We benefit from BK- Horton's merger

The newly announced merger between Burger King and Tim Hortons will surely bring out the "Boo Birds" on the federal corporate tax rate.

So at the risk of being too logical, let's see what we really know about the deal, and alleviate misinformation from Fox News and Rush Limbaugh. What will be the Canadian federal tax rate? Fifteen percent compared to a U.S. rate 27.5 percent. Their state/county/city rate in Miami, Fla. where their corporate headquarter is located, is 0 percent. The new headquarters in Toronto, Ontario would have a proposed tax rate for provincial/city as much as 11 percent.

So, the U.S. total tax rate of 27.5 percent compares to a proposed Canadian total tax rate of 26 percent - 1.5 percent in favor of Canada.

There is a practical side to this story: The combination of the two makes perfect business sense with their product lines that allows them to be a "True One Stop Shop" for all appetites young or old, big and small 24 hours a day, and the unknown at this time is the deal itself.

Tim Horton's is a Canadian flagship corporation whose founder was a famed hockey player. There's a store almost on every corner, even in the remote areas of Canada. Their products are consistent in taste and quality, the envy of other fast food corporations around the world and they are very guarded about that. Because of Tim Horton's premier status in Canada, moving the corporation to Toronto, maybe a hard core data point, that is a non-negotiation item to the merger. Who benefits? We the customers. If you've never had a Tim Horton's, you really have a treat waiting for you.

Bill Spencer

Geneva