000107 Statement by Tyson on Legal Action Against ConAgraJanuary 8, 2000Springdale, AR - Judge John Lineberger enjoined ConAgra, Inc. and ConAgra Poultry Company from using certain sales and marketing trade secrets of Tyson Foods, Inc. The ruling finds that three former employees retained Tyson's trade secrets upon their departure and enjoins two of those employees from selling and marketing poultry products at ConAgra for one year. The third employee is enjoined from contact with certain poultry customers for one year. Tyson commenced this action on August 6, 1999 in response to the hiring of senior level management personnel by ConAgra Poultry to occupy virtually identical positions to those they held at Tyson. Wayne Britt, Tyson's CEO said “We are very pleased with Judge Lineberger's ruling that protects our valuable trade secrets. This suit was always about safeguarding our company, our team members and our shareholders from ConAgra's improper acquisition and use of this confidential information.” John Tyson, Chairman of Tyson Foods added, “We will continue to aggressively protect our company's industry-leading position, which includes trade secrets we have developed over our 65 year history.” A second trial is scheduled for February 1, 2000 to address the actual misappropriation of certain trade secrets, including Tyson's feed formulations. The Company is seeking damages in the second trial.
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