KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 3 - DST Systems, Inc. (NYSE: DST) announced today that it has completed the previously announced merger of its subsidiary, DST lock\line, Inc. with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asurion Corporation, ("Asurion") effective January 1, 2006. The transaction was structured as a tax-free reorganization, but DST will recognize, for book purposes, a pre-tax gain on the merger in the first quarter 2006. The amount of such gain is dependent upon finalization of a valuation of assets. In addition, DST will record compensation related charges in the first quarter of 2006 resulting from the acceleration of vesting and incentive compensation accruals, which are incurred as a result of the closing.
The merger will be accounted for as a purchase by Asurion, which will likely result in the recording of identified intangibles requiring amortization by Asurion. In addition, the merger will be accounted for both as a sale and a purchase by DST, which will result in the recording of identified intangibles requiring amortization by DST. The amortization of these identified intangibles will likely result in the transaction being dilutive to earnings per share.
The information and comments above may include forward-looking statements respecting DST and its businesses. Such information and comments are based on DST's views as of today, and actual actions or results could differ. There could be a number of factors affecting future actions or results, including those set forth in DST's latest periodic report (Form 10-K or 10-Q) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking comment. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements in this press release to reflect future events.
