CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY (NYSE:CPB) Files An 8-K Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, on December 18, 2017, Campbell entered into that certain Bridge Commitment Letter, by and among Campbell, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Credit Suisse AG (the "Debt Commitment Letter"). to the Debt Commitment Letter, the arranger thereunder has committed to obtain a 364-day senior unsecured bridge term loan credit facility in an aggregate principle amount of up to $6,200,000,000, which facility is anticipated to be replaced or refinanced by Campbell's issuance of any combination of (i) senior unsecured notes through a public offering or in a private placement and/or (ii) senior unsecured term loans made on or prior to the closing date of the Merger.

The foregoing description of the Debt Commitment Letter does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the Debt Commitment Letter attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)Exhibits

See Exhibit Index

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect Campbell's current expectations about the impact of its future plans and performance on Campbell's business or financial results. These forward-looking statements, including those regarding the acquisition of Snyder's-Lance, rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and which are subject to risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause Campbell's actual results to vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement include (1) changes in consumer demand for Campbell's products and favorable perception of Campbell's brands; (2) the risks associated with trade and consumer acceptance of product improvements, shelving initiatives, new products and pricing and promotional strategies; (3) the impact of strong competitive responses to Campbell's efforts to leverage its brand power with product innovation, promotional programs and new advertising; (4) changing inventory management practices by certain of Campbell's key customers; (5) a changing customer landscape, with value and e-commerce retailers expanding their market presence, while certain of Campbell's key customers continue to increase their significance to Campbell's business; (6) Campbell's ability to realize projected cost savings and benefits from its efficiency and/or restructuring initiatives; (7) Campbell's ability to manage changes to its organizational structure and/or business processes, including selling, distribution, manufacturing and information management systems or processes; (8) product quality and safety issues, including recalls and product liabilities; (9) the ability to complete and to realize the projected benefits of acquisitions, divestitures and other business portfolio changes; (10) the conditions to the completion of the Snyder's-Lance transaction, including obtaining Snyder's-Lance shareholder approval, may not be satisfied, or the regulatory approvals required for the transaction may not be obtained on the terms expected, on the anticipated schedule, or at all; (11) long-term financing for the Snyder's-Lance Transaction may not be available on favorable terms, or at all; (12) closing of the Snyder's-Lance transaction may not occur or may be delayed, either as a result of litigation related to the transaction or otherwise; (13)Campbell may be unable to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Snyder's-Lance transaction; (14) completing the Snyder's-Lance merger may distract Campbell's management from other important matters;(15) disruptions to Campbell's supply chain, including fluctuations in the supply of and inflation in energy and raw and packaging materials cost; (16) the uncertainties of litigation and regulatory actions against the company; (17) the possible disruption to the independent contractor distribution models used by certain of Campbell's businesses, including as a result of litigation or regulatory actions affecting their independent contractor classification; (18) the impact of non-U.S. operations, including trade restrictions, public corruption and compliance with foreign laws and regulations; (19) impairment to goodwill or other intangible assets; (20) Campbell's ability to protect its intellectual property rights; (21) increased liabilities and costs related to Campbell's defined benefit pension plans; (22) a material failure in or breach of Campbell's information technology systems; (23) Campbell's ability to attract and retain key talent; (24) changes in currency exchange rates, tax rates, interest rates, debt and equity markets, inflation rates, economic conditions, law, regulation and other external factors; (25) unforeseen business disruptions in one or more of Campbell's markets due to political instability, civil disobedience, terrorism, armed hostilities, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters or other calamities; and (26) other factors described in Campbell's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings. The company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

EXHIBIT INDEX

* Certain schedules and exhibits to this agreement have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule and/or exhibit will be furnished as a supplement to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

CAMPBELL SOUP CO Exhibit
EX-2.1 2 ex2-1.htm EXHIBIT 2.1   Exhibit 2.1   AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated as of December 18,…
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About CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY (NYSE:CPB)

Campbell Soup Company is a food company, which manufactures and markets food products. The Company’s segments include Americas Simple Meals and Beverages; Global Biscuits and Snacks, and Campbell Fresh. The Americas Simple Meals and Beverages segment includes the retail and food service channel businesses. The segment includes the products, such as Campbell’s condensed and ready-to-serve soups; Swanson broth and stocks; Prego pasta sauces; Pace Mexican sauces; Campbell’s gravies, pasta, beans and dinner sauces; Plum food and snacks; V8 juices and beverages, and Campbell’s tomato juice. The Global Biscuits and Snacks segment includes Pepperidge Farm cookies, crackers, bakery and frozen products; Arnott’s biscuits, and Kelsen cookies. The Campbell Fresh segment includes Bolthouse Farms fresh carrots, carrot ingredients, refrigerated beverages and refrigerated salad dressings; Garden Fresh Gourmet salsa, hummus, dips and tortilla chips, and the United States refrigerated soup business.