but excluding) the next Determination Date.

sub-unit ” means, with respect to any currency other than Euro, the lowest amount of such currency that is available as legal tender in the country of such currency and, with respect to Euro, means one cent.

 

(b) Interest on Floating Rate Notes

The applicable Final Terms contains provisions applicable to the determination of floating rate interest and must be read in conjunction with this Condition 4 (b) for full information on the manner in which interest is calculated on Floating Rate Notes. In particular, the applicable Final Terms will identify, as applicable, any Specified Interest Payment Dates, any Specified Period, the Interest Commencement Date, the Business Day Convention, any Additional Business Centres, whether ISDA Determination or Screen Rate

 

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Determination applies to the calculation of interest, the party who will calculate the amount of interest due if it is not the Agent, the Margin, any maximum or minimum interest rates and the Day Count Fraction. Where ISDA Determination applies to the calculation of interest, the applicable Final Terms will also specify the applicable Floating Rate Option, Designated Maturity and Reset Date. Where Screen Rate Determination applies to the calculation of interest, the applicable Final Terms will also specify the applicable Reference Rate, Interest Determination Date(s) and Relevant Screen Page.

 

(i) Interest Payment Dates

Each Floating Rate Note bears interest from (and including) the Interest Commencement Date and such interest will be payable in arrear on either:

 

  (A) the Specified Interest Payment Date(s) in each year specified in the applicable Final Terms; or

 

  (B) if no Specified Interest Payment Date(s) is/are specified in the applicable Final Terms, each date (each such date, together with each Specified Interest Payment Date, an “ Interest Payment Date ”) which falls the number of months or other period specified as the Specified Period in the applicable Final Terms after the preceding Interest Payment Date or, in the case of the first Interest Payment Date, after the Interest Commencement Date.

Such interest will be payable in respect of each “ Interest Period ” (which expression shall, in these Terms and Conditions, mean the period from (and including) an Interest Payment Date (or the Interest Commencement Date) to (but excluding) the next (or first) Interest Payment Date).

If a Business Day Convention is specified in the applicable Final Terms and (x) if there is no numerically corresponding day on the calendar month in which an Interest Payment Date should occur or (y) if any Interest Payment Date would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day, then, if the Business Day Convention specified is:

 

  (1) in any case where Specified Periods are specified in accordance with Condition 4 (b) (i)(B) above, the Floating Rate Convention, such Interest Payment Date (i) in the case of (x) above, shall be the last day that is a Business Day in the relevant month and the provisions of (B) below shall apply mutatis mutandis or (ii) in the case of (y) above, shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would thereby fall into the next calendar month, in which event (A) such Interest Payment Date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day and (B) each subsequent Interest Payment Date shall be the last Business Day in the month in which the Specified Period falls after the preceding applicable Interest Payment Date occurred; or

 

  (2) the Following Business Day Convention, such Interest Payment Date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day; or

 

  (3) the Modified Following Business Day Convention, such Interest Payment Date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would thereby fall into the next calendar month, in which event such Interest Payment Date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day; or

 

  (4) the Preceding Business Day Convention, such Interest Payment Date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day.

In this Condition, “ Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) which is both:

 

  (A) a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in London and each Additional Business Centre (if any) specified in the applicable Final Terms; and

 

  (B) either (1) in relation to any sum payable in a Specified Currency other than Euro, a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in the principal financial centre of the country of the relevant Specified Currency (if other than London and any Additional Business Centre and which, if the Specified Currency is Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars, shall be Sydney and Auckland, respectively) or (2) in relation to any sum payable in Euro, a day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (known as TARGET2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007, or any successor thereto (the “ TARGET System ”) is operating.

 

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(ii) Rate of Interest

The Rate of Interest payable from time to time in respect of Floating Rate Notes will be determined in the manner specified in the applicable Final Terms and the provisions below relating to either ISDA Determination or Screen Rate Determination shall apply, depending upon which is specified in the applicable Final Terms.

 

  (A) ISDA Determination for Floating Rate Notes

Where ISDA Determination is specified in the applicable Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Period will be the relevant ISDA Rate plus or minus (as indicated in the applicable Final Terms) the Margin (if any). For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (A), “ ISDA Rate ” for an Interest Period means a rate equal to the Floating Rate that would be determined by the Agent under an interest rate swap transaction if the Agent were acting as Calculation Agent for that swap transaction under the terms of an agreement incorporating the 2006 ISDA Definitions, as amended and updated as at the Issue Date of the first Tranche of the Notes and as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (the “ ISDA Definitions ”) and under which:

 

  (1) the Floating Rate Option is as specified in the applicable Final Terms;

 

  (2) the Designated Maturity is a period specified in the applicable Final Terms; and

 

  (3) the relevant Reset Date is either (i) if the applicable Floating Rate Option is based on the London inter-bank offered rate (“ LIBOR ”) or on the Euro-zone interbank offered rate (“ EURIBOR ”) for a currency, the first day of that Interest Period or (ii) in any other case, as specified in the applicable Final Terms.

For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (A), (i) “ Floating Rate ”, “ Calculation Agent ”, “ Floating Rate Option ”, “ Designated Maturity ”, “ Reset Date ” and “ Euro- zone” have the meanings given to those terms in the ISDA Definitions and (ii) the definition of “ Banking Day ” in the ISDA Definitions shall be amended to insert after the words “are open for” in the second line thereof the word “general”.

 

  (B) Screen Rate Determination for Floating Rate Notes

Where Screen Rate Determination is specified in the applicable Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Period will, subject as provided below, be either:

 

  (1) the offered quotation; or

 

  (2) the arithmetic mean (rounded if necessary to the fifth decimal place, with 0.000005 being rounded upwards) of the offered quotations,

(expressed as a percentage rate per annum) for the Reference Rate(s) which appears or appear, as the case may be, on the Relevant Screen Page as at 11.00 a.m. (London time, in the case of LIBOR, or Brussels time, in the case of EURIBOR) on the Interest Determination Date in question plus or minus (as indicated in the applicable Final Terms) the Margin (if any), all as determined by the Agent. If five or more of such offered quotations are available on the Relevant Screen Page, the highest (or, if there is more than one such highest quotation, one only of such quotations) and the lowest (or, if there is more than one such lowest quotation, one only of such quotations) shall be disregarded by the Agent for the purpose of determining the arithmetic mean (rounded as provided above) of such offered quotations.

The Agency Agreement contains provisions for determining the Rate of Interest in the event that the Relevant Screen Page is not available or if, in the case of (1) above, no such quotation appears or, in the case of (2) above, fewer than three such offered quotations appear, in each case as at the time specified in the preceding paragraph.

 

  (C) Linear Interpolation

Where Linear Interpolation is specified as applicable in respect of an Interest Period in the applicable Final Terms, the Rate of Interest for such Interest Period shall be calculated by the Agent by straight line linear interpolation by reference to two rates based on the relevant

 

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Reference Rate (where Screen Rate Determination is specified as applicable in the applicable Final Terms) or the relevant Floating Rate Option (where ISDA Determination is specified as applicable in the applicable Final Terms), one of which shall be determined as if the Applicable Maturity were the period of time for which rates are available next shorter than the length of the relevant Interest Period and the other of which shall be determined as if the Applicable Maturity were the period of time for which rates are available next longer than the length of the relevant Interest Period, provided however, that if there is no rate available for the period of time next shorter or, as the case may be, next longer, then the Agent shall determine such rate at such time and by reference to such sources as it determines appropriate.

Applicable Maturity ” means: (a) in relation to Screen Rate Determination, the period of time designated in the Reference Rate, and (b) in relation to ISDA Determination, the Designated Maturity.

 

(iii) Minimum Rate of Interest and/or Maximum Rate of Interest

If the applicable Final Terms specifies a Minimum Rate of Interest for any Interest Period, then, in the event that the Rate of Interest in respect of such Interest Period determined in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (ii) above is less than such Minimum Rate of Interest, the Rate of Interest for such Interest Period shall be such Minimum Rate of Interest.

If the applicable Final Terms specifies a Maximum Rate of Interest for any Interest Period, then, in the event that the Rate of Interest in respect of such Interest Period determined in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (ii) above is greater than such Maximum Rate of Interest, the Rate of Interest for such Interest Period shall be such Maximum Rate of Interest.

 

(iv) Determination of Rate of Interest and calculation of Interest Amounts

The Agent will at or as soon as practicable after each time at which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, determine the Rate of Interest for the relevant Interest Period.

The Agent will calculate the amount of interest (the “ Interest Amount ”) payable on the Floating Rate Notes for the relevant Interest Period by applying the Rate of Interest to:

 

  (i) in the case of Floating Rate Notes which are represented by a Global Note, the aggregate outstanding nominal amount of the Notes represented by such Global Note; or

 

  (ii) in the case of Floating Rate Notes in definitive form, the Calculation Amount;

and, in each case, multiplying such sum by the applicable Day Count Fraction, and rounding the resultant figure to the nearest sub-unit of the relevant Specified Currency, half of any such sub-unit being rounded upwards or otherwise in accordance with applicable market convention.

Where the Specified Denomination of a Floating Rate Note in definitive form is a multiple of the Calculation Amount, the Interest Amount payable in respect of such Note shall be the product of the amount (determined in the manner provided above) for the Calculation Amount and the amount by which the Calculation Amount is multiplied to reach the Specified Denomination, without any further rounding.

Day Count Fraction ” means, in respect of the calculation of an amount of interest for any Interest Period:

 

  (i) if “ Actual/Actual ” or “ Actual/Actual (ISDA) ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Interest Period divided by 365 (or, if any portion of that Interest Period falls in a leap year, the sum of (A) the actual number of days in that portion of the Interest Period falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (B) the actual number of days in that portion of the Interest Period falling in a non-leap year divided by 365);

 

  (ii) if “ Actual/365 (Fixed) ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Interest Period divided by 365;

 

  (iii) if “ Actual/360 ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Interest Period divided by 360;

 

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  (iv) if “ 30/360 ”, “ 360/360 ” or “ Bond Basis ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the number of days in the Interest Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows:

 

Day Count Fraction =

   [360 x (Y2 -Y1)] + [30 x (M2 -M1)]+ (D2 -D1)
   360

where:

“Y1” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Interest Period falls;

“Y2” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period falls;

“M1” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Interest Period falls;

“M2” is the calendar month, expressed as number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period falls;

“D1” is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Interest Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and

“D2” is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period, unless such number would be 31 and D1 is greater than 29, in which case D2 will be 30;

 

  (v) if “ 30E/360 ” or “ Eurobond Basis ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the number of days in the Interest Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows:

 

Day Count Fraction =

   [360 x (Y2 -Y1)] + [30 x (M2 -M1)]+ (D2 -D1)
   360

where:

“Y1” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Interest Period falls;

“Y2” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period falls;

“M1” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Interest Period falls;

“M2” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period falls;

“D1” is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Interest Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and

“D2” is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D2 will be 30

 

  (vi) if “ 30E/360 (ISDA) ” is specified hereon, the number of days in the Interest Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows:

 

Day Count Fraction =

   [360 x (Y2 -Y1)] + [30 x (M2 -M1)]+ (D2 -D1)
   360

 

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where:

“Y1” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Interest Period falls;

“Y2” is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period falls;

“M1” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Interest Period falls;

“M2” is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period falls;

“D1” is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Interest Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and

“D2” is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Interest Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February but not the Maturity Date or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D2 will be 30; and

 

  (vii) if “ Actual/365 (Sterling) ” is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Interest Period divided by 365 or, in the case of an Interest Payment Date falling in a leap year, 366.

 

(v) Notification of Rate of Interest and Interest Amounts

The Agent will cause the Rate of Interest and each Interest Amount for each Interest Period and the relevant Interest Payment Date to be notified to the Issuer and any stock exchange or other relevant authority on which the relevant Floating Rate Notes are for the time being listed or by which they have been admitted to trading (if the rules of that stock exchange or other relevant authority so require) and notice thereof to be published in accordance with Condition 13 as soon as possible after their determination but in no event later than (a) the commencement of the relevant Interest Period, if determined prior to such time, in the case of notification to such stock exchange of a Rate of Interest and Interest Amount, or (b) in all other cases, the fourth London Business Day thereafter. Each Interest Amount and Interest Payment Date so notified may subsequently be amended (or appropriate alternative arrangements made by way of adjustment) without prior notice in the event of an extension or shortening of the Interest Period. Any such amendment will be promptly notified to each stock exchange or other relevant authority on which the relevant Floating Rate Notes are for the time being listed or by which they have been admitted to trading (if the rules of that stock exchange or other relevant authority so require) and to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13. For the purposes of this paragraph, the expression “ London Business Day ” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in London.

 

(vi) Determination or calculation by Trustee

If for any reason at any relevant time the Agent defaults in its obligation to determine the Rate of Interest or the Agent defaults in its obligation to calculate any Interest Amount in accordance with sub-paragraph (ii)(A) or (B) above or as otherwise specified in the applicable Final Terms, as the case may be, and, in each, case in accordance with paragraph (iv) above, the Trustee shall determine the Rate of Interest at such rate as, in its absolute discretion (having such regard as it shall think fit to the foregoing provisions of this Condition, but subject always to any Minimum Rate of Interest or Maximum Rate of Interest specified in the applicable Final Terms), it shall deem fair and reasonable in all the circumstances or, as the case may be, the Trustee shall calculate the Interest Amount(s) in such manner as it shall deem fair and reasonable in all the circumstances and each such determination or calculation shall be deemed to have been made by the Agent.

 

(vii) Certificates to be final

All certificates, communications, opinions, determinations, calculations, quotations and decisions given, expressed, made or obtained for the purposes of the provisions of this Condition 4 (b) , whether by the Agent or, if applicable, the Trustee, shall (in the absence of wilful default, bad faith or manifest error) be binding on the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Agent, the other Paying Agents, the Trustee and all Noteholders and Couponholders and (in the absence as aforesaid) no liability to the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Noteholders or the Couponholders shall attach to the Agent or (if applicable) the Trustee in connection with the exercise or non-exercise by it of its powers, duties and discretions pursuant to such provisions.

 

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(c) Accrual of interest

Each Note (or in the case of the redemption of part only of a Note, that part only of such Note) will cease to bear interest (if any) from the date for its redemption unless, upon due presentation thereof, payment of principal is improperly withheld or refused. In such event, interest will continue to accrue as provided in the Trust Deed.

 

5. PAYMENTS

 

(a) Method of payment

Subject as provided below:

 

  (i) payments in a Specified Currency other than Euro will be made by credit or transfer to an account in the relevant Specified Currency maintained by the payee with, or, at the option of the payee, by a cheque in such Specified Currency drawn on a bank in the principal financial centre of the country of such Specified Currency (which, if the Specified Currency is Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars, shall be Sydney and Auckland, respectively); and

 

  (ii) payments in Euro will be made by credit or transfer to a Euro account (or any other account to which Euro may be credited or transferred) specified by the payee or, at the option of the payee, by a Euro cheque.

Payments will be subject in all cases to any fiscal or other laws and regulations applicable thereto in the place of payment, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 7.

 

(b) Presentation of definitive Notes and Coupons

Payments of principal in respect of definitive Notes will (subject as provided below) be made in the manner provided in paragraph ( a ) above only against presentation and surrender (or, in the case of part payment of any sum due, endorsement) of definitive Notes, and payments of interest in respect of definitive Notes will (subject as provided below) be made as aforesaid only against presentation and surrender (or, in the case of part payment of any sum due, endorsement) of Coupons, in each case at the specified office of any Paying Agent outside the United States (which expression, as used herein, means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia, its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction)).

Fixed Rate Notes in definitive form should be presented for payment together with all unmatured Coupons appertaining thereto (which expression shall for this purpose include Coupons falling to be issued on exchange of matured Talons), failing which the amount of any missing unmatured Coupon (or, in the case of payment not being made in full, the same proportion of the amount of such missing unmatured Coupon as the sum so paid bears to the sum due) will be deducted from the sum due for payment. Each amount of principal so deducted will be paid in the manner mentioned above against surrender of the relative missing Coupon at any time before the expiry of 10 years after the Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 7) in respect of such principal (whether or not such Coupon would otherwise have become void under Condition 8) or, if later, five years from the date on which such Coupon would otherwise have become due, but in no event thereafter.

Where any definitive Note that provides that the relative unmatured Coupons are to become void upon the due date for redemption of those Notes is presented for redemption without all unmatured Coupons, and where any definitive Note is presented for redemption without any unexchanged Talon relating to it, redemption shall be made only against the provision of such indemnity as the Issuer may require.

Upon any Fixed Rate Note in definitive form becoming due and repayable prior to its Maturity Date, all unmatured Talons (if any) appertaining thereto will become void and no further Coupons will be issued in respect thereof.

 

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Upon the date on which any Floating Rate Note in definitive form becomes due and repayable, unmatured Coupons and Talons (if any) relating thereto (whether or not attached) shall become void and no payment or, as the case may be, exchange for further Coupons shall be made in respect thereof.

If the due date for redemption of any definitive Note is not an Interest Payment Date, interest (if any) accrued in respect of such Note from (and including) the preceding Interest Payment Date or, as the case may be, the Interest Commencement Date shall be payable only against surrender of the relevant definitive Note.

 

(c) Payments in respect of Global Notes

Payments of principal and interest (if any) in respect of Notes represented by any Global Note will (subject as provided below) be made in the manner specified above in relation to definitive Notes and otherwise in the manner specified in the relevant Global Note against presentation or surrender, as the case may be, of such Global Note at the specified office of any Paying Agent outside the United States. A record of each payment made against presentation or surrender of any Global Note, distinguishing between any payment of principal and any payment of interest, will be made on such Global Note by the Paying Agent to which it was presented and such record shall be prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made.

 

(d) General provisions applicable to payments

The holder of a Global Note shall be the only person entitled to receive payments in respect of Notes represented by such Global Note and the Issuer or, as the case may be, any Guarantor will be discharged by payment to, or to the order of, the holder of such Global Note in respect of each amount so paid. Each of the persons shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as the beneficial holder of a particular nominal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note must look solely to Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be, for his share of each payment so made by the Issuer or, as the case may be, any Guarantor to, or to the order of, the holder of such Global Note.

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a)  above, if any amount of principal and/or interest in respect of Notes is payable in US dollars, such US dollar payments of principal and/or interest in respect of such Notes will be made at the specified office of a Paying Agent in the United States if:

 

  (i) the Issuer has appointed Paying Agents with specified offices outside the United States with the reasonable expectation that such Paying Agents would be able to make payment in US dollars at such specified offices outside the United States of the full amount of principal and interest on the Notes in the manner provided above when due;

 

  (ii) payment of the full amount of such principal and interest at all such specified offices outside the United States is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions on the full payment or receipt of principal and interest in US dollars; and

 

  (iii) such payment is then permitted under United States law without involving, in the opinion of the Issuer and the Guarantors, adverse tax consequences to the Issuer or the Guarantors.

 

(e) Payment Day

If the date for payment of any amount in respect of any Note or Coupon is not a Payment Day, the holder thereof shall not be entitled to payment until the next following Payment Day in the relevant place and shall not be entitled to further interest or other payment in respect of such delay. For these purposes, “ Payment Day ” means any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) which (subject to Condition 8) is:

 

  (i) a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in:

 

  (A) in the case of definitive Notes only, the relevant place of presentation;

 

  (B) each Additional Financial Centre (if any) specified in the applicable Final Terms; and

 

  (ii) either (1) in relation to any sum payable in a Specified Currency other than Euro, a day on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments and are open for general business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign currency deposits) in the principal financial centre of the country of the relevant Specified Currency (which, if the Specified Currency is Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars, shall be Sydney and Auckland, respectively) or (2) in relation to any sum payable in Euro, a day on which the TARGET System is operating.

 

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(f) Interpretation of principal and interest

Any reference in these Terms and Conditions to principal in respect of the Notes shall be deemed to include, as applicable:

 

  (i) any additional amounts which may be payable with respect to principal under Condition 7 or pursuant to any undertaking or covenant to pay additional amounts given in addition thereto, or in substitution therefor, pursuant to the Trust Deed;

 

  (ii) the Final Redemption Amount of the Notes;

 

  (iii) the Early Redemption Amount of the Notes;

 

  (iv) the Optional Redemption Amount(s) (if any) of the Notes;

 

  (v) in relation to Zero Coupon Notes, the Amortised Face Amount (as defined in Condition 6 (e) (iii)); and

 

  (vi) any premium and any other amounts (other than interest) which may be payable by the Issuer under or in respect of the Notes.

Any reference in these Terms and Conditions to interest in respect of the Notes shall be deemed to include, as applicable, any additional amounts which may be payable with respect to interest under Condition 7 or pursuant to any undertaking or covenant to pay additional amounts given in addition thereto, or in substitution therefor, pursuant to the Trust Deed.

 

6. REDEMPTION AND PURCHASE

 

(a) Redemption at maturity

Unless previously redeemed or purchased and cancelled as specified below, each Note will be redeemed by the Issuer at its Final Redemption Amount specified in, or determined in the manner specified in, the applicable Final Terms in the relevant Specified Currency on the Maturity Date.

 

(b) Redemption for tax reasons

 

  (i) Where the Issuer is BATIF

 

  (1) The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply where the Issuer is BATIF.

 

  (2)

The Notes may be redeemed in whole but not in part, at the option of the Issuer, at any time or, if the Notes are Floating Rate Notes, on any Interest Payment Date, upon not more than 30 nor less than 15 days’ (or, in each case, such other number of days as specified in the applicable Final Terms) prior notice given in accordance with Condition 13 (which notice will be irrevocable), at their Early Redemption Amount referred to in paragraph (e)  below, together, if applicable, with interest accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption, if the Issuer satisfies the Trustee that, as a result of any amendment to, or change in, the laws or regulations of the United Kingdom or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein affecting taxation, or any amendment to or change in an official application or interpretation of such laws or regulations, which amendment or change becomes effective on or after the Issue Date of the first Tranche of the Notes, the Issuer will become obliged to pay any Additional Amounts pursuant to Condition 7 (a) on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date in respect of the Notes; provided, however, that (1) no such notice of redemption will be given earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer would be obliged to pay such Additional Amounts were a payment in respect of the Notes then due and (2) at the time such notice of redemption is given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. Immediately prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph (b) (i) the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee a certificate stating that the Issuer is entitled to

 

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  effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer so to redeem have occurred, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the same in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders. Upon the expiry of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph (b) (i), the Issuer shall be bound to redeem the Notes as provided herein.

 

  (ii) Where the Issuer is BATHTN or BATNF

 

  (1) The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply where the Issuer is BATHTN or BATNF.

 

  (2) The Notes may be redeemed in whole but not in part, at the option of the Issuer, at any time or, if the Notes are Floating Rate Notes, on any Interest Payment Date, upon not more than 30 nor less than 15 days’ (or, in each case, such other number of days as specified in the applicable Final Terms) prior notice given in accordance with Condition 13 (which notice will be irrevocable), at their Early Redemption Amount referred to in paragraph (e)  below, together, if applicable, with interest accrued to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption, if, as a result of any amendment to, or change in, the laws or regulations of The Netherlands or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein affecting taxation, or any amendment to or change in an official application or interpretation of such laws or regulations, which amendment or change becomes effective on or after the Issue Date of the first Tranche of the Notes, the Issuer will become obliged to pay any Additional Amounts pursuant to Condition 7 (b) on the next succeeding Interest Payment Date in respect of the Notes; provided, however, that (1) no such notice of redemption will be given earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer would be obliged to pay such Additional Amounts were a payment in respect of the Notes then due and (2) at the time such notice of redemption is given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. Immediately prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph (b) (ii) the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee a certificate stating that the Issuer is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer so to redeem have occurred, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the same in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders. Upon the expiry of any notice of redemption pursuant to this paragraph (b) (ii), the Issuer shall be bound to redeem the Notes as provided herein.

 

(c) Redemption at the option of the Issuer (Issuer Call)

This Condition 6 (c) applies to Notes which are subject to redemption prior to the Maturity Date at the option of the Issuer (other than for taxation reasons), such option being referred to as an “ Issuer Call ”. The applicable Final Terms contains provisions applicable to any Issuer Call and must be read in conjunction with this Condition 6 (c) for full information on any Issuer Call. In particular, the applicable Final Terms will identify, as applicable, the Optional Redemption Date(s), the Optional Redemption Amount, any minimum or maximum amount of Notes which can be redeemed and the applicable notice periods.

If Issuer Call is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the Issuer may, having given:

 

  (i) not less than 15 nor more than 30 days’ (or, in each case, such other number of days as specified in the applicable Final Terms) notice to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13; and

 

  (ii) not less than 15 days (or such shorter notice as such party shall accept) before the giving of the notice referred to in (i), notice to the Agent and the Trustee;

(which notices shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date fixed for redemption), redeem all or some only of the Notes then outstanding on any Optional Redemption Date and at the Optional Redemption Amount(s) specified in the applicable Final Terms together, if appropriate, with interest accrued to (but excluding) the relevant Optional Redemption Date. Any such partial redemption must be of a nominal amount not less than the Minimum Redemption Amount and not more than the Maximum Redemption Amount, in each case as specified in the applicable Final Terms. In the case of a partial redemption of Notes, the Notes to be redeemed (“ Redeemed Notes ”) will be selected individually by lot, in the case of Redeemed Notes represented by definitive Notes, and in accordance with the rules of Euroclear and/ or Clearstream, Luxembourg (to be reflected in the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg as

 

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either a pool factor or a reduction in nominal amount, at their discretion), in the case of Redeemed Notes represented by a Global Note, not more than 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption (such date of selection being hereinafter called the “ Selection Date ”). In the case of Redeemed Notes represented by definitive Notes, a list of the serial numbers of such Redeemed Notes will be published in accordance with Condition 13 not less than 14 days prior to the date fixed for redemption. No exchange of the relevant Global Note will be permitted during the period from (and including) the Selection Date to (and including) the date fixed for redemption pursuant to this paragraph (c)  and notice to that effect shall be given by the Issuer to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13 at least five days prior to the Selection Date.

 

(d) Redemption at the option of the Noteholders (Investor Put)

This Condition 6 (d) applies to Notes which are subject to redemption prior to the Maturity Date at the option of the Noteholder, such option being referred to as an “ Investor Put ”. The applicable Final Terms contains provisions applicable to any Investor Put and must be read in conjunction with this Condition 6 (d) for full information on any Investor Put. In particular, the applicable Final Terms will identify the Optional Redemption Date(s), the Optional Redemption Amount and the applicable notice periods.

If Investor Put is specified in the applicable Final Terms, upon the holder of any Note giving to the Issuer in accordance with Condition 13 not less than 15 nor more than 30 days’ (or, in each case, such other number of days as specified in the applicable Final Terms) notice (which notice shall be irrevocable) the Issuer will, upon the expiry of such notice, redeem, subject to, and in accordance with, the terms specified in the applicable Final Terms, in whole (but not in part), such Note on the Optional Redemption Date and at the Optional Redemption Amount together, if appropriate, with interest accrued to (but excluding) the Optional Redemption Date.

To exercise the right to require redemption of a Note the holder of this Note must, if the relevant Note is in definitive form and held outside Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg, deliver at the specified office of any Paying Agent at any time during normal business hours of such Paying Agent falling within the notice period a duly completed and signed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from any specified office of any Paying Agent (a “ Put Notice ”) and in which the holder must specify a bank account (or, if payment is required to be made by cheque, an address) to which payment is to be made under this Condition accompanied by the relevant Note or evidence satisfactory to the Paying Agent concerned that such Note will, following delivery of the Put Notice, be held to its order or under its control. If a Note is represented by a Global Note or is in definitive form and held through Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, to exercise the right to require redemption of such Note the holder must, within the notice period, give notice to the Agent of such exercise in accordance with the standard procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (which may include notice being given on his instruction by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any common depositary or common safekeeper, as the case may be, for them to the Agent by electronic means) in a form acceptable to Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg from time to time and, if the relevant Note is represented by a Global Note, at the same time present or procure the presentation of the relevant Global Note to the Agent for notation accordingly.

 

(e) Early Redemption Amounts

For the purpose of paragraph (b)  above and Condition 9, the Notes will be redeemed at the Early Redemption Amount calculated as follows:

 

  (i) in the case of Notes with a Final Redemption Amount equal to the Issue Price, at the Final Redemption Amount thereof;

 

  (ii) in the case of Notes (other than Zero Coupon Notes) with a Final Redemption Amount which is or may be less or greater than the Issue Price, at the amount specified in the applicable Final Terms or, if no such amount or manner is so specified in the applicable Final Terms, at their nominal amount; or

 

  (iii) in the case of Zero Coupon Notes, at an amount (the “Amortised Face Amount”) equal to the sum of:

 

  (A) the Reference Price; and

 

  (B) the product of the Accrual Yield (compounded annually) being applied to the Reference Price from (and including) the Issue Date of the first Tranche of the Notes to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption or (as the case may be) the date upon which such Notes become due and repayable.

 

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Where such calculation is to be made for a period which is not a whole number of years, it shall be made (i) in the case of a Zero Coupon Note payable in a Specified Currency other than Sterling, on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of 12 months of 30 days each or (ii) in the case of a Zero Coupon Note payable in Sterling, on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed divided by 365 (or, if any of the days elapsed falls in a leap year, the sum of (x) the number of those days falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (y) the number of those days falling in a non-leap year divided by 365).

 

(f) Purchases

The Issuer, the Guarantors or any other subsidiary (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Issuer or any Guarantor may at any time purchase Notes (provided that, in the case of definitive Notes, all unmatured Coupons and Talons appertaining thereto are purchased therewith) at any price in the open market or otherwise. If purchases are made by tender, tenders must be available to all Noteholders alike. Such Notes may be held, reissued, resold or, at the option of the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor, surrendered to any Paying Agent for cancellation.

 

(g) Cancellation

All Notes which are redeemed will forthwith be cancelled (together with all unmatured Coupons and Talons attached thereto or surrendered therewith at the time of redemption). All Notes so cancelled and any Notes purchased and cancelled pursuant to paragraph (f)  above (together with all unmatured Coupons and Talons cancelled therewith) shall be forwarded to the Agent and cannot be reissued or resold.

 

(h) Late payment on Zero Coupon Notes

If the amount payable in respect of any Zero Coupon Note upon redemption of such Zero Coupon Note pursuant to paragraph (a) , (b) , (c) or (d)  above or upon its becoming due and repayable as provided in Condition 9 is improperly withheld or refused, the amount due and repayable in respect of such Zero Coupon Note shall be the amount calculated as provided in paragraph (e) (iii) above as though the references therein to the date fixed for the redemption or the date upon which such Zero Coupon Note becomes due and payable were replaced by references to the date which is the earlier of:

 

  (i) the date on which all amounts due in respect of such Zero Coupon Note have been paid; and

 

  (ii) five days after the date on which the full amount of the moneys payable in respect of such Zero Coupon Note has been received by the Agent or the Trustee and notice to that effect has been given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13.

 

7. TAXATION

 

(a) Where the Issuer is BATIF

 

  (1) The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply where the Issuer is BATIF.

 

  (2) All payments of principal and interest by the Issuer or any Guarantor will be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties, assessments or governmental charges (together, “ Taxes ”) of whatever nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or on behalf of the United Kingdom or any political subdivision thereof or any authority thereof or therein having power to levy the same unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. In that event, the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor (as the case may be) shall pay such amounts (the “ Additional Amounts ”) as will result in the receipt by the Noteholders and the Couponholders of such amounts as would have been received by them had no such Taxes been required to be withheld or deducted; provided that no such Additional Amounts will be payable in respect of Notes or Coupons:

 

  (i) presented for payment by or on behalf of a Noteholder or Couponholder who is liable for such withheld or deducted Taxes by reason of his having some connection with the United Kingdom other than the mere holding of a Note or Coupon; or

 

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  (ii) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder if such withholding or deduction may be avoided by complying with any statutory requirement or by making a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to any authority of or in the United Kingdom, unless such holder proves that he is not entitled so to comply or to make such declaration or claim; or

 

  (iii) presented for payment in the United Kingdom; or

 

  (iv) presented for payment more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that a Noteholder or Couponholder would have been entitled to payment of such Additional Amounts if he had presented his Note or Coupon for payment on the thirtieth day after the Relevant Date.

 

(b) Where the Issuer is BATHTN or BATNF

 

  (1) The provisions of this paragraph shall only apply where the Issuer is BATHTN or BATNF.

 

  (2) All payments of principal and interest by the Issuer or any Guarantor will be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of any Taxes of whatever nature imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or on behalf of The Netherlands or any political subdivision thereof or any authority thereof or therein having power to levy the same unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. In that event, the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor (as the case may be) shall pay such Additional Amounts as will result in the receipt by the Noteholders and the Couponholders of such amounts as would have been received by them had no such Taxes been required to be withheld or deducted; provided that no such Additional Amounts will be payable in respect of Notes or Coupons:

 

  (i) presented for payment by or on behalf of a Noteholder or Couponholder who is liable for such withheld or deducted Taxes by reason of his having some connection with The Netherlands other than the mere holding of a Note or Coupon; or

 

  (ii) to, or to a third party on behalf of, a holder if such withholding or deduction may be avoided by complying with any statutory requirement or by making a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to any authority of or in The Netherlands, unless such holder proves that he is not entitled so to comply or to make such declaration or claim; or

 

  (iii) presented for payment in The Netherlands; or

 

  (iv) presented for payment more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that a Noteholder or Couponholder would have been entitled to payment of such Additional Amounts if he had presented his Note or Coupon for payment on the thirtieth day after the Relevant Date.

 

(c) The Trust Deed contains provisions ( mutatis mutandis ) to those contained in paragraphs (a)  and (b) above in relation to the relevant taxing jurisdiction of each Guarantor.

 

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of these Terms and Conditions, any amounts to be paid on the Notes by or on behalf of the relevant Issuer will be paid net of any deduction or withholding imposed or required pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any regulations thereunder or official interpretations thereof) or an intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices implementing such an intergovernmental agreement) (any such withholding or deduction, a “ FATCA Withholding ”). Neither the relevant Issuer nor any other person will be required to pay any additional amounts in respect of FATCA Withholding.

 

(e) For the purpose of this Condition 7, “ Relevant Date ” means, in respect of any payment, the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment thereof was duly provided for, whichever occurs the later.

 

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8. PRESCRIPTION

The Notes and Coupons will become void unless presented for payment within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) and five years (in the case of interest) after the Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 7) therefor.

There shall not be included in any Coupon sheet issued on exchange of a Talon any Coupon the claim for payment in respect of which would be void pursuant to this Condition or Condition 5( b ) or any Talon which would be void pursuant to Condition 5( b ).

 

9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

(a) The Trustee at its discretion may, and if so requested in writing by Noteholders holding at least one-quarter in nominal amount of the Notes then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution shall (subject in each case to being indemnified to its satisfaction), (provided that, except in the case of the happening of any of the events mentioned in paragraph (i) below, the Trustee shall have certified in writing to the Issuer that, in its opinion, such event is materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders) give notice to the Issuer that the Notes are, and they shall thereupon immediately become, due and repayable at their Early Redemption Amount referred to in Condition 6 (e) , together with accrued interest as provided in the Trust Deed, if any of the following events occurs and is continuing (each, an “ Event of Default ”):

 

  (i) default is made for a period of seven days or more in the payment on the due date of any principal on the Notes or any of them or for a period of 14 days or more in the payment of any interest due in respect of the Notes or any of them; or

 

  (ii) default is made by the Issuer or any Guarantor in the performance or observance of any covenant or provision binding on it under or pursuant to the Trust Deed or the Notes (other than a covenant for the payment of principal or interest due on or in respect of the Notes) and (except where the Trustee considers such default to be incapable of remedy when no notice as is referred to below is required, and for this purpose, something shall remain capable of remedy notwithstanding that it was required to have been previously done) such default continues on the thirtieth day after service by the Trustee on the Issuer or, as the case may be, the relevant Guarantor of written notice requiring the same to be remedied (or such later date as the Trustee may permit); or

 

  (iii) any other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness (as defined below) of either the Issuer or any Guarantor becomes due and repayable by reason of any event of default (howsoever described) prior to its stated date of payment or any other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness of either the Issuer or any Guarantor is not paid within the longer of seven days of its due date or any applicable grace period therefor (and for such purpose there shall be deemed to be a grace period of not less than seven days in respect of any obligation under any guarantee or indemnity or otherwise as surety), provided that no such event shall constitute an Event of Default unless the Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness either (a) in any particular case amounts to at least £25,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in any other currency, or (b) when aggregated with other Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness then so due and repayable or not so paid amounts to at least £100,000,000 or the equivalent thereof in any other currency; or

 

  (iv) where the Issuer or any Guarantor is incorporated in England and Wales:

 

  (1) an order is made or an effective resolution is passed for the winding-up of the Issuer or a relevant Guarantor, or any similar action is taken in any other jurisdiction; or

 

  (2) a distress or execution or other legal process is levied or enforced against or an encumbrancer takes possession of or a receiver, administrative receiver or other similar officer is appointed of the whole or a part of its assets which is substantial in relation to the Group (as defined below) taken as a whole and is not discharged, stayed, removed or paid out within 45 days after such execution or appointment; or

 

  (3) an administration order is made in relation to the Issuer or a relevant Guarantor which is not discharged, stayed or removed within 45 days of such order being made; or

 

  (v) where the Issuer or the relevant Guarantor is BATHTN or BATNF:

 

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  (1) an order is made or an effective resolution is passed for the winding-up of BATHTN or BATNF or any similar action is taken in any other jurisdiction, including, without limitation, an application being made by BATHTN or BATNF for a ‘ surseance van betaling ’ (within the meaning of The Netherlands Bankruptcy Code ( Faillissementswet )); or

 

  (2) a distress or execution or other legal process is levied or enforced against or an encumbrancer takes possession of or a receiver, administrative receiver or other similar officer is appointed of the whole or a part of its assets which is substantial in relation to the Group taken as a whole and is not discharged, stayed, removed or paid out within 45 days after such execution or appointment; or

 

  (3) an administration order is made in relation to BATHTN or BATNF which is not discharged, stayed or removed within 45 days of such order being made; or

 

  (vi) either the Issuer or any Guarantor:

 

  (1) admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they fall due or makes or enters into a general assignment or composition with or for the benefit of its creditors generally; or

 

  (2) stops or threatens to stop payment of its obligations generally or ceases or threatens to cease to carry on its business (except in either case for the purposes of amalgamation, reconstruction or corporate reorganisation, the terms of which shall have been previously approved by the Trustee in writing or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders); or

 

  (vii) for any reason whatsoever any guarantee ceases to be binding on and enforceable against the relevant Guarantor other than with the prior written consent of the Trustee or the sanction of an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders.

For this purpose, “ Borrowed Moneys Indebtedness ” means, in relation to any person, any obligation (whether incurred as principal or as surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent comprising or constituted by:

 

  (1) any liability to repay the principal of or to pay interest on borrowed money or deposits; or

 

  (2) any liability (i) under or pursuant to any (a) letter of credit, (b) acceptance credit facility or (c) note purchase facility; or (ii) in relation to (a) any foreign currency transaction or (b) any liability in respect of any purchase price for property or services payment of which is deferred for a period in excess of 180 days after the later of taking possession or becoming the legal owner thereof; or (iii) with regard to any guarantee or indemnity in respect of repayment of obligations as referred to in (i) and (ii) above or of any other borrowed money,

provided that nothing in Condition 9 (a) (iv), (v) or (vii) shall apply to any matter or event resulting from or in connection with a disposal or divestiture of all or part of the interests in financial services businesses of the Group or any reconstruction, amalgamation or corporate reorganisation (or any similar action in any other jurisdiction), the terms of which shall have been approved by the Trustee in writing or by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Noteholders.

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, “ Group ” means British American Tobacco and its Subsidiaries together with its or their ultimate Holding Company (if any) (as defined in the Trust Deed) and any such ultimate Holding Company’s Subsidiaries.

 

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(b) At any time after the Notes become due and repayable pursuant to paragraph (a)  of this Condition the Trustee may, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings against the Issuer and/or any Guarantor as it may think fit to enforce payment of the Notes, but it shall not be bound to take any such proceedings unless (i) it shall have been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution or so requested in writing by Noteholders holding at least one-quarter in principal amount of the Notes outstanding and (ii) it shall have been indemnified to its satisfaction. No Noteholder or Couponholder may proceed directly against the Issuer or any relevant Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable period and such failure is continuing.

 

10. REPLACEMENT OF NOTES, COUPONS AND TALONS

Should any Note Coupon or Talon be lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be replaced at the specified office of the Agent upon payment by the claimant of such costs and expenses as may be incurred in connection therewith and on such terms as to evidence and indemnity the Issuer may reasonably require. Mutilated or defaced Notes Coupons or Talons must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.

 

11. AGENTS

The names of the initial Paying Agents and their initial specified offices are set out below.

The Issuer is entitled to vary or terminate the appointment of any Paying Agent and/or appoint additional or other Paying Agents and/or approve any change in the specified office through which any Paying Agent acts, provided that:

 

  (i) there will at all times be an Agent;

 

  (ii) so long as the Notes are listed on any stock exchange or admitted to trading by any other relevant authority, there will at all times be a Paying Agent with a specified office in such place as may be required by the rules and regulations of the relevant stock exchange or any other relevant authority; and

 

  (iii) there will at all times be a Paying Agent with a specified office in a city approved by the Trustee in Western Europe outside the United Kingdom and The Netherlands.

In addition, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall forthwith appoint a Paying Agent having a specified office in New York City in the circumstances described in Condition 5 (d) . Any variation, termination, appointment or change shall only take effect (other than in the case of insolvency, when it shall be of immediate effect) after not less than 30 nor more than 45 days’ prior notice thereof shall have been given to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13.

In acting under the Agency Agreement, the Agents act solely as agents of the Issuer and the Guarantors and, in certain circumstances specified therein, of the Trustee and do not assume any obligation to, or relationship of agency or trust with, any Noteholders or Couponholders.

 

12. EXCHANGE OF TALONS

On and after the Interest Payment Date on which the final Coupon comprised in any Coupon sheet matures, the Talon (if any) forming part of such Coupon sheet may be surrendered at the specified office of the Agent or any other Paying Agent in exchange for a further Coupon sheet including (if such further Coupon sheet does not include Coupons to (and including) the final date for the payment of interest due in respect of the Note to which it appertains) a further Talon, subject to the provisions of Condition 8.

 

13. NOTICES

All notices regarding the Notes will be deemed to be validly given if published in a leading English language daily newspaper of general circulation in London. It is expected that such publication will be made in the Financial Times in London. The Issuer shall also ensure that notices are duly published in a manner which complies with the rules and regulations of any stock exchange or any other relevant authority on which the

 

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Notes are for the time being listed or by which they have been admitted to trading. Any such notice will be deemed to have been given on the date of the first publication or, where required to be published in more than one newspaper, on the date of the first publication in all required newspapers.

Until such time as any definitive Notes are issued, there may, so long as any Global Notes representing the Notes are held in their entirety on behalf of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, be substituted for such publication in such newspaper the delivery of the relevant notice to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg for communication by them to the holders of the Notes and, in addition, for so long as any Notes are listed on a stock exchange or are admitted to trading by another relevant authority and the rules of that stock exchange or other relevant authority so require, such notice will be published in a daily newspaper of general circulation in the place or places required by that stock exchange or other relevant authority. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given to the holders of the Notes on the fourth day after the day on which the said notice was given to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg.

Notices to be given by any Noteholder shall be in writing and given by lodging the same, together with the relative Note or Notes, with the Agent. Whilst any of the Notes are represented by a Global Note, such notice may be given by any holder of a Note to the Agent through Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be, in such manner as the Agent and Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be, may approve for this purpose.

 

14. MEETINGS OF NOTEHOLDERS, MODIFICATION AND WAIVER

The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of the Noteholders to consider any matter affecting their interests, including the sanctioning by an Extraordinary Resolution of a modification of the Notes, the Coupons or any of the provisions of the Trust Deed. Such a meeting may be convened by the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee and shall (subject to being indemnified to its satisfaction) be convened by the Trustee upon a request by Noteholders holding not less than 10 per cent. in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being remaining outstanding. The quorum at any such meeting for passing an Extraordinary Resolution is one or more persons holding or representing not less than a clear majority in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding, or at any adjourned meeting one or more persons being or representing Noteholders whatever the nominal amount of the Notes so held or represented, except that at any meeting the business of which includes the modification of certain provisions of the Notes or Coupons or the Trust Deed (including modifying the date of maturity of the Notes or any date for payment of interest thereon, reducing or cancelling the amount of principal or the rate of interest payable in respect of the Notes or altering the currency of payment of the Notes or Coupons) the quorum shall be one or more persons holding or representing not less than three-fourths in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding, or at any adjourned such meeting one or more persons holding or representing not less than one-fourth in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding. An Extraordinary Resolution passed at any meeting of the Noteholders shall be binding on all the Noteholders, whether or not they are present at the meeting, and on all Couponholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a resolution in writing signed by persons holding or representing not less than 75 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding shall for all purposes be as valid and effective as an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of the Noteholders duly convened and held in accordance with the provisions contained in the Trust Deed.

The Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders, to any modification of, or to the waiver or authorisation of any breach or proposed breach of, any of these Terms and Conditions or any of the provisions of the Trust Deed, or determine, without any such consent as aforesaid, that any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default (as defined in the Trust Deed) shall not be treated as such, which in any such case is not, in the opinion of the Trustee, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders or may agree, without any such consent as aforesaid, to any modification which is of a formal, minor or technical nature, to correct a manifest error or to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

The Trustee may also agree, subject to such amendment of the Trust Deed and such other conditions as the Trustee may require, but without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders, to the substitution (i) in place of the Issuer as the principal debtor under the Notes and the Trust Deed of any Guarantor or any successor in business or Holding Company of any Guarantor or any other subsidiary of any Guarantor, such successor in business or such Holding Company provided that all payments in respect of the Notes continue to be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by each Guarantor or the successor in business or Holding Company of each Guarantor in the manner provided in the Trust Deed (or, where a Guarantor or its successor in business or Holding Company is the new principal debtor, by the other Guarantors or their

 

60


successors in business or Holding Companies); or (ii) in place of any Guarantor as guarantor of the Notes under the Trust Deed, of any successor in business or Holding Company of any Guarantor. In the case of any proposed substitution, the Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Noteholders or Couponholders, to a change of the law governing the Notes, the Coupons and/or the Trust Deed, provided that such change would not, in the opinion of the Trustee, be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Noteholders. Any such modification, waiver, authorisation, determination or substitution shall be binding on the Noteholders and the Couponholders and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, any such modification or substitution shall be notified to the Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13 as soon as practicable thereafter.

In connection with the exercise by it of any of its trusts, powers, authorities and discretions (including, without limitation, any modification, waiver, authorisation or determination), the Trustee shall have regard to the general interests of the Noteholders as a class but shall not have regard to any interests arising from circumstances particular to individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) and, in particular but without limitation, shall not have regard to the consequences of any such exercise for individual Noteholders or Couponholders (whatever their number) resulting from their being for any purpose domiciled or resident in, or otherwise connected with, or subject to the jurisdiction of, any particular territory or any political sub-division thereof and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Noteholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer, any Guarantor, the Trustee or any other person any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Noteholders or Couponholders except to the extent already provided for in Condition 7 and/or any undertaking given in addition to, or in substitution for, Condition 7 pursuant to the Trust Deed.

 

15. FURTHER ISSUES

The Issuer shall be at liberty from time to time without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders to create and issue further notes having terms and conditions the same as the Notes or the same in all respects save for the amount and date of the first payment of interest thereon and so that the same shall be consolidated and form a single Series with the outstanding Notes. The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening a single meeting of the Noteholders and the holders of notes of other Series where the Trustee so decides.

 

16. INDEMNIFICATION OF THE TRUSTEE AND ITS CONTRACTING WITH THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS

The Trust Deed contains provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee and for its relief from responsibility, including provisions relieving it from taking action unless indemnified to its satisfaction.

The Trust Deed also contains provisions pursuant to which the Trustee is entitled, inter alia , (i) to enter into business transactions with the Issuer and/or any Guarantor and/or any Subsidiaries of any of them and to act as trustee for the holders of any other securities issued or guaranteed by, or relating to, the Issuer and/or any Guarantor and/or any Subsidiaries of any of them, (ii) to exercise and enforce its rights, comply with its obligations and perform its duties under or in relation to any such transactions or, as the case may be, any such trusteeship without regard to the interests of, or consequences for, the Noteholders or Couponholders, and (iii) to retain and not be liable to account for any profit made or any other amount or benefit received thereby or in connection therewith.

 

17. CONTRACTS (RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES) ACT 1999

No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of this Note under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 but this does not affect any right or remedy of any person which exists or is available apart from that Act.

 

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18. GOVERNING LAW AND SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION

 

(a) The Trust Deed, the Notes and the Coupons, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.

 

(b) Each of the parties to the Trust Deed has in the Trust Deed irrevocably agreed that the courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with the Trust Deed, the Notes and/or the Coupons (including a dispute relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them) and that accordingly any suit, action or proceedings (together referred to as “ Proceedings ”) arising out of or in connection with the Trust Deed, the Notes and the Coupons (including any proceedings relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them) may be brought in such courts.

 

(c) Each of the parties to the Trust Deed has in the Trust Deed irrevocably and unconditionally waived any objection which it may have now or hereafter to the laying of the venue of any such Proceedings in any such court and any claim that any such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and further irrevocably and unconditionally agreed that a judgment in any such Proceedings brought in the English courts shall be conclusive and binding upon it and may be enforced in the courts of any other jurisdiction.

 

(d) Nothing contained in this Condition shall limit any right to take Proceedings against any of the parties to the Trust Deed in any other court of competent jurisdiction (outside the Contracting States, as defined in Section 1(3) of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982, as amended), nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction, whether concurrently or not.

 

(e) Each of BATHTN and BATNF has in the Trust Deed appointed British American Tobacco at its registered office for the time being (being at the date of this Base Prospectus at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG) as its agent for service of process, and undertaken that, in the event of British American Tobacco ceasing so to act or ceasing to be registered in England, each of BATHTN and BATNF will appoint another person as its agent for service of process in England in respect of any Proceedings.

 

(f) Nothing herein shall affect the right to serve proceedings in any other manner permitted by law.

 

62


AGENT

Citibank, N.A., London Branch

Citigroup Centre

Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London E14 5LB

OTHER PAYING AGENT

Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, société anonyme

69 route d’Esch

L-2953 Luxembourg

 

63


SCHEDULE 2

FORMS OF GLOBAL AND DEFINITIVE NOTES, COUPONS AND TALONS

PART 1

FORM OF TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE

[ ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE .] 1

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.

( the Issuer )

( incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales )/

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

(the Issuer)

( incorporated with limited liability in The Netherlands )/

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

( the Issuer )

( incorporated with limited liability in The Netherlands ) 2

unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c., [                                 ] 3

( each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors )

TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE

This Note is a Temporary Global Note in respect of a duly authorised issue of Notes of the Issuer (the Notes ) of the Nominal Amount, Specified Currency(ies) and Specified Denomination(s) as are specified in the Final Terms applicable to the Notes (the Final Terms ), a copy of which is annexed hereto. References herein to the Conditions shall be to the Terms and Conditions of the Notes as set out in Schedule 1 to the Trust Deed (as defined below) as supplemented, replaced and modified by the Final Terms but, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the said Conditions and the information in the Final Terms, the Final Terms will prevail. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall bear the same meanings when used in this Global Note. This Global Note is issued subject to, and with the benefit of, the Conditions and a Trust Deed (such Trust Deed as modified and/or supplemented and/or restated from time to time, the Trust Deed ) dated 6 July 1998.

The Issuer, subject as hereinafter provided and subject to and in accordance with the Conditions and the Trust Deed, promises to pay to the bearer hereof on the Maturity Date and/or on such earlier date(s) as all or any of the Notes represented by this Global Note may become due and repayable in accordance with the Conditions and the Trust Deed, the amount payable under the Conditions in respect of such Notes on each such date and to pay interest (if any) on the nominal amount of the Notes from time to time represented by

 

1   Applicable to Notes in bearer form with a maturity of more than one year in the case of Notes that rely on TEFRA D – otherwise delete.
2   Delete whichever are not applicable.
3   Insert names of the other Guarantors.

 

64


this Global Note calculated and payable as provided in the Conditions and the Trust Deed together with any other sums payable under the Conditions and the Trust Deed, upon presentation and, at maturity, surrender of this Global Note to or to the order of the Agent or any other Paying Agent located outside the United States, its territories and possessions (except as provided in the Conditions) from time to time appointed by the Issuer in respect of the Notes.

If the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note, the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note shall be the aggregate amount from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ) and Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the relevant Clearing Systems ). The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of each such customer’s interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note and, for these purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.

If the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note, the nominal amount of the Notes represented by this Global Note shall be the amount stated in the applicable Final Terms or, if lower, the nominal amount most recently entered by or on behalf of the Issuer in the relevant column in Part II or III of Schedule One hereto or in Schedule Two hereto.

On any redemption of, or payment of interest being made in respect of, or purchase and cancellation of, any of the Notes represented by this Global Note the Issuer shall procure that:

 

(a) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note, details of such redemption, payment or purchase and cancellation (as the case may be) shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems, and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Notes recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this Global Note shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes so redeemed or purchased and cancelled; or

 

(b) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note, details of such redemption, payment, purchase and cancellation (as the case may be) shall be entered by or on behalf of the Issuer in Schedule One hereto and the relevant space in Schedule One hereto recording any such redemption, payment, purchase and cancellation (as the case may be) shall be signed by or on behalf of the Issuer. Upon any such redemption or purchase and cancellation the nominal amount of this Global Note and the Notes represented by this Global Note shall be reduced by the nominal amount of such Notes so redeemed or purchased and cancelled.

Payments due in respect of Notes for the time being represented by this Global Note shall be made to the bearer of this Global Note and each payment so made will discharge the Issuer’s obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make entries referred to above shall not affect such discharge.

Payments of principal and interest (if any) due prior to the Exchange Date (as defined below) will only be made to the bearer hereof to the extent that there is presented to the Agent by Clearstream, Luxembourg or Euroclear a certificate to the effect that it has received from or in respect of a person entitled to a beneficial interest in a particular nominal amount of the Notes represented by this Global Note (as shown by its records) a certificate of non-US beneficial ownership in the form required by it. The bearer of this Global Note will not (unless upon due presentation of this Global Note for exchange, delivery of the appropriate number of Definitive Notes (together, if applicable, with the Coupons and Talons appertaining thereto in or substantially in the forms set out in Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5 of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed) or, as the case may be, issue and delivery (or, as the case may be, endorsement) of the Permanent Global Note is improperly withheld or refused and such withholding or refusal is continuing at the relevant payment date) be entitled to receive any payment hereon due on or after the Exchange Date.

 

65


On or after the date (the Exchange Date ) which is the later of (a) 40 days after the Issue Date and (b) 40 days after the completion of the distribution of the relevant Tranche, as certified by the relevant Dealer (in the case of a non-syndicated issue) or the relevant Lead Manager (in the case of a syndicated issue), this Global Note may be exchanged (free of charge) in whole or in part for, as specified in the Final Terms, either (i) Definitive Notes and (if applicable) Coupons and/or Talons (on the basis that all the appropriate details have been included on the face of such Definitive Notes and (if applicable) Coupons and/or Talons and the relevant information supplementing, replacing or modifying the Conditions appearing in the Final Terms has been endorsed on or attached to such Definitive Notes) or (ii) (if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note) interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a Permanent Global Note or (if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note) a Permanent Global Note, which, in either case, is in or substantially in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed (together with the Final Terms attached thereto) upon notice being given by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg acting on the instructions of any holder of an interest in this Global Note and subject, in the case of Definitive Notes, to such notice period as is specified in the Final Terms. If Definitive Notes and (if applicable) Coupons and/or Talons have already been issued in exchange for all of the Notes represented for the time being by the Permanent Global Note, then this Global Note may only thereafter be exchanged for Definitive Notes and (if applicable) Coupons and/or Talons pursuant to the terms hereof. This Global Note may be exchanged by the bearer hereof on any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in London. The Issuer shall procure that Definitive Notes or (as the case may be) the Permanent Global Note shall be so issued and delivered and (in the case of the Permanent Global Note where the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note) interests in the Permanent Global Note shall be recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in exchange for only that portion of this Global Note in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Agent by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg a certificate to the effect that it has received from or in respect of a person entitled to a beneficial interest in a particular nominal amount of the Notes represented by this Global Note (as shown by its records) a certificate of non-US beneficial ownership in the form required by it.

On an exchange of the whole of this Global Note, this Global Note shall be surrendered to or to the order of the Agent. The Issuer shall procure that:

 

(a) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note, on an exchange of the whole or part only of this Global Note, details of such exchange shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems such that the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note shall be reduced by the nominal amount of this Global Note so exchanged; or

 

(b) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note, on an exchange of part only of this Global Note, details of such exchange shall be entered by or on behalf of the Issuer in Schedule Two hereto and the relevant space in Schedule Two hereto recording such exchange shall be signed by or on behalf of the Issuer, whereupon the nominal amount of this Global Note and the Notes represented by this Global Note shall be reduced by the nominal amount of this Global Note so exchanged. On any exchange of this Global Note for a Permanent Global Note, details of such exchange shall be entered by or on behalf of the Issuer in Schedule Two to the Permanent Global Note and the relevant space in Schedule Two thereto recording such exchange shall be signed by or on behalf of the Issuer.

Until the exchange of the whole of this Global Note as aforesaid, the bearer hereof shall (subject as provided in the next paragraph) in all respects (except as otherwise provided herein) be entitled to the same benefits as if he were the bearer of Definitive Notes and the relative Coupons and/or Talons (if any) in the form(s) set out in Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5 (as applicable) of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed.

 

66


Each person (other than Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg) who is for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as the holder of a particular nominal amount of the Notes represented by this Global Note (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as to the nominal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes save in the case of manifest error) shall be treated by the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Agent and any other Paying Agent as the holder of such nominal amount of such Notes for all purposes other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on such nominal amount of such Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer and the Guarantors, solely in the bearer of this Global Note in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Global Note and the Trust Deed.

This Global Note and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.

No rights are conferred on any person under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Global Note, but this does not affect any right or remedy of any person which exists or is available apart from that Act.

This Global Note shall not be valid unless (i) authenticated by Citibank, N.A., London Branch as Agent and (ii) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note and Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg has been appointed as the common safekeeper, effectuated by such common safekeeper.

IN WITNESS whereof the Issuer has caused this Global Note to be signed manually or in facsimile by two persons duly authorised on its behalf.

Issued as of [                    ].

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c./

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V./

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. 4

By:                                                                          

Director

 

Director/Secretary

Authenticated by

Citibank, N.A., London Branch

as Agent.

By:                                                                          

Authorised Officer

 

4   Delete whichever are not applicable.

 

67


5 Effectuated without recourse,

warranty or liability by

as common safekeeper

By:                                                                          

 

5   This should only be completed where the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note in respect of which effectuation is to be applicable.

 

68


Schedule One 6

PART I

INTEREST PAYMENTS

 

Date made    Interest Payment Date   

Total amount of

interest payable

  

Amount of

interest paid

   Confirmation of
payment by or on
behalf of the Issuer
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

6   Schedule One should only be completed where the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note.

 

69


PART II

REDEMPTIONS

 

Date made   

Total amount of

principal payable

  

Amount of

principal paid

   Remaining nominal amount of
this Global Note following
such redemption 7
  

Confirmation of

redemption by or on

behalf of the Issuer

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

7   See most recent entry in Part II or III or Schedule Two in order to determine this amount.

 

70


PART III

PURCHASES AND CANCELLATIONS

 

Date made    Part of nominal amount
of this Global Note
purchased and cancelled
   Remaining nominal amount of
this Global Note following such
purchase and cancellation 8
  

Confirmation of purchase

and cancellation by or on

behalf of the Issuer

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              
          
  

 

  

 

  

 

              

 

8   See most recent entry in Part II or III or Schedule Two in order to determine this amount.

 

71


Schedule Two 9

EXCHANGES

FOR DEFINITIVE NOTES OR PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for Definitive Notes or a part of a Permanent Global Note have been made:

 

Date made   

Nominal amount of this

Global Note exchanged

for Definitive Notes or a

part of a Permanent Global Note

  

Remaining nominal
amount of this Global

Note following such exchange 10

  

Notation made by or on

behalf of the Issuer

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

9   Schedule Two should only be completed where the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note.
10   See most recent entry in Part II or III of Schedule One or in this Schedule Two in order to determine this amount.

 

72


PART 2

FORM OF PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE

[ ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. ] 1

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.

( the Issuer )

( incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales )/

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

(the Issuer)

( incorporated with limited liability in The Netherlands )/

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

( the Issuer )

( incorporated with limited liability in The Netherlands ) 2

unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c., [                    ] 3

( each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors )

PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE

This Note is a Permanent Global Note in respect of a duly authorised issue of Notes of the Issuer (the Notes ) of the Nominal Amount, Specified Currency(ies) and Specified Denomination(s) as are specified in the Final Terms applicable to the Notes (the Final Terms ), a copy of which is annexed hereto. References herein to the Conditions shall be to the Terms and Conditions of the Notes as set out in Schedule 1 to the Trust Deed (as defined below) as supplemented, replaced and modified by the Final Terms but, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the said Conditions and the information in the Final Terms, the Final Terms will prevail. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall bear the same meanings when used in this Global Note. This Global Note is issued subject to, and with the benefit of, the Conditions and a Trust Deed (such Trust Deed as modified and/or supplemented and/or restated from time to time, the Trust Deed ) dated 6 July 1998.

The Issuer, subject to and in accordance with the Conditions and the Trust Deed, promises to pay to the bearer hereof on the Maturity Date and/or on such earlier date(s) as all or any of the Notes represented by this Global Note may become due and repayable in accordance with the Conditions and the Trust Deed, the amount payable under the Conditions in respect of such Notes on each such date and to pay interest (if any) on the nominal amount of the Notes from time to time represented by this Global Note calculated and payable as provided in the Conditions and the Trust Deed together with any other sums payable under the Conditions and the Trust Deed, upon presentation and, at maturity, surrender of this Global Note to or to the order of the Agent or any other Paying Agent located outside the United States, its territories and possessions (except as provided in the Conditions) from time to time appointed by the Issuer in respect of the Notes.

 

1   Applicable to Notes in bearer form with a maturity of more than one year in the case of Notes that rely on TEFRA D – otherwise delete.
2   Delete whichever are not applicable.
3   Insert names of the other Guarantors.

 

73


If the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note, the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note shall be the aggregate amount from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ( Euroclear ) and Clearstream Banking, soci é t é anonyme ( Clearstream, Luxembourg and together with Euroclear, the relevant Clearing Systems ). The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this Global Note means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of each such customer’s interest in the Notes) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note and, for these purposes a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.

If the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note, the nominal amount of the Notes represented by this Global Note shall be the amount stated in the applicable Final Terms or, if lower, the nominal amount most recently entered by or on behalf of the Issuer in the relevant column in Part II or III of Schedule One hereto or in Schedule Two hereto.

On any redemption of, or payment of interest being made in respect of, or purchase and cancellation of, any of the Notes represented by this Global Note the Issuer shall procure that:

 

(a) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note, details of such redemption, payment or purchase and cancellation (as the case may be) shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems, and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Notes recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this Global Note shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes so redeemed or purchased and cancelled; or

 

(b) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note, details of such redemption, payment, purchase and cancellation (as the case may be) shall be entered by or on behalf of the Issuer in Schedule One hereto and the relevant space in Schedule One hereto recording any such redemption, payment, purchase and cancellation (as the case may be) shall be signed by or on behalf of the Issuer. Upon any such redemption or purchase and cancellation the nominal amount of this Global Note and the Notes represented by this Global Note shall be reduced by the nominal amount of such Notes so redeemed or purchased and cancelled.

Payments due in respect of Notes for the time being represented by this Global Note shall be made to the bearer of this Global Note and each payment so made will discharge the Issuer’s obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make entries referred to above shall not affect such discharge.

Where TEFRA D is specified in the applicable Final Terms, the Notes will initially have been represented by a Temporary Global Note. On any exchange of such Temporary Global Note for this Global Note or any part hereof, the Issuer shall procure that:

 

(a) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note, details of such exchange shall be entered in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems such that the nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note shall be increased by the nominal amount of the Temporary Global Note so exchanged; or

 

(b) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note, details of such exchange shall be entered by or on behalf of the Issuer in Schedule Two hereto and the relevant space in Schedule Two hereto recording such exchange shall be signed by or on behalf of the Issuer, whereupon the nominal amount of this Global Note and the Notes represented by this Global Note shall be increased by the nominal amount of the Temporary Global Note so exchanged.

 

74


This Global Note may be exchanged (free of charge) in whole, but not in part, for Definitive Notes and (if applicable) Coupons and/or Talons in or substantially in the forms set out in Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5 of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed (on the basis that all the appropriate details have been included on the face of such Definitive Notes and (if applicable) Coupons and/or Talons and the relevant information supplementing, replacing or modifying the Conditions appearing in the Final Terms has been endorsed on or attached to such Definitive Notes) either, as specified in the applicable Final Terms:

 

(a) upon not less than 60 days’ written notice being given to the Agent by Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, (acting on the instructions of any holder of an interest in this Global Note); or

 

(b) only upon the occurrence of an Exchange Event.

An Exchange Event means:

 

  (i) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

  (ii) the Issuer has been notified that both Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg have been closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holiday, statutory or otherwise) or have announced an intention permanently to cease business or have in fact done so and no alternative clearing system satisfactory to the Trustee is available; or

 

  (iii) the Issuer has or will become obliged to pay additional amounts as provided for or referred to in Condition 7 which would not be required were the Notes in definitive form.

Upon the occurrence of an Exchange Event:

 

  (A) the Issuer will promptly give notice to Noteholders in accordance with Condition 13 upon the occurrence of such Exchange Event; and

 

  (B) Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg (acting on the instructions of any holder of an interest in this Global Note) or the Trustee may give notice to the Agent requesting exchange and, in the event of the occurrence of an Exchange Event as described in (iii) above, the Issuer may also give notice to the Agent requesting exchange. Any such exchange shall occur on a date specified in the notice not later than 60 days after the date of receipt of the first relevant notice by the Agent.

The first notice requesting exchange in accordance with the above provisions shall give rise to the issue of Definitive Notes for the total nominal amount of Notes represented by this Global Note.

Any such exchange as aforesaid may be made on any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in London.

The aggregate nominal amount of Definitive Notes issued upon an exchange of this Global Note will be equal to the aggregate nominal amount of this Global Note. Upon exchange of this Global Note for Definitive Notes, the Agent shall cancel it or procure that it is cancelled.

Until the exchange of the whole of this Global Note as aforesaid, the bearer hereof shall (subject as provided in the next paragraph) in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if he were the bearer of Definitive Notes and the relative Coupons and/or Talons (if any) in the form(s) set out in Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5 (as applicable) of Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed.

Each person (other than Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg) who is for the time being shown in the records of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as the holder of a particular nominal amount of the Notes

 

75


represented by this Global Note (in which regard any certificate or other document issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg as to the nominal amount of such Notes standing to the account of any person shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes save in the case of manifest error) shall be treated by the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Agent and any other Paying Agent as the holder of such nominal amount of such Notes for all purposes other than with respect to the payment of principal and interest on such nominal amount of such Notes, the right to which shall be vested, as against the Issuer, solely in the bearer of this Global Note in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Global Note and the Trust Deed.

This Global Note and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.

No rights are conferred on any person under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Global Note, but this does not affect any right or remedy of any person which exists or is available apart from that Act.

This Global Note shall not be valid unless (i) authenticated by Citibank, N.A., London Branch as Agent and (ii) if the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note and Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg has been appointed as the common safekeeper, effectuated by such common safekeeper.

IN WITNESS whereof the Issuer has caused this Global Note to be signed manually or in facsimile by two persons duly authorised on its behalf.

 

76


Issued as of [                    ].

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c./

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V./

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. 4

 

By:  
 

 

Director

 

 

Director/Secretary

 

Authenticated by

Citibank, N.A., London Branch
as Agent.

 

By:  

 

 

Authorised Officer

5 Effectuated without recourse,

Warranty or liability by

as common safekeeper

 

By  

:

 

4   Delete whichever are not applicable.
5   This should only be completed where the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is intended to be a New Global Note in respect of which effectuation is applicable.

 

77


Schedule One 6

PART I

INTEREST PAYMENTS

 

Date made    Interest Payment Date   

Total amount of

interest payable

   Amount of interest paid   

Confirmation of

payment by or on

behalf of the Issuer

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   

 

6   Schedule One should only be completed where the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note.

 

78


PART II

REDEMPTIONS

 

Date made   

Total amount of

principal payable

   Amount of principal paid    Remaining nominal amount of
this Global Note following
such redemption 7
  

Confirmation of

redemption by or on behalf of
the Issuer

             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

                   
 

 

7   See most recent entry in Part II or III or Schedule Two in order to determine this amount.

 

79


PART III

PURCHASES AND CANCELLATIONS

 

Date made   

Part of nominal amount

of this Global Note

purchased and cancelled

  

Remaining nominal

amount of this Global

Note following such

purchase and cancellation 8

  

Confirmation of purchase and
cancellation by or on behalf

of the Issuer

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

          
  

 

  

 

  

 

 

8   See most recent entry in Part II or III or Schedule Two in order to determine this amount.

 

80


Schedule Two 9

EXCHANGES

 

Date made    Nominal amount of Temporary
Global Note exchanged for this
Global Note
   Increased nominal amount of this
Global Note following such
exchange 10
  

Notation made by or on

behalf of the Issuer

        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                
        
  

 

  

 

  

 

                

 

9   Schedule Two should only be completed where the Final Terms indicates that this Global Note is not intended to be a New Global Note.
10   See most recent entry in Part II or III of Schedule One or in this Schedule Two in order to determine this amount.

 

81


PART 3

FORM OF DEFINITIVE NOTE

[ ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE .] 1

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.

( the Issuer )

( incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales )/

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.

(the Issuer)

( incorporated with limited liability in The Netherlands )/

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

( the Issuer )

( incorporated with limited liability in The Netherlands ) 2

unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c., [                ] 3

( each a Guarantor and together the Guarantors )

[ Specified Currency and Nominal Amount of Tranche ]

NOTES DUE

[Year of Maturity]

This Note is one of a Series of Notes of [Specified Currency(ies) and Specified Denomination(s)] each of the Issuer ( Notes ). References herein to the Conditions shall be to the Terms and Conditions [endorsed hereon/set out in Schedule 1 to the Trust Deed (as defined below) which shall be incorporated by reference herein and have effect as if set out herein] as supplemented, replaced and modified by the relevant information (appearing in the Final Terms (the Final Terms )) endorsed hereon but, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the said Conditions and such information in the Final Terms, such information will prevail. Words and expressions defined in the Conditions shall bear the same meanings when used in this Note. This Note is issued subject to, and with the benefit of, the Conditions and a Trust Deed (such Trust Deed as modified and/or supplemented and/or restated from time to time, the Trust Deed ) dated 6 July 1998.

The Issuer, subject to and in accordance with the Conditions and the Trust Deed, promises to pay to the bearer hereof on the Maturity Date or on such earlier date as this Note may become due and repayable in accordance with the Conditions and the Trust Deed, the amount payable on redemption of this Note and to pay interest (if any) on the nominal amount of this Note calculated and payable as provided in the Conditions and the Trust Deed together with any other sums payable under the Conditions and the Trust Deed.

 

 

1   Applicable to Notes in bearer form with a maturity of more than one year in the case of Notes that rely on TEFRA D – otherwise delete.
2   Delete whichever are not applicable.
3   Insert names of the other Guarantors.

 

82


This Note shall not be valid unless authenticated by Citibank, N.A., London Branch as Agent.

IN WITNESS whereof this Note has been executed on behalf of the Issuer.

Issued as of [                    ].

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c./

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V. /

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. 4

By:

 

 

 

Director

 

 

 

Director/Secretary

Authenticated by

Citibank, N.A., London Branch

as Agent.

By:

 

 

 

Authorised Officer

[Conditions]

[Conditions to be as set out in Schedule 1 to this Trust Deed or such other form as may be agreed between the Issuer, the Agent, the Trustee and the relevant Dealer(s), but shall not be endorsed if not required by the relevant Stock Exchange]

 

 

4   Delete whichever are not applicable.

 

83


Final Terms

[Here to be set out the text of the relevant information supplementing,

replacing or modifying the Conditions which appears in the Final Terms relating to the Notes]

 

84


PART 4

FORM OF COUPON

On the front:

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c./

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V./

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. 1

[Specified Currency and Nominal Amount of Tranche]

NOTES DUE

[Year of Maturity]

Series No. [                ]

[Coupon appertaining to a Note in the denomination of [Specified Currency and Specified Denomination]]. 2

(Part A)

[ For Fixed Rate Notes :

This Coupon is payable to bearer, separately        Coupon for

negotiable and subject to the Terms and                [                ]

Conditions of the said Notes.                                  due on [                ], [                ]]

(Part B)

[ For Floating Rate Notes :

Coupon for the amount due in accordance with

the Terms and Conditions endorsed on,

attached to or incorporated by reference

into the said Notes on [the Interest Payment

Date falling in [    ] [    ]/[    ]].

This Coupon is payable to bearer, separately

negotiable and subject to such Terms and

Conditions, under which it may become void

before its due date.]

 

1   Delete whichever are not applicable.
2   Delete where the Notes are all of the same denomination.

 

85


[ ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. ] 3

[ B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c./BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V./B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. 4

 

By:

 

 

 

Director

 

 

Director/Secretary] 5

 

3   Applicable to Notes in bearer form with a maturity of more than one year in the case of Notes that rely on TEFRA D – otherwise delete.
4   Delete whichever is not applicable.
5   Delete if not applicable.

 

86


PART 5

FORM OF TALON

On the front:

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c./

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V./

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. 1

[Specified Currency and Nominal Amount of Tranche]

NOTES DUE

[Year of Maturity]

Series No. [                    ]

[Talon appertaining to a Note in the denomination of [Specified Currency and Specified Denomination]] 2 .

On and after [                ] further Coupons [and a further Talon] 3 appertaining to the Note to which this Talon appertains will be issued at the specified office of any of the Paying Agents set out on the reverse hereof (and/or any other or further Paying Agents and/or specified offices as may from time to time be duly appointed and notified to the Noteholders) upon production and surrender of this Talon.

This Talon may, in certain circumstances, become void under the Terms and Conditions endorsed on the Note to which this Talon appertains.

[ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.] 4

[ B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c./BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V./B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V. 5

 

By:  

 

 

Director

 

 

Director/Secretary] 6

 

1   Delete whichever are not applicable.
2   Delete where the Notes are all of the same denomination.
3   Not required on last Coupon sheet.
4   Applicable to Notes in bearer form with a maturity of more than one year in the case of Notes that rely on TEFRA D – otherwise delete.
5   Delete whichever is not applicable.
6   Delete if not applicable.

 

87


On the back of Coupons and Talons:

AGENT

Citibank, N.A., London Branch

Citigroup Centre

Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London E14 5LB

OTHER PAYING AGENT

Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, société anonyme

69, route d’Esch

L-2953 Luxembourg

 

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SCHEDULE 3

PROVISIONS FOR MEETINGS OF NOTEHOLDERS

 

1. The following expressions have the following meanings:

 

  (a) voting certificate means a certificate in English issued by a Paying Agent and dated in which it is stated:

 

  (i) that on that date Notes (whether in definitive form or represented by a Global Note and not being Notes in respect of which a block voting instruction has been issued and is outstanding in respect of the meeting specified in such voting certificate or any adjournment of it) were deposited with that Paying Agent (or held to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system and that no such Notes will cease to be so deposited or held or blocked until the earlier of:

 

  (A) the conclusion of the meeting specified in such certificate or, if later, any adjournment of it; and

 

  (B) the surrender of the certificate to the Paying Agent which issued it; and

 

  (ii) that its bearer is entitled to attend and vote at such meeting or any adjournment of it in respect of the Notes represented by such certificate;

 

  (b) block voting instruction means a document in English issued by a Paying Agent and dated in which:

 

  (i) it is certified that Notes (whether in definitive form or represented by a Global Note and not being Notes in respect of which a voting certificate has been issued and is outstanding in respect of the meeting specified in such block voting instruction or any adjournment of it) have been deposited with that Paying Agent (or to its order at a bank or other depositary) or blocked in an account with a clearing system and that no such Notes will cease to be so deposited or held or blocked until the earlier of:

 

  (A) the conclusion of the meeting specified in such document or, if later, any adjournment of it; and

 

  (B) the surrender, not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for such meeting or adjournment, of the receipt for each such deposited Note which is to be released to the Paying Agent which issued it or (as the case may be) the Notes ceasing with the agreement of the Paying Agent to be held to its order or under its control or so blocked and the notification of the necessary amendment to the block voting instruction by such Paying Agent to the Issuer;

 

  (ii) it is certified that each holder of such Notes or a duly authorised agent on his behalf has instructed that Paying Agent that the votes attributable to his Notes so deposited or held or blocked should be cast in a particular way in relation to each resolution to be put to such meeting or any adjourned such meeting and that all such instructions are, during the period of 48 hours before the time fixed for such meeting or adjourned meeting, neither revocable nor subject to amendment;

 

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  (iii) the aggregate nominal amount of the Notes so deposited or held or blocked are listed, distinguishing with regard to each resolution between those in respect of which instructions have been so given (A) to vote for, and (B) to vote against, the resolution; and

 

  (iv) a person named in such document (a proxy ) is authorised and instructed by that Paying Agent to vote in respect of the Notes so listed in accordance with the instructions referred to in (iii) above as set out in such document.

 

  (c) Extraordinary Resolution means:

 

  (i) a resolution passed at a duly convened meeting of Noteholders held in accordance with this Trust Deed by a majority of at least 75 per cent. of the votes cast;

 

  (ii) a resolution in writing executed by or on behalf of the persons holding or representing not less than 75 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding who would have been entitled to vote if it had been proposed at a meeting at which they were present and may consist of several instruments in like form each executed by or on behalf of one or more Noteholders; or

 

  (iii) consent given by way of electronic consents through the relevant Clearing System(s) (in a form satisfactory to the Trustee) by or on behalf of the holders of not less than 75 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding.

 

2. A holder of a Note (whether in definitive form or represented by a Global Note) may obtain a voting certificate from a Paying Agent or require a Paying Agent to issue a block voting instruction by depositing his Note with such Paying Agent or (to the satisfaction of such Paying Agent) by such Note being held to its order or under its control or being blocked in an account with a clearing system, in each case not later than 48 hours before the time fixed for the relevant meeting. Voting certificates and block voting instructions shall be valid until the relevant Notes cease to be deposited or held or blocked pursuant to paragraph 1 and until then the holder of a voting certificate or (as the case may be) the proxy named in a block voting instruction shall, for all purposes in connection with any meeting or adjourned meeting of Noteholders, be deemed to be the holder of the Notes to which that voting certificate or block voting instruction relates and the Paying Agent with which (or to the order of which) such Notes have been deposited, held or blocked shall be deemed for such purposes not to be the holder of those Notes.

 

3. The Issuer, the Guarantors or the Trustee may at any time convene a meeting of Noteholders. If it receives a written request by Noteholders holding at least 10 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding and is indemnified to its satisfaction against all costs and expenses, the Trustee shall convene a meeting of Noteholders. Whenever any party shall take steps to convene any such meeting it shall give notice to the others of the day, time and place of such meeting and the nature of the business to be transacted thereat as soon as is practicable. Every meeting shall be held at a time and place approved by the Trustee.

 

4. At least 21 days’ notice (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day of the meeting) shall be given to the Noteholders. A copy of the notice shall be given by the party convening the meeting to the other parties. The notice shall specify the day, time and place of meeting, be given in the manner provided in the Conditions and shall specify, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the nature of the resolutions to be proposed and shall include a statement to the effect that Notes may be deposited with or held to the order of or under the control of any Paying Agent or blocked in an account with a clearing system for the purpose of obtaining voting certificates or appointing proxies but not thereafter until 48 hours before the time fixed for the relevant meeting.

 

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5. A person (who may, but need not, be a Noteholder) nominated in writing by the Trustee may act as chairman of a meeting but if no such nomination is made or if the person nominated is not present within 15 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting the Noteholders present shall choose one of their number to be chairman, failing which the Issuer may appoint a chairman. The chairman of an adjourned meeting need not be the same person as the chairman of the original meeting.

 

6. A meeting that has been validly convened in accordance with paragraph 3 above, may be cancelled by the person who convened such meeting by giving at least 7 days’ notice (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and the day of the meeting) to the Noteholders. Any meeting cancelled in accordance with this paragraph 6 shall be deemed not to have been convened.

 

7. At a meeting one or more persons present in person holding Definitive Notes or voting certificates or being proxies and holding or representing in the aggregate not less than 10 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding shall (except for the purpose of passing an Extraordinary Resolution) form a quorum for the transaction of business and no business (other than the choosing of a chairman) shall be transacted unless the requisite quorum be present at the commencement of business. The quorum at a meeting for passing an Extraordinary Resolution shall (subject as provided below) be one or more persons present in person holding Definitive Notes or voting certificates or being proxies and holding or representing in the aggregate a clear majority in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding provided that the quorum at a meeting the business of which includes consideration of proposals specified in the proviso to paragraph 20 shall be one or more persons present holding Definitive Notes or voting certificates or being proxies and holding or representing in the aggregate not less than three-fourths in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding.

 

8. If within 15 minutes from the time fixed for a meeting a quorum is not present the meeting shall, if convened upon the requisition of Noteholders or if the Issuer and the Trustee agree, be dissolved. In any other case it shall stand adjourned to such date, not less than 14 nor more than 42 days later, and to such place as the chairman may decide. At such adjourned meeting one or more persons present in person holding Definitive Notes or voting certificates or being proxies (whatever the nominal amount of the Notes so held or represented) shall form a quorum and may pass any resolution and decide upon all matters which could properly have been dealt with at the meeting from which the adjournment took place had a quorum been present at such meeting provided that at an adjourned meeting at which an Extraordinary Resolution is to be proposed for the purpose of effecting any of the modifications specified in the proviso to paragraph 20 the quorum shall be one or more persons so present holding Definitive Notes or voting certificates or being proxies and holding or representing in the aggregate not less than one-fourth in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding.

 

9. The chairman may with the consent of (and shall if directed by) a meeting adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place but no business shall be transacted at an adjourned meeting which might not lawfully have been transacted at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.

 

10. At least 10 days’ notice of a meeting adjourned through want of a quorum shall be given in the same manner as for an original meeting and such notice shall state the quorum required at the adjourned meeting. No notice need, however, otherwise be given of an adjourned meeting.

 

11. Each question submitted to a meeting shall be decided in the first instance by a show of hands and in case of equality of votes the chairman shall both on a show of hands and on a poll have a casting vote in addition to the vote or votes (if any) which he may have as a Noteholder or as a holder of a voting certificate or as a proxy.

 

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12. Unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded at any meeting by the chairman, the Issuer, the Guarantor(s), the Trustee or by one or more persons holding one or more Definitive Notes or voting certificates or being proxies and holding or representing in the aggregate not less than two per cent. in nominal amount of the Notes for the time being outstanding, a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has been carried or carried by a particular majority or lost or not carried by any particular majority shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against such resolution.

 

13. If a poll is demanded, it shall be taken in such manner and (subject as provided below) either at once or after such adjournment as the chairman directs and the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded as at the date of the taking of the poll. The demand for a poll shall not prevent the continuation of the meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which the poll has been demanded.

 

14. A poll demanded on the election of a chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken at the meeting without adjournment.

 

15. The Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee (through their respective representatives) and their respective financial and legal advisers may attend and speak at any meeting of Noteholders. No one else may attend or speak at a meeting of Noteholders or have any of the powers exercisable by Noteholders in such meeting or join in requesting or convening such meeting, unless he is the holder of a Definitive Note or a voting certificate or is a proxy.

 

16. Subject as provided in paragraph 15 hereof at any meeting:

 

  (a) on a show of hands every person who is present in person and produces a Definitive Note or voting certificate or is a proxy shall have one vote; and

 

  (b) on a poll every person who is so present shall have one vote in respect of each £1 or such other amount as the Trustee may in its absolute discretion stipulate (or, in the case of meetings of holders of Notes denominated in another currency, such amount in such other currency as the Trustee in its absolute discretion may stipulate) in nominal amount of the Definitive Notes so produced or represented by the voting certificate so produced or in respect of which he is a proxy.

Without prejudice to the obligations of the proxies named in any block voting instruction any person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast all the votes to which he is entitled in the same way.

 

17. A proxy need not be a Noteholder.

 

18. Each block voting instruction shall be deposited at such place as the Trustee shall designate or approve, at least 24 hours before the time appointed for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the proxy named in the block voting instruction proposes to vote and in default the block voting instruction shall not be treated as valid unless the chairman of the meeting decides otherwise before the meeting or adjourned meeting proceeds to business. A notarially certified copy of each block voting instruction shall if required by the Trustee be produced by the proxy at the meeting or adjourned meeting but the Trustee shall not thereby be obliged to investigate or be concerned with the validity of, or the authority of, the proxy named in a block voting instruction.

 

19.

A vote cast in accordance with the terms of a block voting instruction shall be valid even if the block voting instruction or any of the Noteholders’ instructions pursuant to which it was executed has been previously revoked or amended, unless written intimation of such revocation or amendment is

 

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  received from the relevant Paying Agent by the Issuer or the Trustee at its registered office (or at such other place as the Trustee shall designate or approve) or by the chairman of the meeting in each case at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the block voting instruction is used.

 

20. A meeting of Noteholders shall, subject to the Conditions, in addition to the powers given above, but without prejudice to any powers conferred on other persons by this Trust Deed, have power exercisable by Extraordinary Resolution:

 

  (a) to sanction any proposal by the Issuer, any of the Guarantors or the Trustee for any modification, abrogation, variation or compromise of, or arrangement in respect of, the rights of the Noteholders and/or the Couponholders against the Issuer or any of the Guarantors whether or not these rights arise under this Trust Deed;

 

  (b) to sanction the exchange or substitution for the Notes of, or the conversion of the Notes into, shares, bonds, or other obligations or securities of the Issuer, any of the Guarantors or any other entity;

 

  (c) to assent to any modification of this Trust Deed which shall be proposed by the Issuer, any of the Guarantors or the Trustee;

 

  (d) to authorise anyone to concur in and do anything necessary to carry out and give effect to an Extraordinary Resolution;

 

  (e) to give any authority, direction or sanction required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution;

 

  (f) to appoint any persons (whether Noteholders or not) as a committee or committees to represent the interests of the Noteholders and to confer upon them any powers or discretions which the Noteholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution;

 

  (g) to approve a proposed new Trustee and to remove a Trustee;

 

  (h) to approve the substitution of any entity for the Issuer or any of the Guarantors (or any previous substitute) as principal debtor or guarantor under this Trust Deed; and

 

  (i) to discharge or exonerate the Trustee from any liability in respect of any act or omission for which it may become responsible under this Trust Deed;

provided that the special quorum provisions contained in the proviso to paragraph 7 and, in the case of an adjourned meeting, in the proviso to paragraph 8 shall apply to any Extraordinary Resolution in relation to any of the matters specified in paragraph 20(b) or (h) or for the purpose of making any modification to this Trust Deed (each of which shall only be capable of being effected after having been approved by an Extraordinary Resolution) which would have the effect of:

 

  (i) changing the date of maturity of the Notes or the dates on which interest is payable in respect of the Notes; or

 

  (ii) reducing or cancelling the amount of principal of, or the rate of interest payable in respect of, the Notes; or

 

  (iii) changing the currency of payment of the Notes or Coupons; or

 

93


  (iv) modifying the provisions hereof relating to the quorum required at meetings of the Noteholders or the majority required to pass (whether at such meeting or by writing) an Extraordinary Resolution; or

 

  (v) amending this proviso.

 

21. Any procedural resolution passed at a meeting of Noteholders duly convened and held in accordance with this Trust Deed and an Extraordinary Resolution duly passed in accordance with this Trust Deed shall be binding on all the Noteholders, whether or not present at the meeting, and on all the Couponholders and each of them shall be bound to give effect to it accordingly. The passing of such a resolution shall be conclusive evidence that the circumstances of such resolution justify the passing of it. The Issuer shall give notice of the passing of an Extraordinary Resolution to Noteholders as soon as practicable after it has been passed but failure to do so shall not invalidate the resolution.

 

22. Minutes shall be made of all resolutions and proceedings at every meeting and, if purporting to be signed by the chairman of that meeting or of the next succeeding meeting of Noteholders, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters in them. Until the contrary is proved every meeting for which minutes have been so made and signed shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted at it to have been duly passed and transacted.

 

23. Subject to the following sentence, a Written Resolution may be contained in one document or in several documents in like form, each signed by or on behalf of one or more such Noteholders.

For so long as the Notes are in the form of a Global Note held on behalf of one or more of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or another clearing system, then, in respect of any resolution proposed by the relevant Issuer or the Trustee:

 

  (a) where the terms of the resolution proposed by the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Trustee (as the case may be) have been notified to the Noteholders through the relevant clearing system(s) as provided in sub-paragraphs (i) and/or (ii) below, each of the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon approval of such resolution given by way of electronic consents communicated through the electronic communications systems of the relevant clearing system(s) to the Principal Paying Agent or another specified agent and/or the Trustee in accordance with their operating rules and procedures by or on behalf of the holders of not less than 75 per cent. in nominal amount of the Notes outstanding (the Required Proportion ) ( Electronic Consent ) by close of business on the Relevant Date. Any resolution passed in such manner shall be binding on all Noteholders and Couponholders, even if the relevant consent or instruction proves to be defective. None of the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Trustee shall be liable or responsible to anyone for such reliance.

 

  (i) When a proposal for a resolution to be passed as an Electronic Consent has been made, at least 10 days’ notice (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day on which affirmative consents will be counted) shall be given to the Noteholders through the relevant clearing system(s). The notice shall specify, in sufficient detail to enable Noteholders to give their consents in relation to the proposed resolution, the method by which their consents may be given (including, where applicable, blocking of their accounts in the relevant clearing system(s)) and the time and date (the Relevant Date ) by which they must be received in order for such consents to be validly given, in each case subject to and in accordance with the operating rules and procedures of the relevant clearing system(s).

 

  (ii)

If, on the Relevant Date on which the consents in respect of an Electronic Consent are first counted, such consents do not represent the Required Proportion, the

 

94


  resolution shall, if the party proposing such resolution (the Proposer ) so determines, be deemed to be defeated. Such determination shall be notified in writing to the other party or parties to the Trust Deed. Alternatively, the Proposer may give a further notice to Noteholders that the resolution will be proposed again on such date and for such period as shall be agreed with the Trustee (unless the Trustee is the Proposer). Such notice must inform Noteholders that insufficient consents were received in relation to the original resolution and the information specified in sub-paragraph (i) above. For the purpose of such further notice, references to “Relevant Date” shall be construed accordingly.

For the avoidance of doubt, an Electronic Consent may only be used in relation to a resolution proposed by the Issuer , the Guarantor or the Trustee which is not then the subject of a meeting that has been validly convened in accordance with paragraph 3 above, unless that meeting is or shall be cancelled or dissolved; and

 

  (b) where Electronic Consent is not being sought, for the purpose of determining whether a Written Resolution has been validly passed, the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on consent or instructions given in writing directly to the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor and/or the Trustee, as the case may be, (a) by accountholders with entitlements to such Global Note or, (b) where the accountholders hold any such entitlement on behalf of another person, on written consent from or written instruction by the person identified by that accountholder or the person for whom such entitlement is held. For the purpose of establishing the entitlement to give any such consent or instruction, the Issuer, the Guarantor and the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on any certificate or other document issued by, in the case of (a) above, Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other relevant alternative clearing system (the relevant clearing system ) and, in the case of (b) above, the relevant clearing system and the person identified by the relevant clearing system for the purposes of (b) above. Any resolution passed in such manner shall be binding on all Noteholders and Couponholders, even if the relevant consent or instruction proves to be defective. Any such certificate or other document shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes. Any such certificate or other document may comprise any form of statement or print out of electronic records provided by the relevant clearing system (including Euroclear’s EUCLID or Clearstream, Luxembourg’s CreationOnline system) in accordance with its usual procedures and in which the accountholder of a particular principal or nominal amount of the Notes is clearly identified together with the amount of such holding. Neither the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor nor the Trustee shall be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by any such person and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.

Each Written Resolution and each Electronic Consent shall for all purposes be as valid and effectual as an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of such Noteholders duly convened and held in accordance with the provision contained herein. Each Written Resolution and each Electronic Consent will be binding on all Noteholders and holders of Coupons and Talons, whether or not they participated in such Written Resolution or Electronic Consent.

 

24.

(a)

If and whenever the Issuer shall have issued and have outstanding Notes of more than one Series the foregoing provisions of this Schedule shall have effect subject to the following modifications:

 

  (i) a resolution which in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Notes of one Series only shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a meeting of the holders of the Notes of that Series;

 

95


  (ii) a resolution which in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Notes of more than one Series but does not give rise to a conflict of interests between the holders of Notes of any of the Series so affected shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a single meeting of the holders of the Notes of all the Series so affected;

 

  (iii) a resolution which in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Notes of more than one Series and gives or may give rise to a conflict of interests between the holders of the Notes of one Series or group of Series so affected shall be deemed to have been duly passed only if passed at separate meetings of the holders of the Notes of each Series or group of Series so affected; and

 

  (iv) to all such meetings as aforesaid all the preceding provisions of this Schedule shall mutatis mutandis apply as though references therein to Notes and Noteholders were references to the Notes of the Series or group of Series in question and to the holders of such Notes respectively.

 

  (b) If the Issuer shall have issued and have outstanding Notes which are not denominated in pounds sterling in the case of any meeting of holders of Notes of more than one currency the principal amount of such Notes shall (i) for the purposes of paragraph 3 above be the equivalent in pounds sterling at the spot rate of a bank nominated by the Trustee for the conversion of the relevant currency or currencies into pounds sterling on the seventh dealing day prior to the day on which the requisition in writing is received by the Issuer and (ii) for the purposes of paragraphs 7, 8 and 16 above (whether in respect of the meeting or any adjourned such meeting or any poll resulting therefrom) be the equivalent at such spot rate on the seventh dealing day prior to the day of such meeting. In such circumstances, on any poll each person present shall have one vote for each £1 (or such other pounds sterling amount as the Trustee may in its absolute discretion stipulate) in principal amount of the Notes (converted as above) which he holds or represents.

 

25. Subject to all other provisions of this Trust Deed, the Trustee may, without the consent of the Noteholders or the Couponholders, prescribe such further regulations regarding the holding of meetings and attendance and voting at them as the Trustee may in its sole discretion determine including (without limitation) such regulations and requirements as the Trustee thinks reasonable (a) to satisfy itself that the persons who purport to make any requisition in accordance with this Trust Deed are entitled to do so; (b) as to the form of voting certificates or block voting instructions so as to satisfy itself that persons who purport to attend or vote at a meeting are entitled to do so; (c) as to the attendance and voting by persons beneficially entitled to interests in the Global Note without the need for them to hold Definitive Notes; (d) where the Trustee has determined that a resolution may properly be put to a meeting of the holders of the Notes of more than one Series issued in different denominations and/or different currencies, as to the weighting of the votes attributable to each such series; and (e) so as to satisfy itself that persons who have purported to sign a resolution in writing to constitute an Extraordinary Resolution were in fact Noteholders and holders of different Notes.

 

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SIGNATORIES

 

EXECUTED as a DEED by    )
B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.    )
acting by    )
and    )
EXECUTED as a DEED by    )
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO    )
HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.    )
acting by    )
and    )
EXECUTED as a DEED by    )
B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.    )
acting by    )
and    )
EXECUTED as a DEED by    )
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.    )
acting by    )
THE COMMON SEAL of    )
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST    )
CORPORATION p.l.c.    )
was affixed to this DEED    )
in the presence of:    )

Director

Authorised Signatory

 

97


6 JULY 1998 AND MODIFIED AND RESTATED ON

20 MAY 2016

B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.

and

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO HOLDINGS (THE

NETHERLANDS) B.V.

and

B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.

and

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

and

THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION

p.l.c.

relating to a

£15,000,000,000

Euro Medium Term Note Programme

TRUST DEED

 

 

LOGO

Allen & Overy LLP

0015437-0009726 ICM:24358224.1


SIGNATORIES

 

EXECUTED as a DEED by   )  
B.A.T. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE p.l.c.   )  
acting by   )   NEIL WADEY
and                   )   NICOLA SNOOK
EXECUTED as a DEED by   )  
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO   )  
HOLDINGS (THE NETHERLANDS) B.V.   )  
acting by   )   JUDITH BOLLEN
and                   )   MARK WIECHERS
EXECUTED as a DEED by   )  
B.A.T. NETHERLANDS FINANCE B.V.   )  
acting by   )   JUDITH BOLLEN
and                   )   MARK WIECHERS
EXECUTED as a DEED by   )  
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.   )  
acting by   )   BEN STEVENS
and                   )   NICOLA SNOOK
THE COMMON SEAL of   )  
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST   )  
CORPORATION p.l.c.   )  
was affixed to this DEED   )  
in the presence of:   )  

Director                                   JULIAN MASON - JEBB

Authorised Signatory             LAURA CALLAGHAN

Signature page to Twenty-Seventh Supplemental Trust Deed

Exhibit 5.1

Form of Opinion of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

 

To:

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London

WC2R 2PG

      

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Exchange House

Primrose Street

London EC2A 2EG

T +44 (0)20 7374 8000

F +44 (0)20 7374 0888

DX28 London Chancery Lane

 

www.herbertsmithfreehills.com

 

Our ref

2447/30995018

Your ref

 

Date

[●] 2017

Draft

Dear Sir or Madam

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

 

1.    INTRODUCTION
1.1    We are acting as English legal advisers to British American Tobacco p.l.c., a public limited company organised under the laws of England and Wales (the “Company” ), in connection with the merger of Flight Acquisition Corporation (an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) with and into Reynolds American Inc. ( RAI ) (the Proposed Acquisition ), and in connection with the registration statement on Form F-4 (File No. [●]) (as amended through the date hereof, the Registration Statement ) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ).
1.2    The Registration Statement is being made in relation to the proposed issuance by the Company of up to [●] ordinary shares with a nominal value of £0.25 per share of the Company (the New Shares ), in connection with the Proposed Acquisition, with such New Shares to be issued to RAI shareholders (other than the Company and its subsidiaries) in the form of American Depositary Shares of the Company.
1.3    We are solicitors qualified in England and Wales. We express no opinion as to any law other than English law as applied by English courts and reported and in effect on the date of this opinion. No opinion is expressed as to matters of fact.
1.4    This opinion and any non–contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with English law.
1.5    This opinion is not designed to and is not likely to reveal fraud, misrepresentation, bribery or corruption by any person.
2.    DOCUMENTS WHICH WE HAVE EXAMINED AND ENQUIRIES WHICH WE HAVE MADE
2.1    For the purpose of giving this opinion, we have examined
   2.1.1    the Registration Statement;
   2.1.2    a copy of the Articles of Association of the Company adopted by the Company on 28 April 2010 (the Articles of Association );

 

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP and its subsidiaries and Herbert Smith Freehills, an Australian Partnership, are separate member firms of the international legal practice known as Herbert Smith Freehills.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC310989. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority of England and Wales. A list of the members and their professional qualifications is open to inspection at the registered office, Exchange House, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EG. We use the word partner of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP to refer to a member of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications.


   2.1.3    the proposed shareholder resolution to be voted on at the general meeting of the shareholders of the Company for the purpose of granting, inter alia, the board of directors of the Company the authority to issue and allot the New Shares (the “ Proposed Shareholder Resolution ”);
   2.1.4    the proposed resolution to be adopted at a meeting of the board of directors of the Company, or a duly appointed committee thereof, whereby it will be resolved to approve the allotment and issue of the New Shares (the “ Draft Board Resolution ” and together with the Proposed Shareholder Resolution the “ Corporate Approvals ”).
2.2    For the purposes of giving this opinion, we have made the following enquiries:
   2.2.1    on [●] 2017, at [●] [am/pm] we carried out a search of the Companies House Direct service operated by the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales in respect of the Company (the “ Company Register Searches ”).
   2.2.2    on [●] 2017, at [●] [am/pm] we made a telephone search of the Company of the Central Registry of Winding–Up Petitions maintained by the Companies Court (the “ Central Registry Searches ”).
2.3    Except as stated above, we have not for the purpose of this opinion examined any agreements, documents or corporate records entered into by or affecting the Company or made any other enquiries concerning the Company.
3.    ASSUMPTIONS
3.1    This opinion is based upon the assumption (which may or may not be the case) that:
   3.1.1    Authenticity : all documents (including copy documents) examined by us are authentic and complete and all signatures and seals thereon (if any) are genuine;
   3.1.2    Effective documents : all documents (including the constitutional documents) which we have reviewed are and remain up–to–date and effective;
   3.1.3    Nominal Value : on the date of the allotment and issue of the New Shares (the “ Allotment Date ”), the Company will comply with all applicable laws to allot and issue the New Shares and the Company will receive such consideration as is necessary to fully pay the nominal value of the New Shares and any applicable share premium;
   3.1.4    Solvency : the Company was solvent at the time of the transactions contemplated by the Corporate Approvals and did not become insolvent as a result of entering into the transactions contemplated by the Corporate Approvals and that the Company has not entered into any composition or arrangement with its creditors (or any class of them);
   3.1.5    Administration etc.: no step has been taken to wind–up, strike-off or dissolve the Company or to place the Company into administration and no receiver has been appointed over or in respect of the assets of the Company, nor has any analogous procedure or step been taken in any jurisdiction, which (in either case) has or have not been revealed by the searches referred to in paragraphs 2.2.1 or 2.2.2 above;
   3.1.6    Overseas insolvency: no foreign main insolvency proceeding has been recognised in Great Britain under the Cross Border Insolvency Regulations 2006 (and it is not possible to conduct a central search in Great Britain in relation to any such proceedings) which would entitle actions in respect of any assets of the Company the subject of those foreign proceedings to be taken in Great Britain;
   3.1.7    Resolutions: (i) the Draft Board Resolution and (ii) the Proposed Shareholder Resolution, will be validly passed at properly convened and conducted meetings of the board of directors of the Company, or a duly appointed committee thereof, and the shareholders of the Company, respectively, and, once passed, will remain in full force and effect;

 

2


   3.1.8    Filings: the public files, documentation and / or information available from the Registrar of Companies and the Central Registry of Winding–Up Petitions are complete, accurate and up–to–date;
   3.1.9    Non-UK filings : the articles of merger relating to the Proposed Acquisition will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of North Carolina on the Allotment Date and the Proposed Acquisition will take effect as at the time of filing;
   3.1.10    Directors: the directors of the Company have acted (or will act) in good faith and have complied (or will comply) with their duties under all applicable laws in relation to the Corporate Approvals and the transactions contemplated thereby;
   3.1.11    No breach: the Company will not, by reason of the transactions contemplated by the Corporate Approvals, be in breach of any of their respective obligations under any agreement, licence, authorisation, consent or similar document;
   3.1.12    Misconduct etc.: the Company (and the individuals employed by or acting on behalf of the Company) are not, nor will be, engaging in criminal, misleading, deceptive or unconscionable conduct or seeking to conduct any relevant transaction or any associated activity in a manner or for a purpose which might render the transaction contemplated by the Corporate Approvals or any transaction contemplated thereby or any associated activity illegal, void or voidable;
   3.1.13    Pre–emptive rights: the directors as at the time of the Allotment Date will be duly authorised pursuant to the articles of association of the Company in force at the time of the Allotment Date, the Companies Act 2006 and any relevant authority given by the members of the Company in a general meeting to allot and issue the New Shares on a non pre-emptive basis; and
   3.1.14    Conditions: any conditionality on the authority to allot and issue the New Shares pursuant to the Corporate Approvals will be satisfied.
4.    OPINION
Based on the documents referred to in paragraph 2 and subject to the assumptions contained in paragraph 3 and to the qualifications contained in paragraph 5 and to any matters not disclosed to us, it is our opinion that the New Shares when issued by the Company, upon the Proposed Acquisition becoming effective and the Company’s receipt of the consideration for such New Shares, will have been validly issued, fully paid and not be subject to any call for the payment of further capital.
5.    QUALIFICATIONS
5.1    This opinion is subject to the qualifications contained in this section.
5.2    Searches: The records of the Registrar of Companies and the Central Registry of Winding–Up Petitions may not be complete or up–to–date. In particular, the Central Registry of Winding–Up Petitions may not contain details of administration applications filed, or appointments recorded in or orders made by, district registries and county courts outside London. Searches at Companies House and at the Central Registry of Winding–Up Petitions are not capable of revealing whether or not a winding–up petition or a petition for the making of an administration order has been presented and, further, notice of a winding–up order or resolution, notice of an administration order and notice of the appointment of a receiver may not be filed at Companies House immediately and there may be a delay in the relevant notice appearing on the file of the company concerned.
5.3    Company search: A search at Companies House may not reveal whether the New Shares or any of them are subject to a charge, encumbrance or other security interest because particulars of such security interests may not be filed at Companies House immediately, there may be a delay in the relevant registration appearing on the file of the Company concerned, not all security interests are registrable, such security interests have not in fact been registered or such security interests have been created by an individual or an entity which is not registered in Great Britain.

 

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6.    Creditors: This opinion is subject to any limitations arising from (a) bankruptcy, insolvency and liquidation, (b) reorganisation and (c) laws of general application relating to or affecting the rights of creditors.
7.    CONSENT
7.1    We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to Herbert Smith Freehills LLP under the heading “ Legal Matters ” in the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
7.2    This opinion is given by Herbert Smith Freehills LLP which assumes liability for and is solely responsible for it.

Yours faithfully,

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

 

4

Exhibit 10.6

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO

Rules of the 2007

Long Term Incentive Plan

Adopted by a resolution of the

Board of Directors of

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

on 26 February 2007 and approved by Shareholders

at the Annual General Meeting held on 26 April 2007

and amended by the Board on 11 January 2008

and amended by the Board on 22 February 2011 and

approved by Shareholders at the

Annual General Meeting held on 28 April 2011

and amended by the Board on 24 February 2014

and amended by the Board on 23 February 2015


CONTENTS

 

          Page  

1.

   DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION      1  

2.

   GRANT OF AWARDS      2  

3.

   SOURCE OF SHARES      3  

4.

   TRANSFER OF SHARES TO PARTICIPANTS      4  

4A.

   CLAW-BACK      7  

5.

   TAKEOVER, RECONSTRUCTION AND WINDING-UP      9  

6.

   VARIATION OF CAPITAL      10  

6A.

   VESTED SHARE ACCOUNTS      10  

7.

   ALTERATIONS      10  

8.

   MISCELLANEOUS      11  

APPENDIX 1: US SUB-PLAN 14

     13  

APPENDIX 2: CLAW-BACK

     15  

SCHEDULE: PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

     17  


1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

(1) In this Plan, unless the context otherwise requires:-

“the Allocation Date” means the date on which the Company granted an Award;

“Allocated Shares” means any shares which are comprised in an Award (and which have not been transferred, renounced or forfeited in accordance with the Rules of the Plan);

“Award” means a conditional option to receive shares in the Company on the terms specified in the Plan;

“the Board” means the board of directors of the Company or a committee of the Board;

“Claw-back” means the repayment of value by a Participant to the Company (or another Group Company) in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4A and Appendix 2;

“the Company” means British American Tobacco plc (registered in England and Wales No. 3407696)

“Control” has the meaning given to it by section 995 of the Income Tax Act 2007;

“Financial Year” means a financial year of the Company within the meaning of section 390 of the Companies Act 2006;

“Internal Reorganisation” any event, scheme or arrangement whereby another company (the “ Acquiring Company ”) obtains Control of the Company and immediately afterwards all or substantially all of the issued equity share capital of the Acquiring Company is owned directly or indirectly, in substantially the same proportions, by the persons who held the issued equity share capital of the Company immediately prior to such event, scheme or arrangement;

“the London Stock Exchange” means the London Stock Exchange plc;

“Participant” means a person who is granted an Award under the Plan including (where the context so admits) the personal representatives of a person who has died since the grant of an Award;

“Participating Company” means the Company or any Subsidiary;

“the Performance Conditions” means the conditions specified in the Schedule or such other conditions as the Remuneration Committee may have specified on the Allocation Date;

“the Performance Period” means the three consecutive Financial Years of which the first is the Financial Year in which the Allocation Date falls (or such shorter period as may be specified in Rules 4 or 5 below);

“the Plan” means The British American Tobacco 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan as herein set out but subject to any alterations made under Rule 7 below;

 

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“Quarter Day” means 31 March, 30 June, 30 September or 31 December;

“Remuneration Committee” means the Remuneration Committee of the Board;

“Subsidiary” means a body corporate which is a subsidiary of the Company within the meaning of section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006;

“the Trustees” means the trustees or trustee for the time being of any employee trust established by the Company from time to time for the benefit of (inter alia) employees of Participating Companies;

“UK Listing Authority” means the Financial Services Authority as the competent authority for listing in the United Kingdom under Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000;

“Vesting Date” means the third anniversary of the Allocation Date or, if earlier, the date on which an Award becomes exercisable pursuant to sub-rule 4(1) or 4(2); and

“Vested Shares” means Allocated Shares in respect of which the Performance Conditions have been satisfied.

 

(2) Any reference in the Plan to any enactment includes a reference to that enactment as from time to time modified extended or re-enacted.

 

(3) Where the context permits, the singular includes the plural and vice versa and the masculine includes the feminine.

 

2. GRANT OF AWARDS

 

(1) Subject to sub-rules (2), (5), (7) and (8) below, the Board may grant an Award to any employee of a Participating Company (including an employee who is also a director) upon the terms set out in the Plan and upon such other terms as the Board may specify.

 

(2) Awards may only be granted within the period of six weeks following an announcement of the Company’s results for any period or at any other time if the Board considers that there are exceptional circumstances which justify the grant of one or more Awards at that time. No Awards may be granted after more than 10 years after the date the Plan was adopted by the Company.

 

(3) No payment for the grant or exercise of an Award shall be made by a Participant and accordingly any Award shall be granted by deed.

 

(4) An Award granted to a Participant:

 

  (a) shall not, except as provided in Rule 4(2)(a) below, be capable of being transferred by him; and

 

  (b) shall be forfeited by him forthwith if he is adjudged bankrupt.

 

(5) The number of shares which may be conditionally allocated to an employee in respect of each Performance Period shall not exceed such number as has an aggregate market value equal to 400 per cent. of his basic salary .

 

2


(6) For the purposes of sub-rule (5) above:-

 

  (a) the market value of the shares shall be taken to be the closing mid market price of such shares (as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List) on either the dealing day immediately preceding the Allocation Date or the average of several dealings within 30 days preceding the Allocation Date, as determined by the Remuneration Committee; and

 

  (b) an employee’s basic salary shall be his basic pay (excluding bonuses and benefits in kind) expressed as an annual rate, payable to him by the Participating Companies as at the first day of the Financial Year in which the Allocation Date falls (or, where the Participant was not employed by a Participating Company on such date, as at the Allocation Date).

 

(7) The Remuneration Committee shall be responsible for supervising the operation of the Plan; no Awards may be made under the Plan until they have been approved by the Remuneration Committee, and any changes to the rules of the Plan or the operation of the Performance Conditions must be approved by the Remuneration Committee.

 

(8) The grant of any Award under the Plan shall be subject to the provisions of the Model Code published by the UK Listing Authority and to obtaining any approval or consent required under the provisions of the Listing Rules published by the UK Listing Authority or the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, or of any regulation or enactment applicable to such grant.

 

3. SOURCE OF SHARES

 

(1) The maximum number of shares which may be allocated under the Plan on any day shall not, when added to the aggregate of the number of shares which have been allocated in the previous 10 years under the Plan and under any other discretionary employees’ share scheme adopted by the Company, exceed such number as represents 5 per cent of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue immediately prior to that day.

 

(2) The maximum number of shares which may be allocated under the Plan on any day shall not, when added to the aggregate of the number of shares which have been allocated in the previous 10 years under the Plan and under any other employees’ share scheme adopted by the Company, exceed such number as represents 10 per cent of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue immediately prior to that day.

 

(3) In determining the limits in sub-rules (1) and (2), no account shall be taken of any allocations where the right to acquire shares was released, lapsed or otherwise became incapable of vesting.

 

(4) References in this Rule 3 to the “allocation” of shares shall mean:

 

  (a) in the case of any share option scheme:

 

  (i) the placing of unissued shares under option; and

 

3


  (ii) in so far as not taken into account under (i) above, any subscription for shares which are issued for the purpose of satisfying any option; and

 

  (b) in relation to other types of employees’ share scheme, the issue and allotment of shares,

and references to “allocated” shall be construed accordingly.

 

(5) References in this Rule 3 to the issue and allotment of shares shall include the transfer of shares from treasury and the subscription of shares by the Trustees.

 

(6) References in these Rules to the transfer of shares to a Participant (or, where the context requires, to the Participant’s personal representatives) shall be read to include the issue of shares to the Participant (or to his personal representatives).

 

(7) The Company and its Subsidiaries may provide funds to the Trustees to enable the Trustees to purchase existing shares in the Company for the purpose of the Plan, provided that no funds may be provided to enable the Trustees to acquire shares in the Company if such acquisition would result in the Trustees holding more than 5 per cent. of the ordinary share capital of the Company in issue at that time.

 

4. TRANSFER OF SHARES TO PARTICIPANTS

 

(1) Subject to sub-rules (2) to (7) and Rule 5 below, an Award shall be exercisable from the third anniversary of the Allocation Date up until the day before the tenth anniversary of the Allocation Date, provided that the Board may at its absolute discretion permit a Participant to exercise an Award prior to the third anniversary of the Allocation Date if he is to be transferred to work in another country and the Board consider that it would be appropriate to allow the exercise of the Award in the light of local tax or securities laws.

 

(2) If any Participant:

 

  (a) dies either at a time when he is a director or an employee of a Participating Company or at a time when he is entitled to exercise an Award pursuant to sub-rule (2)(b) below, then the Award shall be exercisable immediately, provided that, where the death occurs before the third anniversary of the Allocation Date, the extent to which the Award may be exercised shall be determined by reference to the operation of the Performance Conditions; and the extent to which the Performance Conditions have been satisfied shall be determined by the Board (at its absolute discretion) as at the Quarter Day before he died;

 

  (b) ceases to be a director or an employee of a Participating Company by reason of injury, illness, disability, redundancy (within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996) or for any other reason at the discretion of the Board, then:

 

  (1) for all Participants other than members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board (each as constituted from time to time), an Award shall be exercisable immediately, provided that, where such cessation occurs

 

4


  before the third anniversary of the Allocation Date, the extent to which the Award may be exercised shall be determined by reference to the operation of the Performance Conditions; and the extent to which the Performance Conditions have been satisfied shall be determined by the Board (at its absolute discretion) as at the Quarter Day before he so ceased; provided further that, where the Award becomes exercisable within three years of the Allocation Date as a result of the Participant’s redundancy, or where the Board exercises its discretion to allow exercise, the number of Allocated Shares in respect of which the Award may be exercised shall be reduced (unless the Board determines that this is not appropriate in the circumstances) to a pro rata number on the basis of the time which has elapsed from the Allocation Date to the date of cessation of employment (rounded up to the nearest whole month) as compared to three years; and

 

  (2) for Participants who are, at the time of such cessation, members of the Board of Directors and the Management Board (each as constituted from time to time), an Award shall be exercisable from the third anniversary of the Allocation Date, as shall be determined by reference to the operation of the Performance Conditions; provided that, where the Participant ceases to be a director or an employee of a Participating Company by reason of the Participant’s redundancy, or where the Board exercises its discretion to allow exercise, the number of Allocated Shares in respect of which the Award may be exercised shall be reduced (unless the Board determines that this is not appropriate in the circumstances) to a pro rata number on the basis of the time which has elapsed from the Allocation Date to the date of cessation of employment (rounded up to the nearest whole month) as compared to three years.

 

(3) A Participant shall not be treated for the purposes of sub-rule (2) above as ceasing to be a director or an employee of a Participating Company until such time as he is no longer a director or employee of any of the Participating Companies, and a female Participant who ceases to be such a director or employee by reason of pregnancy or confinement and who exercises her right to return to work under the Employment Rights Act 1996 before an Award has lapsed shall be treated for those purposes as not having ceased to be such a director or employee.

 

(4) Subject to sub-rules (5), (6) and (7) below:

 

  (a) unless sub-rule (2) above applies, the Award may (and must, if at all) be exercised by the Participant giving notice in writing to the Company at any time from the date the Vested Shares are capable of being transferred up to and including the day before the tenth anniversary of the Allocation Date, and unless the Board decides otherwise, any such notice shall have effect only on receipt by the Company;

 

5


  (b) if a Participant dies, the Award may (and must, if at all) be exercised by the personal representatives of the deceased Participant giving notice in writing to the Company to the extent permitted by sub-rule (2) above during the 12 month period beginning with the date of his death, but not after the day before the tenth anniversary of the Allocation Date;

 

  (c) if a Participant ceases to be a director or an employee in the circumstances specified in sub-rule (2) above (other than death), the Award may (and must, if at all) be exercised by the Participant giving notice in writing to the Company to the extent permitted by those sub-rules within:

 

  (1) in the case of sub-rule (2)(b)(1) above, the 6 month period after the date he so ceases, but not after the day before the tenth anniversary of the Allocation Date; and

 

  (2) in the case of sub-rule (2)(b)(1) above, the 6 month period following the third anniversary of the Allocation Date, but not after the day before the tenth anniversary of the Allocation Date;

 

  (d) within 30 days after an Award has been exercised in accordance with this sub-rule (45), the Company shall procure the transfer to the Participant (or his nominee) of the number of shares in respect of which the Award has been validly exercised. For the avoidance of doubt, such person is not entitled to any dividend or other right or benefit paid or payable on a share by reference to a record date before the Participant (or his nominee) is registered as the holder of a share; and

 

  (e) notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan (including sub-rules (5), (6) and (7)), an Award may not be exercised after the period of ten years beginning with the Allocation Date (or such shorter period as the Board may specify on the Allocation Date).

 

(5) No transfer of shares shall be made under the Plan if the Board considers that it would not be lawful or practicable in the relevant jurisdiction and in any such case the Board may (at its absolute discretion) decide that instead of receiving shares the Participant shall instead receive a cash sum equal to the value of the shares (calculated by reference to the middle market quotation of the shares on the dealing day preceding the date the Award was exercised, as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List) less such deductions as the Board may decide are reasonable or necessary on account of any tax and/or social security contributions.

 

(6) In a case where any company is obliged to account for any tax and/or any social security contributions recoverable from a Participant (together, the “Tax Liability”) for which that Participant is liable by virtue of the transfer of Vested Shares, the Company shall not be obliged to procure the transfer of the shares unless it or the Participant’s employing company has received on or prior to the transfer of the Vested Shares payment from the Participant of an amount not less than the Tax Liability or unless that Participant has entered into arrangements acceptable to the Participant’s employing company to ensure that such a payment is made (whether by authorising the sale of some or all of the shares on his behalf and the payment to the employing company of an amount equal to the Tax Liability out of the proceeds of sale or otherwise).

 

6


(7) The exercise of an Award and the transfer of any shares under the Plan shall be subject to the provisions of the Model Code published by the UK Listing Authority and to obtaining any approval or consent referred to in sub-rule 2(8). Where the transfer of shares pursuant to an Award is prohibited pursuant to the Model Code at any time, such transfer shall instead take place as soon as reasonably practicable after it is no longer prohibited by the Model Code.

 

(8) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each Performance Period, the Board will notify Participants of the extent to which the Performance Conditions have been satisfied in respect of that Performance Period and of the number of Vested Shares.

 

(9) The Remuneration Committee may, at its discretion, determine that the Participant shall be paid an amount equivalent to the dividends that the Participant would have received over the period from the Allocation Date to the Vesting Date in respect of those Allocated Shares comprised in an Award (or part thereof) which becomes exercisable. No dividend equivalent amount shall be paid under this sub-rule (10) in respect of Allocated Shares comprised in the whole or any part of an Award which cannot be exercised. Any dividend equivalent amount calculated pursuant to this sub-rule (9) shall be paid in respect of the Award to which it relates on, or as soon as reasonably practicable following, the relevant Vesting Date, subject to such deductions as the Board may decide are reasonable or necessary on account of any tax and/or social security contributions.

 

(10) The number of Allocated Shares comprised in an Award granted on or after 28 April 2011 may be reduced at any time prior to the Vesting Date (including with the effect that the Award may be forfeited in full) to the extent that the Remuneration Committee determines that there has been a material misrepresentation by any person in relation to the performance of the Company and/or the Participant, on the basis of which the Remuneration Committee made its determination as to the extent to which any prior Award granted to the Participant vested (the “ Prior Vested Award ”), and which the Remuneration Committee considers justifies such reduction. Such material misrepresentation may include (but shall not be limited to): (i) a misstatement of the financial results and/or health of the Company; (ii) an erroneous calculation in relation to the Company’s results or other performance benchmark; (iii) errors in the Company’s financial statements; or (iv) discrepancies in the financial accounts, whether or not arising from fraud or reckless behaviour on the part of any director or employee of the Company or any Participating Company (in each case in respect of any Financial Year comprising the Performance Period relating to the Prior Vested Award).

 

4A. CLAW-BACK

Claw-back events

 

(1) In respect of an Award granted on or after 23 February 2015, the Remuneration Committee may at any time prior to the second anniversary of the Vesting Date of the Award determine that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of the Award if the Remuneration Committee determines that:

 

7


  (a) there has been a material misrepresentation in relation to the performance of any Participating Company, relevant business unit and/or the Participant on the basis of which the extent to which the Award vested was determined (which may include, but shall not be limited to: (i) a misstatement of the financial results and/or health of any Participating Company; (ii) an erroneous calculation in relation to any Participating Company’s results or other performance benchmark; (iii) errors in any Participating Company’s financial statements; or (iv) discrepancies in the financial accounts, and, for the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding that such misrepresentation may not arise from fraud or reckless behaviour); or

 

  (b) an erroneous calculation was made in assessing the extent to which the
  Award vested,

and , in either case, the Award vested in respect of a greater number of Shares than would have been the case had there not been such a misrepresentation or had such error not been made.

 

(2) In respect of an Award granted on or after 23 February 2015, the Remuneration Committee may at any time (whether before or after the Vesting Date) determine that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of the Award where the Participant is found to have committed at any time prior to the Vesting Date, including prior to grant of the Award, an act or omission which justifies, or in the opinion of the Remuneration Committee would have justified, summary dismissal or service of notice of termination of office or employment on the grounds of misconduct.

Applying Claw-back

 

(3) A Claw-back shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 2 ( Operation of Claw-back ).

Lapse of Awards to give effect to claw-back of other awards

 

(4) By participating in the Plan, the Participant acknowledges that the Remuneration Committee may lapse any Award granted on or after 23 February 2015 to such extent as it determines to be necessary (including in full) in order to give effect to a claw-back under the terms of the Plan or any other employees’ share scheme or bonus scheme operated from time to time by any Participating Company.

No Claw-back following a Takeover

 

(5) A Claw-back shall not apply at any time following any of the events described in Rule 5(1), save where such event is an Internal Reorganisation or where the determination that the Claw-back shall apply was made prior to such event.

 

8


5. TAKEOVER, RECONSTRUCTION AND WINDING-UP

 

(1) If any person:

 

  (a) obtains Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to acquire shares in the Company, or having obtained such Control makes such an offer; or

 

  (b) if any person becomes bound or entitled to acquire shares under sections 979 to 985 of the Companies Act 2006; or if under section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 the Court sanctions a compromise or arrangement of the Company; or

 

  (c) if the Company passes a resolution for voluntary winding up; or

 

  (d) if an order is made for the compulsory winding up of the Company;

then, subject to sub-rules (2) to (6) of Rule 4, an Award may be exercised within one month of the occurrence of the relevant event specified in this sub-rule (or in the case of paragraph (a) above such longer period as the Board may specify), but to the extent that it is not exercised within that period shall (notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan) lapse on the expiration of that period, PROVIDED THAT unless the Remuneration Committee decides otherwise the number of Allocated Shares comprised in an Award shall be reduced to a pro rata number on the basis of the time which has elapsed from the Allocation Date to the date of the occurrence of the relevant event specified in this sub-rule (rounded up to the nearest whole month) as compared to three years, and the proportion which may then be transferred shall be determined by reference to the operation of the Performance Conditions (as determined by the Remuneration Committee at its absolute discretion) up until the occurrence of the relevant event.

 

(2) For the purposes of sub-rule (1) above, a person shall be deemed to have obtained control of the Company if he and others acting in concert with him have together obtained control of it.

 

(3) A Participant may, in connection with one of the events described in Rule 5(1), and by agreement with the acquiring company, release any Award which has not lapsed (“ the Old Award ”) in consideration of the grant to him of an Award (“ the New Award ”) which is determined by the Board to be equivalent to the Old Award but relates to shares in a different company (whether the company which has obtained Control of the Company itself or some other company) within the period during which an Award would be exercisable in accordance with Rule 5(1) or such longer period as the Board may specify not exceeding six months.

 

(4) In the event of an Internal Reorganisation, where the Board determines that this Rule 5(4) shall apply, an existing Award shall not become exercisable in accordance with Rule 5(1) but, with the agreement of the Acquiring Company (as defined in the definition of “Internal Reorganisation”), shall be automatically released in consideration for the grant of a new Award which is determined by Board to be equivalent to the existing Award but relates to shares in a different company (whether the Acquiring Company itself or some other company).

 

9


(5) For the purposes of Rules 5(3) and 5(4) the provisions of the Plan shall be construed as if:

 

  (a) the New Award is an Award granted under the Plan at the same time as the existing Award;

 

  (b) unless the Board determines otherwise, the references to “the Company” are to the company over whose shares the New Award is granted in accordance with Rule 5(3) or 5(4) (as applicable);

 

  (c) the Performance Conditions shall apply in their original form unless the Board determines that it would be appropriate for such Performance Conditions to be varied or to be waived in full or in part; and

 

  (d) the New Award shall not become exercisable nor lapse by virtue of the event pursuant to which it was granted.

 

6. VARIATION OF CAPITAL

 

(1) In the event of any increase or variation of the share capital of the Company (whenever effected), a demerger of a substantial part of the business of the group, special dividend or other similar event, the Board may adjust the number of Allocated Shares in such manner as it considers appropriate.

 

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after making any adjustment under sub-rule (1) above, the Company shall give notice in writing thereof to any Participant affected thereby.

 

6A. VESTED SHARE ACCOUNTS

 

(1) Legal title to any shares which are due to be transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Plan may (notwithstanding any other Rule) be transferred to a person (the “ Vested Share Account Provider ”) appointed by the Company from time to time to hold legal title to such shares on behalf of the Participant.

 

(2) The Vested Share Account Provider shall receive and hold shares on behalf of the Participant in accordance with such terms and conditions as are agreed by the Company from time to time, and by participating in the Plan the Participant irrevocably agrees to those terms and conditions (which shall be available to the Participant on request to the Company).

 

(3) The transfer of any shares to the Vested Share Account Provider shall satisfy any obligation of the Company under the Plan to transfer shares to the Participant (and references in the Plan to shares (or legal title thereof) having been transferred to the Participant shall be read accordingly).

 

7. ALTERATIONS

 

(1) Subject to sub-rules (2) and (4) below, the Board may at any time alter any of the provisions of the Plan, or the terms of any Award granted under it, in any respect.

 

10


(2) Subject to sub-rule (3) below, no alteration to the advantage of Participants shall be made under sub-rule (1) above if it concerns eligibility, the limit on participation, the terms on which Awards may be exercised and the basis for their adjustment in the event of any increase or variation of the share capital of the Company, without the prior approval by ordinary resolution of the members of the Company in general meeting.

 

(3) Sub-rule (2) above shall not apply to any minor alteration to benefit the administration of the Plan, to take account of a change in legislation or to obtain or maintain favourable tax, exchange control or regulatory treatment for Participants or potential participants or any Participating Company.

 

(4) No alteration to the disadvantage of any Participant shall be made under sub-rule (1) above in respect of existing Awards unless:

 

  (a) the Company shall have invited every such Participant to give an indication as to whether or not he approves the alteration, and

 

  (b) the alteration is approved by a majority of those Participants who have given such an indication.

 

(5) As soon as reasonably practicable after making any alteration under sub-rule (1) above, the Company shall give notice in writing thereof to any Participant affected thereby.

 

8. MISCELLANEOUS

 

(1) The rights and obligations of any individual under the terms of his office or employment with any Participating Company shall not be affected by his participation in the Plan or any right which he may have to participate therein, and an individual who participates therein shall waive any and all rights to compensation or damages in consequence of the termination of his office or employment for any reason whatsoever (whether lawfully or otherwise) insofar as those rights arise or may arise from his ceasing to have rights under the Plan as a result of such termination.

 

(2) In the event of any dispute or disagreement as to the interpretation of the Plan, or as to any question or right arising from or related to the Plan, the decision of the Board shall be final and binding upon all persons.

 

(3) Any notice or other communication under or in connection with the Plan may be given by personal delivery or by sending the same by electronic means or post, in the case of a company to its registered office (for the attention of the company secretary), and in the case of an individual to his last known address, or, where he is a director or employee of a Participating Company, either to his last known address or to the address of the place of business at which he performs the whole or substantially the whole of the duties of his office or employment, and where a notice or other communication is given by post, it shall be deemed to have been received 72 hours after it was put into the post properly addressed and stamped, and if by electronic means, when the sender receives electronic confirmation of delivery or if not available, 24 hours after sending the notice.

 

11


(4) By participating in the Plan, a Participant consents to the holding and processing of personal data provided by the Participant to the Company for all purposes relating to the operation of the Plan, including, but not limited to administering and maintaining Participant records, providing information to the Trustees, registrars, brokers, savings carrier or other third party administrators of the Plan, providing information to future purchasers of the Company or the business in which the Participant works and transferring information about the Participant to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area.

 

(5) The Plan and all Awards granted under it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.

 

12


APPENDIX 1 - US SUB-PLAN

 

1 GENERAL

 

1.1 This US Sub-Plan shall be used for all Participants who are, or may become prior to the Vesting Date, US taxpayers. In the event that a Participant becomes a US taxpayer after the grant of an Award, such Award may be modified in a manner consistent with this Sub-Plan.

 

1.2 The purpose of this Sub-Plan is to ensure that Awards made under the Plan comply with the requirements of section 409A of Title 26 of the United States Code (“the Internal Revenue Code”) and should be interpreted in a manner consistent with such requirements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Sub-Plan should also be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with other legal requirements under laws in relevant jurisdictions, including but not limited to applicable securities laws.

 

1.3 Words and phrases defined in the Plan shall bear the same meaning in this US Sub-Plan except as otherwise provided.

 

1.4 The rules of the Plan apply to this US Sub-Plan except as otherwise provided for below.

 

1.5 The Board may amend any of the provisions of this US Sub-Plan to take account of a change in US legislation, in particular in relation to section 409A of the US Internal Revenue Code.

 

2 GRANT OF AWARDS

 

2.1 The following new Rule 2(9) shall be added after Rule 2(8):

“The form of Award shall specify whether it is granted under the US Sub-Plan.”

 

3 TRANSFER OF SHARES TO PARTICIPANTS

 

3.1 The following Rule shall replace Rules 4(4)(a) to (c), and existing Rules 4(4)(d) and (e) shall be renumbered accordingly:

 

  “(a) subject to Rule 4(7) the Award shall be deemed to be exercised by the Participant on the Vesting Date.”

 

3.2 Rule 4(7) shall be replaced by the following:

“The exercise of an Award and the transfer of any shares under the Plan shall be subject to the provisions of the Model Code published by the UK Listing Authority and to obtaining any approval or consent referred to in sub-rule 2(8). Where the exercise of the Award or the transfer of shares pursuant to an Award is prohibited

 

13


pursuant to the Model Code at any time, such exercise shall be deemed to take effect and the transfer shall instead take place as soon as reasonably practicable after it is no longer prohibited by the Model Code and in any event no later than the 15 March following the calendar year in which the Vesting Date falls.”

 

14


APPENDIX 2 – OPERATION OF CLAW-BACK

Claw-back prior to the transfer of shares in respect of an Award

 

(1) Where the Remuneration Committee determines (pursuant to Rule 4A(2)) that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of an Award prior to shares having been transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Award (whether before or after the Vesting Date), the Claw-back shall be applied by the Remuneration Committee reducing the number of Allocated Shares comprised in the Award by up to the number of shares determined by the Remuneration Committee to be the excess number of shares in respect of which the Award was granted and/or is outstanding (and the Award shall lapse to the extent so reduced, which may be in full).

Claw-back following the transfer of shares in respect of an Award

 

(2) Where the Remuneration Committee determines (pursuant to Rule 4A(1) or 4A(2)) that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of an Award following shares having been transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Award (a “ Post-Transfer Claw-back ”), the Remuneration Committee shall determine:

 

  (a) the excess number of shares in respect of which the Award became exercisable (the “ Excess Shares ”); and

 

  (b) the aggregate market value of such Excess Shares (as determined by the Remuneration Committee) on the Vesting Date (the “ Equivalent Value ”).

 

(3) In the case of a Post-Transfer Claw-back any cash payment made pursuant to Rule 44(9) in respect of such Award shall be subject to the Claw-back to the extent that the Remuneration Committee determines that such cash payment relates to the Excess Shares.

 

(4) A Post-Transfer Claw-back may be effected in such manner as may be determined by the Remuneration Committee, and notified to the Participant, including by any one or more of the following:

 

  (a) by reducing the number of shares and/or amount of cash in respect of which an Outstanding Award vests or may vest (or has vested, but in respect of which no shares have yet been transferred or cash payment made), whether before or after the assessment of performance conditions in respect of such Outstanding Award, by the number of Excess Shares and/or the Equivalent Value (and such Outstanding Award shall lapse to the extent so reduced);

 

  (b) by setting-off against any amounts payable by any Participating Company to the Participant an amount up to the Equivalent Value (including from any bonus payment which may otherwise become payable to the Participant); and/or

 

  (c)

by requiring the Participant to immediately transfer to the Company a number of shares equal to the Excess Shares or a cash amount equal to the Equivalent Value (which shall be an immediately payable debt due to the Company), provided that the Remuneration Committee may reduce the number of Excess Shares or the amount of the Equivalent Value subject to

 

15


  the Claw-back in order to take account of any Tax Liability (as defined in Rule 44(6)) which arose on the Excess Shares (howsoever delivered to the Participant).

 

(5) In paragraph (4) above:

Outstanding Award ” means any other Award under the Plan, any award or option under any other employees’ share scheme operated from time to time by any Participating Company (other than any award or options granted under any arrangement which satisfies the provisions of Schedules 2 or 3, or (unless the terms of such arrangement state that shares acquired thereunder are subject to claw-back) 4 or 5 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003), or any bonus award under any bonus scheme operated from time to time by any Participating Company, in each case which is either held by the Participant at the time of a determination that a Claw-back shall be applied or which are granted to the Participant following such a determination; and

vests ” shall include shares or cash subject to an award becoming due to be transferred or paid, and in the case of an option, the option becoming exercisable.

 

16


SCHEDULE : PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

FOR AWARDS MADE FROM MAY 2011 ONWARDS

 

1. Subject to Rules 4 and 5 of the Plan, 25% of the Allocated Shares in respect of a Performance Period may only be transferred to the extent the condition specified in paragraph 5 below is satisfied; 25% of the Allocated Shares in respect of a Performance Period may only be transferred to the extent the condition specified in paragraph 6 below is satisfied; and the remaining 50% of the Allocated Shares in respect of a Performance Period may only be transferred to the extent the condition specified in paragraph 7 below is satisfied.

 

2. For the purpose of the condition in paragraph 5 below:

 

  (a) The Total Shareholder Return of a company over any period is a combination of its share price and dividend performance, which shall be calculated as set out in paragraph 5(a) below.

 

  (b) The comparator companies are the constituents of the FTSE 100 Index at the beginning of the Performance Period, excluding those companies which are not quoted on the London Stock Exchange on the last day of the relevant Performance Period.

 

3. For the purposes of the condition in paragraph 6 below:

 

  (a) The Total Shareholder Return of a company over any period is a combination of its share price and dividend performance, which shall be calculated as set out in paragraph 5(a) below.

 

  (b) The comparator companies are:

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev

   Imperial Tobacco Group plc    PepsiCo Inc

Campbell Soup Company

   Japan Tobacco    Pernod Ricard

Carlsberg A/S

   Johnson & Johnson    Philip Morris International

The Coca Cola Company

   Kellogg    Procter & Gamble

Colgate-Palmolive

   Kimberley-Clark Corp    Reckitt Benckiser plc

Groupe Danone plc

   Kraft Foods    SABMiller

Diageo plc

   LVMH    Sara Lee Corp

Heineken N.V.

   Nestle SA    Unilever plc

HJ Heinz Company

     

 

4. For the purpose of the condition in paragraph 7 below:

 

  (a) The earnings per share of the Company shall be calculated on such basis as the Remuneration Committee may determine from time to time.

 

  (b) The Retail Prices Index is the general index of retail prices (for all items) published by the UK Office for National Statistics or, if that index is not published for the month in question, any substituted index which is published.

 

5.

(a)

The Total Shareholder Return of the Company and each of the relevant comparator companies over the relevant Performance Period shall be

 

17


computed by comparing the average gross return index of the relevant companies as calculated by Datastream (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) in the three months preceding the beginning of the Performance Period with the average gross return index (calculated in the same manner) in the 3 months preceding the end of the Performance Period, provided that where Datastream is unable to provide the necessary information, the Remuneration Committee may rely upon such other sources of information as it considers appropriate.

 

  (b) All such companies shall be ranked by the resulting Total Shareholder Return figures, with the company with the highest figure having the highest ranking, and median and upper quartile performance shall be determined on such basis as the Remuneration Committee, acting reasonably, may specify from time to time.

 

  (c) The percentage of the Allocated Shares to be transferred depends upon the Company’s Total Shareholder Return relative to the median and upper quartile performance specified in paragraph (b) above, as follows:

For Executive Board and Management Board members:

 

The Company’s Performance

  

% Transferable

1.Upper quartile or above

   25%

2.Median

   6%

3.Between upper quartile and median

   Pro-rata between 25% and 6% on the basis of Total Shareholder Return performance

4.Below median

   0%

For LTIP participants below Management Board level:

 

The Company’s Performance

  

% Transferable

1.Upper quartile or above

   25%

2.Median

   7.5%

3.Between upper quartile and median

   Pro-rata between 25% and 7.5% on the basis of Total Shareholder Return performance

4.Below median

   0%

 

  (d)

notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above, but subject to Rules 4 and 5 of the Plan, no Allocated Shares may be

 

18


  transferred unless, in the opinion of the Remuneration Committee, the underlying financial performance of the Company over the relevant Performance Period has been satisfactory.

 

6. The performance condition in this paragraph 6 will operate on exactly the same basis as the condition in paragraph 5 above, except that the comparator companies are those set out in paragraph 3(b) above.

 

7. The performance condition in this paragraph 7 operates by calculating the annualised compound growth in earnings per share for the Company in excess of the increase in the Retail Prices Index, using the earnings per share of the Company for the financial year preceding grant and for the final financial year of the Performance Period as the basis of measurement. Mathematically, it is expressed as follows:

 

(a) “X”, the annualised compound growth in earnings per share for the Company in excess of the increase in the Retail Price Index shall be calculated in the following manner:

 

E 0      =      the earnings per share of the Company in the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which the Performance Period begins
E 3      =      the earnings per share of the Company in the final financial year of the Performance Period
R 0      =      the Retail Prices Index for the last month of the financial year immediately preceding the Performance Period
R 3      =      the Retail Prices Index for the last month of the final financial year of the Performance Period

 

LOGO

X = EPS Growth – RPI Growth

 

19


(b) The percentage of the Allocated Shares to be transferred pursuant to the condition in this paragraph is shown in the following table (where X is calculated as described in paragraph 7(a) above).

For Executive Board and Management Board members:

 

X

  

% Transferable

1. 8% pa or greater

   50%

2. 3% pa

   8%

3. Between 3% pa and 8% pa

   Pro-rata between 8% and 50%

4. Less than 3% pa

   0%

For participants below Management Board level:

 

X

  

% Transferable

1. 8% pa or greater

   50%

2. 3% pa

   10%

3. Between 3% pa and 8% pa

   Pro-rata between 10% and 50%

4. Less than 3% pa

   0%

 

8. The Remuneration Committee may make such adjustments to the performance conditions in this Schedule as it considers appropriate to take account of:

 

  (a) any increase or variation of the share capital of the Company;

 

  (b) any change to the accounting standards adopted by the Company;

 

  (c) there being no pre-tax earnings per share of the Company for any relevant financial year;

 

  (d) any events which impact the comparator companies for the Total Shareholder Return measure such as a merger or de-listing;

 

  (e) a change in the calculation of Total Shareholder Return;

 

  (f) the occurrence of an event specified in Rules 4 or 5 of the Plan; or

 

  (g) any other factors which are in the opinion of the Remuneration Committee relevant.

 

20


SCHEDULE : PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

FOR AWARDS MADE FROM MARCH 2014 ONWARDS

 

1. Subject to Rules 4 and 5 of the Plan, 25% of the Allocated Shares in respect of a Performance Period may only be transferred to the extent the condition specified in paragraph 5 below is satisfied; 25% of the Allocated Shares in respect of a Performance Period may only be transferred to the extent the condition specified in paragraph 6 below is satisfied; and the remaining 50% of the Allocated Shares in respect of a Performance Period may only be transferred to the extent the condition specified in paragraph 7 below is satisfied.

 

2. For the purpose of the condition in paragraph 5 below:

 

  (a) The Total Shareholder Return of a company over any period is a combination of its share price and dividend performance, which shall be calculated as set out in paragraph 5(a) below.

 

  (b) The comparator companies are:

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev

   Imperial Tobacco Group plc    PepsiCo Inc

Campbell Soup Company

   Japan Tobacco    Pernod Ricard

Carlsberg A/S

   Johnson & Johnson    Philip Morris International

The Coca Cola Company

   Kellogg    Procter & Gamble

Colgate-Palmolive

   Kimberley-Clark Corp    Reckitt Benckiser plc

Groupe Danone plc

   LVMH    SABMiller

Diageo plc

   Mondelez International    Unilever plc

Heineken N.V.

   Nestle SA   

 

3. For the purpose of the condition in paragraph 6 below:

 

  (a) The Net Turnover (NTO) of the Company shall be calculated as the compound annual growth measured on a constant currency basis.

 

4. For the purpose of the condition in paragraph 7 below:

 

  (a) The earnings per share of the Company shall be calculated on such basis as the Remuneration Committee may determine from time to time.

 

5.

(a)

The Total Shareholder Return of the Company and each of the relevant comparator companies over the relevant Performance Period shall be computed by comparing the average gross return index of the relevant companies as calculated by Datastream (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) in the three months preceding the beginning of the Performance Period with the average gross return index (calculated in the same manner) in the 3 months preceding the end of the Performance Period, provided that where Datastream is unable to provide the necessary information, the Remuneration Committee may rely upon such other sources of information as it considers appropriate.

 

21


  (b) All such companies shall be ranked by the resulting Total Shareholder Return figures, with the company with the highest figure having the highest ranking, and median and upper quartile performance shall be determined on such basis as the Remuneration Committee, acting reasonably, may specify from time to time.

 

  (c) The percentage of the Allocated Shares to be transferred depends upon the Company’s Total Shareholder Return relative to the median and upper quartile performance specified in paragraph (b) above, as follows:

 

The Company’s Performance

  

% Transferable

1.Upper quartile or above

   25%

2.Median

   6%

3.Between upper quartile and median

   Pro-rata between 25% and 6% on the basis of Total Shareholder Return performance

4.Below median

   0%

 

  (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above, but subject to Rules 4 and 5 of the Plan, no Allocated Shares may be transferred unless, in the opinion of the Remuneration Committee, the underlying financial performance of the Company over the relevant Performance Period has been satisfactory.

 

6.

(a)

The performance condition in this paragraph 6 operates by calculating the compound annual growth in the NTO of the Company, measured on a constant currency basis.

 

  (b) The percentage of the Allocated Shares to be transferred depends upon the Company’s NTO growth as specified in paragraph (a) above, as follows:

 

The Company’s performance

  

% Transferable

1. 5% pa or greater

   25%

2. 2% pa

   6%

3. Between 2% pa and 5% pa

  

Pro-rata between 6% and 25%

4. Less than 2% pa

   0%

 

  (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) above, the Remuneration Committee has the discretion to determine that no vesting will occur for NTO unless the three year constant currency compound annual growth rate of underlying operating profit exceeds the compound annual growth rate of the threshold performance level for underlying operating profit, as defined annually in the IEIS, as approved by the Board.

 

22


Compound annual growth is calculated as follows:

 

NTO 0      =      the NTO in the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which the Performance Period begins
NTO 3      =      the NTO in the final financial year of the Performance Period

 

 

LOGO

 

7.

(a)

The performance condition in this paragraph 7 operates by calculating the compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share for the Company (measured at current exchange rate).

 

  (b) The percentage of the Allocated Shares to be transferred depends upon the Company’s adjusted diluted earnings per share growth as specified in paragraph (a) above, as follows:

 

X

  

% Transferable

1.  

10% pa or greater

   50%
2.  

5% pa

   8%
3.  

Between 5% pa and 10% pa

   Pro-rata between 8% and 50%
4.  

Less than 5% pa

   0%

Compound annual growth is calculated as follows:

 

E 0      =      the earnings per share of the Company in the financial year immediately preceding the financial year in which the Performance Period begins
E 3      =      the earnings per share of the Company in the final financial year of the Performance Period

 

LOGO

 

23


8. The Remuneration Committee may make such adjustments to the performance conditions in this Schedule as it considers appropriate to take account of:

 

  (a) any increase or variation of the share capital of the Company;

 

  (b) any change to the accounting standards adopted by the Company;

 

  (c) there being no pre-tax earnings per share of the Company for any relevant financial year;

 

  (d) any events which impact the comparator    companies for the Total Shareholder Return measure such as a merger or de-listing;

 

  (e) a change in the calculation of Total Shareholder Return;

 

  (f) the occurrence of an event specified in Rules 4 or 5 of the Plan; or

 

  (g) any other factors which are in the opinion of the Remuneration Committee relevant.

 

9.

(a)

After the conditions in paragraph 5, 6 and 7 have been assessed, the Remuneration Committee may make such adjustment to the percentage of Allocated Shares that are to be transferred pursuant to one or more of such conditions as it considers appropriate to take account of any factors which are in the opinion of the Remuneration Committee relevant.

 

  (b) An adjustment pursuant to this paragraph 9 may be either positive (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not so that the adjusted percentage of Allocated Shares to be transferred pursuant to any condition exceeds the maximum percentage of Allocated Shares that may be transferred pursuant to that condition, as set out in paragraph 1) or negative (including reducing the percentage of Allocated Shares to be transferred to nil). For the avoidance of doubt, where the Remuneration Committee makes any adjustment pursuant to this paragraph 9 the percentage of Allocated Shares to be transferred pursuant to any condition shall be the percentage as adjusted by the Remuneration Committee notwithstanding the outcome of that condition as set out in paragraph 5, 6 and/or 7 (as applicable).

 

24

Exhibit 10.7

 

LOGO  

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

 

 

RULES

of the

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO

2016 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Board approval on 23 February 2016

Shareholder approval at the 2016 AGM (27 April 2016)

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

HSF Ref: 30889176


British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

CONTENTS

 

Clause   Heading    Page  

1.

  INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION      2  

2.

  PLAN LIMITS      4  

3.

  AWARDS      5  

4.

  AWARDS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE      6  

5.

  PERFORMANCE CONDITION      7  

6.

  ADDITIONAL TERMS SPECIFIC TO FORFEITABLE SHARE AWARDS      7  

7.

  VESTING      8  

8.

  CESSATION OF OFFICE OR EMPLOYMENT      9  

9.

  CORPORATE ACTIONS      10  

10.

  OPTIONS      13  

11.

  DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT      13  

12.

  CASH ALTERNATIVE – OPTIONS AND CONDITIONAL AWARDS      14  

13.

  TAX LIABILITY      14  

14.

  VESTED SHARE ACCOUNTS      15  

15.

  CLAW-BACK      15  

16.

  VARIATION OF CAPITAL      16  

17.

  ADMINISTRATION      16  

18.

  AMENDMENTS      17  

19.

  DATA PROTECTION      17  

20.

  GENERAL      18  

APPENDIX 1 : OPERATION OF CLAW-BACK

     20  

APPENDIX 2 : AWARDS GRANTED TO US TAXPAYERS

     22  

SCHEDULE 1 : PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS

     23  

 

1


British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

RULES OF THE BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C. LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION

 

1.1 For the purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Award ” means one of a Conditional Award, a Forfeitable Share Award or an Option;

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company or committee duly authorised by the board of directors or, following any Corporate Action, the Board or duly authorised committee as constituted immediately prior to the Corporate Action;

Claw-back ” means a recovery of value by the Company from a Participant in accordance with the provisions of Rule 15 ( Claw-back ) and Appendix 1 ( Operation of Claw-back );

Company ” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (registered in England and Wales under No. 3407696);

Conditional Award ” means a right to receive a transfer of Shares following vesting of the Award;

Control ” has the meaning given by Section 995 of the Income Tax Act 2007;

Corporate Action ” means any of the events referred to in:

 

  (A) Rules 9.1 to 9.5 (but excluding a Reorganisation as defined in Rule 9.8); or

 

  (B) if the Board determines that Awards will vest pursuant to such Rule, Rule 9.6;

Cross-Border Merger ” means a merger pursuant to the implementation in any relevant jurisdiction of Directive 2005/56/EC (on cross-border mergers of limited liability companies);

Dealing Day ” means any day on which the London Stock Exchange is open for trading;

Dealing Restriction ” means any restriction on the dealing in shares, whether direct or indirect, pursuant to any law, regulation, code or enactment in England and Wales and/or the jurisdiction in which the Participant is resident, or any share dealing code of the Company;

Eligible Employee ” means an employee (including an executive director) of any Group Company;

Employees’ Share Scheme ” has the meaning given by Section 1166 of the Companies Act 2006;

Financial Year ” means the financial year of the Company within the meaning of Section 390 of the Companies Act 2006;

Forfeitable Share Award ” means a beneficial interest in Shares, legal title to which is held by the Nominee subject to the restrictions set out in Rule 6 ( Additional terms applicable to Forfeitable Share Awards ) until, and which shall be transferred to the Participant following, the vesting of the Award;

Grant Date ” means the date on which a Conditional Award or Option is granted, or the date on which the Board determines that a Forfeitable Share Award shall be granted;

Group ” means the Company and any company which from time to time is a subsidiary of the Company, within the meaning of section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006 (each a “ Group Company ”);

Market Value ” means, in relation to a Share on any day, the mid-closing price of a Share on such day (as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange);

Nominee ” means any person appointed by the Company from time to time to hold legal title to the Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award on behalf of the Participant in accordance with these Rules (which may be the trustee of a Trust acting as a nominee);

 

2


British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

Normal Vesting Date ” means:

 

  (A)    subject to (B):

 

  (i) where the Board determines that an extended vesting period shall apply, the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date, or otherwise,

 

  (ii) the third anniversary of the Grant Date or any later date determined by the Board; or

 

  (B) in respect of an Award granted in respect of the recruitment of an Eligible Employee, any other date (which may be prior to the third anniversary of the Grant Date) as determined by the Board prior to the Grant Date;

Option ” means a right to acquire Shares, which may be exercised by the Participant following the vesting of the Award during any period permitted for exercise;

Option Price ” shall be nil, or such other amount as the Board may determine (provided that the Board may reduce or waive such amount at any time);

Participant ” means an Eligible Employee who has received an Award to the extent it has not been released and has not lapsed (or, following his death, his Personal Representatives);

Performance Condition ” means the performance condition to which an Award is subject, which may consist of one or more performance elements, being as set out in an Appendix to the Plan (as substituted or amended by the Board from time to time);

Performance Period ” means the period of three Financial Years beginning with the Financial Year in which the Grant Date falls, or such other period as is determined by the Board prior to the Grant Date in accordance with Rule 5;

Personal Representatives ” means, following his death, the Participant’s personal representatives, or a person fulfilling a similar function in any jurisdiction;

Plan ” means this British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time;

Quarter Day ” means 31 March, 30 June, 30 September or 31 December;

Rule ” means a rule of this Plan;

Share ” means a fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Company;

Treasury Shares ” means Shares to which Sections 724 to 732 of the Companies Act 2006 apply;

Trust ” means any employee benefit trust from time to time established by the Company; and

vesting ” means:

 

  (A) Shares subject to a Conditional Award becoming due to be transferred to the Participant;

 

  (B) Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award ceasing to be subject to the restrictions set out in Rule 6 ( Additional terms applicable to Forfeitable Share Awards) , and legal title to such Shares becoming due to be transferred to the Participant; or

 

  (C) an Option becoming exercisable, (and “ vest ” shall be construed accordingly).

 

1.2 In this Plan unless the context requires otherwise:

 

  1.2.1 the headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of any Rule;

 

  1.2.2 a reference to a statute or statutory provision includes a reference:

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

  (A) to that statute or statutory provision as from time to time consolidated, modified, re-enacted or replaced by any statute or statutory provision;

 

  (B) to any repealed statute or statutory provision which it re-enacts (with or without modification); and

 

  (C) to any subordinate legislation made under it;

 

  1.2.3 words in the singular include the plural, and vice versa;

 

  1.2.4 a reference to the masculine shall be treated as a reference to the feminine and vice versa;

 

  1.2.5 a reference to a person shall include a reference to a body corporate; and

 

  1.2.6 a reference to writing or written form shall include any legible format capable of being reproduced on paper, irrespective of the medium used.

 

1.3 In this Plan:

 

  1.3.1 a reference to the “transfer of Shares” (or similar) shall include both the issue and allotment of Shares and the transfer of Treasury Shares; and

 

  1.3.2 a provision obliging, or permitting, any company to do any thing shall be read as obliging, or permitting, such company to do that thing, or procure that thing to be done; and

 

  1.3.3 the use of the word “including” shall mean including without limitation and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing.

 

2. PLAN LIMITS

 

2.1 Pursuant to the Plan:

 

  2.1.1 subject to Rule 2.2, the Board may not grant a Conditional Award or Option; and

 

  2.1.2 Shares may not be issued for the purpose of a Forfeitable Share Award,

if the number of Shares subject to such proposed Award (the “ Relevant Shares ”) would cause either of the limits in Rules 2.3 or 2.4 to be breached.

 

2.2 Rule 2.1 shall not apply in respect of a Conditional Award or Option granted on terms that it shall not be capable of being satisfied by the issue of Shares.

5 per cent limit: discretionary Employees’ Share Scheme

 

2.3 The number of Relevant Shares, when added to the aggregate of:

 

  2.3.1 the number of Shares subject to outstanding options or awards granted within the previous 10 years under the Plan or any other discretionary Employees’ Share Scheme adopted by the Company which may be satisfied by the issue of Shares; and

 

  2.3.2 the number of Shares actually issued within the previous 10 years under the Plan, under any other discretionary Employees’ Share Scheme or to a Trust (but excluding any of those Shares that were used to satisfy an option or award granted more than 10 years previously, and without double counting any Shares which the Board has determined are to be used to satisfy options or awards counted under Rule 2.3.1 above),

may not exceed such number as represents 5 per cent of the Company’s issued share capital immediately prior to such proposed grant or issue.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

10 per cent limit: Employees’ Share Scheme

 

2.4 The number of Relevant Shares, when added to the aggregate of:

 

  2.4.1 the number of Shares subject to outstanding options or awards granted within the previous 10 years under the Plan or any other Employees’ Share Scheme adopted by the Company which may be satisfied by the issue of Shares; and

 

  2.4.2 the number of Shares actually issued within the previous 10 years under the Plan, under any other Employees’ Share Scheme or to a Trust (but excluding any of those Shares: that were used to satisfy an option or award granted more than 10 years previously, and without double counting any Shares which the Board has determined are to be used to satisfy options or awards counted under Rule 2.4.1 above),

may not exceed such number as represents 10 per cent of the Company’s issued share capital immediately prior to such proposed grant or issue.

Treasury Shares

 

2.5 References in this Rule 2 to the issue of Shares shall include the transfer of Treasury Shares, but only until such time as the guidelines issued by institutional investor bodies cease to provide that they should be so included.

 

3. AWARDS

Eligibility

 

3.1 Awards may be granted to Eligible Employees selected by the Board.

Timing of grants

 

3.2 An Award may only be granted:

 

  3.2.1 during the period of 42 days commencing on the date on which the Plan is approved shareholders of the Company in general meeting;

 

  3.2.2 during the period of 42 days commencing on the Dealing Day immediately following the day on which the Company announces its results for the preceding financial year, half-year or other period;

 

  3.2.3 in respect of an Award to be granted in respect of the recruitment of an Eligible Employee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Eligible Employee commences holding office or employment with any Group Company; and/or

 

  3.2.4 at such time at which the Board determines that exceptional circumstances exist which justify the grant of the Award,

or, in any such case, if the grant of Awards during such period or at such time would be contrary to any Dealing Restriction, as soon as reasonably practicable after such restriction ceases to apply.

Individual limit

 

3.3 An Award may not be granted to an Eligible Employee where it would cause the aggregate Relevant Value of the Shares subject to such Award and any Award(s) granted to the Eligible Employee in the same Financial Year to exceed an amount equal to 500% of the gross annual basic salary of that Eligible Employee as at the first day of such Financial Year or, if later, the first day of the Eligible Employee’s employment with the Group during such Financial year.

An Award granted in breach of this limit shall immediately lapse in respect of the number of Shares which cause this limit to be breached. Awards which have been released or have lapsed, or which are granted in connection with the recruitment of an Eligible Employee in lieu of incentive awards granted by the individual’s former employer which are forfeited, and any right to receive Shares as a dividend equivalent, shall be ignored for this purpose.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

In this Rule 3.3, the “ Relevant Value ” of a Share subject to an Award means either (as determined by the Board): (i) the Market Value of a Share on the Dealing Day immediately preceding the Grant Date; or (ii) the average of the Market Values of a Share over such number of Dealing Days preceding the Grant Date as the Board may determine (all being within the period of 30 days preceding the Grant Date and, where the Award is granted within the period in Rule 3.2.2, being on or after the date of the results announcement).

 

3.4 Where an Eligible Employee’s gross annual basic salary is denominated in a currency other than pounds sterling, for the purposes of Rule 3.3 above such gross annual basic salary shall be converted into pounds sterling on such basis as the Board may reasonably determine.

Method of grant

 

3.5 An Award shall be granted by the Board.

 

3.6 A Conditional Award or an Option shall be granted by deed.

 

3.7 The Company shall procure that the Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award shall, on or as soon as reasonably practicable following the Grant Date, be issued to or acquired by a Nominee, and shall thereafter be held on behalf of the Participant until the date on which the Forfeitable Share Award vests or such earlier date as the Forfeitable Share Award lapses.

 

3.8 No payment for the grant of an Award shall be made by the Participant.

 

3.9 A Participant may within 30 days of the Grant Date release an Award (in full but not in part) by written notice to the Company. Where a Participant does not release an Award within such period, the Participant shall be deemed to have accepted the Award on the terms set out in the Rules.

Award notification

 

3.10 As soon as practicable following the Grant Date the Company shall notify a Participant of the grant of an Award. Such notification shall specify:

 

  3.10.1 whether the Award takes the form of a Conditional Award, a Forfeitable Share Award or an Option;

 

  3.10.2 the Grant Date;

 

  3.10.3 the Normal Vesting Date;

 

  3.10.4 the number of Shares in respect of which the Award is granted;

 

  3.10.5 in relation to an Option, the Option Price (if any);

 

  3.10.6 the full terms of the Performance Condition and the Performance Period;

 

  3.10.7 if applicable, that the dividend equivalent provisions of Rule 11 ( Dividend equivalent ) shall apply; and

 

  3.10.8 that the Award is subject to the claw-back provisions of Rule 15 ( Claw-back ) and Appendix 1 ( Operation of Claw-back ).

 

4. AWARDS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE

 

4.1 A Participant may not transfer, assign, pledge, charge or otherwise dispose of, or grant any form of security or other interest over, any part of his interest in an Award. An Award shall (unless the Board determines otherwise) lapse on the Participant doing so (whether voluntarily or involuntarily), being deprived of the beneficial ownership of an Award by operation of law, or becoming bankrupt.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

4.2 Rule 4.1 does not restrict the transmission of an Award to the Participant’s Personal Representatives following his death.

 

5. PERFORMANCE CONDITION

 

5.1 An Award shall be granted subject to the Performance Condition.

 

5.2 Subject to Rule 5.3, each element of the Performance Condition shall be assessed over a period of not less than three years, ending no later than the Normal Vesting Date.

 

5.3 An Award granted in respect of the recruitment of an Eligible Employee may be granted on terms that the Performance Condition shall be assessed over such shorter period as the Board may determine prior to the grant of the Award.

 

5.4 If events happen following the Grant Date which cause the Board to determine that any element of the Performance Condition is no longer a fair measure of the Company’s performance, the Board may alter the terms of such element as it determines to be appropriate but not so that the revised target is, in the opinion of the Board, materially less challenging than was intended in setting the original Performance Condition.

 

5.5 The Performance Condition may not be retested.

 

6. ADDITIONAL TERMS SPECIFIC TO FORFEITABLE SHARE AWARDS

Restrictions applicable to Forfeitable Share Awards

 

6.1 The Participant shall be (subject to the Award lapsing) the beneficial owner of the Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award. For the avoidance of doubt, such beneficial interest shall be subject to the restriction in Rule 4.1 ( Awards are non-transferable ).

 

6.2 Until a Forfeitable Share Award vests, the Nominee shall refuse to act on any instruction from the Participant to (and, subject to Rule 6.3, shall not) transfer, assign, pledge, charge or otherwise dispose of, or grant any form of security or other interest over, legal title to the Shares subject to the Award or any interest therein, or enter into any agreement or accept any offer to do any such thing.

 

6.3 The Nominee shall take such action as is necessary to give effect to Rules 9.8 ( Roll-over of Award ), 13.1 ( Tax Liability ), 14 ( Claw-back ), 16 ( Variation of capital ) and Appendix 1 ( Operation of Claw-back ) and without further instruction from the Participant (and for the avoidance of doubt nothing in this Rule 6 shall prevent Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award becoming subject to a Corporate Action pursuant to Rule 9.3 ( Scheme of compromise or arrangement )).

Voting rights on forfeitable Shares

 

6.4 Unless the Board determines otherwise, the Participant shall be entitled to direct the Nominee to vote the Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award, provided that the Nominee shall not be bound to seek directions from the Participant to vote and in the absence of any such direction shall not vote.

Dividend rights on forfeitable Shares

 

6.5 Unless the Board determines otherwise, the Participant shall be entitled to receive any dividends paid in respect of Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award (and if the Board so determines the Nominee shall waive the right to receive any dividends in respect of such Shares).

Lapse of Forfeitable Share Award

 

6.6 Where a Forfeitable Share Award lapses, the Participant shall cease to be beneficially entitled to the Shares subject to the Award, and the beneficial interest in such Shares shall, unless the Board directs otherwise, revert to a Trust specified by the Board for nil or nominal consideration.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

7. VESTING

Normal vesting

 

7.1 An Award shall vest on the Normal Vesting Date.

Vesting subject to Dealing Restrictions

 

7.2 A Conditional Award or a Forfeitable Share Award shall not vest unless, and vesting shall be delayed until, the Board is satisfied that at that time:

 

  7.2.1 such vesting;

 

  7.2.2 the transfer of Shares to the Participant and the sale of Shares pursuant to Rule 13; and

 

  7.2.3 any action needed to be taken by the Company to give effect to such vesting is not contrary to any Dealing Restriction.

Extent of vesting determined by the Performance Condition

 

7.3 The extent to which an Award shall be capable of vesting (if at all) shall be determined by reference to the Performance Condition. At the end of the period over which the Performance Condition is assessed, the Award shall lapse to the extent that the Performance Condition is not met.

 

7.4 Where an Award vests (pursuant to Rule 7.7 ( International Transfers ), Rule 8 ( Cessation of office or employment ) or 9 ( Corporate Actions) ) prior to the end of the period over which any element of the Performance Condition is assessed, such element shall be assessed based on performance to the last Quarter Day prior to the date on which the Award vests using such information (not limited to published accounts) as the Board shall determine.

Effect of vesting

 

7.5 The effect of the vesting of an Award is that:

 

  7.5.1 the Shares in respect of which a Conditional Award vests shall be transferred to the Participant as soon as is reasonably practicable;

 

  7.5.2 the Shares in respect of which a Forfeitable Share Award vests shall cease to be subject to the restrictions set out in Rule 6 ( Additional terms applicable to Forfeitable Share Awards ), and legal title to such Shares shall be transferred to the Participant as soon as is reasonably practicable; and

 

  7.5.3 an Option shall, to the extent that it vests, become exercisable in accordance with Rule 10 ( Options ).

Disciplinary proceedings

 

7.6 Unless the Board determines otherwise, an Award shall not vest while a Participant is subject to a formal disciplinary process, and vesting shall (subject to the Award lapsing to any extent as a result of the conclusion of such process pursuant to Rule 8 ( Cessation of office or employment ) or 14 ( Claw-back )) be delayed until the conclusion of such process.

International transfers

 

7.7 Where a Participant, whilst continuing to hold an office or employment with a Group Company, is to be transferred to work in another country, and as a result the Board considers that following such transfer either he or a Group Company is likely to suffer a tax disadvantage in respect of an Award or, due to securities or exchange control laws, the Participant is likely to be restricted in his ability to receive Shares pursuant to an Award, to exercise an Option and/or to hold or deal in Shares, the Board may decide that an Award shall vest on such date as it may determine, in which case:

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

  7.7.1 the proportion of the Award which may vest shall be limited (unless the Board determines otherwise) to a pro rata proportion on the basis of the number of months (rounded up to the nearest whole month) which have elapsed from the first day of the Performance Period to such vesting date, as compared to the number of whole months within the Performance Period. Any remainder of the Award shall lapse; and

 

  7.7.2 an Option may be exercised during such period as may be determined by the Board ending no later than the date on which the Participant’s transfer takes effect.

 

8. CESSATION OF OFFICE OR EMPLOYMENT

Cessation where Awards lapse

 

8.1 An Award shall lapse:

 

  8.1.1 on the Participant ceasing to hold office or employment with any Group Company; or

 

  8.1.2 if the Participant gives or receives notice of such cessation, on such earlier date as may be determined by the Board,

save in each case where Rule 8.2 or Rule 8.6 applies.

Reasons for cessation where Awards remain capable of vesting

 

8.2 An Award shall not lapse pursuant to Rule 8.1 where the reason for the cessation or notice is:

 

  8.2.1 disability, ill-health or injury (as evidenced to the satisfaction of the Board);

 

  8.2.2 redundancy (within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act 1996);

 

  8.2.3 the transfer of the Participant’s employment in connection with the disposal of a business or undertaking, or a part- business or part- undertaking;

 

  8.2.4 the company with which the Participant holds office or employment ceasing to be a Group Company; or

 

  8.2.5 any other reason, if the Board so determines.

Where the Board exercises its discretion under Rule 8.2.5 the Board may impose additional conditions on the Award (including as to when the Award may vest).

Cessation prior to the Normal Vesting Date

 

8.3 Where prior to the Normal Vesting Date a Participant ceases to hold office or employment with any Group Company for any of the reasons specified in Rule 8.2:

 

  8.3.1 an Award shall not vest at the date of such cessation, but shall continue to be capable of vesting (in which case an Option may be exercised during the period of six months, or such other period as may be determined by the Board, from such date on which the Award may vest, and shall lapse at the expiry of such period); or

 

  8.3.2 the Board may determine that the Award shall instead vest on or at any time following the date of cessation (in which case an Option may be exercised during the period of six months, or such other period as may be determined by the Board, from such vesting date, and shall lapse at the expiry of such period).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Board may make the determination in Rule 8.3.2 on a standing basis (subject to revocation of such determination at any time) in respect of all Awards to be granted to a specified Eligible Employee or Eligible Employees.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

8.4 Where prior to the Normal Vesting Date a Participant ceases to hold office or employment with any Group Company for any of the reasons specified in Rule 8.2, unless the Board determines otherwise:

 

  8.4.1 if the date of such cessation falls within the first six months of the Performance Period, the Award shall lapse in full on the date of such cessation; or

 

  8.4.2 where Rule 8.4.1 does not apply, the proportion of the Award which may vest (under any Rule) shall be limited to a pro rata proportion on the basis of the number of months (rounded up to the nearest whole month) which have elapsed from the first day of the Performance Period to the date of cessation, as compared to the number of whole months within the Performance Period. Any remainder of the Award shall lapse.

Exercise period in the event of cessation on or after the Normal Vesting Date

 

8.5 Where on or after the Normal Vesting Date a Participant ceases to hold office or employment with any Group Company for any of the reasons specified in Rule 8.2, an Option shall lapse at the expiry of the period of six months, or such other period as may be determined by the Board, from the date of cessation.

Death

 

8.6 An Award shall vest on the Participant’s death. An Option may be exercised (by the Participant’s Personal Representatives) during a period of one year from the date of the Participant’s death and shall lapse at the expiry of such period. Where a Participant dies during an exercise period pursuant to either Rule 8.3 or 8.5 an Option shall not lapse as a result of such Rule until the expiry of the twelve month period in this Rule 8.6.

Cessation following a Corporate Action

 

8.7 Where a Participant ceases to hold office or employment with any Group Company following a Corporate Action within the relevant exercise period referred to in Rule 9 ( Corporate Actions ), an Option shall not lapse pursuant to this Rule 8 until the expiry of the relevant exercise period in Rule 9 ( Corporate Actions ). This Rule 8.7 shall not apply where the cessation is by way of (or occurs where there are circumstances which the Board determines would have justified) summary dismissal or service of notice of termination of office or employment on the grounds of misconduct.

Meaning of cessation of office or employment

 

8.8 No provision of this Rule 8 shall apply in respect of any cessation of office or employment if immediately following the cessation the Participant holds an office or employment with any Group Company, or in respect of any notice of cessation if arrangements are in place that mean immediately following the notice becoming effective the Participant will hold an office or employment with any Group Company.

 

9. CORPORATE ACTIONS

General offers

 

9.1 Awards shall vest:

 

  9.1.1 upon a person obtaining Control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to acquire Shares;

 

  9.1.2 upon a person, having obtained Control of the Company, making a general offer to acquire Shares; or

 

  9.1.3

if a person makes a general offer to acquire Shares that would result in that person obtaining Control of the Company and the Board so determines, on the

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

  date which the Board determines to be the last practicable date prior to the date on which it expects such person to obtain Control of the Company,

in each case being a general offer to acquire all of the Shares (other than Shares held by the person making the offer and any person connected to that person).

Options may be exercised during the period of six months from the date of any such event (but if not exercised, Options shall not lapse at the expiry of such period).

Compulsory acquisition

 

9.2 Awards shall vest upon a person becoming entitled to acquire Shares under Sections 979 to 982 of the Companies Act 2006.

Options may be exercised during a period of one month from the date on which that person first becomes so entitled, and shall lapse at the expiry of such period.

Scheme of compromise or arrangement

 

9.3 Awards shall vest upon a Court sanctioning a compromise or arrangement which, on becoming effective, would result in:

 

  9.3.1 any person obtaining Control of the Company;

 

  9.3.2 the undertaking, property and liabilities of the Company being transferred to another existing or new company; or

 

  9.3.3 the undertaking, property and liabilities of the Company being divided among and transferred to two or more companies, whether existing or new.

Options may be exercised during a period of six months from the date of a Court sanctioning such a compromise or arrangement (or, if earlier, to the day prior to the date on which a transfer as described in Rule 9.3.2 or Rule 9.3.3 is to become effective), and shall lapse at the expiry of such period.

Merger

 

9.4 Awards shall vest upon a competent authority approving a Cross-Border Merger, pursuant to which the Company shall cease to exist.

Options may be exercised during the period from the date of a competent authority approving a Cross-Border Merger until the day prior to the date on which the Cross-Border Merger is to become effective, and shall lapse at the expiry of such period.

Voluntary winding-up

 

9.5 Awards shall vest in the event of a notice being given of a resolution for the voluntary winding-up of the Company.

Options may be exercised during a period of two months from the date of such a notice being given and shall lapse at the expiry of such period.

Demerger or special dividend

 

9.6 If the Board so determines, Awards may vest following the announcement of a demerger of a substantial part of the Group’s business, a special dividend or a similar event affecting the value of Shares to a material extent on such date specified by the Board. Where the Board makes such determination, Options may be exercised during a period of two months (or such other period as the Board may determine) from the date specified by the Board and, unless the Board determines otherwise, shall lapse at the expiry of such period.

 

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Extent of vesting on a Corporate Action

 

9.7 Where an Award vests (and, in the case of an Option, is exercised) pursuant to any of Rules 9.1 to 9.6, the proportion of the Award which may vest shall be limited (unless the Board determines otherwise) to a pro rata proportion on the basis of the number of months (rounded up to the nearest whole month) which have elapsed from the first day of the Performance Period to the date of the Corporate Action, as compared to the number of whole months within the Performance Period. Any remainder of the Award shall lapse.

Roll-over of Award on a Reorganisation or takeover

 

9.8 Unless the Board determines otherwise, an Award shall not vest pursuant to this Rule 9 if, as a result of any event that would otherwise be a Corporate Action, a company will obtain Control of the Company or will obtain substantially all of the assets of the Company (the “Acquiring Company”), and either:

 

  9.8.1 the Acquiring Company will immediately following such event have (either directly or indirectly) substantially the same shareholders and approximate shareholdings as those of the Company prior to such event (a “ Reorganisation ”); or

 

  9.8.2 the Board, with the agreement of the Acquiring Company, determines that the Award shall not vest as a result of such event and so notifies the Participant prior to the occurrence of the date on which the Award would otherwise vest.

In such case:

 

  9.8.3 the existing Option or Conditional Award (the “Old Award”) shall lapse on the occurrence of the relevant event, provided that the New Parent Company shall grant a replacement right to receive shares (the “New Award”) over such number of shares in the New Parent Company which are of equivalent value to the number of Shares in respect of which the Old Award was outstanding. The New Award shall be granted on the terms of the Plan, but as if the New Award had been granted at the same time as the Old Award and shall continue to be subject to the Performance Condition (but subject to Rule 5.4 ( Performance Condition) );

 

  9.8.4 where the event is an event specified in Rule 9.1.1 or Rule 9.1.2 (notwithstanding that the Award shall not vest pursuant to such Rule) the Nominee shall action the acceptance of the general offer in respect of the Shares subject to the Forfeitable Share Award; and/or

 

  9.8.5 the proceeds from the relevant event received by the Nominee in respect of the Shares subject to the Forfeitable Share Award, whether in cash or securities (and the Nominee shall accept, on behalf of the Participant, any offer of securities in preference to the receipt of cash), shall continue to be held on behalf of the Participant subject to the terms of the Plan, provided that a proportion of such proceeds as is of equal value to the amount of any Tax Liability arising in respect of the Award at such time shall vest and shall be dealt with in accordance with Rule 13.1.1 ( Tax Liability ) (and references in the Plan to the Shares subject to the Forfeitable Share Award shall be read as being to the proceeds that continue to be held on behalf of the Participant).

For the purposes of this Rule 9.8:

 

  9.8.6 the “New Parent Company” shall be the Acquiring Company, or, if different the company that is the ultimate parent company of the Acquiring Company within the meaning of section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006; and

 

  9.8.7 the terms of the Plan shall following the date of the relevant event be construed as if:

 

  (A) the reference to “British American Tobacco p.l.c.” in the definition of “Company” in Rule 1 ( Interpretation and construction ) were a reference to the company which is the New Parent Company, and

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

  (B) save where the New Parent Company is listed, Rule 18.2 ( Amendments ) were omitted.

Compulsory winding-up

 

9.9 An Award shall lapse on the passing of an effective resolution, or the making of a Court order, for the compulsory winding-up of the Company.

Concert parties

 

9.10 For the purposes of this Rule 9, a person shall be deemed to have Control of the Company where he and any others acting in concert with him together have Control of the Company.

 

10. OPTIONS

 

10.1 An Option may be exercised, in full or in any number of parts, by the delivery to the Company (or such other person nominated by the Company) of a valid notice of exercise in such form as the Board may prescribe together with payment of the Option Price for the Shares in respect of which the Option is exercised (if any).

 

10.2 An Option shall lapse on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (or such earlier date as the Board may determine prior to the Grant Date).

 

10.3 Any Shares in respect of which the Option is exercised shall be transferred to the Participant as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

10.4 An Option may not be exercised unless the Board is satisfied that at such time:

 

  10.4.1 such exercise,

 

  10.4.2 the transfer of Shares to the Participant and the sale of Shares pursuant to Rule 13; and

 

  10.4.3 any action needed to be taken by the Company to give effect to such exercise,

is not contrary to any Dealing Restriction. Where the exercise, transfer or dealing in Shares is contrary to any Dealing Restriction on the last Dealing Day in any of the periods referred to in Rules 8.3, 8.5 or 8.6 ( Rule 8 being in relation to cessation of office or employment ) or Rules 9.1 to 9.3 or 9.6 ( Rule 9 being in relation to Corporate Actions ), such period shall be extended to the end of the first Dealing Day thereafter on which the Board is satisfied that the exercise, transfer and dealing in Shares is not contrary to any Dealing Restriction.

 

10.5 An Option shall lapse on the earliest date provided under any Rule (save only as expressly provided in Rules 8.6 ( Death ) and 8.7 ( Cessation following a Corporate Action )).

 

11. DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT

 

11.1 If at any time prior to the Normal Vesting Date the Board so determines, on or following the date on which an Award vests the Company may make a cash payment to the Participant equal to the amount of any dividends that the Participant would have received in respect of the number of Shares in respect of which the Award vests had the Participant been the full legal and beneficial owner of such Shares during the period from the Grant Date to the date the Award vests.

 

11.2 A cash payment under Rule 11.1 may be made in a currency other than pounds sterling, in which case the amount of such payment shall be converted into such other currency on such basis as is determined by the Board.

 

11.3 Rule 11.1 shall not apply in respect of a Forfeitable Share Award unless the Board determines pursuant to Rule 6.5 ( Dividend rights on forfeitable Shares ) that the Participant shall not be entitled to receive dividends paid in respect of the Shares subject to the Forfeitable Share Award.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

12. CASH ALTERNATIVE – OPTIONS AND CONDITIONAL AWARDS

 

12.1 This Rule 12 shall not apply in respect of any Award granted to a Participant resident in any jurisdiction where the grant of an Award which provides for a cash alternative would be unlawful, fall outside any applicable exemption under securities, exchange control or similar regulations, or would cause adverse tax or social security (or similar) contribution consequences for the Company or the Participant (in each case as determined by the Board) or where the Board determines prior to the Grant Date that this Rule 12 shall not apply.

 

12.2 The Board may determine prior to the Grant Date that a Conditional Award or Option shall only be satisfied in cash, in which case the Award shall not be a right to acquire Shares, and the vesting of the Conditional Award or exercise of the Option shall be satisfied in full by the payment of a cash equivalent amount, in substitution for the transfer of Shares.

 

12.3 Where the Board has made no determination pursuant to Rule 12.1 or 12.2 in respect of any Conditional Award or Option, the Board may determine at any time prior to the transfer of Shares pursuant to such Award that the vesting of the Conditional Award or the exercise of the Option (or a part thereof) shall be satisfied by the payment of a cash equivalent amount, in substitution for the transfer of Shares.

 

12.4 A “ cash equivalent amount ” shall be calculated as the number of Shares which would otherwise be transferred in respect of the relevant vesting or exercise but which are being substituted for the cash equivalent amount, multiplied by the Market Value of a Share on the vesting date (or, in the case of an Option, the Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise less the Option Price (if any)).

 

12.5 A cash equivalent amount shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable following the relevant vesting or exercise.

 

12.6 A cash equivalent amount may be paid in a currency other than pounds sterling, in which case the cash equivalent amount shall be converted into such other currency on such basis as is determined by the Board.

 

13. TAX LIABILITY

 

13.1 When any Tax Liability arises in respect of an Award, the Participant authorises any Group Company:

 

  13.1.1 to retain and sell legal title to such number of the Shares which would otherwise have been transferred to the Participant on vesting or exercise of the Award, or any part thereof, (notwithstanding that beneficial title shall pass) as may be sold for aggregate proceeds equal to the Group Company’s estimate of the amount of the Tax Liability;

 

  13.1.2 to deduct an amount equal to the Group Company’s estimate of the Tax Liability from any cash payment made under the Plan; and/or

 

  13.1.3 where the amount realised under Rule 13.1.1 or deducted under Rule 13.1.2 is insufficient to cover the full amount of the Tax Liability, to deduct any further amount as is necessary through payroll,

and in each case to apply such amount in paying the amount of the Tax Liability to the relevant revenue authority or in reimbursing the relevant Group Company for any such payment, provided that, where the amount realised under Rule 13.1.1 or deducted under Rule 13.1.2 is greater than the actual Tax Liability, the Group Company shall repay the excess to the Participant as soon as reasonably practicable.

The Group Company shall be entitled to make the estimates referred to in this Rule 13.1 on the basis of the highest rates of tax and/or social security applicable at the relevant time in the jurisdiction in which the Group Company is liable to account for the Tax Liability, notwithstanding that the Tax Liability may not arise at such rates.

 

13.2 Tax Liability ” shall mean any amount of tax and/or social security (or similar) contributions which any Group Company becomes liable to pay on behalf of the Participant

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

  to the revenue authorities in any jurisdiction, together with all or such proportion (if any) of employer’s social security contributions which would otherwise be payable by any Group Company as is determined to be recoverable from the Participant (to the extent permitted by law) by the Board, or which the Participant has agreed to pay or which are subject to recovery pursuant to an election to which paragraph 3B of Schedule 1 to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 applies.

 

14. VESTED SHARE ACCOUNTS

 

14.1 Legal title to any Shares which are due to be transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Plan may be transferred to a person (the “ Vested Share Account Provider ”) appointed by the Company from time to time to hold legal title to such Shares on behalf of the Participant.

 

14.2 The Vested Share Account Provider shall receive and hold Shares on behalf of the Participant in accordance with such terms and conditions as are agreed by the Company from time to time, and by participating in the Plan the Participant irrevocably agrees to those terms and conditions (which shall be available to the Participant on request to the Company).

 

14.3 The transfer of any Shares to the Vested Share Account Provider shall satisfy any obligation of the Company under the Plan to transfer Shares to the Participant (and references in the Plan to Shares (or legal title thereof) having been transferred to the Participant shall be read accordingly).

 

15. CLAW-BACK

Claw-back events

 

15.1 The Board may at any time prior to the fifth anniversary of the Grant Date of an Award determine that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of an Award, if the Board determines that:

 

  15.1.1 there has been a material misrepresentation in relation to the performance of any Group Company, relevant business unit and/or the Participant on the basis of which the extent to which the Award will be capable of vesting, or vested, was determined (which may include, but shall not be limited to: (i) a misstatement of the financial results and/or health of any Group Company; (ii) an erroneous calculation in relation to any Group Company’s results or other performance benchmark; (iii) errors in any Group Company’s financial statements; or (iv) discrepancies in the financial accounts, and, for the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding that such misrepresentation may not arise from fraud or reckless behaviour); or

 

  15.1.2 an erroneous calculation was made in assessing the extent to which the Award is to be capable of vesting, or vested,

and , in either case, the Award is capable of vesting, or vested, in respect of a greater number of Shares than would have been the case had there not been such a misrepresentation or had such error not been made.

 

15.2 The Board may at any time (whether before or after vesting) determine that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of an Award where the Participant is found to have committed at any time prior to the vesting of the Award, including prior to grant, an act or omission which justifies, or in the opinion of the Board would have justified, summary dismissal or service of notice of termination of office or employment on the grounds of misconduct.

Applying Claw-back

 

15.3 A Claw-back shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1 ( Operation of Claw-back ).

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

Lapse of Awards to give effect to claw-back of other awards

 

15.4 By participating in the Plan, the Participant acknowledges that the Board may lapse any Award to such extent as it determines to be necessary (including in full) in order to give effect to a claw-back under the terms of the Plan or any other Employees’ Share Scheme or bonus scheme operated from time to time by any Group Company.

No Claw-back following Corporate Action

 

15.5 No Claw-back shall be capable of being applied at any time following any Corporate Action, save where the determination that the Claw-back shall apply was made prior to such event (and, for the avoidance of doubt, a Corporate Action does not include a Reorganisation).

 

16. VARIATION OF CAPITAL

 

16.1 If in respect of Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award the Nominee receives on behalf of a Participant any rights to acquire securities, the Nominee shall sell such rights nil paid to the extent necessary to take up the remaining rights.

 

16.2 In the event of any variation of the share capital of the Company, or in the event of the demerger of a substantial part of the Group’s business, a special dividend or similar event affecting the value of Shares to a material extent (which shall not include the payment of any ordinary dividend):

 

  16.2.1 the Board may make such adjustments to Conditional Awards and Options as it may determine to be appropriate; and

 

  16.2.2 any proceeds from such an event received by a Nominee in respect of any Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award, whether in cash or securities, (including where the Nominee takes up rights pursuant to Rule 16.1) shall be held by the Nominee on the same terms as the Forfeitable Share Award to which they relate, and references to the Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award shall be read to include such proceeds.

 

16.3 For the avoidance of doubt Rule 16.2 shall not apply in respect of any Awards pursuant to which legal title to Shares has been transferred prior to the date of the relevant event (such that the recipient of such legal title shall participate in such event as a holder of Shares) including pursuant to the vesting of an Award under Rule 9.6 ( Demerger or special dividend ).

 

17. ADMINISTRATION

 

17.1 Any notice or other communication under or in connection with this Plan may be given by the Company (or its agents) to a Participant personally, by email or by post, or by a Participant to the Company or any Group Company either personally or by post to the Secretary of the Company. Items sent by post shall be pre-paid and shall be deemed to have been received 48 hours after posting. Items sent by email shall be deemed to have been received immediately.

 

17.2 A Participant shall not be entitled to:

 

  17.2.1 receive copies of accounts or notices sent to holders of Shares;

 

  17.2.2 subject to Rule 6.4 ( Voting rights on forfeitable Shares ) in respect of a Forfeitable Share Award, exercise voting rights; or

 

  17.2.3 subject to Rule 6.5 ( Dividends rights on forfeitable Shares ) in respect of a Forfeitable Share Award, receive dividends,

in respect of Shares subject to an Award legal title to which has not been transferred to the Participant.

 

17.3 Any discretion (including the power to make any determination) of the Board under or in connection with the Plan may be exercised by the Board in its absolute discretion.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

17.4 Any exercise of discretion (including the making of any determination) by the Board under or in connection with the Plan shall be final and binding.

 

17.5 Any disputes regarding the interpretation of the Rules or the terms of any Award shall be determined by the Board (upon such advice as the Board determines to be necessary) and any decision in relation thereto shall be final and binding.

 

18. AMENDMENTS

 

18.1    Subject to Rules 18.2 and 18.4, the Board may at any time add to or alter the Plan or any Award made thereunder in any respect.

 

18.2 Subject to Rule 18.3, no addition or alteration to the advantage of present or future Participants relating to eligibility, the limits on participation, the overall limits on the issue of Shares or the transfer of Treasury Shares, the basis for determining a Participant’s entitlement to, or the terms of, Shares or cash provided pursuant to the Plan and the provisions for adjustments on a variation of share capital shall be made without the prior approval by ordinary resolution of the shareholders of the Company in general meeting.

 

18.3 Rule 18.2 shall not apply to any alteration to or substitution of the Performance Condition or to any alteration or addition which is necessary or desirable in order to comply with or take account of the provisions of any proposed or existing legislation, law or other regulatory requirements or to take advantage of any changes in legislation, law or other regulatory requirements, or to obtain or maintain favourable taxation, exchange control or regulatory treatment of any Group Company or any Participant or to make minor amendments to benefit the administration of the Plan.

 

18.4 No alteration or addition shall be made under Rule 18.1 which would abrogate or adversely affect the subsisting rights of a Participant unless it is made:

 

  18.4.1 with the consent in writing of the Participant;

 

  18.4.2 with the consent in writing of such number of Participants as hold Awards under the Plan in relation to 75 per cent. of the Shares subject to all Awards under the Plan; or

 

  18.4.3 by a resolution at a meeting of Participants passed by not less than 75 per cent. of the Participants who attend and vote either in person or by proxy,

and for the purpose of Rule 18.4.2 or 18.4.3 the Participants shall be treated as the holders of a separate class of share capital and the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company relating to class meetings shall apply mutatis mutandis.

 

18.5 The Board may, in respect of Eligible Employees who are or who may become subject to taxation outside the United Kingdom on their remuneration, establish such plans or sub-plans based on the Plan but subject to such modifications as the Board determines to be necessary or desirable to take account of or to mitigate or to comply with relevant overseas taxation, securities or exchange control laws, provided that the terms of awards made under such plans or sub-plans are not overall more favourable than the terms of Awards made under the Plan and provided that awards made, and Shares issued, pursuant to such plans or sub-plans shall count towards the limits set out in Rules 2 ( Plan limits ) and 3.3 ( Individual limit ).

 

19. DATA PROTECTION

 

19.1 From time to time the Company will process personal data and sensitive personal data relating to the Participant in order to fulfil the obligations of the Company to the Participant under the Plan and for other purposes relating to or which may become related to the Participant’s employment, the operation of the Plan or the business of the Company. Such processing will principally be for, but will not be limited to, personnel, administrative, financial, regulatory or payroll purposes as well as for the purposes of introducing and administering the Plan.

 

19.2

By participating in the Plan, the Participant consents to personal data and sensitive personal data relating to him, for the purposes set out in Rule 19.2 and to the extent that is

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

  reasonably necessary in connection with the Participant’s employment or the business of the Company, being processed by the Company and being disclosed or transferred to and processed by:

 

  19.2.1 the Company’s professional advisors, HM Revenue & Customs or other authorities, or (subject to appropriate confidentiality undertakings) prospective purchasers of the Company or of the whole or part of its business;

 

  19.2.2 a nominee, a trustee of a Trust, its registrars, brokers, other third party administrator or any person who obtains control of the Company or acquires the Company, undertaking or part-undertaking which employs the Participant; and

 

  19.2.3 any Group Company and the employees of such Group Company.

 

19.3 The Participant’s consent to the transfer and disclosure of personal data and sensitive personal data shall apply regardless of the country to which the data is to be transferred. Where data is transferred outside of the European Economic Area, the Company shall take reasonable steps to ensure an adequate level of protection for the personal data and sensitive personal data concerned. ‘Personal data’, ‘sensitive personal data’ and ‘processing’ shall have the respective meanings attributed to them by the Data Protection Act 1998.

 

20. GENERAL

 

20.1 The Plan shall terminate on the 10th anniversary of the approval of the Plan by the shareholders of the Company in general meeting, or at any earlier time by resolution of the Board or an ordinary resolution of the shareholders in general meeting. Such termination shall be without prejudice to the subsisting rights of Participants.

 

20.2 Save as otherwise provided under the Plan:

 

  20.2.1 Shares issued and allotted pursuant to the Plan will rank pari passu in all respects with the Shares then in issue at the date of such allotment, except that they will not rank for any rights attaching to Shares by reference to a record date preceding the date of allotment; and

 

  20.2.2 Shares to be transferred pursuant to the Plan will be transferred free of all liens, charges and encumbrances and together with all rights attaching thereto, except they will not rank for any rights attaching to Shares by reference to a record date preceding the date of transfer.

 

20.3 If and so long as the Shares are admitted to listing and/or for trading on any stock exchange or market, the Company shall apply for any Shares issued and allotted pursuant to the Plan to be so admitted as soon as practicable.

 

20.4 Any transfer of Shares under the Plan is subject to such consent, if any, of any authorities in any jurisdiction as may be required, and the Participant shall be responsible for complying with the requirements to obtain or obviate the necessity for such consents.

 

20.5 The terms of any individual’s office or employment with any past or present Group Company, and the rights and obligations of the individual thereunder, shall not be affected by his participation in the Plan and the Plan shall not form part of any contract of employment between the individual and any such company.

 

20.6 An Eligible Employee shall have no right to receive an Award under the Plan.

 

20.7 By participating in the Plan, the Participant waives all and any rights to compensation or damages in consequence of the termination of his office or employment with any past or present Group Company for any reason whatsoever, whether lawfully or otherwise, insofar as those rights arise or may arise from his ceasing to have rights under the Plan (including ceasing to be entitled to exercise any Option) as a result of such termination, or from the loss or diminution in value of such rights or entitlements, including by reason of the operation of the terms of the Plan, any determination by the Board pursuant to a discretion contained in the Plan or the provisions of any statute or law relating to taxation.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

20.8 Benefits under the Plan shall not form part of a Participant’s remuneration for any purpose and shall not be pensionable.

 

20.9 The invalidity or non-enforceability of any provision or Rule of the Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions and Rules of the Plan which shall continue in full force and effect.

 

20.10 These Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law.

 

20.11 The English courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any dispute which may arise out of, or in connection with, the Plan.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

APPENDIX 1: OPERATION OF CLAW-BACK

Claw-back prior to the transfer of Shares in respect of an Award (or “malus”)

 

1. Where the Board determines (pursuant to Rule 15.1 or 15.2 ( Claw-back events )) that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of an Award prior to legal title to Shares having been transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Award (whether before or after vesting), the Claw-back shall be applied by the Board reducing the number of Shares in respect of which the Award may vest or, in the case of an Option, be exercised (or after vesting by reducing the number of Shares legal title to which may be transferred pursuant to the Award) by up to the number of Shares determined by the Board to be the excess number of Shares in respect of which the Award was granted and/or is outstanding (and the Award shall lapse to the extent so reduced, which may be in full).

Claw-back following the transfer of Shares in respect of an Award

 

2. Where the Board determines (pursuant to Rule 15.1 or 15.2 ( Claw-back events )) that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of an Award following legal title to Shares having been transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Award (a “ Post-Transfer Claw-back ”), the Board shall determine:

 

  a. the excess number of Shares in respect of which the Award vested (the “ Excess Shares ”); and

 

  b. the aggregate Market Value of such Excess Shares (as determined by the Board) on the date on which the Award vested or, in the case of an Option, the date the Option was exercised (the “ Equivalent Value ”).

 

3. In the case of a Post-Transfer Claw-back:

 

  a. any dividends received in respect of the Shares subject to a Forfeitable Share Award pursuant to Rule 6.5 ( Dividend rights on forfeitable Shares ); and/or

 

  b. any cash payment made or additional Shares transferred pursuant to Rule 11 ( Dividend equivalent ) in respect of such Award shall be subject to the Claw-back to the extent that the Board determines that such cash payment or Shares relate to the Excess Shares.

 

4. A Post-Transfer Claw-back may be effected in such manner as may be determined by the Board, and notified to the Participant, including by any one or more of the following:

 

  a. by reducing the number of Shares and/or amount of cash in respect of which an Outstanding Award vests or may vest (or has vested, but in respect of which no Shares have yet been transferred or cash payment made), whether before or after the assessment of performance conditions in respect of such Outstanding Award, by the number of Excess Shares and/or the Equivalent Value (and such Outstanding Award shall lapse to the extent so reduced);

 

  b. by setting-off against any amounts payable by any Group Company to the Participant an amount up to the Equivalent Value (including from any bonus payment which may otherwise become payable to the Participant); and/or

 

  c. by requiring the Participant to immediately transfer to the Company a number of Shares equal to the Excess Shares or a cash amount equal to the Equivalent Value (which shall be an immediately payable debt due to the Company), provided that the Board may reduce the number of Excess Shares or the amount of the Equivalent Value subject to the Claw-back in order to take account of any Tax Liability (as defined in Rule 13 ( Tax Liability )) which arose on the Excess Shares (howsoever delivered to the Participant).

 

5. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in Rule 15 ( Clawback) or this Appendix shall in any way restrict a Participant from being able to transfer or otherwise deal in Shares acquired on vesting or exercise of an Award.

 

6. In paragraph 4 above:

Outstanding Award ” means any other Award under the Plan, any award or option under any other Employees’ Share Scheme operated from time to time by any Group Company (other than any award or options granted under any arrangement which satisfies the

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

provisions of Schedules 2 or 3, or (unless the terms of such arrangement state that shares acquired thereunder are subject to claw-back) 4 or 5, of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003), or any bonus award under any bonus scheme operated from time to time by any Group Company, in each case which is either held by the Participant at the time of a determination that a Claw-back shall be applied or which are granted to the Participant following such a determination; and

vests ” shall include shares or cash subject to an award becoming due to be transferred or paid, and in the case of an option, the option becoming exercisable.

 

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British American Tobacco 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan

 

APPENDIX 2: AWARDS GRANTED TO US TAXPAYERS

 

 

22


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Participants excluding Executive Directors)

SCHEDULE 1A

PERFORMANCE CONDITION APPLICABLE TO AWARDS GRANTED IN 2016

TO PARTICIPANTS OTHER THAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

 

1. Subject to the Rules, the extent to which the Shares in respect of which an Award is granted (the “ Award Shares ”) may vest shall be determined:

 

  a. as to 40% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on Earnings per Share specified in paragraph 3 below is satisfied

 

  b. as to 20% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on Total Shareholder Return specified in paragraph 4 below;

 

  c. as to 20% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on the Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio specified in paragraph 5 below;

 

  d. as to 20% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on Net Turnover specified in paragraph 6 below; and

 

2. The Performance Period for Awards granted in 2016 shall commence on 1 January 2016 and end on 31 December 2018.

 

3. Earnings per Share

 

  a. The performance target in this paragraph 3 (the “ EPS Target ”) shall consist of two equal, independent elements such that the number of Award Shares which vest pursuant to this EPS Target shall be the aggregate of the number of Award Shares which vest pursuant to each element.

 

  b. Each element of the EPS Target operates by calculating the compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share (unless the Board determines that an alternative definition of earnings per share is more appropriate) for the Company, in the case of the first element measured at current rates of exchange, and in the case of the second element measured at constant rates of exchange.

 

    EPS Target: current rates of exchange

 

  c. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to this element of the EPS Target depends upon the compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share over the Performance Period, measured at current rates of exchange, as follows:

 

Compound annual growth rate in adjusted diluted EPS (measured
at current rates of exchange) over the Performance Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this element
of the EPS Target

10% pa or greater    20%
Between 10% pa and 5% pa    Pro-rata between 20% and 4%
5% pa    4%
Less than 5% pa    0%


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Participants excluding Executive Directors)

 

    EPS Target: constant rates of exchange

 

  d. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to this element of the EPS Target depends upon the compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share over the Performance Period, measured at constant rates of exchange, as follows:

 

Compound annual growth rate in adjusted diluted EPS (measured
at constant rates of exchange) over the Performance Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this element
of the EPS Target

10% pa or greater    20%
Between 10% pa and 5% pa    Pro-rata between 20% and 4%
5% pa    4%
Less than 5% pa    0%

 

  e. For the purposes of paragraphs 3.c and 3.d above, compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share over the Performance Period (expressed as a percentage) is calculated as follows:

 

LOGO

Where:

 

  E 0  = adjusted diluted earnings per share of the Company in the Financial Year immediately preceding the Financial Year in which the Performance Period begins (being “Year 0”); and

 

  E 3  = adjusted diluted earnings per share of the Company in the final Financial Year of the Performance Period (being “Year 3”),

measured at:

 

  i. current rates of exchange for the purposes of paragraph 3.c; and

 

  ii. constant rates of exchange for the purposes of paragraph 3.d, for which purpose the value of E 0 and E 3 shall be taken as index values, with the value for E 0 being the base index value (representing adjusted diluted earnings per share in Year 0), with the purpose of such index being to reflect changes over the Performance Period in adjusted diluted earnings per share of the Company as measured on a constant currency basis, and E 3 being taken as the value of such index for Year 3,

and in either case provided that if the Board determines that a measurement of earnings per share other than adjusted diluted earnings per share is more appropriate the calculation shall be on that other basis and this paragraph 3 shall apply accordingly).

 

4. TSR Target

 

  a. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to the performance target in this paragraph 4 (the “ TSR Target ”) depends upon the Company’s Total Shareholder Return over the Performance Period relative to the Total Shareholder Return of the Comparator Group:


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Participants excluding Executive Directors)

 

Ranked position of the Company’s TSR against the relevant
comparator companies

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this TSR
Target

Upper quartile or above    20%
Between upper quartile and median    Pro-rata between 20% and 4%
Median    4%
Below median    0%

 

  b. For the purpose of this TSR Target:

 

  i. The Comparator Group shall comprise the following companies:

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev    Imperial Tobacco Group    PepsiCo Inc
Campbell Soup Company    Japan Tobacco    Pernod Ricard
Carlsberg A/S    Johnson & Johnson    Philip Morris International
Coca Cola    Kellogg    Procter & Gamble
Colgate-Palmolive    Kimberley-Clark    Reckitt Benckiser
Danone    LVMH    SABMiller
Diageo    Mondelez International    Unilever
Heineken    Nestlé   

 

  ii. The Total Shareholder Return of the Company and each of the relevant comparator companies over the relevant Performance Period (expressed as a percentage) shall be computed as follows:

 

 

LOGO

Where:

 

  TSR 0  = the average return index of the relevant companies as calculated by Datastream (or other such data provider as determined by the Board) (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) in the three months preceding the beginning of the Performance Period; and

 

  TSR 3  = the average return index (calculated in the same manner as for TSR 0 ) in the 3 months preceding the end of the Performance Period.

 

  iii. Unless the Board determines otherwise, the Total Shareholder Return for the Company and each of the relevant comparator companies shall be calculated on a local currency basis.

 

  iv. The Company and the companies in the Comparator Group shall be ranked by the resulting Total Shareholder Return figures, with the company with the highest figure having the highest ranking, and median and upper quartile performance shall be determined on such basis as the Board, acting reasonably, may specify from time to time.


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Participants excluding Executive Directors)

 

5. Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target

 

  a. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to the performance target in this paragraph 5 (the “ Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target ”) depends upon the Company’s average Operating Cash Flow as a percentage of Adjusted Operating Profit over the Performance Period:

 

Average Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio over the
Performance Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to the Operating
Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target

95% or above    20%
Between 95% and 85%    Pro-rata between 20% and 4%
85%    4%
Less than 85% of Adjusted Operating Profit    0%

 

  b. For the purpose of this Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target:

 

  i. the “ Average Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio ” is the aggregate of the Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratios for each Financial Year in the Performance Period, divided by the number of Financial Years in the Performance Period; and

 

  ii. the “ Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio ” for a Financial Year (expressed as a percentage) is calculated as follows:

 

LOGO

Where:

“Operating Cash Flow” in respect of a Financial Year is the adjusted profit from operations (excluding associates) plus depreciation, amortisation and impairment, plus other non-cash items, less the increase / (decrease) in working capital, less net capital expenditure, in each case for such Financial Year. All of these items are excluding costs and movements relating to restructuring and integration in the Financial Year; and

“Adjusted Operating Profit ” in respect of a Financial Year is derived by excluding the adjusting items from the profit from operations for such Financial Year. Adjusting items include restructuring and integration costs, amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles, a gain on deemed partial disposal of a trademark and a payment and release of a provision relating to non-tobacco litigation.

For the purpose of this Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target, Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted Operating Profit are calculated at current rates of exchange, unless the Board determines otherwise.

 

6. Net Turnover Target

 

  a. The performance target in this paragraph 6 (the “ NTO Target ”) operates by calculating the compound annual growth in the Net Turnover of the Company, measured at constant rates of exchange on an organic basis.


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Participants excluding Executive Directors)

 

  b. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to this NTO Target depends upon the compound annual growth in Net Turnover over the Performance Period as follows:

 

Compound annual growth of Net Turnover over the Performance
Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this NTO
Target

5% pa or greater    20%
Between 5% pa and 3% pa    Pro-rata between 20% and 4%
3% pa    4%
Less than 3% pa    0%

provided that , notwithstanding above, but subject to the Rules, no Award Shares shall vest pursuant to this NTO Target unless the three-year constant currency compound annual growth rate of underlying adjusted operating profit exceeds the compound annual growth rate of the threshold performance level for underlying adjusted operating profit, as defined annually in the International Executive Incentive Scheme (as approved by the Board).

 

  c. For the purposes of this NTO Target, compound annual growth of Net Turnover (expressed as a percentage) is calculated as follows:

 

 

LOGO

Where:

 

  NTO 0  = Net Turnover in the Financial Year immediately preceding the Financial Year in which the Performance Period begins (being “Year 0”); and

 

  NTO 3  = Net Turnover in the final Financial Year of the Performance Period (being “Year 3”),

measured at constant rates of exchange, for which purpose the value of NTO 0 and NTO 3 shall be taken as index values, with the value for NTO 0 being the base index value (representing Net Turnover in Year 0), with the purpose of such index being to reflect changes over the Performance Period in Net Turnover of the Company as measured on a constant currency basis, and NTO 3 being taken as the value of such index for Year 3, and where the values for NTO 3 and/or NTO 0 shall be adjusted in such manner as is determined by the Board to exclude any Net Turnover attributable to any business acquired or disposed of during the Performance Period or otherwise with the intention that the growth in Net Turnover is assessed by reference to organic growth.

 

7. Exchange rates

In this Schedule:

current rates of exchange ” means exchange rates applied for each year relevant to a given calculation based on the average exchange rate in that year; and

constant rates of exchange ” means exchange rates applied based on a re-translation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year information, in order that the same exchange rates are applied for each year relevant to a given calculation.


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Participants excluding Executive Directors)

 

8. Adjustment to vesting outcome

 

  a. After the performance targets in paragraphs 3 to 6 have been assessed, the Board may make such adjustment to the percentage of Shares of the Award Shares that vest pursuant to one or more of such performance targets to ensure a fair result for both the Participants and shareholders.

 

  b. An adjustment pursuant to this paragraph 8 may be either positive (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not so that the percentage of the Award Shares which vests pursuant to any one of the performance targets in paragraphs 3 to 6 exceeds the maximum percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to that performance target, as set out in paragraph 1) or negative (including reducing the percentage of Awards Shares which vest to nil). For the avoidance of doubt, where the Board makes any adjustment pursuant to this paragraph 8 the percentage of Award Shares to be transferred shall be the percentage as adjusted by the Board notwithstanding the outcome of the performance targets as set out in paragraphs 3 to 6.

 

  c. For the avoidance of doubt, vesting outcomes are subject to any forfeiture or reduction of Awards pursuant to Rule 15 ( Claw-back ).

 

9. Adjustments to performance targets

 

  a. In the event of:

 

  i. a change to the accounting standards of the Company or similar event;

 

  ii. any events which affect any of the companies comprised in the Comparator Group (such as a merger or de-listing);

 

  iii. any variation of capital of the Company or a demerger, delisting, special dividend, rights issue or other event which may, in the opinion of the Board, affect the current or future value of the Company’s shares; or

 

  iv. any other similar event the Board considers relevant which may unduly affect the calculation of the performance targets set out in paragraphs 3 to 6,

the Board may make such adjustments to the terms of this Performance Condition as it determines appropriate to reflect such event with the intention of ensuring that this Performance Condition continues to assess the performance of the Company on a consistent basis over the Performance Period.

 

  b. This Performance Condition may be amended in accordance with Rule 5.4 of the Plan.

General

 

10. References in this Schedule 1A to a paragraph are to a paragraph of this Schedule 1A.


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Executive Directors)

SCHEDULE 1B

PERFORMANCE CONDITION APPLICABLE TO AWARDS GRANTED IN 2016

FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

 

1. Subject to the Rules, the extent to which the Shares in respect of which an Award is granted (the “ Award Shares ”) may vest shall be determined:

 

  a. as to 40% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on Earnings per Share specified in paragraph 3 below is satisfied

 

  b. as to 20% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on Total Shareholder Return specified in paragraph 4 below;

 

  c. as to 20% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on the Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio specified in paragraph 5 below;

 

  d. as to 20% of the Award Shares, by reference to the performance target based on Net Turnover specified in paragraph 6 below; and

 

2. The Performance Period for Awards granted in 2016 shall commence on 1 January 2016 and end on 31 December 2018.

 

3. Earnings per Share

 

  a. The performance target in this paragraph 3 (the “ EPS Target ”) shall consist of two equal, independent elements such that the number of Award Shares which vest pursuant to this EPS Target shall be the aggregate of the number of Award Shares which vest pursuant to each element.

 

  b. Each element of the EPS Target operates by calculating the compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share for the Company, in the case of the first element measured at current rates of exchange, and in the case of the second element measured at constant rates of exchange.

 

    EPS Target: current rates of exchange

 

  c. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to this element of the EPS Target depends upon the compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share over the Performance Period, measured at current rates of exchange, as follows:

 

Compound annual growth rate in adjusted diluted EPS (measured
at current rates of exchange) over the Performance Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this element
of the EPS Target

10% pa or greater    20%
Between 10% pa and 5% pa    Pro-rata between 20% and 3%
5% pa    3%
Less than 5% pa    0%


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Executive Directors)

 

    EPS Target: constant rates of exchange

 

  d. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to this element of the EPS Target depends upon the compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share over the Performance Period, measured at constant rates of exchange, as follows:

 

Compound annual growth rate in adjusted diluted EPS (measured
at constant rates of exchange) over the Performance Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this element
of the EPS Target

10% pa or greater    20%
Between 10% pa and 5% pa    Pro-rata between 20% and 3%
5% pa    3%
Less than 5% pa    0%

 

  e. For the purposes of paragraphs 3.c and 3.d above, compound annual growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share over the Performance Period (expressed as a percentage) is calculated as follows:

 

LOGO

Where:

 

  E 0  = adjusted diluted earnings per share of the Company in the Financial Year immediately preceding the Financial Year in which the Performance Period begins (being “Year 0”); and

 

  E 3  = adjusted diluted earnings per share of the Company in the final Financial Year of the Performance Period (being “Year 3”),

measured at:

 

  i. current rates of exchange for the purposes of paragraph 3.c; and

 

  ii. constant rates of exchange for the purposes of paragraph 3.d, for which purpose the value of E 0 and E 3 shall be taken as index values, with the value for E 0 being the base index value (representing adjusted diluted earnings per share in Year 0), with the purpose of such index being to reflect changes over the Performance Period in adjusted diluted earnings per share of the Company as measured on a constant currency basis, and E 3 being taken as the value of such index for Year 3.

 

4. TSR Target

 

  a. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to the performance target in this paragraph 4 (the “ TSR Target ”) depends upon the Company’s Total Shareholder Return over the Performance Period relative to the Total Shareholder Return of the Comparator Group:


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Executive Directors)

 

Ranked position of the Company’s TSR against the relevant
comparator companies

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this TSR
Target

Upper quartile or above    20%
Between upper quartile and median    Pro-rata between 20% and 3%
Median    3%
Below median    0%

 

  b. For the purpose of this TSR Target:

 

  i. The Comparator Group shall comprise the following companies:

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev    Imperial Tobacco Group    PepsiCo Inc
Campbell Soup Company    Japan Tobacco    Pernod Ricard
Carlsberg A/S    Johnson & Johnson    Philip Morris International
Coca Cola    Kellogg    Procter & Gamble
Colgate-Palmolive    Kimberley-Clark    Reckitt Benckiser
Danone    LVMH    SABMiller
Diageo    Mondelez International    Unilever
Heineken    Nestlé   

 

  ii. The Total Shareholder Return of the Company and each of the relevant comparator companies over the relevant Performance Period (expressed as a percentage) shall be computed as follows:

 

LOGO

Where:

 

  TSR 0  = the average return index of the relevant companies as calculated by Datastream (or other such data provider as determined by the Board) (excluding Saturdays and Sundays) in the three months preceding the beginning of the Performance Period; and

 

  TSR 3  = the average return index (calculated in the same manner as for TSR 0 ) in the 3 months preceding the end of the Performance Period.

 

  iii. The Total Shareholder Return for the Company and each of the relevant comparator companies shall be calculated on a local currency basis.

 

  iv. The Company and the companies in the Comparator Group shall be ranked by the resulting Total Shareholder Return figures, with the company with the highest figure having the highest ranking, and median and upper quartile performance shall be determined on such basis as the Board, acting reasonably, may specify from time to time.


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Executive Directors)

 

5. Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target

 

  a. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to the performance target in this paragraph 5 (the “ Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target ”) depends upon the Company’s average Operating Cash Flow as a percentage of Adjusted Operating Profit over the Performance Period:

 

Average Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio over the
Performance Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to the Operating
Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target

95% or above    20%
Between 95% and 85%    Pro-rata between 20% and 3%
85%    3%
Less than 85% of Adjusted Operating Profit    0%

 

  b. For the purpose of this Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target:

 

  i. the “ Average Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio ” is the aggregate of the Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratios for each Financial Year in the Performance Period, divided by the number of Financial Years in the Performance Period; and

 

  ii. the “ Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio ” for a Financial Year (expressed as a percentage) is calculated as follows:

 

LOGO

Where:

“Operating Cash Flow” in respect of a Financial Year is the adjusted profit from operations (excluding associates) plus depreciation, amortisation and impairment, plus other non-cash items, less the increase / (decrease) in working capital, less net capital expenditure, in each case for such Financial Year. All of these items are excluding costs and movements relating to restructuring and integration in the Financial Year; and

“Adjusted Operating Profit ” in respect of a Financial Year is derived by excluding the adjusting items from the profit from operations for such Financial Year. Adjusting items include restructuring and integration costs, amortisation and impairment of trademarks and similar intangibles, a gain on deemed partial disposal of a trademark and a payment and release of a provision relating to non-tobacco litigation.

For the purpose of this Operating Cash Flow Conversion Ratio Target, Operating Cash Flow and Adjusted Operating Profit are calculated at current rates of exchange.

 

6. Net Turnover Target

 

  a. The performance target in this paragraph 6 (the “ NTO Target ”) operates by calculating the compound annual growth in the Net Turnover of the Company, measured at constant rates of exchange on an organic basis.


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Executive Directors)

 

  b. The percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to this NTO Target depends upon the compound annual growth in Net Turnover over the Performance Period as follows:

 

Compound annual growth of Net Turnover over the Performance
Period

  

% of the Award Shares which vest pursuant to this NTO
Target

5% pa or greater    20%
Between 5% pa and 3% pa    Pro-rata between 20% and 3%
3% pa    3%
Less than 3% pa    0%

provided that , notwithstanding above, but subject to the Rules, no Award Shares shall vest pursuant to this NTO Target unless the three-year constant currency compound annual growth rate of underlying adjusted operating profit exceeds the compound annual growth rate of the threshold performance level for underlying adjusted operating profit, as defined annually in the International Executive Incentive Scheme (as approved by the Board).

 

  c. For the purposes of this NTO Target, compound annual growth of Net Turnover (expressed as a percentage) is calculated as follows:

 

 

LOGO

Where:

 

  NTO 0  = Net Turnover in the Financial Year immediately preceding the Financial Year in which the Performance Period begins (being “Year 0”); and

 

  NTO 3  = Net Turnover in the final Financial Year of the Performance Period (being “Year 3”),

measured at constant rates of exchange, for which purpose the value of NTO 0 and NTO 3 shall be taken as index values, with the value for NTO 0 being the base index value (representing Net Turnover in Year 0), with the purpose of such index being to reflect changes over the Performance Period in Net Turnover of the Company as measured on a constant currency basis, with NTO 3 being taken as the value of such index for Year 3, and where the values for NTO 3 and/or NTO 0 shall be adjusted in such manner as is determined by the Board to exclude any Net Turnover attributable to any business acquired or disposed of during the Performance Period or otherwise with the intention that the growth in Net Turnover is assessed by reference to organic growth.

 

7. Exchange rates

In this Schedule:

current rates of exchange ” means exchange rates applied for each year relevant to a given calculation based on the average exchange rate in that year; and

constant rates of exchange ” means exchange rates applied based on a re-translation, at prior year exchange rates, of the current year information, in order that the same exchange rates are applied for each year relevant to a given calculation.


Performance Condition applicable to Awards granted in 2016

(Executive Directors)

 

8. Adjustment to vesting outcome

 

  a. After the performance targets in paragraphs 3 to 6 have been assessed, the Board may make such adjustment to the percentage of Shares of the Award Shares that vest pursuant to one or more of such performance targets to ensure a fair result for both the Participants and shareholders.

 

  b. An adjustment pursuant to this paragraph 8 may be either positive (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not so that the percentage of the Award Shares which vests pursuant to any one of the performance targets in paragraphs 3 to 6 exceeds the maximum percentage of the Award Shares which may vest pursuant to that performance target, as set out in paragraph 1) or negative (including reducing the percentage of Awards Shares which vest to nil). For the avoidance of doubt, where the Board makes any adjustment pursuant to this paragraph 8 the percentage of Award Shares to be transferred shall be the percentage as adjusted by the Board notwithstanding the outcome of the performance targets as set out in paragraphs 3 to 6.

 

  c. For the avoidance of doubt, vesting outcomes are subject to any forfeiture or reduction of Awards pursuant to Rule 15 ( Claw-back ).

 

9. Adjustments to performance targets

 

  a. In the event of:

 

  i. a change to the accounting standards of the Company or similar event;

 

  ii. any events which affect any of the companies comprised in the Comparator Group (such as a merger or de-listing);

 

  iii. any variation of capital of the Company or a demerger, delisting, special dividend, rights issue or other event which may, in the opinion of the Board, affect the current or future value of the Company’s shares; or

 

  iv. any other similar event the Board considers relevant which may unduly affect the calculation of the performance targets set out in paragraphs 3 to 6,

the Board may make such adjustments to the terms of this Performance Condition as it determines appropriate to reflect such event with the intention of ensuring that this Performance Condition continues to assess the performance of the Company on a consistent basis over the Performance Period.

 

  b. This Performance Condition may be amended in accordance with Rule 5.4 of the Plan.

General

 

10. References in this Schedule 1B to a paragraph are to a paragraph of this Schedule 1B.

Exhibit 10.8

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

DEFERRED ANNUAL SHARE BONUS SCHEME

Adopted by a resolution of the Board of Directors of British American

Tobacco p.l.c. on 23 February 2001. Amended by resolution

of the Board of Directors on 24 February 2005; and amended for age

discrimination legislation on 26 February 2007; and amended by resolution

of the Board of Directors on 24 February 2014; and amended by resolution

of the Board of Directors on 23 February 2015.


CONTENTS

 

          Page  

1.

   DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION      1  

2.

   GRANT OF AWARDS      2  

3.

   TRANSFER OF SHARES TO PARTICIPANTS      2  

3A.

   CLAW-BACK      4  

4.

   TAKEOVER, RECONSTRUCTION AND WINDING-UP      5  

5.

   VARIATION OF CAPITAL      5  

5A.

   VESTED SHARE ACCOUNTS      6  

6.

   ALTERATIONS      6  

7.

   MISCELLANEOUS      6  

APPENDIX: OPERATION OF CLAW-BACK

     8  

 

2


1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

(1) In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise requires:-

Award Date ” means the date on which a Conditional Award was granted;

the Board ” means the board of directors of the Company or a committee appointed by such board of directors;

“Claw-back” means the repayment of value by a Participant to the Company (or another Participating Company) in accordance with the provisions of Rule 3A and Appendix 1;

the Company ” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (registered in England and Wales No. 3407696);

Conditional Award ” means a conditional right to receive ordinary shares in the Company upon the terms and restrictions set out in the Scheme;

the Listing Rules ” means the listing rules made by the competent authority for the purposes of Part IV the Financial Services Act 1986, as from time to time modified, extended or remade;

the London Stock Exchange ” means The London Stock Exchange plc;

the Model Code ” means the Model Code on Directors’ dealings in securities as set out in the Appendix to Chapter 16 of the Listing Rules;

Participant ” means a person who holds a Conditional Award granted under the Scheme (including, where the context so admits, the personal representatives of a person who has died since he was granted a Conditional Award);

Participating Companies ” means the Company and its Subsidiaries;

the Scheme ” means the British American Tobacco Deferred Annual Share Bonus Scheme as herein set out but subject to any alterations or additions made under Rule 6 below;

Subsidiary ” means a body corporate which is a subsidiary of the Company within the meaning of section 736 of the Companies Act l985;

Takeover Code ” means the Code on Takeovers and Mergers issued by the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers, as from time to time modified, extended or reissued;

Trustee ” means the trustee or trustees from time to time of any trust deed established for the benefit of (inter alia) employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries which is operated in conjunction with the Scheme.

 

(2) Any reference in the Scheme to any enactment includes a reference to that enactment as from time to time modified extended or re-enacted.

 

1


2. GRANT OF AWARDS

 

(1) Subject to sub-rules (5) and (6) below, the Board may at any time in the six weeks following the announcement of the Company’s results for any period, or at any other time when the Board considers that there are exceptional circumstances, grant a Conditional Award or procure the grant of a Conditional Award to any employee of a Participating Company (including an employee who is also a director of a Participating Company), based upon the Company’s performance in the preceding financial year, upon the terms set out in the Scheme and upon such other terms as the Board may specify.

 

(2) There shall be no monetary consideration for the grant of a Conditional Award and accordingly a Conditional Award shall be granted by deed.

 

(3) A Conditional Award shall consist of a conditional right for the Participant to receive ordinary shares in the Company for nil payment.

 

(4) Subject to Rule 3(2) below, a Conditional Award granted under the Scheme to any person shall not be capable of being transferred or assigned. If a Participant does or suffers any act or thing whereby he would or might be deprived of the legal or beneficial ownership of a Conditional Award, the Conditional Award shall lapse forthwith.

 

(5) No new shares in the Company may be issued under the Scheme and accordingly the Scheme may only utilise existing shares.

 

(6) The grant of a Conditional Award under the Plan shall be subject to the provisions of the Model Code and to obtaining any approval or consent required under the provisions of the Listing Rules or the Takeover Code, or of any other regulation or enactment applicable to such grant.

 

3. TRANSFER OF SHARES TO PARTICIPANTS

 

(1) Subject to sub-rules (2), (3), (4) and (7) below and to Rule 4 below, the shares subject to a Conditional Award shall be transferred to a Participant as soon as reasonably practicable after the third anniversary of the Award Date.

 

(2) If a Participant dies at a time when he holds a Conditional Award, the Company shall procure the transfer of the shares subject to the Conditional Award to his personal representatives as soon as reasonably practicable after the date of his death.

 

(3) If any Participant ceases to be a director or employee of a Participating Company by reason of injury, disability or redundancy (within the meaning of the Employment Rights Act (1996)) or by reason only that his office or employment is in a company which ceases to be under the control of the Company, or relates to a business or part of a business which is transferred to a person other than the Company or a Subsidiary, the Company shall procure the transfer to the Participant of the shares subject to a Conditional Award as soon as reasonably practicable after he so ceases to be a director or an employee.

 

(4) If any Participant ceases to be a director or employee of a Participating Company for any other reason, the Conditional Award shall lapse immediately and no shares shall be transferred to the Participant unless the Board (at its absolute discretion) decides otherwise.

 

2


(5) A Participant shall not be treated for the purposes of sub-rules (3) and (4) above as ceasing to be a director or employee of the Company or a Subsidiary until such time as he is no longer a director or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, and a female Participant who ceases to be such a director or employee by reason of pregnancy or confinement and who exercises her right to return to work under the Employment Rights Act (1996) shall be treated for those purposes as not having ceased to be such a director or employee.

 

(6) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby confirmed a Participant is not entitled to any dividends paid or votes in respect of the shares subject to a Conditional Award by reference to a record date before the Participant (or his nominee) is registered as the holder of the shares.

 

(7) No transfer of shares shall be made under the Scheme if the Board considers that it would not be lawful or practicable in the relevant jurisdiction and in any such case the Board may (at its absolute discretion) decide that instead of receiving shares the Participant shall instead receive a cash sum equal to the value of the shares (calculated by reference to the middle market quotation of the shares on the dealing day preceding the date the shares would otherwise have been transferred, as derived from the London Stock Exchange Daily Official List) less such deductions as the Board may decide are reasonable or necessary on account of any tax and/or social security contributions.

 

(8) In a case where any company is obliged to account for any tax and/or any social security contributions recoverable from a Participant (together, the “Tax Liability”) for which that Participant is or has agreed to be liable by virtue of the transfer of shares, the Company shall not be obliged to procure the transfer of the shares unless it or the Participant’s employing company has received on or prior to the transfer of the shares payment from the Participant of an amount not less than the Tax Liability or unless that Participant has entered into arrangements acceptable to the Participant’s employing company to ensure that such a payment is made (whether by authorising the sale of some or all of the shares on his behalf and the payment to the employing company of an amount equal to the Tax Liability out of the proceeds of sale or otherwise).

 

(9) The transfer of shares under the Scheme shall be subject to the provisions of the Model Code and to obtaining any approval or consent referred to in sub-rule 2(6). Where the transfer of shares pursuant to a Conditional Award is prohibited pursuant to the Model Code at any time, such transfer shall instead take place as soon as reasonably practicable after it is no longer prohibited by the Model Code.

 

(10) The number of shares subject to a Conditional Award granted on or after 24 February 2014 may be reduced at any time prior to the transfer of such shares to the Participant (including with the effect that the Conditional Award shall lapse) to the extent that the Board determines that there has been a material misrepresentation by any person in relation to the performance of the Company and/or the Participant on the basis of which the Board made its determination as to the extent to which that, or any prior, Conditional Award was granted to the Participant, or other any other event, in either case which the Board considers (in its absolute discretion) justifies such reduction. Such material misrepresentation may include (but shall not be limited to): (i) a misstatement of the financial results and/or health of the Company; (ii) an erroneous calculation in relation to the Company’s results or other performance benchmark; (iii) errors in the Company’s financial statements, or (iv) discrepancies in the financial accounts, whether or not arising from fraud or reckless behaviour on the part of any director or employee of the Company or any Participating Company (in each case in respect of any financial year on the basis of which that, or any prior, Conditional Award was granted).

 

3


3A. CLAW-BACK

Claw-back events

 

(1) In respect of a Conditional Award granted on or after 1 January 2016, the Board may at any time prior to the third anniversary of the Award Date (whether before or after shares are transferred to a Participant pursuant to the Conditional Award) determine that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of the Conditional Award if the Board determines that:

 

  (a) there has been a material misrepresentation in relation to the performance of the Company, any Subsidiary, any relevant business unit and/or the Participant on the basis of which the annual bonus (in respect of which the Conditional Award was granted) was determined (which may include, but shall not be limited to: (i) a misstatement of the financial results and/or health of the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) an erroneous calculation in relation to the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s results or other performance benchmark; (iii) errors in the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s financial statements; or (iv) discrepancies in the financial accounts, and, for the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding that such misrepresentation may not arise from fraud or reckless behaviour); or

 

  (b) an erroneous calculation was made in assessing the amount of the annual bonus or the number of shares over which the Conditional Award was granted,

and , in either case, the annual bonus was awarded and/or the Conditional Award was granted to a greater extent than would have been the case had there not been such a misrepresentation or had such error not been made.

 

(2) In respect of a Conditional Award granted on or after 1 January 2016, the Board may at any time (whether before or after shares are transferred to a Participant pursuant to the Conditional Award) determine that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of the Conditional Award where the Participant is found to have committed at any time prior to the date on which shares are transferred to a Participant, including prior to the grant of the Conditional Award, an act or omission which justifies, or in the opinion of the Board would have justified, summary dismissal or service of notice of termination of office or employment on the grounds of misconduct.

Applying Claw-back

 

(3) A Claw-back shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1 ( Operation of Claw-back ).

Lapse of Conditional Awards to give effect to claw-back of other awards

 

(4) By participating in the Scheme, the Participant acknowledges that the Board may lapse any Conditional Award granted on or after 1 January 2016 to such extent as it determines to be necessary (including in full) in order to give effect to a claw-back under the terms of the Scheme or any other employees’ share scheme or bonus scheme operated from time to time by the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

4


No Claw-back following a Takeover

 

(5) A Claw-back shall not apply at any time following any of the events described in Rule 4(1) or (3), save where such event occurs as part of an internal reorganisation where there is no material change in the ultimate ownership of the Company or where the determination that the Claw-back shall apply was made prior to such event.

Interaction with the cash bonus schemes

 

(6) No provision of the rules of this Scheme relating Claw-back shall in any way limit or restrict, or be limited or restricted by, the operation of any provision of any cash bonus scheme or similar operated by the Company or any Subsidiary from time to time.

 

4. TAKEOVER, RECONSTRUCTION AND WINDING-UP

 

(1) As soon as reasonably practicable after any person obtains control of the Company as a result of making a general offer to acquire shares in the Company, or having obtained such control makes such an offer, the Company shall procure the transfer to the Participant of the shares subject to a Conditional Award (subject to sub-rules (2), (3), (4) and (7) of Rule 3 above).

 

(2) For the purposes of sub-rule (1) above, a person shall be deemed to have obtained control of the Company if he and others acting in concert with him have together obtained control of it.

 

(3) As soon as reasonably practicable after any application is made to the Court under section 425(1) of the Companies Act 1985 to order a meeting in relation to a proposed compromise or arrangement for the purposes of or in connection with a scheme for the reconstruction of the Company or its amalgamation with any other company or companies, the Company shall procure the transfer to the Participant of the shares subject to a Conditional Award (subject to sub-rules (2), (3), (4) and (7) of Rule 3 above).

 

(4) If any person becomes bound or entitled to acquire shares in the Company under sections 428 to 430F of the Companies Act 1985, or if under section 425 of that Act the Court sanctions a compromise or arrangement proposed for the purposes of or in connection with a scheme for the reconstruction of the Company or its amalgamation with any other company or companies, or if the Company passes a resolution for voluntary winding up, or if an order is made for the compulsory winding up of the Company, the Company shall procure the transfer to the Participant of the shares subject to a Conditional Award (subject to sub-rule (2), (3), (4) and (7) of Rule 3 above) as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant event.

 

5. VARIATION OF CAPITAL

 

(1) In the event of any increase or variation of the share capital of the Company (whether by means of consolidation, subdivision, capitalisation or rights issue or otherwise and whenever effected), the Board may make such adjustments as it considers appropriate to the number of shares subject to a Conditional Award.

 

(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after making any adjustment under sub-rule (1) above, the Company shall give notice in writing thereof to any Participant affected thereby.

 

5


5A. VESTED SHARE ACCOUNTS

 

(1) Legal title to any shares which are due to be transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Scheme may (notwithstanding any other Rule) be transferred to a person (the “ Vested Share Account Provider ”) appointed by the Company from time to time to hold legal title to such shares on behalf of the Participant.

 

(2) The Vested Share Account Provider shall receive and hold shares on behalf of the Participant in accordance with such terms and conditions as are agreed by the Company from time to time, and by participating in the Scheme the Participant irrevocably agrees to those terms and conditions (which shall be available to the Participant on request to the Company).

 

(3) The transfer of any shares to the Vested Share Account Provider shall satisfy any obligation of the Company under the Scheme to transfer shares to the Participant (and references in the Scheme to shares (or legal title thereof) having been transferred to the Participant shall be read accordingly).

 

6. ALTERATIONS

 

(1) Subject to sub-rule (2) below, the Board may at any time alter or add to all or any of the provisions of the Scheme, or the terms of any Conditional Award granted under it, in any respect.

 

(2) No alteration or addition to the disadvantage of any Participant shall be made under sub-rule (1) above unless:-

 

  (a) the Board shall have invited every relevant Participant to give an indication as to whether or not he approves the alteration or addition, and

 

  (b) the alteration or addition is approved by a majority of those Participants who have given such an indication.

 

(3) As soon as reasonably practicable after making any alteration or addition under sub-rule (1) above, the Board shall give notice in writing thereof to any Participant affected thereby.

 

7. MISCELLANEOUS

 

(1) The rights and obligations of any individual under the terms of his office or employment with any Participating Company shall not be affected by his participation in the Scheme or any right which he may have to participate therein, and an individual who participates in the Scheme shall, as a term of the grant of any Conditional Award, waive any and all rights to compensation or damages in consequence of the termination of his office or employment for any reason whatsoever insofar as those rights arise or may arise from his ceasing to have rights under the Scheme as a result of such termination.

 

(2) In the event of any dispute or disagreement as to the interpretation of the Scheme, or as to any question or right arising from or related to the Scheme, the decision of the Board shall be final and binding upon all persons.

 

(3)

Any notice or other communication under or in connection with the Scheme may be given by personal delivery or by sending the same by post, in the case of a company to its registered office, and in the case of an individual to his last known address, or, where he is a director or

 

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  employee of a Participating Company, either to his last known address or to the address of the place of business at which he performs the whole or substantially the whole of the duties of his office or employment.

 

(4) This Scheme shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and Wales.

 

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APPENDIX 1: OPERATION OF CLAW-BACK

Claw-back prior to the transfer of shares pursuant to a Conditional Award

 

(1) Where the Board determines (pursuant to Rule 3A(1) or 3A(2)) that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of a Conditional Award prior to shares having been transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Conditional Award, the Claw-back shall be applied by the Board reducing the number of shares subject to the Conditional Award by up to the number of shares determined by the Board to be the excess number of shares in respect of which the Conditional Award was granted and/or is outstanding (and the Conditional Award shall lapse to the extent so reduced, which may be in full).

Claw-back following the transfer of shares in respect of a Conditional Award

 

(2) Where the Board determines (pursuant to Rule 3A(1) or 3A(2)) that a Claw-back shall apply in respect of a Conditional Award following shares having been transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Conditional Award (a “ Post-Transfer Claw-back ”), the Board shall determine:

 

  (a) the excess number of shares which were transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Conditional Award (the “ Excess Shares ”); and

 

  (b) the aggregate market value of such Excess Shares (as determined by the Board) on the date on which the shares which were transferred to the Participant pursuant to the Conditional Award (the “ Equivalent Value ”).

 

(3) A Post-Transfer Claw-back may be effected in such manner as may be determined by the Board, and notified to the Participant, including by any one or more of the following:

 

  (a) by reducing the number of shares and/or amount of cash in respect of which an Outstanding Award vests or may vest (or has vested, but in respect of which no shares have yet been transferred or cash payment made), whether before or after the assessment of performance conditions in respect of such Outstanding Award, by the number of Excess Shares and/or the Equivalent Value (and such Outstanding Award shall lapse to the extent so reduced);

 

  (b) by setting-off against any amounts payable by the Company or any Subsidiary to the Participant an amount up to the Equivalent Value (including from any bonus payment which may otherwise become payable to the Participant); and/or

 

  (c) by requiring the Participant to immediately transfer to the Company a number of shares equal to the Excess Shares or a cash amount equal to the Equivalent Value (which shall be an immediately payable debt due to the Company), provided that the Board may reduce the number of Excess Shares or the amount of the Equivalent Value subject to the Claw-back in order to take account of any Tax Liability (as defined in Rule 3(8)) which arose on the Excess Shares (howsoever delivered to the Participant).

 

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(4) In paragraph (3) above:

Outstanding Award ” means any other Conditional Award under the Scheme, any award or option under any other employees’ share scheme operated from time to time by the Company or any Subsidiary (other than any award or options granted under any arrangement which satisfies the provisions of Schedules 2 or 3, or (unless the terms of such arrangement state that shares acquired thereunder are subject to claw-back) 4 or 5 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003), or any bonus award under any bonus scheme operated from time to time by the Company or any Subsidiary, in each case which is either held by the Participant at the time of a determination that a Claw-back shall be applied or which are granted to the Participant following such a determination; and

vests ” shall include shares or cash subject to an award becoming due to be transferred or paid, and in the case of an option, the option becoming exercisable.

 

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Exhibit 10.9

Dated as of 10 th December 2010

 

LOGO

BRITISH AMERICAN

TOBACCO

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

and

NICANDRO DURANTE

SERVICE CONTRACT


THIS AGREEMENT is executed on the 10 th day of December 2010.

BETWEEN:

 

(1) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c., a company incorporated in England and Wales whose registered office is at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG (the “Company” );

 

(2) NICANDRO DURANTE, of Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG (the “Executive” );

WHEREAS:

 

(A) The Board has approved the terms of this Agreement under which the Executive is to be employed.

IT IS AGREED THAT:

 

1. Definitions

Schedule 1 contains the definitions for words and phrases for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

2. Appointment

 

2.1 The Company shall employ the Executive and the Executive shall serve the Company as Chief Executive Designate with effect from the Effective Date subject to the terms and conditions specified herein.

 

2.2 The Employment commenced on the Effective Date and, subject to Clause 17 below, shall continue thereafter until termination by not less than 12 months’ prior written notice given by either party to the other.

 

2.3 The Executive’s appointment to the Board commenced on 1 January 2008. The Executive’s period of continuous employment with a Group Company began on 1 December 1981. No previous employment with any other employer shall be treated as continuous with the Employment.

 

2.4 The Company’s normal retirement age is 65. This Agreement will come to an end automatically on the Executive’s 65th birthday (the intended retirement date). In

 

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  accordance with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, the Company will give the Executive appropriate notice as he approaches the intended retirement date and the Executive will have a right to request to work beyond this date.

 

3. Duties

 

3.1 The Executive shall be employed in the post of Chief Executive Designate from the Effective Date in which capacity he shall devote all such time, attention and skill as may be required for the proper performance of his duties hereunder, and shall at all times promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and, save where there is any conflict with the success of the Company, the success of its Group Companies and he shall comply with the directors’ duties set out in the Companies Act 2006, and shall also faithfully and diligently perform such duties and exercise such powers consistent therewith as may from time to time be assigned to or vested in him by the Board or the Company.

 

3.2 The Company reserves the right to assign to the Executive duties of a different nature either additional to or instead of those referred to in Clause 3.1 above on terms and conditions no less favourable than the terms and conditions set out herein, it being understood that he will not be assigned duties which he cannot reasonably perform or which are inconsistent with his status and subject always to the directors’ duties set out in the Companies Act 2006,.

 

3.3 The Executive agrees that the Company shall be entitled, in its sole discretion and at any time, to change the Executive’s title, job role and function from Chief Executive Designate of the Company to Chief Executive of the Company. In the event that such a change is made, the Executive agrees that he shall not be entitled to any increase in his remuneration or benefits, other than such increases which are expressly set out in this Agreement.

 

3.4 The Executive shall obey the reasonable and lawful orders of the Board, given by or with the authority of the Board, and shall comply with all the Company’s rules, regulations, policies and procedures from time to time in force, unless any of the foregoing are inconsistent with this Agreement.

 

3.5 The Executive shall promptly provide the Board with all such information as it may require in connection with the business or affairs of the Company and of any other Group Company for which he is required to perform duties.

 

3.6 The Executive may be required in pursuance of his duties to perform services not only for the Company but also for any Group Company and, without further remuneration (except as otherwise agreed), to accept any such office or position with the Company, as the Board or the Company may from time to time reasonably require. The Company may at its sole discretion assign the Executive’s employment to any Group Company on the same terms and conditions as set out herein.

 

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3.7 The Executive’s working hours at the office shall be 35.5 hours per week from Monday to Friday in accordance with the policy set out from time to time in the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact, and such additional hours (without further remuneration) as are necessary for the proper performance of his duties of employment.

 

3.8 The parties agree that the nature of the Executive’s position is such that his Employment is not and cannot be measured and so the Employment falls within the scope of regulation 20 Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended).

 

3.9 The Executive’s normal place of work shall be the Company’s principal United Kingdom office from time to time or such other location at which the Company may from time to time require the Executive to base himself. The Executive agrees to travel (both within and outside of the United Kingdom) as may be required for the proper performance of his duties and of the Employment. It is a fundamental condition of the Employment that the Executive will at all times be fully mobile throughout the United Kingdom and the world and can be required by the Company at any time to relocate to any other location in the world.

 

4. Other Interests

 

4.1 During the period of the Employment the Executive shall devote his full time and attention to his duties hereunder and shall not without the prior written consent of the Board (such consent not to be unreasonably refused) directly or indirectly either on his own account or on behalf of any other person, company, business entity or other organisation:

 

  4.1.1 engage in, or (ii) be concerned with, or (iii) provide services to, (whether as an employee, officer, director, agent, partner, consultant or otherwise), or (iv) have any financial or other interest in, any other business; or

 

  4.1.2 accept any other engagement or public office which may adversely affect the proper and efficient performance of his duties hereunder; or

 

  4.1.3 have any other personal or financial interest in a business which has transactions or dealings with the Company or any other Group Company;

PROVIDED THAT the Executive may hold for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Recognised Investment Exchange. For this purpose, the references to securities held by the Executive includes securities held or beneficially held by the Executive’s Immediate Family.

 

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4.2 Subject to any written regulations issued by the Company which are applicable to him, neither the Executive nor his Immediate Family, nor any company or business entity in which he or they are interested, shall be entitled to receive or obtain directly or indirectly any discount, rebate, commission or other benefit in respect of any business transacted (whether or not by the Executive) by or on behalf of the Company or any Group Company. If the Executive or they did directly or indirectly obtain any such discount, rebate, commission or other benefit the Executive shall forthwith account to the Company or the applicable Group Company for the amount received or value of the benefit so obtained.

 

4.3 The Executive confirms that he has disclosed fully to the Company all circumstances in respect of which there is, or there might be, a direct or indirect conflict of interest between the Company or any Group Company, and the Executive, and he agrees to disclose fully and in writing to the Company any such circumstances which may arise during the Employment (including, but not limited to, where the holding of securities by members of his Immediate Family puts, or is likely to put, the Executive in breach of the 5% limit referred to in Clause 4.1 above).

 

4.4 The Executive is required to note the formal procedures established by the Board for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions the Executive:

 

  4.4.1 may not allow any situation to arise in which he will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company; and

 

  4.4.2 he must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

4.5 The Executive is required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary of the Company and any such matter will be considered either at the next meeting of the Board or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Board, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee. Details of the role and responsibilities of the Conflicts Committee are set out in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary of the Company from time to time.

 

4.6 For the purposes of Clauses 4.1 and 4.3, the provisions of S. 820 – 825 of Companies Act 2006 shall apply for determining whether the Executive has an interest in any Securities.

 

4.7 The Executive undertakes that he will at all times:

 

  4.7.1 comply where relevant with any rule of law or regulation of any competent authority or of the Company, including the Model Code and the Company’s Share Dealing Code, from time to time in force in relation to dealing in the Securities of the Company and inside information affecting the Securities of the Company;

 

5


  4.7.2 observe the terms and conditions of The City Code on Take-Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules; the JSE Listings Requirements; and the UK Corporate Governance Code; and

 

  4.7.3 comply with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy from time to time in force.

 

5. Indemnities

 

5.1 Subject to Clause 5.2 below, the Company shall, both during the Employment and after its termination, indemnify the Executive and keep him indemnified against and to pay to him an amount equal to all costs, charges, expenses or liabilities which the Executive may sustain or incur in or about the execution of his duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed himself on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

5.2 The indemnity referred to in Clause 5.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

  5.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by the Executive under any policy of insurance;

 

  5.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

  5.2.3 where the Company considers that the Executive has acted in bad faith, with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute; and

 

  5.2.4 where and to the extent any claim against the Executive relates to acts (or omissions) of the Executive which, directly or indirectly, result in the summary dismissal of the Executive by the Company or any associated company of the Company.

 

5.3

The indemnity provided in Clause 5.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any associated companies) or the Executive may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or

 

6


  officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under Clause 5.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

5.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without any rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay to the Executive such amount as will ensure that, after any such deduction or withholding has been made, the Executive shall have received a sum equal to the amount that he would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

5.5 If the Executive becomes aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to him, acting reasonably, to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity provided in Clause 5.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), he shall give notice thereof to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

5.6 The Executive shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

5.7 The Executive shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and the Executive shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto, nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

5.8 The Company may, by written notice to the Executive at any time and without prejudice to the rights of indemnification of the Executive set out in Clause 5.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in the Executive’s name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

5.9 The Executive shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by the Executive in relation to any Demand.

 

5.10 The rights and obligations set out in this Clause 5 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which the Executive owes as a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

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5.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to the Executive under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from the Executive an amount equal to any payment received by the Executive under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by the Executive. The Executive shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

5.12 To the extent any payment of costs under Clause 5.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Acts as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Acts and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, the Executive shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

5.13 For the purposes of this Clause 5, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” have the meanings given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

6. Remuneration

 

6.1 The Company shall pay to the Executive a base salary as follows:

 

  - from 1 September 2010 to 31 December 2010: £670,000 per annum; and

 

  - from 1 January 2011: £1,000,000 per annum with no further review by the Company until 1 April 2012.

The base salary shall be payable monthly in equal instalments by way of credit transfer and shall be paid subject to deduction of income tax and national insurance contributions

 

6.2 The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the various schemes set out in Schedule 3, subject to the rules and conditions from time to time applicable to such schemes (whether or not in writing).

 

6.3 In particular the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s International Executive Incentive Scheme (the “Bonus Scheme”). The incentive element and the deferred element (delivered through the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme) of the entitlement will each be assessed by the Company against pre-set criteria based on the performance of the Company in its previous financial year. Under the deferred element, the Company can award to the Executive ordinary shares in the Company to be held in accordance with the rules of the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme. The incentive element and the deferred element of the Bonus Scheme together produce a bonus of between 0% to 180% of the value of the Executive’s annual base salary.

 

6.4 The remuneration specified in Clause 6.1 above shall be inclusive of all fees and other remuneration to which the Executive may be entitled as an officer of the Company or of any Group Company.

 

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7. Expenses and Independent Professional Advice

 

7.1 The Company shall reimburse (or procure the reimbursement of) to the Executive (against receipts or other satisfactory evidence) all reasonable business expenses properly and reasonably incurred and defrayed by him in the course of the Employment, subject to the Company’s rules and policies relating to expenses.

 

7.2 The Executive’s expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of the Executive’s duties for him to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against the Executive). Accordingly the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company is subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

7.3 Further to Clause 7.2 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary of the Company and of the Group Legal and Security Director and General Counsel of British American Tobacco are available to each director of the Company for guidance on the director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when the Executive may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties as a director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

7.4 In such an instance, the Executive should first refer the matter to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Company and confirm with him that it is a matter for which independent professional advice is required in the interests of the Company. Where this need arises, the Executive should also consult the Company Secretary of the Company in order that regard may be had to any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in such a situation.

 

8. Deductions

The Company shall be entitled at any time during the Employment, or in any event on its termination, to deduct from the Executive’s remuneration hereunder any monies due from him to the Company including but not limited to any outstanding loans, advances, relocation expenses, the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company’s property caused by him (and of recovering the same), excess holiday, any sums due from him under Clause 12.2 below and any other monies owed by him to the Company.

 

9. Motor Car

 

9.1 The Executive shall be entitled to either (a) the use of a Company car for private and business use subject to the terms of the Company’s car policy from time to time in force, or (b) a monthly car allowance as published by the Company from time to time. Details can be obtained from the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

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9.2 The Executive shall also be entitled to the personal use of a car and a driver.

 

10. Pension and Other Benefits

 

10.1 The Executive shall continue to participate in the Fundacao Albino Souza Cruz (“FASC”) with an annual accrual rate of 1.85%. The Executive’s Brazilian pensionable salary will be based on the salary of that of a General Manager of Souza Cruz S.A. The Brazilian pensionable salary will be adjusted in line with local practice and agreed by the Company on an annual basis. Benefits from the FASC remain subject to the rules of that scheme.

 

  10.1.1 In addition, the Executive will continue to accrue a pension of 0.65% for each year of service (the “UK Accrual Rate”) with effect from 1 March 2006, being the date of appointment of the Executive to the British American Tobacco Management Board. At retirement the pension will be based on the Executive’s basic UK salary averaged over the twelve month period immediately prior to retirement. The accrued pension will be provided through the Company’s unfunded unapproved retirement benefit scheme (“UURBS”).

 

  10.1.2 Further, when the Executive’s UK basic salary exceeds £670,000 as an initial base, then the UK Accrual Rate for the element of basic salary in excess of £670,000 will increase from 0.65% as stated in 10.1.1 above to 2.50% for each year of service and will continue to be provided through the UURBS.

 

  10.1.3 The initial basic salary level of £670,000 in respect of the 2.50% accrual provided through the UURBS will be adjusted annually by the same percentage as that agreed for the Executive’s pensionable salary for the purposes of calculating benefits payable from the FASC.

 

10.2 The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the following benefits schemes: private medical expenses scheme, personal accident scheme, life assurance pensionable scheme (4 x pensionable salary), subject to the terms and conditions of such schemes from time to time in force. Details of such scheme(s) can be obtained from the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact. The Company reserves the right to terminate or substitute other scheme(s) for such scheme(s) or to amend the scale of benefits of such scheme(s) including the level of benefits. If any scheme provider (including but not limited to any insurance company) refuses for any reason (whether based on its own interpretation of the terms of the insurance policy or otherwise) to provide any benefits to the Executive, the Company shall not be liable to provide any such benefits itself or any compensation in lieu thereof.

 

10.3 Any actual or prospective loss of entitlement to benefit under any long-term disability or private medical expenses benefits shall not limit or prevent the Company from exercising its right to terminate the Employment in accordance with Clauses 2 or 17 hereof.

 

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10.4 The Executive shall be eligible to receive the following benefits:

 

  (a) the provision of tax support services provided by the Company’s external advisers to include assistance with the Executive’s UK and Brazil tax returns for the UK tax year up to and including 2012/2013;

 

  (b) four first-class airline return tickets to Brazil in each calendar year for each of the Executive and his spouse effective from 1 January 2010 to and 31 December 2011 (the “Ticket Entitlement”); and

 

  (c) the payment by the Company of the cost of spouse or partner career counselling up to a maximum total amount of £1,000.

 

10.5 For the avoidance of doubt:

 

  10.5.1 the Ticket Entitlement referred to in Clause 10.4 includes those other domestic flights in Brazil being necessary as part of a leg of an international flight which forms the Ticket Entitlement and, further, any unused part of the Ticket Entitlement in a calendar year shall expire at the end of that calendar year and may not be carried forward into the following calendar year; and

 

  10.5.2 none of the allowances or payments referred to in Clause 10.4 form part of the Executive’s pensionable salary. Further, the Company will pay any UK taxes due on the aforesaid benefits set out in Clause 10.4.

 

11. Sickness Benefit

 

11.1 In the event of the Executive being absent from work due to sickness or injury, the Company will continue to pay his normal salary (inclusive of any Statutory Sick Pay to which he may be entitled) for a period of up to two months, and then half his normal salary for a period of up to a month, during any period of 12 months (“Company Sick Pay”). Thereafter, the payment of any further sick pay will be at the discretion of the Company. Company Sick Pay will be based on the Executive’s normal salary less any State benefits claimable by the Executive on account of his sickness or injury, less normal deductions. The Executive’s entitlement of Company Sick Pay is subject to his compliance with the sickness notification requirements set out in the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

11.2 Irrespective of Clause 11.1 above, the Executive will receive Statutory Sick Pay (“SSP”) when the Executive qualifies for it, although where Company Sick Pay and Statutory Sick Pay are payable for the same day of sickness absence, the Executive will receive the higher of the two sums. Further details on Statutory Sick Pay are set out in the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

11.3

The Company reserves the right to require the Executive to undergo a medical examination by a doctor or consultant nominated by it, in which event the Company will

 

11


  bear the cost thereof. The Executive shall authorise the doctor to disclose to and discuss with the Board (and, in the first instance, the Chairman) the results of the examination. The Executive consents to the Company processing sensitive personal data relating to the results of such examination.

 

11.4 The Executive’s entitlement to Company Sick Pay is subject to the Company’s right to terminate the Employment in accordance with this Agreement.

 

11.5 If the illness, accident or other incapacity shall be, or appear to be, caused by actionable negligence of a third party in respect of which damages are or may be recoverable, the Executive shall immediately notify the Board of that fact and of any claim, compromise, settlement or judgment made or awarded in connection with it. The Executive shall also give to the Board all particulars the Board may reasonably require and shall, if required by the Board, refund all or such part of the sums paid to or for the benefit of him by way of salary, bonus or benefits during the relevant period as the Board may reasonably determine. The amount to be refunded shall not, however, exceed the amount of damages or compensation and interest thereon recovered by the Executive, less any unrecovered costs borne by him in connection with the recovery of such damages or compensation, and shall not exceed the total remuneration paid to him by way of salary, bonus and benefits in respect of the period of such illness, accident or other incapacity.

 

12. Holidays

 

12.1 The Executive shall be entitled to receive his normal remuneration for all Bank and Public holidays normally observed in England and a further 25 working days’ holiday in each holiday year (the period from 1 January to 31 December). The Executive may only take his holiday at such times as are agreed with the Chief Executive or the Chairman, as appropriate.

 

12.2 In the holiday year when the Employment ceases, the Executive will be treated as having accrued holiday on a pro rata basis by reference to his last day at work. If on the cessation of his employment the Executive has exceeded his holiday entitlement, this excess of holiday taken will be deducted from any sums due to him. If the Executive has accrued holiday entitlement which has not been taken, the Company may at its sole discretion either require him to take such holiday or pay him a sum in lieu of it. If the Executive refuses to work out all or any part of his notice period, he will forfeit any accrued holiday which has not been taken or such holiday entitlement equal to the number of days which the Executive refuses to work during his notice period.

 

12.3 No holiday entitlement or pay shall be treated as accruing during any period covered by the Compensation Payment.

 

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13. Reasonableness of Restrictions

The Executive recognises that, whilst performing his duties for the Company, he will have access to and come into contact with trade secrets and confidential information belonging to the Company or to Group Companies and will obtain personal knowledge of and influence over its or their customers and/or employees. The Executive therefore agrees that the restrictions contained or referred to in Clauses 14 and 16 and Schedule 2 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and its Group Companies both during and after the termination of his employment.

 

14. Confidentiality

 

14.1 The Executive shall neither during the Employment (except in the proper performance of his duties or if authorised by the Board or required by law) nor at any time (without limit) after the termination thereof, directly or indirectly:

 

  14.1.1 use for his own purposes or those of any other person, company, business entity or other organisation whatsoever; or

 

  14.1.2 disclose to any person, company, business entity or other organisation whatsoever;

any trade secrets or confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or its Group Companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘Confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which the Executive has been told is confidential or which he might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or Group Company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

14.2 The Executive shall not at any time during the continuance of his employment with the Company make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any Group Company.

 

14.3 The obligations contained in Clause 14.1 shall cease to apply to any information or knowledge which:

 

  14.3.1 may subsequently come into the public domain after the termination of employment other than by way of unauthorised disclosure (whether or not by the Executive);

 

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  14.3.2 the Executive is entitled to disclose under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provided the Executive has first fully complied with the Company’s procedures relating to such external disclosures.

 

14.4 The Company may at any time during the Employment require the Executive to deliver up to it immediately all documents (including all notes, original documents, extracts and summaries thereof), discs and other information storing medium relating to the business or affairs of the Company or any Group Company which he obtained or made whilst an employee of the Company. This obligation shall include all copies and reproductions of the same, however made.

 

15. Copyright, Inventions and Patents

 

15.1 All records, documents, papers (including copies and summaries thereof) and other copyright protected works made or acquired by the Executive in the course of the Employment shall, together with all the worldwide copyright and design rights in all such works, be and at all times remain the absolute property of the Company.

 

15.2 The Executive hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives all rights granted by Chapter IV of Part I of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 that vest in him (whether before, on or after the date hereof) in connection with his authorship of any copyright works in the course of his employment with the Company, wherever in the world enforceable, including without limitation the right to be identified as the author of any such works and the right not to have any such works subjected to derogatory treatment.

 

15.3 The Company and the Executive acknowledge and accept the provisions of Sections 39 to 42 of the Patents Act 1977 (“the Act”) relating to the ownership of employees’ inventions and the compensation of employees for certain inventions respectively.

 

15.4 The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, by virtue of the nature of his duties and the responsibility arising, he has a special obligation to further the interests of the Company within the meaning of Section 39(1)(b) of the Act.

 

15.5 Any invention, development, process, plan, design, formula, specification, program or other matter or work whatsoever (collectively “the Inventions”) made, developed or discovered by the Executive, either alone or in concert, during the course of the Executive’s duties of employment for the Company shall forthwith be disclosed to the Company and, subject to Section 39 of the Act, shall belong to and be the absolute property of the Company.

 

15.6 With respect to those rights in the Inventions which do not belong to the Company pursuant to Clause 15.5 but which were made (wholly or partly, either alone or in concert) using the Company’s equipment, or (wholly or partly, either alone or in concert) using information obtained during the course of the Executive’s employment, or else are Inventions which are or may be relevant to or related to the Company’s existing or future

 

14


  business (collectively “Executive Rights”), the Executive at the request and cost of the Company (and notwithstanding the termination of his employment) shall forthwith license or assign (as determined by the Company) to the Company the Executive Rights and shall deliver to the Company all documents and other materials relating to the Inventions. The Company shall pay to the Executive such compensation for the licence or assignment as the Company shall determine in its absolute discretion, subject to Section 40 of the Act.

 

15.7 The Executive shall at the request and cost of the Company (and notwithstanding the termination of his employment) sign and execute all such documents and do all such acts as the Company may reasonably require:-

 

  15.7.1 to apply for and obtain in the sole name of the Company alone (unless the Company otherwise directs) patent, registered design, or other protection of any nature whatsoever in respect of the Inventions in any country throughout the world and, when so obtained or vested, to renew and maintain the same;

 

  15.7.2 to resist any objection or opposition to obtaining, and any petitions or applications for revocation of, any such patent, registered design or other protection;

 

  15.7.3 to bring any proceedings for infringement of any such patent, registered design or other protection; and

 

  15.7.4 otherwise to give effect to the assignments, waivers and licences contemplated under this Clause 15.

 

15.8 The Executive irrevocably appoints the Company to be his attorney and in his name and on his behalf to execute any documents and generally to act and to use his name for the purpose of giving to the Company (or its nominee) the full benefit this clause 15. A certificate in writing signed by a director or the secretary of the Company that an instrument or act falls within the authority conferred by this clause 15 shall be conclusive evidence in favour of a third party that it is the case.

 

15.9 The Company shall decide, in its sole discretion, whenever to apply for patent, registered design or other protection in respect of the Inventions and reserves the right to work any of the Inventions as a secret process in which event the Executive shall observe the obligations relating to confidential information which are contained in Clause 14 of this Agreement.

 

16. Post-Termination Covenants

 

16.1 The Executive agrees that he will observe the post-termination obligations set out in Schedule 2 hereto.

 

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16.2 The Executive agrees that in the event of receiving from any person, company, business entity or other organisation an offer of employment either during the continuance of the Agreement or during the continuance in force of any of the restrictions set out in Schedule 2 annexed hereto, he will forthwith provide to such person, company, business entity or other organisation making such an offer of employment a full and accurate copy of the restrictions set out in Clauses 14 and 16 hereof, and Schedule 2 annexed hereto.

 

17. Termination

 

17.1 Notwithstanding Clause 2, the Company may terminate the Employment with immediate effect and without any payment in lieu of notice if the Executive shall at any time:-

 

  17.1.1 be guilty of dishonesty, or other serious misconduct, or gross incompetence or wilful neglect of duty, or commit any other serious or persistent breach of this Agreement; or

 

  17.1.2 refuse or neglect to comply with any lawful directions given to the Executive by the Company; or

 

  17.1.3 act in any manner (whether in the course of his duties or otherwise) which is likely to bring him, or the Company or any Group Company into disrepute or prejudice the interests of the Company or any Group Company; or

 

  17.1.4 be declared bankrupt, apply for or have made against him a receiving order under Section 286 Insolvency Act 1986, or have any order made against him to reach a voluntary arrangement as defined by Section 253 of that Act or compounded with his creditors; or

 

  17.1.5 resign as a director of the Company or any Group Company (without the Board’s written consent) or fail to offer himself for re-election on his retiring by rotation (unless agreed by the Company); or

 

  17.1.6 be or become of unsound mind; or

 

  17.1.7 be guilty of continuing unsatisfactory conduct or poor performance of his duties, after having received a written warning from the Company relating to the same; or

 

  17.1.8 be convicted of an indictable offence (excluding offences under the Road Traffic legislation for which he is not sentenced to a term of imprisonment); or

 

  17.1.9 be or become prohibited by law from being a director.

 

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Any delay by the Company in exercising such right to termination shall not constitute a waiver thereof. This Clause 17.1 shall not restrict any other right the Company may have (whether at common law or otherwise) to terminate the Employment summarily.

 

17.2 On termination of the Employment, the Executive shall forthwith return to the Company in accordance with its instructions all equipment, correspondence, records, specifications, software, models, notes, reports and other documents and any copies thereof and any other property belonging to the Company or its Group Companies (including but not limited to the Company car, keys, credit cards, samples, equipment and passes) which are in his possession or under his control. The Executive shall, if so required by the Company, confirm in writing his compliance with his obligations under this Clause 17.2.

 

17.3 The Executive agrees that the Company may decide (at its option):-

 

  17.3.1 (as an alternative to giving notice to the Executive or requiring the Executive to work out his notice) give to the Executive a Compensation Payment in lieu of all or any part of any notice of termination of employment (whether given by the Executive or the Company) to which, for the avoidance of doubt, the Executive shall have no entitlement unless and until the Company notifies the Executive in writing of its decision to make the Compensation Payment to him; and/or

 

  17.3.2 require the Executive not to attend work and/or not to undertake all or any of his duties hereunder during all or any part of any period of notice (whether given by the Executive or the Company), PROVIDED ALWAYS that the Company shall continue to pay the Executive’s salary and contractual benefits and for this purpose, the assessment of the Executive’s performance under the International Executive Incentive Scheme (including the deferred element delivered by the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme) shall be at “target” level. During any such garden leave period the Company shall not be obliged to provide any work for the Executive or to assign or vest in him any powers, duties or functions and the Executive shall (for the avoidance of doubt) continue to be bound by all terms of this Agreement and the duties of fidelity and good faith and cannot undertake work for any other entity or work in a self employed or contractor capacity.

 

17.4 Where the Company pays the Compensation Payment to the Executive, (or, where the Compensation Payment as calculated under Schedule 1 is zero and the Executive is owed, or paid, an amount by any Group Company) the Executive shall be treated as accepting it in full and final settlement of all claims against the Company, all Group Companies and their respective employees arising in any jurisdiction and arising out of the Executive’s contract of employment or any other employment with any Group Company or any holding of any office with the Company or any Group Company or its/their termination and, on receipt of such Compensation Payment (or such payment from another Group Company as referred to above), the Executive hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives all such claims. However this Clause 17.4 shall not apply to any pension rights which have accrued in respect of the Schemes stated in Clause 10.1 above up to the date of the termination of the Employment.

 

17


17.5 The Company shall have the right to suspend the Executive on full pay pending any investigation into any potential dishonesty, gross misconduct or any other circumstances which may give rise to a right to the Company to terminate pursuant to Clause 17.1 above.

 

17.6 The termination of the Employment shall be without prejudice to any right the Company may have in respect of any breach by the Executive of any of the provisions of this Agreement which may have occurred prior to such termination.

 

17.7 The Executive agrees that (unless the contrary is agreed by the Company in writing) he will not at any time after the termination of the Employment represent himself as still having any connection with the Company or any Group Company, save as a former employee for the purpose of communicating with prospective employers or complying with any applicable statutory requirements.

 

18. Directorships

 

18.1 The Executive’s duties as a director of the Company or any other Group Company are subject to the Articles of Association of the relevant company for the time being.

 

18.2 The Executive shall, if requested by the Company, forthwith resign in writing from all directorships, trusteeships and other offices he may hold from time to time with the Company or any Group Company without compensation for loss of office in the event of:-

 

  18.2.1 the termination of his employment; or

 

  18.2.2 either the Company or the Executive serving on the other notice of termination of the Employment; or

 

  18.2.3 the Company exercising its rights under Clause 17.3.2 above.

 

18.3 In the event of the Executive failing to comply with his obligations under Clause 18.2 above, he hereby irrevocably and unconditionally authorises the Company to appoint some person in his name and on his behalf to sign or execute any documents and/or do all things necessary to requisite to give immediate effect to such resignations as referred to in Clause 18.2 above.

 

18


19. Waiver of Rights

The Executive shall have no claim against the Company if the Employment is terminated by reason of the liquidation of the Company for the purposes of amalgamation or reconstruction provided that he is offered re-employment with any concern or undertaking resulting from such amalgamation or reconstruction on terms and conditions which, taken as a whole, are not substantially less favourable than the terms of this Agreement.

 

20. Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures

 

20.1 If the Executive has any grievance relating to the Employment, he should raise it with the Chairman and thereafter (if the matter is not resolved) with the Board. In such a case the Board will deal with the matter by discussion and majority decision of those present and voting (but without the Executive being entitled to vote on that issue).

 

20.2 The Company will follow any appropriate disciplinary procedures as applicable to the level of seniority of the Executive. If the Executive is dissatisfied with any disciplinary decision taken in relation to him, he may appeal in writing to the Chairman within 7 days of that decision. The Executive is subject to the Company’s disciplinary rules, which can be found on the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

21. Miscellaneous

 

21.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement or Schedules.

 

21.2 The Executive represents and warrants that he is not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits him from fully performing the duties of the Employment, or any of them, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

21.3 Any notice to be given hereunder may be delivered (a) in the case of the Company by first class post addressed to its Registered Office for the time being and (b) in the case of the Executive, either to him personally or by first class post to his last known address.

 

21.4 Notices served by post shall be deemed served on the second business day after the date of posting. For the purposes of this Clause 21.4, “business day” means a day on which banks are open for business in the place of both the posting and the address of the notice.

 

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21.5 There is no collective agreement applicable to the Employment.

 

22. Construction

 

22.1 The provisions of Schedules 1, 2 and 3 hereto and any additional terms endorsed in writing by or on behalf of the parties hereto shall be read and construed as part of this Agreement and shall be enforceable accordingly.

 

22.2 The benefit of each agreement and obligation of the Executive under Clauses 14, 16 and Schedule 2 hereto of this Agreement may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and its Group Companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.

 

22.3 Any reference in this Agreement to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

22.4 A person who is not a party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Agreement.

 

23. Prior Agreements

This Agreement cancels and is in substitution for all previous letters of engagement, agreements and arrangements (whether oral or in writing) relating to the subject-matter hereof between the Company and the Executive all of which shall be deemed to have been terminated by mutual consent. This Agreement constitutes the entire terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment and no waiver or modification thereof shall be valid unless in writing, signed by the parties and only to the extent therein set forth.

 

24. Enforcement and Governing Law

 

24.1 This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

24.2 Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

 

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24.3 The parties agree that if a dispute cannot be resolved pursuant to clause 24.2 above, the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

EXECUTED and DELIVERED by the parties as a deed

 

Executed and Delivered as a Deed by

   )   

/s/ Richard Burrows

BRITISH AMERICAN    )   
TOBACCO p.l.c.    )   
      Director
           /s/ Nicola Snook
      Secretary
Executed and Delivered as a Deed by    )    /s/ Nicandro Durante
NICANDRO DURANTE    )   
in the presence of:    )   

/s/ Richard Solk

      Signature of witness

RICHARD SOLK

      Name of witness

5 GRANTHAM MEWS

      Address of witness

BERKHAMSTED

     

HP4 2XT

     

GROUP HEAD OF REWARD

      Occupation of witness

 

21


SCHEDULE 1

In this Agreement, the following expressions shall have the following meanings:

 

“Board”

the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly constituted committee of the Board of Directors;

 

“Companies Act 1985”

the Companies Act 1985, as in force from time to time;

 

“Companies Act 2006”

the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

“Companies Acts”

the Companies Act 1985 and the Companies Act 2006;

 

“Compensation Payment”

Means a sum calculated as follows:

 

  LOGO

 

  (a) “A” is the number of days of the Executive’s notice of termination of employment (i) to which he is entitled under Clause 2.2 above of this Agreement, or (ii) where the notice period has already commenced, the number of days of such notice period which remain outstanding.

 

  (b) “B” is the aggregate of (i) the Executive’s annual base salary referred to in Clause 6.1 on the date when he is notified in writing by the Company that it will be making him a Compensation Payment, (ii) a cash sum equal to the car allowance which would be applicable to the Executive, (iii) a cash sum equal to the cost to the Company of providing to the Executive the benefits referred to in Clause 10.2 above provided that the Company shall have the option to continue to provide one or more of such benefits to the Executive in lieu of giving a cash sum in respect of such benefit so provided.

 

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  (c) “C” is any amount payable to or paid to the Executive on termination of employment with any Group Company;

 

“Disclosure and Transparency Rules”

the Disclosure and Transparency Rules published by the Financial Services Authority;

 

“Effective Date”

means 1 September 2010;

 

“Employment”

means the Executive’s employment in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

 

“Group Company”

means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Acts);

 

“Immediate Family”

shall include husband, wife, common law spouse, civil partner, children, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents, and the aforesaid relatives by marriage;

 

“JSE Listings Requirements”

the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

“Listing Rules”

the Listing Rules published by the Financial Services Authority;

 

“Model Code”

the Model Code on directors’ dealings in securities set out in the Listing Rules issued from time to time by the Financial Services Authority and any other code or guidelines issued governing the conduct of directors in that regard as the Company may from time to time adopt or issue;

 

“Prospectus Rules”

the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Services Authority;

 

“Recognised Investment Exchange”

has the meaning given to it by section 285 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000;

 

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“Securities”

any shares, debentures (whether or not secured), warrants or options to purchase any shares or debentures;

 

‘‘Termination Date”

shall mean the date upon which the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates;

 

24


SCHEDULE 2

POST TERMINATION COVENANTS

 

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this Schedule 2, the following words and cognate expressions shall have the meanings set out below:

 

1.1 “Board” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement attached hereto, and shall its successors in title and assigns (as applicable).

 

1.2 “Company” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement attached hereto, and shall include their successors in title and assigns (as applicable).

 

1.3 “Restricted Employee” means any person who was employed by (i) the Company or (ii) any Group Company, for at least 3 months prior to and on the Termination Date and:

 

  1.3.1 with whom the Executive had material contact or dealings in performing his duties of his employment; or

 

  1.3.2 who had material contact with customers or suppliers of the Company in performing his or her duties of employment with the Company or any Group Company (as applicable); and

 

  1.3.3 who was a member of the management team of the Company or any Group Company (as applicable) or

 

  1.3.4 who was a member of the Research & Development Department of the Company or any Group Company (as applicable).

 

1.4 Customer” shall mean any person, firm, company or other organisation whatsoever to whom the Company has supplied goods or services, other than in a retail capacity.

 

1.5 “Group Company” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement attached hereto, and shall include its successors in title and assigns (as applicable).

 

1.6 “Prohibited Area” means:

 

  1.6.1 England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland;;

 

  1.6.2 any other country in the world where, on the Termination Date, the Company develops, sells, supplies, manufactures or researches its products or services or where the Company is intending within 3 months following the Termination Date to develop, sell, supply or manufacture its products or services and in respect of which the Executive has been responsible (whether alone or jointly with others), concerned or active on behalf of the Company during any part of the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

 

25


1.7 “Prospective Customer” shall mean any person, firm, company or other organisation with whom the Company has had any negotiations or material discussions regarding the possible supply of goods or services by the Company other than in a retail capacity.

 

1.8 The “Relevant Period” shall mean the lesser of:-

 

  1.8.1 the 12 months immediately following the Termination Date;

 

  1.8.2 the period specified in paragraph 1.8 above less the number of days on which the Executive has been required by the Company (pursuant to Clause 17.3.2 of the Agreement) both not to attend at work and not to perform any duties of employment.

 

1.9 “Supplier’’ means any person, company, business entity or other organisation whatsoever who:

 

  1.9.1 has supplied goods or services to the Company during any part of the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date; or

 

  1.9.2 has agreed prior to the Termination Date to supply goods or services to the Company to commence at any time in the 12 months following the Termination Date; or

 

  1.9.3 as at the Termination Date, supplies goods or services to the Company under an exclusive contract or arrangement between that Supplier and the Company.

 

1.10 ‘‘Termination Date” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement hereto.

 

2. Non-Competition

The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not (without the consent in writing of the Board) for the Relevant Period within the Prohibited Area and whether on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf or any other person, firm, company or other organisation (and whether as an employee, director, principal, agent, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever,) in competition with the Company be directly or indirectly (i) employed or engaged in, or (ii) perform services in respect of, or (iii) have any financial interest in, or (iv) be otherwise concerned with:-

 

2.1 the research into, development, manufacture, supply or marketing of any product which is of the same or similar type to any product researched, or developed, or manufactured, or supplied, or marketed by the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date;

 

2.2 the research into, development, manufacture, supply or marketing of any product which is to the same or a similar type to any product which the Company was (as at the Termination Date) proposing to launch within 12 months of the Termination Date;

 

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2.3 the development or provision of any services (including but not limited to technical and product support, or consultancy or customer services) which are of the same or similar type to any services provided by the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date;

 

2.4 the development or provision of any services (including but not limited to technical and product support or consultancy or customer services) which are of the same or similar type to any services which the Company was (as at the Termination Date) proposing to launch within 12 months of the Termination Date.

PROVIDED ALWAYS that the provision of this paragraph 2 shall apply only in respect of products or services with which the Executive was either personally concerned or for which he was responsible whilst employed by the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

The provisions of this paragraph 2 shall not, at any time following the Termination Date, prevent the Executive (i) from holding shares or other capital not amounting to more than 5% of the total issued share capital of any company, listed on a Recognised Share Exchange or (ii) from being employed in, or providing services to, any part of a business (which does not fall within the scope of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.4 above) being operated by another company, firm of other business entity, even though another part of the business of such company, firm or other business entity (with which the Executive is not directly or indirectly concerned or employed) does fall within the scope of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.4 above.

 

3. Non-Solicitation of Customers

The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not for the Relevant Period whether on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf of any person, company, business entity or other organisation (and whether as an employee, director, principal, agent, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever), directly or indirectly (i) solicit or, (ii) assist in soliciting, or (iii) accept, or (iv) facilitate the acceptance of, or (v) deal with, in competition with the Company, the custom or business of any Customer or Prospective Customer:-

 

3.1 with whom the Executive has had material contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date; or

 

3.2 for whom the Executive was, in a client management capacity on behalf of the Company, directly responsible (on his own or in conjunction with other individuals) during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

 

4. Non-Solicitation of Restricted Employees

The Executive hereby agrees that he will not for the Relevant Period either on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf of any other person, company, business entity, or other organisation (and whether as an employee, principal, agent, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever), directly or indirectly:-

 

27


4.1 (i) induce, or (ii) solicit, or (iii) entice or (iv) procure, any person who is a senior employee to leave the Company’s or any Group Company’s employment (as applicable) where that person is a Restricted Employee on the Termination Date;

 

4.2 be personally involved to a material extent in (i) accepting into employment or (ii) otherwise engaging or using the services of, any person who is a Restricted Employee on the Termination Date.

 

5. Interference with Suppliers

The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not for the Relevant Period, in relation to any contract or arrangement which the Company has with any Supplier for the exclusive or preferential supply of goods or services to the Company and/or to its Group Companies, for the duration of such contract or arrangement, whether on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf of any person, company, business entity or other organisation, (and whether as an employee, director, agent, principal, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever), directly or indirectly:

 

5.1 interfere with the supply of goods or services to the Company from any Supplier;

 

5.2 induce any Supplier of goods or services to the Company to cease or decline to supply such goods or services in the future.

 

6. Group Companies

 

6.1 The provisions of paragraphs 6.2 and 6.3 below shall only apply in respect of those Group Companies (i) to whom the Executive gave his services, or (ii) for whom he was responsible, or (iii) with whom he was otherwise concerned, in the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

 

6.2 Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in this Schedule 2 shall apply as though references to the “Group Company” were substituted for references to the “Company”. The obligations undertaken by the Executive pursuant to this Schedule 2 shall, with respect to each Group Company, constitute a separate and distinct covenant and the invalidity or unenforceability of any such covenant shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the covenants in favour of the Company or any other Group Company.

 

6.3 In relation to each Group Company referred to in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 above, the Company contracts as trustee and agent for the benefit of each such Group Company. The Executive agrees that, if required to do so by the Company, he will enter into covenants in the same terms as those set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hereof directly with all or any of such Group Companies, mutatis mutandis. If the Executive fails, within 7 days of receiving such a request from the Company, to sign the necessary documents to give effect to the foregoing, the Company shall be entitled, and is hereby irrevocably and unconditionally authorised by the Executive, to execute all such documents as are required to give effect to the foregoing, on his behalf.

 

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SCHEDULE 3

BENEFIT SCHEMES

 

1. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the following schemes operated by the Company, subject to their respective terms and conditions from time to time in force.

 

  (a) International Executive Incentive Scheme (including the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme);

 

  (b) Sharesave Scheme;

 

  (c) Employee Share Ownership Plan;

 

  (d) Long Term Incentive Plan;

 

  (e) Long Term Incentive Plan 2007.

 

2. The Company may, in its sole discretion, amend or terminate any of the above schemes, in which event it will normally give the Executive 30 days’ written notification of it. In the event that any such amendment or termination is made, the Executive will not be entitled to receive any compensation or continuation of benefit or entitlement in respect of such amendment or termination, other than those benefits which have already accrued to or vested in him under the existing terms of such schemes as at the date of such amendment or termination. Any such amendments or termination shall not apply retrospectively.

 

29

Exhibit 10.10

Dated as of 26 March 2008

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c.

and

JOHN BENEDICT STEVENS

SERVICE CONTRACT


THIS AGREEMENT is executed on the 26 th day of March 2008.

BETWEEN:

 

(1) BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO p.l.c., a company incorporated in England and Wales whose registered office is at Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG (the “Company” );

 

(2) JOHN BENEDICT STEVENS, of Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London WC2R 2PG (the “Executive” );

WHEREAS:

 

(A) The Board has approved the terms of this Agreement under which the Executive is to be employed.

IT IS AGREED THAT:

 

1. Definitions

Schedule l contains the definitions for words and phrases for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

2. Appointment

 

2.1 The Company shall employ the Executive and the Executive shall serve the Company as an Executive Director with effect from 3 March 2008 and as Finance Director from 30 April 2008 subject to the terms and conditions specified herein.

 

2.2 The Employment commenced on the appointment of the Executive to the Board of Directors of the Company on the Effective Date and, subject to Clause 17 below, shall continue thereafter until termination by not less than 12 months’ prior written notice given by either party to the other.

 

2.3 The Executive’s period of continuous employment with a Group Company began on 27 November 1990. No previous employment with any other employer shall be treated as continuous with the Employment.

 

2.4 The Company’s normal retirement age is 65. This Agreement will come to an end automatically on the Executive’s 65 th birthday (the intended retirement date). In accordance with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, the Company will give the Executive appropriate notice as he approaches the intended retirement date and the Executive will have a right to request to work beyond this date.

 

3. Duties

 

3.1

The Executive shall be employed in the post of as an Executive Director (from 3 March 2008) and then in the post of Finance Director (from 30 April 2008) in which capacities

 

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  he shall devote all such time, attention and skill as may be required for the proper performance of his duties hereunder, and shall at all times promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and, save where there is any conflict with the success of the Company, the success of its Group Companies and when in force, he shall comply with the directors’ duties set out in the Companies Act 2006, and shall also faithfully and diligently perform such duties and exercise such powers consistent therewith as may from time to time be assigned to or vested in him by the Board or the Company.

 

3.2 The Company reserves the right to assign to the Executive duties of a different nature either additional to or instead of those referred to in Clause 3.1 above on terms and conditions no less favourable than the terms and conditions set out herein, it being understood that he will not be assigned duties which he cannot reasonably perform or which are inconsistent with his status and subject always to the directors’ duties set out in the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time.

 

3.3 The Executive shall obey the reasonable and lawful orders of the Board, given by or with the authority of the Board, and shall comply with all the Company’s rules, regulations, policies and procedures from time to time in force, unless any of the foregoing are inconsistent with this Agreement.

 

3.4 The Executive shall promptly provide the Board with all such information as it may require in connection with the business or affairs of the Company and of any other Group Company for which he is required to perform duties.

 

3.5 The Executive may be required in pursuance of his duties to perform services not only for the Company but also for any Group Company and, without further remuneration (except as otherwise agreed), to accept any such office or position with the Company, as the Board or the Company may from time to time reasonably require. The Company may at its sole discretion assign the Executive’s employment to any Group Company on the same terms and conditions as set out herein.

 

3.6 The Executive’s working hours at the office shall be 35.5 hours per week from Monday to Friday in accordance with the policy set out from time to time in the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact, and such additional hours (without further remuneration) as are necessary for the proper performance of his duties of employment.

 

3.7 The parties agree that the nature of the Executive’s position is such that his Employment is not and cannot be measured and so the Employment falls within the scope of regulation 20 Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended).

 

3.8 The Executive’s normal place of work shall be the Company’s principal United Kingdom office from time to time or such other location in the United Kingdom at which the Company may from time to time require the Executive to base himself. The Executive agrees to travel (both within and outside of the United Kingdom) as may be required for the proper performance of his duties and of the Employment.

 

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4. Other Interests

 

4.1 During the period of the Employment the Executive shall devote his full time and attention to his duties hereunder and shall not without the prior written consent of the Board (such consent not to be unreasonably refused) directly or indirectly either on his own account or on behalf of any other person, company, business entity or other organisation:

 

  4.1.1 engage in, or (ii) be concerned with, or (iii) provide services to, (whether as an employee, officer, director, agent, partner, consultant or otherwise), or (iv) have any financial or other interest in, any other business; or

 

  4.1.2 accept any other engagement or public office which may adversely affect the proper and efficient performance of his duties hereunder; or

 

  4.1.3 have any other personal or financial interest in a business which has transactions or dealings with the Company or any other Group Company;

PROVIDED THAT the Executive may hold for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Recognised Investment Exchange. For this purpose, the references to securities held by the Executive includes securities held or beneficially held by the Executive’s Immediate Family.

 

4.2 Subject to any written regulations issued by the Company which are applicable to him, neither the Executive nor his Immediate Family, nor any company or business entity in which he or they are interested, shall be entitled to receive or obtain directly or indirectly any discount, rebate, commission or other benefit in respect of any business transacted (whether or not by the Executive) by or on behalf of the Company or any Group Company. If the Executive or they did directly or indirectly obtain any such discount, rebate, commission or other benefit the Executive shall forthwith account to the Company or the applicable Group Company for the amount received or value of the benefit so obtained.

 

4.3 The Executive confirms that he has disclosed fully to the Company all circumstances in respect of which there is, or there might be, a direct or indirect conflict of interest between the Company or any Group Company, and the Executive, and he agrees to disclose fully and in writing to the Company any such circumstances which may arise during the Employment (including, but not limited to, where the holding of securities by members of his Immediate Family puts, or is likely to put, the Executive in breach of the 5% limit referred to in Clause 4.1 above).

 

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4.4 For the purposes of Clauses 4.1 and 4.3, the provisions of S. 820 – 825 of Companies Act 2006 shall apply for determining whether the Executive has an interest in any Securities.

 

4.5 The Executive undertakes that he will at all times:

 

  4.5.1 comply where relevant with any rule of law or regulation of any competent authority or of the Company, including the Model Code and the Company’s Share Dealing Code, from time to time in force in relation to dealing in the Securities of the Company and inside information affecting the Securities of the Company;

 

  4.5.2 observe the terms and conditions of The City Code on Take-Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the Combined Code; and

 

  4.5.3 comply with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy from time to time in force.

 

5. Indemnities

 

5.1 Subject to Clause 5.2 below, the Company shall, both during the Employment and after its termination, indemnify the Executive and keep him indemnified against and to pay to him an amount equal to all costs, charges, expenses or liabilities which the Executive may sustain or incur in or about the execution of his duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed matter or thing done, entered into or executed himself on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

5.2 The indemnity referred to in Clause 5.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

  5.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by the Executive under any policy of insurance;

 

  5.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

  5.2.3 where the Company considers that the Executive has acted in bad faith, with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute; and

 

  5.2.4 where and to the extent any claim against the Executive relates to acts (or omissions) of the Executive which, directly or indirectly, result in the summary dismissal of the Executive by the Company or any associated company of the Company.

 

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5.3 The indemnity provided in Clause 5.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any associated companies) or the Executive may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under Clause 5.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

5.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without any rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay to the Executive such amount as will ensure that, after any such deduction or withholding has been made, the Executive shall have received a sum equal to the amount that he would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

5.5 If the Executive becomes aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to him to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity provided in Clause 5.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), he shall give notice thereof to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

5.6 The Executive shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

5.7 The Executive shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and the Executive shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

5.8 The Company may, by written notice to the Executive at any time and without prejudice to the rights of indemnification of the Executive set out in Clause 5.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in the Executive’s name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

5.9 The Executive shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by the Executive in relation to any Demand.

 

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5.10 The rights and obligations set out in this Clause 5 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which the Executive owes as a director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

5.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to the Executive under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from the Executive an amount equal to any payment received by the Executive under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by the Executive. The Executive shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

5.12 To the extent any payment of costs under Clause 5.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Acts as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Acts and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, the Executive shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

5.13 For the purposes of this Clause 5, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” have the meanings given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

6. Remuneration

 

6.1 The Company shall pay to the Executive a base salary as follows:

 

  - from 3 March 2008 to 31 March 2008: £425,000 per annum;

 

  - from 1 April 2008 to 29 April 2008: £450,000 per annum; and

 

  - from 30 April 2008: £560,000 per annum with no further review until 1 April 2009.

The base salary shall be payable monthly in equal instalments by way of credit transfer.

The Board will review the Executive’s salary annually from 1 April 2009.

 

6.2 The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the various schemes set out in Schedule 3, subject to the rules and conditions from time to time applicable to such schemes (whether or not in writing).

 

6.3

In particular the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s International Executive Incentive Scheme (the “Bonus Scheme”). The incentive element and the deferred element (delivered through the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme) of the entitlement will each be assessed by the Company against pre-set criteria based on the performance of the Company in its previous financial year. Under the deferred element, the Company can award to the Executive ordinary shares in the Company to be held in accordance with the rules of the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme. The incentive element and the deferred element of the Bonus Scheme together produce a bonus of between 0%

 

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  to 180% of the value of the Executive’s annual base salary. For these purposes, the Executive’s annual base salary shall be that figure as at the end of the financial year of the Company prior to the date of any bonus award.

 

6.4 The remuneration specified in Clause 6.1 above shall be inclusive of all fees and other remuneration to which the Executive may be entitled as an officer of the Company or of any Group Company.

 

7. Expenses and Independent Professional Advice

 

7.1 The Company shall reimburse (or procure the reimbursement of) to the Executive (against receipts or other satisfactory evidence) all reasonable business expenses properly and reasonably incurred and defrayed by him in the course of the Employment, subject to the Company’s rules and policies relating to expenses.

 

7.2 The Executive’s expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of the Executive’s duties for him to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against the Executive). Accordingly the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company is subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

7.3 Further to Clause 7.2 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary of the Company and of the Director, Legal & General Counsel of British American Tobacco are available to each director of the Company for guidance on the director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when the Executive may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties as a director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

7.4 In such an instance, the Executive should first refer the matter to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Company and confirm with him that it is a matter for which independent professional advice is required in the interests of the Company. Where this need arises, the Executive should also consult the Company Secretary of the Company in order that regard may be had to any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in such a situation.

 

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8. Deductions

The Company shall be entitled at any time during the Employment, or in any event on its termination, to deduct from the Executive’s remuneration hereunder any monies due from him to the Company including but not limited to any outstanding loans, advances, relocation expenses, the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company’s property caused by him (and of recovering the same), excess holiday, any sums due from him under Clause 12.2 below and any other monies owed by him to the Company.

 

9. Motor Car and Driver

 

9.1 The Executive shall be entitled to either (a) the use of a Company car for private and business use subject to the terms of the Company’s car policy from time to time in force, or (b) a monthly car allowance as published by the Company from time to time. Details can be obtained from the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

9.2 The Executive shall also be entitled to the personal use of a car and a driver.

 

10. Pension and Other Benefits

 

10.1 The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund (the “Pension Scheme”) subject to the terms and conditions of the trust deed and rules governing the Pension Scheme from time to time in force. The Executive shall also be eligible to participate in the BAT Supplementary Pension Scheme (“the Supplementary Scheme”) which provides for benefits in excess of the Pension Scheme’s salary cap. The total pension payable from the Pension Scheme and the Supplementary Scheme (together ‘‘the Schemes”) at the date of leaving the Company’s employment will be equal to that which would have been payable from the Pension Scheme had the salary cap not been applicable to the Executive. The Company reserves the right to terminate, or substitute another pension scheme for, the Schemes. There is no contracting-out certificate in force for the Employment in relation to the State Second Pension.

 

10.2 The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the following benefits schemes: private medical insurance scheme, personal accident scheme, life assurance pensionable scheme (4 x pensionable salary), subject to the terms and conditions of such schemes from time to time in force. Details of such scheme(s) can be obtained from the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact. The Company reserves the right to terminate or substitute other scheme(s) for such scheme(s) or to amend the scale of benefits of such scheme(s) including the level of benefits. If any scheme provider (including but not limited to any insurance company) refuses for any reason (whether based on its own interpretation of the terms of the insurance policy or otherwise) to provide any benefits to the Executive, the Company shall not be liable to provide any such benefits itself or any compensation in lieu thereof.

 

10.3 Any actual or prospective loss of entitlement due to long-term disability or private medical insurance benefits shall not limit or prevent the Company from exercising its right to terminate the Employment in accordance with Clauses 2 or 17 hereof.

 

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11. Sickness Benefit

 

11.1 In the event of the Executive being absent from work due to sickness or injury, the Company will continue to pay his normal salary (inclusive of any Statutory Sick Pay to which he may be entitled) for a period of up to two months, and then half his normal salary for a period of up to a month, during any period of 12 months (“Company Sick Pay”). Thereafter, the payment of any further sick pay will be at the discretion of the Company. Company Sick Pay will be based on the Executive’s normal salary less any State benefits claimable by the Executive on account of his sickness or injury, less normal deductions. The Executive’s entitlement of Company Sick Pay is subject to his compliance with the sickness notification requirements set out in the contractual policies found on the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

11.2 Irrespective of Clause 11.1 above, the Executive will receive Statutory Sick Pay (“SSP”) when the Executive qualifies for it, although where Company Sick pay and Statutory Sick Pay are payable for the same day of sickness absence, the Executive will receive the higher of the two sums. Further details on Statutory Sick Pay are set out in the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

11.3 The Company reserves the right to require the Executive to undergo a medical examination by a doctor or consultant nominated by it, in which event the Company will bear the cost thereof.

 

11.4 The Executive’s entitlement to Company Sick Pay is subject to the Company’s right to terminate the Employment in accordance with this Agreement.

 

11.5 If the illness, accident or other incapacity shall be, or appear to be, caused by actionable negligence of a third party in respect of which damages are or may be recoverable, the Executive shall immediately notify the Board of that fact and of any claim, compromise, settlement or judgment made or awarded in connection with it. The Executive shall also give to the Board all particulars the Board may reasonably require and shall, if required by the Board, refund all or such part of the sums paid to or for the benefit of him by way of salary, bonus or benefits during the relevant period as the Board may reasonably determine. The amount to be refunded shall not, however, exceed the amount of damages or compensation and interest thereon recovered by the Executive, less any unrecovered costs borne by him in connection with the recovery of such damages or compensation, and shall not exceed the total remuneration paid to him by way of salary, bonus and benefits in respect of the period of such illness, accident or other incapacity.

 

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12. Holidays

 

12.1 The Executive shall be entitled to receive his normal remuneration for all Bank and Public holidays normally observed in England and a further 25 working days’ holiday in each holiday year (the period from 1 July to 30 June). The Executive may only take his holiday at such times as are agreed with the Chief Executive.

 

12.2 In the holiday year when the Employment ceases, the Executive will be treated as having accrued holiday on a pro rata basis by reference to his last day at work. If on the cessation of his employment the Executive has exceeded his holiday entitlement, this excess of holiday taken will be deducted from any sums due to him. If the Executive has accrued holiday entitlement which has not been taken, the Company may at its sole discretion either require him to take such holiday or pay him a sum in lieu of it. If the Executive refuses to work out all or any part of his notice period, he will forfeit any accrued holiday which has not been taken.

 

12.3 No holiday entitlement or pay shall be treated as accruing during any period covered by the Compensation Payment.

 

13. Reasonableness of Restrictions

The Executive recognises that, whilst performing his duties for the Company, he will have access to and come into contact with trade secrets and confidential information belonging to the Company or to Group Companies and will obtain personal knowledge of and influence over its or their customers and/or employees. The Executive therefore agrees that the restrictions contained or referred to in Clauses 14 and 16 and Schedule 2 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company and its Group Companies both during and after the termination of his employment.

 

14. Confidentiality

 

14.1 The Executive shall neither during the Employment (except in the proper performance of his duties or if authorised by the Board or required by law) nor at any time (without limit) after the termination thereof, directly or indirectly:

 

  14.1.1 use for his own purposes or those of any other person, company, business entity or other organisation whatsoever; or

 

  14.1.2 disclose to any person, company, business entity or other organisation whatsoever;

any trade secrets or confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or its Group Companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘Confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which the Executive has

 

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been told is confidential or which he might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or Group Company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

14.2 The Executive shall not at any time during the continuance of his employment with the Company make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any Group Company.

 

14.3 The obligations contained in Clause 14.1 shall cease to apply to any information or knowledge which:

 

  14.3.1 may subsequently come into the public domain after the termination of employment other than by way of unauthorised disclosure (whether or not by the Executive);

 

  14.3.2 the Executive is entitled to disclose under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provided the Executive has first fully complied with the Company’s procedures relating to such external disclosures.

 

14.4 The Company may at any time during the Employment require the Executive to deliver up to it immediately all documents (including all notes, original documents, extracts and summaries thereof), discs and other information storing medium relating to the business or affairs of the Company or any Group Company which he obtained or made whilst an employee of the Company. This obligation shall include all copies and reproductions of the same, however made.

 

15. Copyright, Inventions and Patents

 

15.1 All records, documents, papers (including copies and summaries thereof) and other copyright protected works made or acquired by the Executive in the course of the Employment shall, together with all the worldwide copyright and design rights in all such works, be and at all times remain the absolute property of the Company.

 

15.2 The Executive hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives all rights granted by Chapter IV of Part I of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 that vest in him (whether before, on or after the date hereof) in connection with his authorship of any copyright works in the course of his employment with the Company, wherever in the world enforceable, including without limitation the right to be identified as the author of any such works and the right not to have any such works subjected to derogatory treatment.

 

15.3 The Company and the Executive acknowledge and accept the provisions of Sections 39 to 42 of the Patents Act 1977 (“the Act’’) relating to the ownership of employees’ inventions and the compensation of employees for certain inventions respectively.

 

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15.4 The Executive acknowledges and agrees that, by virtue of the nature of his duties and the responsibility arising, he has a special obligation to further the interests of the Company within the meaning of Section 39(1)(b) of the Act .

 

15.5 Any invention, development, process, plan, design, formula, specification, program or other matter or work whatsoever (collectively “the Inventions”) made, developed or discovered by the Executive, either alone or in concert, during the course of the Executive’s duties of employment for the Company shall forthwith be disclosed to the Company and, subject to Section 39 of the Act, shall belong to and be the absolute property of the Company.

 

15.6 With respect to those rights in the Inventions which do not belong to the Company pursuant to Clause 15.5 but which were made (wholly or partly, either alone or in concert) using the Company’s equipment, or (wholly or partly, either alone or in concert) using information obtained during the course of the Executive’s employment, or else are Inventions which are or may be relevant to or related to the Company’s existing or future business (collectively “Executive Rights”), the Executive at the request and cost of the Company (and notwithstanding the termination of his employment) shall forthwith license or assign (as determined by the Company) to the Company the Executive Rights and shall deliver to the Company all documents and other materials relating to the Inventions. The Company shall pay to the Executive such compensation for the licence or assignment as the Company shall determine in its absolute discretion, subject to Section 40 of the Act.

 

15.7 The Executive shall at the request and cost of the Company (and notwithstanding the termination of his employment) sign and execute all such documents and do all such acts as the Company may reasonably require:-

 

  15.7.1 to apply for and obtain in the sole name of the Company alone (unless the Company otherwise directs) patent, registered design, or other protection of any nature whatsoever in respect of the Inventions in any country throughout the world and, when so obtained or vested, to renew and maintain the same;

 

  15.7.2 to resist any objection or opposition to obtaining, and any petitions or applications for revocation of, any such patent, registered design or other protection;

 

  15.7.3 to bring any proceedings for infringement of any such patent, registered design or other protection; and

 

  15.7.4 otherwise to give effect to the assignments, waivers and licences contemplated under this Clause 15.

 

15.8 The Company shall decide, in its sole discretion, whenever to apply for patent, registered design or other protection in respect of the Inventions and reserves the right to work any of the Inventions as a secret process in which event the Executive shall observe the obligations relating to confidential information which are contained in Clause 14 of this Agreement.

 

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16. Post-Termination Covenants

 

16.1 The Executive agrees that he will observe the post-termination obligations set out in Schedule 2 hereto.

 

16.2 The Executive agrees that in the event of receiving from any person, company, business entity or other organisation an offer of employment either during the continuance of the Agreement or during the continuance in force of any of the restrictions set out in Schedule 2 annexed hereto, he will forthwith provide to such person, company, business entity or other organisation making such an offer of employment a full and accurate copy of the restrictions set out in Clauses 14 and 16 hereof, and Schedule 2 annexed hereto.

 

17. Termination

 

17.1 Notwithstanding Clause 2, the Company may terminate the Employment with immediate effect if the Executive shall at any time:-

 

  17.1.1 be guilty of dishonesty, or other serious misconduct, or gross incompetence or wilful neglect of duty, or commit any other serious or persistent breach of this Agreement; or

 

  17.1.2 refuse or neglect to comply with any lawful directions given to the Executive by the Company; or

 

  17.1.3 act in any manner (whether in the course of his duties or otherwise) which is likely to bring him, or the Company or any Group Company into disrepute or prejudice the interests of the Company or any Group Company; or

 

  17.1.4 be declared bankrupt, apply for or have made against him a receiving order under Section 286 Insolvency Act 1986, or have any order made against him to reach a voluntary arrangement as defined by Section 253 of that Act or compounded with his creditors; or

 

  17.1.5 resign as a director of the Company or any Group Company (without the Board’s written consent) or fail to offer himself for re-election on his retiring by rotation (unless agreed by the Company); or

 

  17.1.6 be or become of unsound mind; or

 

  17.1.7 be guilty of continuing unsatisfactory conduct or poor performance of his duties, after having received a written warning from the Company relating to the same; or

 

  17.1.8 be convicted of an indictable offence (excluding offences under the Road Traffic legislation for which he is not sentenced to a term of imprisonment); or

 

  17.1.9 be or become prohibited by law from being a director.

 

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Any delay by the Company in exercising such right to termination shall not constitute a waiver thereof. This Clause 17.1 shall not restrict any other right the Company may have (whether at common law or otherwise) to terminate the Employment summarily.

 

17.2 On termination of the Employment, the Executive shall forthwith return to the Company in accordance with its instructions all equipment, correspondence, records, specifications, software, models, notes, reports and other documents and any copies thereof and any other property belonging to the Company or its Group Companies (including but not limited to the Company car, keys credit cards, samples, equipment and passes) which are in his possession or under his control. The Executive shall, if so required by the Company, confirm in writing his compliance with his obligations under this Clause 17.2.

 

17.3 The Executive agrees that the Company may decide (at its option):-

 

  17.3.1 (as an alternative to giving notice to the Executive or requiring the Executive to work out his notice) give to the Executive a Compensation Payment in lieu of all or any part of any notice of termination of employment (whether given by the Executive or the Company) to which, for the avoidance of doubt, the Executive shall have no entitlement unless and until the Company notifies the Executive in writing of its decision to make the Compensation Payment to him; and/or

 

  17.3.2 require the Executive not to attend work and/or not to undertake all or any of his duties hereunder during all or any part of any period of notice (whether given by the Executive or the Company), PROVIDED ALWAYS that the Company shall continue to pay the Executive’s salary and contractual benefits and for this purpose, the assessment of the Executive’s performance under the International Executive Incentive Scheme (including the deferred element delivered by the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme) shall be at “target” level. During any such garden leave period the Company shall not be obliged to provide any work for the Executive or to assign or vest in him any powers, duties or functions and the Executive shall (for the avoidance of doubt) continue to be bound by the duties of fidelity and good faith and cannot undertake work for any other entity or work in a self employed or contractor capacity.

 

17.4 Where the Company pays the Compensation Payment to the Executive, (or, where the Compensation Payment as calculated under Schedule 1 is zero and the Executive is owed, or paid, an amount by any Group Company) the Executive shall be treated as accepting it in full and final settlement of all claims against the Company, all Group Companies and their respective employees arising in any jurisdiction and arising out of the Executive’s contract of employment or any other employment with any Group Company or any holding of any office with the Company or any Group company or its/their termination and, on receipt of such Compensation Payment (or such payment from another Group Company as referred to above), the Executive hereby unconditionally and irrevocably waives all such claims. However this Clause 17.4 shall not apply to any pension rights which have accrued in respect of the Schemes stated in Clause 10.1 above up to the date of the termination of the Employment.

 

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17.5 The Company shall have the right to suspend the Executive on full pay pending any investigation into any potential dishonesty, gross misconduct or any other circumstances which may give rise to a right to the Company to terminate pursuant to Clause 17.1 above.

 

17.6 The termination of the Employment shall be without prejudice to any right the Company may have in respect of any breach by the Executive of any of the provisions of this Agreement which may have occurred prior to such termination.

 

17.7 The Executive agrees that (unless the contrary is agreed by the Company in writing) he will not at any time after the termination of the Employment represent himself as still having any connection with the Company or any Group Company, save as a former employee for the purpose of communicating with prospective employers or complying with any applicable statutory requirements.

 

18. Directorships

 

18.1 The Executive’s duties as a director of the Company or any other Group Company are subject to the Articles of Association of the relevant company for the time being.

 

18.2 The Executive shall, if requested by the Company, forthwith resign in writing from all directorships, trusteeships and other offices he may hold from time to time with the Company or any Group Company without compensation for loss of office in the event of:-

 

  18.2.1 the termination of his employment; or

 

  18.2.2 either the Company or the Executive serving on the other notice of termination of the Employment; or

 

  18.2.3 the Company exercising its rights under Clause 17.3.2 above.

 

18.3 In the event of the Executive failing to comply with his obligations under Clause 18.2 above, he hereby irrevocably and unconditionally authorises the Company to appoint some person in his name and on his behalf to sign or execute any documents and/or do all things necessary to requisite to give immediate effect to such resignations as referred to in Clause 18.2 above.

 

19. Waiver of Rights

The Executive shall have no claim against the Company if the Employment is terminated by reason of the liquidation of the Company for the purposes of amalgamation or reconstruction provided that he is offered re-employment with any concern or undertaking resulting from such amalgamation or reconstruction on terms and conditions which, taken as a whole, are not substantially less favourable than the terms of this Agreement.

 

16


20. Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures

 

20.1 If the Executive has any grievance relating to the Employment, he should raise it with the Chairman and thereafter (if the matter is not resolved) with the Board. In such a case the Board will deal with the matter by discussion and majority decision of those present and voting (but without the Executive being entitled to vote on that issue).

 

20.2 The Company will follow any appropriate disciplinary procedures as applicable to the level of seniority of the Executive. If the Executive is dissatisfied with any disciplinary decision taken in relation to him, he may appeal in writing to the Chairman within 7 days of that decision. The Executive is subject to the Company’s disciplinary rules, which can be found on the Company’s HR Policies and Procedures on Interact.

 

21. Miscellaneous

 

21.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement or Schedules.

 

21.2 The Executive represents and warrants that he is not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits him from fully performing the duties of the Employment, or any of them, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

21.3 Any notice to be given hereunder may be delivered (a) in the case of the Company by first class post addressed to its Registered Office for the time being and (b) in the case of the Executive, either to him personally or by first class post to his last known address.

 

21.4 Notices served by post shall be deemed served on the second business day after the date of posting. For the purposes of this Clause 21.4, “business day” means a day on which banks are open for business in the place of both the posting and the address of the notice.

 

21.5 There is no collective agreement applicable to the Employment.

 

22. Construction

 

22.1 The provisions of Schedules 1, 2 and 3 hereto and any additional terms endorsed in writing by or on behalf of the parties hereto shall be read and construed as part of this Agreement and shall be enforceable accordingly.

 

22.2

The benefit of each agreement and obligation of the Executive under Clauses 14, 16 and Schedule 2 hereto of this Agreement may be assigned to and enforced by all successors

 

17


  and assignees for the time being of the Company and its Group Companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement.    

 

22.3 Any reference in this Agreement to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.    

 

22.4 A person who is not a party to this Agreement shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Agreement.

 

23. Prior Agreements

This Agreement cancels and is in substitution for all previous letters of engagement, agreements and arrangements (whether oral or in writing) relating to the subject-matter hereof between the Company and the Executive all of which shall be deemed to have been terminated by mutual consent. This Agreement constitutes the entire terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment and no waiver or modification thereof shall be valid unless in writing, signed by the parties and only to the extent therein set forth.

 

24. Enforcement and Governing Law

 

24.1 This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

24.2 Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

 

EXECUTED and DELIVERED by the parties as a deed
Executed and Delivered as a Deed by    )    /s/ Paul Adams
BRITISH AMERICAN    )   
TOBACCO p.l.c.    )   
      Director
      /s/ Nicola Snook
      Secretary
Executed and Delivered as a Deed by    )   

 

18


JOHN BENEDICT STEVENS      )      /s/ John Benedict Stevens
in the presence of:      )     
/s/ Geoffrey C.W. Cunnington       Signature of witness

GEOFFREY C.W. CUNNINGTON

      Name of witness

GLOBE HOUSE

      Address of witness

4 TEMPLE PLACE

     

LONDON WC2R 2PG

     

COMPANY SECRETARY

      Occupation of witness

 

19


SCHEDULE 1

In this Agreement, the following expressions shall have the following meanings:

 

“Board”

the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly constituted committee of the Board of Directors;

 

“Companies Act 1985”

the Companies Act 1985, as in force from time to time;

 

“Companies Act 2006”

the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

“Companies Acts”

the Companies Act 1985 and the Companies Act 2006

 

“Compensation Payment”

Means a sum calculated as follows:

 

  LOGO

 

  (a) “A” is the number of days of the Executive’s notice of termination of employment (i) to which he is entitled under Clause 2.2 above of this Agreement, or (ii) where the notice period has already commenced, the number of days of such notice period which remain outstanding)

 

  (b) “B” is the aggregate of (i) the Executive’s annual base salary referred to in Clause 6.1 on the date when he is notified in writing by the Company that it will be making him a Compensation Payment, (ii) a cash sum equal to the car allowance which would be applicable to the Executive, (iii) a cash sum equal to the cost to the Company of providing to the Executive the benefits referred to in Clause 10.2 above provided that the Company shall have the option to continue to provide one or more of such benefits to the Executive in lieu of giving a cash sum in respect of such benefit so provided.

 

  (c) “C” is any amount payable to or paid to the Executive on termination of employment with any Group Company.

 

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“Control”

has the meaning ascribed by Section 416 Taxes Act 1988 (as amended);

 

“Disclosure and Transparency Rules”

the Disclosure and Transparency Rules published by the Financial Services Authority;

 

“Effective Date”

means 3 March 2008;

 

“Employment”

means the Executive’s employment in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

 

“Group Company”

means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Acts);

 

“Immediate Family”

has the meaning as set out in S.253 of the Companies Act 2006 and covers any of the following: (a) the Executive’s spouse or civil partner; (b) any other person (whether a different sex or same sex) with whom the Executive lives as partner in an enduring family relationship (excluding the Executive’s grandparents, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, aunts or uncles, nephews or nieces); (c) the Executive’s children or step children; (d) any children or step children of a person within (b) above who live with the Executive and who have not attained the age of 18; and (e) the Executive’s parents.

 

“Listing Rules”

the Listing Rules published by the Financial Services Authority;

 

“Model Code”

the Model Code on directors’ dealings in securities set out in the Listing Rules issued from time to time by the Financial Services Authority and any other code or guidelines issued governing the conduct of directors in that regard as the Company may from time to time adopt or issue;

 

21


“Prospectus Rules”

the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Services Authority;

 

“Recognised Investment Exchange”

has the meaning given to it by section 207 of the Financial Services Act 1986;

 

“Securities”

any shares, debentures (whether or not secured), warrants or options to purchase any shares or debentures;

 

“Termination Date”

shall mean the date upon which the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates;

 

“Working Hours”

has the meaning given to it by Clause 3.6.

 

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SCHEDULE 2

POST TERMINATION COVENANTS

 

1. Definitions

For the purposes of this Schedule 2, the following words and cognate expressions shall have the meanings set out below:

 

1.1 “Board” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement attached hereto, and shall its successors in title and assigns (as applicable).

 

1.2 “Company” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement attached hereto, and shall include their successors in title and assigns (as applicable).

 

1.3 “Restricted Employee” means any person who was employed by (i) the Company or (ii) any Group Company, for at least 3 months prior to and on the Termination Date and:

 

  1.3.1 with whom the Executive had material contact or dealings in performing his duties of his employment; or

 

  1.3.2 who had material contact with customers or suppliers of the Company in performing his or her duties of employment with the Company or any Group Company (as applicable); and

 

  1.3.3 who was a member of the management team of the Company or any Group Company (as applicable) or

 

  1.3.4 who was a member of the Research & Development Department of the Company or any Group Company (as applicable).

 

1.4 Customer” shall mean any person, firm, company or other organisation whatsoever to whom the Company has supplied goods or services, other than in a retail capacity.

 

1.5 “Group Company” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement attached hereto, and shall include its successors in title and assigns (as applicable).

 

1.6 “Prohibited Area” means:

 

  1.6.1 the United Kingdom;

 

  1.6.2 any other country in the world where, on the Termination Date, the Company develops, sells, supplies, manufactures or researches its products or services or where the Company is intending within 3 months following the Termination Date to develop, sell, supply or manufacture its products or services and in respect of which the Executive has been responsible (whether alone or jointly with others), concerned or active on behalf of the Company during any part of the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

 

23


1.7 “Prospective Customer” shall mean any person, firm, company or other organisation with whom the Company has had any negotiations or material discussions regarding the possible supply of goods or services by the Company other than in a retail capacity.

 

1.8 The “Relevant Period” shall mean the lesser of:-

 

  1.8.1 the 12 months immediately following the Termination Date;

 

  1.8.2 the period specified in paragraph 1.8 above less the number of days on which the Executive has been required by the Company (pursuant to Clause 17.3.2 of the Agreement) both not to attend at work and not to perform any duties of employment.

 

1.9 “Supplier” means any person, company, business entity or other organisation whatsoever who:

 

  1.9.1 has supplied goods or services to the Company during any part of the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date; or

 

  1.9.2 has agreed prior to the Termination Date to supply goods or services to the Company to commence at any time in the 12 months following the Termination Date; or

 

  1.9.3 as at the Termination Date, supplies goods or services to the Company under an exclusive contract or arrangement between that Supplier and the Company.

 

1.10 “Termination Date” shall have the meaning set out in the Agreement hereto.

 

2. Non-Competition

The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not (without the consent in writing of the Board) for the Relevant Period within the Prohibited Area and whether on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf or any other person, firm, company or other organisation (and whether as an employee, director, principal, agent, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever,) in competition with the Company be directly or indirectly (i) employed or engaged in, or (ii) perform services in respect of, or (iii) have any financial interest in, or (iv) be otherwise concerned with:- ·

 

2.1 the research into, development, manufacture, supply or marketing of any product which is of the same or similar type to any product researched, or developed, or manufactured, or supplied, or marketed by the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date;

 

2.2 the research into, development, manufacture, supply or marketing of any product which is to the same or a similar type to any product which the Company was (as at the Termination Date) proposed to launch within 12 months of the Termination Date;

 

24


2.3 the development or provision of any services (including but not limited to technical and product support, or consultancy or customer services) which are of the same or similar type to any services provided by the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date;

 

2.4 the development or provision of any services (including but not limited to technical and product support or consultancy or customer services) which are of the same or similar type to any services which the Company was (as at the Termination Date) proposing to launch within 12 months of the Termination Date.

PROVIDED ALWAYS that the provision of this paragraph 2 shall apply only in respect of products or services with which the Executive was either personally concerned or for which he was responsible whilst employed by the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

The provisions of this paragraph 2 shall not, at any time following the Termination Date, prevent the Executive (i) from holding shares or other capital not amounting to more than 5% of the total issued share capital of any company, listed on a Recognised Share Exchange or (ii) from being employed in, or providing services to, any part of a business (which does not fall within the scope of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.4 above) being operated by another company, firm of other business entity, even though another part of the business of such company, firm or other business entity (with which the Executive is not directly or indirectly concerned or employed) does fall within the scope of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.4 above.

 

3. Non-Solicitation of Customers

The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not for the Relevant Period whether on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf of any person, company, business entity or other organisation (and whether as an employee, director, principal, agent, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever), directly or indirectly (i) solicit or, (ii) assist in soliciting, or (iii) accept, or (iv) facilitate the acceptance of, or (v) deal with, in competition with the Company, the custom or business of any Customer or Prospective Customer:-

 

3.1 with whom the Executive has had material contact or dealings on behalf of the Company during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date; or

 

3.2 for whom the Executive was, in a client management capacity on behalf of the Company, directly responsible (on his own or in conjunction with other individuals) during the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

 

4. Non-Solicitation of Restricted Employees

The Executive hereby agrees that he will not for the Relevant Period either on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf of any other person, company, business entity, or other organisation (and whether as an employee, principal, agent, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever), directly or indirectly:-

 

25


4.1 (i) induce, or (ii) solicit, or (iii) entice or (iv) procure, any person who is a Senior Employee to leave the Company’s or any Group Company’s employment (as applicable) where that person is a Restricted Employee on the Termination Date;

 

4.2 be personally involved to a material extent in (i) accepting into employment or (ii) otherwise engaging or using the services of, any person who is a Restricted Employee on the Termination Date.

 

5. Interference with Suppliers

The Executive hereby agrees that he shall not for the Relevant Period, in relation to any contract or arrangement which the Company has with any Supplier for the exclusive or preferential supply of goods or services to the Company and/or to its Group Companies, for the duration of such contract or arrangement, whether on his own behalf or in conjunction with or on behalf of any person, company, business entity or other organisation, (and whether as an employee, director, agent, principal, consultant or in any other capacity whatsoever), directly or indirectly:

 

5.1 interfere with the supply of goods or services to the Company from any Supplier;

 

5.2 induce any Supplier of goods or services to the Company to cease or decline to supply such goods or services in the future.

 

6. Group Companies

 

6.1 The provisions of paragraphs 6.2 and 6.3 below shall only apply in respect of those Group Companies (i) to whom the Executive gave his services, or (ii) for whom he was responsible, or (iii) with whom he was otherwise concerned, in the 12 months immediately preceding the Termination Date.

 

6.2 Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in this Schedule 2 shall apply as though references to the “Group Company” were substituted for references to the “Company”. The obligations undertaken by the Executive pursuant to this Schedule 2 shall, with respect to each Group Company, constitute a separate and distinct covenant and the invalidity or unenforceability of any such covenant shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the covenants in favour of the Company or any other Group Company.

 

6.3 In relation to each Group Company referred to in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 above, the Company contracts as trustee and agent for the benefit of each such Group Company. The Executive agrees that, if required to do so by the Company, he will enter into covenants in the same terms as those set out in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hereof directly with all or any of such Group Companies, mutatis mutandis. If the Executive fails, within 7 days of receiving such a request from the Company, to sign the necessary documents to give effect to the foregoing, the Company shall be entitled, and is hereby irrevocably and unconditionally authorised by the Executive, to execute all such documents as are required to give effect to the foregoing, on his behalf.

 

26


SCHEDULE 3

BENEFIT SCHEMES

 

1. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the following schemes operated by the Company, subject to their respective terms and conditions from time to time in force.

 

  (a) International Executive Incentive Scheme (including the Deferred Share Bonus Scheme);

 

  (b) Sharesave Scheme;

 

  (c) Employee Share Ownership Plan;

 

  (d) Long Term Incentive Plan;

 

  (e) Long Term Incentive Plan 2007.

 

2. The Company may, in its sole discretion, amend or terminate any of the above schemes, in which event it will normally give the Executive 30 days’ written notification of it. In the event that any such amendment or termination is made, the Executive will not be entitled to receive any compensation or continuation of benefit or entitlement in respect of such amendment or termination, other than those benefits which have already accrued to or vested in him under the existing terms of such schemes as at the date of such amendment or termination. Any such amendments or termination shall not apply retrospectively.

 

27

LOGO    Exhibit 10.11
  

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London WC2R 2PG

United Kingdom

  

LOGO

STRICTLY PERSONAL

     

 

23 July 2010

 

Ben Stevens

Finance Director

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

Globe House

4 Temple Place

London

WC2R 2PG

  

 

Tel      +44 (0)20 7845 1000

Fax    + 44 (0)20 7240 0555

www.bat.com

  

Dear Ben

With reference to Clause 3.2 of the service contract between British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the “Company”) and you dated 26 March 2008 (the “Service Contract”), I write to confirm formally an expansion of your duties as Finance Director to include the additional responsibilities of Chief Information Officer. This change will take effect from 1 September 2010.

In order to recognise this broadening of your role’s accountability and the scope of the significant additional responsibilities, I am pleased to inform you that your base salary will increase to £720,000 per annum with effect from 1 September 2010 (the “New Base Salary”). All the other existing terms and conditions of the Service Contract remain unchanged.

For the avoidance of doubt, I confirm that the New Base Salary will be used as the basis for any 2010 IEIS award and any 2011 LTIP grant.

I shall be grateful if you will please confirm this variation of the Service Contract by signing the attached duplicate copy of this letter and returning it to me in due course. This letter will be retained by the Company and will be appended to the Service Contract, both documents being subject to the public disclosure requirements from time to time.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work and contribution so far, as we look forward to building on the continued success of the Company over the coming months ahead.

Yours sincerely

For and on behalf of British American Tobacco p.l.c.

/s/ Richard Burrows

Richard Burrows

Chairman

I acknowledge receipt of this letter and accept the terms as detailed above.

 

Signed:    /s/ Ben Stevens    Dated:    9.1.10   

Ben Stevens

British American Tobacco p.l.c Registered in England and Wales no. 3407696

Registered Office: Globe House 4 Temple Place London WC2R 2PG

Exhibit 10.12

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

[Date]

Mr R G W Burrows

[Address]

Dear Mr Burrows

Letter of Appointment: from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your reappointment as a Director and as Chairman of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 1 September 2009.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below . Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment. Neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1

You will carry out the duties of the Appointment for an anticipated period of not less than 100 working days in any calendar year, at times and dates to be agreed with the Company and as is required to fulfil the role of Chairman. By accepting the Appointment, you have


  confirmed that you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Board should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as Chairman of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As Chairman you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

 

2.3 The specific duties of the Chairman are agreed by the Board from time to time. The current duties are as set out in Appendix A to this Letter of Appointment.

 

2.4 The Board may from time to time require you to hold non-executive directorships with other BAT Group companies, for no additional remuneration or fees.

 

2.5 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

  2.5.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

  2.5.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Director and Chairman;

 

  2.5.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

  2.5.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

  2.5.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules; and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition, to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Rules.

 

  2.5.6 In the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

  2.5.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2


  2.5.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

  2.5.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chief Executive and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chief Executive and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

Committees

 

2.6 You will continue as a member and chairman of the Nominations Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, these will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

2.7 There are no additional fees for your membership of these Board Committees, or for you acting as chairman of the Nominations Committee.

 

3. FEES, EXPENSES AND OTHER BENEFITS

 

3.1 The Company will pay director fees of £665,000 per annum (as from 1 April 2017), payable in twelve equal monthly instalments (the “Fees”), less any deductions for tax and national insurance that the Company is required by law to deduct, and the Fees may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.2 You will be entitled to the personal use of a car from the pool and a driver (whilst in London) for the purposes of this Appointment.

 

3.3 You and your spouse and dependent children residing at your address and up to age 21 (or up to age 24 if in full time education) will be covered by the Company’s private health insurance scheme in accordance with its terms and conditions from time to time.

 

3.4 You will be required to undergo an annual medical with the Company doctor at the Company’s expense.

 

3.5 You will be covered by the Company’s personal accident insurance policy.

 

3.6 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under the Appointment provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3


3.7 For the avoidance of doubt the Company will reimburse the cost of return airline tickets from Dublin to London in connection with the fulfilment of the required duties in respect of the Appointment.

 

3.8 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company will be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director and Chairman of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

Restricted Period means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

Restricted Area means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

Restricted Business means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

  5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

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  5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

  5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

  5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

  5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advanced notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

  6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties under the Appointment; or

 

  6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

  6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3

The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through

 

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  a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1 Subject to paragraph 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

7.2 The indemnity referred to in paragraph 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

  7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

  7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Act;

 

  7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith or with wilful default or gross negligence, or intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in paragraph 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under paragraph 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction or withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in paragraph 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof to the Company Secretary as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7

You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to

 

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  avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to the rights of indemnification as set out in paragraph 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this paragraph 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under paragraph 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this paragraph 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

 

9.1 The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

9.2 The Company will provide you with an office and with appropriate secretarial support.

 

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10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your Appointment will terminate forthwith and no compensation will be due or payable if:

 

  10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

  10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

  10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

  10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

10.2 The Appointment may be terminated by the Company prior to the expiry of the Term of Appointment by giving you three months’ written notice or a Compensation Payment in lieu of all or part of such notice.

 

10.3 You may terminate the Appointment by giving one month’s written notice to that effect. The Company may (in its discretion) give you a Compensation Payment in lieu of all or part of such notice.

 

10.4 Both you and the Company may terminate the Appointment with immediate effect (and without the payment of any compensation) by giving written notice to the other to that effect in the event that the other party materially breaches its obligations under this Agreement.

 

10.5 To avoid doubt, you are not entitled to receive the Compensation Payment unless and until the Company has notified you that it will make such a payment in lieu of notice.

 

10.6 In the event that the Appointment is terminated for any reason whatsoever, any and all directorships which you may hold from time to time with any BAT Group company shall also terminate with effect from the same date as the Appointment terminates.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter (except where the context otherwise requires) the following words shall have the following meanings:

 

11.1 Articles means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “Board means the board of Directors of the Company from time to time;

 

11.3 BAT Group means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.4 “Companies Act” means the Companies Act 2006;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 Compensation Payment means the fees (as specified in paragraph 3.1) which are payable for such part of the relevant notice period as the Board does not require you to perform your duties.

 

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11.7 Confidential Information includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.8 Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.9 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations” , means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

11.10 FCA means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.11 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.12 Listing Rules means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.13 Prospectus Rules means the Prospectus Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.14 Travel and Expenses Policy means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.15 UK Corporate Governance Code means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. M ISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The Appendix A to this letter is hereby incorporated by reference and shall form part of this letter and shall have effect as if set out in full in this letter and any reference to this letter includes the said Appendix A to it.

 

12.2 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.3 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.4 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last-known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

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12.5 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.6 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.7 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.8 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

12.9 Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out in this letter by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to the Company Secretary at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c.

 

[Name]   Company Secretary

I have read and agree to the revised terms of my Appointment as set out in this letter.

 

 

Richard Burrows

 

Dated this       day of               [Year]

APPENDIX A

CHAIRMAN

The Chairman creates the conditions for overall Board and individual Director effectiveness. The Chairman is responsible for leadership of the Board, for ensuring its effectiveness on all aspects of its role and for facilitating the productive contribution of both Executive and Non-Executive Directors.

 

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He sets the agenda for Board meetings in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Company Secretary. The Chairman is also responsible for ensuring that the interests of the Company’s shareholders are safeguarded and that there is effective communication with them. The Chairman is accountable to the Board for leading the direction of the BAT Group’s corporate and financial strategy and for the overall supervision of BAT Group policies governing conduct of the BAT Group’s business.

The Chairman’s specific duties and responsibilities are as follows:

 

1. Preside at meetings of shareholders and of the Board.

 

2. Monitor the performance of the Chief Executive and other Directors and to act on performance evaluations undertaken by the Board by recognising the strengths and weaknesses of the Board and, if appropriate, proposing new members or seeking resignations.

 

3. Lead the direction of the BAT Group, with particular emphasis on:

 

  (a) corporate and business strategy;

 

  (b) financial strategy;

 

  (c) corporate culture and corporate management structure;

 

  (d) corporate governance and standards of business conduct; and

 

  (e) establishment of controls and regulations necessary to protect the rights and interests of shareholders and creditors of the Company.

 

4. Ensure a clear business and financial strategy for the BAT Group is formulated for recommendation to the Board.

 

5. Determine for the Board’s consideration delegated authorities and limits for:

 

    capital expenditure;

 

    acquisition and disposal of assets; and

 

    borrowing and other plans to finance the activities of operating subsidiaries.

 

6. Chair the Nominations Committee which considers candidates for appointment to the Management Board and the Board.

 

7. Recommend to the Remuneration Committee for their consideration policies with respect to the remuneration and pension and benefit plans of Executive Directors and other members of the Management Board.

 

8. Preside at meetings of the Transactions Committee and the Conflicts Committee.

 

9. Ensure that all Directors are kept properly briefed and that the Board Committees receive the support and information they need in a timely manner to enable them to fulfil their functions efficiently and effectively.

 

10. Monitor and evaluate the performance of the BAT Group and to initiate any corrective action in conjunction with and through the Chief Executive.

 

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11. (In conjunction with the Senior Independent Director and the Chief Executive) to establish and maintain relationships with government institutions, shareholders and potential shareholders and major external bodies, and to ensure that their views, and in particular, those of shareholders, are communicated to the Board as a whole.

 

12. Refer to the Board all matters of major importance to the BAT Group’s progress and well being, including the matters listed above, for the purposes of securing advice, guidance, authorisation and/or decision.

 

13. Undertake such representational responsibilities as may be appropriate.

 

14. (In conjunction with the Chief Executive and the Finance Director) to recommend to the Board the fees payable to Non-Executive Directors.

 

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Exhibit 10.13

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Mr Kieran Poynter

[Address]

Dear Mr Poynter

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 1 July 2010.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment and neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

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2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting the Appointment you have confirmed that, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy : Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance : Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

 

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2.3 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

2.3.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

2.3.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

2.3.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

2.3.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

2.3.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Take Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Requirements.

 

2.3.6 in the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

2.3.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2.3.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

2.3.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

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2.4 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

Senior Independent Director and Committees

 

2.5 You will continue to be: (1) the Senior Independent Director; (2) Chairman of the Audit Committee; and (3) a member of the Nominations Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, such appointment will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

 

3.1 Your current base fee (Base Fee) is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The Base Fee is payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually.

 

3.2 With reference to paragraph 2.5 above, you are currently entitled to: (1) an additional fee of £32,000 per annum as Senior Independent Director (SID Fee); (2) an additional fee of £32,000 per annum as Chair of the Audit Committee (Audit Chair Fee); and (3) an additional fee of £7,000 per annum as a member of the Nominations Committee (a Committee Membership Fee).

The SID Fee, the Audit Chair Fee and a Committee Membership Fee and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.3 With effect from 1 May 2017, the SID Fee will increase to £36,000 per annum, the Audit Chair Fee will increase to £36,000 per annum and a Committee Membership Fee to £11,000.

 

3.4 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3.5 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1

Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty

 

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  or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

“Restricted Period” means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

“Restricted Area” means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

“Restricted Business” means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

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5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties the Appointment; or under

 

6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1

Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may

 

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  sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

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7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

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10.2 On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

10.3 On the termination of your appointment:

 

10.3.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

10.3.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

10.3.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your Appointment Period.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter:

 

11.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “BAT Group” means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

11.4 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 “Confidential Information ” includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.7 “Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.8 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations”, means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

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11.9 “FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.12 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.13 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.14 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.2 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.3 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

12.4 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.5 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.6 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.7 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

12.8

Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on

 

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  the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c
SIGNED by

 

Kieran Poynter

 

Dated this       day of               [Year]

 

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Exhibit 10.14

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Ms Sue Farr

[Address]

Dear Ms Farr

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 2 February 2015.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment and neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

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2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting the Appointment you have confirmed that, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy : Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance : Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

 

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2.3 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

2.3.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

2.3.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

2.3.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

2.3.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

2.3.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Take Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Requirements.

 

2.3.6 in the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

2.3.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2.3.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

2.3.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

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2.4 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

Committees

 

2.5 You will continue to be a member of each of the Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, such appointment will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

 

3.1 Your current base fee (Base Fee) is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The Base Fee is payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually.

 

3.2 With reference to paragraph 2.5 above, you are currently entitled to an additional fee of £7,000 per annum per Committee (a Committee Membership Fee). Should you be appointed as Chair of a Committee of the Board, you will be entitled to an additional annual fee at the rate agreed with reference to the Board from time to time.

A Committee Membership Fee and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.3 With effect from 1 May 2017, each Committee Membership Fee will increase to £11,000 per annum.

 

3.4 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3.5 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

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4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

“Restricted Period” means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

“Restricted Area” means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

“Restricted Business” means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

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5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties the Appointment; or under

 

6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

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7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1 Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

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7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

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10.2 On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

10.3 On the termination of your appointment:

 

10.3.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

10.3.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

10.3.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your Appointment Period.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter:

 

11.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “BAT Group” means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

11.4 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 “Confidential Information ” includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.7 “Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.8 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations”, means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

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11.9 “FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.12 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.13 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.14 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.2 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.3 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

12.4 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.5 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.6 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.7 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

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12.8 Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c
SIGNED by

 

Sue Farr
Dated this      day of              [Year]

 

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Exhibit 10.15

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Ms Ann Godbehere

[Address]

Dear Ms Godbehere

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 3 October 2011.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment and neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

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2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting the Appointment you have confirmed that, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy : Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance : Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

 

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2.3 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

2.3.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

2.3.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

2.3.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

2.3.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

2.3.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Take Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Requirements.

 

2.3.6 in the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

2.3.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2.3.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

2.3.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

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2.4 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

Committees

 

2.5 You will continue to be a member of each of the Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, such appointment will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

 

3.1 Your current base fee (Base Fee) is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The Base Fee is payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually.

 

3.2 With reference to paragraph 2.5 above, you are currently entitled to an additional fee of £7,000 per annum per Committee (a Committee Membership Fee). Should you be appointed as Chair of a Committee of the Board, you will be entitled to an additional annual fee at the rate agreed with reference to the Board from time to time.

A Committee Membership Fee and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.3 With effect from 1 May 2017, each Committee Membership Fee will increase to £11,000 per annum.

 

3.4 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3.5 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

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4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

“Restricted Period” means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

“Restricted Area” means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

“Restricted Business” means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

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5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties the Appointment; or under

 

6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1 Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

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7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

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7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

10.2 On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

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10.3 On the termination of your appointment:

 

10.3.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

10.3.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

10.3.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your Appointment Period.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter:

 

11.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “BAT Group” means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

11.4 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 “Confidential Information ” includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.7 “Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.8 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations”, means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

11.9 “FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

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11.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.12 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.13 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.14 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.2 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.3 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

12.4 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.5 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.6 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.7 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

12.8

Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in

 

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  private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c
SIGNED by

 

Ann Godbehere
Dated this      day of              [Year]

 

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Exhibit 10.16

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Dr Marion Helmes

[Address]

Dear Dr Helmes

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 1 August 2016.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment and neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

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2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting the Appointment you have confirmed that, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy : Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance : Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

 

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2.3 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

2.3.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

2.3.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

2.3.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

2.3.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

2.3.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Take Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Requirements.

 

2.3.6 in the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

2.3.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2.3.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

2.3.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

2.4 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

 

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Committees

 

2.5 You will continue to be a member of each of the Nominations Committee and the Audit Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, such appointment will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

 

3.1 Your current base fee (Base Fee) is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The Base Fee is payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually.

 

3.2 With reference to paragraph 2.5 above, you are currently entitled to an additional fee of £7,000 per annum per Committee (a Committee Membership Fee). Should you be appointed as Chair of a Committee of the Board, you will be entitled to an additional annual fee at the rate agreed with reference to the Board from time to time.

A Committee Membership Fee and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.3 With effect from 1 May 2017, each Committee Membership Fee will increase to £11,000 per annum.

 

3.4 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3.5 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

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4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

“Restricted Period” means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

“Restricted Area” means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

“Restricted Business” means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

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5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties the Appointment; or under

 

6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1

Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may

 

6


  sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

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7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

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10.2 On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

10.3 On the termination of your appointment:

 

10.3.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

10.3.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

10.3.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your Appointment Period.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter:

 

11.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “BAT Group” means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

11.4 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 “Confidential Information ” includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.7 “Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.8 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations”, means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

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11.9 “FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.12 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.13 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.14 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.2 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.3 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

12.4 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.5 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.6 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.7 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

12.8

Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on

 

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  the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c
SIGNED by

 

Marion Helmes

Dated this    day of            [Year]

 

11

Exhibit 10.17

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Mr Savio Kwan

[Address]

Dear Mr Kwan

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 6 January 2014.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment and neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

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2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting the Appointment you have confirmed that, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy : Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance : Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

 

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2.3 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

2.3.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

2.3.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

2.3.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

2.3.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

2.3.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Take Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Requirements.

 

2.3.6 in the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

2.3.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2.3.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

2.3.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

2.4 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

 

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Committees

 

2.5 You will continue to be a member of each of the Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, such appointment will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

 

3.1 Your current base fee (Base Fee) is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The Base Fee is payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually.

 

3.2 With reference to paragraph 2.5 above, you are currently entitled to an additional fee of £7,000 per annum per Committee (a Committee Membership Fee). Should you be appointed as Chair of a Committee of the Board, you will be entitled to an additional annual fee at the rate agreed with reference to the Board from time to time.

A Committee Membership Fee and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.3 With effect from 1 May 2017, each Committee Membership Fee will increase to £11,000 per annum.

 

3.4 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3.5 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

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4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

“Restricted Period” means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

“Restricted Area” means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

“Restricted Business” means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

5


5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties the Appointment; or under

 

6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1

Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may

 

6


  sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

7


7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

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10.2 On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

10.3 On the termination of your appointment:

 

10.3.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

10.3.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

10.3.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your Appointment Period.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter:

 

11.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “BAT Group” means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

11.4 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 “Confidential Information ” includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.7 “Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.8 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations”, means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

9


11.9 “FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.12 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.13 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.14 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.2 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.3 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

12.4 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.5 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.6 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.7 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

12.8

Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on

 

10


  the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c
SIGNED by

 

Savio Kwan

Dated this      day of              [Year]

 

11

Exhibit 10.18

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Dr Pedro Malan

[Address]

Dear Dr Malan

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 2 February 2015.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment and neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

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2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting the Appointment you have confirmed that, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy : Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance : Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

 

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2.3 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

2.3.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

2.3.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

2.3.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

2.3.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

2.3.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Take Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Requirements.

 

2.3.6 in the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

2.3.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2.3.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

2.3.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

2.4 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

 

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Committees

 

2.5 You will continue to be a member of each of the Nominations Committee and the Audit Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, such appointment will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

 

3.1 Your current base fee (Base Fee) is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The Base Fee is payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually.

 

3.2 With reference to paragraph 2.5 above, you are currently entitled to an additional fee of £7,000 per annum per Committee (a Committee Membership Fee). Should you be appointed as Chair of a Committee of the Board, you will be entitled to an additional annual fee at the rate agreed with reference to the Board from time to time.

A Committee Membership Fee and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.3 With effect from 1 May 2017, each Committee Membership Fee will increase to £11,000 per annum.

 

3.4 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3.5 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

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4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

“Restricted Period” means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

“Restricted Area” means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

“Restricted Business” means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

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5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties the Appointment; or under

 

6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1 Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

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7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

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7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

10.2 On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

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10.3 On the termination of your appointment:

 

10.3.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

10.3.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

10.3.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your Appointment Period.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter:

 

11.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “BAT Group” means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

11.4 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 “Confidential Information ” includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.7 “Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.8 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations”, means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

11.9 “FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

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11.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.12 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.13 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.14 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.2 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.3 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

12.4 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.5 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.6 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.7 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

12.8

Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in

 

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  private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c
SIGNED by

 

Pedro Malan

Dated this      day of             [Year]

 

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Exhibit 10.19

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Mr Dimitri Panayotopoulos

[Address]

Dear Mr Panayotopoulos

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

The terms of your appointment (the “Appointment”) for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 2 February 2015.

 

1. TERM OF APPOINTMENT

 

1.1 Your Appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter (or in the event of the successful completion of the proposed acquisition of the remaining shares in Reynolds American Inc., on such replacement terms as may be agreed) for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment is terminated in accordance with paragraph 10 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board.

 

1.2 For the avoidance of doubt, the Appointment is one of officeholder and not of employment and neither the Company nor you shall hold you out as an employee of the BAT Group.

 

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2. DUTIES

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting the Appointment you have confirmed that, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The prior agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Role

 

2.2 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy : Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance : Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

 

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2.3 During the continuance of the Appointment you shall:

 

2.3.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

2.3.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

2.3.3 in so far as reasonably possible, attend all meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board of which you are a member or to which you may be invited to attend from time to time;

 

2.3.4 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in accordance with paragraph 5.5 below;

 

2.3.5 observe and comply with all relevant regulation impacting the Company, including in the UK, The City Code on Take Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules and the UK Corporate Governance Code. In addition to comply with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company; and to comply with any such similar regulatory requirements in South Africa, including the JSE Listing Requirements.

 

2.3.6 in the event that the BAT Group’s proposed acquisition of Reynolds American Inc. receives regulatory and shareholder approval and completes during the Appointment Period, you shall also observe all additional US regulatory requirements as may apply at that time;

 

2.3.7 comply personally with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group (as appropriate) so complies;

 

2.3.8 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

2.3.9 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and promote amongst the other Directors an appropriate culture and set of values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

2.4 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

 

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Committees

 

2.5 You will continue to be: (1) Chair of the Remuneration Committee; and (2) a member of the Nominations Committee. Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, such appointment will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or in a revised letter of appointment. The ambit and main terms of reference of the Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3. FEES AND EXPENSES

 

3.1 Your current base fee (Base Fee) is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The Base Fee is payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually.

 

3.2 With reference to paragraph 2.5 above, you are currently entitled to: (1) an additional fee of £32,000 per annum as Chair of the Remuneration Committee (Remuneration Chair Fee); and (2) an additional fee of £7,000 per annum as a member of the Nominations Committee (a Committee Membership Fee).

The Remuneration Chair Fee and a Committee Membership Fee and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by twelve equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

3.3 With effect from 1 May 2017, the Remuneration Chair Fee will increase to £36,000 per annum and a Committee Membership Fee to £11,000 per annum.

 

3.4 Subject to the Articles and the Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary.

 

3.5 The Company will meet, as appropriate, any personal income tax liability that arises from any benefits provided or paid for by the Company.

 

4. INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

 

4.1 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

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4.2 Further to clause 4.1 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

4.3 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

5. PROTECTION OF THE BAT GROUP AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

5.1 You will not for the Restricted Period in the Restricted Area directly or indirectly (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, (c) provide services to or (d) be otherwise interested in, any company, firm or other business entity which is engaged in Restricted Business otherwise than with the prior written permission of the Board.

“Restricted Period” means the (a) duration of the Appointment plus (b) a period of three months immediately following the ending of the Appointment.

“Restricted Area” means any country in the world in which any BAT Group Company either (a) is engaged in Restricted Business or (b) proposes to be engaged in Restricted Business within twelve months immediately following the end of the Appointment.

“Restricted Business” means (a) the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products and/or (b) Next Generation Products and/or (c) any other products or services offered by any subsidiary in the BAT Group as at the end of the Restricted Period.

 

5.2 You will not, without the Board’s prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), (a) hold office in, (b) be employed by, or (c) provide services to any company, firm, or other business entity.

 

5.3 In general, you undertake that during the term of your Appointment you will:

 

5.3.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any proposed new directorship or appointment together with any subsequent confirmation that the appointment is effective and any changes to such directorship or appointment;

 

5.3.2 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any prior existing interests in a company, business or undertaking which competes with or is a customer of or a supplier to any company within the BAT Group (‘competing interest’); and

 

5.3.3 not acquire any new competing interest.

 

5.4 Your attention is drawn to the procedures established for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

5.4.1 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board; and

 

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5.4.2 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

5.5 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee.

 

5.6 Subject to compliance with the provisions of the Group’s Standards of Business Conduct with regard to real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, in particular, the provisions relating to financial interests, this paragraph 5 shall not prevent you from holding for investment purposes an interest (as defined in S.820 – 825 of the Companies Act 2006) of up to 5% in nominal value or (in the case of securities not having any nominal value) in number or class of securities, in any class of securities in a company which is quoted on any Investment Exchange, as recognised by the FCA. For this purpose, the references to securities held by you include securities beneficially held by your immediate family.

 

6. CONFIDENTIALITY

 

6.1 You will not either during the period of the Appointment or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or Confidential Information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances:

 

6.1.1 where its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties the Appointment; or under

 

6.1.2 such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

6.1.3 such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

 

6.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of the Appointment make any notes or memoranda relating to any matter within the scope of the Company’s business, dealings or affairs otherwise than for the benefit of the Company or any BAT Group company. You will return all such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) on request by the Company.

 

6.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

7. INDEMNITY

 

7.1 Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of the Appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

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7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5 If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

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7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Act as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Act and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. INSURANCE

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover during the Appointment Period and thereafter as a past Director of the Company. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million within which £100m is reserved exclusively for Directors of the Company. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

9. COMPANY’S DUTIES

The Company shall make available to you all documents and information which you reasonably require to enable you to perform your duties under the Appointment.

 

10. TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT

 

10.1 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

10.1.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM; or

 

10.1.2 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election; or

 

10.1.3 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

10.1.4 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law.

 

10.2 On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

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10.3 On the termination of your appointment:

 

10.3.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

10.3.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

10.3.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your Appointment Period.

 

11. DEFINITIONS

In this letter:

 

11.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

11.2 “BAT Group” means the Company, any holding company of the Company and any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company or of any such holding company (with holding company and subsidiary having the meanings ascribed to them by the Companies Act 2006), and any other company or business entity in which the company or any other BAT Group Company owns or has a beneficial interest in 20% or more of the issued share capital or of the capital assets;

 

11.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

11.4 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

11.5 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

11.6 “Confidential Information ” includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers, source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

11.7 “Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.8 “EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations”, means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

11.9 “FCA” means the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

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11.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

11.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the FCA;

 

11.12 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

11.13 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

11.14 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council being the “UK Corporate Governance Code”.

 

12. MISCELLANEOUS

 

12.1 The various provisions and sub-provisions of this letter are severable and if any provision or sub-provision is held to be unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction then such unenforceability shall not affect the enforceability of the remaining provisions or sub-provisions in this Agreement.

 

12.2 You represent and warrant that you are not prevented by any agreement, arrangement, contract, understanding, Court Order or otherwise, which in any way directly or indirectly restricts or prohibits you from fully performing the duties under the Appointment, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this letter.

 

12.3 Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if delivered by hand, sent by first class post to the registered office for the time being of the Company or sent by email to the Company Secretary and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally, sent to your BAT email address or left at or sent by first class post to your last known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery to the address if delivered by hand or, if sent by first class post or e-mailed, on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted or e-mailed.

 

12.4 The benefit of each of your obligations under paragraphs 5 and 6 of this letter may be assigned to and enforced by all successors and assignees for the time being of the Company and other BAT Group companies and such agreements and obligations shall operate and remain binding notwithstanding the termination of this Appointment.

 

12.5 Any reference in this letter to an Act of Parliament shall be deemed to include any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof.

 

12.6 Otherwise than as set out elsewhere in this letter, a person who is not a party to the agreement contained in this letter shall not have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Letter.

 

12.7 The terms of this Agreement are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England.

 

12.8

Without prejudice to any rights of either party to seek injunctive or declaratory relief in the Courts, and without prejudice to your statutory rights, the Company and you agree that on the occurrence of any dispute concerning interpretation or application of this Agreement, the help of the Centre for Dispute Resolution (CEDR) will be sought to resolve the dispute in

 

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  private by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Either party may refer the matter to CEDR in which event both parties will fully co-operate in the process which CEDR may propose. There shall be no obligation on you to continue to participate in the ADR process after 90 days from the date of referral of the dispute to CEDR.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

 

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
For and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c
SIGNED by

 

Dimitri Panayotopoulos

Dated this      day of              [Year]

 

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Exhibit 10.20

[Date]

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

ADDRESSEE ONLY

Dr Gerry Murphy

[Address]

Dear Dr Murphy

Letter of Appointment: Period from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] to the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Appointment Period”)

In accordance with the policy agreed by the Board, I am pleased to be able to confirm your re-appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Company for a further term, being the Appointment Period.

With reference to provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code, it is the policy of the Board that all Directors of the Company should be subject to annual election by shareholders.

The terms of your appointment for the Appointment Period are set out below. These represent the totality of the terms agreed between you and the Company and which supersede all previous agreements, arrangements and understandings between you and the Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, your tenure as a Non-Executive Director of the Company commenced on your original date of appointment as a Director which was 13 March 2009.

 

1. Term of Appointment

Your appointment for the Appointment Period will take effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on [Date] and will continue on the terms of this letter for approximately twelve months until the close of the Company’s next Annual General Meeting in [Year] (the “Next AGM”) unless the Appointment Period is terminated in accordance with paragraph 1.2 below. Notwithstanding any mutual expectation, there is no right to re-nomination by the Board after any six year period.

 

  1.2 Your appointment will terminate forthwith if:

 

  1.2.1 the Board requests you not to offer yourself for election or re-election at the Next AGM although you are due to do so in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code; or

 

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  1.2.2 in accordance with the Articles you are due to retire at the Next AGM and the Board requests you not to offer yourself for reappointment; or

 

  1.2.3 you are not elected or re-elected at the Next AGM at which you are put forward for election or re-election in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code; or

 

  1.2.4 you are not reappointed at the Next AGM at which you retire and offer yourself for reappointment in accordance with the Articles; or

 

  1.2.5 you are required to vacate office for any reason pursuant to any of the provisions of the Articles; or

 

  1.2.6 you are removed as a Director or otherwise required to vacate office under any applicable law; or

 

  1.2.7 your appointment is not renewed upon the expiry of its term.

On termination of your appointment you will be entitled to any accrued but unpaid Director’s fees but not to any compensation.

 

2. Duties

Time Commitment

 

2.1 You will be expected to devote such time as is necessary for the proper performance of your duties. We currently expect to hold six Board meetings a year. We arrange committee meetings, strategy sessions, Board dinners and AGMs around these meetings and so it is best to anticipate a time commitment of two days per meeting. In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting, and be prepared for at least one site visit per year, which may be at an overseas location. You may also be required to attend meetings as part of the Board evaluation process and updating meetings or training sessions. You will therefore be expected to make an annual time commitment of between 25 and 30 days, although this will always depend on the circumstances and level of activities of the Company as the nature of the role makes it impossible to be specific about the maximum time commitment. There is always the possibility that ad hoc matters may arise from time to time and particularly when the Company is undergoing increased activity. It may be necessary to convene additional Board, Committee or other meetings. If business has to be transacted between regular Board meetings, you will be advised. Copies of the current Board programmes are available from the Company Secretary.

In addition, if you are in your first year as a Director, we arrange an induction programme covering all aspects of the business. We will also organise a visit to an overseas factory location as well as the Group Research & Development Centre. Induction programmes can be scheduled and tailored to meet the time commitments for individual Directors but are generally expected to amount to a further three to four days.

Unless urgent and unavoidable circumstances prevent you from doing so, it is expected that you will attend the meetings outlined above. Attendance at meetings by way of telephone conference call may be possible provided that agreement is first sought from the Chairman and his consent has been given.

By accepting this appointment you would be confirming that, taking into account all other commitments you may have, you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role. The agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

 

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Committees

 

2.2 As part of your duties as a Director, you will continue as a member of the Audit Committee (to be reconstituted as the Audit and Sustainability Committee with effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 27 April 2016) and the Nominations Committee.

Should you also be appointed as a member of additional Board Committees, these will be confirmed to you in a supplemental letter to this letter of appointment or within a new letter of appointment. The remit and main terms of reference of the Main Board Committees are described in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet, a copy of which is available from the Company Secretary.

Role

 

2.3 As a Non-Executive Director you will have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company as any other Director together with such specific duties as may be agreed with the Board, and which relate to the business of the Company or any other member of the BAT Group. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising the Company’s affairs.

The role of the Non-Executive has the following key elements:

 

    Strategy: Non-Executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy;

 

    Performance: Non-Executive Directors should scrutinize the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance;

 

    Risk: Non-Executive Directors should satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and

 

    People: Non-Executive Directors (through the Remuneration Committee) are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management and in succession planning.

In addition, you should devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills, uphold high standards of integrity and probity and support the Chairman and the other Directors in instilling the appropriate culture, values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond and take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders where appropriate.

 

2.4 During the continuance of your appointment you shall:

 

  2.4.1 promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole and, when in force, comply with the directors’ duties set out in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006;

 

  2.4.2 faithfully, efficiently, competently and diligently perform your duties and exercise such powers as are appropriate to your role as a Non-Executive Director;

 

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  2.4.3 promptly declare, so far as you are aware, the nature of any interest, whether direct or indirect, in any contract or proposed contract entered into by any member of the BAT Group;

 

  2.4.4 comply where relevant with any rule of law or regulation of any competent authority or of the Company, including the Model Code and the British American Tobacco p.l.c. Code for Share Dealing (up to and including 2 July 2016) and the EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations (from 3 July 2016), from time to time in force in relation to dealing in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and inside information affecting the shares, debentures or other securities of the Company;

 

  2.4.5 comply with the Company’s rules and policies on corporate governance and its Standards of Business Conduct from time to time in force and use all reasonable endeavours that the BAT Group so complies;

 

  2.4.6 comply with all reasonable requests, instructions and regulations made or given by the Board (or by any duly authorised committee thereof) and give to the Board such explanations, information and assistance as the Board may reasonably require;

 

  2.4.7 observe the terms and conditions of The City Code on Take-Overs and Mergers; the Listing Rules; the Disclosure Rules and the Transparency Rules; the Prospectus Rules, the JSE Listings Requirements and the UK Corporate Governance Code;

 

  2.4.8 use your reasonable endeavours to promote and extend the interests and reputation of the BAT Group, including assisting the Chairman and the Board in relation to public and corporate affairs and bringing to bear for the benefit of the Chairman and the Board your particular knowledge and experience.

 

2.5 If there are matters which arise which cause you concern about your role you should discuss them with the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director. If you have any concerns which cannot be resolved, and you choose to resign for that, or any other reason, you should provide an appropriate written statement to the Chairman or the Senior Independent Director for circulation to the Board.

 

3. Confidentiality

 

3.1 You will not either during the period of your time as a Director of the Company or after its termination (without limitation in time) directly or indirectly disclose to any person or organisation, or use, any trade secrets or confidential information belonging, or relating, to the business of the BAT Group. This obligation shall not apply in the following circumstances – i.e. where:-

 

  (a) its disclosure or use is necessary for the proper discharge of your duties; or

 

  (b) such trade secrets or confidential information have entered the public domain, other than by way of unauthorised disclosure whether by you or a third party; or

 

  (c) such disclosure is permitted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Confidential information includes confidential information relating or belonging to the Company or other BAT Group companies including but not limited to any such information relating to customers, customer lists or requirements, price lists or pricing structures, sales and marketing information, activities, business plans or dealings, employees or officers,

 

4


  source codes and computer systems, software, financial information and plans, designs, formulae, prototypes, product lines, services, research activities or results, any document marked ‘confidential’ (or with a similar expression), or any information which you have been told is confidential or which you might reasonably expect the Company would regard as confidential, or any information which has been given to the Company or any BAT Group company in confidence by customers, suppliers or other persons.

 

3.2 You shall not at any time during the continuance of your appointment, other than for the benefit of the Company, make any notes, memoranda, electronic records, tape records, films, photographs, plans, drawings or any form of record relating to any matter within the scope of the business or concerning the dealings or affairs of the BAT Group and will return any such documents, disks and information-storing medium (including copies) at any time at the request of the Board.

 

3.3 The Company may, from time to time, supply to you software applications for the purposes of accessing the BAT Group information technology systems and networks and/or for the purposes of accessing the papers of the Board and its Committees through a personal device such as an iPhone or an iPad. Such use is subject to the various BAT Group Policies, Standards and Guidelines including, but not limited to, the Acceptable Use Policy and the IT Security Policy Statement in place from time to time. The terms and conditions and use of these software applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this letter of appointment.

 

4. Other Appointments and Interests

 

4.1 You confirm that you have notified the Board in writing of all your other directorships, appointments and interests including any directorship, appointment or interest in a company, business or undertaking which competes or is likely to compete with the Company or any other member of the BAT Group or which is a customer or supplier of any such company or which could otherwise potentially give rise to a conflict with your duties with the Company (a “competing interest”).

 

4.2 You undertake that during the term of your appointment you will:

 

  4.2.1 promptly disclose to the Board in writing any new directorship, appointment or competing interest;

 

  4.2.2 promptly notify to the Board in writing any subsequent changes to any such directorship, appointment or competing interest; and

 

  4.2.3 not acquire any new competing interest without the prior consent of the Board in writing. In certain circumstances the agreement of the Board may have to be sought before accepting any further commitments which either might give rise to a conflict or which might impact on the time that you are able to devote to your role at the Company.

 

  4.2.4 Your particular attention is drawn to the formal procedures established by the Board for managing compliance with the conflict of interest provisions of the Companies Act 2006. Under these provisions:

 

  4.2.5 you may not allow any situation to arise in which you will have, or may have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company (a situational conflict), unless the matter has been authorised in advance by the Board in accordance with the Articles; and

 

5


  4.2.6 you must declare in advance any interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company (a transactional conflict).

 

4.3 You are required to give advance notice of any situational or transactional conflict to the Company Secretary and any such matter will be considered either at the next Board meeting or, if the conflict or potential conflict is due to arise prior to the next scheduled Board meeting, at a meeting of the Conflicts Committee. Details of the role and responsibilities of the Conflicts Committee are set out in the British American Tobacco Corporate Governance booklet referred to in paragraph 2.2 above.

 

5. Fees

 

5.1 Your basic current fee is set at the rate of £92,700 per annum (as from 1 January 2016) less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. The fees are payable in arrears by equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company. The fees for Non-Executive Directors are reviewed and considered annually with any changes usually being effective from January.

 

5.2 Should you be appointed as Chairman of a Committee of the Board, you will be entitled to an additional annual fee at the rate agreed with reference to the Board from time to time. With reference to paragraph 2.2 above, you are entitled to an additional fee of £6,000 per annum per each Committee (as from 1 January 2016).

Together, these and any other additional fees or payments will be made less any deductions which the Company may be required to make including in respect of tax and national insurance contributions. These additional fees and payments are also payable in arrears by equal monthly instalments and may be amended from time to time by notice in writing given to you by the Company.

 

6. Expenses and Independent Professional Advice

 

6.1 Subject to the Articles and Company’s Travel and Expenses Policy (T&E Policy), the Company shall reimburse to you all travelling, hotel and other expenses reasonably incurred by you in the proper performance of your obligations under this letter provided that you supply receipts or other evidence of expenditure. A copy of the T&E Policy is available from the Company Secretary. In the instances where the cost of reimbursement of such travelling, hotel and other expenses are classified as a benefit to the Director, the Company will meet, as appropriate, the personal income tax liability that arises thereon.

 

6.2 Your expenses may include legal fees if it is necessary in the furtherance of your duties for you to seek independent legal advice (provided that allegations of negligence, breach of duty or bad faith have not been made against you). Accordingly, the Board has approved a procedure for taking independent advice in such circumstances. Any such payment by the Company would, of course, be subject to any applicable restriction under company law.

 

6.3 Further to clause 6.2 above, the advice and services of the Company Secretary and the Director, Legal & External Affairs and General Counsel are available to each Director for guidance on the Director’s responsibilities and those of the Board and, of course, in relation to any specific activity or transaction of the Company. It is recognised that there may be occasions when you may need to have independent professional advice in connection with the performance of your duties as a Director of the Company and that this should be paid for by the Company.

 

6


6.4 In such an instance, you should first refer the matter to the Chairman of the Audit Committee (to be reconstituted as the Audit and Sustainability Committee with effect from the close of the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 27 April 2016) and confirm with her that it is a matter for which independent professional advice is required in the interests of the Company. Where this need arises, it is advisable that you also consult with the Company Secretary. This will avoid you seeking advice from a source where there is a conflict of interest (for example, because that firm is or has been an adviser to a competitor company) or where it would be inappropriate for other reasons (for example, because the firm has acted for the Company or its subsidiaries).

 

7. Indemnity

 

7.1 Subject to clause 7.2 below, the Company shall, both during the term of your appointment and after its termination, indemnify you, keep you indemnified against and pay to you an amount equal to all costs, charges expenses, losses, damages or liabilities which you may sustain or incur in or about the execution of your duties to the Company or of any associated company of the Company or as a result of any contract, deed, matter or thing done, entered into or executed by you on behalf of any such company or in relation to the business of any such company.

 

7.2 The indemnity referred to in clause 7.1 shall not apply in any of the following circumstances:

 

  7.2.1 where and to the extent that any recovery is made by you under any policy of insurance;

 

  7.2.2 where and to the extent that any liability is prohibited or rendered unenforceable by the Companies Acts (or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof in force from time to time) or as otherwise prohibited by law;

 

  7.2.3 where the Company considers that you have acted in bad faith with wilful default or gross negligence, intentionally not in compliance with the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy (as from time to time in force) (copy available from the Company Secretary) or otherwise so as to bring the Company or any of its associated companies into disrepute.

 

7.3 The indemnity provided in clause 7.1 shall take effect notwithstanding that the Company (or any of its associated companies) or you may have purchased and maintained insurance cover in respect of any liability, loss or expenditure incurred by any director or officer of the Company and the indemnity provided under clause 7.1 above shall be enforceable against the Company regardless of whether a claim may be made or has been pursued under such insurance.

 

7.4 All sums payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid free and without rights of counterclaim or set-off and without deduction and withholding on any ground whatsoever, save only as may be required by law. If any such deduction or withholding is required by law, the Company shall be obliged to pay you such amount as will ensure that, after any deduction or withholding has been made, you shall have received a sum equal to the amount that you would otherwise have received in the absence of any such deduction or withholding.

 

7.5

If you become aware of any notice, demand or other document issued, any claim made or action taken either before or after the date hereof which appears to you to be relevant for

 

7


  the purposes of the indemnity in clause 7.1 or likely to give rise to any liability of the Company under that indemnity (hereinafter referred to as a “Demand”), you shall give notice thereof as soon as reasonably practicable.

 

7.6 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable with all supporting documentation and information relating to a Demand as the Company may reasonably require.

 

7.7 You shall, at the request and at the expense of the Company, do and concur in doing and permit to be done all such acts and things as the Company may reasonably request to avoid, dispute, resist, appeal or compromise any Demand and you shall further make no settlement or compromise of the subject matter of any Demand, nor agree to any matter in the conduct of any dispute in relation thereto nor take any other action or omit to do any other thing in relation to any Demand without the prior written approval of the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

7.8 The Company may, by written notice to you at any time and without prejudice to your rights of indemnification as set out in clause 7.1 above, forthwith assume (where appropriate, in your name) the conduct of any negotiations, settlement or compromise discussions or proceedings in relation to a Demand. The Company shall have full discretion in the conduct or settlement of any claim or proceedings.

 

7.9 You shall provide the Company as soon as reasonably practicable following any request with reasonable details of all costs and liabilities incurred by you in relation to any Demand.

 

7.10 The rights and obligations set out in this clause 7 shall not modify or waive any of the duties which you owe as a director or officer of the Company or any of its associated companies (as the case may be), as a matter of law or under the rules of any relevant stock exchange or regulatory body.

 

7.11 The Company shall, in the event that a payment is made to you under this indemnity in respect of a particular liability, be entitled to recover from you an amount equal to any payment received by you under any policy of insurance or from any other third party to the extent that such payment relates to the liability, and a deduction may similarly be made from any payment made by the Company to the extent any such payment has already been received by you. You shall pay any sum owing in accordance with the foregoing forthwith upon the Company’s request.

 

7.12 To the extent any payment of costs under clause 7.1 of this indemnity is treated under the Companies Acts as a loan repayable to the Company, subject to the Companies Acts and provided that the requirements for a qualifying third party indemnity provision are met, you shall not be required to repay the loan.

 

7.13 For the purposes of this clause 7, “associated company” and “qualifying third party indemnity provision” has the meaning given in Part 10 of the Companies Act 2006.

 

8. Insurance

The Company has Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance and it is intended to maintain such cover for the full term of your appointment. The current programme for the Board incorporates a limit of £300 million. A summary sheet for the current period of coverage is available from the Company Secretary.

 

8


9. Termination of Appointment

On the termination of your appointment:

 

9.1 you will at the request of the Company (where relevant) resign (in writing) from the office of Director and you irrevocably authorise the Company as your attorney in your name and on your behalf by to sign all documents and do all things necessary to give effect to this;

 

9.2 you will surrender to an authorised representative of the Company all correspondence, documents (including without limitation Board minutes and Board papers), copies thereof or other property of the BAT Group made or received by you in the course of your directorship (whether before or after the date of this letter);

 

9.3 you hereby agree that you shall not be entitled to and shall not pursue any action or claim for compensation from the Company whether such termination occurs before or after the date of expiry of your term as a Director.

 

10. Miscellaneous

 

10.1 Nothing in this letter shall create the relationship of employee and employer between you and the Company.

 

10.2 The agreement contained in this letter shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.

 

11. Notices

Any notice to be given under the terms of this letter shall, in the case of notice to the Company, be deemed to be given if left at or sent by first class post or facsimile transmission to the registered office for the time being of the Company and, in the case of notice to you, if handed to you personally or left at or sent by first class post or facsimile transmission to your last-known address. Any such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time of its delivery or despatch by facsimile transmission or on the next following weekday (not being a public holiday) after it was posted.

 

12. Definitions

In this letter:

 

12.1 “Articles” means the articles of association from time to time of the Company;

 

12.2 “BAT Group” means the Company and any subsidiary or subsidiary undertaking of the Company (both as defined in the Companies Act 2006);

 

12.3 “Board” means the board of Directors of the Company;

 

12.4 Companies Act 1985 means the Companies Act 1985, as in force from time to time;

 

12.5 “Companies Act 2006” means the Companies Act 2006, as in force from time to time;

 

12.6 “Companies Acts” means the Companies Act 1985 and the Companies Act 2006;

 

12.7 “Company” means British American Tobacco p.l.c. (Company No. 3407696);

 

12.8 “Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules” means the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

9


12.9 EU Market Abuse Regulation and Implementing Regulations , means the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU 596/2014) together with such applicable implementation regulations as may be published and in force from time to time;

 

12.10 “JSE Listings Requirements” means the Listings Requirements published by the JSE Limited, as may be applicable from time-to-time in respect of the secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares on the JSE Limited in South Africa;

 

12.11 “Listing Rules” means the Listing Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

12.12 “Model Code” means Model Code on directors’ dealings in securities set out in the Listing Rules issued from time to time by the Financial Conduct Authority and any other code or guidelines issued governing the conduct of directors in that regard as the Company may from time to time adopt or issue;

 

12.13 “Prospectus Rules” means the Prospectus Rules published by the Financial Conduct Authority;

 

12.14 “Travel and Expenses Policy” means the BAT Group UK travel and expenses policy from time to time applicable to the Company – the T&E Policy;

 

12.15 “UK Corporate Governance Code” means the principles of good governance published by the Financial Reporting Council.

Kindly confirm your agreement to the terms set out above by signing the endorsement on the enclosed copy of this letter. Please return the copy to me at the above address.

Yours sincerely

 

[Name]
Company Secretary
for and on behalf of
British American Tobacco p.l.c.
SIGNED by

 

Gerry Murphy

 

Dated this   day of   [Year]

 

10

Exhibit 12.1

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.

COMPUTATION OF HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Pounds in Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

in £ millions (unaudited)    Pro Forma
For the Year Ended
December 31, 2016
    For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
               2016                     2015          

Earnings before fixed charges:

      

Profit before taxation

     11,122       6,245       5,855  

Excess/(shortfall) of dividends over earnings of affiliates accounted for by the equity method

     (1,242     (1,242     (643

Add: Fixed charges (below)

     1,613       604       608  

Subtract: Profit for the year attributable to non-controlling interests

     (191     (191     (232
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total earnings before fixed charges

     11,302       5,416       5,588  

Fixed charges:

      

Finance costs, excluding loss on bond redemption (1)

     1,583       580       584  

Estimated interest portion of rental expense (2)

     30       24       24  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed charges

     1,613       604       608  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (3)

     7.0       9.0       9.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Finance costs, excluding loss on bond redemption, include interest on borrowings, amortization of debt discount and expenses, fair value changes on derivative instruments and hedged items, and exchange differences on financial liabilities.
(2) One-third of rent expense is the portion deemed representative of the interest factor.
(3) Based on rounded thousands.

Exhibit 12.2

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Dollars in Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

     Quarter Ended
March 31,
     For the Years Ended December 31,  
     2017      2016      2016      2015      2014      2013      2012  

Earnings before fixed charges:

                    

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

   $ 1,175      $ 5,719      $ 9,691      $ 6,384      $ 2,262      $ 2,741      $ 1,953

Fixed charges:

                    

Interest and debt expense  (1)

     149        174        626        570        286        259        234

Interest portion of rental expense  (2)

     2        2        9        9        8        8        6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Add: Fixed Charges

     151        176        635        579        294        267        240
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings before fixed charges:

   $ 1,326      $ 5,895      $ 10,326      $ 6,963      $ 2,556      $ 3,008      $ 2,193
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fixed charges:

                    

Interest and debt expense  (1)

   $ 149        174      $ 626      $ 570      $ 286      $ 259      $ 234

Interest portion of rental expense  (2)

     2        2        9        9        8        8        6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fixed charges

   $ 151      $ 176      $ 635      $ 579      $ 294      $ 267      $ 240
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges  (3)

     8.8        33.5        16.3        12.0        8.7        11.3        9.1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)   Interest and debt expense includes interest on indebtedness, amortization of debt discount and expenses, and excludes interest related to reserves on income taxes, as such interest is included in provision for income taxes.
(2)   One-third of rent expense is the portion deemed representative of the interest factor.
(3)   Based on rounded thousands.

Exhibit 21.1

A full list of British American Tobacco p.l.c.’s subsidiary undertakings, associates and joint ventures and joint operations as defined by IFRS (showing the country of incorporation, effective percentage of equity shares held and full registered office addresses) as at 31 December 2016 is disclosed below.

The subsidiary undertakings that are held directly by British American Tobacco p.l.c. (the ultimate parent company) are indicated thus*; all others are held by sub-holding companies.

Unless otherwise stated, the equity shares held are in the form of ordinary shares or common stock, except for those indicated thus#, which include preference shares. The effective percentage of equity shares held in subsidiary undertakings is 100% unless otherwise stated. Further, where the effective percentage of equity shares held by the sub-holding company is different from that held by British American Tobacco p.l.c., the percentage of equity shares held by British American Tobacco p.l.c. is indicated thus^ and is shown after the percentage interest held by the sub-holding company.

The results of a number of these subsidiary undertakings principally affect the financial statements of the BAT Group. These principal subsidiary undertakings are highlighted in blue and are considered to be the main corporate entities in those countries which, in aggregate, contributed over 80% of the BAT Group revenue and profit from operations.

Subsidiary Undertakings

Albania
Rruga e Kavajes, Ish Kombinati Ushqimor, Tirana, Albania
British American Tobacco - Albania SH.P.K.
Algeria
Industrial Zone, Cheraga, El Omrane, Ouled Fayet Road, Lot 04 Ilot 789, Algiers, Algeria
British American Tobacco (Algérie) S.P.A. (51%)
Angola
Viana Park, Polo Industrial, Viana, Luanda, Angola
Agrangol Limitada (77%)
British American Tobacco - B.A.T. Angola, Limitada (i)
Fabrica de Tabacos de Cacuso (51%)
SETA, Sarl (98%)
Sociedade Geral de Distribuição e Comércio, Limitada
Sociedade Industrial Tabacos Angola LDA (76.60%)
Sociedade Unificada Tabacos Angola LDA (76.30%)
Argentina
San Martín 140, Floor 14, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
British American Tobacco Argentina S.A.I.C.y F. (99.95%)
Australia
166 William Street, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011, Australia
American Cigarette Company (Overseas) Pty. Limited
B.A.T Australia Pty. Limited
British American Tobacco (Australasia Holdings) Pty Limited
British American Tobacco Australasia Limited
British American Tobacco Australia Limited
British American Tobacco Australia Overseas Pty Limited
British American Tobacco Australia Services Limited
British American Tobacco Australia Superannuation Pty Limited
British American Tobacco Australia Vending Limited
British American Tobacco Manufacturing Australia Pty Ltd.
British American Tobacco South Pacific Exports Limited
Carreras Proprietary Limited
Granville Tobacco Processors Pty. Limited
Martins of Piccadilly Pty Ltd
Nicovations Australia Pty Limited
Rothmans Asia Pacific Limited #
T.A. Field Pty Limited
The Benson & Hedges Company Pty. Limited
The Nelson Tobacco Manufacturing Corporation Pty. Ltd
W.D. & H.O. Wills Holdings Limited
Wills (Pagewood) Pty Limited
Austria
Dr. Karl Lueger Platz 5, 1010, Wien, Austria
British American Tobacco (Austria) GmbH
Bahrain
Unit 1, Building 2126, Road 1734, Block 117, Hidd Town, Bahrain
British American Tobacco Middle East S.P.C.
Bangladesh
New DOHS Road, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1206, Bangladesh
British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company Limited (72.91%)
Barbados
Braemar Court, Deighton Road, St, Michael, Barbados
B.C.O., Inc
Chancery Chambers, Chancery House, High Street, Bridgetown, Barbados
Southward Insurance Ltd.
Belarus
7th Floor, 3 Kuprevicha Str., Minsk, 220141, Belarus
British-American Tobacco Trading Company Foreign Private Trading Unitary Enterprise
Belgium

Globe House, 4 Temple Place, WC2R 2PG, London,

United Kingdom

British American Tobacco Holdings Belgium N.V.
Nieuwe Gentsesteenweg 21, 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium
British American Tobacco Belgium S.A.
Tabacofina-Vander Elst N.V.
Rue de Koninck 38, 1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium
British American Tobacco Co-ordination Centre/L.P. Co-ordination Centre VOF
Benin
Cotonou, Lot Numbero H19, Quartiers Les Cocotiers, 01 BP 2520, Benin
British American Tobacco Benin SA
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fra Dominka Mandića 24 A, 88220 Široki Brijeg, Bosnia and Herzegovina
IPRESS d.o.o. (51%) (49.70%) ^
Ulica Carice Milice br. 11, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
British American Tobacco - BAT - BL d.o.o.
ul. Azize Šaćirbegović 1, 71000 Sarajevo-Novo Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
TDR d.o.o. Sarajeva
ul. Kolodvorska 12, 71000 Sarajevo-Novo Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
iNovine BH d.o.o. (100%) (97.45%) ^
Opresa d.d. (97.45%)
 


Botswana
Plot 64518, Fairgrounds, Office Park, Gaborone, Botswana
British American Tobacco Botswana (Pty) Limited
Business Venture Investments Botswana 6773 (Pty) Ltd.
Brazil
Rua Candelaria 66, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Yolanda Participacoes S.A.
Rua Candelaria 66, Salas 101 a 1201, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Souza Cruz LTDA
Brunei Darussalam
6th Floor, Bang Hj Ahmad Laksamana Othman, 38-39, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8811, Brunei Darussalam

Commercial Marketers and Distributors Sdn. Bhd. (100%)

(50%) ^

Bulgaria
115 M, Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., Building D, Floor 5, Sofia, Mladost Municipality, 1784, Bulgaria
British American Tobacco Trading EOOD
Cambodia
1121 National Road 2, Prek Tanou Village, Sangkat Chak Ang Re Leu, Khan Mean Chey, Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
British American Tobacco (Cambodia) Limited (71%)
No.33, Street No. 294 (Corner of Street No. 29), Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Cham Karmon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
British American Tobacco (Cambodge) International Limited
Cameroon
Rue Njo Njo, Bonapriso - B.P. 259, Douala, Cameroon
British American Tobacco Cameroun S.A. (99.75%)
Canada
3711 St-Antoine West, Montreal, Quebec, H4C 3P6, Canada
Allan Ramsay and Company Limited
Cameo Inc.
Construction Romir Inc.
Genstar Corporation (ii)
Imperial Brands Limited
Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited
Imperial Tobacco Company Limited
Imperial Tobacco Products Limited
Imperial Tobacco Services Inc.
John Player & Sons Ltd
Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company of Canada Limited (iii)
Marlboro Canada Limited
Medaillon Inc.
2004969 Ontario Inc.
Chile
Isidora Goyenechea 3000, piso 19, Las Codes, Chile

BAT Chile S.A. (100%) (99.41%) ^

 

British American Tobacco Chile Operaciones S.A. (99.50%)
Inversiones Casablanca S.A.
China
Unit 1001 in 901, 9/F, Building 3, No.8 Guanghuadongli, Chaoyang District Beijing, People’s Republic of China

British American Consulting (Beijing) Ltd

 

Colombia
Av. Cra. 72 # 80-94 Piso 10. Bogotá, Colombia
British American Tobacco Colombia S.A.S.
Vype Colombia S.A.S.
Congo (Democratic Republic of)
149, A&B Boulevard du 30 Juin, Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
BAT Services Congo SARL
1er étage, Immeuble du Centenaire, Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
BAT Distribution SARL
British American Tobacco Congo SARL
Costa Rica
325 Metros este del Puente de la Firestone, Llorente, Flores, Heredia, Costa Rica
BASS Americas S.A.
BATCCA Park Inversiones Immobiliarias, S.A.
BATCCA Servicios S.A.
Croatia
Draškovićeva 27, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Inovine d.d. (88.80%)
Ivana Lučića 2/a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
BAT HRVATSKA d.o.o.
Bonaster d.o.o.
Obala V. Nazora 1, 52210 Rovin, Croatia
Adiste d.o.o.
Istagratika d.d. Cardboard Packaging Production
TDR d.o.o.
Osječka 2, 33000 Virovitica, Croatia
Hrvatski Duhani d.d. Tobacco Leaf Processing (89.55%)
Cuba
Calle San Jose y Princesa, Municipio 10 de Octubre, Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba
Brascuba Cigarrillos S.A. (50%) (37.63%) ^
Cyprus
Photiades Business Centre, 5th Floor, 8 Stasinou Avenue, Nicosia, CY-1060, Cyprus
B.A.T (Cyprus) Limited
Carreras of Cyprus (Export) Limited
Rothmans (Middle East) Limited
Rothmans Distribution Services Limited
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Cyprus) Limited
Czech Republic
Karolinská 654/2, Prague 8 – Karlín, 186 00, Czech Republic
British American Tobacco (Czech Republic), s.r.o.
Denmark
Vester Farimagsgade 16, 1606 Copenhagen, Denmark
British American Tobacco Denmark A/S (House of Prince A/S)
Precis (1789) Denmark A/S
Djibouti
B.P. 2392, Djibouti

Tobacco Exporters International (Mer Rouge) SARL

 

Rue de Magadiscio, Lot No. 133, Djibouti City, Djibouti
British American Tobacco Djibouti SARL
Egypt
10 Omar Ibn El Khattab St. City Stars Complex, Star Capital Towers 4A, 8th floor, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
BETCO for General Services and Marketing LLC
BETCO for Trade and Distribution LLC
British American Tobacco North Africa LLC
 


City Stars Complex, Star Capital 4A, 10th Floor, Omar Ibn El Khattab St., Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
British American Tobacco Egypt LLC
Plot No.33, Taqseem Al Marwaha, Qatameya, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
English American Company for Importation and Trade LLC
Eritrea
P.O. Box 749, 62 Ras Alula Street, Asmara, Eritrea
British American Tobacco (Eritrea) Share Company #
Estonia
Mustamäe Tee 46, 10621 Tallinn, Estonia
British American Tobacco Estonia AS
Ethiopia
Bole Road, TK Building 3rd Floor, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tobacco Marketing Consultants
Fiji
Lady Maria Road, Nabua, Suva, Fiji
British American Tobacco (Fiji) Marketing Limited
Central Manufacturing Company Limited
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Fiji) Limited
Finland
Itamerentori 2, 00180, Helsinki, Finland
British American Tobacco Finland Oy
France
8 Rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris, France
Carreras France SAS
Cœur Défense Tour A 100-110 Esplanade de Gaulle 92932 Paris La Défense Cedex, France
British American Tobacco France SAS
France 23, rue du Roule, 75001 Paris, France
Nicoventures France S.A.S.
Germany
Alsterufer 4, 20354 Hamburg, Germany
BATIG Gesellschaft fur Beteiligungen m.b.H.
British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH
British American Tobacco (Hamburg International) GmbH
British American Tobacco (Industrie) GmbH
TDR Germany GmbH Hamburg
Schillerstr. 10, 28195 Bremen, Germany
Chic Deutschland GmbH
Weiherstraße 26, 95448 Bayreuth, Germany
Batberg Cigarettenfabrik GmbH
Ghana
F190/5 Josiah Tongogari Street, Opposite Tante Marie Restaurant, Labone-Accra, Ghana
British American Tobacco Ghana Limited (97.09%)
Greece
27, Ag. Thoma Street, Maroussi, 151 24, Greece
British American Tobacco Hellas S.A.
Guernsey
St Martin’s House, Le Bordage, St. Peter’s Port, GY1 4AU, Guernsey
Belaire Insurance Company Limited
Guyana
90 Carmichael Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana
Demerara Tobacco Company Limited (70.25%)
Honduras
Boulevard del Sur, Zona El Cacao, San Pedro Sula, Depart. de Cortés, Honduras
Tabacalera Hondureña S.A. (83.64%)
Hong Kong
11/F, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
British American Tobacco China Investments Limited
16/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
British American Tobacco Asia-Pacific Region Limited
British-American Tobacco Company (Hong Kong) Limited
Units 2501 and 2506 to 2510, 25/F Island Place Tower, Island Place 510, King’s Road, Hong Kong
American Cigarette Company Limited
British Cigarette Company (1964) Limited
Hungary
H-1124, Budapest, Csörsz utca 49-51. 3. em., Hungary
BAT Pécsi Dohánygyár Kft.
Indonesia
Capital Place 6th Floor, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 18, Jakarta 12710 Indonesia
PT Bentoel Internasional Investama, Tbk (92.48%) ^
Jl. Halmahera No. 98-100, Ciptomulyo, Sukun, Malang, Jawa Timur 65117 Indonesia
PT Lestariaputra Wirasejati (100%) (92.48%) ^
PT Pantura Tobacco (100%) (92.48%) ^
Jl. Ichwan Ridwan Rais No. 47, Tanjungrejo Sukun, Kotamadya Malang, Jawa Timur 65147 Indonesia
PT Bintang Boladunia (100%) (92.48%) ^
Jl. Niaga 4A, Ciptomulyo, Sukun, Malang, Jawa Timur 65148 Indonesia
PT Java Tobacco (100%) (92.48%) ^
Jl. Pulau Galang No. 2B, Ciptomulyo, Sukun, Kotamadya Malang, Jawa Timur 65148 Indonesia
PT Cipta Persona Bintang (100%) (92.48%) ^
PT Perusahaan Dagang Suburaman (100%) (92.48%) ^
Jl. Raya Karangduren RT 05/04, Desa Banjararum, Kecamatan Singosari, Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur 65162 Indonesia
PT Bintang Jagat Sejati (100%) (92.48%) ^
Jl. Raya Karanglo, Desa Banjararum, Kecamatan Singosari, Jawa Timur 65153 Indonesia
PT Amiseta (100%) (92.48%%) ^
PT Bentoel Prima (iv) (100%) (92.48%) ^
PT Perusahaan Dagang dan Industri Tresno (100%) (92.48%) ^
Jl. Susanto No. 2B, Ciptomulyo, Sukun, Malang, Jawa Timur 65148 Indonesia
PT Bentoel Distribusi Utama (100%) (92.48%) ^
Iran, Islamic Republic of
No. 2 Saba Boulevard with Africa Boulevard, Tehran, 19667, Islamic Republic of Iran
B.A.T. Pars Company (Private Joint Stock) (99.90%)
Unit 09, Level 9, 114, Kaj Abadi Street Valiasr, Tehran, 1966916545, Islamic Republic of Iran
TDR Parisian Co
Iraq
Enkawa, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
B.A.T. Iraqia Company for Tobacco Trading Limited
 


Ireland
The Greenhouse, 6th Floor, Block E, Mountainview, Leopardstown, Dublin, 18, Ireland
BAT Investments (Ireland) Limited
Carreras (Ireland) Limited
Carroll Group Distributors Limited
Murray Tobacco Limited (v)
P.J. Carroll & Company Limited (iv)
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Ireland) Limited (v)
William Ruddell Limited
Isle of Man
2nd Floor, St Mary’s Court, 20 Hill Street, Douglas, IM1 1EU, Isle of Man
Abbey Investment Company Limited
The Raleigh Investment Company Limited
Tobacco Investments Limited
Tobacco Manufacturers (India) Limited
Israel
Yad Harutzim St. Siim Park Building ≠9E, P.O.Box 8811 Netanya South 42504, Israel
Overseas Tobacco Limited
Italy
Via Amsterdam 147, 00144 Rome, Italy
British American Tobacco Italia S.p.A.
Jamaica
13A Ripon Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica
Carreras Limited (50.44%) (x)
Cigarette Company of Jamaica Limited (100%) (50.40%) ^
Twickenham Park, Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica
Sans Souci Development Limited (100%) (50.40%) ^
Sans Souci Limited (100%) (50.40%) ^
Japan
Atago Mori Tower 21F, 2-5-1 Arago, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-622, Japan
British American Tobacco Japan, Ltd.
Jersey
3rd Floor, 24 Hill Street, St Helier, JE2 4UA, Jersey
BAT (CI) Finance Limited
BAT (CI) Holdings Limited
British American Tobacco (CI) Limited
Inter-Euro Holdings (Jersey) Limited
Pathway 1 (Jersey) Limited
Pathway 2 (Jersey) Limited #
Pathway 4 (Jersey) Limited
Pathway 5 (Jersey) Limited
Jordan
Salman Quadah Street, Behind Abdoun Mall Opp. Khaled Khreisat Complex, Villa No. (1), Abdoun, Amman, Jordan
British American Tobacco – Jordan Private Shareholding Company Limited (xii)
Kazakhstan
Kazybek bi 20 A, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
British American Tobacco Kazakhstan Trading LLP
Kenya
8 Likoni Road, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
African Cigarette Company (Overseas) Limited (100%) (60%) ^
BAT Kenya Tobacco Company Limited (100%) (60%) ^
9 Likoni Road, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
British American Tobacco Area Limited
10 Likoni Road, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
British American Tobacco Kenya plc (60%)
11 Likoni Road, Industrial Area P.O. Box 30000-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

East African Tobacco Company (Kenya) Limited (100%)

(60%) ^

Korea, Republic of
Gangnam Finance Center, 152 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
British American Tobacco Korea Limited
141, Gongdan1-ro, Sanam-Myun, Sacheon City, Kyungsangnamdo, Republic of Korea
British American Tobacco Korea Manufacturing Limited
Kosovo, Republic of
Llapllaselle, Gracanicë, Republika e Kosoves
TDR shp.p.k. Pristina
Latvia
Mukusalas iela 101, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
British American Tobacco Latvia SIA
Lithuania
Verkiu str. 29, LT 09108 Vilnius, Lithuania
UAB British American Tobacco Lietuva
Luxembourg
2, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 1653 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
British American Tobacco Brands (Switzerland) Limited
Macedonia, Republic of
BOULEVARD “8-mi SEPTEMVRI” No 16 SKOPJE – KARPOSH, KARPOSH, Republic of Macedonia
TDR Skopje d.o.o.e.i. Skopje
Malawi
Northgate Arcade, Highway Chipembere, Blantyre, Malawi
British American Tobacco (Malawi) Limited
Malaysia
Level 8, Symphony House, Block D13, Pusat Dagangan Dana 1, Jalan PJU 1A/46, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
British American Tobacco GSD (Kuala Lumpur) Sdn Bhd
Lot L4-E-1A & 1B, Enterprise 4, Technology Park Malaysia, Lebuhraya Puchong Sg Besi, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
BAT Aspac Service Centre Sdn Bhd
Virginia Park, Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
British American Tobacco Malaysia Foundation (viii)
British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad (50%)

Commercial Marketers and Distributors Sdn. Bhd. (100%)

(50%) ^

Rothmans Brands Sdn. Bhd. (100%) (50%) ^
The Leaf Tobacco Dev. Corp. of Malaya Sdn. Bhd. (100%) (50%) ^

Tobacco Blenders and Manufacturers Sdn. Bhd. (100%)

(50%) ^

Tobacco Importers and Manufacturers Sdn. Bhd. (100%)

(50%) ^

Mali
Hippodrome, Rue 249X218, Porte 569, Bamako, BP 2065, Mali
British American Tobacco (Mali) Sarl
Malta
PM Building, Level 2, Mriehel Industrial Zone, Bone Street, Mriehel, BKR3000, Malta
British American Tobacco (Malta) Limited
Central Cigarette Company Limited
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Malta) Limited
 


Mexico
Francisco I Madero 2750 Poniente, Colonia Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo León, C.P. 64000, Mexico
British American Tobacco Mexico Comercial, S.A. de C.V.
British American Tobacco Mexico Distribuciones, S.A. de CV
British American Tobacco Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (iv)
British American Tobacco Servicios S.A. de C.V.
Cigarrera La Moderna, S.A. de C.V.
Predio Los Sauces Sin número, Colonia Los Sauces, C.P. 63195, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
Procesadora de Tabacos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (93%)
Moldova, Republic of
65, Stephan cel Mare Str., off. 414-417, Chisinau, MD2001, Republic of Moldova
British American Tobacco–Moldova S.R.L.
Montenegro
Rimski Trg 50, Podgorica, Republic of Montenegro
TDR d.o.o. Podgorica
Mozambique
2290 Avenida de Angola, Maputo, Mozambique
British American Tobacco Mozambique Limitada 95%
Sociedade Agricola de Tabacos Limitada 95%
Myanmar
55/56, Schwe Thanlwin, Industrial Zone, Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon, Myanmar
British American Tobacco Myanmar Limited (51%) (x)
British American Tobacco Myanmar Services Limited (x)
Namibia
Shop 48, Second Floor Old Power Station Complex, Armstrong Street, Windhoek, Namibia
British American Tobacco Namibia (Pty) Limited
Netherlands
Handelsweg 53 A, 1181 ZA, Amstelveen, Netherlands
B.A.T Finance B.V.
B.A.T. Netherlands Finance B.V.
British American Tobacco European Operations Centre B.V.
British American Tobacco Exports B.V.
British American Tobacco Financial Holdings Cooperatief W.A.
British American Tobacco Holdings (Australia) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (Caricom) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (Hong Kong) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (Malaysia) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (South Africa) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (Sri Lanka) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (The Netherlands) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (Venezuela) B.V.
British American Tobacco Holdings (Vietnam) B.V.
British American Tobacco International (Holdings) B.V.
British American Tobacco International Europe (Nederland) B.V.
British American Tobacco International Investments B.V.
British American Tobacco Manufacturing B.V.
British American Tobacco Nederland B.V.
British American Tobacco Western Europe Region B.V.
Chic Nederland B.V.
Koninklijke Theodorus Niemeyer B.V.
Molensteegh Invest B.V.
Precis (1789) B.V.

Precis (1790) B.V.

Rothmans Far East B.V.

Rothmans International Holdings B.V.

Rothmans International Holdings II B.V.

Rothmans Tobacco Enterprises B.V.

Rothmans Tobacco Investments B.V.

Rothmans UK Holdings B.V.

Turmac Tobacco Company B.V.

New Zealand

2 Watt Street, Parnell, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand

British American Tobacco (New Zealand) Limited

British American Tobacco Holdings (New Zealand) Limited

25 Princess Street, Palmerston North, New Zealand

New Zealand (UK Finance) Limited #

Bell Gully, Level 22, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand

Nicovations New Zealand Limited

Niger

C/O Niger Briques SARL, Grand, Marché Niamey BP2401, Niamey-Niger

British American Tobacco Niger

Nigeria

1, Tobacco Road, Oluyole Toll Gate, Ibadan, Nigeria

British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited

Plot PC 35, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

British American Tobacco Exports (Nigeria) Limited

Rising Sun Building, 2 Olumegbon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

British American Tobacco Marketing Nigeria Limited

Norway

Klaus Torgårdsvej 3, 0372 Oslo, Norway

British American Tobacco Norway AS

Pakistan

Serena Business Complex. Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy, Islamabad, Pakistan

British American Tobacco SAA Services (Private) Ltd

Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (94.65%)

Phoenix (Private) Limited (100%) (94.65%) ^

Panama

Torre Banco Panama, Boulevard Costa Del Este y Aveida La Rotonda, Piso 14, Oficina 1400, Costa del Este Ciudad de Panama, Panama

BAT Caribbean, S.A.

British American Tobacco Central America S.A. (87.76%)

British American Tobacco Panama S.A.

Tabacalera Istmeña S.A.

Papau New Guinea

Level 4 Mogoru Moto Building, Champion Parade, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea

Rothmans of Pall Mall (P.N.G.) Limited (iv)

Level 10 Deloitte Tower, Douglas Street, Port Moresby, NCD, Papau New Guinea

British American Tobacco (PNG) Limited

Papua New Guinea Tobacco Company Limited

Paradise Tobacco Company Pty. Limited (iv)

Paraguay

Avenida Brasilia No 767, Asuncion, Paraguay

British American Tobacco Productora de Cigarrillos S.A.

 


Peru
Pasaje Santa Rosa 256, Ate, Lima, Perú.
British American Tobacco del Peru Holdings S.A.A. (98.98%)  (vi)
British American Tobacco del Peru, S.A.C.
Philippines
6th Floor Tuscan Building, Herrera Street, Legaspi Village, City of Makati, Philippines
Alhambra Industries Inc. #
Poland
Aleja Wojska Polskiego 23c, 63-500, Ostrzeszow, Poland
CHIC SP. ZO.O.
CHIC sp.zo.osp.k.
Nicoventures Polska sp. z.o.o. eSMOKING Liquids sp.zo.o eSMOKING Liquids sp.zo.o.sp.k.
Chic Investments sp.zo.o.
Krakowiakow 48, 02-255, Warszawa, Poland
British American Tobacco Polska Trading sp. zo.o.
PLAC ANDERSA 7, 61-894, Poznan, Poland
Chic Holding sp.zo.o
Rubiez 46, 61-612, Poznan, Poland
eSMOKING INSITUTE sp.zo
Ul. Ilzecka 26, 02-135, Warsaw, Poland
Nicoventures Poland Sp. Z.o.o.
Ul. Tytoniowa 16, 16-300, Augustow, Poland
British-American Tobacco Polska S.A.
Portugal
Avenida Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco 26, 7 Piso 1070, Lisboa, Portugal
COTAPO Empreendimentos Commerciais e Industriais S.A.
Réunion
5, Immeuble Cap, Avenue Théodore Drouhet, ZAC Horizon 2000, Le Port, 97420, IIe de la Réunion
B.A.T. La Reunion SAS
Romania
319 Splaiul Independentei, Sema Parc “City Buiding”, 1st Floor, 6th Sector, Bucharest, Romania
British American Shared Services (Europe) S.R.L.
Ploiesti, 17-19 Laboratorului Street, Prahova County, Romania
British-American Tobacco (Romania) Investment S.R.L.
Bucharest Business Park - Building B2, 1A Bucuresti - Ploiesti (DN1) Road, Sector 1, Bucharest 013681, Romania
British American Tobacco (Romania) Trading SRL
Russia
197229 Russia, Saint Petersburg, 3rd Konnaya lakhta, 39
CJSC ‘British American Tobacco-SPb’ #
121614 Russia, Moscow, Krylatskaya st., 17, bld. 2
CJSC ‘International Tobacco Marketing Services’
Rwanda
Soras Building, 2nd Flr, Boulevard de la Revolution P.O Box 650 Kigali, Rwanda
British American Tobacco Rwanda Limited
Saint Lucia
c/o ADCO Incorporated, 10 Manoel Street, Castries, Saint Lucia
Carisma Marketing Services Ltd
ries, St Lucia Pointe Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia
Rothmans Holdings (Caricom) Limited
Samoa
Vaitele, Apia, Samoa. P.O.Box 1304.
British American Tobacco (Samoa) Limited
Senegal
Almadies, Route Hôtel Méridien en Face Club Med, Dakar, Senegal
Tobacco Marketing Consultant TMC S.A.R.L
Serbia
Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 165G, Belgrade, 11070, Serbia
British American Tobacco South – East Europe d.o.o.
Kralja Stefana Provencanog 209, Vranje, 17500, Serbia
British American Tobacco Vranje a.d. (vii) (88%)
TDR d.o.o. Beograd
Singapore
15 Senoko Loop , Singapore, 758168
Agrega Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
British American Tobacco Asia Pacific Treasury Private Limited
British American Tobacco International Services Pte Ltd
British-American Tobacco (Singapore) Private Limited
British-American Tobacco Marketing (Singapore) Private Limited
Rothmans Industries Private Limited
18 Ah Hood Road #12-51, Hiap Hoe Bldg at Zhongshan Park, Singapore, 329983
British American Tobacco Sales & Marketing Singapore Pte. Ltd.
RHL Investments Pte Limited #
Slovenia
Bravničarjeva ulica 13, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
British American Tobacco d.o.o.
TDR Rovita d.o.o. Liubliana
Solomon Islands
Kukum Highway, Ranadi, Honiara, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited
South Africa
Waterway House South, 3 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
Agrega EEMEA (Pty) Limited
Amalgamated Tobacco Corporation (South Africa) (Pty) Limited
American Cigarette Company (Overseas) Ltd.
Benson & Hedges (Pty) Limited
British American Shared Services Africa Middle East (Pty) Limited
British American Tobacco GSD (South Africa) (Pty) Limited
British American Tobacco Holdings South Africa (Pty) Limited  #
British American Tobacco Manufacturers South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
British American Tobacco Properties South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
British American Tobacco Services South Africa (Pty) Limited
British American Tobacco South Africa (Pty) Limited
British American Tobacco Southern Africa Markets (Pty) Limited
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (Pty) Limited
Business Venture Investments No 216 (Pty) Limited
Carlton Cigarette Company (Pty) Limited
Gauloises (Pty) Limited
Intercontinental Tobacco Company (Pty) Ltd.
John Chapman (Pty) Limited
John Player & Sons (Pty) Limited
Kentucky Tobacco Corporation (Pty) Limited
Martins of London (Pty) Limited
Rembrandt Tobacco Corporation (Overseas) Ltd
Riggio Tobacco Corporation of New York Ltd
 


Rothmans of Pall Mall London Limited
St. Regis Tobacco Corporation Ltd
Stellenbosch Development Company (Pty) Limited
Thomas Bear’s Son & Co (Pty) Limited
Tobacco Research and Development Institute (Pty) Limited
W.D. & H.O. Wills (Pty) Limited
Westminster Tobacco Company (Cape Town & London) (Pty) Limited
Winfield Tobacco Corporation (Pty) Limited
Winston Tobacco Company Limited
Spain
Torreo Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, 28046 Madrid, Spain
British American Tobacco España, S.A.
Sri Lanka
178 Srimath Ramanathan Mawatha, Colombo, 15, Sri Lanka
Ceylon Tobacco Company Plc (84.13%)
Sudan
Gomhoreya Street, Khartoum, Sudan, PO Box 1381
Blue Nile CIgarette Company Limited
Swaziland
Rhus Office Park, Kal Grant Street, P.O. Box 569, Mbabane, Swaziland
British American Tobacco Swaziland (Pty) Limited
Sweden
Warfvinges väg 35, 112 51 Stockholm, Sweden
British American Tobacco Sweden AB
British American Tobacco Sweden Holding AB
Stenåldersgatan 23, 213 76 Malmö, Sweden
Fiedler & Lundgren AB
Switzerland
Zählerweg 4, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
AD Tabacs International S.A.
American-Cigarette Company (Overseas) Limited
British American Tobacco International Limited
Rothmans of Pall Mall Limited
Route de France 17, 2926 Boncourt, Switzerland
British American Tobacco Switzerland S.A.
British American Tobacco Switzerland Vending SA
Route de la Glâne 107, c/o NBA Fiduciaire S.A. 1752 Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland
Intertab S.A. (50%)
Tanzania
Acacia Estate Building, Kinondoni Rd, P.O. Box 72484, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
BAT Distribution Tanzania Limited
British American Tobacco (Tanzania) Limited
International Cigarette Distributors Limited (99%)
Zanzibar Distribution Company Limited (99%)
Thailand
No. 179/74-80 Bangkok City Tower, 15th Floor, South Sathorn Road, Thungmahamek Sub-District, Sathorn District, Bangkok, Thailand
British American Tobacco (Thailand) Limited
Trinidad and Tobago
Corner Eastern Main Road and Mt. D’or Road, Champs Fleurs, Trinidad and Tobago
The West Indian Tobacco Company Limited (50.13%)
Turkey
Veko Giz Plaza, Meydan Street, No: 3, B Blok, Floor: 18, Maslak, Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
British American Tobacco Tütün Mamulleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Uganda
7th Floor TWED Towers, Plot 10, Kafu Road, Nakasero, P.O. Box 7100, Kampala, Uganda
British American Tobacco Uganda Limited (90%)
Ukraine
13-15 Bolsunovska Str, Kyiv, 01014 Ukraine
LLC “British American Tobacco Sales and Marketing Ukraine”
21 Nezalezhnosti Str, Pryluky, Chernihiv Region, 17502 Ukriane
PJSC “A/T B.A.T. – Prilucky Tobacco Company” (99.99%)
United Arab Emirates
Office No. 201-212, Building 10, Second Floor, Dubai Internet City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
British American Tobacco FZ-LLC
Jumeriah Business Centre 3, 37th Floor, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, P.O. Box 337222, United Arab Emirates
British American Tobacco GCC DMCC
British American Tobacco ME DMCC
United Kingdom (England & Wales)
212-218 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3ET, Northern Ireland
Murray, Sons & Company, Limited
7 More London, Riverside, London, SE1 2RT, United Kingdom
Ryesekks P.L.C. (50%)
Globe House, 1 Water Street, London, WC2R 3LA, United Kingdom
Advanced Technologies (Cambridge) Limited
Agrega Limited
Allen & Ginter (UK) Limited
B.A.T (U.K. and Export) Limited
B.A.T Cambodia (Investments) Limited
B.A.T Far East Development Limited
B.A.T Far East Holding Limited
B.A.T Far East Leaf Limited
B.A.T Guangdong Limited
B.A.T Guizhou Limited
B.A.T Portugal Limited
B.A.T Russia Limited
B.A.T Services Limited
B.A.T Uzbekistan (Investments) Limited
B.A.T Vietnam Limited
B.A.T. (Westminster House) Limited
B.A.T. China Limited
BAT Finance COP Limited
BATIF Dollar Limited
BATUS Limited
Big Ben Tobacco Company Limited
British American Shared Services (GSD) Limited
British American Shared Services Limited
British American Tobacco (AIT) Limited
British American Tobacco (AME) Exports Limited
British American Tobacco (GLP) Limited
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
British American Tobacco (Philippines) Limited
British American Tobacco (Serbia) Limited
British American Tobacco (South America) Limited
 


British American Tobacco China Holdings Limited
British American Tobacco Georgia Limited
British American Tobacco Global Travel Retail Limited
British American Tobacco International Holdings (UK) Limited
British American Tobacco Investments (Central & Eastern Europe) Limited
British American Tobacco Italy Investments Limited
British American Tobacco Italy Limited
British American Tobacco Korea (Investments) Limited
British American Tobacco Malaysia (Investments) Limited
British American Tobacco Peru Holdings Limited
British American Tobacco UK Pension Fund Trustee Limited (x)
British American Tobacco Western Europe Commercial Trading Limited
British-American Tobacco (Mauritius) p.l.c.
Carreras Rothmans Limited #
Chelwood Trading & Investment Company Limited
East African Tobacco Company (U.K.) Limited
Lord Extra Limited
Myddleton Investment Company Limited
Nicovations Limited
Nicoventures Holdings Limited
Nicoventures Trading Limited
Powhattan Limited
Precis (2396) Limited
Ridirectors Limited
Rothmans (UK) Trading Limited
Rothmans Exports Limited
Rothmans International Limited
Rothmans International Tobacco (UK) Limited
Rothmans International Services Limited
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Overseas) Limited
Rothmans Trading Limited
Ryservs (1995) Limited
Ryservs (No.3) Limited
Ten Motives Limited
Tobacco Exporters International Limited
Tobacco Marketing Consultants Limited
Venezuela Property Company Limited
Westanley Trading & Investment Company Limited
Westminster Tobacco Company Limited
10 Motives Limited
Globe House, 2 Milford Lane, London, WC2R 3LN, United Kingdom
World Investment Company Limited

Globe House, 4 Temple Place, London, WC2R 2PG, United Kingdom

 

Amalgamated Tobacco Company Limited
American Cigarette Company (Overseas) Limited
Ardath Tobacco Company Limited
B.A.T Additional Retirement Benefit Scheme Trustee Limited
B.A.T Industries p.l.c.
B.A.T. International Finance p.l.c. *
BATLaw Limited
BATMark Limited *
Benson & Hedges (Overseas) Limited
British American Global Shared Services Limited
British American Tobacco (1998) Limited *
British American Tobacco (2009) Limited
British American Tobacco (2009 PCA) Limited
British American Tobacco (2012) Limited
British American Tobacco (Brands) Limited
British American Tobacco (Corby) Limited
British American Tobacco (NGP) Limited
British American Tobacco Taiwan Logistics Limited
British American Ventures Limited
British-American Tobacco (Holdings) Limited
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation (Export) Limited
Carreras Limited
CG Ventures Limited
Courtleigh of London Limited
Dunhill Tobacco of London Limited
John Sinclair Limited
Louisville Securities Limited
Moorgate Tobacco Co. Limited
Peter Jackson (Overseas) Limited
Precis (1789) Limited
Precis (1790) Limited
Precis (1814) Limited
Rothmans International Enterprises Limited
Rothmans of Pall Mall Limited
Senior Service (Overseas) Limited
South Western Nominees Limited
The London Tobacco Company Limited
Tobacco Insurance Company Limited
Weston (2009) Limited
Weston Investment Company Limited
One, Eton Street, Richmond Upon Thames, London, TW9 1EF,
United Kingdom
British American Tobacco UK Limited
United States
2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington DE 19808, United States
BTI 2014 LLC
Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington Delaware 19808, United States
B.A.T Capital Corporation
BATUS Holdings Inc.
BATUS Japan, INC.
BATUS Retail Services, Inc.
British American Tobacco (Brands) Inc.
Brown & Williamson Holdings, Inc.
Imasco Holdings Group, Inc.
Imasco Holdings, Inc.
ITL (USA) Limited
Louisville Corporate Services, Inc.
Nicoventures U.S. Limited

 

CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service, 2710 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 150N, Sacramento CA 95833-3505, United States

Genstar Pacific Corporation
Uruguay
Juncal 1392, Montevideo, Uruguay
Kellian S.A.
Uzbekistan
77 Minor Passage, Tashkent, 100084, Uzbekistan
UZBAT A.O. (97.38%)
 


Venezuela
Registro Mecantil Primero de la Circunscripción, Judical des Distrito, Capital y Estado, Miranda, Venezuela
Agrega de Venezuela, Agreven, C.A. (50%)
Agrobigott, C.A.
Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Edificio Bigott, Los Ruices, Caracas – Estado Miranda, 1010, Venezuela
Compania Anonima Cigarrera Bigott Sucesores
Distribuidora Bigott, C.A.
Avenida Francisco de Miranda, Torre Regelfall, Municipio Chacao, Estado, Miranda, Caracas, Venezuela
Proyectos de Inversion BAT 1902 C.A.
Vietnam
20/F Kumho Asiana Plaza, 39 Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
British American Tobacco East Asia Area Services Company Limited
Area 8, Long Binh Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam
British American Tobacco – Vintaba Limited (70%)
Lot 45C/I, Road #7, Vinh Loc Industrial Park, Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
VINA-BAT Joint Venture Company (49%)
Zambia
20992 Kafue Road, P O Box 30622, Lusaka, Zambia
British American Tobacco (Zambia) plc (78.08%)
Zimbabwe
Manchester Road 1, Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe
American-Cigarette Company (Overseas) (Private) Ltd
Rothmans Limited
Associated Undertakings and Joint Ventures
Angola
Viana Park, Polo Industrial, Viana, Luanda, Angola
Agrodande Limitada (32.50%)
Soc. Filtros Angola Sarl (39.14%)
Argentina
San Martín 140, Floor 14, City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Agrega S.A. (75%) (43.74%) ^
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Drage Karamana bb, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Uncro Team d.o.o. (100%) (24.36%) ^
Fra Dominka Mandića 24 A, 88220 Široki Brijeg, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ipress d.o.o. Široki Brijeg (51%) (49.70%) ^
Krstine bb, 88260 Čitluk, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Satelit-Plus d.o.o. Čitluk (25%) (24.36%) ^
Viteza Mile Bošnjaka br. 32, 88240 Posušje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Pos d.o.o. Posušje (100%) (24.36%) ^
Croatia
Slavonska avenija 11a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Tisak d.d. (41.86%)
Hungary
H-6800 Hódmezóvásárhely, Erzsébeti út 5/b, Hungary
Országos Dohányboltellátó Korlátolt Felelosségu Társaság (49%)
India
Virginia House, 37, J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata, 700 071, India
ITC Limited (29.92%) (x)
Azamabad, Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, 500 020, India
VST Industries Limited (32.16%) (x)
Nepal
Shree Bal Sadan, Gha 2-513, Kantipath, Kathmandu, Nepal
Surya Nepal Pvt. Limited (61%) (19.65%) ^ (xi)
Nigeria
1, Tobacco Road, Oluyole Toll Gate, Ibadan, Nigeria
Nigerpak Limited (26%) (ix)
Serbia
Kralja Stefana Provencanog 209, Vranje, 17500, Serbia
Veletabak d.o.o. (25%)
Uganda
7th Floor TWED Towers, Plot 10, Kafu Road, Nakasero, P.O. Box 7100, Kampala, Uganda
Uganda Tobacco Processors Limited (50%)
United States
Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington Delaware 19808, United States
Reynolds American Inc. (42.18%)
Yemen
P.O. Box 14, Sanna, Yemen
Kamaran Industry and Investment Company (31%)
P.O. Box 5302, Hoban, Taiz, Yemen
United Industries Company Limited (32%)
Zimbabwe
Manchester Road 1, Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe
British American Tobacco Zimbabwe (Holdings) Limited (43.13%)
Rothmans of Pall Mall (Malawi) Limited (100%) (43.13%) ^ (x)
Joint Operations
Hong Kong
29/F, Oxford House, 979 King’s Road, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
CTBAT International Co. Limited (50%)

Notes:

 

(i) Ownership held in the class of USD 100 (100%)
  (76.30%)^ and USD 49,900 (100%).
(ii) Ownership held in the class of Series F and 2nd Preferred shares.
(iii) Ownership held in the class of A shares (50%) and class of B shares (100%).
(iv) Ownership held in class of A shares and B shares.
(v) Ownership held solely in class of preference shares.
(vi) Ownership held in class of Investment stock (98.98%) and Ordinary shares (98.35%).
(vii) Ownership held in class of A (92.38%), B (83.98%), C (99.89%) and D (99.97%) Ordinary shares.
(viii) Company limited by guarantee.
(ix) 28 February year-end.
(x) 31 March year-end.
(xi) 15 July year-end.
(xii) 30 November year-end.

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

British American Tobacco p.l.c.

We consent to the use of our report dated March 20, 2017, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in this Registration Statement on Form F-4 of British American Tobacco p.l.c.

/s/ KPMG LLP

London, United Kingdom

May 12, 2017

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.:

We consent to the use of our reports dated February 9, 2017, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Reynolds American Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, included in Annex G and incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in this Registration Statement on Form F-4 of British American Tobacco p.l.c.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Greensboro, North Carolina

May 12, 2017

Exhibit 99.1

PRELIMINARY COPY

 

LOGO

   You have the option to submit your proxy by the Internet, telephone or mail. Your vote does not count until we receive it.

            REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

            401 NORTH MAIN STREET

            WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27102-2990

  

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions, and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on [●] ([●] for RAI Savings Plan or Puerto Rico SIP participants). Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

  

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on [●] ([●] for RAI Savings Plan or Puerto Rico SIP participants). Have your proxy card in hand when you call and follow the simple instructions provided to you.

  

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Reynolds American Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

   Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote the shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned the proxy card.
   If you vote by telephone or Internet, do not mail back the proxy card.

 

    TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
     KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS        
   DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY     

 

   

 

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

       
                   
    The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR :            
               For     Against   Abstain          
    1.       Approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017, as it and the plan of merger contained therein may be amended from time to time, referred to as the merger agreement, by and among Reynolds American Inc., referred to as RAI, British American Tobacco p.l.c., a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, referred to as BAT, BATUS Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, and Flight Acquisition Corporation, a North Carolina corporation and indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, referred to as Merger Sub, pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into RAI, and RAI will continue as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, which transaction is referred to as the merger.            
   
    2.   Approval on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation payments that will or may be paid by RAI or BAT to RAI’s named executive officers and that are based on or otherwise relate to the merger and the agreements and understandings pursuant to which such compensation may be paid or become payable.            
   
    3.   Approval of the adjournment of the special meeting of RAI shareholders, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the merger agreement.            
   
    For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.     ☐              
   
    Note: Please make sure that you complete, sign and date your proxy card. Please sign exactly as your names(s) appear(s) on the account. When signing as a fiduciary, please give your full title as such. Each joint owner should sign personally. Corporate proxies should be signed in full corporate name by an authorized officer.    

Shares for which an executed proxy is received, but no instruction is given, will be voted by the proxies FOR Item 1 and FOR Item 2 and FOR Item 3; and by Fidelity, as Trustee under the RAI Savings Plan, and FESC, as Custodian under the Puerto Rico SIP, in the same proportion as the shares for which instructions are received by Fidelity and FESC, respectively.

 

     
                                 
    Signature (PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX)    

 

Date        

 

 

 

         

Signature (Joint Owners)

 

 

Date            

 

           


PRELIMINARY COPY

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!

Please complete, sign and date your proxy card and return this proxy card in the enclosed envelope or vote by telephone or Internet as soon as possible!

 

To:

 

Shareholders of Reynolds American Inc.

Participants in the RAI 401k Savings Plan

Participants in the Puerto Rico Savings & Investment Plan

 

Shares of common stock of Reynolds American Inc. will be voted as you direct if this card is completed by you and received by Broadridge on or before [●] ([●] for RAI Savings Plan or Puerto Rico SIP participants). Broadridge is responsible for tabulating the returns.

If you have any questions or need assistance in voting the shares, please contact:

Reynolds American Inc.

Shareholder Services

401 North Main Street

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(866) 210-9976 (toll-free)

If you are a participant in the RAI Savings Plan or Puerto Rico SIP and have any questions or need assistance in voting, or asserting appraisal rights with respect to, the shares considered allocated to your account, please contact Fidelity Investments at 1-877-902-0256.

Important Notice Regarding Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting:

The Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement/Prospectus are available at www.proxyvote.com.

q DETACH PROXY CARD HERE IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET q

 

 

 

   

REYNOLDS AMERICAN INC.

 

PROXY

 

This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors

for the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on [ ].

 

       
   

The undersigned shareholder of Reynolds American Inc. hereby appoints Debra A. Crew, McDara P. Folan, III and Constantine (Dean) E. Tsipis, and each of them (with full power of substitution and resubstitution), as proxies of the undersigned, to vote all shares of the common stock of Reynolds American Inc. that the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on [●] at [●] (Eastern Time) in the Reynolds American Plaza Building Auditorium, 401 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy card, and in their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

The undersigned also provides instructions to Fidelity Management Trust Company (“Fidelity”), as Trustee under the RAI 401k Savings Plan (the “RAI Savings Plan”), and to Fidelity Employer Services Company LLC (“FESC”), as Custodian under the Puerto Rico Savings & Investment Plan (the “Puerto Rico SIP”), to vote shares of the common stock of Reynolds American Inc. allocated, respectively, to accounts of the undersigned under the RAI Savings Plan or the Puerto Rico SIP, and which are entitled to be voted at the Special Meeting, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy card, and to vote all such shares on such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

The undersigned acknowledges receipt prior to the execution of this proxy card of a notice of special meeting of shareholders and a proxy statement/prospectus dated [●].

 

     
    Address Changes/Comments:  

 

       
   

 

       
             
   

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side)

 

Continued and to be signed and dated on reverse side

 

       

Exhibit 99.2

[Letterhead of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC]

May 12, 2017

Transaction Committee of the Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

401 North Main Street

Winston Salem, NC 27101

Re: Initially Filed Registration Statement on Form F-4 of British American Tobacco p.l.c., filed on May 12, 2017 (the “Registration Statement”)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to our opinion letter, dated January 16, 2017 (“Opinion Letter”), with respect to the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders (other than British American Tobacco p.l.c. (“BAT”) and its subsidiaries) of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Reynolds American Inc. (the “Company”) of the Consideration (as defined in the Opinion Letter) to be paid to such holders pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 16, 2017, by and among BAT, BATUS Holdings, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, Flight Acquisition Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BAT, and the Company.

The Opinion Letter was provided for the information and assistance of the Transaction Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with their consideration of the transaction contemplated therein. We understand that the Company has determined to include our opinion in the Registration Statement. In that regard, we hereby consent to the reference to our Opinion Letter under the captions “Summary – Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor,” “Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Background of the Merger,” “Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Position of BAT and Merger Sub as to the Fairness of the Merger,” “Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—RAI’s Purposes and Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Transaction Committee; Recommendation of the RAI Board of Directors—Other Factors Considered by the Transaction Committee and the RAI Board of Directors” and “Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinion of the Transaction Committee’s Financial Advisor” and to the inclusion of the foregoing opinion in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus included in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood that our consent is being delivered solely in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement and that our Opinion Letter is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose, nor is it to be filed with, included in or referred to, in whole or in part in any registration statement (including any subsequent amendments to the Registration Statement), proxy statement or any other document, except in accordance with our prior written consent. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,

/s/ Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

(GOLDMAN SACHS & CO. LLC)

Exhibit 99.3

CONSENT OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

We hereby consent to (i) the use of our opinion letter dated January 16, 2017 to the Board of Directors of Reynolds American Inc. (“RAI”) included in Annex C to the proxy statement/prospectus which forms a part of the registration statement on Form F-4 (the “Registration Statement”) relating to the proposed merger of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and RAI, and (ii) the references to such opinion in such proxy statement/prospectus. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, nor do we hereby admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term “experts” as used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

 

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC

By:

 

/s/ Kedar Muley

Name:

 

Kedar Muley

Title:

 

Executive Director

Date:    May 12, 2017

Exhibit 99.4

Consent of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC

The Board of Directors

Reynolds American Inc.

401 North Main Street,

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Dear Members of the Board:

We hereby consent to the inclusion of our opinion, dated January 16, 2017, to the board of directors of Reynolds American Inc. (“RAI”) as Annex D to the proxy statement/prospectus, which is part of the Registration Statement on Form F-4 of British American Tobacco p.l.c., filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2017 (the “Registration Statement”), and to the description of such opinion and to the references to our name contained therein under the headings “Summary—Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors—Opinion of Lazard” and “Special Factors Relating to RAI Proposal I: Approval of the Merger Agreement—Opinions of RAI’s Financial Advisors—Opinion of Lazard”.

In giving the foregoing consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, nor do we admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term “experts” as used in the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,

LAZARD FRÈRES & CO. LLC

By:

 

/s/ Maxence de Gennaro

 

Maxence de Gennaro

 

Managing Director

New York, New York

May 12, 2017