Dole Food Company merger approved by stockholders

Dole Food Company, Inc. announced that its stockholders approved, at a special stockholder meeting held on the 31st of October, the previously announced merger agreement under which David H. Murdock, Dole’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will acquire the approximately 60.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock that he and his affiliates do not already own for $13.50 per share in cash.

Votes “FOR” the merger totaled approximately 63.8 million shares, or 70.6% of Dole’s outstanding shares of common stock. Approximately 27.5 million shares, or 50.9% of the shares held by stockholders other than Mr. Murdock and his affiliates and Dole’s directors and executive officers voted “FOR” the merger.

The merger is expected to close on or about November 1, 2013. Letters of transmittal allowing Company stockholders of record to deliver their shares to the paying agent in exchange for payment of the merger consideration are expected to be distributed shortly after the closing.

For more information, please visit www.dole.com or http://investors.dole.com.