Here is the C press release. Notice how C says that they have an exclusivity agreement with WB, but did NOT have a signed definitive agreement.
Looks like a case for the lawyers.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citi today issued the following statement:
Wachoviaâs agreement to a transaction with Wells Fargo is in clear breach of an Exclusivity Agreement between Citi and Wachovia. In addition, Wells Fargoâs conduct constitutes tortious interference with the Exclusivity Agreement.
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The Exclusivity Agreement provides, among other things, that Wachovia will not enter into any transaction with any party other than Citi, and will not participate in any discussions or negotiations with any third party. The Exclusivity Agreement also provides that the parties would be irreparably harmed by any breach of the agreement and that the remedy of specific performance of the agreement is appropriate.
Citi was negotiating in good faith and nearly completed the definitive agreements required to consummate the Citi/Wachovia transaction that was announced on Monday. The value of the Citi agreement to Wachovia shareholders was substantially in excess of Wachoviaâs closing price on Thursday, October 2nd. Citi has also been providing liquidity support to Wachovia Bank since Mondayâs announcement.
Citi has demanded that Wachovia and Wells Fargo terminate and not proceed with any proposed transaction, any conduct in furtherance thereof, or any other act in violation of the Exclusivity Agreement. Citi has substantial legal rights regarding Wachovia and this transaction.
With or without this transaction, Citi maintains an unmatched, globally dominant franchise with strong liquidity, total deposits exceeding $800 billion and a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.7% as of the second quarter.