BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule14a-6(e)(2))
o Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
þ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule
and the date of its filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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URGENT UPDATE CHANGES TO DIRECTOR-LEVEL MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARY SEVERANCE OFFER
The letter attached to this email provides important information regarding changes to your pending
offer under the BellSouth Corporation Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management:
Voluntary (TPPD:V). An amended TPPD:V Summary Plan Description, a revised Benefits Summary Sheet ,
and an additional copy of the Election and Release form are also attached.
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This is the only transmittal that you will receive regarding these changes. |
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If you wish to elect to accept this revised offer you must submit an Election and Release no later than the
time and date indicated in the enclosed letter. |
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You will be eligible to separate under the Plan only if your election is approved by the Company. |
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Questions about this offer and other benefits issues may be directed to the resources provided in the
attached revised Benefits Summary Sheet and the Question and Answer document that was sent to you with your
original offer letter dated February 6, 2006. |
Please carefully read all of the attached revised documents and the other documents provided to
you with your original offer letter dated February 6, 2006.
NOTE: In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T intends to file a registration statement on
Form S-4, including a joint proxy statement of AT&T and BellSouth, and AT&T and BellSouth will file
other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Investors are urged to
read the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement (and all amendments and
supplements to it) and other materials when they become available because they contain important
information. Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration and joint proxy
statement, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about AT&T
and BellSouth, without charge, at the SECs Web site (www.sec.gov). Copies of AT&Ts filings may
also be obtained for free from AT&T at AT&Ts Web site (www.att.com) or by directing a request to
AT&T Inc. Stockholder Services, 175 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Copies of BellSouths
filings may be obtained without charge from BellSouth at BellSouths Web site (www.bellsouth.com)
or by directing a request to BellSouth at Investor Relations, 1155 Peachtree Street, Atlanta,
Georgia 30309.
AT&T, BellSouth and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of
management and employees are potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of
the proposed merger. Information regarding AT&Ts directors and executive officers is available in
AT&Ts 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 and AT&Ts preliminary
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on February 10,
2006, and information regarding BellSouths directors and executive officers is available in
BellSouths 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2006 and BellSouths
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2006.
Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in
the registration and joint proxy statement, and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC
when they become available.
Jane A. Killian
Director
600 N. 19th Street 21B3
Birmingham, AL 35203
IMPORTANT: REVISED SEVERANCE OFFER
March 10, 2006
Dear Employee:
This purpose of this letter is to inform you of important changes regarding your pending offer
under the BellSouth Corporation Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management: Voluntary
(TPPD:V or Plan), including an increase in the severance payment formula to 7 percent of Annual
Base Salary per completed year of Net Credited Service (50 percent minimum; 150 percent maximum).
The following changes apply to your offer:
1. The sections of the Plan listed below have been amended:
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Severance Pay (p. 4) |
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Regular Stock Option Grants (p. 6) |
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Special Stock Option Grants (p. 7) |
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Performance Share Grants (p. 7) |
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Restricted Stock (p. 8) |
The revised terms are reflected in the amended Summary Plan Description, which is included with
this letter. A revised Benefits Summary Sheet reflecting these new terms is also attached. Please
carefully review these materials and the materials provided to you with your original offer letter
dated February 6, 2006, including the TPPD:V Identification of Individuals Eligible and Not
Eligible for Participation form (TPPD:V-Form 2). TPPD:V-Form 2 remains unchanged and is
incorporated by reference in this revised offer.
2. The surplus for your voluntary universe identified in your original offer letter remains
unchanged. However, in the event the surplus identified for your voluntary universe is not
resolved through the voluntary offer, the Company will not proceed with an involuntary
program.
3. IF YOU PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED AN ELECTION AND RELEASE, IT WILL NO LONGER BE EFFECTIVE, AND YOU
WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A NEW ELECTION AND RELEASE IF YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT THE REVISED OFFER.
IF YOU TAKE NO ACTION, YOU WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REVOKED YOUR PRIOR ELECTION. An additional copy
of the Election and Release form (TPPD:V-1) is included with this letter for your convenience.
4. To allow you additional time to consider the revised offer, the following new dates apply to
your TPPD:V offer:
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You have a period of at least forty-five days until April 28, 2006 to consider
the terms of this TPPD:V offer and to decide if you want to accept this offer. You are
advised to consult with an attorney prior to signing the Election and Release form. By
signing the form, you are, among other things, waiving certain claims against
BellSouth, as described in the Election and Release.
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If you elect to accept this offer, you must complete, sign and fax all pages
of the Election and Release form (TPPD:V-1) to BellSouth Force Management at (205)
321-5011 by no later than 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on April 28, 2006. Please retain the
fax confirmation sheet that documents that your form has been received. You will not
be notified whether your election has been approved or rejected until after
this date. |
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If you elect to accept this offer and subsequently change your mind, you may revoke
your acceptance within seven calendar days following the date you sign the Election and
Release form. To revoke your decision, you must fax a written notice within the 7-day
timeframe to (205) 321-5011. Additionally, in the event your election is rejected by
the Company, the Election and Release is thereby cancelled. |
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If you elect to accept this offer, do not revoke your acceptance, and your
election is approved, your projected last day on the payroll is May 15, 2006. |
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Your completed years of Net Credited Service (NCS) as of your separation date and
your Annual Base Salary as of March 1, 2006 will be used to calculate your severance
payment. |
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You can generally expect to receive your severance payment within thirty days of
your separation date. |
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Any changes made to the text or terms of the Election and Release form will
invalidate the form and your acceptance of the TPPD:V offer. |
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If you resign, retire, are terminated for cause, or otherwise separate from the Company
prior to any action by the Company to approve or reject your election, you will irrevocably
terminate your eligibility to participate in the Plan and receive any benefits under the
Plan. |
If you have any questions about these materials, please contact the BellSouth Force Management
Information Line at (205) 977-2531.
Sincerely,
NOTE: In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T intends to file a registration statement on
Form S-4, including a joint proxy statement of AT&T and BellSouth, and AT&T and BellSouth will file
other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Investors are urged to
read the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement (and all amendments and
supplements to it) and other materials when they become available because they contain important
information. Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration and joint proxy
statement, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about AT&T
and BellSouth, without charge, at the SECs Web site (www.sec.gov). Copies of AT&Ts filings may
also be obtained for free from AT&T at AT&Ts Web site (www.att.com) or by directing a request to
AT&T Inc. Stockholder Services, 175 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Copies of BellSouths
filings may be obtained without charge from BellSouth at BellSouths Web site (www.bellsouth.com)
or by directing a request to BellSouth at Investor Relations, 1155 Peachtree Street, Atlanta,
Georgia 30309.
2
AT&T, BellSouth and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of
management and employees are potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of
the proposed merger. Information regarding AT&Ts directors and executive officers is available in
AT&Ts 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 and AT&Ts preliminary
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on February 10,
2006, and information regarding BellSouths directors and executive officers is available in
BellSouths 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2006 and BellSouths
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2006.
Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in
the registration and joint proxy statement, and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC
when they become available.
3
BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
TRANSITION PAYMENT PLAN
FOR
DIRECTOR-LEVEL MANAGEMENT:
VOLUNTARY
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Effective February 1, 2006; |
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Amended March 9, 2006 |
NOTE: In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T intends to file a registration statement on
Form S-4, including a joint proxy statement of AT&T and BellSouth, and AT&T and BellSouth will file
other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Investors are urged to
read the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement (and all amendments and
supplements to it) and other materials when they become available because they contain important
information. Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration and joint proxy
statement, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about AT&T
and BellSouth, without charge, at the SECs Web site (www.sec.gov). Copies of AT&Ts filings may
also be obtained for free from AT&T at AT&Ts Web site (www.att.com) or by directing a request to
AT&T Inc. Stockholder Services, 175 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Copies of BellSouths
filings may be obtained without charge from BellSouth at BellSouths Web site (www.bellsouth.com)
or by directing a request to BellSouth at Investor Relations, 1155 Peachtree Street, Atlanta,
Georgia 30309.
AT&T, BellSouth and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of
management and employees are potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of
the proposed merger. Information regarding AT&Ts directors and executive officers is available in
AT&Ts 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 and AT&Ts preliminary
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on February 10,
2006, and information regarding BellSouths directors and executive officers is available in
BellSouths 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2006 and BellSouths
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2006.
Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in
the registration and joint proxy statement, and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC
when they become available.
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BELLSOUTH CORPORATION
TRANSITION PAYMENT PLAN FOR DIRECTOR-LEVEL MANAGEMENT:
VOLUNTARY
PURPOSE
The BellSouth Corporation Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management: Voluntary
(TPPD:V or the Plan) provides severance assistance to eligible non-represented employees who
voluntarily elect to terminate employment with BellSouth Corporation or a participating subsidiary
(Company) and who meet the eligibility requirements set forth below.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Plan is effective February 1, 2006 and amended March 9, 2006. Unless otherwise extended, this
plan will terminate effective June 30, 2006.
ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible to participate in and receive benefits under the Plan if you meet all of
the following criteria:
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You are a regular full-time or part-time non-represented employee in Job Grade D01 (formerly D60 D61) or equivalent, except Job Grade LA0. |
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You are employed by BellSouth Corporation or a subsidiary which the BellSouth Corporation Vice President -
Human Resources has approved for participation in the Plan. |
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You have officially been designated by the BellSouth Corporation Vice President Human Resources as being
eligible to participate in the Plan because of a force imbalance in a group (voluntary universe) within your
organization. |
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You receive a TPPD:V severance offer. |
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You execute a TPPD:V Election and Release form electing to accept a TPPD:V offer and to voluntarily separate from
employment, and you do not revoke that election. |
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Your TPPD:V election is approved by the Company. |
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You terminate employment on the separation date specified by the Company. |
Special Eligibility Rules
Employees who satisfy all other Plan eligibility requirements and who are or have been on a leave
of absence, which by its terms guarantees a right of reinstatement, and who are scheduled or
expected to return to active service as regular full-time or part-time non-represented
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employees prior to the separation date specified in their particular TPPD:V offer, can be included in a
voluntary universe and may participate in the Plan.
EXCEPTIONS TO ELIGIBILITY
You will not be eligible to participate in this Plan if:
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Your election to accept the TPPD:V severance offer is rejected by the Company. |
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Your employment is governed by a collective bargaining agreement. |
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You separate or have agreed to separate under the provisions of any other severance plan, program, agreement or
arrangement. |
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You are terminated for misconduct, job performance, or for any reason other than as a result of accepting a TPPD:V
severance offer. |
A TPPD:V offer made to an individual who does not satisfy the eligibility requirements of the Plan
is null and void.
IDENTIFYING AND SELECTING TPPD:V PARTICIPANTS
TPPD:V provides severance assistance to employees within designated non-represented employee groups
(voluntary universes). It is designed to be used during a specified time interval to help
eliminate a targeted force imbalance. The following process will be used to identify and to select
managers for participation in TPPD:V:
Eligible managers within a group (voluntary universe) will receive TPPD:V offers and will be
notified at that time of the number of positions that must be vacated due to the force imbalance
and the deadline for submitting elections.
Following the deadline for submitting TPPD:V elections, TPPD:V elections will be approved by the
Company in descending order of Net Credited Service for those eligible managers who have elected
separation under the Plan (i.e., elections are approved first for employees with the most service).
Employees who have submitted elections will be notified whether their elections are approved or
rejected.
Net Credited Service (or NCS) is your term of employment as defined in the BellSouth
Personal Retirement Account Pension Plan (PRA), which includes the current period of your
continuous service as well as any periods of prior service that have been credited under
bridging of service rules, as of your date of separation.
Approval of elections will normally be suspended when the force imbalance has been eliminated due
to approval of TPPD:V elections to the extent originally specified in the TPPD:V offer or due to
changed business circumstances.
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If the number of managers who elect to accept the TPPD:V severance offer exceeds the number
necessary to eliminate the force imbalance, at the recommendation of the organization and at the
discretion of the BellSouth Corporation Vice President Human Resources, additional TPPD:V
elections may be approved in descending order of NCS for those eligible managers who have elected
to accept the offer of separation under the Plan, in a number not to exceed fifty percent (50%),
rounded up to the next whole person, of the number of separations originally specified as needed to
eliminate the force imbalance in the voluntary universe.
TPPD:V BENEFITS
Except as otherwise provided below, if you separate under the provisions of TPPD:V, you will
receive severance pay based on your Net Credited Service as of your date of separation and on
your Annual Base Salary.
Annual Base Salary is your annual base salary rate in effect as of March 1, 2006. Annual
Base Salary includes (if applicable) geographical location allowances, but
excludes all other differentials, overtime, bonuses, and other payments or special
allowances (such as salary protection allowances). Annual Base Salary for those employees
covered under a sales compensation plan includes base salary plus the benefit incentive amount.
Computation of TPPD:V payments
If you separate under TPPD:V, you will receive a severance payment calculated as follows:
The greater of: (a) fifty percent (50%) of your Annual Base Salary, or (b) seven percent (7%)
of your Annual Base Salary multiplied by your completed years of Net Credited Service (NCS), not
to exceed one hundred fifty percent (150%) of Annual Base Salary.
For purposes of calculating your severance benefit, only completed years of NCS will be used
(e.g., six years and eight months of actual NCS equals six years of completed NCS for purposes
of calculating your severance payment).
TPPD:V severance payments are subject to the appropriate withholding of federal, state and local
income taxes, social security (FICA), and Medicare taxes, and are reported on IRS Form W-2.
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Outplacement Services for TPPD:V Participants |
If you separate under the provisions of TPPD:V, you will be eligible for the LHH@HOME career
transition program provided through Lee Hecht Harrison.
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Educational Assistance for TPPD:V Participants |
If you separate under the provisions of TPPD:V, you will be eligible to receive reimbursement
under the BellSouth Educational Assistance Program for qualifying courses that you complete by
no later than two (2) years following your date of separation. You will be limited to the
annual maximum reimbursement set forth under the Program.
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Telephone Concession for TPPD:V Participants |
If you separate under the provisions of TPPD:V, and as of your separation date, you are not
eligible to retire with a service pension under the BellSouth Personal Retirement Account
Pension Plan (PRA), but you have at least ten (10) years of Net Credited Service and the sum of
your whole years and whole months of age and your whole years and whole months of Net Credited
Service equals or exceeds sixty-five (65) (i.e., you meet the Rule of 65), you will be afforded
the same treatment with regard to telephone concession as that afforded employees in your
participating company who retire with a service pension as of that date.
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Group Medical and Dental Coverage |
Your post-termination medical and dental coverage depends on your pension status at the time of
separation.
If you are eligible to retire with a service pension under the BellSouth Personal Retirement
Account Pension Plan (PRA) at the time of separation, you are eligible for coverage under the
BellSouth Retiree Medical Assistance Plan and the BellSouth Retiree Dental Assistance Plan,
subject to the provisions and limitations of such plan(s) in effect on the date of your
retirement, and any amendments thereafter made to these plans, and subject to the
service-related medical premium and the medical premium associated with the capped amount, as
applicable to you. (This coverage applies regardless of your participation in TPPD:V.)
Rule of 65 Retiree Medical Benefits: If you separate under the provisions of TPPD:V and, at the
time of separation, you are not eligible to retire with a service pension under the BellSouth
Personal Retirement Account Pension Plan (PRA), but you have at least ten (10) years of Net
Credited Service and the sum of your whole years and whole months of age and your whole years
and whole months of Net Credited Service equals or exceeds sixty-five (65) (i.e., you meet the
Rule of 65), you will be eligible for retiree medical and dental coverage under the BellSouth
Retiree Medical Assistance Plan and the BellSouth Retiree Dental Assistance Plan, subject to the
provisions and limitations of such plan(s) in effect on the date of your separation, and any
amendments thereafter made to these plans, and subject to the service-related medical premium
and the medical premium associated with the capped amount, as applicable to you.
If you separate under the provisions of TPPD:V and, at the time of separation, you are not
eligible to retire with a service pension under the BellSouth Personal Retirement Account
Pension Plan (PRA) and are not eligible for Rule of 65 retiree medical benefits described above,
your current medical coverage (excluding dental coverage) will continue at Company expense,
under the same conditions and to the same extent as a comparable employee on the active payroll,
until you become eligible to elect to receive other group medical coverage with another
employer, or for a maximum of six full months following the end of the month in which you
terminate service, whichever comes first, except that during this period, the Company will pay
the entire cost of coverage, i.e., there will be no employee
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contribution (premium amount). This six months of continuation coverage will be concurrent with
(and not in addition to) continuation coverage required under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA).
Following this six month period, you and your covered dependents would be eligible to elect to
continue your medical coverage under COBRA for up to an additional twelve months by paying 102%
of the group rate. The extended coverage cannot exceed eighteen months from the date your
employment terminates, except as otherwise required by COBRA. At the appropriate time, the
Company will provide you with information on how to elect coverage under COBRA.
If you do not elect to pay the premiums under COBRA, medical coverage will terminate at the end
of the sixth full month after the date of separation.
Your current dental coverage, if any, will terminate at the end of the month in which your
employment terminates. You and your covered dependents are eligible to elect to continue dental
coverage under COBRA for a period not to exceed eighteen months from the date your employment
terminates. This coverage is available at a cost to you of 102% of the group rate. At the
appropriate time, the Company will provide you with information on how to elect continued
coverage under COBRA.
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BellSouth Stock Plans |
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Regular Stock Option Grants |
Under the terms of the plans and agreements under which BellSouth Corporation stock
options have been granted, if you separate from employment when you are eligible for a
retirement (as such term is used in governing plans and agreements), your vested
regular annual stock options are retained and would be exercisable for their full
remaining term. Your unvested regular annual stock options would vest as of your
retirement date, and also would be exercisable for their full remaining term.
If you separate from employment with BellSouth when you are not eligible for a
retirement, your vested regular annual stock option grants remain exercisable by their
terms for 90 days following your date of separation. Vested options must be exercised
within that 90 day period or they would be forfeited. Unvested regular annual stock
option grants normally would be forfeited immediately upon separation.
If you are not eligible for a retirement and you separate under the provisions of
TPPD:V, however, you will receive a payment with respect to your regular annual stock
option grants that, at the time of your termination of employment, are unvested. The
amount of this payment will equal the sum of the values assigned to each such grant
determined by multiplying the number of options in a grant by the amount, if any, by
which $33.50 exceeds the exercise price of those options.
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Special Stock Option Grants |
Special Stock Options are grants that were not made as part of the regular annual
long-term award process (normal annual grants and pro rata awards upon hire or
promotion), but that were made, for example, as a retention incentive or for special
recognition, that do not by their terms become exercisable upon retirement.
Under the terms of the plans and agreements under which BellSouth Corporation stock
options have been granted, if you separate from employment when you are eligible for a
retirement (as such term is used in governing plans and agreements), your vested
Special Stock Options (as defined above) are retained and would be exercisable for their
full remaining term. If you separate under TPPD:V, your unvested Special Stock Options
(which normally would be forfeited upon your retirement) will be treated in the manner
provided in section 6(a)(1) above.
If you separate from employment with BellSouth when you are not eligible for a
retirement, your vested Special Stock Options remain exercisable by their terms for 90
days following your date of separation. Vested Special Stock Options must be exercised
within that 90 day period or they will be forfeited. If you separate under TPPD:V, your
unvested Special Stock Options (which normally would be forfeited upon separation) will
be treated in the manner provided in section 6(a)(1) above.
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Performance Share Grants |
Under the terms of the plans and grant agreements under which BellSouth Corporation
performance shares have been granted, if you separate from employment when you are
eligible for a retirement (as such term is used in governing plans and agreements),
you would be eligible for a prorated payment at the end of the performance period
applicable to each performance share grant. BellSouths performance share award
agreements provide that the amount of this prorated payment would equal the sum of the
values assigned to each performance share grant determined:
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by multiplying the number of performance shares earned with respect to
each such grant (as determined by the plan administrator based on performance
results) by the average share price at the end of the performance period, and |
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calculating for each grant 1/36th of the amount so
determined for each calendar month during the performance period during which you
have been employed for one or more days, and |
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adding to such amount dividend equivalents paid during the performance
period on the number of performance shares earned. |
If you separate from employment with BellSouth when you are not eligible for a
retirement, performance shares would normally be forfeited. If, however, you separate
under the provisions of TPPD:V and are not eligible for a retirement, you
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will be
eligible for a prorated payment at the end of the performance period applicable to each grant of performance shares made before 2006. The amount of such payment shall be
determined as provided in your pre-2006 performance share award agreements as if you had
been eligible for a retirement (and as summarized above), except that in determining the
prorated amount (the fraction described in clause (ii) above), your employment will be
deemed to have ceased on May 31, 2006, regardless of your actual separation date.
If you separate under the provisions of TPPD:V and you have at the time of separation
unvested shares of BellSouth Corporation restricted stock that were granted before 2006
as part of a regular annual restricted shares award, all such unvested shares of
restricted stock shall vest upon your termination of employment.
The additional vesting of shares of restricted stock described in this Section 6(a)(4)
shall also apply to any special grants of shares of restricted stock that were not made
as part of the regular annual long-term award process (normal annual grants and pro rata
awards upon hire or promotion), but that were made, for example, as a retention
incentive or for special recognition.
The payments and vesting described in this Section 6(a) are subject to appropriate
withholding of federal, state and local income taxes, social security (FICA), and Medicare
taxes, and are reported on IRS Form W-2.
In the event of any change in outstanding shares of BellSouth Corporation common stock,
whether by reclassification, recapitalization, merger, stock split, stock dividend, or
otherwise, the BellSouth Corporation Vice President Human Resources shall adjust the
formula for assigning a value to such stock option, performance share and restricted stock
grants in his reasonable judgment to reflect such event.
|
(b) |
|
BellSouth Nonqualified Deferred Income Plan |
If you previously held an E-level or equivalent position and have made deferrals under the
BellSouth Nonqualified Deferred Income Plan (NQDIP) for years through 1997, and you
terminate employment while not eligible for a retirement (as such term is defined in
NQDIP), but you have at least ten (10) completed years of Net Credited Service and the sum
of your whole years and whole months of age and your whole years and whole months of Net
Credited Service equals or exceeds sixty-five (65) (i.e., you meet the Rule of 65), and you
separate under the provisions of TPPD:V, you will be deemed to have made a new payment
election with respect to your NQDIP benefits. As a result of this election, your NQDIP
benefits will not be cashed out in January of the year following your separation in the
recalculated amount using the 10-year Treasury rates as otherwise provided under NQDIP, but
will instead be paid in the same manner as if you had terminated employment while eligible
for a retirement.
If you have made deferrals under the BellSouth Nonqualified Deferred Income Plan
-8-
(NQDIP)
for years through 1997, and you are not eligible for a retirement (as such
term is defined in NQDIP) and you do not meet the Rule of 65, and you separate under the
provisions of TPPD:V, you will receive the accumulated value of each of your deferrals
(i.e., amount deferred, with interest credited at contract rate through date of payment,
minus the amount of interim distributions made, if any) rather than the recalculated amount
using 10-year Treasury rates as otherwise provided under NQDIP, at the time provided for
payment under NQDIP for terminations prior to retirement.
TRANSITIONAL LEAVES OF ABSENCE INAPPLICABLE
The BellSouth Transitional Leave of Absence Program for Management Employees will not be available
to employees separating from employment under the provisions of TPPD:V.
SEVERANCE PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
If you are re-employed by BellSouth Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, other than under the
Alternative Post-Retirement Employment Program (APREP), as a condition of such re-employment you
will be required to reimburse your former company in accordance with the following formula:
|
|
Gross Severance Payment minus (4% of Gross Severance Payment times the Number of Whole or
Partial Months Since Separation) = Amount to be Refunded to Your Former Company |
PLAN AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
BellSouth Corporation reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time with or without
notice and without consent of employees or Plan participants. Amendment or termination of the Plan
is effective upon execution of a written amendment or termination statement by the BellSouth
Corporation Vice President Human Resources. Unless otherwise extended, this plan will terminate
effective June 30, 2006.
RELEASE
As a condition to participating in TPPD:V and receiving the benefits described in this Plan, you
are required to sign an Election and Release (Release) waiving certain claims, as described in
the Release, against BellSouth, its employees and officers, your employing company and affiliated
companies. A sample of the Release is attached as Addendum A, and the terms of the Release are
incorporated as part of this Summary Plan Description.
FINANCING OF TPPD:V COSTS
Severance costs under TPPD:V are paid from the Companys general assets and are charged as an
appropriate expense as designated by the Company.
-9-
TYPE OF PLAN
The Plan is classified as a welfare benefit plan under provisions of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
BellSouth Corporation shall serve as the Plan Administrator of the TPPD:V and the named fiduciary
within the meaning of such terms as defined in ERISA. The Plan Administrator shall have the
discretionary authority to determine eligibility for Plan benefits and to construe the terms of the
Plan, including the making of factual determinations. Benefits under the Plan will be paid only if
the Plan Administrator decides in its sole discretion that the claimant is entitled to them. The
Administrator has discretionary authority to grant or deny benefits under this Plan. The decisions
of the Plan Administrator shall be final and conclusive with respect to all questions concerning
the administration of the Plan.
The Plan Administrator may delegate to other persons or entities responsibilities for performing
certain of the duties of the Plan Administrator under the terms of the Plan and may seek such
expert advice as the Plan Administrator deems reasonably necessary with respect to the Plan. The
Plan Administrator shall be entitled to rely upon the information and advice furnished by such
delegates and experts, unless actually knowing such information and advice to be inaccurate or
unlawful.
As Plan Administrator of the TPPD:V, BellSouth Corporation has delegated certain of its Plan
administrative responsibilities as follows:
|
|
BellSouth has delegated to its Vice President Human Resources
the overall fiduciary responsibility for administering TPPD:V. |
|
|
BellSouth has delegated to the TPPD:V Coordinator, who shall be
appointed by the Vice President Human Resources, the fiduciary
responsibility to review and to grant or deny claims that are
filed under the Plan. |
|
|
BellSouth has delegated to the TPPD:V Review Committee, a
committee of one or more individuals appointed by the Vice
President Human Resources, the fiduciary responsibility of
affording a full and fair review of all appeals resulting from
denied claims or other disputes arising out of the interpretation
or administration of the Plan. |
|
|
BellSouth has delegated responsibility for handling TPPD:V
administrative services for eligible participants to: |
BellSouth Corporation
TPPD:V Coordinator
600 N 19th Street, 21B3
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Telephone (205) 321-1840
FAX (205) 321-5011
-10-
Each of these individuals/entities in turn may delegate to other persons or entities
responsibilities for performing certain of the duties delegated to them by BellSouth Corporation as
Plan Administrator for TPPD:V, and each may seek such expert advice as he/she/it deems reasonably
necessary with respect to the Plan. Likewise, each of these individuals/entities shall be entitled
to rely upon the information and advice furnished by such delegates and experts, unless actually
knowing such information and advice to be inaccurate or unlawful.
CLAIM AND APPEALS PROCEDURE
Plan participants, or any person duly authorized by a participant, may file a claim in writing
in order to secure benefits under the Plan, or to secure a review of any other matter related to
the administration of the Plan. A written claim must be sent to the TPPD:V Coordinator within
60 days of the date of the alleged improper denial of severance benefits, or occurrence of other
facts giving rise to the claim.
If the claim is denied, the claimant will receive written notice of the TPPD:V Coordinators
decision, including the specific reason(s) for the decision, with reference to pertinent Plan
provisions, within 90 days of the date that the claim was received. In some cases, more than 90
days may be needed to make a decision. In such cases, the claimant will be notified (in writing
within the initial 90-day period) of the reason more time is needed. An additional 90 days may
be taken to make the decision if the claimant is sent such a notice. The extension notice will
show the date by which a decision will be sent.
The appeals procedure which follows provides the rules for appealing a denied claim.
A claimant may use this procedure if:
|
(a) |
|
No reply at all is received by the claimant within 90 days after filing the claim (in
which case the claim is deemed as being denied); or |
|
|
(b) |
|
In cases where a notice has extended the time for an additional 90 days and no reply is
received within 180 days after filing the claim (in which case the claim is deemed as
having been denied); or |
|
|
(c) |
|
Written denial of the claim for benefits or other matters is received within the proper
time limit and the claimant wishes to appeal the written denial. |
If a claim for benefits or review of any other matter related to the Plan is denied, the
participant, or another duly authorized person, may appeal this denial in writing within 60 days
after it is received, or if no decision is received, within 60 days of the date it is deemed to
have been denied. A written request for review of any denied claim should be sent directly to
the TPPD:V Coordinator, who will then refer it to the TPPD:V Review Committee.
-11-
Unless the TPPD:V Review Committee sends notice in writing that the claim is a special case
requiring more time, the Committee must conduct a review and resolve the appeal of the denied
claim within 60 days after receipt of the written request for review. In special cases, when
more time is needed to make a decision, the TPPD:V Review Committee will send notice in writing that
there will be a delay and give the reason(s) for the delay. In such cases, the TPPD:V Review
Committee may have 60 days more, or a total of 120 days, to make its decision.
If the claimant, or another individual designated by the claimant to represent him/her, submits
a written request for review of the denied claim, such person has the right to:
|
(a) |
|
Review pertinent Plan documents which may be obtained by following the procedures
described in Plan Documents. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Submit to the TPPD:V Review Committee a written statement of the issues and any other
documents in support of the request for TPPD:V benefits or any other matter under review. |
The TPPD:V Review Committees decision shall be given to the claimant in writing within 60 days,
or if extended, 120 days, and shall include the specific reasons(s) for the decision, with
reference to pertinent plan provisions. If the TPPD:V Review Committee does not give its
decision on review within the appropriate time span, the claimant may consider the claim denied.
The TPPD:V Review Committee has been delegated the sole and complete discretionary authority to
resolve benefit claim appeals under TPPD:V and to interpret and enforce the provisions of the
Plan. Its determinations and interpretations of the Plan are final and are not subject to
further administrative review.
3. |
|
Time Limit for Filing Civil Action for Denied Claims |
As a participant in the plan, you have the right under ERISA to file a civil action in court,
but you are first required to exhaust the claim and appeals procedures described above. However,
no legal action may be commenced or maintained against the plan or its administrators more than
180 days after the date that the TPPD:V Review Committee issues its final written response
pursuant to the appeals procedure.
NO ASSIGNMENT
Plan severance benefits shall not be subject to anticipation, alienation, pledge, sale, transfer,
assignment, garnishment, attachment, execution, encumbrance, levy, lien, or charge, and any attempt
to cause such severance benefits to be so subjected shall not be recognized, except to the extent
required by law.
RECOVERY OF PAYMENTS MADE BY MISTAKE
An eligible employee shall be required to return to the Company any Plan severance benefit payment,
or portion thereof, made by a mistake of fact or law.
-12-
REPRESENTATIONS CONTRARY TO THE PLAN
No employee, officer, or director of the Company has the authority to alter, vary, or modify the
terms of the Plan except by means of an authorized written amendment to the Plan. No verbal or
written representations contrary to the terms of the Plan and its written amendments shall be
binding upon the Plan, the Plan Administrator, or the Company.
LEGAL SERVICE
Process can be served on the Plan Administrator by directing such service to the TPPD:V Coordinator
at the address shown in the Plan Administration section above.
PLAN RECORDS
The BellSouth Corporation Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management: Voluntary and all
related records are kept on a calendar year basis beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of
each year.
PLAN IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
This Plan is identified by the following numbers under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules:
# 58-1533433 Employer Identification Number (assigned by the IRS)
# 603 Plan Number (assigned by BellSouth Corporation)
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW
This Plan shall comply with all applicable laws, and will be amended, if necessary, in order to
satisfy any such requirements.
PLAN DOCUMENTS
This document is intended to serve as both the full text of the BellSouth Corporation Transition
Payment Plan for Director-Level Management: Voluntary as well as a Summary Plan Description of such
Plan. TPPD:V participants are entitled to examine, without charge, all Plan documents, as defined
by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and its regulations, including any
documents and reports that are filed with a Federal government agency. These documents are
available for review at the TPPD:V Coordinators office. If a participant is unable to examine the
documents at such a location, he/she should write the TPPD:V Coordinator, specifying the documents
to be examined and at which work location the participant wishes to examine them. Copies of such
documents will be made available for examination at that work location within 10 days of the date
the request was made.
At any time, participants may request copies of any Plan documents by writing to the TPPD:V
-13-
Coordinator at the address shown in the Plan Administration section above. Participants will be
charged a reasonable fee for copies of the documents requested.
RIGHTS OF A PLAN PARTICIPANT
As a participant in the BellSouth Corporation Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level
Management: Voluntary, you are entitled to certain rights and protection under ERISA. ERISA
provides that all Plan participants shall be entitled to:
|
|
|
Examine, without charge, at the plan administrators office and at
other specified locations, all documents governing the plan, including
a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series), if any, filed
by the plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the
Public Disclosure Room of the Pension and Welfare Benefit
Administration. |
|
|
|
|
Obtain, upon written request to the plan administrator, copies of
documents governing the operation of the plan, including copies of the
latest annual report (Form 5500 Series), if any, and updated summary
plan description. The administrator may make a reasonable charge for
the copies. |
In addition to creating rights for Plan participants, ERISA imposes duties upon those who are
responsible for the operation of employee benefits plans. The people who operate your Plan, called
fiduciaries of the Plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other Plan
participants. No one, including your employer, or any other person, may terminate your employment
or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a benefit or
exercising your rights under ERISA. If your claim for benefits is denied or ignored, in whole or
in part, you have certain rights of review as described in this document under Claim and Appeals
Procedure.
Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you
request materials from the Plan Administrator and do not receive them within 30 days, you may file
a lawsuit in federal court. In such case, the court may require the Plan Administrator to provide
the materials and pay up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were
not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the Plan Administrator. If you have a claim for
benefits which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, and you have exhausted your
administrative remedies as set forth under Claim and Appeals Procedure, you may file a lawsuit in
state or federal court. If you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek
assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor or you may file a lawsuit in federal court. The court
will decide who will pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful, the court may order
the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay
these costs and fees.
If you have any questions about the Plan, you should contact the TPPD:V Coordinator. If you have
any questions about this statement of your rights, or about your rights under ERISA, you should
contact your nearest Area Office of the U.S. Labor Management Services Administration, Department
of Labor or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Pension and Welfare Benefits
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210.
-14-
TPPD:V-1
Page 1 of 3
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|
Print Name |
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Social Security
Number |
ADDENDUM A
Page 1
BellSouth Corporation
Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management: Voluntary (TPPD:V)
Election and Release
I elect to accept the offer of BellSouth Corporation (the Company) to allow me to
participate in the BellSouth Corporation Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management:
Voluntary (TPPD:V or the Plan). I understand that the Company may approve or reject my
election and that it will notify me of its decision. If the Company rejects my election, I
understand that this Election and Release is thereby cancelled.
Prior to signing this Election and Release (hereinafter Release), I acknowledge that I was
provided a period of at least forty-five (45) days in which to consider this Release and review the
TPPD:V Summary Plan Description. I further acknowledge that, at the outset of that 45-day period,
I was provided a completed TPPD:V Identification of Individuals Eligible and Not Eligible for
Participation form (TPPD:V-2 Form) and was advised to consult with an attorney prior to signing
this Release. If I have signed this Release before the expiration of the 45-day period, I
acknowledge that I have done so voluntarily after carefully considering the terms of the Release
and the TPPD:V Summary Plan Description. I fully understand the binding nature of this Release,
and I acknowledge that my decision to separate from employment and sign this Release has been made
knowingly and voluntarily.
In consideration for the severance benefits that will be provided to me under the Plan if the
Company approves my election, I further agree to the terms set forth below:
(1) |
|
I hereby fully waive, discharge, and release any and all claims relating to or arising out of
my employment, of whatever nature, known or unknown, I may have against BellSouth Corporation,
its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and in the case of all such entities, their
respective owners, representatives, officers, directors, attorneys, agents, employees,
successors and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to as BellSouth) as a result of
actions or omissions occurring through this date, subject to the provisions set forth below.
Specifically included in this waiver and release are any and all claims of alleged employment
discrimination, either as a result of my separation from employment or otherwise, under the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Section 621, et
seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e,
et seq., and any and all other claims relating to or arising out of my
employment, under any federal, state, or local statute, common law, or regulation, including
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. Section 1001, et
seq. |
|
(a) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that a race-discrimination class action has been
filed against BellSouth Corporation and is currently pending in federal court in
Alabama. The caption of the pending case is Jenkins, et al. v. BellSouth
Corporation, 2:02-cv-01057-VEH (N.D. Ala. filed Apr. 29, 2002) (hereinafter the
Jenkins action). The proposed class action includes only current and former
employees of BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (BST). I acknowledge and understand
that, if I am an African-American employee who has previously held a position at or
below Job Grade C59 at BST, I am a potential member of the alleged class in this
action. The case involves allegations that BST discriminated against African-American
employees in management pay and opportunities for promotion to management. BellSouth
denies these allegations. I understand that if I elect to sign this Release, it will
not bar me from receiving any remedies that I may be awarded through the
Jenkins action, subject to the following conditions: |
__________
(Initial)
-15-
TPPD:V-1
Page 2 of 3
ADDENDUM A
Page 2
|
(i) |
|
Any monetary relief that I may be entitled to receive through
the Jenkins action, if any, will be reduced solely by the gross amount
of the cash payments provided to me in exchange for executing this Release and
the cost to the Company of providing retiree and/or other medical coverage that
I will receive as a result of my participation in the Plan (the medical
coverage). |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Since the cost of the medical coverage will vary for each
person, based on such factors as life expectancy and scope of coverage, I
understand that the cost for the medical coverage I will receive shall be
determined at such time as I may be entitled to receive monetary relief through
the Jenkins action, by a professional, independent actuary whose
selection is approved by the Court in which the Jenkins action is
pending. |
|
|
(iii) |
|
I understand that the independent actuary shall calculate the
cost of the medical coverage over the course of my expected lifetime. I am
advised by the Company that the estimated current average cost to the Company
to provide two-party coverage to a retiree under 65 years of age with more than
20, but less than 30 years of net credited service is approximately $728.00 per
month. I further understand that the monthly cost of the medical coverage I
will receive may be higher or lower than this average. |
|
|
(iv) |
|
In the event the value of the cash and cost of the medical
coverage I will receive in exchange for executing this Release is greater than
the amount of any potential monetary relief in the Jenkins action, I
understand that I will not receive any monetary relief through the
Jenkins action. However, I understand that under no circumstances will
I owe any money to BellSouth. |
|
(b) |
|
EFFECT OF EXECUTING THIS RELEASE ON MY ABILITY TO PURSUE MY OWN EMPLOYMENT
DISCRIMINATION CASE: |
|
(i) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that in the event the
Jenkins action is certified by the Court as a class action, the
certified members of the class may have the right to opt out of the case and
choose to pursue their individual claims on their own or take no action. |
|
|
(ii) |
|
If I am a member of the proposed class, I acknowledge and
understand that because this is a Release of all claims against BellSouth,
except for the Jenkins class claims, this Release will only permit me
to obtain monetary relief for claims of race discrimination through the
Jenkins action. Therefore, by executing this Release and accepting the
severance benefits provided to me, I understand that if I exercise a right to
opt out of the Jenkins action, I would lose the right to obtain any
monetary relief from a claim of discrimination based on my employment at
BellSouth. |
__________
(Initial)
-16-
TPPD:V-1
Page 3 of 3
ADDENDUM A
Page 3
|
(c) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that Plaintiffs in the Jenkins action are
represented by the following attorneys: Joseph M. Sellers of the law firm of Cohen,
Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, P.L.L.C. in Washington, DC; Cyrus Mehri of the law firm of
Mehri & Skalet, PLLC in Washington, DC; Angela Mason of the law firm of Cochran, Cherry,
Givens & Smith in Dothan, AL; Hezekiah Sistrunk of the law firm of Cochran, Cherry,
Givens & Smith in Atlanta, GA; Byron R. Perkins of the law firm of Byron R. Perkins and
Associates, LLC in Birmingham, AL; and Roderick T. Cooks of the law firm of Wiggins,
Childs, Quinn & Pantazias, LLC in Birmingham, AL. The phone number for class counsel is
1-800-916-6895. I understand that I may contact any of these attorneys if I have
questions concerning the Jenkins action. |
|
(d) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that nothing in this Release precludes me from
participating as a witness or providing evidence in the Jenkins action or in any
other lawsuit filed against BellSouth. |
|
(e) |
|
I understand and agree, as does BellSouth, that it is unlawful for BellSouth to
retaliate against me if I choose not to sign the Release or choose to participate as a
witness or provide evidence in the Jenkins action or in any other lawsuit filed
against BellSouth. |
(2) |
|
I acknowledge that the severance benefits that are being offered to me under the terms of the
Plan represent valuable consideration that I am not otherwise entitled to receive and that are
in addition to other forms of compensation or benefits to which I currently am entitled. |
|
(3) |
|
I understand that I may revoke my election to participate in TPPD:V by giving written notice
by fax to the TPPD:V Coordinator (at fax number 205-321-5011) within seven (7) calendar days
following the date that I signed the Release. I further understand that this Release will
become binding and irrevocable after the expiration of that seven-day period, subject to the
Companys approval of my election. |
|
(4) |
|
Each paragraph and clause of this Release shall be deemed severable from all other
provisions, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. In addition, any invalid or
unenforceable provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. |
|
(5) |
|
I acknowledge that the benefits provided under the Plan are the only consideration for my
signing this Release and that I have relied on no other representations or promises in making
my decision to participate in the Plan and sign this Release, including representations
regarding benefits that may or may not be offered in the future under TPPD:V or any other
severance, pension or benefit plan. I understand and acknowledge that this Release constitutes
the entire agreement between the Company and me regarding the subject matter herein and no
amendment or modification of this Release shall be valid or binding unless signed by me and
the BellSouth Corporation Vice President Human Resources. |
-17-
TPPD:V-1
Page 1 of 4
BellSouth Corporation
Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management: Voluntary (TPPD:V)
Election and Release
I elect to accept the offer of BellSouth Corporation (the Company) to allow me to
participate in the BellSouth Corporation Transition Payment Plan for Director-Level Management:
Voluntary (TPPD:V or the Plan). I understand that the Company may approve or reject my
election and that it will notify me of its decision. If the Company rejects my election, I
understand that this Election and Release is thereby cancelled.
Prior to signing this Election and Release (hereinafter Release), I acknowledge that I was
provided a period of at least forty-five (45) days in which to consider this Release and review the
TPPD:V Summary Plan Description. I further acknowledge that, at the outset of that 45-day period,
I was provided a completed TPPD:V Identification of Individuals Eligible and Not Eligible for
Participation form (TPPD:V-2 Form) and was advised to consult with an attorney prior to signing
this Release. If I have signed this Release before the expiration of the 45-day period, I
acknowledge that I have done so voluntarily after carefully considering the terms of the Release
and the TPPD:V Summary Plan Description. I fully understand the binding nature of this Release,
and I acknowledge that my decision to separate from employment and sign this Release has been made
knowingly and voluntarily.
In consideration for the severance benefits that will be provided to me under the Plan if the
Company approves my election, I further agree to the terms set forth below:
(1) |
|
I hereby fully waive, discharge, and release any and all claims relating to or arising out of
my employment, of whatever nature, known or unknown, I may have against BellSouth Corporation,
its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and in the case of all such entities, their
respective owners, representatives, officers, directors, attorneys, agents, employees,
successors and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to as BellSouth) as a result of
actions or omissions occurring through this date, subject to the provisions set forth below.
Specifically included in this waiver and release are any and all claims of alleged employment
discrimination, either as a result of my separation from employment or otherwise, under the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. Section 621, et
seq., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e,
et seq., and any and all other claims relating to or arising out of my
employment, under any federal, state, or local statute, common law, or regulation, including
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, 29 U.S.C. Section 1001, et
seq. |
|
(a) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that a race-discrimination class action has been
filed against BellSouth Corporation and is currently pending in federal court in
Alabama. The caption of the pending case is Jenkins, et al. v. BellSouth
Corporation, 2:02-cv-01057-VEH (N.D. Ala. filed Apr. 29, 2002) (hereinafter the
Jenkins action). The proposed class action includes only current and former
employees of BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (BST). I acknowledge and understand
that, if I am an African-American employee who has previously held a position at or
below Job Grade C59 at BST, I am a potential member of the alleged class in this
action. The case involves allegations that BST discriminated against African-American
employees in management pay and opportunities for promotion to management. BellSouth
denies these allegations. I understand that if I elect to sign this Release, it will
not bar me from receiving any remedies that I may be awarded through the
Jenkins action, subject to the following conditions: |
__________
(Initial)
-1-
TPPD:V-1
Page 2 of 4
|
(i) |
|
Any monetary relief that I may be entitled to receive through the
Jenkins action, if any, will be reduced solely by the gross amount of
the cash payments provided to me in exchange for executing this Release and the
cost to the Company of providing retiree and/or other medical coverage that I
will receive as a result of my participation in the Plan (the medical
coverage). |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Since the cost of the medical coverage will vary for each
person, based on such factors as life expectancy and scope of coverage, I
understand that the cost for the medical coverage I will receive shall be
determined at such time as I may be entitled to receive monetary relief through
the Jenkins action, by a professional, independent actuary whose
selection is approved by the Court in which the Jenkins action is
pending. |
|
|
(iii) |
|
I understand that the independent actuary shall calculate the
cost of the medical coverage over the course of my expected lifetime. I am
advised by the Company that the estimated current average cost to the Company
to provide two-party coverage to a retiree under 65 years of age with more than
20, but less than 30 years of net credited service is approximately $728.00 per
month. I further understand that the monthly cost of the medical coverage I
will receive may be higher or lower than this average. |
|
|
(iv) |
|
In the event the value of the cash and cost of the medical
coverage I will receive in exchange for executing this Release is greater than
the amount of any potential monetary relief in the Jenkins action, I
understand that I will not receive any monetary relief through the
Jenkins action. However, I understand that under no circumstances will
I owe any money to BellSouth. |
|
(b) |
|
EFFECT OF EXECUTING THIS RELEASE ON MY ABILITY TO PURSUE MY OWN EMPLOYMENT
DISCRIMINATION CASE: |
|
(i) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that in the event the
Jenkins action is certified by the Court as a class action, the
certified members of the class may have the right to opt out of the case and
choose to pursue their individual claims on their own or take no action. |
|
|
(ii) |
|
If I am a member of the proposed class, I acknowledge and
understand that because this is a Release of all claims against BellSouth,
except for the Jenkins class claims, this Release will only permit me
to obtain monetary relief for claims of race discrimination through the
Jenkins action. Therefore, by executing this Release and accepting the
severance benefits provided to me, I understand that if I exercise a right to
opt out of the Jenkins action, I would lose the right to obtain any
monetary relief from a claim of discrimination based on my employment at
BellSouth. |
__________
(Initial)
-2-
|
(c) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that Plaintiffs in the Jenkins action are
represented by the following attorneys: Joseph M. Sellers of the law firm of Cohen,
Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, P.L.L.C. in Washington, DC; Cyrus Mehri of the law firm of
Mehri & Skalet, PLLC in Washington, DC; Angela Mason of the law firm of Cochran, Cherry,
Givens & Smith in Dothan, AL; Hezekiah Sistrunk of the law firm of Cochran, Cherry,
Givens & Smith in Atlanta, GA; Byron R. Perkins of the law firm of Byron R. Perkins and
Associates, LLC in Birmingham, AL; and Roderick T. Cooks of the law firm of Wiggins,
Childs, Quinn & Pantazias, LLC in Birmingham, AL. The phone number for class counsel is
1-800-916-6895. I understand that I may contact any of these attorneys if I have
questions concerning the Jenkins action. |
|
|
(d) |
|
I acknowledge and understand that nothing in this Release precludes me from
participating as a witness or providing evidence in the Jenkins action or in any
other lawsuit filed against BellSouth. |
|
|
(e) |
|
I understand and agree, as does BellSouth, that it is unlawful for BellSouth to
retaliate against me if I choose not to sign the Release or choose to participate as a
witness or provide evidence in the Jenkins action or in any other lawsuit filed
against BellSouth. |
(2) |
|
I acknowledge that the severance benefits that are being offered to me under the terms of the
Plan represent valuable consideration that I am not otherwise entitled to receive and that are
in addition to other forms of compensation or benefits to which I currently am entitled. |
(3) |
|
I understand that I may revoke my election to participate in TPPD:V by giving written notice
by fax to the TPPD:V Coordinator (at fax number 205-321-5011) within seven (7) calendar days
following the date that I signed the Release. I further understand that this Release will
become binding and irrevocable after the expiration of that seven-day period, subject to the
Companys approval of my election. |
(4) |
|
Each paragraph and clause of this Release shall be deemed severable from all other
provisions, and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. In addition, any invalid or
unenforceable provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. |
(5) |
|
I acknowledge that the benefits provided under the Plan are the only consideration for my
signing this Release and that I have relied on no other representations or promises in making
my decision to participate in the Plan and sign this Release, including representations
regarding benefits that may or may not be offered in the future under TPPD:V or any other
severance, pension or benefit plan. I understand and acknowledge that this Release constitutes
the entire agreement between the Company and me regarding the subject matter herein and no
amendment or modification of this Release shall be valid or binding unless signed by me and
the BellSouth Corporation Vice President Human Resources. |
-3-
NOTE: In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T intends to file a registration statement on
Form S-4, including a joint proxy statement of AT&T and BellSouth, and AT&T and BellSouth will file
other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Investors are urged to
read the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement (and all amendments and
supplements to it) and other materials when they become available because they contain important
information. Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration and joint proxy
statement, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about AT&T
and BellSouth, without charge, at the SECs Web site (www.sec.gov). Copies of AT&Ts filings may
also be obtained for free from AT&T at AT&Ts Web site (www.att.com) or by directing a request to
AT&T Inc. Stockholder Services, 175 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Copies of BellSouths
filings may be obtained without charge from BellSouth at BellSouths Web site (www.bellsouth.com)
or by directing a request to BellSouth at Investor Relations, 1155 Peachtree Street, Atlanta,
Georgia 30309.
AT&T, BellSouth and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of
management and employees are potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of
the proposed merger. Information regarding AT&Ts directors and executive officers is available in
AT&Ts 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 and AT&Ts preliminary
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on February 10,
2006, and information regarding BellSouths directors and executive officers is available in
BellSouths 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2006 and BellSouths
proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on March 3, 2006.
Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in
the registration and joint proxy statement, and the other relevant documents filed with the SEC
when they become available.
-4-
Benefits Summary Sheet for Director-Level Severance Plan
2006 Management Force Reduction
(REVISED)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transition Payment
Plan |
|
|
|
for Director-Level Management: Voluntary
|
Contact
Information |
|
(TPPD:V) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance Payment
|
|
7% of base salary (as of 03-01-06) per completed year of service
|
|
Force Management Info Line |
|
|
as of date of separation
|
|
1-205-977-2531 |
|
|
50% minimum
|
|
Option 1 |
|
|
150% maximum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transitional Leave
|
|
Does not apply to this severance plan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical
|
|
Rule of 65 Retiree medical eligibility
|
|
Benefits Service Center |
|
|
6 months paid for others
|
|
1-800-528-1232 |
|
|
|
|
|
Retiree Phone Concession
|
|
Rule of 65 Same as service pension eligible
|
|
Benefits Service Center |
|
|
|
|
1-800-528-1232 |
|
|
|
|
|
Educational Assistance
|
|
2 years
|
|
Educational Assistance Office |
|
|
|
|
1-888-507-2287 |
|
|
|
|
|
Outplacement
|
|
Yes
|
|
Force Management Info Line |
|
|
|
|
1-205-977-2531 |
|
|
|
|
Option 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock(1)
|
|
Rule of 75 Full vesting
|
|
See NOTE or contact: |
|
|
All Other Full vesting
|
|
Jeannette Butler at
404-249-4167 |
|
|
Note: Includes both annual grants and special grants
|
|
jeannette.butler@bellsouth.com |
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Shares(1)
|
|
Prorated vesting
|
|
See NOTE or contact: |
|
|
(Rule of 75 already eligible for prorated vesting*)
|
|
Jeannette Butler at 404-249-4167 |
|
|
|
|
jeannette.butler@bellsouth.com |
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested Options -
|
|
Payout at Fixed Amount ($33.50) if not Rule of 75
|
|
See NOTE or contact: |
Regular Grants
|
|
(Rule of 75 already eligible for vesting at retirement*)
|
|
Jeannette Butler at 404-249-4167 |
|
|
|
|
jeannette.butler@bellsouth.com |
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested Options -
|
|
Payout at Fixed Amount ($33.50)
|
|
See NOTE or contact: |
Special Grants
|
|
|
|
Jeannette Butler at 404-249-4167 |
|
|
|
|
jeannette.butler@bellsouth.com |
|
|
|
* |
|
Items identified with an asterisk (*) reflect benefits employees are eligible to receive regardless of whether they participate in this severance plan. |
|
(1) |
|
Individuals separating under this plan will forfeit any 2006 Long Term Grants. |
|
NOTE: |
|
For a detailed account of outstanding options/shares through 12/31/05, log on to Benefits@YourFingertips and select the following choices in order: Your Total Rewards, Wealth tab,
Stock Ownership (for performance share information), View Your Equity Portfolio (for options and restricted share information). A printable Summary is available for all long-term
options/shares and deferrals from the View Your Equity Portfolio page. |
Overview Only eligibility and benefits are controlled by the terms of the
official Summary Plan Description for the applicable severance plan and by
the terms of the various underlying benefit plans and programs.
1
Benefits Summary Sheet for Director-Level Severance Plan
2006 Management Force Reduction
(REVISED)
NOTE: In connection with the proposed merger, AT&T intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4, including a joint proxy statement of AT&T and BellSouth, and AT&T and BellSouth
will file other materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). Investors are urged to read the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement (and all
amendments and supplements to it) and other materials when they become available because they contain important information. Investors will be able to obtain free copies of the registration
and joint proxy statement, when they become available, as well as other filings containing information about AT&T and BellSouth, without charge, at the SECs Web site (www.sec.gov). Copies
of AT&Ts filings may also be obtained for free from AT&T at AT&Ts Web site (www.att.com) or by directing a request to AT&T Inc. Stockholder Services, 175 E. Houston, San Antonio, Texas
78205. Copies of BellSouths filings may be obtained without charge from BellSouth at BellSouths Web site (www.bellsouth.com) or by directing a request to BellSouth at Investor Relations,
1155 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
AT&T, BellSouth and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees are potential participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the
proposed merger. Information regarding AT&Ts directors and executive officers is available in AT&Ts 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2006 and AT&Ts
preliminary proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, filed with the SEC on February 10, 2006, and information regarding BellSouths directors and executive officers is
available in BellSouths 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2006 and BellSouths proxy statement for its 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC
on March 3, 2006. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants will be included in the registration and joint proxy statement, and the other relevant
documents filed with the SEC when they become available.
2