Exhibit (a)(1)(B)
Letter of Transmittal to Tender Registered Ordinary Shares
of
GLOBAL BLUE GROUP HOLDING AG
at $7.50 Per Registered Ordinary Share, in Cash Pursuant to the Offer to Purchase dated March 21, 2025 by
GT Holding 1 GmbH, a Swiss limited liability company and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Shift4 Payments, Inc.
The undersigned represents that I (we) have full authority to surrender without restriction the Common Shares (as defined below). You are hereby authorized and instructed to deliver to the address indicated below (unless otherwise instructed in the boxes in the following page) a check representing a cash payment for registered ordinary shares, nominal value of CHF 0.01 per share, of Global Blue Group Holding AG (the Common Shares), tendered pursuant to this Letter of Transmittal, at a price of $7.50 per Global Blue Common Share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, dated March 21, 2025 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Offer to Purchase and, together with this Letter of Transmittal, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Offer).
THE OFFER AND WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS WILL EXPIRE AT ONE MINUTE FOLLOWING 11:59 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON APRIL 17, 2025, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS IT MAY BE EXTENDED, THE EXPIRATION DATE) OR EARLIER TERMINATED.
Mail or deliver this Letter of Transmittal (including either IRS Form W-9 or the applicable IRS Form W-8) to:
If delivering by hand, express mail, courier, or other expedited service: |
By mail: | |
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC | ||
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC | Operations Center | |
55 Challenger Road | Attn: Reorganization Department | |
Suite # 200 | P.O. Box 525 | |
Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660 | Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660 | |
Attn: Reorganization Department |
Pursuant to the offer of GT Holding 1 GmbH (Offeror) to purchase all outstanding Common Shares of Global Blue Group Holding AG (Global Blue), the undersigned tenders the following Common Shares into the Offer:
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES SURRENDERED | ||||
Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Owner(s) (If blank, please fill in exactly as name(s) appear(s) in book-entry form) |
Common Shares Surrendered* (attached additional list if necessary) | |||
Book Entry Common Shares Surrendered | ||||
Total Common Shares | ||||
* Unless otherwise indicated, it will be assumed that all Common Shares described in the chart above are being tendered. |
THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS COMPLETED. REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MAY BE MADE TO OR OBTAINED FROM D.F. KING & CO., INC. (THE INFORMATION AGENT) AT ITS ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER SET FORTH BELOW.
You must sign this Letter of Transmittal in the appropriate space provided below, with signature guarantee if required, and complete the enclosed Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-9 or provide the appropriate IRS Form W-8.
The Offer (as defined below) is not being made to, nor will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of Common Shares in any jurisdiction in which the making of the Offer or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.
This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by shareholders of Global Blue Holding AG (i) if uncertificated Common Shares are being tendered, or (ii) unless an Agents Message (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) is utilized, if delivery of Common Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer to the Depositarys account at The Depository Trust Company (DTC) pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Depositary.
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NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
PLEASE READ ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
☐ | CHECK HERE IF TENDERED COMMON SHARES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER TO THE DEPOSITARYS ACCOUNT AT DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: |
Name of Tendering Institution |
Account Number |
Transaction Code Number |
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to GT Holding 1 GmbH, a Swiss limited liability company (Offeror) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Shift4 Payments, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Parent), the following shares of Global Blue Group Holding AG (Global Blue): registered ordinary shares, nominal value of CHF 0.01 per share (the Shares), pursuant to Offerors offer to purchase all issued and outstanding Shares for $7.50 per Common Share (the Common Shares Consideration), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated March 21, 2025 (together with any amendments or supplements thereto, the Offer to Purchase), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in this Letter of Transmittal (which, together with the Offer to Purchase, as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time, collectively constitute the Offer) and pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2025, by and between Parent and Global Blue, and, from and after its execution and delivery of a joinder thereto on February 25, 2025, Offeror (as may be further amended or supplemented from time to time, the Transaction Agreement).
The Offer expires at one minute following 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on April 17, 2025, unless extended by Offeror as described in the Offer to Purchase (as it may be extended, the Expiration Time).
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer (including, if the Offer is extended or amended, the terms and conditions of such extension or amendment), and effective upon acceptance for payment for the Common Shares validly tendered herewith in accordance with the terms of the Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, Offeror all right, title and interest in and to all of the Common Shares that are being tendered hereby. In addition, the undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints Equiniti Trust Company, LLC in its capacity as the depositary for the Offer (the Depositary), as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact and proxy of the undersigned with respect to such Common Shares, with full power of substitution (such proxy and power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest in the Common Shares tendered by this Letter of Transmittal), to (i) transfer ownership of such Common Shares on the account books maintained by DTC, together, in any such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, to or upon the order of the Offeror, (ii) present such Common Shares for transfer on the books of Global Blue and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Common Shares, all in accordance with the terms of the Offer.
The undersigned hereby irrevocably appoints each of the designees of Parent as the attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, each with full power of substitution, to exercise all voting and other rights of the undersigned in such manner as each such attorney-in-fact and proxy or his or her substitute shall in his or her sole discretion deem proper, with respect to all of the Common Shares tendered hereby which have been accepted for payment by the Offeror prior to the time of any vote or other action, at any meeting of shareholders of Global Blue (whether annual or special and whether or not an adjourned meeting), by written consent or otherwise. This proxy and power of attorney is irrevocable and is granted in consideration of, and is effective upon, the expiry of the Offer and the acceptance for payment of such Common Shares by the Offeror in accordance with the terms of the Offer. Such acceptance for payment shall revoke any other proxies, powers of attorney, or written consent granted by the undersigned at any time with respect to such Shares, and no subsequent proxies or powers of attorney will be given, or written consents will be executed by the undersigned (and if given or executed, will not be deemed to be effective). Offeror reserves the right to require that, in order for Common Shares to be deemed validly tendered, immediately upon Offerors acceptance for payment of such Common Shares, Offeror or its designees must be able to exercise full voting, consent and other rights with respect to such Common Shares, including voting at any meeting of Global Blues shareholders.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Common Shares tendered herein and that when the same are accepted for payment by Offeror, Offeror will acquire good, marketable and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and that the same will not be subject to any adverse claims. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned is the registered owner of the Common Shares
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or the undersigned is a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Common Shares. The undersigned will, upon request, promptly execute and deliver any additional documents as may be customarily required by the Depositary or Parent to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Common Shares tendered hereby.
It is understood that the undersigned will not receive payment for the Common Shares unless and until the Common Shares are accepted for payment, together with such additional documents as the Depositary may reasonably require, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, ownership of Common Shares is validly transferred on the account books maintained by DTC or otherwise, and until the same are processed for payment by the Depositary.
All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, trustees in bankruptcy, successors and assigns of the undersigned. Except as stated in the Offer, this tender is irrevocable.
The undersigned understands that tenders of Common Shares pursuant to any one of the procedures described in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase and in the Instructions hereto will constitute an agreement between the undersigned and Offeror upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Offer.
Unless otherwise indicated under Special Payment Instructions or if a wire transfer has been requested under Wire Transfer Instructions, please issue the check for the Common Shares Consideration for any Common Shares purchased and, in the case of Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account at DTC. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under Special Delivery Instructions or if a wire transfer has been requested under Wire Transfer Instructions, please mail the check for the Common Shares Consideration for any Common Shares purchased and any certificates evidencing Common Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment (and accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the undersigned at the address shown below the undersigneds signature(s). In the event that both Special Payment Instructions and Special Delivery Instructions are completed and no wire transfer has been requested under Wire Transfer Instructions, please issue the check for the Common Shares Consideration for any Common Shares purchased and return any Common Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment in the name(s) of the undersigned to the undersigned at the address shown below the undersigneds signature(s) (or, in the case of Common Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account at DTC). If a wire transfer has been requested under Wire Transfer Instructions, please cause the Common Shares Consideration for any Common Shares purchased to be delivered via wire transfer and in the case of Common Shares tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account at DTC. The undersigned recognizes that Offeror has no obligation, pursuant to the Special Payment Instructions, to transfer any Common Shares from the name of the registered holder(s) thereof if Offeror does not accept for payment any of the Common Shares so tendered.
SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS (See Instructions 5, 6 and 7) | ||
To be completed ONLY if any check for any Common Shares Consideration for Common Shares purchased is to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned. | ||
Issue to: |
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Name |
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(Please Print) | ||
Address |
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(Include Zip Code) | ||
Taxpayer Identification Number |
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SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS (See Instructions 5, 6 and 7) | ||
To be completed ONLY if any check for any Common Shares Consideration for Common Shares purchased is to be mailed to someone other than the undersigned or to the undersigned at an address other than that shown below the undersigneds signature(s). | ||
Mail to: |
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Name |
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(Please Print) | ||
Address |
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(Include Zip Code) |
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WIRE TRANSFER INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instruction 6)
To be completed ONLY if the Common Shares Consideration for Common Shares purchased is to be delivered via wire transfer.
Please execute the delivery of the entitled funds as follows:
Bank Name | ||
Bank ABA Number (U.S.) or BIC/SWIFT Code (Foreign) | Bank City & Country (Foreign) | |
Account Number (U.S.) or IBAN Number (Foreign) at Bank | For Further Credit Account Number at Bank (If Applicable) | |
Account Name at Bank Exactly as is appears on bank statement and the shareholder account (Required) | ||
For Further Credit Account Name at Bank (If Applicable) |
For international wires be sure to include the International Routing Code (IRC) and International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for countries that require it. For international wires to Mexican banks be sure to include the CLABE account number in the beneficiary instructions to ensure correct payment. For international wires to India include the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) and payment purpose. For wires going to Canada include the beneficiarys physical address (not a PO Box) within the wire instructions. Sending international wires without the required information can cause the wire to be delayed, returned, or assessed additional fees.
Signature: | Signature: | |
Printed Name: | Printed Name: | |
Tel #: | Tel #: | |
Email: | Email: |
If you execute the wire form and the information is incomplete, illegible or otherwise deficient, a check will be mailed for your Common Shares Consideration. This form must be accompanied by a validly executed Letter of Transmittal.
All shareholders registered on the account must sign.
The signature(s) and the name on the receiving bank account must correspond in every particular, without alteration, with the name(s) registered on the book entry account. If acting in a special capacity (Executor, Administrator, Custodian, etc.), the capacity must be indicated.
Signature Guarantee: If the value of the wire payment exceeds USD $50,000.00, your Signature(s) must be medallion guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (Commercial Bank, Trust Company, Securities Broker/ Dealer, Credit Union or Savings Association) participating in a Medallion program approved by the Securities Transfer Association Inc. The Medallion Guarantee Stamp used must cover the value of the transaction.
X level medallion stamp covers up to $2 Million Y level medallion stamp covers up to $5 Million Z level medallion stamp covers over $5 Million |
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NOTE: A notarization by notary public is not acceptable. |
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IMPORTANT SHAREHOLDER: SIGN HERE (U.S. Person (as defined below): Please complete and return the IRS Form W-9 included herein) (Non-U.S. Person: Please complete and return appropriate IRS Form W-8)
(Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on a security position listing or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, agent, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 4.)
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Signature(s) of Shareholder(s) | ||||||
Dated , 202 | ||||||
Name(s) | ||||||
(Please Print) |
Capacity (full title) (See Instruction 4): |
Address | ||||||
(Include Zip Code) |
Area Code and Telephone Number |
Tax Identification or Social Security No. (See IRS Form W-9 included below): | ||||||
Guarantee of Signature(s)
(If required; see Instructions 1 and 4) (For use by Eligible Institutions only. Place medallion guarantee in space below) |
Name of Firm |
Address | ||||||
(Include Zip Code) |
Authorized Signature |
Name | ||||||
(Please Print) |
Area Code and Telephone Number |
Dated , 202 |
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Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service |
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
Go to www.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information. |
Give form to
the |
Before you begin. For guidance related to the purpose of Form W-9, see Purpose of Form, below.
Print or type. See Specific Instructio ns on page 3. |
1 Name of entity/individual. An entry is required. (For a sole proprietor or disregarded entity, enter the owners name on line 1, and enter the business/disregarded entitys name on line 2.) | |||||
2 Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above. | ||||||
3a Check the appropriate box for federal tax classification of the entity/individual whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one of the following seven boxes. | 4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals; see instructions on page 3): | |||||
☐ Individual/sole proprietor ☐ C corporation ☐ S corporation ☐ Partnership ☐ Trust/estate |
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☐ LLC. Enter the tax classification (C = C corporation, S = S corporation, P = Partnership) . . . . |
Exempt payee code (if any) | |||||
Note: Check the LLC box above and, in the entry space, enter the appropriate code (C, S, or P) for the tax classification of the LLC, unless it is a disregarded entity. A disregarded entity should instead check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. | Exemption from Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) reporting code (if any) | |||||
☐ Other (see instructions) |
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3b If on line 3a you checked Partnership or Trust/estate, or checked LLC and entered P as its tax classification, and you are providing this form to a partnership, trust, or estate in which you have an ownership interest, check this box if you have any foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries. See instructions . . . . . . . . . . ☐ |
(Applies to accounts maintained outside the United States.) | |||||
5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.). See instructions. | Requesters name and address (optional) | |||||
6 City, state, and ZIP code | ||||||
7 List account number(s) here (optional) | ||||||
Part I | Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) |
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN, later.
Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. See also What Name and Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter. |
Social security number
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Employer identification number |
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Part II | Certification |
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
1. | The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and |
2. | I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and |
3. | I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and |
4. | The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct. |
Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and, generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.
Sign Here |
Signature of U.S. person |
Date |
General Instructions
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.
Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW9.
Whats New
Line 3a has been modified to clarify how a disregarded entity completes this line. An LLC that is a disregarded entity should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Otherwise, it should check the LLC box and enter its appropriate tax classification.
New line 3b has been added to this form. A flow-through entity is required to complete this line to indicate that it has direct or indirect foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries when it provides the Form W-9 to another flow-through entity in which it has an ownership interest. This change is intended to provide a flow-through entity with information regarding the status of its indirect foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries, so that it can satisfy any applicable reporting requirements. For example, a partnership that has any indirect foreign partners may be required to complete Schedules K-2 and K-3. See the Partnership Instructions for Schedules K-2 and K-3 (Form 1065).
Cat. No. 10231X |
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) |
Purpose of Form
An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information return with the IRS is giving you this form because they must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information returns include, but are not limited to, the following.
| Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid). |
| Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds). |
| Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross proceeds). |
| Form 1099-NEC (nonemployee compensation). |
| Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by brokers). |
| Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions). |
| Form 1099-K (merchant card and third-party network transactions). |
| Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), and 1098-T (tuition). |
| Form 1099-C (canceled debt). |
| Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property). |
Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN.
Caution: If you dont return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding, later.
By signing the filled-out form, you:
1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued);
2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding; or
3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee; and
4. Certify to your non-foreign status for purposes of withholding under chapter 3 or 4 of the Code (if applicable); and
5. Certify that FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that you are exempt from the FATCA reporting is correct. See What Is FATCA Reporting, later, for further information.
Note: If you are a U.S. person and a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requesters form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.
Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:
| An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien; |
| A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States; |
| An estate (other than a foreign estate); or |
| A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7). |
Establishing U.S. status for purposes of chapter 3 and chapter 4 withholding. Payments made to foreign persons, including certain distributions, allocations of income, or transfers of sales proceeds, may be subject to withholding under chapter 3 or chapter 4 of the Code (sections 14411474). Under those rules, if a Form W-9 or other certification of non-foreign status has not been received, a withholding agent, transferee, or partnership (payor) generally applies presumption rules that may require the payor to withhold applicable tax from the recipient, owner, transferor, or partner (payee). See Pub. 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities.
The following persons must provide Form W-9 to the payor for purposes of establishing its non-foreign status.
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 10 |
| In the case of a disregarded entity with a U.S. owner, the U.S. owner of the disregarded entity and not the disregarded entity. |
| In the case of a grantor trust with a U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner, generally, the U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner of the grantor trust and not the grantor trust. |
| In the case of a U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust), the U.S. trust and not the beneficiaries of the trust. |
See Pub. 515 for more information on providing a Form W-9 or a certification of non-foreign status to avoid withholding.
Foreign person. If you are a foreign person or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank that has elected to be treated as a U.S. person (under Regulations section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv) or other applicable section for chapter 3 or 4 purposes), do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 or Form 8233 (see Pub. 515). If you are a qualified foreign pension fund under Regulations section 1.897(l)-1(d), or a partnership that is wholly owned by qualified foreign pension funds, that is treated as a non-foreign person for purposes of section 1445 withholding, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use Form W-8EXP (or other certification of non-foreign status).
Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a saving clause. Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.
If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items.
1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien.
2. The treaty article addressing the income.
3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions.
4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax.
5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.
Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if their stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first Protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on their scholarship or fellowship income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption.
If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8 or Form 8233.
Backup Withholding
What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 24% of such payments. This is called backup withholding. Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include, but are not limited to, interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, payments made in settlement of payment card and third-party network transactions, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding.
You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return.
Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if:
1. You do not furnish your TIN to the requester;
2. You do not certify your TIN when required (see the instructions for Part II for details);
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 11 |
3. The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN;
4. The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only); or
5. You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding, as described in item 4 under By signing the filled-out form above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only).
Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See Exempt payee code, later, and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information.
See also Establishing U.S. status for purposes of chapter 3 and chapter 4 withholding, earlier.
What Is FATCA Reporting?
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires a participating foreign financial institution to report all U.S. account holders that are specified U.S. persons. Certain payees are exempt from FATCA reporting. See Exemption from FATCA reporting code, later, and the Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information.
Updating Your Information
You must provide updated information to any person to whom you claimed to be an exempt payee if you are no longer an exempt payee and anticipate receiving reportable payments in the future from this person. For example, you may need to provide updated information if you are a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation, or if you are no longer tax exempt. In addition, you must furnish a new Form W-9 if the name or TIN changes for the account, for example, if the grantor of a grantor trust dies.
Penalties
Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.
Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Specific Instructions
Line 1
You must enter one of the following on this line; do not leave this line blank. The name should match the name on your tax return.
If this Form W-9 is for a joint account (other than an account maintained by a foreign financial institution (FFI)), list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of Form W-9. If you are providing Form W-9 to an FFI to document a joint account, each holder of the account that is a U.S. person must provide a Form W-9.
| Individual. Generally, enter the name shown on your tax return. If you have changed your last name without informing the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change, enter your first name, the last name as shown on your social security card, and your new last name. |
Note for ITIN applicant: Enter your individual name as it was entered on your Form W-7 application, line 1a. This should also be the same as the name you entered on the Form 1040 you filed with your application.
| Sole proprietor. Enter your individual name as shown on your Form 1040 on line 1. Enter your business, trade, or doing business as (DBA) name on line 2. |
| Partnership, C corporation, S corporation, or LLC, other than a disregarded entity. Enter the entitys name as shown on the entitys tax return on line 1 and any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. |
| Other entities. Enter your name as shown on required U.S. federal tax documents on line 1. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. Enter any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. |
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 12 |
| Disregarded entity. In general, a business entity that has a single owner, including an LLC, and is not a corporation, is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner (a disregarded entity). See Regulations section 301.7701-2(c)(2). A disregarded entity should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Enter the owners name on line 1. The name of the owner entered on line 1 should never be a disregarded entity. The name on line 1 should be the name shown on the income tax return on which the income should be reported. For example, if a foreign LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes has a single owner that is a U.S. person, the U.S. owners name is required to be provided on line 1. If the direct owner of the entity is also a disregarded entity, enter the first owner that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. Enter the disregarded entitys name on line 2. If the owner of the disregarded entity is a foreign person, the owner must complete an appropriate Form W-8 instead of a Form W-9. This is the case even if the foreign person has a U.S. TIN. |
Line 2
If you have a business name, trade name, DBA name, or disregarded entity name, enter it on line 2.
Line 3a
Check the appropriate box on line 3a for the U.S. federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one box on line 3a.
IF the entity/individual on line 1 is a(n). . . | THEN check the box for. . . | |
Corporation |
Corporation. | |
Individual or
Sole proprietorship |
Individual/sole proprietor. | |
LLC classified as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes or
LLC that has filed Form 8832 or 2553 electing to be taxed as a corporation |
Limited liability company and enter the appropriate tax classification: P = Partnership, C = C corporation, or S = S corporation. | |
Partnership |
Partnership. | |
Trust/estate |
Trust/estate. |
Line 3b
Check this box if you are a partnership (including an LLC classified as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes), trust, or estate that has any foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries, and you are providing this form to a partnership, trust, or estate, in which you have an ownership interest. You must check the box on line 3b if you receive a Form W-8 (or documentary evidence) from any partner, owner, or beneficiary establishing foreign status or if you receive a Form W-9 from any partner, owner, or beneficiary that has checked the box on line 3b.
Note: A partnership that provides a Form W-9 and checks box 3b may be required to complete Schedules K-2 and K-3 (Form 1065). For more information, see the Partnership Instructions for Schedules K-2 and K-3 (Form 1065).
If you are required to complete line 3b but fail to do so, you may not receive the information necessary to file a correct information return with the IRS or furnish a correct payee statement to your partners or beneficiaries. See, for example, sections 6698, 6722, and 6724 for penalties that may apply.
Line 4 Exemptions
If you are exempt from backup withholding and/or FATCA reporting, enter in the appropriate space on line 4 any code(s) that may apply to you.
Exempt payee code.
| Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. |
| Except as provided below, corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, including interest and dividends. |
| Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding for payments made in settlement of payment card or third-party network transactions. |
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 13 |
| Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding with respect to attorneys fees or gross proceeds paid to attorneys, and corporations that provide medical or health care services are not exempt with respect to payments reportable on Form 1099-MISC. |
The following codes identify payees that are exempt from backup withholding. Enter the appropriate code in the space on line 4.
1An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2).
2The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
3A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or territory, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities.
4A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities.
5A corporation.
6A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth or territory.
7A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
8A real estate investment trust.
9An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
10A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).
11A financial institution as defined under section 581.
12A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian.
13A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947.
The following chart shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 13.
IF the payment is for. . . | THEN the payment is exempt for. . . | |
Interest and dividend payments |
All exempt payees except for 7. | |
Broker transactions |
Exempt payees 1 through 4 and 6 through 11 and all C corporations. S corporations must not enter an exempt payee code because they are exempt only for sales of noncovered securities acquired prior to 2012. | |
Barter exchange transactions and patronage dividends |
Exempt payees 1 through 4. | |
Payments over $600 required to be reported and direct sales over $5,000 |
Generally, exempt payees 1 through 5. | |
Payments made in settlement of payment card or third-party network transactions |
Exempt payees 1 through 4. |
See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information, and its instructions.
However, the following payments made to a corporation and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys fees, gross proceeds paid to an attorney reportable under section 6045(f), and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency.
Exemption from FATCA reporting code. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from reporting under FATCA. These codes apply to persons submitting this form for accounts maintained outside of the United States by certain foreign financial institutions. Therefore, if you are only submitting this form for an account you hold in the United States, you may leave this field blank. Consult with the person requesting this form if you are uncertain if the financial institution is subject to these requirements. A requester may indicate that a code is not required by providing you with a Form W-9 with Not Applicable (or any similar indication) entered on the line for a FATCA exemption code.
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 14 |
AAn organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) or any individual retirement plan as defined in section 7701(a)(37).
BThe United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
CA state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or territory, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities.
DA corporation the stock of which is regularly traded on one or more established securities markets, as described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i).
EA corporation that is a member of the same expanded affiliated group as a corporation described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i).
FA dealer in securities, commodities, or derivative financial instruments (including notional principal contracts, futures, forwards, and options) that is registered as such under the laws of the United States or any state.
GA real estate investment trust.
HA regulated investment company as defined in section 851 or an entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
IA common trust fund as defined in section 584(a).
JA bank as defined in section 581.
KA broker.
LA trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947(a)(1).
MA tax-exempt trust under a section 403(b) plan or section 457(g) plan.
Note: You may wish to consult with the financial institution requesting this form to determine whether the FATCA code and/or exempt payee code should be completed.
Line 5
Enter your address (number, street, and apartment or suite number). This is where the requester of this Form W-9 will mail your information returns. If this address differs from the one the requester already has on file, enter NEW at the top. If a new address is provided, there is still a chance the old address will be used until the payor changes your address in their records.
Line 6
Enter your city, state, and ZIP code.
Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and you do not have, and are not eligible to get, an SSN, your TIN is your IRS ITIN. Enter it in the entry space for the Social security number. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN below.
If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN.
If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, enter the owners SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entitys EIN.
Note: See What Name and Number To Give the Requester, later, for further clarification of name and TIN combinations.
How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local SSA office or get this form online at www.SSA.gov. You may also get this form by calling 800-772-1213. Use Form W-7,
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 15 |
Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website at www.irs.gov/EIN. Go to www.irs.gov/Forms to view, download, or print Form W-7 and/or Form SS-4. Or, you can go to www.irs.gov/OrderForms to place an order and have Form W-7 and/or Form SS-4 mailed to you within 15 business days.
If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, apply for a TIN and enter Applied For in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, you will generally have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester.
Note: Entering Applied For means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon. See also Establishing U.S. status for purposes of chapter 3 and chapter 4 withholding, earlier, for when you may instead be subject to withholding under chapter 3 or 4 of the Code.
Caution: A disregarded U.S. entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8.
Part II. Certification
To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if item 1, 4, or 5 below indicates otherwise.
For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). In the case of a disregarded entity, the person identified on line 1 must sign. Exempt payees, see Exempt payee code, earlier.
Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in items 1 through 5 below.
1. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form.
3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.
4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. Other payments include payments made in the course of the requesters trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments made in settlement of payment card and third-party network transactions, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations).
5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), ABLE accounts (under section 529A), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
What Name and Number To Give the Requester
For this type of account: |
Give name and SSN of: | |
1. Individual |
The individual | |
2. Two or more individuals (joint account) other than an account maintained by an FFI |
The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account | |
3. Two or more U.S. persons (joint account maintained by an FFI) |
Each holder of the account | |
4. Custodial account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) |
The minor | |
5. a. The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee) |
The grantor-trustee | |
b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law |
The actual owner | |
6. Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity owned by an individual |
The owner | |
7. Grantor trust filing under Optional Filing Method 1 (see Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(A))** |
The grantor* |
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 16 |
For this type of account: |
Give name and EIN of: | |
8. Disregarded entity not owned by an individual |
The owner | |
9. A valid trust, estate, or pension trust |
Legal entity | |
10. Corporation or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832 or Form 2553 |
The corporation | |
11. Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization |
The organization | |
12. Partnership or multi-member LLC |
The partnership | |
13. A broker or registered nominee |
The broker or nominee | |
14. Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments |
The public entity | |
15. Grantor trust filing Form 1041 or under the Optional Filing Method 2, requiring Form 1099 (see Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(B))** |
The trust |
List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that persons number must be furnished.
Circle the minors name and furnish the minors SSN.
You must show your individual name on line 1, and enter your business or DBA name, if any, on line 2. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN.
List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)
* | Note: The grantor must also provide a Form W-9 to the trustee of the trust. |
** | For more information on optional filing methods for grantor trusts, see the Instructions for Form 1041. |
Note: If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.
Secure Your Tax Records From Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, SSN, or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund.
To reduce your risk:
| Protect your SSN, |
| Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and |
| Be careful when choosing a tax return preparer. |
If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter.
If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity, or a questionable credit report, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039.
For more information, see Pub. 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers.
Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 800-829-4059.
Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes.
Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 17 |
The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.
If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov or report them at www.ftc.gov/complaint. You can contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338). If you have been the victim of identity theft, see www.IdentityTheft.gov and Pub. 5027.
Go to www.irs.gov/IdentityTheft to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.
Privacy Act Notice
Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and territories for use in administering their laws. The information may also be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payors must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividends, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payor. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024) | Page 18 |
INSTRUCTIONS
Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Offer
1. Guarantee of Signatures. Except as otherwise provided below, all signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a financial institution (including most commercial banks, savings and loan associations and brokerage houses) that is a member in good standing of a recognized Medallion Program approved by The Securities Transfer Association, Inc., including the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP), the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (SEMP) and the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program (MSP) or any other eligible guarantor institution (as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (each, an Eligible Institution). Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal need not be guaranteed (i) if this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Shares (which term, for purposes of this document, shall include any participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Common Shares; trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorney-in-fact, officers of a corporation or other persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity see Instruction 4) tendered herewith and such holder(s) have not completed the box entitled Special Payment Instructions on this Letter of Transmittal or (ii) if such Common Shares are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 4.
2. Delivery of Letter of Transmittal and Common Shares. This Letter of Transmittal is to be used , unless an Agents Message is utilized, if delivery of Common Shares is to be made by book-entry transfer pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 3 of the Offer to Purchase. A confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the Depositarys account at DTC of all Common Shares delivered electronically, as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal, together with any required signature guarantees (or a manually signed facsimile thereof or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agents Message) and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Depositary at one of its addresses set forth on the front page of this Letter of Transmittal by the Expiration Time.
We are not providing for guaranteed delivery procedures. Therefore, Global Blue shareholders must allow sufficient time for the necessary tender procedures to be completed on or prior to the Expiration Time. In addition, for Global Blue shareholders that are registered holders, the Letter of Transmittal, properly completed and duly executed, together with any required signature guarantees (or in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agents Message in lieu of the Letter of Transmittal) and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal must be received by the Depositary on or prior to the Expiration Time. Global Blue shareholders must tender their Common Shares in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Offer to Purchase and this Letter of Transmittal. Tenders received by the Depositary after the Expiration Time will be disregarded and of no effect.
The method of delivery of Common Shares, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents is at the election and sole risk of the tendering shareholder. Common Shares will be deemed delivered only when actually received by the Depositary (including, in the case of a book-entry transfer, by Book-Entry Confirmation).
No alternative, conditional or contingent tenders will be accepted and no fractional shares will be purchased. By executing this Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof), the tendering shareholder waives any right to receive any notice of the acceptance for payment of the Common Shares.
3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the number of Common Shares should be listed on a separate signed schedule attached hereto.
4. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal; Stock Powers and Endorsements. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Common Shares tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificates without alteration or any change whatsoever.
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If any of the Common Shares tendered hereby are held of record by two or more persons, all such persons must sign this Letter of Transmittal.
If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to Offeror of the authority of such person so to act must be submitted, or in lieu of evidence, a Guarantee of Signature (see Instruction 1).
5. Stock Transfer Taxes. If payment of the Common Shares Consideration is to be made to, or Common Shares not tendered or not accepted for payment are to be returned in the name of, any person other than the registered holder(s), or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the sale or transfer of Common Shares to Offeror pursuant to the Offer, then the amount of any stock transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder(s), such other person or otherwise) will be deducted from the Common Shares Consideration unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes, or exemption therefrom, is submitted herewith.
6. Special Payment and Delivery Instructions. If (A) the Common Shares Consideration for Common Shares purchased is to be delivered via wire transfer or (B) the check for the Common Shares Consideration for any Common Shares purchased is to be mailed to someone other than the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal or to the person(s) signing this Letter of Transmittal at an address other than that shown above, in each case, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed.
7. Backup Withholding. Under the U.S. federal income tax laws, unless certain certification requirements are met, the Depositary generally will be required to withhold at the applicable backup withholding rate (currently 24%) from any payments made to a shareholder pursuant to the Offer. In order to avoid such backup withholding, each tendering shareholder, and if applicable, each other payee, that is a U.S. person as defined in the instructions to the IRS Form W-9 set forth above must provide the Depositary with such shareholders or payees correct taxpayer identification number and certify that such shareholder or payee is not subject to such backup withholding by completing the IRS Form W-9. In general, if a shareholder or payee is an individual, the taxpayer identification number is the social security number of such individual. If the shareholder or payee does not have a taxpayer identification number, such shareholder or payee should consult the instructions to the IRS Form W-9 and obtain a taxpayer identification number prior to submitting the IRS Form W-9. If the shareholder or payee does not provide the Depositary with its correct taxpayer identification number or an adequate basis for an exemption, the shareholder or payee may be subject to a cash penalty (currently $50) imposed by the Internal Revenue Service in addition to backup withholding. Certain shareholders or payees (including, generally, domestic corporations and foreign shareholders) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. To prevent erroneous backup withholding, an exempt shareholder or payee that is a U.S. person should indicate its exempt status on IRS Form W-9 by providing the appropriate exempt payee code. In order to satisfy the Depositary that a shareholder or payee that is not a U.S. person is exempt, such shareholder or payee must submit to the Depositary a properly completed appropriate IRS Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that shareholders or payees foreign status. IRS Forms W-8 can be obtained from the Depositary or the Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html). The instructions to the enclosed IRS Form W-9 contain further information concerning backup withholding and instructions for completing the IRS Form W-9 (including how to obtain a taxpayer identification number if you do not have one and how to complete the IRS Form W-9 if Common Shares are held in more than one name).
Failure to complete and provide an IRS Form W-9 or an appropriate IRS Form W-8, as applicable, will not, by itself, cause Common Shares to be deemed invalidly tendered, but may result in backup or other withholding under U.S. tax laws on any payments made pursuant to the Offer. Backup withholding is not an additional U.S. federal income tax. Rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of a person subject to backup withholding may be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. Each tendering shareholder or other payee is urged to consult with his, her or its own tax advisors regarding the application of backup withholding and completion of the applicable tax forms.
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9. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies. Requests for assistance or additional copies of the Offer to Purchase and this Letter of Transmittal may be obtained from the Information Agent at its address or telephone numbers set forth below.
10. Waiver of Conditions. Subject to applicable law, Offeror reserves the right to waive any of the specified conditions of the Offer in the case of any Common Shares tendered, subject in certain cases to the prior written consent of Global Blue pursuant to the Transaction Agreement.
11. Irregularities. All questions as to Common Shares Consideration, the form of documents and the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any tender of Common Shares will be determined by Offeror in its sole discretion (which may be delegated in whole or in part to the Depositary), which determination shall be final and binding on you, subject to any judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction. Offeror reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of Common Shares it determines not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which or payments for which may, in the opinion of Offeror, be unlawful. Offeror also reserves the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the tender of any Common Shares by any particular shareholder, whether or not similar defects or irregularities are waived in the case of other shareholders. No tender of Common Shares will be deemed to have been validly made until all defects and irregularities have been cured or waived to the satisfaction of Offeror. None of Global Blue, Offeror, Parent, the Depositary, the Information Agent or any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects of irregularities in tenders or incur any liability or failure to give any such notifications.
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IMPORTANT: This Letter of Transmittal (or a manually signed facsimile thereof) together with any other required documents or an Agents Message, as applicable, must be received by the Depositary on or prior to the Expiration Time and Common Shares must be delivered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer on or prior to the Expiration Time.
The Information Agent for the Offer is:
D.F. King & Co., Inc.
48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Shareholders may call toll free: (800) 283-2170
Shareholders may email: gb@dfking.com
Banks and Brokers may call: 212-380-6982