Any statements in this communication about Zale’s or Signet’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, prospects, financial condition, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts, including statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Zale by Signet (the “proposed transaction”), the expected timetable for completing the proposed transaction, the benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction and future opportunities for the combined company and products and securities, that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect(s),” “estimate(s),” “project(s),” “positioned,” “strategy,” “outlook” and similar expressions. All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, are the following: the parties’ ability to consummate the proposed transaction on the expected timetable or at all; the conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction, including the receipt of stockholder approval; the possibility that the parties may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected time-frames or at all or to successfully integrate Zale’s operations into those of Signet; such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers, competitors or suppliers) may be greater than expected following the announcement of the proposed transaction; the retention of certain key employees of Zale may be difficult; Signet and Zale are subject to intense competition and increased competition is expected in the future; and general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected. Additional information and other factors are contained in Zale’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Because the factors referred to above and other risk factors, including general industry and economic conditions, could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication, based on information available as of the date hereof, and Zale disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after such date.
This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction. In connection with the proposed transaction, Zale filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC on April 4, 2014. Zale intends to file other relevant materials, including a definitive proxy statement, with the SEC. Stockholders of Zale are urged to read all relevant documents filed with the SEC, including Zale’s definitive proxy statement, when available, because they will contain important information about the proposed transaction. Investors and stockholders are able to obtain the documents (when available) free of charge at the SEC’s web site, http://www.sec.gov, or for free from the Company by contacting Zale Investor Relations by phone at (972) 580-4391 or by email at ir@zalecorp.com.