Item 1A. Risk Factors
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Other than the risk factors set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors contained in "Item 1A. - Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Risks Relating to the Pending Merger of Amcor and Berry
The Merger is subject to a number of conditions that may not be satisfied on a timely basis or at all and the Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms. As a result, there is no assurance when or if the Merger will be completed.
Our obligation to complete the Merger is subject to a number of conditions that must be satisfied (or waived, to the extent permitted by law), including (i) the approval by (a) Amcor Ordinary Shares and (b) Amcor CDIs issued by Amcor through CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Limited (collectively, "Amcor Shareholders") of a proposal to approve the issuance of Amcor Ordinary Shares to Berry Stockholders in connection with the Merger (such issuance, the “Share Issuance,” and such proposal, the “Amcor Share Issuance Proposal”); (ii) the approval by holders of Berry Common Stock (“Berry Stockholders”) of a proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Berry Merger Proposal”); (iii) the expiration or earlier termination of any applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act") and there not being in effect any agreement with either the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") or Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") not to consummate the Merger; (iv) the receipt of required authorizations or consents from federal, state, local or foreign governmental entity under certain antitrust or foreign investment law; (v) the absence of any law or order that has the effect of enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger; (vi) the effectiveness of the registration statement, and approval for listing on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), with respect to the issuance of Amcor; (vii) the approval for listing of Amcor Ordinary Shares to be issued to Berry Stockholders in connection with the Merger; (viii) subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Amcor and Berry; (ix) no change has occurred that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect with respect to Amcor and Berry; and (x) performance in all material respects by Amcor and Berry of their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement. Many of these conditions to the consummation of the Merger are beyond our control and we cannot predict when, or if, these conditions will be satisfied or waived. Accordingly, the Merger may not be completed on the expected timing or at all.
In addition, either Amcor or Berry may terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, subject to the payment of a termination fee in certain cases. The termination fee contemplated by the Merger Agreement may have the effect of discouraging alternative transaction proposals involving Amcor or Berry. Any delay in completing the Merger could cause the combined company not to realize, or to be delayed in realizing, some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve if the Merger is successfully completed within its expected timeframe. Additionally, any delays in receipt of required regulatory approvals or satisfaction of the closing conditions will increase the length of time that we are subject to certain restrictive covenants under the Merger Agreement during the pendency of the Merger and increases the risk of disruptions to our operations and business relationships.
Regulatory approvals may not be received, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated or cannot be met.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we are obligated to use (and to cause our subsidiaries to use) reasonable best efforts to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and consents to complete the Merger.
The governmental entities from which these approvals are required have broad discretion in administering applicable laws and regulations and may take into account various facts and circumstances in their consideration of the Merger. These governmental entities may be affected by government shutdowns, which could result in delays regarding any potential approvals or other actions, or other changes in the regulatory or legislative landscape. These governmental entities may initiate proceedings seeking to prevent the Merger. As a condition to the approval of the Merger or other transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement, these governmental entities also may seek to impose requirements, limitations or costs, require divestitures or place restrictions on the conduct of the combined company after consummation of the Merger and neither Amcor or Berry is required under the Merger Agreement to agree to any such divestitures, remedies or other restrictions; provided, however, in furtherance of obligations pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Amcor will and will cause its subsidiaries (including, following the consummation of the Merger, Berry and its subsidiaries) to, if necessary to resolve, avoid or eliminate impediments or objections, if any, that may be asserted with respect to the Merger under any antitrust law or foreign investment law, propose, commit to, effect or agree to, by consent decree, hold separate order, agreement or otherwise, (x) the sale, divestiture, license, holding separate or other disposition of businesses, assets, properties or product lines of Amcor, Berry or any of their respective subsidiaries that generated, in the aggregate, net sales of no more than $550 million during the 12-month period ended on June 30, 2024, or (y) any obligations or restrictions on future conduct or freedom of action of the businesses, assets, properties or product lines of Amcor, Berry or any of their respective subsidiaries (but Amcor is not required to agree to take or enter into any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to any such obligations or restrictions on future conduct or freedom of action of such businesses, assets, properties or product lines which would have more than a de minimis impact on the business of Amcor and Berry and their respective subsidiaries, taken as a whole). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we are obligated to use (and to cause our subsidiaries to use) reasonable best efforts to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to complete the Merger.
Amcor and Berry may waive one or more of the conditions to the consummation of the Merger without resoliciting shareholder or stockholder approval, as applicable, and may terminate the Merger Agreement even if the Amcor Shareholder Approval and the Berry Stockholder Approval have been obtained.
Certain conditions of the Merger may be waived, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by agreement of Amcor and Berry if the condition is a condition to both parties’ obligation to complete the Merger or by the party for which such condition is a condition of its obligation to complete the Merger. In addition, Amcor and Berry can agree to terminate the Merger Agreement even if Amcor Shareholders have already approved the Amcor Share Issuance Proposal and Berry Stockholders have already approved the Berry Merger Proposal.
Failure to complete the Merger could negatively impact our business and financial results and the market prices of Amcor Ordinary Shares and Amcor CDIs.
If the Merger is not completed for any reason, including because Amcor Shareholders fail to approve the Amcor Share Issuance Proposal or because Berry Stockholders fail to approve the Berry Merger Proposal, the ongoing businesses of Amcor and Berry may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the expected benefits of having completed the Merger, Amcor and Berry would be subject to a number of risks, including the following:
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we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, including negative impacts on the market prices of Amcor Ordinary Shares and Amcor CDIs;
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we may experience negative reactions from our customers, business partners, suppliers, regulators and employees;
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we will be required to pay certain transaction costs incurred in connection with the Merger, such as financial advisory, legal, accounting and printing fees, whether or not the Merger is completed;
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we may be required to pay a termination fee under certain circumstances;
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the Merger Agreement places certain restrictions on the conduct of our business prior to consummation of the Merger, which could delay or prevent us from pursuing certain business opportunities, executing business strategies, or taking certain other specified actions during the pendency of the Merger and, which could limit our ability to respond to competitive or other developments or opportunities that arise prior to the completion of the Merger;
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we will have committed substantial time and resources to matters relating to the Merger (including arranging financing and integration planning) which would otherwise have been devoted to day-to-day operations and other opportunities that may have been beneficial to us as an independent company; and
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we may be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the Merger or related to any proceeding to specifically enforce our obligations pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
If the Merger is not completed and any of these risks materialize, they may materially and adversely affect Amcor’s business, results of operations, and financial condition, and the market prices of Amcor Ordinary Shares and Amcor CDIs.
During the pendency of the Merger, we are subject to certain restrictions on our business activities.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we are subject to certain restrictions on our business activities prior to consummation of the Merger. In general, we are required to conduct our business in the ordinary course, subject to certain
exceptions. These restrictions may constrain or prevent us from pursuing business opportunities or executing on business strategies, which could limit our ability to respond to competitive or other developments that arise prior to the consummation of the Merger and could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. To the extent consummation of the Merger is delayed or the Merger Agreement is terminated, adverse effects arising from these restrictions could be exacerbated.
The Merger Agreement limits our ability to pursue alternatives to the Merger.
The Merger Agreement contains provisions that make it more difficult for us to enter into certain business combination transactions with a third party. The Merger Agreement contains certain provisions that restrict our ability to, among other things, solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage, or take any other action to knowingly facilitate any alternative transaction, participate in any discussions or negotiations, or cooperate in any way with any person, with respect to any alternative transaction, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Merger Agreement. In addition, following receipt by us of any alternative transaction proposal that constitutes a superior proposal, we will be required to discuss and negotiate in good faith with Berry to modify the terms of the Merger Agreement before the Amcor Board may withdraw or qualify its recommendation with respect to the Amcor Share Issuance Proposal, in favor of such superior proposal. These provisions could discourage a potential third-party acquirer, strategic transaction partner or business combination partner that might have an interest in acquiring or combining with all or a significant portion of Amcor or pursuing an alternative transaction from considering or proposing such a transaction.
If the Merger Agreement is terminated and Amcor determines to seek another business combination transaction, Amcor may not be able to successfully negotiate a transaction with another party on terms comparable to, or better than, the terms of the Merger. In addition, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances, Amcor may be required to pay a termination fee of $260 million to the other party.
We may have difficulty attracting, motivating, and retaining executives and other key employees, which could adversely affect our current business and operations during the pendency of the Merger and the future business and operations of the combined company following the Merger.
The success of the Merger will depend in part on Amcor’s and Berry’s ability to retain the talents and dedication of the professionals currently employed by them. Uncertainty about the effect of the Merger on Amcor and Berry employees and future operations may have an adverse effect on Amcor’s and Berry’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel. Employee retention may be particularly challenging during the pendency of the Merger, as employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles in the combined company. If we are unable to retain key employees, we could face the loss of institutional knowledge and other operational, financial and strategic disruptions, which may diminish the anticipated benefits of the Merger and may have a negative effect on our business and operations during the pendency of the Merger.
It is possible that these employees may decide not to remain with Amcor or Berry while the Merger is pending, or with the combined company following consummation of the Merger, including because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration, financial security or a desire not to become employees of the combined company. If key employees terminate their employment, or if an insufficient number of employees are retained to maintain effective operations, Amcor and the combined company may have to incur significant costs in identifying, hiring, training and retaining replacements for departing employees and may lose significant expertise and talent. In addition, if Amcor and Berry are unable to retain personnel, including key management, who are critical to the future operations of the companies, Amcor could face disruptions to or distractions for management and the workforce as a whole, including disruptions associated with integrating employees into the combined company, loss of existing customers and loss of key information, expertise, skill sets or know-how. Moreover, Amcor and Berry may not be able to locate suitable replacements for any key employees that leave or offer employment to potential replacements on reasonable terms. As a result, the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger may be materially and adversely affected. No assurance can be given that the combined company will be able to attract or retain key employees of Amcor and Berry to the same extent that those companies have been able to attract or retain their employees in the past.
Whether or not the Merger is completed, the pendency of the Merger could cause disruptions in our business and business relationships, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial results pending and following the Merger.
The announcement and pendency of the Merger could cause disruptions in our business, including by diverting the attention of management and other employees, including those involved in day-to-day operations of the business, toward the
consummation of the Merger. In addition, management has devoted significant management time and other resources in an effort to complete the Merger. If the Merger is not completed, we will have incurred significant costs, including the diversion of management resources, for which we will have received little or no benefit.
Parties with whom we do business may experience uncertainty associated with the Merger, including with respect to existing or future business relationships following the Merger. Our business relationships may be subject to disruption if suppliers, customers or other third-party business partners attempt to delay or defer entering into new business relationships, negotiate changes in existing business relationships or consider entering into business relationships with parties other than Amcor or Berry during the pendency of or following the Merger. These disruptions could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, regardless of whether the Merger is completed, as well as a material and adverse effect on the combined company’s ability to realize the expected benefits of the Merger. The adverse effect of any such disruption could be exacerbated by a delay in consummation of the Merger or termination of the Merger Agreement.
We expect to incur substantial costs in connection with the Merger.
We have incurred and expect to continue to incur a substantial amount of non-recurring costs associated with negotiating and completing the Merger, combining the operations of the two companies and working to achieve synergies, including financial, legal, accounting and consulting advisory fees, employee retention, severance and benefit costs, public relations, proxy solicitation and filing fees and printing and mailing costs. Some of these costs are payable regardless of whether the Merger is completed.
The combined company will also incur restructuring and integration costs in connection with the Merger. There are processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems that must be integrated in connection with the Merger and the integration of Berry’s business into the combined company. The elimination of duplicative costs, strategic benefits and additional income, as well as any realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses, may not offset transaction and integration costs in the near term or at all. While we have assumed that certain expenses would be incurred in connection with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, there are many factors beyond our control that could affect the total amount or the timing of such expenses.
We may be a target of securities class action and derivative lawsuits, which could result in substantial costs and may delay or prevent the Merger from being completed.
Securities class action lawsuits and derivative lawsuits are often brought against public companies that have entered into acquisition or merger agreements. Even if the lawsuits are without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources. An adverse judgment could result in monetary damages, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity and financial condition. Additionally, if a plaintiff is successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting consummation of the Merger, that injunction may delay or prevent the transaction from being completed, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Relating to the Combined Company
The combined company may be unable to successfully integrate the businesses of Amcor and Berry in the expected time frame or at all.
The success of the Merger will depend on, among other things, our ability to successfully integrate our business with the business of Berry. The combination of two independent businesses is complex, costly and time consuming, and we will be required to devote significant management time and resources to integrating the businesses and operations of the two companies. Challenges involved in this integration includes the following:
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combining the businesses of Amcor and Berry in a manner that permits the combined company to achieve the synergies, efficiencies and growth opportunities anticipated to result from the Merger;
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retaining and integrating personnel;
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harmonizing each company’s operating practices, employee development and compensation programs, internal controls and other policies, procedures and processes;
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maintaining existing relationships with each company’s customers, suppliers and other partners and leveraging relationships with such third parties for the benefit of the combined company;
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addressing possible differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies;
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consolidating each company’s administrative and information technology infrastructure; and
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coordinating geographically dispersed organizations.
There can be no assurances that our business can be integrated successfully with the business of Berry. If we are not able to successfully integrate Berry’s business into the combined company within the anticipated time frame, or at all, the benefits of the Merger may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.
If key employees terminate their employment, or if an insufficient number of employees are retained to maintain effective operations, the combined company may have to incur significant costs in identifying, hiring, training and retaining replacements for departing employees and may lose significant expertise and talent. In addition, if we are unable to retain personnel, including key management, who are critical to the future operations of the companies, we could face disruptions to or distractions for management and the workforce as a whole. It is possible that the integration process could result in our inability to maintain relationships with our and Berry’s customers, suppliers, strategic partners and other business relationships, the disruption our ongoing business, inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies, unexpected integration issues, and higher than expected integration costs.
We may not have discovered certain liabilities or other matters related to Berry, which may adversely affect the future financial performance of the combined company.
In the course of the due diligence review that we conducted prior to the execution of the Merger Agreement, we may not have discovered, or may have been unable to properly quantify, certain liabilities of Berry or other factors that may have an adverse effect on the business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the combined company after the consummation of the Merger.
The combined company may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger.
The combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger in the time frame anticipated, or at all, is subject to a number of assumptions, which may or may not prove to be accurate, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Difficulties in successfully integrating the two businesses and managing the expanded operations of the combined company could result in increased costs, decreased revenue and the diversion of management’s time, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the combined company. Even if the two businesses are integrated successfully, the combined company may not fully realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger, including the anticipated cost savings, synergies and other efficiencies, that are currently expected. Moreover, some of the anticipated benefits are not expected to occur for a period of time following the consummation of the Merger and may involve unanticipated costs in order to be fully realized. If the combined company is not able to achieve these objectives and realize the anticipated benefits expected from the Merger within the anticipated timeframe or at all, its business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected and the market price of Amcor Ordinary Shares could be negatively impacted.
Consummation of the Merger may trigger change in control, assignment or other provisions in certain agreements to which Berry is a party, which may have an adverse impact on the combined company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The consummation of the Merger may trigger change in control, assignment and other provisions in certain agreements to which Berry or any of its subsidiaries is a party. If Berry is unable to negotiate modifications, waivers or consents with respect to those provisions, the counterparties may exercise their rights and remedies under the agreements, potentially terminating the agreements or seeking monetary damages or other remedies. Even if Berry is able to negotiate modifications, waivers or consents, the counterparties may require a fee for such modifications, waivers or consents or seek to renegotiate the agreements on terms less favorable to the combined company. Any of the foregoing or similar developments may have an adverse impact on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the combined company and its ability to successfully integrate the two businesses.
Third parties may seek to modify contractual relationships with the combined company, which could have an adverse effect on the combined company’s business and operations.
As a result of the Merger, the combined company may experience impacts on relationships with third parties, including customers, suppliers and other partners, that may harm the combined company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. Certain counterparties may seek to terminate or modify contractual obligations following the Merger whether or not contractual rights are triggered as a result of the Merger. If any contractual counterparties seek to terminate or modify
contractual obligations or discontinue the relationship with the combined company, then the combined company’s business, results of operations and financial condition may be harmed.
The combined company’s significant indebtedness may limit its flexibility and increase its borrowing costs.
The combined company’s indebtedness following the consummation of the Merger may have the effect, among other things, of reducing its flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and increasing borrowing costs. In addition, the amount of cash required to service the indebtedness levels will be greater than the amount of cash flows required to service the indebtedness of Amcor or Berry individually prior to the Merger. The level of indebtedness could also reduce funds available to fund integration efforts and realize expected benefits of the Merger or engage in investments in product development, capital expenditures, dividend payments, share repurchases and other activities and may create competitive disadvantages relative to other companies with lower debt levels. The combined company may be required to raise additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate purposes. The combined company’s ability to arrange additional financing or refinancing will depend on, among other factors, its financial condition and performance, as well as prevailing market conditions and other factors beyond its control. There can be no assurance that the combined company will be able to obtain additional financing or refinancing on acceptable terms or at all.
Adverse changes in Amcor’s or Berry’s credit ratings may adversely affect Amcor’s or the combined company’s respective businesses, results of operations and financial condition.
Credit ratings impact the cost and availability of future borrowings, and, as a result, cost of capital. Credit ratings reflect each rating organization’s opinion of a company’s financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet debt obligations. Each of the ratings organizations reviews Amcor’s and Berry’s ratings periodically, and there can be no assurance that Amcor’s or Berry’s current ratings will be maintained in the future. Downgrades in Amcor’s or Berry’s credit ratings could adversely affect Amcor’s or the combined company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if the Merger is completed and Berry’s debt securities are downgraded and rated below investment grade, this may, in certain circumstances, constitute a change of control triggering event under the indentures governing such debt. Upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event, Berry would be required to offer to repurchase certain of its outstanding notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase. Amcor cannot provide any assurance that there will be sufficient funds available for Amcor to make any required repurchases of any of Berry’s outstanding notes upon a change of control triggering event.
The future results of the combined company may be adversely impacted if the combined company does not effectively manage its expanded operations following consummation of the Merger.
Following consummation of the Merger, the size of the combined company’s business will be significantly larger than the current size of Amcor’s business. The combined company’s ability to successfully manage this expanded business will depend, in part, upon management’s ability to implement an effective integration of the two companies and its ability to manage a combined business with significantly larger size and scope with the associated increased costs and complexity. There can be no assurances that the management of the combined company will be successful or that the combined company will realize the expected operating efficiencies, cost savings and other benefits currently anticipated from the Merger.
The market price of Amcor Ordinary Shares and Amcor CDIs following the Merger and may be affected by factors different from, or in addition to, those that historically have affected or currently affect the market prices of Amcor Ordinary Shares and Amcor CDIs.
Amcor’s business differs from that of Berry and following the consummation of the Merger, Amcor will operate an expanded business with more assets and a different mix of liabilities. Amcor’s results of operations, financial condition and the market price of Amcor Ordinary Shares may be adversely affected by factors different from those that historically have affected our results of operations, financial condition, and market price. Accordingly, the market price and performance of Amcor Ordinary Shares is likely to be different from the performance of Amcor Ordinary Shares in the absence of the Merger.
Specific factors that may have a significant effect on the market price of Amcor Ordinary Shares and Amcor CDIs include, among others, the following:
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changes in stock market analyst recommendations or earnings estimates regarding Amcor Ordinary Shares or other comparable companies;
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in Amcor’s revenue stream or future prospects;
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reaction to public announcements by Amcor following the Merger;
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strategic actions taken by Amcor or its competitors, such as acquisitions;
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failure of Amcor to achieve the perceived benefits of the Merger, including expected financial results and anticipated synergies, as rapidly as or to the extent anticipated by Amcor or financial or industry analysts;
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new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to Amcor’s business and operations or the packaging industry;
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changes in tax or accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; and
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adverse conditions in the financial markets or general U.S. or international economic conditions, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism and responses to such events.
In addition, Amcor Shareholders may not wish to continue to invest in the combined company or may wish to reduce their investment in the combined company, including in order to comply with institutional investing guidelines, to increase diversification, to track any rebalancing of stock indices in which Amcor Ordinary Shares are included, to respond to the risk profile of the combined company or to realize a gain. If, following the Merger, large amounts of Amcor Ordinary Shares are sold, the market price of Amcor Ordinary Shares could decline.
Declaration, payment and amounts of dividends, if any, distributed to Amcor Shareholders following the Merger will be uncertain.
Although Amcor has paid cash dividends on Amcor Ordinary Shares and Amcor CDIs in the past, the Amcor Board may determine, following the consummation of the Merger, not to declare dividends in the future or may reduce the amount of dividends paid in the future. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the Amcor Board and will depend on Amcor’s results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other considerations that the Amcor Board deems relevant, including, but not limited to:
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decisions on whether, when and in which amounts to make any future distributions will remain at all times entirely at the discretion of the Amcor Board, which could change its dividend practices at any time and for any reason;
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Amcor’s desire to maintain or improve the credit ratings on its debt;
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restrictions on making a distributions under the Jersey Companies Law; and
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the agreements governing Amcor’s indebtedness.
Amcor Shareholders should be aware that they have no contractual or other legal right to dividends that have not been declared. In addition, as a Jersey public limited company and UK resident for tax purposes, Amcor does not and will not pay franked dividends for Australian tax purposes.
Current Amcor Shareholders will have a reduced share of ownership and voting interest in the combined company following the Merger.
Amcor Shareholders as of immediately prior to the Merger are expected to collectively own approximately 63% of the outstanding capital stock of Amcor and Berry Stockholders as of immediately prior to the Merger are expected to collectively own approximately 37% of the outstanding capital stock of Amcor, each calculated based on the fully diluted market capitalizations of Amcor and Berry as of the date of signing of the Merger Agreement. As a result, current Amcor Shareholders will have less influence over the management and policies of Amcor following the consummation of the Merger than they currently have over the management and policies of Amcor. The exact ownership interests of Amcor Shareholders in the combined company immediately following the Merger will depend on the number of Amcor Ordinary Shares and the number of shares of Berry Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
Risks Relating to Tax Matters
Additional tax liabilities could have a material impact on Amcor’s financial condition, results of operations, and/or liquidity.
We operate in a number of jurisdictions and will accordingly be subject to tax in several jurisdictions. The tax rules to which our entities are subject are complex and Amcor and its current and future subsidiaries will be required to make judgments (including certain judgments based on external advice) as to the interpretation and application of these rules, both as to the Merger and as to the operations of Amcor and our current and future subsidiaries. The interpretation and application of these laws could be challenged by relevant governmental authorities, which could result in administrative or judicial procedures, actions or sanctions, the ultimate outcome of which could adversely affect us after the Merger. We are currently subject to ongoing routine tax inquiries, investigations, and/or audits in various jurisdictions and the tax affairs of Amcor and our current
and future subsidiaries will in the ordinary course be reviewed by tax authorities, who may disagree with certain positions taken and assess additional taxes. We will regularly assess the likely outcomes of such tax inquiries, investigations or audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provisions. However, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these inquiries, investigations or audits and the actual outcomes of these inquiries, investigations or audits could have a material impact on our financial results.
Operational Risk
Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workforce — If we are unable to attract and retain our global executive management team and our skilled workforce, we may be adversely affected.
Our continued success depends on our ability to identify, attract, develop, and retain skilled and diverse personnel in our global executive management team and our operations. We focus on our talent acquisition processes, as well as our onboarding and talent and leadership programs, to ensure that our key new hires and skilled personnel’s efficiency and effectiveness align with Amcor’s values and ways of working. In March 2024, we announced the retirement of our Chief Executive Officer Ron Delia and the appointment of Peter Konieczny as our Interim Chief Executive Officer. On September 4, 2024, after a robust internal and external search, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Mr. Konieczny as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Any failure to successfully transition key roles could impact our ability to execute on our strategic plans, make it difficult to meet our performance objectives, and be disruptive to our business.
We are also, at times, impacted by regional labor shortages, inflationary pressures on wages, a competitive labor market, and changing demographics. While we have been successful to date in responding to regional labor shortages and maintaining plans for continuity of succession, there can be no assurance that we will be able to manage future labor shortages or recruit, develop, assimilate, motivate, and retain employees in the future who actively promote and meet the standards of our culture.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Share Repurchases
We did not repurchase shares during the three months ended December 31, 2024. The table below is presented in millions, except number of shares, which are reflected in thousands, and per share amounts, which are expressed in U.S. dollars:
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 1 - 31, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 39 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| November 1 - 30, 2024 | — | — | — | 39 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 1 - 31, 2024 | — | — | — | 39 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | — | $ | — | — |
(1)On February 7, 2023, our Board of Directors approved an on market share buyback of up to $100 million of ordinary shares and/or CDIs during the following twelve months. On February 6, 2024, our Board of Directors extended the approval for the remaining $39 million of ordinary shares and/or CDIs of the $100 million buyback for an additional twelve months. The timing, volume, and nature of share repurchases may be amended, suspended, or discontinued at any time.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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