Exhibit 10.1
CONFORMED COPY
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Dated as of July 16, 2000
BY AND AMONG
GENERAL XXXXX, INC.,
GENERAL XXXXX NORTH AMERICAN BUSINESSES, INC.,
DIAGEO PLC
and
THE PILLSBURY COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I
Certain Definitions............................................................2
ARTICLE II
The Merger; Closing...........................................................10
Section 2.1. Time and Place of Closing...................................10
Section 2.2. The Merger..................................................10
Section 2.3. Effective Time..............................................10
Section 2.4. Effects of the Merger.......................................11
Section 2.5. Certificate of Incorporation................................11
Section 2.6. By-Laws.....................................................11
Section 2.7. Officers and Directors of Surviving Corporation.............11
Section 2.8. Effect on Capital Stock.....................................11
Section 2.9. Subsidiary Purchases........................................11
Section 2.10. Aggregate Consideration.....................................11
Section 2.11. Deliveries by Diageo and the Selling Affiliates.............12
Section 2.12. Deliveries by General Xxxxx and the Buying Affiliates.......12
Section 2.13. Contingent Purchase Price Adjustment........................13
Section 2.14. Operating Working Capital Purchase Price Adjustment.........15
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties of Diageo and Pillsbury........................16
Section 3.1. Incorporation; Authorization; etc...........................17
Section 3.2. Capitalization; Structure...................................18
Section 3.3. Financial Statements........................................19
Section 3.4. No Undisclosed Liabilities..................................19
Section 3.5. Properties; Sufficiency.....................................19
Section 3.6. Absence of Certain Changes..................................20
Section 3.7. Litigation; Orders..........................................20
Section 3.8. Intellectual Property.......................................21
Section 3.9. Licenses, Approvals, Other Authorizations, Consents,
Reports, etc..............................................21
Section 3.10. Labor Matters...............................................21
Section 3.11. Compliance with Laws........................................22
Section 3.12. Insurance...................................................22
Section 3.13. Material Contracts..........................................22
Section 3.14. Brokers, Finders, etc.......................................22
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Section 3.15. Opinion of Diageo Financial Advisor.........................23
Section 3.16. Board Approval..............................................23
Section 3.17. Required Vote...............................................23
Section 3.18. Environmental Compliance....................................23
Section 3.19. Employee Benefit Plans......................................24
Section 3.20. Acquisition of Shares for Investment........................27
Section 3.21. Products....................................................27
ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub................27
Section 4.1. Incorporation; Authorization; etc...........................28
Section 4.2. Capitalization; Structure...................................29
Section 4.3. Financial Statements........................................30
Section 4.4. No Undisclosed Liabilities..................................30
Section 4.5. Properties..................................................30
Section 4.6. Absence of Certain Changes..................................31
Section 4.7. Litigation; Orders..........................................31
Section 4.8. Intellectual Property.......................................31
Section 4.9. Licenses, Approvals, Other Authorizations, Consents,
Reports, etc..............................................32
Section 4.10. Labor Matters...............................................32
Section 4.11. Compliance with Laws........................................32
Section 4.12. Insurance...................................................32
Section 4.13. Material Contracts..........................................32
Section 4.14. Brokers, Finders, etc.......................................33
Section 4.15. Opinions of General Xxxxx Financial Advisors................33
Section 4.16. Board Approval; Rights Plan.................................33
Section 4.17. Required Vote...............................................33
Section 4.18. Antitakeover Statute........................................34
ARTICLE V
Covenants of the Parties......................................................34
Section 5.1. Investigation of Business; Access to Properties and
Records...................................................34
Section 5.2. Filings; Other Actions; Notification........................35
Section 5.3. Further Assurances..........................................37
Section 5.4. Conduct of Business.........................................37
Section 5.5. Public Announcements........................................42
Section 5.6. Intercompany Accounts; Guaranties...........................42
Section 5.7. Subsidiary Purchase Agreements..............................43
Section 5.8. Allocation; Structure of Subsidiary Purchases...............43
Section 5.9. No Solicitation.............................................43
Section 5.10. Proxy Statement; Diageo Circular............................44
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Section 5.11. Stockholder Meetings; Board Recommendations.................45
Section 5.12. General Xxxxx Board of Directors............................45
Section 5.13. Stock Exchange Listing......................................46
Section 5.14. Delivery of Financial Statements and Other Information......46
Section 5.15. Closing Date Indebtedness...................................46
Section 5.16. Insurance...................................................46
ARTICLE VI
Post-Closing Employee Benefits Matters........................................48
Section 6.1 Employee Benefits Matters...................................48
ARTICLE VII
Tax Matters...................................................................51
Section 7.1. Tax Representations of Diageo...............................51
Section 7.2. General Xxxxx Reorganization-Related Representations........52
Section 7.3. Tax Indemnification.........................................53
Section 7.4. Section 338(g) Elections for Food Subsidiaries..............54
Section 7.5. Allocation of Certain Taxes.................................54
Section 7.6. Carryovers, Refunds and Related Matters.....................55
Section 7.7. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns.......................56
Section 7.8. Tax Contests................................................57
Section 7.9. Cooperation.................................................58
Section 7.10. Termination of Tax Sharing Agreements.......................59
Section 7.11. General Xxxxx Consolidated Returns..........................59
Section 7.12. Diageo Consolidated Returns.................................59
Section 7.13. Definitions.................................................59
Section 7.14. Survival....................................................61
Section 7.15. Adjustments.................................................61
Section 7.16. Tax Transactions............................................61
ARTICLE VIII
Conditions Precedent..........................................................61
Section 8.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligation.......................61
Section 8.2. Additional Conditions to General Mills's and Merger Sub's
Obligations..............................................62
Section 8.3. Additional Conditions to Pillsbury's Obligation.............63
ARTICLE IX
Survival; Indemnification.....................................................63
Section 9.1. Survival....................................................63
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Section 9.2. Indemnification by Diageo...................................64
Section 9.3. Indemnification by General Xxxxx............................64
Section 9.4. Indemnification Procedures..................................65
Section 9.5. Limitations on Indemnification..............................67
Section 9.6. Exclusive Tax Indemnification...............................67
ARTICLE X
Termination...................................................................67
Section 10.1. Termination.................................................67
Section 10.2. Procedure and Effect of Termination.........................68
Section 10.3. Termination Fees............................................69
ARTICLE XI
Miscellaneous.................................................................69
Section 11.1. Counterparts................................................69
Section 11.2. Governing Law; Jurisdiction and Forum; Waiver of Jury
Trial.....................................................69
Section 11.3. Entire Agreement............................................70
Section 11.4. Expenses....................................................70
Section 11.5. Notices.....................................................70
Section 11.6. Successors and Assigns......................................71
Section 11.7. Headings; Definitions.......................................71
Section 11.8. Amendments and Waivers......................................72
Section 11.9. Specific Performance........................................72
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the "Agreement"), dated as of July
16, 2000, is by and among General Xxxxx, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("General
Xxxxx"), General Xxxxx North American Businesses, Inc., a Delaware corporation
and wholly owned subsidiary of General Xxxxx ("Merger Sub"), Diageo plc, a
public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales
("Diageo"), and The Pillsbury Company, a Delaware corporation and indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Diageo ("Pillsbury"). Unless otherwise specified,
capitalized terms herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in Article I.
WHEREAS, Pillsbury, its Subsidiaries, certain other Subsidiaries of
Diageo and other Persons in which Diageo or its Affiliates own equity interests
listed in Exhibit A1 hereto (such Subsidiaries and Persons listed on Exhibit A1,
the "Food Subsidiaries") and certain other Persons in which Diageo or its
Affiliates own equity interests listed in Exhibit A2 hereto (the Persons listed
on Exhibit A2 hereto, the "Non-Controlled Foreign Entities"), together with
their respective Subsidiaries, conduct the entire food business (other than the
fast food business) of Diageo. (The Food Subsidiaries and the Non-Controlled
Foreign Entities collectively are referred to herein as the "Purchased
Entities");
WHEREAS, General Xxxxx and Diageo desire to combine the businesses of
General Xxxxx with the food business (other than the fast food business) of
Diageo through (a) the merger (the "Merger") of Merger Sub with and into
Pillsbury, with Pillsbury as the surviving corporation in the Merger as a wholly
owned subsidiary of General Xxxxx upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Agreement and (b) the purchase by certain indirect
Subsidiaries of General Xxxxx (the "Buying Affiliates") from the Selling
Affiliates of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity
interests of the Purchased Entities owned by the Selling Affiliates (the
"Purchased Interests") and/or the assets and liabilities of the Purchased
Entities, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in
the agreements relating to such purchases (collectively, the "Subsidiary
Purchases" and such agreements, collectively, the "Subsidiary Purchase
Agreements");
WHEREAS, it is intended that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
the Merger will qualify as a reorganization under Section 368 of the Code and
the Subsidiary Purchases will not so qualify;
WHEREAS, (a) the respective Boards of Directors of Pillsbury and
Merger Sub have each determined that this Agreement is advisable, fair to and in
the best interests of their respective stockholders and have approved and
adopted this Agreement, (b) General Xxxxx, as sole stockholder of Merger Sub,
and Gramet Holdings Corporation (the "Pillsbury Stockholder"), as sole
stockholder of Pillsbury, have each approved this Agreement and (c) the
respective Boards of Directors of General Xxxxx and Diageo have each approved
this Agreement and the Subsidiary Purchases; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the closing of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, it is contemplated that General Xxxxx, Diageo,
the Pillsbury Stockholder and the Selling Affiliates will enter into a
Stockholders Agreement (the "Stockholders Agreement" and
collectively with the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, the "Ancillary
Agreements") in the form set forth as Exhibit C to this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Certain Definitions
-------------------
(a) As used in this Agreement the following terms shall have the
following respective meanings:
"Action" shall mean any action, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding
or investigation by or before any court, governmental or other regulatory or
administrative agency or commission.
"Additional Shares" shall mean the shares of General Xxxxx Common
Stock, if any, issued pursuant to Section 2.14 hereof, and the shares of General
Xxxxx Common Stock, if any, issued pursuant to Section 9.4(d)(ii) hereof.
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person
that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with, such first Person, it being
understood that Diageo and the Continuing Affiliates shall not be considered to
be Affiliates of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time for
purposes of Articles VII and IX. As used in this definition, "control"
(including, with correlative meanings, "controlled by" and "under common control
with") shall mean possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or
cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of
securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or
otherwise).
"Anniversary Date" means the first anniversary of the Effective Time
(or if such date is not a Business Day, the next Business Day).
"Benefit Arrangement" means any employment, severance or similar
contract, plan, policy, fund or arrangement (whether or not written) providing
for compensation, bonus, profit-sharing, stock option, or other stock-related
rights or other forms of incentive or deferred compensation, perquisites,
vacation benefits, insurance coverage (including any self-insured arrangements),
health or medical benefits, disability benefits, worker's compensation,
supplemental unemployment benefits, severance benefits and post-employment or
retirement benefits (including compensation, pension, health, medical or life
insurance or other benefits) that (i) is not an Employee Plan, (ii) is entered
into, participated in, maintained, administered or contributed to, as the case
may be, by any Business Entity and (iii) covers any U.S. employee or former U.S.
employee of any Business Entity employed in the United States.
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"Books and Records" shall mean all of the books and records primarily
related to the operations of the Business Entities, including, without
limitation, (i) corporate minute books, (ii) books and records relating to
employees, the purchase of materials, supplies and services, research and
development, manufacture and sale of products and services, advertising,
packaging, promotional materials and dealings with customers of the Business
Entities, and (iii) historical and archival data.
"Business Combination Proposal" shall mean, with respect to any
Person, (i) any merger, consolidation or other business combination as a result
of which the stockholders of such Person prior to such transaction would cease
to hold at least 80% of the voting securities of the entity surviving or
resulting from such transaction (or the ultimate parent entity thereof), (ii)
the acquisition by another Person at least 20% of the outstanding voting
securities of such Person, (iii) the sale, lease, exchange or other disposition
of at least 20% of the assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole, or (iv) any transaction as a result of which the directors of such Person
immediately prior to such transaction would cease to represent at least
two-thirds of the members of the board of directors of such Person or the entity
surviving or resulting from such transaction (or the ultimate parent entity
thereof).
"Business Day" shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which the commercial banks in New York City or London are
authorized or required by Law to remain closed.
"Business Entities" shall mean Pillsbury, the Food Subsidiaries and
their respective Subsidiaries.
"Business Intellectual Property Rights" means all material
Intellectual Property Rights owned or licensed and used or held for use by any
Business Entity.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
any successor thereto.
"Contingent Share Value" means the lesser of (i) the amount by which
the Target Price exceeds the Market Value as of the Anniversary Date and (ii)
the Maximum Contingent Share Value.
"Continuing Affiliate" shall mean any Affiliate of Diageo, other than
a Business Entity.
"Controlled Group Liability" means any and all liabilities (i) under
Title IV of ERISA, (ii) under Section 302 of ERISA, (iii) under Sections 412 and
4971 of the Code, (iv) as a result of a failure to comply with the continuation
coverage requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the
Code and (v) under corresponding or similar provisions of foreign laws or
regulations, other than such liabilities that arise solely out of, or relate
solely to, the Employee Arrangements.
"Covered Losses" shall mean any and all losses, liabilities, claims,
fines, deficiencies, damages, obligations, payments (including, without
limitation, those arising out of any settlement, judgment or compromise relating
to any Action), reasonable costs and expenses (in-
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cluding, without limitation, interest and penalties due and payable with respect
thereto and reasonable attorneys' and accountants' fees and any other reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in investigating, preparing, defending, avoiding
or settling any Action), including, without limitation, any of the foregoing
arising under, out of or in connection with any Action, order or consent decree
of any Governmental Authority or award of any arbitrator of any kind, or any
law, rule, regulation, contract, commitment or undertaking.
"DGCL" shall mean the Delaware General Corporation Law.
"Diageo Director" shall mean a member of the Board of Directors of
Diageo or of the Executive Committee of Diageo.
"Diageo Financial Advisors" means UBS Warburg and Xxxxxxxxx & Co. LLC.
"Diageo Shareholders Approval" shall mean the approval of the
Transactions by the shareholders of Diageo by the Required Diageo Vote.
"Disposition" means a merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving General Xxxxx as a result of which no shares of General
Xxxxx Common Stock shall remain outstanding and the stockholders of General
Xxxxx immediately prior to the merger, consolidation or other business
combination shall not own a majority of the voting power of the common equity
securities received in such merger, consolidation or other business combination,
or a sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of General Xxxxx.
"Disposition Value" means the lesser of (i) the Maximum Contingent
Share Value and (ii) the amount, if any, by which the Target Price exceeds the
lesser of (A) where the consideration to be received for each share of General
Xxxxx Common Stock by the holder thereof as a result of such Disposition is only
cash, the amount of such cash per share (calculated as of the Stockholder
Approval Date), or where any of the consideration to be received for each share
of General Xxxxx Common Stock by the holder thereof as a result of such
Disposition (and assuming that such holder did not exercise any right of
appraisal or right of election with respect to such Disposition) is other than
cash, the fair market value of the consideration to be received for each such
share (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of General Xxxxx as
of the Stockholder Approval Date) and (B) the Market Value as of the Stockholder
Approval Date.
"Employee Arrangement" means any Benefit Arrangement, Employee Plan or
International Plan.
"Employee Plan" means any "employee benefit plan", as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA, that (i) is subject to any provision of ERISA, (ii) is
entered into, participated in, maintained, administered or contributed to by any
Business Entity and (iii) covers any employee or former employee of any Business
Entity.
"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
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"ERISA Affiliate" of any entity means any other entity that, together
with such entity, would be treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the
Code or Section 4001(b)(1) or 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
"General Xxxxx Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock, par value
$.10 per share, of General Xxxxx, and the associated Rights issued pursuant to
the General Xxxxx Rights Agreement.
"General Xxxxx Financial Advisors" shall mean Evercore Partners Inc.
and Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx & Co. Incorporated.
"General Xxxxx Intellectual Property Rights" means all material
Intellectual Property Rights owned or licensed and used or held for use by
General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries.
"General Xxxxx Rights Agreement" shall mean the Rights Agreement,
dated as of December 11, 1995, between General Xxxxx and Norwest Bank Minnesota,
as Rights Agent.
"General Xxxxx Shares Held" means the number of shares of General
Xxxxx Common Stock issued to the Pillsbury Stockholder or the Selling Affiliates
pursuant to this Agreement or the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, as the case
may be, and continued to be held by the Pillsbury Stockholder or the Selling
Affiliates or their Permitted Transferees as of the Anniversary Date or the
Disposition, as the case may be.
"General Xxxxx Stockholders Approval" shall mean the approval of the
General Xxxxx Share Issuance and the Charter Amendment by the stockholders of
General Xxxxx by the Required General Xxxxx Votes.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any United States federal, state
or local, or any foreign, government, governmental, regulatory or administrative
authority, agency or commission or any court, tribunal, or judicial or arbitral
body.
"HSR Act" means the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.
"Intellectual Property Right" means any trademark, service xxxx, trade
name, mask work, invention, trade secret, copyright, know-how or proprietary
information contained on any website, processes, formulae, products,
technologies, discoveries, apparatus, Internet domain names, trade dress and
general intangibles of like nature (together with goodwill), customer lists,
confidential information, licenses, software, databases and compilations
including any and all collections of data and all documentation thereof
(including any registrations or applications for registration of any of the
foregoing) or any other similar type of proprietary intellectual property right.
"International Plan" means any employment, severance or similar
contract, plan, policy, fund or arrangement (whether or not written) providing
for compensation, bonus, profit-
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sharing, stock option, or other stock-related rights or other forms of incentive
or deferred compensation, perquisites, vacation benefits, insurance coverage
(including any self-insured arrangements), health or medical benefits,
disability benefits, worker's compensation, supplemental unemployment benefits,
severance benefits and post-employment or retirement benefits (including
compensation, pension, health, medical or life insurance or other benefits) that
(i) is not an Employee Plan or a Benefit Arrangement, (ii) is entered into,
participated in, maintained, administered or contributed to by any Business
Entity and (iii) covers any employee or former employee of any Business Entity.
"knowledge" of any Person shall mean the actual knowledge of such
Person's executive officers, without the conduct by any such Person of any
independent investigation with respect to the facts or matters specified.
"Law" shall mean any United States federal, state or local, or any
foreign, order, writ, injunction, judgment, award, decree, statute, law, rule or
regulation.
"Lien" shall mean any imperfection of title, easement, encroachment,
security interest, pledge, mortgage, lien (including, without limitation,
environmental and tax liens), charge, encumbrance, proxy, voting trust or voting
agreement.
"Market Value" shall mean, as of any date, the average of the daily
high and low sales prices per share of General Xxxxx Common Stock during the
regular trading sessions on the NYSE for each of the 20 full trading days
immediately preceding (but not including) such date.
"Maximum Contingent Share Value" means $4.55.
"Multiemployer Plan" means a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section
3(37) of ERISA.
"NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
"Permitted Liens" shall mean all Liens (i) which are reflected or
reserved against in the Business Balance Sheet (up to the amounts so reflected
or reserved against), (ii) which arise out of Taxes or general or special
assessments not in default and payable without penalty or interest or the
validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings,
(iii) of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and other similar
persons or otherwise imposed by law incurred in the ordinary course of business
for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, (iv) which relate
to deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers'
compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, (v)
which do not materially impair the use of the asset subject thereof for the
purposes for which currently used, and (vi) in the case of the Business Real
Property, (A) easements, quasi-easements, licenses, covenants, rights-of-way,
rights of re-entry or other similar restrictions that would be shown by a
current title report or other similar report or listing, (B) any conditions that
may be shown by a current survey or physical inspection and (C) zoning,
building, subdivision or other similar requirements or restrictions, in the case
of each of the agreements, conditions, restrictions or other matters referenced
in this clause (vi) which do not materially impair the use,
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utility or value of the applicable property affected or encumbered thereby for
the purposes for which currently used.
"Permitted Transferee" shall mean Diageo or any direct or indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Diageo, in each case which becomes bound to the
Stockholders Agreement.
"Person" shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, association, trust or other entity or organization, including
a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Pillsbury Common Stock" shall mean the shares of common stock, par
value $1.00 per share, of Pillsbury.
"Pillsbury Purchase Price Shares" shall mean the number of Purchase
Price Shares allocated to the Merger as determined in accordance with Section
5.8(a).
"Purchase Price Shares" shall mean 141 million shares of General Xxxxx
Common Stock.
"SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Selling Affiliates" shall mean the entities listed on Exhibit D.
"Stockholder Approval Date" means the date stockholders of General
Xxxxx approve a Disposition.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other entity
of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary power to elect
a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar
functions are at any time directly or indirectly owned by such Person.
"Subsidiary Purchase Price Shares" shall mean the Purchase Price
Shares other than the Pillsbury Purchase Price Shares.
"Target Price" means $42.55.
"Title IV Plan" means a plan subject to Title IV of ERISA other than
any Multiemployer Plan.
"U.K. GAAP" shall mean United Kingdom generally accepted accounting
principles.
"U.S. GAAP" shall mean United States generally accepted accounting
principles.
"Withdrawal Liability" means liability to or with respect to a
Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such
Multiemployer Plan, as those terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title
IV or ERISA.
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(b) Each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth
opposite such term:
Term Section
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Acquisition Proposal.................................................5.9(a)
Adjusted Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation..........2.14(c)
Adjustment Payment Date..............................................2.14(d)
ADSP.................................................................7.4
Agreement............................................................Preamble
Ancillary Agreements.................................................Recitals
Business.............................................................3.5(b)
Business Balance Sheet...............................................3.3(a)
Business Financial Statements........................................3.3(a)
Business Material Contracts..........................................3.13
Business Real Property...............................................3.5
Buying Affiliates....................................................Recitals
Certificate of Merger................................................2.3
Charter Amendment....................................................4.1(b)
Closing..............................................................2.1
Closing Date.........................................................2.1
Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation...................2.14(a)
COBRA coverage.......................................................6.1(g)
Confidentiality Agreement............................................5.1(b)
Controlling Party....................................................7.8(c)
Determination........................................................7.4
Diageo...............................................................Preamble
Diageo Circular......................................................5.10(c)
Diageo Disclosure Schedule...........................................Article III
Diageo Group.........................................................7.13
Diageo Indemnified Parties...........................................9.3(a)
Diageo Indemnifying Parties..........................................9.2(a)
Diageo Insurance Policies............................................5.16(b)
Diageo Plan..........................................................6.1(l)
Diageo Representatives...............................................5.9(a)
Diageo Shareholders Meeting..........................................5.11
Diageo Tax Indemnitees...............................................7.13
Diageo Tax Indemnitors...............................................7.13
EC...................................................................8.1(c)
Effective Time.......................................................2.3
Employees............................................................6.1(a)
Environmental Laws...................................................3.18(a)
Escrow Agent.........................................................2.13(a)
Escrow Agreement.....................................................2.13(a)
Escrow Fund..........................................................2.13(a)
FD&C Act.............................................................3.21(a)
Food Subsidiaries....................................................Recitals
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Term Section
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General Xxxxx........................................................Preamble
General Xxxxx Balance Sheet..........................................4.4
General Xxxxx Disclosure Schedule....................................Article IV
General Xxxxx Financial Statements...................................4.3(b)
General Xxxxx Group..................................................7.13
General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties....................................9.2(a)
General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties...................................9.3(a)
General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect................................4.1(a)
General Xxxxx Material Contracts.....................................4.13
General Xxxxx Proxy Statement........................................5.10(a)
General Xxxxx Representatives........................................5.9(b)
General Xxxxx SEC Reports............................................4.3(a)
General Xxxxx Share Issuance.........................................4.1(a)
General Xxxxx Significant Subsidiaries...............................4.2(b)
General Xxxxx Stockholders Meeting...................................5.11
General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitees........................................7.13
General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitors........................................7.13
Governmental Antitrust Authority.....................................5.2(e)
Insurance Claims.....................................................5.16(b)
Joint Instruction....................................................2.13(a)
Licenses.............................................................3.9(a)
Merger...............................................................Recitals
Merger Sub...........................................................Recitals
Neutral Auditors.....................................................2.14(c)
Non-Controlled Foreign Entities .....................................Recitals
Non-controlling Party................................................7.8(c)
Notice of Claim......................................................9.4
Operating Working Capital............................................2.14(a)
Pillsbury............................................................Preamble
Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect....................................3.1(a)
Pillsbury Stockholder................................................Recitals
Post-Closing Period..................................................7.13
Pre-Closing Period...................................................7.13
Products.............................................................3.21(a)
Purchased Entities...................................................Recitals
Purchased Interests..................................................Recitals
Purchase Price.......................................................2.10
Required Diageo Vote.................................................3.17
Required General Xxxxx Votes.........................................4.17
Resolution Period....................................................2.14(b)
Returns..............................................................7.13
Rights...............................................................4.2(a)
Stockholders Agreement...............................................Recitals
Straddle Period......................................................7.7(c)
Straddle Period Return...............................................7.7(c)
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Term Section
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Subsidiary Purchase Agreements.......................................Recitals
Subsidiary Purchases.................................................Recitals
Substantially All Action.............................................7.2(e)
Surviving Corporation................................................2.2
Tax..................................................................7.13
Tax Claim............................................................7.13
Tax Indemnitee.......................................................7.13
Tax Proceeding.......................................................7.8(b)
Tax Returns..........................................................7.13
Taxing Authority.....................................................7.13
Termination Date.....................................................10.1(b)
Transactions.........................................................3.1(b)
U.S. Corporation.....................................................3.1(a)
2000 Financial Statements............................................5.14(a)
338 Election.........................................................7.4
338 Election Allocations.............................................7.4
338 Election Subsidiaries............................................7.4
ARTICLE II
The Merger; Closing
-------------------
Section 2.1. Time and Place of Closing. The closing of the Merger (the
"Closing") shall take place (a) at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, at the
offices of Wachtell, Lipton, Xxxxx & Xxxx, 00 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx
Xxxx 00000, as promptly as practicable (but no later than the fifth Business
Day) following the date on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the
conditions set forth in Article VIII (other than those conditions that by their
nature cannot be satisfied until the Closing Date, but subject to the
satisfaction or, where permitted, waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied
or waived in accordance with this Agreement or (b) at such other place, time
and/or date as General Xxxxx and Diageo shall agree (the date of the Closing,
the "Closing Date").
Section 2.2. The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Agreement, and in accordance with Section 251 of the DGCL,
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Pillsbury at the Effective Time.
Following the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease
and Pillsbury shall continue as the surviving corporation (the "Surviving
Corporation").
Section 2.3. Effective Time. Upon the Closing, Merger Sub and
Pillsbury shall (a) file with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a
certificate of merger (the "Certificate of Merger") in such form as is required
by and executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL and (b)
make all other filings or recordings required under the DGCL. The Merger shall
become effective at such time as the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with
the
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Delaware Secretary of State or at such subsequent time as General Xxxxx and
Diageo shall agree and as shall be specified in the Certificate of Merger (the
date and time the Merger becomes effective being the "Effective Time").
Section 2.4. Effects of the Merger. At and after the Effective Time,
the Merger will have the effects set forth in the DGCL. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time all the
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Pillsbury and Merger Sub
shall be vested in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and
duties of Pillsbury and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and
duties of the Surviving Corporation.
Section 2.5. Certificate of Incorporation. The certificate of
incorporation of Pillsbury, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time, shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation,
until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable law.
Section 2.6. By-Laws. The by-laws of Merger Sub, as in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be the by-laws of the Surviving
Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by
applicable law.
Section 2.7. Officers and Directors of Surviving Corporation. The
officers of Pillsbury as of the Effective Time shall be the officers of the
Surviving Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or
otherwise ceasing to be an officer or until their respective successors are duly
elected and qualified, as the case may be. The directors of Merger Sub as of the
Effective Time shall become the directors of the Surviving Corporation, which
individuals will serve as directors of the Surviving Corporation until the
earlier of their resignation or removal or otherwise ceasing to be a director or
until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.
Section 2.8. Effect on Capital Stock. (a) At the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Diageo or the
Pillsbury Stockholder, all of the shares of Pillsbury Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, and all rights in respect
thereof, shall forthwith cease to exist and shall collectively be converted into
the right to receive the Pillsbury Purchase Price Shares.
(b) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any
action on the part of General Xxxxx, each share of common stock of Merger Sub
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, and all rights
in respect thereof, shall forthwith cease to exist and be converted into one
fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation,
which shall constitute the only outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Surviving Corporation.
Section 2.9. Subsidiary Purchases. At the Closing, each of the
Subsidiary Purchases will be consummated.
Section 2.10. Aggregate Consideration. The aggregate consideration
paid to the Pillsbury Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement in connection with
the Merger and to the Selling Affiliates for the Subsidiary Purchases shall
consist of (a) the Purchase Price Shares and (b)
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the Additional Shares, if any, issued pursuant to Section 2.14 or 9.4(d)(ii)
(collectively, the "Purchase Price"), subject to any adjustment to the Purchase
Price pursuant to Section 2.13, 2.14 or 9.4(d)(i).
Section 2.11. Deliveries by Diageo and the Selling Affiliates. At the
Closing, Diageo shall, or shall cause the Pillsbury Stockholder or one or more
of the Selling Affiliates to, as the case may be, deliver the following to
General Xxxxx or, in the case of paragraph (a) below, the applicable Buying
Affiliate:
(a) certificates or notarial assignment deed for, or such
other instruments evidencing ownership under applicable law of, the
Purchased Interests, which constitute and will constitute as of the
Closing, 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or
other equity interests of the Purchased Entities owned by the Selling
Affiliates, in each case with appropriate stock powers or other
instruments of transfer and requisite tax stamps attached and properly
signed (or in the event any of the Subsidiary Purchases is in the form
of an acquisition of assets and liabilities, such documentation as may
be necessary to reflect the transfer of such assets and liabilities to
the applicable Buying Affiliate);
(b) all Books and Records in the possession of Diageo or any
Continuing Affiliate, except as otherwise provided by Law;
(c) the certificate required to be delivered by Diageo and
Pillsbury pursuant to Section 8.2(d);
(d) counterparts of the Stockholders Agreement duly executed by
Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and each of the Selling Affiliates;
(e) certificates of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of
Diageo, Pillsbury, the Pillsbury Stockholder and the Selling
Affiliates, dated the Closing Date, (i) as to the incumbency and
signatures of the officers or representatives of Diageo and Pillsbury
executing this Agreement and of Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and
the Selling Affiliates executing the Stockholders Agreement and of the
Selling Affiliates executing the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements,
together with evidence of incumbency of such Secretary or Assistant
Secretary, and (ii) certifying attached resolutions of the respective
Board of Directors of Diageo, Pillsbury, the Pillsbury Stockholder and
the Selling Affiliates that authorize the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as the
case may be;
(f) resignations, effective as of the Effective Time, of those
directors of the Food Subsidiaries as General Xxxxx may request; and
(g) such other documents, instruments and certificates as
General Xxxxx may reasonably request in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 2.12. Deliveries by General Xxxxx and the Buying Affiliates.
At the Closing, General Xxxxx shall deliver to Diageo, and, in the case of
paragraph (b) below, shall cause each Buying Affiliate to deliver to the
applicable Selling Affiliate:
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(a) a certificate for the Pillsbury Purchase Price Shares (which
shares, when delivered, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable), in definitive form, registered in the name
of the Pillsbury Stockholder, bearing a legend or legends referencing
restrictions under the Securities Act on transfer of the Pillsbury
Purchase Price Shares and any legends required by the Stockholders
Agreement;
(b) certificates for the Subsidiary Purchase Price Shares (which
shares, when delivered, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable), in definitive form, registered in the names
of the Selling Affiliates in each case for the number of Subsidiary
Purchase Price Shares as determined in accordance with Section 5.8(a),
bearing a legend or legends referencing restrictions under the
Securities Act on transfer of the Subsidiary Purchase Price Shares and
any legends required by the Stockholders Agreement;
(c) the certificate required to be delivered by General Xxxxx
pursuant to Section 8.3(c);
(d) a duly executed counterpart of the Stockholders Agreement
executed by General Xxxxx;
(e) certificates of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
of General Xxxxx, Merger Sub and the Buying Affiliates, dated the
Closing Date, (i) as to the incumbency and signatures of the officers
or representatives of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub executing this
Agreement and of General Xxxxx executing the Stockholders Agreement
and of the officers or representatives of General Xxxxx and the Buying
Affiliates executing the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, together with
evidence of the incumbency of such Secretary or Assistant Secretary,
and (ii) certifying attached resolutions of the respective Boards of
Directors of General Xxxxx, Merger Sub and the Buying Affiliates,
which authorize and approve the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as the case may be; and
(f) such other documents, instruments and certificates as Diageo
may reasonably request in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 2.13. Contingent Purchase Price Adjustment. (a) Immediately
upon consummation of the Merger, Diageo shall cause Pillsbury Stockholder to
deliver to a bank or financial institution in the United States mutually
acceptable to General Xxxxx and Diageo, as escrow agent (the "Escrow Agent"),
$642 million in cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to be held
by the Escrow Agent pursuant to a customary escrow agreement (the "Escrow
Agreement"), in form and substance mutually acceptable to General Xxxxx, Diageo
and Pillsbury Stockholder. If mutually agreed by General Xxxxx and Diageo, in
lieu of delivery to the Escrow Agent of $642 million in cash, Diageo may cause
Pillsbury Stockholder to deliver to the Escrow Agent $642 million of investments
mutually selected by General Xxxxx and Xxxxxxxxx Stockholder. In the event
Pillsbury Stockholder delivers cash to the Escrow Agent, the Escrow Agent shall
invest such funds as mutually directed by General Xxxxx and Xxxxxxxxx
Stockholder. The funds or investments delivered to the Escrow Agent, together
with any interest or other proceeds with respect thereto, shall be the "Escrow
Fund." The Escrow Fund shall be released upon
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the giving of a joint instruction (the "Joint Instruction") by General Xxxxx and
Pillsbury Stockholder pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) below. All costs and
expenses relating to the Escrow Agreement, including the fees and expenses of
the Escrow Agent, shall be borne equally by General Xxxxx and Xxxxxxxxx
Stockholder.
(b) Unless the stockholders of General Xxxxx have approved a
Disposition prior to the Anniversary Date, General Xxxxx and Xxxxxxxxx
Stockholder shall (and Diageo shall cause Pillsbury Stockholder to) give the
Joint Instruction to the Escrow Agent on the Anniversary Date, instructing the
payout of the Escrow Fund as follows. The Joint Instruction pursuant to this
paragraph (b) shall instruct the Escrow Agent to pay to General Xxxxx from the
Escrow Fund, on or as promptly as practicable following the Anniversary Date, an
amount, if any, equal to the total amount of the Escrow Fund less an amount, if
any, equal to the product of (i) the number of General Xxxxx Shares Held
multiplied by (ii) the Contingent Share Value. The Joint Instruction pursuant to
this paragraph (b) shall further instruct the Escrow Agent to return to
Pillsbury Stockholder the remainder of the Escrow Fund, if any, promptly
following payment of the amount, if any, set forth above to General Xxxxx.
(c) In the event the stockholders of General Xxxxx approve a
Disposition prior to the Anniversary Date, General Xxxxx and Xxxxxxxxx
Stockholder shall (and Diageo shall cause Pillsbury Stockholder to) give the
Joint Instruction to the Escrow Agent no later than the date of the Disposition,
instructing the payout of the Escrow Fund as follows. The Joint Instruction
pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall instruct the Escrow Agent to pay to General
Xxxxx from the Escrow Fund, on or as promptly as practicable following the date
of the Disposition, an amount, if any, equal to the total amount of the Escrow
Fund less an amount, if any, equal to the product of (i) the number of General
Xxxxx Shares Held multiplied by (ii) the Disposition Value. The Joint
Instruction pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall further instruct the Escrow
Agent to return to Pillsbury Stockholder the remainder of the Escrow Fund, if
any, promptly following payment of the amount, if any, set forth above to
General Xxxxx.
(d) The number of shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock or type of
property or securities issuable in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement and the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, the Contingent Share
Value, the Maximum Contingent Share Value, the Disposition Value, the Target
Price, the General Xxxxx Shares Held and the calculation of Market Value shall
be appropriately and equitably adjusted to reflect (i) the payment of any
extraordinary distribution or dividend on shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock
(other than regular quarterly cash dividends), (ii) any stock split, stock
dividend or combination of such shares or (iii) any consolidation, merger or
other event which results in the conversion or exchange of such shares.
(e) All calculations and determinations pursuant to this Section 2.13
shall be mutually agreed upon by Diageo and General Xxxxx in good faith, and
shall be final and binding upon all of the parties to this Agreement and on the
Pillsbury Stockholder. General Xxxxx and Diageo agree to treat Pillsbury
Stockholder as the owner of the Escrow Fund for U.S. federal income Tax purposes
until the Escrow Fund is disbursed pursuant to the terms hereof and the Escrow
Agreement, except to the extent otherwise required pursuant to a Determination.
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Section 2.14. Operating Working Capital Purchase Price Adjustment. (a)
As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 90 days following the Closing
Date, General Xxxxx shall prepare a calculation of the Operating Working Capital
of the Business Entities as of the Closing Date (the "Closing Date Operating
Working Capital Calculation"). For this purpose "Operating Working Capital"
shall mean the Operating Working Capital of the Business Entities determined as
reflected in the line entitled "CR15297 Operating Working Capital" on the
balance sheet report (in management format) attached hereto as Schedule 2.14.
The Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation shall be prepared in the
same manner, consistent with past practice, and based on the same items, as the
Operating Working Capital of the Business Entities has historically been
prepared. Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Business Entities
shall, and Diageo shall cause the Business Entities to, manage Operating Working
Capital in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice,
and shall not take any action for the purpose of changing the calculation of
Operating Working Capital.
(b) General Xxxxx shall deliver a copy of the Closing Date Operating
Working Capital Calculation to Diageo promptly after it has been prepared. After
receipt of the Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation, Diageo shall
have 60 days to review the Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation,
together with the workpapers used in the preparation thereof. Diageo and its
authorized representatives shall have full access during normal business hours
to all relevant books and records and employees of the Business Entities to the
extent required to complete their review of the Closing Date Operating Working
Capital Calculation; provided, however, that such access shall not unreasonably
disrupt the personnel and operations of the Business Entities. Unless Diageo
delivers written notice to General Xxxxx on or prior to the 60th day after
Diageo's receipt of the Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation
specifying in reasonable detail all disputed items and the basis therefor,
Diageo shall be deemed to have accepted and agreed to the Closing Date Operating
Working Capital Calculation. If Diageo so notifies General Xxxxx of its
objection to the Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation, General
Xxxxx and Diageo shall, within 30 days following such notice (the "Resolution
Period"), attempt to resolve their differences and any resolution by them as to
any disputed amounts shall be final, binding and conclusive.
(c) If at the conclusion of the Resolution Period amounts shall remain
in dispute, then all amounts remaining in dispute shall be submitted to a firm
of nationally recognized independent public accountants (the "Neutral Auditors")
selected by Diageo and General Xxxxx within 10 days after the expiration of the
Resolution Period. If Diageo and General Xxxxx are unable to agree on the
Neutral Auditors, then Diageo and General Xxxxx shall each have the right to
request the American Arbitration Association to appoint the Neutral Auditors who
shall not have had a material business relationship with Diageo, General Xxxxx
or any of their respective Affiliates within the past two years. The parties
hereto agree to execute, if requested by the Neutral Auditors, a reasonable
engagement letter. All fees and expenses relating to the work, if any, to be
performed by the Neutral Auditors shall be borne equally by Diageo and General
Xxxxx. The Neutral Auditors shall act as an arbitrator to determine only those
issues still in dispute. The Neutral Auditors' determination shall be made
within 30 days of their selection, shall be set forth in a written statement
delivered to Diageo and General Xxxxx and shall be final, binding and
conclusive. The term "Adjusted Closing Date Operating Working Capital
Calculation", as used herein, shall mean the definitive Closing Date Operating
Working Capital Calculation agreed or deemed to have been agreed to by Diageo
and General Xxxxx in accordance with Section 2.14(b)
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or the definitive Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation resulting
from the determinations made by the Neutral Auditors in accordance with this
Section 2.14(c) (in addition to those items theretofore agreed to by Diageo and
General Xxxxx).
(d) The Purchase Price shall be reduced dollar for dollar by the
amount, if any, by which Operating Working Capital shown on the Adjusted Closing
Date Operating Working Capital Calculation is less than $100 million or
increased dollar for dollar by the amount, if any, by which Operating Working
Capital shown on the Adjusted Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation
is greater than $300 million, provided, however, that if the Closing Date is
between October 15 and November 15, inclusive, the $300 million threshold shall
be increased to $400 million, and if the Closing Date is between March 15 and
April 15, inclusive, the $100 million threshold shall be reduced to zero;
provided, further, that if there is a sale, divestiture or disposition of any
plants, assets or businesses consummated prior to the Closing pursuant to
Section 5.2, Diageo and General Xxxxx shall mutually agree on an appropriate
adjustment of the aforementioned thresholds to reflect such sale, divestiture or
disposition. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that the Operating Working
Capital shown on the Adjusted Closing Date Operating Working Capital Calculation
is not greater or less than the applicable threshold, no adjustment to the
Purchase Price shall be made pursuant to this Section 2.14.
(e) Any reduction in the Purchase Price made pursuant to Section
2.14(d) shall be paid by Diageo, by wire transfer in immediately available
funds, to an account or accounts specified by General Xxxxx, within five
Business Days after the Adjusted Closing Date Operating Working Capital
Calculation is agreed upon or deemed to have been agreed upon by General Xxxxx
and Diageo or the written statement of the Neutral Auditors setting forth their
determination regarding any remaining disputed items is delivered to General
Xxxxx and Diageo (such fifth Business Day, the "Adjustment Payment Date"), and
shall bear interest from (and including) the Closing Date through (and
including) the date of payment at the publicly announced prime interest rate of
Citibank, N.A. in effect from time to time for unsecured short-term commercial
loans. Any increase in the Purchase Price made pursuant to Section 2.14(d) shall
be paid by General Xxxxx by delivery to the Pillsbury Stockholder on the
Adjustment Payment Date of a number of shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock
equal to (i) the amount of the increase (which shall bear interest from (and
including) the Closing Date through (and including) the date of payment at the
publicly announced prime interest rate of Citibank, N.A. in effect from time to
time for unsecured short-term commercial loans) divided by (ii) the Market Value
on the Adjustment Payment Date.
ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties of Diageo and Pillsbury
------------------------------------------------------
Except as set forth in the corresponding sections or subsections of
the disclosure schedule delivered to General Xxxxx by Diageo on or prior to the
date hereof (the "Diageo Disclosure Schedule"), each of Diageo and Pillsbury
hereby represents and warrants to General Xxxxx and Merger Sub as follows:
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Section 3.1. Incorporation; Authorization; etc. (a) Each Business
Entity is duly organized and validly existing and, with respect to those
corporations organized under the laws of one of the states of the United States
of America (a "U.S. Corporation"), in good standing, under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its organization. Each of the Business Entities (i) has the
requisite corporate or similar power and authority to own its properties and
assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted and (ii) with
respect to each U.S. Corporation, is in good standing and is duly qualified to
transact business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of property owned or
leased by it or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified,
except where the failure to be so organized or in good standing or to be duly
qualified to transact business, or to have such power and authority, would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities, condition
(financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Business Entities,
taken as a whole (a "Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect"). Diageo is a public
limited company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of England
and Wales.
(b) Each of Diageo and Pillsbury has the requisite corporate or
similar power to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Each of Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and the Selling Affiliates has the
requisite corporate or similar power and authority to execute the Stockholders
Agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder and to consummate the
transactions contemplated thereby. The execution and delivery by Diageo and
Pillsbury of this Agreement, the performance by Diageo and Pillsbury of their
obligations hereunder and the consummation by Diageo and Pillsbury of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by the
respective Boards of Directors of Diageo and Pillsbury and, except for the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware and except for obtaining the approval of the shareholders of Diageo of
the disposition of the Business Entities contemplated hereby (the
"Transactions") by the Required Diageo Vote, no other corporate proceedings on
the part of Diageo or Pillsbury, their respective Boards of Directors or
shareholders are necessary therefor.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements will not (i) violate any provision of Diageo's, the
Pillsbury Stockholder's, any Selling Affiliate's or any Business Entity's
respective certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or equivalent organizational
documents), (ii) violate any provision of, or be an event that is (or with the
passage of time will result in) a violation of, or result in the acceleration of
or entitle any party to accelerate or exercise (whether after the giving of
notice or lapse of time or both) any obligation or right under, or result in the
imposition of any Lien upon or the creation of a security interest in any of the
Purchased Interests, or any Business Entity's assets or properties pursuant to,
any Lien, agreement, instrument, order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to
which Diageo, any Continuing Affiliate or any Business Entity is a party or by
which any of them is bound, or (iii) violate or conflict with any other
restriction of any kind or character to which Diageo, any Continuing Affiliate
or any Business Entity is subject, that, in the case of clauses (ii) or (iii)
would, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have
a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect or prevent the Merger and the Subsidiary
Purchases from occurring prior to the Termination Date. This Agreement has been
duly executed and delivered by Diageo and Pillsbury, and, assuming the due
execution hereof by General Xxxxx and Merger Sub, this Agreement constitutes the
legal, valid and binding obligations of Diageo and Pillsbury, enforce-
-17-
able against Diageo and Pillsbury in accordance with its terms, subject to the
effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution,
moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights of
creditors generally and to the effect of the application of general principles
of equity (regardless of whether considered in proceedings at law or in equity).
At the Closing, each of the Ancillary Agreements to which Diageo, the Pillsbury
Stockholder or a Selling Affiliate is or will be a party will be duly executed
and delivered by Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and such Selling Affiliates,
as applicable, and, assuming the due execution and delivery thereof by the other
parties thereto, at the Closing will constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and such Selling Affiliates,
enforceable against Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and such Selling
Affiliates in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution, moratorium or other
similar laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and to
the effect of the application of general principles of equity (regardless of
whether considered in proceedings at law or in equity). Diageo has delivered to
General Xxxxx a true and correct copy of the certificate of incorporation and
by-laws, each as amended to date, of Pillsbury.
Section 3.2. Capitalization; Structure. (a) The authorized capital
stock of Pillsbury consists of 1,000 shares of Pillsbury Common Stock. As of the
date hereof, one share of Pillsbury Common Stock is outstanding, which share is
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and free of preemptive rights and
owned by the Pillsbury Stockholder free and clear of all Liens. Section 3.2(a)
of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule sets forth the name of each Subsidiary of
Pillsbury, its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, the number of
outstanding shares of its capital stock or other equity interests of each class
and the name of and number of shares owned by each holder of any such shares of
capital stock or other equity interests. Except as set forth in Section 3.2 of
the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock
or other equity interests of each of Pillsbury's Subsidiaries have been validly
issued, and are fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights.
(b) Section 3.2(b)(i) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule sets forth
the name of each Purchased Entity, its jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization, the number of outstanding shares of its capital stock or other
equity interests of each class and the name and number of shares owned by each
holder of any such shares of capital stock or other equity interests. Except as
set forth in Section 3.2 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, all of the
outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of the material
Purchased Entities have been validly issued, and are fully paid and
nonassessable, are free of preemptive rights, and are owned directly by the
Selling Affiliate as set forth on Section 3.2(b)(ii) of the Diageo Disclosure
Schedule, free and clear of all Liens. Section 3.2(b)(ii) of the Diageo
Disclosure Schedule sets forth the name of each Subsidiary of any Purchased
Entity, its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, the number of
outstanding shares of its capital stock or other equity interests of each class
and the name and number of shares owned by each holder of any such shares of
capital stock or other equity interests. Except as set forth in Section
3.2(b)(ii) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, all of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of the material Subsidiaries of the Purchased Entities have been
validly issued, and are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned directly or
indirectly by the Selling Affiliate as set forth on Section 3.2(b)(ii) of the
Diageo Disclosure Schedule, free and clear of all Liens. Upon consummation of
the Subsidiary Purchases at the Closing as contemplated by this Agreement, the
Selling Affiliates will deliver to the Buying Affiliates good and valid title to
all of the Purchased Interests.
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(c) There are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights of any
kind to acquire, or obligations to issue, shares of capital stock of any class
of, or other equity interests in, any Business Entity. None of the Business
Entities owns any equity interest, directly or indirectly, in any Person other
than the Subsidiaries of Pillsbury or of the Purchased Entities. There are no
outstanding obligations of any Business Entity (i) to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock or other equity interests in any
Business Entity or (ii) to grant preemptive or antidilutive rights with respect
to any such shares or interests.
Section 3.3. Financial Statements. (a) Attached hereto as Exhibit E
are true and complete copies of the unaudited consolidated statements of income,
balance sheets and statements of cash flows of the Business Entities as of and
for the nine months ended June 30, 1998, as of and for the twelve months ended
June 30, 1999, and as of and for the six months ended December 31, 1999
(collectively, the "Business Financial Statements"). The Business Financial
Statements present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial
position and results of operations and cash flows of the Business Entities for
the respective periods or as of the respective dates set forth therein, in each
case in accordance with U.K. GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the
periods involved (except as otherwise indicated therein and except for changes
resulting from normal and recurring year-end adjustments). The Business
Financial Statements have been prepared from and in all material respects in
accordance with the books and records of the Business Entities. The balance
sheet as of December 31, 1999 included in the Business Financial Statements is
referred to herein as the "Business Balance Sheet."
(b) The 2000 Financial Statements (including, in each case, any notes
thereto), when delivered to General Xxxxx pursuant to Section 5.14(a) and as of
the Closing Date, (i) will present fairly in all material respects the combined
financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Business
Entities for the respective periods or as of the respective dates set forth
therein, in each case in accordance with U.S. GAAP applied on a consistent basis
throughout the periods involved (except as otherwise indicated therein and
except, in the case of interim periods, for changes resulting from normal and
recurring year-end adjustments), and (ii) will have been prepared from and in
all material respects in accordance with the books and records of the Business
Entities.
Section 3.4. No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except for liabilities which
are reflected or reserved against in the Business Balance Sheet or as set forth
in Section 3.4 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, none of the Business Entities
has any liabilities or obligations that would be required to be reflected on a
balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.K. GAAP or U.S. GAAP, except for (a)
liabilities or obligations arising in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice since December 31, 1999, which would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material
Adverse Effect and (b) with respect to liabilities or obligations that would be
required to be reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.S.
GAAP, deferred income taxes, pension, and postretirement/employment liabilities.
Section 3.5. Properties; Sufficiency. (a) With the exception of
properties disposed of since December 31, 1999 in the ordinary course of
business, a Business Entity has good title to, or holds by valid and existing
lease or license, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, each
piece of real and personal property capitalized on or included in the Business
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Balance Sheet and each piece of real and personal property acquired by any
Business Entity since the date of the Business Balance Sheet that would, had it
been acquired prior to such date, be capitalized on or included in the Business
Balance Sheet, except where the failure to have such title or hold such lease or
license would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect. Section 3.5 of the Diageo
Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all the material real property owned or
leased by the Business Entities (the "Business Real Property"). Diageo has made
available correct and complete copies of all material leases and subleases
(including all material amendments, modifications and side letters thereto, and
all notices of default and other material notices thereunder) relating to the
Business Real Property to which any of the Business Entities is a party, of
which all material leases and subleases are identified in Section 3.5 of the
Diageo Disclosure Schedule, it being understood that for purposes of this
sentence, "material" shall mean any lease or sublease with total future payments
in excess of $5,000,000. There are no pending or, to Diageo's and Pillsbury's
knowledge, threatened condemnation proceedings relating to any of the material
Business Real Property. Except as disclosed in Section 3.5 of the Diageo
Disclosure Schedule, none of the material properties owned or leased by any
Business Entity or by Diageo or any of the Continuing Affiliates is shared by
any Business Entity, on the one hand, and the other businesses, divisions or
Subsidiaries of Diageo or any Continuing Affiliate, on the other hand.
(b) The assets of the Business Entities and Non-Controlled Foreign
Entities constitute all of the assets necessary in all material respects to own
and operate the existing food business (other than the fast food business) of
Diageo (including Pillsbury North America, International, and Food Service)
(collectively, the "Business"), as reflected in the Business Financial
Statements, in the manner currently being conducted. The Business Entities
collectively own or lease, or otherwise have good and valid rights to, all
material assets, properties and other rights related to the Business, except as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to
have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.6. Absence of Certain Changes. Since December 31, 1999,
there has been no (a) change or development in or effect on the business or
businesses of the Business Entities that has had, or would reasonably be
expected to have, a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect or (b) action taken by any
Business Entity prior to the date hereof which, if taken from the date hereof
through the Closing, would violate any of the provisions of subsections (i),
(ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (xii)(A) and (xvii) of Section 5.4(a), provided that for
the purposes of this clause (b), the reference in Section 5.4(a)(v)(A) to "a
commitment period of one year or less" shall be deemed to be of no consequence
for purposes of this Section 3.6 and the reference in Section 5.4(a)(v)(B) to
"Pillsbury's 2001 Capital Expenditure Plan" shall be deemed to refer to
"Pillsbury's 2000 Capital Expenditure Plan."
Section 3.7. Litigation; Orders. There are no lawsuits, actions,
administrative or arbitration or other proceedings or governmental
investigations pending or, to Diageo's or Pillsbury's knowledge, threatened
against any Business Entity that would, individually or in the aggregate, have
or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect or prevent
the Merger and the Subsidiary Purchases from occurring prior to the Termination
Date. There are no judgments or outstanding orders, injunctions, decrees,
stipulations or awards (whether rendered by a court or administrative agency, or
by arbitration) against any Business Entity or any of their respective
properties or businesses that would, individually or in the aggregate, have
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or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect or prevent
the Merger and the Subsidiary Purchases from occurring prior to the Termination
Date.
Section 3.8. Intellectual Property. The Business Entities own, or are
validly licensed or otherwise have the right to use, all Business Intellectual
Property Rights used in the conduct of their businesses, except as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect. No Business Intellectual Property Right is
subject to any outstanding judgment, injunction, order, decree or agreement
restricting the use thereof by the Business Entities or restricting the
licensing thereof by the Business Entities to any Person, except for any
judgment, injunction, order, decree or agreement which would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material
Adverse Effect. No Business Entity is infringing on any other Person's
Intellectual Property Rights and to the knowledge of Diageo and Pillsbury no
Person is infringing on any Business Intellectual Property Rights, except, in
either case, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably
be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect. Except for such matters
as would not have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse
Effect: (i) no Business Entity is a defendant in any action, suit, investigation
or proceeding relating to, or otherwise was notified of, any alleged claim of
infringement of any Intellectual Property Right and (ii) the Business Entities
have no outstanding claim or suit for any continuing infringement by any other
Person of any Business Intellectual Property Rights. Section 3.8 of the Diageo
Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all United States and foreign patents
and patent applications, trademark registrations and applications therefor,
registered copyrights and applications therefor and trade names of any of the
Business Entities that are material to the Business.
Section 3.9. Licenses, Approvals, Other Authorizations, Consents,
Reports, etc. (a) All governmental licenses, permits, franchises and other
authorizations of any Governmental Authority ("Licenses") possessed by or
granted to any of the Business Entities are in full force and effect, except for
those whose failure to be in full force and effect would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material
Adverse Effect. No proceeding is pending or, to Diageo's or Pillsbury's
knowledge, threatened seeking the revocation or limitation of any such License
which revocation or limitation would, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Section 3.9(b) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule contains a list
of all registrations, filings, applications, notices, consents, approvals,
orders, qualifications and waivers required to be made, filed, given or obtained
by any of Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder, any Seller Affiliate or any
Business Entity with, to or from any Persons or Governmental Authorities in
connection with the consummation of the Merger or the Subsidiary Purchases,
except for those with respect to which the failure to make, file, give or obtain
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to
have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.10. Labor Matters. Section 3.10 of the Diageo Disclosure
Schedule sets forth a list of all agreements with labor unions or associations
representing employees of any of the Business Entities that are material to the
Business. Except as set forth in Section 3.10 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule,
none of the Business Entities is involved in or, to Diageo's or Pillsbury's
knowledge, threatened with any work stoppage, labor dispute, arbitration,
lawsuit or
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administrative proceeding relating to labor matters involving the employees of
any Business Entity (excluding routine workers' compensation claims) that would,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.11. Compliance with Laws. The conduct of the business or
businesses of each of the Business Entities complies with all Laws applicable
thereto, except for those violations of Law which would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material
Adverse Effect; it being understood that nothing set forth in this Section 3.11
is intended to address any compliance issue that is the subject of any other
representation or warranty set forth in Sections 3.9, 3.18, 3.19 or 3.21, or in
Article VII.
Section 3.12. Insurance. Each of the Business Entities is covered by
valid and currently effective insurance policies issued for the benefit of the
Business Entities that are customary for companies of similar size in the
industry and locale in which the Business Entities, as the case may be, operate.
Section 3.13. Material Contracts. As of the date hereof, except as set
forth in Section 3.13 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, none of the Business
Entities is a party to or bound by any (a) employment or consulting agreement
with an individual requiring payments of base compensation in excess of $250,000
per year; (b) distributor agreement which is not terminable on one year's (or
less) notice; (c) material joint venture or similar contract or agreement; (d)
contract which is terminable by the other party or parties thereto upon a change
of control of any of the Business Entities, other than such contracts the
termination of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect; (e) contract
or agreement that materially limits or purports to materially limit the ability
of any of the Business Entities or any Affiliates of a Business Entity to
compete in any material line of business or in any material geographic area; (f)
any material contract or agreement between or among one or more Business
Entities on the one hand and Diageo or any Continuing Affiliate or any officer
or director of any of the Business Entities on the other hand; or (g) other
contract, agreement or arrangement, entered into other than in the ordinary
course of business, involving an estimated total future payment or payments in
excess of $1,000,000. The contracts required to be so listed are referred to
herein as "Business Material Contracts." With respect to all Business Material
Contracts, (i) none of the Business Entities, Diageo or any Continuing
Affiliate, nor, to Diageo's or Pillsbury's knowledge, any other party to any
such Business Material Contract is in breach thereof or default thereunder, and
(ii) there does not exist under any provision thereof, any event that, with the
giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute such a breach or
default, except for such breaches, defaults and events which in the case of
clauses (i) and (ii) would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect. Diageo and
Pillsbury have made available to General Xxxxx true and correct copies of all
Business Material Contracts. Section 3.13 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule
lists, as of the date hereof, each note, mortgage, indenture and other
obligation and agreement and other instrument for or relating to any lending or
borrowing (including assumed or guaranteed debt) of $10,000,000 or more effected
by any Business Entity or to which any properties or assets of any of the
Business Entities are subject.
Section 3.14. Brokers, Finders, etc. Except for the services of the
Diageo Financial Advisors, neither Diageo nor any of its Subsidiaries has
employed, or is subject to any valid
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claim of, any broker, finder, consultant or other intermediary in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement who might be entitled to a
fee or commission in connection with such transactions.
Section 3.15. Opinion of Diageo Financial Advisor. The Board of
Directors of Diageo has received consent as of the date hereof from each of the
Diageo Financial Advisors to the inclusion of their respective names in any
documents delivered to the shareholders of Diageo in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.16. Board Approval. The Board of Directors of Diageo, by
resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote at a meeting duly called and held and
not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly (a) determined that
the Transactions are fair to and in the best interests of Diageo and its
shareholders, (b) approved this Agreement and (c) determined to recommend to the
shareholders of Diageo that such shareholders approve the Transactions.
Section 3.17. Required Vote. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding common shares of Diageo is the only vote of the
holders of any class of capital stock of Diageo necessary to approve the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Required Diageo Vote").
Section 3.18. Environmental Compliance. (a) Each Business Entity has
obtained all permits, licenses and other authorizations which are required with
respect to the operation of the Business Entities as presently conducted under
federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to pollution or
protection of the environment, including laws relating to emissions, discharges,
releases or threatened releases or discharges of Air Pollutants, Hazardous
Substances, Oils, Pollutants or Contaminants (as such terms are currently
defined at 42 U.S.C. ss. 7602 and in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances
Pollution Contingency Plan, 40 C.F.R. ss. 300.5) into the environment
(including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land
surface or subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or
handling of Air Pollutants, Hazardous Substances, Oils, Pollutants or
Contaminants (the "Environmental Laws"), except for the failure to have obtained
such permits, licenses and other authorizations as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material
Adverse Effect.
(b) Each Business Entity as presently conducted is in compliance with
all terms and conditions of the permits, licenses and authorizations required by
the Environmental Laws, and is also in compliance with all other applicable
limitations, restrictions, conditions, standards, prohibitions, requirements,
obligations, schedules and timetables contained in the Environmental Laws or
contained in any regulation, code, plan, order, decree, judgment, injunction,
notice or demand letter issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder,
except for such noncompliance which would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect.
There is no civil, criminal or administrative action, suit, demand, notice of
violation, investigation known to Diageo or Pillsbury, proceeding, notice or
demand letter pending relating to the property or business of any Business
Entity or, to the knowledge of Diageo and Pillsbury, threatened against the
business or property of any Business Entity under Environmental Laws or any
code, plan, order, or decree, judgment, injunction, notice or demand letter
issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder, that would, indi-
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idually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury
Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect, to the
knowledge of Diageo and Pillsbury none of the Business Entities nor any other
Person has buried, released, dumped or disposed of any Hazardous Substances,
Oils, Pollutants or Contaminants in quantities requiring investigation or
cleanup under Environmental Laws in each case which have been produced by, or
resulting from, any business, commercial or industrial activities, operations,
or processes, on or beneath, the property of any Business Entity, including, to
the knowledge of Diageo and Pillsbury, properties formerly owned by any Business
Entity for which any Business Entity has retained any material liability.
(d) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect, no cleanup
has occurred at any property currently owned or operated by any Business Entity,
which would result or reasonably be expected to result in the assertion or
creation of a material Lien on such property by any Governmental Authority with
respect thereto, nor has any such assertion of a material Lien been made by any
Governmental Authority with respect thereto.
(e) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect, none of the
Business Entities has received any notice from any Governmental Authority or
private or public entity or individual requesting information pursuant to
Environmental Laws in connection with or advising it that it is in
non-compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, or responsible for, or
potentially responsible for, costs with respect to a release, a threatened
release or clean-up of Air Pollutants, Hazardous Substances, Oils, Pollutants,
or Contaminants generated, stored, treated, disposed of or transported by any
Business Entity, and no Business Entity has entered into any agreement for the
clean-up of any Hazardous Substances, Oils, Pollutants or Contaminants.
(f) Notwithstanding any other representation and warranty in this
Article III, the representations and warranties contained in this Section 3.18
constitute the sole representations and warranties of Pillsbury or Diageo with
respect to any Environmental Law, environmental permit or any Air Pollutants,
Hazardous Substances, Oils, Pollutants or Contaminants.
Section 3.19. Employee Benefit Plans. (a) Diageo has made available to
General Xxxxx copies of each material Employee Plan (and, if applicable, related
trust agreements) and all amendments thereto together with the most recent
annual report (Form 5500 including, if applicable, Schedule B thereto, summary
plan description and any material modifications thereto, annual financial report
and actuarial valuation report prepared in connection with any such Employee
Plan and all trust agreements, insurance contracts and other funding vehicles
relating thereto. Section 3.19(a) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule identifies
each such Employee Plan that is (i) a Multiemployer Plan, (ii) a Title IV Plan,
(iii) maintained in connection with any trust described in Section 501(c)(9) of
the Code or (iv) is funded through a welfare benefit fund within the meaning of
Section 419 of the Code.
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(b) Each Employee Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section
401(a) of the Code and each trust created under any such Plan that is intended
to be exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code has received a favorable
determination letter from the IRS. Diageo has made available to General Xxxxx
the most recent determination letter of the Internal Revenue Service relating to
each such Employee Plan. Each Employee Plan has been maintained in compliance
with its terms and with the requirements prescribed by any and all applicable
statutes, orders, rules and regulations, including ERISA and the Code, except
where the failure to be in compliance would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse
Effect.
(c) Diageo has made available to General Xxxxx copies (or if there is
no written plan document, any existing written descriptions) of each material
Benefit Arrangement (and, if applicable, related trust agreements) and all
amendments thereto. Each such Benefit Arrangement has been maintained in
substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements prescribed by
any and all applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations and has been
maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities, except where
the failure to be in compliance or to maintain good standing would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Each International Plan has been maintained in substantial
compliance with its terms and with the requirements prescribed by any and all
applicable statutes, orders, rules and regulations (including any special
provisions relating to qualified plans where such Plan was intended so to
qualify) and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory
authorities, except where the failure to be in compliance or to maintain good
standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect. There has been no
amendment to, written interpretation of or announcement (whether or not written)
by Pillsbury or any of its Subsidiaries relating to, or change in employee
participation or coverage under, any International Plan that would increase
materially the expense of maintaining such International Plan above the level of
expense incurred in respect thereof for the most recent fiscal year ended prior
to the date hereof. Each such International Plan that is intended to be funded
and/or book-reserved is fully funded and/or book-reserved, as appropriate, based
upon reasonable actuarial assumptions.
(e) Diageo's Disclosure Schedule contains a complete list of all
material Employee Plans and material Benefit Arrangements. Except as
specifically provided in the foregoing documents made available to General
Xxxxx, and except as set forth in Section 5.4 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule,
no amendments to any Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement have been adopted or
approved nor has any Business Entity undertaken to make any such amendments or
to adopt or approve any new Employee Plan or Benefit Arrangement, except as
would not materially increase the obligations of any Business Entity under such
amendment or new Employee Arrangement.
(f) With respect to each Title IV Plan, except as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect: (i) there does not exist any accumulated
funding deficiency within the meaning of Code Section 412 or Section 302 of
ERISA, whether or not waived; (ii) no reportable event within the meaning of
Section 4043(c) of ERISA for which the 30-day notice requirement has not been
waived has oc-
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curred, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
will not result in the occurrence of any such reportable event; (iii) all
premiums to the PBGC have been timely paid in full; (iv) no material liability
(other than for premiums to the PBGC) under Title IV of ERISA has been or is
expected to be incurred by any of the Business Entities; (v) the actuarial
present value of the accumulated plan benefits under such Title IV Plan (whether
or not vested) as of the close of its most recent plan year did not exceed the
fair market value of the assets allocable thereto, and there are no facts or
circumstances that would materially change the funded status of any such Title
IV Plan since the close of such plan year; and (vi) the PBGC has not instituted
proceedings to terminate any such Title IV Plan and, to Diageo's knowledge, no
condition exists that presents a risk that such proceedings will be instituted
or which would constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the
termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any such Title IV
Plan.
(g) None of the Business Entities nor any of their respective ERISA
Affiliates has incurred any material Withdrawal Liability that has not been
satisfied in full. With respect to each Employee Plan that is a Multiemployer
Plan and except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect: (i) if any
of the Business Entities or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates were to
experience a withdrawal or partial withdrawal from such plan, no material
Withdrawal Liability would be incurred; and (ii) none of the Business Entities,
nor any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has received any notification, nor
does any of them have knowledge, that any such Employee Plan is in
reorganization, has been terminated, is insolvent, or may reasonably be expected
to be in reorganization, to be insolvent, or to be terminated.
(h) Diageo's Disclosure Schedule sets forth: (i) each Employee
Arrangement under which the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby could (either alone or in
conjunction with any other event such as termination of employment) result in,
cause the accelerated vesting, funding or delivery of, or increase the amount or
value of, any payment or benefit to any employee, officer or director of any
Business Entity, or for which any Business Entity could be liable in an amount
which would be material, or would limit the right of any of the Business
Entities to amend, merge, terminate or receive a reversion of assets from any
Employee Arrangement or related trust; and (ii) estimates of the aggregate
dollar amounts payable by the Business Entities pursuant to or with respect to
bonuses and other incentive compensation in connection with or as a result of
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
(i) There are no pending or, to Pillsbury's knowledge, threatened
claims (other than claims for benefits in the ordinary course), investigations,
lawsuits or arbitrations which have been asserted or instituted against the
Employee Arrangements, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to
such Employee Arrangements or the assets of any of the trusts under any of such
Employee Arrangements which would reasonably be expected to result in any
liability of any Business Entity to the PBGC, the Department of Treasury, the
Department of Labor, or any other U.S. or foreign governmental authority, or to
any of such Employee Arrangements, any participant in any such Employee
Arrangement, or any other party, except as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a Pillsbury Material Adverse
Effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, none of the Business
Entities has any actual or contingent liability under any such Employee
Arrangement or under
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any applicable law or regulation for pay or benefits incurred as a result of
corporate restructuring, downsizing, layoffs or similar events that has not been
fully satisfied or adequately reserved for in the audited consolidated financial
statements (including the related notes) and unaudited consolidated financial
statements (including the related notes) of the Business Entities, except as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to
have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.20. Acquisition of Shares for Investment. Diageo, the
Pillsbury Stockholder and the Selling Affiliates have such knowledge and
experience in financial and business matters that they are capable of evaluating
the merits and risks of their acquisition of the Purchase Price Shares and the
Additional Shares, if any, and have been provided access to personnel and books
of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries for purposes of making their evaluation.
Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and the Selling Affiliates are acquiring the
Purchase Price Shares and the Additional Shares, if any, for investment and not
with a view toward any distribution thereof, or with any present intention of
distributing such shares. Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and the Selling
Affiliates agree that the Purchase Price Shares and the Additional Shares, if
any, may not be sold, transferred, offered for sale, pledged, hypothecated or
otherwise disposed of without registration under the Securities Act, except
pursuant to an exemption from such registration available under the Securities
Act.
Section 3.21. Products. Except as would not result in out-of-pocket
costs and expenses to the Business Entities exceeding $1,500,000 in the
aggregate, net of recovery or reimbursement from insurers or other third
parties, since December 31, 1998:
(a) no shipment or other delivery of products made by any of the
Business Entities prior to the date hereof (the "Products") is:
(i) "adulterated" or "misbranded" within the meaning of
Section 342 or Section 343, respectively, of the Federal Food, Drug
and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the "FD&C Act");
(ii) an article which may not be introduced into interstate
commerce under the provisions of Section 344 of the FD&C Act; or
(iii) "adulterated" or "misbranded" within the meaning of any
applicable material pure food law of any state in effect on the date
hereof;
(b) there have been no recalls or withdrawals related to the
Products; and
(c) there have been no tampering incidents relating to the
Products.
ARTICLE IV
Representations and Warranties of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub
--------------------------------------------------------------
Except as set forth in the corresponding sections or subsections of
the disclosure schedule delivered to Diageo by General Xxxxx on or prior to the
date hereof (the "General Xxxxx
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Disclosure Schedule"), each of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub hereby represents
and warrants to Diageo and Pillsbury as follows:
Section 4.1. Incorporation; Authorization; etc. (a) Each of General
Xxxxx and each of its Subsidiaries is duly organized and validly existing and,
with respect to each U.S. Corporation, in good standing, under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its organization. Each of General Xxxxx and each of its
Subsidiaries (i) has the requisite corporate or similar power and authority to
own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as it is now being
conducted and (ii) with respect to each U.S. Corporation, is in good standing
and is duly qualified to transact business in each jurisdiction in which the
nature of property owned or leased by it or the conduct of its business requires
it to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so organized or in good
standing or to be duly qualified to transact business, or to have such power and
authority, would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities,
condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of General Xxxxx and
its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (a "General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect").
(b) General Xxxxx and Merger Sub have the requisite corporate power to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform their obligations hereunder
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. General Xxxxx has the
requisite corporate power and authority to execute the Stockholders Agreement
and to perform its obligations thereunder and to consummate the transactions
contemplated thereby. The execution and delivery by General Xxxxx and Merger Sub
of this Agreement, the performance by General Xxxxx and Merger Sub of their
obligations hereunder and the consummation by General Xxxxx and Merger Sub of
the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by
the respective Boards of Directors of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub and, except
for the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware and the filing with such Secretary of Articles of Amendment to
General Xxxxx' certificate of incorporation to reflect the Charter Amendment,
and except for obtaining the approval by the stockholders of General Xxxxx of
(i) an amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of General Xxxxx,
as amended, to eliminate Article V thereof (the "Charter Amendment") and (ii)
the issuance of the Purchase Price Shares and the Additional Shares, if any,
pursuant to this Agreement (the "General Xxxxx Share Issuance") by the Required
General Xxxxx Votes, no other corporate proceedings on the part of General Xxxxx
or Merger Sub, their respective Boards of Directors or stockholders are
necessary therefor.
(c) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
Ancillary Agreements will not (i) subject to effecting the Charter Amendment,
violate any provision of General Xxxxx' or any of its Subsidiaries' respective
certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or equivalent organizational documents
instruments), (ii) violate any provision of, or be an event that is (or with the
passage of time will result in) a violation of, or result in the acceleration of
or entitle any party to accelerate or exercise (whether after the giving of
notice or lapse of time or both) any obligation or right under, or result in the
imposition of any Lien upon or the creation of a security interest in any shares
of capital stock of General Xxxxx or its Subsidiaries or any of General Xxxxx'
or any of its Subsidiaries' assets or properties pursuant to, any Lien,
agreement, instrument, order, arbitration award, judgment or decree to which
General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them is
bound, or (iii) violate or conflict with any other restriction of any kind or
character to which General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries is subject,
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that, in the case of clauses (ii) or (iii) would, individually or in the
aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx Material
Adverse Effect or prevent the Merger and the Subsidiary Purchases from occurring
prior to the Termination Date. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by General Xxxxx and Merger Sub, and, assuming the due execution
hereof by Diageo and Pillsbury, this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and
binding obligations of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub, enforceable against General
Xxxxx and Merger Sub in accordance with its terms, subject to the effect of
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution, moratorium or
other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally
and to the effect of the application of general principles of equity (regardless
of whether considered in proceedings at law or in equity). At the Closing, each
of the Ancillary Agreements to which General Xxxxx or a Buying Affiliate is a
party will be duly executed and delivered by General Xxxxx and such Buying
Affiliates, as applicable, and, assuming the due execution and delivery thereof
by the other parties thereto, at the Closing will constitute the legal, valid
and binding obligations of General Xxxxx and such Buying Affiliates, enforceable
against General Xxxxx and such Buying Affiliates in accordance with its terms,
subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation,
dissolution, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or affecting the
rights of creditors generally and to the effect of the application of general
principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in proceedings at law or
in equity). General Xxxxx has delivered to Diageo true and correct copies of the
certificate of incorporation and by-laws, as amended to date, of General Xxxxx.
Section 4.2. Capitalization; Structure. (a) As of May 28, 2000, the
authorized capital stock of General Xxxxx consisted of (i) one billion shares of
General Xxxxx Common Stock, of which 285,422,376 were issued and outstanding and
122,884,288 were held in the treasury of General Xxxxx, and (ii) five million
shares of Cumulative Preference Stock, par value $.10 per share, of which none
were outstanding and 2,000,000 have been designated Series B Participating
Cumulative Preference Stock and reserved for issuance upon exercise of the
rights (the "Rights") distributed to the holders of shares of General Xxxxx
Common Stock pursuant to the General Xxxxx Rights Agreement. Since May 28, 2000
to the date of this Agreement, there have been no issuances of shares of the
capital stock of General Xxxxx other than issuances of shares (and the related
Rights) pursuant to options or rights outstanding as of May 28, 2000 or granted
since such time under General Xxxxx' stock-based incentive plans in the ordinary
course of business. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
General Xxxxx are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable
and free of preemptive rights.
(b) The General Xxxxx Disclosure Schedule sets forth a list of all of
the Subsidiaries of General Xxxxx as of the date of this Agreement that are
Significant Subsidiaries within the meaning of Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under
the Exchange Act (the "General Xxxxx Significant Subsidiaries"). All of the
outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interests of each of the
General Xxxxx Significant Subsidiaries have been validly issued, and are fully
paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, and are owned directly or
indirectly by General Xxxxx, free and clear of all Liens. Except as set forth in
the General Xxxxx SEC Reports, neither General Xxxxx nor any of its Subsidiaries
directly or indirectly owns any equity interest in any Person, other than the
Subsidiaries of General Xxxxx, that is or would be expected to be material to
General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Except for (i) the Rights
(ii) options and other stock-based awards covering up to 59,210,825 shares of
General Xxxxx Common Stock outstanding on May 28, 2000 and (iii) stock options
granted in the ordinary course in June 2000
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pursuant to General Xxxxx' annual grant of stock options, as of the date hereof
there are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights of any kind to
acquire from General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries, or obligations of General
Xxxxx or its Subsidiaries to issue, shares of capital stock of any class of, or
other equity interests in, General Xxxxx.
(c) All of the Pillsbury Purchase Price Shares, when issued in the
Merger pursuant to this Agreement, all of the Subsidiary Purchase Price Shares,
when delivered by the Buying Affiliates to the Selling Affiliates pursuant to
this Agreement and the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, and all of the Additional
Shares, if any, delivered pursuant hereto will, at such times, be duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free of preemptive
rights.
Section 4.3. Financial Statements. (a) General Xxxxx has filed all
forms, reports and documents (including all Exhibits, Schedules and Annexes
thereto) required to be filed by it with the SEC since January 1, 1999,
including any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively, the "General
Xxxxx SEC Reports"). As of their respective dates, none of the General Xxxxx SEC
Reports (and, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this
Agreement or the Closing Date, then on the date of such filing) contained any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) The financial statements, including all related notes and
schedules, contained in the General Xxxxx SEC Reports (or incorporated therein
by reference) (the "General Xxxxx Financial Statements") fairly present in all
material respects the consolidated financial position and results of operations
and cash flows of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries for the respective periods
or as of the respective dates set forth therein, in each case in accordance with
U.S. GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved (except
as otherwise indicated therein and except, in the case of unaudited General
Xxxxx Financial Statements, for changes resulting from normal and recurring
year-end adjustments).
Section 4.4. No Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed in the
General Xxxxx SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof, and except for
liabilities which are reflected or reserved against in the unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries as of February
27, 2000 included in the General Xxxxx SEC Reports (the "General Xxxxx Balance
Sheet"), none of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries has any liabilities or
obligations that would be required to be reflected on a consolidated balance
sheet of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries or in the footnotes thereto prepared
in accordance with U.S. GAAP, except for liabilities or obligations arising in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since February 27,
2000, which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.5. Properties. With the exception of properties disposed of
since the date of the General Xxxxx Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of
business and except as set forth in the General Xxxxx SEC Reports filed prior to
the date hereof, General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries have good title to, or hold
by valid and existing lease or license, free and clear of all Liens other than
Permitted Liens, each piece of real and personal property capitalized on or
included in
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the General Xxxxx Balance Sheet and each piece of real and personal property
acquired by General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries since the date of the
General Xxxxx Balance Sheet that would, had it been acquired prior to such date,
be capitalized on or included in the General Xxxxx Balance Sheet, except where
the failure to have such title or hold such lease or license would not have or
reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.6. Absence of Certain Changes. Except in connection with
this Agreement or the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements or as set forth in the
General Xxxxx SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof, since the date of the
General Xxxxx Balance Sheet, there has been no (a) change or development in, or
effect which has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a General Xxxxx
Material Adverse Effect or (b) action taken by General Xxxxx or any of its
Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof which, if taken from the date hereof
through the Closing, would violate any of the provisions of subsections (i),
(ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of Section 5.4(b).
Section 4.7. Litigation; Orders. Except as set forth in the General
Xxxxx SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof, there are no lawsuits,
actions, administrative or arbitration or other proceedings or governmental
investigations pending or, to General Xxxxx' knowledge, threatened against
General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries that would, individually or in the
aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx Material
Adverse Effect or prevent the Merger and the Subsidiary Purchases from occurring
prior to the Termination Date. There are no judgments or outstanding orders,
injunctions, decrees, stipulations or awards (whether rendered by a court or
administrative agency, or by arbitration) against General Xxxxx or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or businesses that would,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect or prevent the Merger and the Subsidiary
Purchases from occurring prior to the Termination Date.
Section 4.8. Intellectual Property. General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries
own, or are validly licensed or otherwise have the right to use, all General
Xxxxx Intellectual Property Rights used in the conduct of their businesses,
except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect. No General Xxxxx
Intellectual Property Right is subject to any outstanding judgment, injunction,
order, decree or agreement restricting the use thereof by General Xxxxx or any
of its Subsidiaries or restricting the licensing thereof by General Xxxxx and
its Subsidiaries to any Person, except for any judgment, injunction, order,
decree or agreement which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect. Neither
General Xxxxx nor any of its Subsidiaries is infringing on any other Person's
Intellectual Property Rights and to the knowledge of General Xxxxx no Person is
infringing on any General Xxxxx Intellectual Property Rights, except, in either
case, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect. Except for such
matters as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be
expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect (i) neither General
Xxxxx nor any of its Subsidiaries is a defendant in any action, suit,
investigation or proceeding relating to, or otherwise was notified of, any
alleged claim of infringement of any Intellectual Property Right and (ii)
General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries have no outstanding claim or suit for any
continuing infringement by any other Person of any General Xxxxx Intellectual
Property Rights.
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Section 4.9. Licenses, Approvals, Other Authorizations, Consents,
Reports, etc. (a) Except as set forth in the General Xxxxx SEC Reports filed
prior to the date of this Agreement, all Licenses of General Xxxxx and its
Subsidiaries are in full force and effect except for those whose failure to be
in full force and effect would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect. No
proceeding is pending or, to General Xxxxx' knowledge, threatened seeking the
revocation or limitation of any such License which revocation or limitation
would, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have
a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Section 4.9(b) of the General Xxxxx Disclosure Schedule contains a
list of all registrations, filings, applications, notices, consents, approvals,
orders, qualifications and waivers required to be made, filed, given or obtained
by General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries with, to or from any Persons or
Governmental Authorities in connection with the consummation of the Merger or
the Subsidiary Purchases, except for those with respect to which the failure to
make, file, give or obtain would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or
reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.10. Labor Matters. Neither General Xxxxx nor any of its
Subsidiaries is involved in or, to General Xxxxx' knowledge, threatened with any
work stoppage, labor dispute, arbitration, lawsuit or administrative proceeding
relating to labor matters involving the employees of General Xxxxx or any of its
Subsidiaries (excluding routine workers' compensation claims) that would,
individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a
General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.11. Compliance with Laws. Except as set forth in the General
Xxxxx SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof, the conduct of the businesses
of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries complies with all Laws applicable thereto,
except for those violations of Law which would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx Material
Adverse Effect; it being understood that nothing set forth in this Section 4.11
is intended to address any compliance issue that is the subject of any other
representation or warranty set forth in Section 4.9 or in Article VII.
Section 4.12. Insurance. General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries are
covered by valid and currently effective insurance policies issued in favor of
General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries that are customary for companies of similar
size in the industry and locale in which General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries, as
the case may be, operate.
Section 4.13. Material Contracts. As of the date hereof, except as set
forth in the General Xxxxx SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof or as set
forth on Section 4.13 of the General Xxxxx Disclosure Schedule (such exceptions,
the "General Xxxxx Material Contracts"), neither General Xxxxx nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any (a) "material contract" (as such term
is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC) or (b) contract or
agreement that materially limits or purports to materially limit the ability of
any of General Xxxxx or any of its Affiliates to compete in any line of business
or in any geographic area. With respect to all General Xxxxx Material Contracts,
(i) neither General Xxxxx nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to General Xxxxx'
knowledge, any other party to any such General Xxxxx Material Contract is in
breach thereof or default thereunder, and (ii) there does not exist under any
provision
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thereof, any event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both,
would constitute such a breach or default, except for such breaches, defaults
and events which in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to have a General Xxxxx
Material Adverse Effect. General Xxxxx has made available to Diageo and
Pillsbury true and correct copies of all General Xxxxx Material Contracts.
Section 4.14. Brokers, Finders, etc. Except for the services of the
General Xxxxx Financial Advisors, neither General Xxxxx nor any of its
Subsidiaries has employed, or is subject to any valid claim of, any broker,
finder, consultant or other intermediary in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement who might be entitled to a fee or commission in
connection with such transactions.
Section 4.15. Opinions of General Xxxxx Financial Advisors. The Board
of Directors of General Xxxxx has received the opinions of each of the General
Xxxxx Financial Advisors, each dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect
that the consideration to be paid by General Xxxxx and the Buying Affiliates
pursuant to this Agreement and the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements is fair from a
financial point of view to General Xxxxx, each of which opinions contains the
consent of the applicable General Xxxxx Financial Advisor to the inclusion in
full of the text of such opinion in any document delivered to the stockholders
of General Xxxxx in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
Section 4.16. Board Approval; Rights Plan. (a) The Board of Directors
of General Xxxxx, by resolutions duly adopted by unanimous vote at a meeting
duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has
duly (i) determined that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are
fair to and in the best interests of General Xxxxx and its stockholders, (ii)
approved this Agreement and (iii) determined to recommend to the stockholders of
General Xxxxx that such stockholders approve the Charter Amendment and the
General Xxxxx Share Issuance.
(b) The Board of Directors of General Xxxxx has taken or will take
prior to the Closing the requisite action such that neither Diageo nor any of
its Affiliates shall become an "Acquiring Person," and no "Share Acquisition
Date" or "Distribution Date" (as such terms are defined in the General Xxxxx
Rights Agreement) will occur, solely by reason of the approval, execution or
delivery of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
Section 4.17. Required Vote. The affirmative vote of (a) a majority of
the votes cast by the holders of the outstanding shares of General Xxxxx Common
Stock, provided that the total vote cast represents over 50% in interest of all
shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock entitled to vote, is the only vote of the
holders of any class of capital stock of General Xxxxx necessary to approve the
General Xxxxx Share Issuance, and (b) the holders of 51% of the issued and
outstanding shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock is the only vote of the holders
of any class of capital stock of General Xxxxx necessary to approve the Charter
Amendment (together, the "Required General Xxxxx Votes").
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Section 4.18. Antitakeover Statute. General Xxxxx has taken or will
take prior to the Closing all action necessary to exempt the Merger and this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby from the provisions of
Section 203 of the DGCL.
ARTICLE V
Covenants of the Parties
------------------------
Section 5.1. Investigation of Business; Access to Properties and
Records. (a) From the date hereof through the Closing, Pillsbury and Diageo
shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, afford to General Xxxxx
and General Xxxxx' accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable
access during regular business hours, upon reasonable advance notice, to the
offices, plants, properties, books and records and to employees of the Business
Entities and, to the extent related to the Business, Diageo and its other
Subsidiaries, and their agents and consultants, subject to any applicable Laws
and compliance with any policies of the Business Entities with respect to plant
visits, in order that General Xxxxx may make reasonable investigations of the
affairs of the Business and the Business Entities.
(b) From the date hereof through the Closing, General Xxxxx shall, and
shall cause its Subsidiaries to, afford to Diageo and Diageo's accountants,
counsel and other representatives reasonable access during regular business
hours, upon reasonable advance notice, to the offices, plants, properties, books
and records and to employees of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries, and their
agents and consultants, subject to any applicable Laws and compliance with any
policies of General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries with respect to plant visits, in
order that Diageo may make reasonable investigations of the affairs of General
Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries.
(c) Any information provided to General Xxxxx or Diageo or their
respective representatives pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to the
terms of the Confidentiality Agreement dated April 6, 2000 between Diageo and
General Xxxxx (the "Confidentiality Agreement").
(d) Following the Closing, Diageo shall, and shall cause the
Continuing Affiliates to, afford to General Xxxxx and General Xxxxx'
accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable access during regular
business hours, upon reasonable advance notice, to any books and records
retained by Diageo or the Continuing Affiliates that relate in part to the
operations of the Business Entities (but that do not relate primarily to the
operations of the Business Entities and are therefore not Books and Records that
must be delivered to General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries), but such access need
be given only with respect to the portion of such books and records as are
related to the operations of the Business Entities. Upon General Xxxxx' request,
Diageo shall, and shall cause the Continuing Affiliates to, provide General
Xxxxx with copies of the portions of such books and records that relate to the
operations of the Business Entities.
(e) Following the Closing, General Xxxxx shall, and shall cause its
Subsidiaries to, (i) retain, for a period of six years following the Closing,
all Books and Records in the possession of the Business Entities as of the
Closing or delivered pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) afford to Diageo and
Diageo's accountants, counsel and other representatives reasonable ac-
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cess during regular business hours, upon reasonable advance notice, to any Books
and Records in connection with matters that are the subject of indemnification
under Section 9.2 or otherwise necessary for Diageo to comply with the terms of
this Agreement or any applicable Law.
Section 5.2. Filings; Other Actions; Notification. (a) Each of the
parties hereto shall use (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries,
officers and directors, and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause their
Affiliates, employees, agents, attorneys, accountants and representatives, to
use) their respective reasonable best efforts as soon as practicable to take or
cause to be taken all action, and to do or cause to be done all things,
necessary, proper or advisable on its part under this Agreement, the Ancillary
Agreements and any applicable Law to consummate and make effective the Merger,
the Subsidiary Purchases and any other transaction contemplated by this
Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, including (i) preparing and filing with
the SEC the General Xxxxx Proxy Statement and with the U.K. Listing Authority
the Diageo Circular and all necessary amendments or supplements to those
filings; (ii) preparing, providing and filing all documentation and other
information to effect all necessary notices, reports, applications, filings and
other submissions, and to obtain as promptly as is practicable all consents,
approvals, waivers, licenses, permits, authorizations, registrations,
qualifications, decisions, determinations or other permissions or actions
necessary or advisable to be obtained from any Governmental Authority or any
other Person in order to consummate the Merger, the Subsidiary Purchases or any
other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;
(iii) provide all such information concerning such party, its Subsidiaries and
its officers, directors, employees, partners and Affiliates as may be necessary
or reasonably requested in connection with any of the foregoing; (iv) avoid the
issuance or entry of, or have vacated or terminated, any decree, order,
injunction, judgment, decision or determination that would, in whole or in part,
restrain, prevent or delay the consummation of the Merger, the Subsidiary
Purchases or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the
Ancillary Agreements; (v) commit to divest and, if divestiture is required prior
to consummation of the Merger, the Subsidiary Purchases or any other transaction
contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, divest such plants,
assets or businesses of the Business Entities and/or of General Xxxxx (including
entering into customary ancillary agreements on commercially reasonable terms
relating to any such divestiture of such plants, assets or businesses) as may be
required in order to (x) avoid the issuance or entry of any decree, order,
injunction, judgment, decision or determination or the initiation of any
lawsuit, action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority seeking to, in whole
or in part, enjoin, prevent or delay the consummation of the Merger, the
Subsidiary Purchases or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or
the Ancillary Agreements, or (y) effect the dissolution or termination of, any
injunction, temporary restraining order, or other decree, order, judgment,
decision or determination in any suit, action, inquiry, investigation or
proceeding, that would otherwise have the effect of preventing or delaying, in
whole or in part, the consummation of the Merger, the Subsidiary Purchases or
any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary
Agreements; provided, however, that General Xxxxx shall not be required to
offer, take or agree to any actions in connection with, or agree to, any hold
separate order, sale, divestiture or disposition of plants, assets or businesses
that accounted in the aggregate for more than $650 million in revenues for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1999; and provided further that neither Pillsbury nor
Diageo shall, nor shall they cause any of their Subsidiaries to, divest or
dispose of any plants, assets or businesses pursuant to the obligations of this
Section 5.2 without the prior consent of General Xxxxx, which consent shall not
be withheld un-
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reasonably so long as the proposed divestiture or disposition is within the
parameters contemplated by the immediately preceding proviso.
(b) Subject to applicable Laws relating to the exchange of
information, the parties hereto shall have the right to review in advance, and
to the extent practicable to consult the other parties on, all the information
relating to the Business Entities or General Xxxxx, as the case may be, and any
of their respective Subsidiaries, that appear in any filing made with, or
written materials submitted to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person
in connection with the Merger, the Subsidiary Purchases and any other
transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements. In
exercising the foregoing right, each of the parties hereto shall act reasonably
and as promptly as is practicable.
(c) The parties hereto shall keep the other parties reasonably
apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the transactions
contemplated hereby, including promptly furnishing the other with copies of
notices or other communications received by such parties or any of their
respective Subsidiaries from any third party and/or any Governmental Authority
with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(d) General Xxxxx and Diageo shall cooperate in obtaining the opinion
of Diageo's tax counsel to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 8.3(d).
(e) Without limiting the generality of the undertakings provided in
this Section 5.2, the parties hereto agree to take or cause to be taken the
following actions: (i) the prompt provision to any and all federal, state, local
or foreign Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over enforcement of any
applicable antitrust laws ("Governmental Antitrust Authority") of information
and documents requested by any Governmental Antitrust Authority or necessary,
proper or advisable to permit consummation of the Merger, the Subsidiary
Purchases or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the
Ancillary Agreements; (ii) subject to the provisos of Section 5.2(a), the
proffer by the parties, or any of them, of their willingness to sell or
otherwise dispose of, or to hold separate and agree to sell or otherwise dispose
of, such plants, assets, categories of assets or businesses of the Business
Entities and/or General Xxxxx or their respective Subsidiaries (and to enter
into agreements with the relevant Governmental Antitrust Authority giving effect
thereto) if such action should be reasonably necessary or advisable to avoid the
initiation of any action or proceeding, or the entry or issuance of any decree,
order, injunction, judgment, decision, determination or other action, by any
Governmental Antitrust Authority to delay, restrain, enjoin or otherwise
prohibit, in whole or in part, consummation of the Merger, the Subsidiary
Purchases or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the
Ancillary Agreements; and (iii) subject to the provisos of Section 5.2(a), use
reasonable best efforts to take promptly, in the event that any permanent or
preliminary injunction or other decree, order, judgment, decision or
determination is entered or issued, or becomes reasonably foreseeable to be
entered or issued, in any lawsuit, investigation, inquiry, action or proceeding
that would make consummation, in whole or in part, of the Merger, the Subsidiary
Purchases or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the
Ancillary Agreements unlawful or that would prevent or delay, in whole or in
part, consummation of the Merger, the Subsidiary Purchases or any other
transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, any and
all steps (including the taking of any appeal, the posting of any bond or the
taking of the steps contemplated by clause (ii) of this paragraph) necessary to
vacate, modify or
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suspend such injunction, decree, order, judgment, decision or determination so
as to permit such consummation on a schedule as close as possible to that
contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements; provided, however,
that the obligations of this Section 5.2 may be modified or amended by written
agreement signed by the respective duly authorized representatives of the
parties hereto. The parties agree that none of the steps or actions required to
be taken pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall be considered a Pillsbury Material
Adverse Effect or General Xxxxx Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.3. Further Assurances. The parties hereto agree that, from
time to time, whether before, at or after the Closing Date, each of them will
execute and deliver such further instruments of conveyance and transfer and take
such other actions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and intents of
this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the parties
hereto agree that:
(a) Between the date hereof and the Closing, they will use their
reasonable best efforts to ensure that the Business Entities hold all of the
assets and liabilities of the Business and no other assets or liabilities.
(b) Following the Closing, to the extent any assets or rights of the
Business have been retained by Diageo and the Continuing Affiliates, Diageo
shall and shall cause the Continuing Affiliates to use their respective
reasonable best efforts to convey such assets or rights to the Business Entities
as promptly as practicable (and pending such conveyance to provide the Business
Entities with the benefit of such assets).
(c) To the extent any real property or other assets or facilities, or
any rights or services, are shared or used jointly by the Business, on the one
hand, and the businesses of Diageo and its Subsidiaries other than the Business,
on the other hand, the parties will use their reasonable best efforts to reach
equitable arrangements under which such real property, assets, facilities,
rights and services will cease to be shared at or prior to the Closing. To the
extent this is not possible, the parties will mutually agree in good faith on
reasonable transition arrangements that will allow such sharing to cease as soon
as practicable following the Closing (except to the extent the parties agree on
longer term sharing arrangements, which shall be agreed on an arm's-length
basis).
Section 5.4. Conduct of Business. (a) Conduct of the Business
Entities. Pillsbury agrees, as to itself and its Subsidiaries, and Diageo
agrees, as to each of the Business Entities, that, from the date hereof until
the Effective Time, except as set forth in Section 5.4 of the Diageo Disclosure
Schedule, as expressly contemplated by this Agreement (including (i) actions
taken pursuant to Section 5.2, (ii) transactions (as to which Diageo has
provided General Xxxxx reasonable notice and opportunity to consult with Diageo
in advance of consummation) incident to the Subsidiary Purchases, which
transactions are not detrimental to General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates or to any of the Business Entities, or (iii) as required by
applicable Law), or as otherwise agreed to in writing by General Xxxxx, the
Business of the Business Entities shall be conducted in the ordinary and usual
course and, to the extent consistent therewith (and subject to the restrictions
set forth in this Section 5.4(a)), the Business Entities will use all reasonable
best efforts to preserve and maintain existing relations and goodwill with
employees, customers, brokers, suppliers and other Persons with which the
Business Entities as a
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group have significant business relations. Without limiting the foregoing,
Pillsbury agrees, as to itself and its Subsidiaries, and Diageo agrees, as to
each of the Business Entities, that, from the date hereof until the Effective
Time, except as set forth in Section 5.4 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement (including (i) actions taken pursuant
to Section 5.2, (ii) transactions (as to which Diageo has provided General Xxxxx
reasonable notice and opportunity to consult with Diageo in advance of
consummation) incident to the Subsidiary Purchases, which transactions are not
detrimental to General Xxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or to any
of the Business Entities or (iii) as required by applicable Law), or as
otherwise agreed to in writing by General Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx shall not and shall
cause its Subsidiaries not to, and Diageo shall cause each of the Business
Entities not to, directly or indirectly do, or commit to do, any of the
following:
(i) except for dividends or distributions paid between the
date of this Agreement and the Closing Date to fund estimated income
Tax liabilities of the Business Entities, which liabilities arise in
connection with the net income of the Business Entities prior to the
Closing Date, and except as otherwise provided in Section 5.15,
declare or pay any dividend or other distribution with respect to any
share of its capital stock other than dividends and other
distributions paid by any Business Entity to its parent corporation if
such parent is another Business Entity wholly owned, directly or
indirectly, by Pillsbury or a Food Subsidiary and other than dividends
and other distributions paid by a Food Subsidiary in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice;
(ii) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of
capital stock or other securities of, or other ownership interests in,
any of the Business Entities;
(iii) issue, deliver, pledge, encumber or sell any shares of
capital stock of or other equity interests in any Business Entity, or
any securities convertible into any such shares of capital stock or
other equity interests, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire
any such shares of capital stock or other equity interests;
(iv) amend its Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or
other comparable organizational documents or amend any terms of the
outstanding securities of any Business Entity;
(v) merge or consolidate with any other Person, make any
investment in any other Person, including any joint venture, or
acquire the stock or assets or rights of any other Person other than
(A) in each case in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice with a commitment period of one year or less, purchases
of finished product, raw materials, property, plant and equipment,
services and items used or consumed in the manufacturing process, (B)
capital expenditures made pursuant to Pillsbury's 2001 Capital
Expenditure Program, a copy of which has been provided to General
Xxxxx (provided that promptly following the date hereof, and in any
event no later than 30 days after such date, Diageo and General Xxxxx
shall cause their respective responsible executives to meet and
reasonably reprioritize such 2001 Capital Expenditure Plan, and
thereafter this clause 5.4(a)(v)(B) shall apply to such reprioritized
plan), or (C) other transactions not described in (A) or (B) that are
in the ordinary course and not individually in excess of $5 million;
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(vi) sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of any
Business Entity or any assets, securities, rights or property of any
Business Entity other than (A) sales of inventory and equipment in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or (B)
transactions that are in the ordinary course and not individually in
excess of $5 million;
(vii) except as set forth in Section 5.15, incur any
indebtedness for borrowed money, guarantee any such indebtedness,
enter into any new or amend existing facilities relating to
indebtedness, issue or sell any debt securities or warrants or other
rights to acquire any debt securities or guarantee any debt
securities;
(viii) except as required under any collective bargaining
agreement or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, enter into or adopt any new, or amend or terminate any
existing, Employee Arrangement (including any trust or other funding
arrangement), other than as required by law, except that, in order to
retain a current employee or recruit a new employee, in each case
consistent with past practice, a Business Entity may amend or enter
into Employee Arrangements with individual employees who are not
executive officers who earn $100,000 or more or directors, in each
case, of a Business Entity if such amendment or new arrangement will
not materially increase the obligations of the Business Entities;
(ix) except (A) as permitted under paragraph (viii) of this
Section 5.4(a) or in Article VI of this Agreement (B) to the extent
required under any collective bargaining agreement or by written
employment agreements existing on the date of this Agreement, make any
new grants or awards to, vest, accelerate or otherwise modify any
grant, benefit or awards made to, or increase the compensation payable
or to become payable to its officers, directors or employees or pay
any severance or bonus not otherwise due to its officers, directors or
employees, except for increases in compensation or new individual
grants, awards, severance payments or bonus payments that are not part
of any plan or program, in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice to employees (who are not executive officers or
directors of any Business Entity) that, in any event, do not result in
aggregate increases in such compensation by more than 2% over the
compensation in effect on the date of this Agreement (or, outside the
United States, by more than 2% over the local rate of inflation or not
in accord with the current financial plan for each respective
country);
(x) renew any collective bargaining agreement or enter into
any new collective bargaining agreement, if such renewed or new
collective bargaining agreement would materially increase the costs
and/or obligations imposed on the Business Entities thereunder (net of
inflation in the case of agreements outside the United States);
(xi) contribute any material amount to any trust or other
arrangement funding any Employee Arrangement, except to the extent
required by the existing terms of such Employee Arrangement, trust or
other funding arrangement, by any collective bargaining agreement, by
any written employment agreement existing on the date of this
Agreement, or by applicable law;
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(xii) (A) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation,
dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or
other reorganization or (B) enter into any agreement or exercise any
discretion providing for acceleration of payment or performance as a
result of a change of control of any Business Entity;
(xiii) renew or enter into any non-compete, exclusivity or
similar agreement that would restrict or limit, in any material
respect, the operations of the Business Entities, taken as a whole,
or, after the Effective Time, of General Xxxxx or its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole, other than license and distribution arrangements
with franchisees in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice;
(xiv) (A) modify in any material respect, amend in any
material respect or terminate any Business Material Contract set forth
in subsection (d) or (g) of Section 3.13 or (B) enter into any
Business Material Contract of the type set forth in subsection (d) or
(g) of Section 3.13 or, except in the ordinary course, any other
Business Material Contract;
(xv) renew, enter into, amend or waive any material right
under (A) any contract with or loan to any Affiliate of a Business
Entity (other than another Business Entity), except with respect to
certain employment matters as permitted under other covenants
contained herein, (B) any distribution agreement that is not
terminable without penalty on one years notice, other than any
distribution agreement which involves or would be expected to involve
monthly sales not in excess of $7.5 million and which is otherwise in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (C) any
brokerage arrangement that is not terminable on ninety days notice or
less or (D) any joint venture agreement;
(xvi) settle or compromise any material litigation, or
waive, release or assign any material claims, including with respect
to any Business Intellectual Property Rights;
(xvii) adopt any change, other than as required by
applicable generally accepted accounting principles, in its accounting
policies, procedures or practices;
(xviii) sell, license, lease or otherwise dispose of any
Business Intellectual Property or any brand or line of business;
(xix) make any change in any method of accounting for Tax
purposes, make any Tax election that is inconsistent with past
practice or file any Tax Return other than in a manner consistent with
past practice;
(xx) other than in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practice, take any action (A) to build inventory
levels at the trade or factory level or (B) to permit factory
inventory levels to fall below reasonably expected requirements;
(xxi) fail to maintain advertising spending and support,
trade incentives and broker incentives in the ordinary course of
business, consistent with past practice over the past two fiscal
years; or
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(xxii) agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
(b) Conduct by General Xxxxx. General Xxxxx agrees that from the date
hereof until the Effective Time, except as set forth in Section 5.4 of the
General Xxxxx Disclosure Schedule, as expressly contemplated by this Agreement
(including actions taken pursuant to Section 5.2 or as required by applicable
Law), or as otherwise agreed to in writing by Diageo, the business of General
Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries shall be conducted in the ordinary and usual course
and, to the extent consistent therewith (and subject to the restrictions set
forth in this Section 5.4(b)), General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries will use all
reasonable best efforts to preserve and maintain existing relations and goodwill
with employees, customers, brokers, suppliers and other Persons with which
General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries as a group have significant business
relations. Without limiting the foregoing, General Xxxxx agrees, as to itself
and its Subsidiaries, that, from the date hereof until the Effective Time,
except as set forth in Section 5.4 of the General Xxxxx Disclosure Schedule, as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement (including actions taken pursuant to
Section 5.2 or as required by applicable Law), or as otherwise agreed to in
writing by Diageo, General Xxxxx shall not and shall cause its Subsidiaries not
to, directly or indirectly do, or commit to do, any of the following:
(i) in the case of General Xxxxx only, amend or otherwise
change its Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws (other than the
Charter Amendment), or amend, modify or terminate the General Xxxxx
Rights Agreement except as provided in Section 4.16;
(ii) in the case of General Xxxxx only, (A) declare, set
aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in
cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital
stock (other than regular quarterly dividends consistent with past
practices, including any increases consistent with past practice), (B)
split, combine or reclassify its outstanding shares of capital stock,
or (C) repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, except in connection
with any employee benefit plans or arrangements and except pursuant to
General Xxxxx' ongoing stock repurchase program or hedging activities,
or permit any of its Subsidiaries to purchase or otherwise acquire,
any shares of General Xxxxx' capital stock or any securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of
General Xxxxx' capital stock;
(iii) in the case of General Xxxxx only, adopt a plan of
complete or partial liquidation or dissolution;
(iv) in the case of General Xxxxx only, issue, sell, pledge,
dispose of or encumber any shares of, or securities convertible into
or exchangeable for, or options, warrants, calls, commitments or
rights of any kind to acquire, any shares of its capital stock of any
class or other equity interests, other than (A) issuable pursuant to
any employee option or benefit plan or arrangement, (B) issued in
connection with any merger, consolidation or acquisition permitted by
clause (v) below, (C) issued in other issuances that do not, in the
aggregate, represent more than 5% of the outstanding General Xxxxx
Common Stock and (D) in connection with General Xxxxx' hedging
activities;
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(v) acquire by merger, consolidation or acquisition of stock
or assets (from any Person other than General Xxxxx or a Subsidiary of
General Xxxxx) any corporation, partnership or other business
organization or division thereof if (A) the aggregate consideration is
in excess of $100 million for any individual transaction or $300
million for all such transactions or (B) such acquisition would be
reasonably likely to prevent the Merger and the Subsidiary Purchases
from occurring prior to the Termination Date; or
(vi) agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
(c) Certain Joint Ventures and Franchises. With respect to the joint
ventures set forth in Section 5.4(c) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, within
45 days of the date hereof, General Xxxxx and Diageo will discuss and mutually
agree on a strategic plan for such joint ventures and thereafter will cooperate
reasonably to implement such plan. With respect to the franchises described in
Section 5.4 of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, Diageo will pre-review with
General Xxxxx all new franchisees (but shall not be required to pre-review with
General Xxxxx new shops with existing franchisees).
Section 5.5. Public Announcements. Subject to their respective legal
obligations (including requirements of stock exchanges and other similar
regulatory bodies), General Xxxxx and Diageo will consult with each other before
issuing, or permitting any agent or Affiliate to issue (and will use reasonable
best efforts to agree upon the text of), any press releases or otherwise making
or permitting any agent or Affiliate to make, any public statements with respect
to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 5.6. Intercompany Accounts; Guaranties. (a) Except as
otherwise provided in Section 5.15, (i) prior to the Effective Time, no Business
Entity shall repay (A) any indebtedness or other payable owing to Diageo or any
Continuing Affiliate or (B) any other indebtedness except as required by the
terms thereof and (ii) effective as of the Effective Time, all intercompany
receivables, payables, loans and investments then existing between Diageo or any
Continuing Affiliate, on the one hand, and the Business Entities, on the other
hand, shall be settled by way of capital contribution (with respect to
intercompany payables or loans due to Diageo or any Continuing Affiliate) or by
way of dividend in kind (with respect to receivables of any Business Entity owed
by Diageo or any Continuing Affiliate).
(b) General Xxxxx shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause
itself or one or more of its Affiliates to be substituted in all respects for
Diageo or any Continuing Affiliate, effective as of the Closing, in respect of
all obligations of Diageo and any Continuing Affiliate under each of the
material guaranties, bonding arrangements, letters of credit and letters of
comfort given by Diageo or any of its Continuing Affiliates for the benefit of
the Business Entities, which material guaranties, performance bonds, letters of
credit and letters of comfort are set forth in Schedule 5.6 of the Diageo
Disclosure Schedule. Diageo shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause
itself or one or more of the Continuing Affiliates to be substituted in all
respects for any Business Entity, effective as of the Closing, in respect of all
obligations of any Business Entity under each material guaranty, bonding
arrangement, letter of credit and letter of comfort given by any of the Business
Entities for the benefit of Diageo or any of the Continuing Affiliates and not
related to the Business.
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Section 5.7. Subsidiary Purchase Agreements. As soon as reasonably
practicable following the execution hereof, (a) Diageo will cause the Selling
Affiliates to execute and deliver duly executed counterparts to the Subsidiary
Purchase Agreements and (b) General Xxxxx will notify Diageo of the identity of
each of the Buying Affiliates and will cause each such Buying Affiliate to
execute and deliver duly executed counterparts to the Subsidiary Purchase
Agreements. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.8(b), the Subsidiary Purchase
Agreements will be based on (and reflect the substantive terms contained in) the
model form of stock purchase agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B, subject to
such revisions that are mutually agreed to by Diageo and General Xxxxx as
necessary or appropriate to reflect the laws, regulations and other requirements
of any jurisdiction in which the applicable Purchased Entity, Selling Affiliate
or Buying Affiliate is incorporated or organized.
Section 5.8. Allocation; Structure of Subsidiary Purchases. (a)
Promptly following the date of this Agreement, Diageo and General Xxxxx shall
mutually agree to a reasonable allocation of the Purchase Price Shares amongst
the Merger and each of the Subsidiary Purchases.
(b) General Xxxxx and Diageo shall cooperate to determine whether the
Subsidiary Purchases shall be consummated as stock purchases, acquisitions of
assets and liabilities or alternative structures and shall consummate such
acquisitions pursuant to the terms hereof according to such mutually agreed
structures; provided that, unless otherwise agreed, the Subsidiary Purchases
shall be consummated pursuant to the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements. The parties
will agree on the final structure of the Subsidiary Purchases based on
compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the applicable local
jurisdictions, tax efficiency and any other relevant considerations; provided
that the economic terms of such Subsidiary Purchases shall be consistent with
this Agreement and the model form of Subsidiary Purchase Agreement attached
hereto as Exhibit B.
Section 5.9. No Solicitation. (a) Neither Diageo nor any of its
Subsidiaries nor any of the officers and directors of any of them shall, and
Diageo shall direct and use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and its
Subsidiaries' employees, agents and representatives, including any investment
banker, attorney or accountant retained by it or any of its Subsidiaries
(Diageo, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors, employees,
agents and representatives being the "Diageo Representatives") not to, directly
or indirectly through another Person, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage or
otherwise facilitate any inquiries (including by way of furnishing any
non-public information or otherwise) or the making of any inquiry, proposal or
offer from any Person which constitutes an Acquisition Proposal (or would
reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal) or (ii) participate
in any discussions or negotiations regarding an Acquisition Proposal. For
purposes of this Agreement, "Acquisition Proposal" means any direct or indirect
inquiry, proposal or offer (or any improvement, restatement, amendment, renewal
or reiteration thereof) relating to any direct or indirect acquisition or
purchase of any capital stock of or other equity interest in, or any significant
portion of the businesses of, any of the Business Entities or a merger,
consolidation or other business combination transaction involving the Business
Entities or a sale of any significant portion of the assets of the Business
Entities, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or as
permitted by Section 5.4(a) or requested by General Xxxxx in connection with any
actions taken pursuant to Section 5.2.
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(b) Neither General Xxxxx nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of the
officers and directors of any of them shall, and General Xxxxx shall direct and
use its reasonable best efforts to cause its and its Subsidiaries' employees,
agents and representatives, including any investment banker, attorney or
accountant retained by it or any of its Subsidiaries (General Xxxxx, its
Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and
representatives being the "General Xxxxx Representatives") not to, directly or
indirectly through another Person, (i) solicit, initiate or encourage or
otherwise facilitate any inquiries (including by way of furnishing any
non-public information or otherwise) or the making of any inquiry, proposal or
offer from any Person which constitutes a Business Combination Proposal with
respect to General Xxxxx (or would reasonably be expected to lead to such a
Business Combination Proposal) or (ii) participate in any discussions or
negotiations regarding a Business Combination Proposal with respect to General
Xxxxx.
(c) In addition to the obligations of Diageo and General Xxxxx set
forth in paragraphs (a) and (b), respectively, of this Section 5.9, Diageo or
General Xxxxx, as the case may be, shall promptly (but in any event within one
Business Day) notify the other orally and in writing of any Acquisition Proposal
or any inquiry regarding the making of any Acquisition Proposal or, with respect
to General Xxxxx, any Business Combination Proposal or any inquiry regarding the
making of any Business Combination Proposal, indicating, in connection with such
notice, the name of the Person making such Acquisition Proposal or Business
Combination Proposal or inquiry and the terms and conditions of any such
Acquisition Proposal or Business Combination Proposal or inquiry. Each of Diageo
and General Xxxxx agrees that it shall take the necessary steps promptly to
inform its Subsidiaries and the Diageo Representatives and General Xxxxx
Representatives, respectively, of the obligations undertaken by it in this
Section 5.9.
Section 5.10. Proxy Statement; Diageo Circular. (a) Each of General
Xxxxx and Diageo shall cooperate and promptly prepare and General Xxxxx shall
file as promptly as practical a preliminary form of the proxy statement to be
sent to General Xxxxx stockholders in connection with the General Xxxxx
Stockholders Meeting (the "General Xxxxx Proxy Statement"). General Xxxxx and
Diageo (with respect to information supplied by it or its Affiliates) will cause
the General Xxxxx Proxy Statement to comply as to form in all material respects
with the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder. Each of General Xxxxx and Diageo shall use its respective reasonable
best efforts to have the General Xxxxx Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC as
promptly as practicable after such filing. General Xxxxx will advise Diageo,
promptly after it receives notice thereof, of any request by the SEC for
amendment of the General Xxxxx Proxy Statement or comments thereon.
(b) General Xxxxx and Diageo each agrees, as to itself and its
Affiliates, that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by it or its
Affiliates for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the General Xxxxx
Proxy Statement, and any amendment or supplement thereto will, at the date of
mailing to stockholders and at the time or times of the General Xxxxx
Stockholders Meeting, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading. If at any time prior to the date of the General Xxxxx
Stockholders Meeting any information relating to General Xxxxx or Diageo, or any
of their respective Affiliates, officers or directors, should be discovered by
General Xxxxx or Diageo which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement
to the General
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Xxxxx Proxy Statement, so that such document would not include any misstatement
of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the party which
discovers such information shall promptly notify the other party and, to the
extent required by applicable law, an appropriate amendment or supplement
describing such information shall be filed promptly with the SEC and, to the
extent required by law, disseminated to the General Xxxxx stockholders.
(c) Each of General Xxxxx and Diageo shall cooperate and promptly
prepare and Diageo shall file as promptly as practicable with the U.K. Listing
Authority a circular to be sent to Diageo shareholders in connection with the
Diageo Shareholders Meeting (the "Diageo Circular"), containing (i) a notice
convening the Diageo Shareholders Meeting, (ii) such other information (if any)
as may be required by the U.K. Listing Authority and the U.K. Listing Rules and
(iii) such other information as Diageo and General Xxxxx shall agree to include
therein. Diageo and General Xxxxx each agrees, as to itself and its
Subsidiaries, that the Diageo Circular and any supplements thereto and any other
circulars or documents issued to Diageo shareholders, will contain all
particulars relating to Diageo and General Xxxxx and their respective
Subsidiaries required to comply in all material respects with all United Kingdom
statutory and other legal provisions and all such information contained in such
documents will be substantially in accordance with the facts and will not omit
anything material likely to affect the import of such information.
(d) Each of General Xxxxx and Diageo will use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the General Xxxxx Proxy Statement and the Diageo Circular,
respectively, to be mailed to its stockholders or shareholders as promptly as
practicable after the date hereof.
Section 5.11. Stockholder Meetings; Board Recommendations. General
Xxxxx will take all action necessary to convene a meeting of the stockholders of
General Xxxxx at which the stockholders of General Xxxxx shall consider approval
of the General Xxxxx Share Issuance and the Charter Amendment (the "General
Xxxxx Stockholders Meeting") as promptly as practicable after the General Xxxxx
Proxy Statement has been cleared by the SEC. Diageo will take all action
necessary to convene an extraordinary general meeting of Diageo shareholders at
which resolutions will be proposed to approve the Transactions (the "Diageo
Shareholders Meeting") as promptly as practicable after the Diageo Circular is
cleared by the U.K. Listing Authority; provided that Diageo shall not be
required to hold the Diageo Shareholders Meeting earlier than September 8, 2000.
Subject to fiduciary obligations and the requirements of applicable law, the
Board of Directors of each of General Xxxxx and Diageo shall recommend to its
respective stockholders and shareholders the approval of the matters to be
submitted to its stockholders or shareholders at the General Xxxxx Stockholders
Meeting and the Diageo Shareholders Meeting, respectively, which recommendations
shall be set forth in the General Xxxxx Proxy Statement and the Diageo Circular,
respectively, and shall use reasonable best efforts to solicit such approval.
The General Xxxxx Stockholders Meeting and the Diageo Shareholders Meeting will
be held regardless of any failure to make such recommendation or any change in
such recommendation.
Section 5.12. General Xxxxx Board of Directors. At or prior to the
Effective Time, General Xxxxx' Board of Directors will take such action as may
be necessary to elect Xxxx X. Xxxxx and Xxxx X.X. Xxxxxx to the Board of
Directors of General Xxxxx effective as of the
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Effective Time (and, in the event Xx. Xxxxx or Xx. Xxxxxx shall at the Effective
Time be unable or unwilling to serve in such capacity, another individual in his
stead mutually agreed upon by Diageo and General Xxxxx from amongst a pool of
the Diageo Directors, provided that Diageo and General Xxxxx shall be entitled,
should they agree, to select an individual not from amongst such pool).
Section 5.13. Stock Exchange Listing. General Xxxxx shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger and delivered pursuant to the Subsidiary Purchase
Agreements to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
issuance, prior to the Closing Date.
Section 5.14. Delivery of Financial Statements and Other Information.
(a) As promptly as practicable following the execution of this Agreement (but in
any event no later than August 14, 2000), Diageo shall deliver to General Xxxxx
true and complete copies of the audited combined financial statements of the
Business Entities containing balance sheets as of June 30, 1999 and June 30,
2000, and statements of operations and of cash flows for each of the three
fiscal years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2000, in each case prepared
in accordance with U.S. GAAP (the "2000 Financial Statements"). Diageo shall
also deliver to General Xxxxx as promptly as practicable such other financial
statements or information relating to the Business Entities as General Xxxxx may
reasonably request in connection with the preparation of the General Xxxxx Proxy
Statement.
(b) As promptly as practicable following execution of this Agreement,
Diageo shall deliver to General Xxxxx true and correct copies of the certificate
of incorporation and by-laws (or equivalent organizational documents), each as
amended to date, of each of the Business Entities other than Pillsbury.
Section 5.15. Closing Date Indebtedness. (a) Prior to the Effective
Time, Diageo and General Xxxxx shall agree in good faith on, and cooperate to
implement, a plan for the incurrence (and prepayment) by Pillsbury of new
third-party indebtedness in an amount equal to (i) $5.142 billion less (ii) the
amount of aggregate outstanding indebtedness of the Business Entities as of the
Closing Date (other than intercompany indebtedness owing to Diageo or one or
more Continuing Affiliates, all of which intercompany indebtedness will be
repaid and/or contributed to capital pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section
5.15 and Section 5.6(a)). Pillsbury shall not enter into any new debt facilities
or otherwise incur any indebtedness pursuant to this Section 5.15(a) without
General Xxxxx' consent to the amount and terms thereof, which consent will not
be unreasonably withheld.
(b) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, Pillsbury will pay to
Pillsbury Stockholder and/or another Continuing Affiliate all of the proceeds of
the new third-party indebtedness incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) of this
Section 5.15, either as a dividend or as a repayment of intercompany loans or
payables, or a combination of dividend and repayment. Any intercompany loans or
payables not repaid pursuant to this paragraph (b) will be contributed to
capital at the Effective Time as contemplated by Section 5.6(a).
Section 5.16. Insurance. (a) From the date hereof to the Effective
Time, Diageo and General Xxxxx will cooperate reasonably to develop and
implement a transition plan with re-
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spect to insurance coverage for the Business Entities, with the goal of ensuring
continuing insurance coverage and transfer at the Effective Time of the
responsibility for risk management relating to the Business Entities from Diageo
to General Xxxxx (subject to the remaining provisions of this Section 5.16).
(b) From and after the Effective Time, Diageo shall use its
reasonable efforts, subject to the terms of the Diageo Insurance Policies, to
retain the right to make claims and receive recoveries, subject to Section
5.16(f), for the benefit of the Business Entities, as well as for the benefit of
Diageo and the Continuing Affiliates, under any insurance policies maintained at
any time prior to the Closing by Diageo or a Continuing Affiliate or the
predecessors of any of them that provide coverage on an "occurrence" rather than
a "claims made" basis (collectively, the "Diageo Insurance Policies"), covering
any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense relating to the assets, business,
operations, conduct, products and employees (including former employees) of any
of the Business Entities and their respective predecessors (in each case, in so
far as they cover or otherwise relate to the Business or otherwise relate to
losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses as to which any of the Business
Entities could have responsibility) that relates to or arises out of occurrences
prior to or at the Closing (an "Insurance Claim").
(c) General Xxxxx or the applicable Business Entity will pay,
incur and bear all amounts relating to any self-retention or deductible and any
gaps in or limits on coverage applicable to an Insurance Claim asserted at any
time with respect to the applicable Diageo Insurance Policy and the coverage
available with respect to any Insurance Claim shall be the actual coverage
available under such Dover Insurance Policy at the time the Insurance Claim is
made, taking into account the effect of any prior claim payments on any
self-retention or deductible or in causing any gap or limits on coverage under
the terms of such Diageo Insurance Policy, whether or not the applicable Diageo
Insurance Policy solely covers claims of the Business Entities or covers claims
of both Diageo and the Continuing Affiliates on the one hand, and the Business
Entities on the other hand. In the event that any legal action, arbitration,
negotiation or other proceedings are required for coverage to be asserted
against any insurer in connection with the Diageo Insurance Policies or for an
Insurance Claim to be perfected, in each case on behalf of any of the Business
Entities, (i) General Xxxxx shall, to the extent possible, do so at its own
expense or at the expense of the applicable Business Entity or (ii) if General
Xxxxx is not permitted to assert coverage or perfect an Insurance Claim, Diageo
or one of the Continuing Affiliates shall do so, and, in either event, General
Xxxxx or the applicable Business Entity shall reimburse Diageo and the
Continuing Affiliates for any reasonable costs and expenses that they may incur
because of such action (other than the incurrence of normal internal
administrative expenses).
(d) Each of Diageo, General Xxxxx and the Business Entities shall
use its reasonable best efforts (i) to cooperate fully and to cause its
Affiliates to cooperate fully with the others in submitting good faith Insurance
Claims on behalf of the Business Entities under the Diageo Insurance Policies
and (ii) to pay promptly over to General Xxxxx (or, at General Xxxxx' request,
to the applicable Business Entities) any and all amounts received by Diageo or
the Continuing Affiliates under the Diageo Insurance Policies with respect to
Insurance Claims.
(e) Diageo and the Continuing Affiliates shall retain custody of
the Diageo Insurance Policies and any and all service contracts, claim
settlements and all other insurance records relating thereto; and General Xxxxx
and the Business Entities shall have access to and the
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right to make copies of all such documents and records upon reasonable request
to Diageo or the Continuing Affiliates.
(f) Nothing contained herein to the contrary shall prohibit
Diageo from managing its risk management program with respect to post-Closing
periods, including without limitation the cancellation or reduction of the
amount or scope of insurance coverage with respect to post-Closing periods, in a
manner consistent with their business judgment as applied to the operations of
Diageo and the Continuing Affiliates. Nothing contained in this Section 5.16
shall affect the indemnification rights or obligations of the parties pursuant
to this Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
Employee Benefits Matters
-------------------------
Section 6.1. Employee Benefits Matters.
(a) Continued Benefits. For one year following the Closing, General
Xxxxx shall continue to provide all current U.S. employees of the Business
Entities employed as of the Closing Date who continue to be employed following
the Closing Date (the "Employees") with base compensation no less than the base
compensation in effect for such Employee immediately prior to the Closing. The
term "Employees" shall not include any employees or former employees of the
Business Entities who prior to the Closing Date have retired, or have otherwise
terminated employment. For one year following the Closing, General Xxxxx shall
maintain employee benefit plans, programs, policies and arrangements which
provide benefits that are no less favorable in the aggregate than those provided
under the applicable employee benefit plans, programs, policies and arrangements
of the Business Entities in effect on the Closing Date or, at the election of
General Xxxxx, shall be provided employee benefit plans, programs, policies and
arrangements which provide benefits that are no less favorable in the aggregate
than those provided to similarly situated employees of General Xxxxx and its
Affiliates; provided, however, that the requirements of this paragraph shall not
apply to Employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
(b) Severance and Retention. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) for a
period of one year from the Closing Date, General Xxxxx will provide or will
cause to be provided severance pay and benefits to eligible Employees (other
than Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement) that are at least
equal to those that would have been provided to such Employee by the Minneapolis
Salaried Employees Severance Plan or the Executive Severance Plan, as amended,
whichever is applicable, (ii) for a period of one year following the Closing
Date, General Xxxxx shall make reasonable efforts, which shall not require
increases in payments or benefits, to include Diageo under any release of
liability obtained from terminated Employees, (iii) General Xxxxx shall maintain
the July 2000 Completion and Performance Plan provided to General Xxxxx prior to
the date hereof implemented by Pillsbury prior to the Closing (for the position
levels set forth in such plan), without amendment or modification that would
result in any reduction of the benefits provided thereunder, and (iv) General
Xxxxx shall pay each retention bonus arising from the Pillsbury March, 2000
reorganization, pursuant to the terms of such retention program, upon the
earlier of its payment date or the participating Employee's termination of
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employment by General Xxxxx (other than a termination of employment for Cause);
provided, that any payment under (iii) or (iv) above, shall be an offset to a
later payment under (iii) or (iv), as applicable. Nothing in this Agreement
shall require General Xxxxx or its Affiliates to maintain the employment of any
Employee.
(c) Collective Bargaining Agreements. General Xxxxx agrees to cause
each Business Entity from and after the Closing to comply with the provisions of
all collective bargaining agreements to which such Business Entity is a party.
Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, Pillsbury shall consult with
General Xxxxx with respect to extension, modification, renewal or renegotiation
of any collective bargaining agreement.
(d) Service Credit. To the extent permitted by law, Employees shall be
given credit under each employee benefit plan, compensation program, policy or
arrangement (including, but not limited to, pension, severance, vacation, health
and welfare, incentive bonus and equity-based plans) of General Xxxxx or any of
its Affiliates in which the Employees are eligible to participate for all
service with any Business Entity or its Affiliates (to the extent such credit
was given by the Business Entity's applicable employee benefit plan, program,
policy or arrangement) for purposes of participation, eligibility and vesting,
and for benefit accrual for liabilities assumed under Section 6.1(l). The
provisions in this paragraph (d) shall not be required with respect to Employees
who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
(e) Employee Benefit Transition. General Xxxxx shall waive
pre-existing condition requirements, evidence of insurability provisions,
waiting period requirements or any similar provisions for any Employees under
any medical, dental, disability or life insurance plan maintained or sponsored
by or contributed to by General Xxxxx for such individuals after the Closing
Date, other than pre-existing conditions and evidence of insurability that would
have been applicable under the Employee Arrangements. General Xxxxx shall also
apply towards any deductible requirements and out-of-pocket maximum limits under
such plans any amounts paid (or accrued) by each Employee under the Business
Entity's comparable benefit plans during the calendar year in which the Closing
occurs. The provisions in this paragraph (e) shall not be required with respect
to Employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement
(f) Vacation. As of the Closing Date, General Xxxxx will assume all
obligations to Employees for any vacation entitlement and vacation pay
entitlement as of the Closing Date to the extent reflected on the Closing Date
Operating Working Capital Calculation.
(g) COBRA. General Xxxxx will be responsible for satisfying
obligations under Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code
("COBRA coverage") and any applicable similar state laws, to provide
continuation coverage to or with respect to any Employee in accordance with law
with respect to any "qualifying event," provided, that Diageo shall remain
responsible for COBRA coverage with respect to any employee of a Business Entity
who had a qualifying event prior to Closing under a welfare plan not sponsored
by a Business Entity.
(h) No Third-Party Beneficiary Rights. Nothing in this Agreement,
express or implied, shall create a third-party beneficiary relationship or
otherwise confer any benefit, entitlement, or right upon any person or entity
other than the parties hereto, including any right to employment or continued
employment for any specified period, of any nature or kind whatso-
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ever. Nothing in this Agreement shall cause duplicate benefits to be paid or
provided to or with respect to any employee under any employee benefit policies,
plans, arrangements, programs, practices, or agreements.
(i) Plans Not Sponsored by Business Entities. Except as provided in
Section 6.1(l), Diageo (and its Affiliates other than the Business Entities)
shall be responsible for all benefits and liabilities under any Employee
Arrangement that is not sponsored by a Business Entity (each, a "Diageo Plan").
Diageo shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to ensure that as of the
Closing Date, except as provided in Section 6.1(j) below, all Employees shall
cease to accrue benefits under Diageo Plans and the Business Entities shall
withdraw from participation in any Diageo Plans. Except as provided in Section
6.1(j) below, Diageo shall vest, as of the Closing Date, all equity awards held
by employees of the Business Entities, and shall be responsible for honoring
such equity awards.
(j) TSR Plan. Until such time as all such payments or benefits have
been provided, Diageo shall maintain the Diageo Long Term Incentive Plan, also
known as the Total Shareholder Return Plan (and shall provide or cause to be
provided in a timely manner all payments due with respect to 1998 and 1999
grants made thereunder) for Employees who provide services to Pillsbury and its
Affiliates following the Closing (as if they were continuing to provide services
for Diageo and its Affiliates (other than the Business Entities)) and who
participated in such plans immediately prior to the Closing upon the terms
provided in such plans, which terms shall be no less favorable than those
applicable to other employees of Diageo or its Affiliates. General Xxxxx and the
Business Entities shall not be responsible for any payments or benefits under
the Total Shareholder Return Plan.
(k) Controlled Group Liability. Diageo shall indemnify and hold
General Xxxxx and the Business Entities harmless from any and all Controlled
Group Liability (the occurrence of which is unrelated to the Business Entities).
(l) Asset Transfers. At the election of General Xxxxx, on a
plan-by-plan basis, to the extent permitted by local law, General Xxxxx will
assume responsibility for pension liabilities for active participants employed
by the Business Entities as of the Closing Date (subject to appropriate
adjustment to reflect payments made following the Closing Date) under pension
plans and arrangements that are Diageo Plans and Diageo will transfer or cause
its applicable pension fund to transfer to General Xxxxx' pension fund
corresponding assets to cover such liabilities on a projected obligation basis
based upon specified actuarial methods and assumptions mutually agreed upon by
actuaries for Diageo and General Xxxxx in accordance with local Law and
practice; provided, that such transfer shall not be required for any unfunded
plan, to the extent such liabilities were reflected on the Closing Date
Operating Working Capital Calculation. If such actuaries cannot agree, such
methods and assumptions shall be reasonable both individually and in the
aggregate as determined by a mutually agreed upon third party actuary whose
expenses shall be split by the parties. Where required, the parties hereto will
use reasonable efforts to obtain any necessary consents to such transfer of
assets and liabilities. Such transfers shall occur as soon as practicable
following the Closing Date. To the extent permitted by Law and the terms of such
contracts, Diageo shall transfer to General Xxxxx or the relevant Business
Entity the assets and insurance contracts, if any, used to fund liabilities
under health, life and accident insurance plans sponsored by the Business
Entities.
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(m) International Plan Disclosure. With respect to material
International Plans, Diageo shall deliver to General Xxxxx within 45 days
following the date hereof, a list of each such plan, and a copy of the relevant
plan document and trust agreement, the latest financial report and actuarial
report, and insurance contracts and other funding vehicles, if applicable.
ARTICLE VII
Tax Matters
-----------
Section 7.1. Tax Representations of Diageo. Each of Diageo and
Pillsbury hereby represents and warrants to General Xxxxx and Merger Sub as
follows:
(a) The Business Entities have duly filed or caused to be filed (or
had filed on their behalf) all material federal, state, local and foreign Tax
Returns (including, but not limited to, those filed on a consolidated, combined
or unitary basis) required to have been filed by (or on behalf of) any of them.
All of the foregoing Tax Returns are true and correct in all material respects,
and the Business Entities have, within the time and manner prescribed by
applicable law, paid all material Taxes required to be paid in respect of the
periods covered by such Tax Returns or otherwise due to any Taxing Authority
other than any Taxes the validity of which is being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves in
accordance with U. S. GAAP have been provided. Except as set forth in Section
7.1(a) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, none of the Business Entities has
requested or filed any document having the effect of causing any extension of
time within which to file any material Tax Returns in respect of any fiscal year
which have not since been filed. Except as set forth in Section 7.1(a) of the
Diageo Disclosure Schedule, no deficiencies for any material Tax have been
proposed, asserted or assessed in writing, in each case, by any Taxing
Authority, against any of the Business Entities. Except as set forth in Section
7.1(a) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, none of the Business Entities is the
subject of any currently ongoing material Tax audit. Except as set forth in
Section 7.1(a) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, there are no pending requests
for waivers of the time to assess any material Tax, other than those made in the
ordinary course and for which payment has been made. Except as set forth in
Section 7.1(a) of the Diageo Disclosure Schedule, none of the Business Entities
has waived any statute of limitations in respect of material Taxes or agreed to
any extension of time with respect to a material Tax assessment or deficiency.
There are no material liens with respect to Taxes upon any of the properties or
assets, real or personal, tangible or intangible of any of the Business Entities
(other than liens for Taxes not yet due). No material claim has ever been made
in writing by a Taxing Authority in a jurisdiction where a Business Entity does
not file Tax Returns that such Business Entity is or may be subject to taxation
by that jurisdiction. None of the Business Entities has filed an election under
Section 341(f) of the Code to be treated as a "consenting corporation" within
the meaning of such Code Section.
(b) The Business Entities have withheld and paid or have caused to be
withheld and paid all material Taxes required to have been withheld and paid in
connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor,
creditor, shareholder or other third party.
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(c) None of the Business Entities has constituted either a
"distributing corporation" or a "controlled corporation" within the meaning of
Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code in a distribution of stock intended to qualify
for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code (i) in the two years prior
to the date of this Agreement (or will constitute such a corporation in the two
years prior to the Closing Date) or (ii) in a distribution which otherwise
constitutes part of a "plan" or "series of related transactions" within the
meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code in conjunction with the Merger.
Section 7.2. General Xxxxx Reorganization-Related Representations.
Each of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub hereby represents and warrants to Diageo
and Pillsbury as follows:
(a) Following the Merger, General Xxxxx, or a member of its qualified
group of corporations (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section
1.368-1(d)(4)(ii)), will continue the historic business of Pillsbury or will use
a significant portion of Pillsbury's historic business assets in a business. For
purposes of this representation, General Xxxxx and such members (i) shall be
deemed to own that portion of the assets of a partnership reflecting their
interest therein and (ii) shall be treated as conducting the business of a
partnership of which they are members, provided that (x) they own in the
aggregate at least a 33 1/3% interest in the partnership or (y) they own in the
aggregate at least a 20% interest in such partnership and perform active and
substantial managerial functions with respect thereto.
(b) General Xxxxx has no plan or intention to cause Pillsbury to issue
additional shares of its stock that would result in General Xxxxx not having
"control" of Pillsbury. For purposes of this Section 7.2(b), "control" of a
corporation means the ownership of stock possessing at least 80 percent of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and at
least 80 percent of the total number of shares of all other classes of stock of
such corporation.
(c) Merger Sub was formed by General Xxxxx for purposes of
consummating the Merger, will have nominal assets at the time of the Merger, has
no liabilities and will have no liabilities at the time of the Merger (other
than pursuant to this Agreement), and will not transfer to Pillsbury any assets
subject to liabilities. Merger Sub has not conducted and will not conduct any
business activities or other operations of any kind prior to the consummation of
the Merger, other than the issuance of its stock to General Xxxxx.
(d) General Xxxxx has no plan or intention to liquidate Pillsbury, to
merge Pillsbury with or into another corporation (other than merging Merger Sub
into Pillsbury in the Merger), or to sell or otherwise dispose of the stock of
Pillsbury except for transfers of stock described in Code Section 368(a)(2)(C)
or Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-2(k)(2).
(e) General Xxxxx shall not cause Pillsbury to take any Substantially
All Action. A "Substantially All Action" is a distribution by Pillsbury of
assets to a shareholder, the incurrence of indebtedness by Pillsbury (other than
any refinancing of indebtedness that exists at the time of the Merger) or the
repayment of Pillsbury indebtedness that exists at the time of the Merger (other
than any refinancing of such indebtedness), which distribution, incurrence or
repayment (i) occurs after the Merger and prior to the one year anniversary
thereof and (ii) (A)
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causes Pillsbury to fail to hold at least 90 percent of the fair market value of
its net assets held immediately prior to the Merger, (B) causes Pillsbury to
fail to hold at least 70 percent of the fair market value of its gross assets
held immediately prior to the Merger, (C) causes Pillsbury to fail to hold at
least 90 percent of the fair market value of Merger Sub's net assets held
immediately prior to the Merger or (D) causes Pillsbury to fail to hold at least
70 percent of the fair market value of Merger Sub's gross assets held
immediately prior to the Merger. For purposes of this representation, amounts
paid by Pillsbury or Merger Sub to shareholders who receive cash or other
property, amounts used by Pillsbury or Merger Sub to pay reorganization
expenses, and all redemptions and distributions (except for regular, normal
dividends) made by Pillsbury or Merger Sub in connection with the Merger will be
included (to the extent that General Xxxxx has knowledge thereof) as assets of
Pillsbury or Merger Sub, respectively, held immediately prior to the Merger, and
shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock issued in the Merger will not be so
included.
Section 7.3. Tax Indemnification. (a) From and after the Closing Date,
the Diageo Tax Indemnitors shall pay or cause to be paid, and jointly and
severally shall indemnify each General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitee and protect, save
and hold each General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitee harmless from and against the
following Taxes:
(i) Any Tax imposed upon or relating to Diageo or any of the
Continuing Affiliates for any period, including any such Tax for which
any of the Business Entities (or any Non-Controlled Foreign Entity or
Subsidiary thereof) may be liable (w) under Section 1.1502-6 of the
Treasury Regulations (or any similar provision of state, local or
foreign law), (x) as a transferee or successor, (y) by contract or (z)
otherwise;
(ii) Any Tax imposed upon or relating to any of the Business
Entities for any Pre-Closing Period; and
(iii) Any Tax imposed upon, relating to or resulting from
(x) the Merger or the provisions of Section 2.13 or 2.14 hereof
(except, in each case, to the extent set forth in Section 7.3(b)(ii)
below), (y) any of the Subsidiary Purchases or (z) any restructuring
undertaken in contemplation of the Merger or any of the Subsidiary
Purchases.
(b) From and after the Closing Date, the General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitors
shall pay or cause to be paid, and jointly and severally shall indemnify each
Diageo Tax Indemnitee and protect, save and hold each Diageo Tax Indemnitee
harmless from and against the following Taxes:
(i) Any Tax imposed upon or relating to any of the Business
Entities for any Post-Closing Period; and
(ii) Any Tax imposed upon the Pillsbury Stockholder on the
Merger that would not have arisen but for a breach by General Xxxxx of
any of the representations set forth in Section 7.2.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.7, payment in full of
any amount due to a Tax Indemnitee under this Section 7.3 shall be made to the
affected Tax Indem-
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xxxxx in immediately available funds at least two Business Days before the date
payment of the Taxes to which such payment relates is due.
Section 7.4. Section 338(g) Elections for Purchased Entities. General
Xxxxx may, at its option, cause a timely and irrevocable election (a "338
Election") under Section 338(g) of the Code (and any corresponding provisions of
state or local Tax law) to be made with respect to any or all of the Purchased
Entities or any of their respective Subsidiaries which, in each case, is not, as
of the date hereof, owned directly or indirectly, by a U.S. corporation (the
"338 Election Subsidiaries"). If General Xxxxx causes such elections to be made,
each of General Xxxxx and Diageo shall, and shall cause their respective
Subsidiaries and Affiliates to, (i) treat the 338 Elections as valid, (ii) file
all Tax Returns in a manner consistent with such 338 Elections and the 338
Election Allocations (as defined below) and (iii) take no position contrary
thereto, except to the extent required pursuant to a determination (as defined
in Section 1313(a) of the Code or any similar state or local Tax provision) (a
"Determination"). With respect to each 338 Election, General Xxxxx shall prepare
and submit to Diageo for Diageo's consent and agreement (i) the aggregate deemed
sale price (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.338-4T) (the "ADSP") and
(ii) the allocation of the ADSP among the assets of each of the 338 Election
Subsidiaries (collectively, the "338 Election Allocations"). The 338 Election
Allocations shall be reasonable and shall be determined in accordance with
Section 338 of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations thereunder.
Diageo shall provide General Xxxxx such assistance as General Xxxxx may
reasonably request in connection with the preparation of any form or document
required to effect a valid and timely 338 Election. Diageo shall not be
responsible for any failure of an attempted 338 Election to be valid, except to
the extent that such failure results from a failure by Diageo to comply with its
obligations under this Section 7.4.
Section 7.5. Allocation of Certain Taxes. (a) If any of the Business
Entities is permitted but not required under applicable state, local or foreign
income Tax laws to treat the Closing Date as the last day of a taxable period,
then the parties shall cause such Business Entity to treat that day as the last
day of a taxable period.
(b) In the case of Taxes arising in a taxable period of any of the
Business Entities that includes but does not end on the Closing Date, except as
provided in Section 7.5(c), the allocation of such Taxes between the Pre-Closing
Period and the Post-Closing Period shall be made on the basis of an interim
closing of the books as of the end of the Closing Date. For purposes of this
Article VII, (i) any Tax on gain or income resulting from the triggering into
income of deferred intercompany transactions under Section 1.1502-13 of the
Treasury Regulations or excess loss accounts under Section 1.1502-19 of the
Treasury Regulations that occurs as a result of the Merger shall be considered
to be attributable to the Pre-Closing Period and (ii) each partnership or
"flowthrough" entity in which any of the Business Entities holds an interest
shall be treated as if its taxable year ended at the close of business on the
Closing Date and Taxes attributable to the income and gain of such entities
through the close of business on the Closing Date (as determined in a reasonably
practicable manner) shall be considered to be attributable to the Pre-Closing
Period.
(c) In the case of (i) franchise Taxes based on capitalization, debt
or shares of stock authorized, issued or outstanding and (ii) ad valorem Taxes,
in either case attributable to a Straddle Period (as defined below), the portion
of such Taxes attributable to the Pre-Closing Pe-
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riod shall be the amount of such Taxes for the entire taxable period, multiplied
by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in such
taxable period ending on and including the Closing Date and the denominator of
which is the entire number of calendar days in such taxable period, and the
balance of such Taxes shall be attributable to the Post-Closing Period;
provided, however, that if any property, asset or other right of any of the
Business Entities is sold or otherwise transferred prior to the Closing Date,
then ad valorem Taxes pertaining to such property, asset or other right shall be
attributed entirely to the Pre-Closing Period.
Section 7.6. Carryovers, Refunds and Related Matters. (a) Any refund
or credit of Taxes (including any interest thereon) that relates to any of the
Business Entities and that is a refund or credit of Taxes with respect to a
Pre-Closing Period shall be the property of Diageo or its designee and shall be
retained by Diageo or its designee (or promptly reimbursed to Diageo or such
designee by the Business Entity if any such refund or credit (or interest
thereon) is received by General Xxxxx, a Business Entity or any of their
respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates); provided, however, that any refund,
credit or other benefit actually received or realized in cash by Diageo, any
Continuing Affiliate or any Business Entity with respect to a Pre-Closing Period
that results from, and would not have resulted but for, the carryback of any Tax
attribute of General Xxxxx, any Business Entity or any of their respective
Subsidiaries or Affiliates arising in a Post-Closing Period (to the extent that
such carryback does not preclude or delay utilization of a Diageo Group Tax
attribute or Business Entity Pre-Closing Period Tax attribute) shall be the
property of and retained by the Business Entity (or paid by Diageo to the
Business Entity promptly after actual receipt or realization in cash of such
refund, credit or other benefit by Diageo or any of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates).
(b) Any refund or credit of Taxes (including any interest thereon)
that relates to any of the Business Entities and that is a refund or credit of
Taxes with respect to a Post-Closing Period shall be the property of General
Xxxxx or the Business Entity and shall be retained by General Xxxxx or the
Business Entity (or promptly paid by Diageo to General Xxxxx or the Business
Entity if any such refund or credit (or interest thereon) is received by Diageo
or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates); provided, however, that any refund,
credit or other benefit actually received or realized in cash by General Xxxxx
or any Business Entity with respect to a Post-Closing Period that results from,
and would not have resulted but for, the carryover of any Business Entity Tax
attribute arising in a Pre-Closing Period (to the extent that such carryover
does not preclude or delay utilization of a General Xxxxx Group Tax attribute or
Business Entity Post-Closing Period Tax attribute) shall be the property of
Diageo or its designee and shall be paid by the Business Entity to Diageo or its
designee promptly after actual receipt or realization in cash of such refund,
credit or other benefit by General Xxxxx or a Business Entity.
(c) In applying Section 7.6(a) and Section 7.6(b), (i) any refund or
credit of Taxes (including any interest thereon) for a Straddle Period (as
defined below) shall be allocated between the Pre-Closing Period and the
Post-Closing Period in accordance with Section 7.5 and (ii) any foreign tax that
is deemed paid by a Business Entity in a taxable period pursuant to Section 902
of the Code shall be considered to be "with respect to" such taxable period,
regardless of when the underlying foreign tax was actually paid or accrued.
(d) In the event of any adjustment of a Pre-Closing Period Tax
deduction or income item of a Business Entity by a Taxing Authority pursuant to
a Determination (or other-
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wise in a Tax Proceeding), which adjustment results in a Tax benefit (determined
for purposes of this Section 7.6(d) after taking into account any preclusion or
delay in the utilization of any General Xxxxx Group Tax attribute or any
Business Entity Post-Closing Period Tax attribute) actually received or realized
in cash by General Xxxxx or any Business Entity and such Tax benefit would not
have been so received or realized but for such adjustment, then to the extent
such Tax benefit arises with respect to (the Post-Closing Period portion of) a
taxable period of a Business Entity ending on or prior to the second anniversary
of the Closing Date and would otherwise have been for the account of General
Xxxxx hereunder, the Business Entity shall pay Diageo or its designee the amount
of such Tax benefit promptly after actual receipt or realization in cash of such
Tax benefit by General Xxxxx or the Business Entity.
(e) In the event of any adjustment of a Post-Closing Period Tax
deduction or income item of a Business Entity by a Taxing Authority pursuant to
a Determination (or otherwise in a Tax Proceeding), which adjustment results in
a Tax benefit (determined for purposes of this Section 7.6(e) after taking into
account any preclusion or delay in the utilization of any Diageo Group Tax
attribute or any Business Entity Pre-Closing Period Tax attribute) actually
received or realized in cash by Diageo, any Continuing Affiliate or any Business
Entity and such Tax benefit would not have been so received or realized but for
such adjustment, then to the extent such Tax benefit arises with respect to the
Pre-Closing Period and would otherwise have been for the account of Diageo
hereunder, the Business Entity shall retain such Tax benefit (or Diageo or its
designee shall pay such Business Entity the amount of such Tax benefit promptly
after actual receipt or realization in cash of such Tax benefit by Diageo or any
of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates).
Section 7.7. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns. (a) Diageo shall
file or cause to be filed (i) any combined, consolidated or unitary Return that
includes Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder or any Continuing Affiliate and (ii)
any other Return of any of the Business Entities for any taxable period that
ends on or before the Closing Date. All such Returns shall be filed in a manner
consistent with past practice, shall not include any change in any method of
accounting and shall not include any Tax election that is inconsistent with past
practice (except for the 338 Elections). Diageo shall, reasonably promptly after
the filing of a Return described in clause (i) or (ii) above, provide General
Xxxxx a copy of such Return (or a copy of a pro forma separate Return in the
case of a Return described in clause (i)). Diageo shall remit to the relevant
Taxing Authority all Taxes shown by such Returns to be due. General Xxxxx shall
cause the Business Entities to furnish information to Diageo in connection with
any such Return, at Diageo's expense, in accordance with the past procedures,
customs and practices of Diageo.
(b) Except to the extent set forth in Section 7.7(a), General Xxxxx
shall file or cause to be filed all Returns of, or that include, any of the
Business Entities.
(c) With respect to any Return of any of the Business Entities for a
taxable period that, with respect to such Business Entity, begins on or before
and ends after the Closing Date (such a Return, a "Straddle Period Return" and
such a taxable period, a "Straddle Period"), General Xxxxx shall deliver a copy
of such Return to Diageo at least 40 Business Days prior to the due date (giving
effect to any extension thereof), accompanied by an allocation between the
Pre-Closing Period and the Post-Closing Period of the Taxes shown to be due on
such Return. Such Return and allocation shall be final and binding on Diageo,
unless, within 10 Business Days after
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the date of receipt by Diageo of such Return and allocation, Diageo delivers to
General Xxxxx a written request for changes to such Return or allocation. If
Diageo delivers such a request, then General Xxxxx and Diageo shall undertake in
good faith to resolve the issues raised in such request prior to the due date
(including any extension thereof) for filing such Return. If General Xxxxx and
Diageo are unable to resolve any issue within 10 Business Days from the date of
receipt by General Xxxxx of the request for changes, then Diageo and General
Xxxxx jointly shall engage the Neutral Auditors to determine the correct
treatment of the item or items in dispute. Each of Diageo and General Xxxxx
shall bear and pay one-half of the fees and other costs charged by the Neutral
Auditors. The determination of the Neutral Auditors shall be final and binding
on the parties hereto.
(d) In the case of each Straddle Period Return, not later than two
Business Days before the due date (including any extension thereof) for payment
of Taxes with respect to such Return, Diageo shall pay to General Xxxxx or the
relevant Business Entity the portion of the Taxes in connection with such Return
for which Diageo is responsible pursuant to Section 7.3.
Section 7.8. Tax Contests. (a) Notices. If any Taxing Authority
asserts a Tax Claim, then the party hereto first receiving notice of such Tax
Claim promptly shall provide written notice thereof to the other party or
parties hereto; provided, however, that the failure of such party to give such
prompt notice shall not relieve the other party of any of its obligations under
this Article VII, except to the extent that the other party is actually
prejudiced thereby. Such notice shall specify in reasonable detail the basis for
such Tax Claim and shall include a copy of the relevant portion of any
correspondence received from the Taxing Authority.
(b) Pre-Closing Taxable Periods. Diageo shall have the right to
control, at its own expense, any audit, examination, contest, litigation or
other proceeding by or against any Taxing Authority (a "Tax Proceeding") (A) in
respect of a Business Entity for any taxable period that ends on or before the
Closing Date or (B) involving a challenge to the qualification of the Merger as
a tax-free "reorganization" within the meaning of Code Section 368; provided,
however, that (i) insofar as any such Tax Proceeding relates to the matters set
forth in clause (A) or (B) above, Diageo shall provide General Xxxxx with a
timely and reasonably detailed account of each stage of such Tax Proceeding and
(ii) in the case of any Tax Proceeding involving a challenge to the
qualification of the Merger as a tax-free "reorganization" within the meaning of
Code Section 368 on the basis (in whole or in part) of the inaccuracy of any of
the representations made by General Xxxxx and Merger Sub in Section 7.2, (I)
Diageo shall consult with General Xxxxx before taking any significant action in
connection with such Tax Proceeding, (II) Diageo shall consult with General
Xxxxx and offer General Xxxxx an opportunity to comment before submitting any
written materials prepared or furnished in connection with such Tax Proceeding,
(III) Diageo shall defend such Tax Proceeding diligently and in good faith as if
it were the only party in interest in connection with such Tax Proceeding, (IV)
General Xxxxx shall be entitled to participate in such Tax Proceeding and
receive copies of any written materials relating to such Tax Proceeding received
from the relevant Taxing Authority or other Governmental Authority, and (V)
Diageo shall not settle, compromise or abandon any such Tax Proceeding without
obtaining the prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, of General Xxxxx. Notwithstanding any other provision, none of the
General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitors shall have any obligation whatsoever pursuant to
Section 7.3(b)(ii) arising from a Tax Proceeding described in clause (B) above,
if Diageo fails to comply with the covenant set forth in clause
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(i) above in connection with such Tax Proceeding, fails to consult with General
Xxxxx before taking any significant action in connection with such Tax
Proceeding, fails to consult with General Xxxxx and offer General Xxxxx an
opportunity to comment before submitting any written materials prepared or
furnished in connection with such Tax Proceeding, fails to defend such Tax
Proceeding diligently and in good faith as if Diageo were the only party in
interest in connection with such Tax Proceeding, fails to provide General Xxxxx
with an opportunity to participate in such Tax Proceeding or fails to provide
General Xxxxx with copies of any written materials relating to such Tax
Proceeding that are received from the relevant Taxing Authority or other
Governmental Authority or if Diageo settles, compromises or abandons any such
Tax Proceeding without obtaining the prior written consent (except to the extent
such consent is unreasonably withheld) of General Xxxxx.
(c) Straddle Periods. In the case of a Tax Proceeding for a Straddle
Period of a Business Entity (i) the Controlling Party shall provide the
Non-controlling Party with a timely and reasonably detailed account of each
stage of such Tax Proceeding, (ii) the Controlling Party shall consult with the
Non-controlling Party before taking any significant action in connection with
such Tax Proceeding, (iii) the Controlling Party shall consult with the
Non-controlling Party and offer the Non-controlling Party an opportunity to
comment before submitting any written materials prepared or furnished in
connection with such Tax Proceeding, (iv) the Controlling Party shall defend
such Tax Proceeding diligently and in good faith as if it were the only party in
interest in connection with such Tax Proceeding, (v) the Non-controlling Party
shall be entitled to participate in such Tax Proceeding if such Tax Proceeding
could have an adverse impact on the Non-controlling Party or any of its
affiliated Tax Indemnitees and (vi) the Controlling Party shall not settle,
compromise or abandon any such Tax Proceeding without obtaining the prior
written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, of the
Non-controlling Party if such settlement, compromise or abandonment could have
an adverse impact on the Non-controlling Party or any of its affiliated Tax
Indemnitees. "Controlling Party" shall mean whichever of Diageo and General
Xxxxx is reasonably expected to bear the greater Tax liability in connection
with a Straddle Period Tax Proceeding, and "Non-controlling Party" shall mean
whichever of Diageo and General Xxxxx is not the Controlling Party with respect
to such Straddle Period Tax Proceeding.
(d) Post-Closing Taxable Periods. General Xxxxx shall have the right
to control any Tax Proceeding involving any of the Business Entities,
Non-Controlled Foreign Entities or any Subsidiary thereof (other than any Tax
Proceeding which Diageo is entitled to control under Section 7.8(b) or (c)).
Section 7.9. Cooperation. Each party hereto shall, and shall cause its
Subsidiaries and Affiliates to, provide to each of the other parties hereto such
cooperation, documentation and information as any of them reasonably may request
in (i) filing any Return, amended Return or claim for refund, (ii) determining a
liability for Taxes or an indemnity obligation under this Article VII or a right
to refund of Taxes, (iii) conducting any Tax Proceeding or (iv) determining an
allocation of Taxes between a Pre-Closing Period and Post-Closing Period. Such
cooperation and information shall include providing copies of all relevant
portions of relevant Returns, together with all relevant portions of relevant
accompanying schedules and relevant work papers, relevant documents relating to
rulings or other determinations by Taxing Authorities and relevant records
concerning the ownership and Tax basis of property and other informa-
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tion, which any such party may possess. Each party will retain all Returns,
schedules and work papers, and all material records and other documents relating
to Tax matters, of the Business Entities for their respective Tax periods ending
on or prior to the Closing Date until the later of (x) the expiration of the
statute of limitations for the Tax periods to which the Returns and other
documents relate or (y) eight years following the due date (without extension)
for such Returns. Thereafter, the party holding such Returns or other documents
may dispose of them, provided that such party shall give to the other party
written notice prior to doing so. Each party shall make its employees reasonably
available on a mutually convenient basis at its cost to provide explanation of
any documents or information so provided. Each party required to file Returns
pursuant to this Article VII shall bear all costs of filing such Returns.
Section 7.10. Termination of Tax Sharing Agreements. Any and all Tax
allocation or sharing agreements or other agreements or arrangements relating to
Tax matters between any of the Business Entities (or Non-Controlled Foreign
Entities or Subsidiaries thereof) on the one hand and Diageo, Pillsbury
Stockholder or any Continuing Affiliate on the other hand shall be terminated
with respect to each of the Business Entities (and the Non-Controlled Foreign
Entities and Subsidiaries thereof) as of the day before the Closing Date and,
from and after the Closing Date, the Business Entities (and the Non-Controlled
Foreign Entities and Subsidiaries thereof) shall not have any rights or
obligations thereunder for any past or future period.
Section 7.11. General Xxxxx Consolidated Returns. Notwithstanding any
other provision, (a) General Xxxxx shall be entitled to control in all respects,
and neither Diageo, Pillsbury Stockholder nor any Subsidiary or Affiliate of any
of them shall be entitled to participate in, any Tax Proceeding with respect to
any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return that includes General Xxxxx or
any other member of the General Xxxxx Group and (b) General Xxxxx and its
Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall not be required to provide any Person with any
consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return or copy thereof that includes
General Xxxxx or any other member of the General Xxxxx Group (provided, however,
that to the extent that such Tax Returns would be required to be delivered but
for this Section 7.11(b), the Person that would be required to deliver such Tax
Returns shall instead deliver pro forma Tax Returns relating solely to the
Business Entities).
Section 7.12. Diageo Consolidated Returns. Notwithstanding any other
provision, (a) except to the extent set forth in Section 7.8, Diageo shall be
entitled to control in all respects, and neither General Xxxxx nor any of its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates shall be entitled to participate in, any Tax
Proceeding with respect to any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return that
includes Diageo, Pillsbury Stockholder or any Continuing Affiliate and (b)
Diageo and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall not be required to provide any
Person with any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return or copy thereof
that includes Diageo, Pillsbury Stockholder or any other Continuing Affiliate
(provided, however, that to the extent that such Tax Returns would be required
to be delivered but for this Section 7.12(b), the Person that would be required
to deliver such Tax Returns shall instead deliver pro forma Tax Returns relating
solely to the Business Entities).
Section 7.13. Definitions. The following terms shall have the meanings
set forth as follows:
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(a) "Diageo Group" shall mean Diageo and each of its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates, other than the Business Entities.
(b) "Diageo Tax Indemnitees" means Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder
and each of the Continuing Affiliates.
(c) "Diageo Tax Indemnitors" means Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder
and each of the Selling Affiliates.
(d) "General Xxxxx Group" shall mean General Xxxxx and each of its
Subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than the Business Entities.
(e) "General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitees" means General Xxxxx and each of
its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, including the Business Entities.
(f) "General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitors" shall mean General Xxxxx and the
Buying Affiliates.
(g) "Post-Closing Period" means any taxable period or portion thereof
beginning, with respect to the Business Entities, after the Closing Date or, as
the context may require, all such periods and portions.
(h) "Pre-Closing Period" means any taxable period or portion thereof
ending, with respect to the Business Entities, on or before the Closing Date or,
as the context may require, all such periods and portions.
(i) "Returns" or "Tax Returns" means any returns, reports or
statements (including any amended returns or information returns) required to be
filed for purposes of a particular Tax.
(j) "Tax" or "Taxes" means all federal, state, local or foreign net or
gross income, gross receipts, net proceeds, sales, use, ad valorem, value added,
franchise, bank shares, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, property,
alternative minimum, environmental or other taxes, assessments, duties, fees,
levies or other governmental charges of any nature whatsoever, whether disputed
or not, together with any interest, penalties, additions to tax or additional
amounts with respect thereto.
(k) "Tax Claim" means any claim with respect to Taxes made by any
Taxing Authority that, if pursued successfully, would reasonably be expected to
serve as the basis for a claim for indemnification of a Tax Indemnitee under
this Article VII.
(l) "Tax Indemnitee" shall mean a Diageo Tax Indemnitee or a General
Xxxxx Tax Indemnitee.
(m) "Taxing Authority" means any governmental agency, board, bureau,
body, department or authority of any United States federal, state or local
jurisdiction or any foreign jurisdiction, having or purporting to exercise
jurisdiction with respect to any Tax.
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Section 7.14. Survival. The representations and warranties of Diageo
set forth in Section 7.1 shall not survive the Effective Time. The
representations and warranties of General Xxxxx set forth in Section 7.2 shall
survive the Effective Time until the expiration of the applicable statute of
limitations.
Section 7.15. Adjustments. Any indemnification payment hereunder and
any payment made pursuant to Section 2.13 or 2.14 shall be treated for U.S.
federal income Tax purposes as an adjustment to purchase price, except to the
extent otherwise required pursuant to a Determination.
Section 7.16. Tax Transactions. From and after the date hereof through
the Closing Date, none of the Business Entities shall enter into any contract,
agreement or other arrangement relating to (i) Tax indemnification, (ii) the
transfer to, or utilization by, a Person of Tax credits, deductions or other
benefits of another Person or (iii) the transfer or assignment to a Person of
income or revenues of another Person. None of the Business Entities shall become
required to include in income any adjustment pursuant to Section 481 of the Code
(or a comparable provision of state, local or foreign Tax law) by reason of a
voluntary change, on or after the date hereof, in accounting method made by or
at the direction of Diageo. From and after the date hereof through the Closing
Date, none of the Business Entities shall become a party to a transaction being
accounted for as an installment obligation under Section 453 of the Code, a
"reportable transaction" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section
1.6011-4T (without regard to the effective date provisions of such Regulation)
or any other transaction pursuant to which income is economically received in
one taxable period and intended to be reported in a later period.
ARTICLE VIII
Conditions Precedent
--------------------
Section 8.1. Conditions to Each Party's Obligation. The obligations of
Pillsbury, Merger Sub and General Xxxxx to consummate the Merger shall be
subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of all of the
following conditions:
(a) Receipt of Stockholder Approvals. (i) General Xxxxx shall have
obtained the Required General Xxxxx Votes in connection with the approval of the
General Xxxxx Share Issuance and the Charter Amendment by the stockholders of
General Xxxxx and (ii) Diageo shall have obtained the Required Diageo Vote in
connection with the approval of the Transactions by the shareholders of Diageo.
(b) No Injunctions or Restraints, Illegality. No Laws shall have been
adopted or promulgated, and no temporary restraining order, preliminary or
permanent injunction or other order issued by a court or other Governmental
Authority of competent jurisdiction shall be in effect having the effect of
making the Merger or the Subsidiary Purchases illegal or otherwise prohibiting
consummation of the Merger or the Subsidiary Purchases.
(c) HSR Act and EU Approval. The waiting period (and any extension
thereof) applicable to the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been terminated
or shall have
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expired and the notification of and approval by the European Commission (the
"EC") under EU Council Regulation 4064/89, as amended, shall have been received,
if required.
(d) Governmental and Regulatory Approvals. Other than the filings
pursuant to the HSR Act and with the EC, all consents, approvals and actions of,
filings with and notices to any Governmental Authority required of General
Xxxxx, Diageo or any of their Subsidiaries to consummate the Merger and the
Subsidiary Purchases and the other transactions contemplated hereby, the failure
of which to be obtained or made would have or would reasonably be expected to
have a Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect or a General Xxxxx Material Adverse
Effect shall have been obtained or made.
(e) NYSE Listing. The shares of General Xxxxx Common Stock to be
issued in the Merger and delivered pursuant to the Subsidiary Purchases shall
have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
issuance.
(f) Subsidiary Purchases. The Subsidiary Purchases shall be
consummated concurrently with consummation of the Merger.
Section 8.2. Additional Conditions to General Xxxxx' and Merger Sub's
Obligations. The obligations of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub to consummate the
Merger shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of
all of the following additional conditions:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Diageo and Pillsbury.
(i) Each of the representations and warranties of Diageo and Pillsbury set forth
in this Agreement that is qualified as to Pillsbury Material Adverse Effect
shall be true and correct, and each of the representations and warranties of
Diageo and Pillsbury set forth in this Agreement that is not so qualified shall
be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of the date of
this Agreement and as of the Closing Date as though made on and as of the
Closing Date (except to the extent in either case that such representations and
warranties speak as of another date) and (ii) each of the representations and
warranties of the Selling Affiliates in the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements shall
be true and correct in all material respects, in each case when made and as of
the Closing Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the
extent that such representations and warranties speak as of another date).
(b) Performance of Obligations of Diageo and Pillsbury. Each of Diageo
and Pillsbury shall have performed or complied in all material respects with all
agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under this Agreement at
or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Indebtedness. The aggregate outstanding indebtedness of the
Business Entities as of the Closing Date (excluding off balance sheet financing
and operating and capitalized finance leases that are reflected in the profits
and losses statement of the Business Entities in the ordinary course consistent
with past practice) shall not exceed $5.142 billion.
(d) Certificate. General Xxxxx shall have received at the Closing a
certificate dated the Closing Date and validly executed by the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer of each of Diageo and Pillsbury to the
effect that the conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this
Section 8.2 have been satisfied.
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(e) Deliveries. Diageo or the Selling Affiliates shall have delivered
all the certificates, instruments, agreements and other ocuments to be delivered
pursuant to Section 2.11.
Section 8.3. Additional Conditions to Pillsbury's Obligation.
Pillsbury's obligation to consummate the Merger shall be subject to the
satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of all of the following additional
conditions:
(a) Representations, Warranties and Covenants of General Xxxxx and
Merger Sub. (i) Each of the representations and warranties of General Xxxxx and
Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement that is qualified as to General Xxxxx
Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct, and each of the
representations and warranties of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub set forth in this
Agreement that is not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material
respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing
Date as though made on and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent in
either case that such representations and warranties speak as of another date)
and (ii) each of the representations and warranties of the Buying Affiliates in
the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements shall be true and correct in all material
respects, in each case when made and as of the Closing Date as though made on
and as of the Closing Date (except to the extent that such representations and
warranties speak as of another date).
(b) Performance of Obligations of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub. Each
of General Xxxxx and Merger Sub shall have performed or complied in all material
respects with all agreements and covenants required to be performed by it under
this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.
(c) Certificate. Diageo shall have received at the Closing a
certificate dated the Closing Date and validly executed by the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer of General Xxxxx to the effect that the
conditions specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 8.3 have been
satisfied.
(d) Tax Opinion of Diageo's Counsel. Diageo shall have received from
Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx, special tax counsel to Diageo, a written opinion dated as
of the Closing Date to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a
"reorganization" within the meaning of Code Section 368. In rendering such
opinion, counsel to Diageo shall be entitled to rely upon information,
representations and assumptions provided by General Xxxxx in an officer's
certificate containing solely the representations set forth in Section 7.2 and
by Diageo in an officer's certificate.
(e) Deliveries. General Xxxxx or the Buying Affiliates shall have
delivered to Diageo all the certificates, instruments, agreements and other
documents to be delivered pursuant to Section 2.12.
ARTICLE IX
Survival; Indemnification
-------------------------
Section 9.1. Survival. (a) The representations and warranties of
Diageo and Pillsbury contained in this Agreement shall survive the Effective
Time until the first anniversary
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of the Effective Time, except the representations and warranties set forth (i)
in Section 3.18 which shall survive the Effective Time until the second
anniversary of the Effective Time and (ii) in Article VII, whose survival shall
be as set forth in Article VII. The representations and warranties of General
Xxxxx and Merger Sub contained in this Agreement shall survive the Effective
Time until the first anniversary of the Effective Time, except the
representations and warranties set forth in Article VII, whose survival shall be
as set forth in Article VII.
(b) The covenants and agreements of the parties hereto contained in
this Agreement which by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in
part after the Effective Time and this Article IX shall survive the Effective
Time.
Section 9.2. Indemnification by Diageo. (a) Subject to Section 9.5(a)
hereof, from and after the Closing Date, Diageo, the Pillsbury Stockholder and
the Selling Affiliates (the "Diageo Indemnifying Parties") shall indemnify and
hold harmless General Xxxxx and its Subsidiaries (including the Business
Entities) and their respective officers, directors and Affiliates (collectively,
the "General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all Covered
Losses suffered by such General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties resulting from or
arising out of (i) any inaccuracy in or breach of any of the representations or
warranties (without giving effect to any materiality qualifiers contained
therein) (A) of Diageo or Pillsbury in this Agreement (other than those set
forth in Article VII hereof, indemnity for which is addressed in Article VII)
and (B) of the Selling Affiliates in the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, in each
case when made, and, except for representations and warranties that speak of a
specific date or time (which need only be true and correct as of such date and
time), on and as of the Closing Date, (ii) any breach or nonfulfillment of any
covenants or agreements made by Diageo or Pillsbury herein or by the Selling
Affiliates in the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements and (iii) any liability or
obligation of any of the Business Entities arising from or relating to any
business other than the Business.
(b) The General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties shall not be entitled to
assert any indemnification pursuant to clause (i) of Section 9.2(a): (i) after
the second anniversary of the Closing Date, with respect to such inaccuracies in
or breaches of the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.18
hereof, or (ii) after the first anniversary of the Closing Date, with respect to
all other inaccuracies in or breaches of the representations and warranties of
Diageo or Pillsbury contained in any other Section hereof or of the Selling
Affiliates contained in the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements; provided that if on
or prior to such first or second anniversary of the Closing Date, as the case
may be, a Notice of Claim shall have been given to Diageo pursuant to Section
9.4 hereof for such indemnification, the General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties shall
continue to have the right to be indemnified with respect to such
indemnification claim until such claim for indemnification has been satisfied or
otherwise resolved as provided in this Article IX.
Section 9.3. Indemnification by General Xxxxx. (a) Subject to Section
9.5(b) hereof, from and after the Closing Date, General Xxxxx and the Buying
Affiliates (the "General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties") shall indemnify and hold
harmless Diageo and its Subsidiaries (excluding the Business Entities) and their
respective officers, directors and Affiliates (collectively, the "Diageo
Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all Covered Losses suffered by
such Diageo Indemnified Parties resulting from or arising out of (i) any
inaccuracy in or breach of any of the representations or warranties (without
giving effect to any materiality qualifiers contained therein) (A) of General
Xxxxx or Merger Sub in this Agreement (other than those set forth in Arti-
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cle VII hereof, indemnity for which is addressed in Article VII) and (B) of the
Buying Affiliates in the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, in each case when made,
and, except for representations and warranties that speak of a specific date or
time (which need only be true and correct as of such date and time), on and as
of the Closing Date, (ii) any breach or nonfulfillment of any covenants or
agreements made by General Xxxxx or Merger Sub herein or by the Buying
Affiliates in the Subsidiary Purchase Agreements and (iii) any liability or
obligation of any of the Business Entities other than those for which the Diageo
Indemnified Parties have indemnified the General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties
pursuant to Section 9.2.
(b) The Diageo Indemnified Parties shall not be entitled to assert any
indemnification pursuant to clause (i) of Section 9.3(a) after the first
anniversary of the Closing Date; provided that if on or prior to such first
anniversary of the Closing Date a Notice of Claim shall have been given to
General Xxxxx pursuant to Section 9.4 hereof for such indemnification, the
Diageo Indemnified Parties shall continue to have the right to be indemnified
with respect to such indemnification claim until such claim for indemnification
has been satisfied or otherwise resolved as provided in this Article IX
Section 9.4. Indemnification Procedures. (a) Upon obtaining knowledge
of any claim or demand which has given rise to, or is expected to give rise to,
a claim for indemnification hereunder, General Xxxxx or Diageo, as the case may
be, shall give written notice ("Notice of Claim") of such claim or demand to the
other. The party giving such Notice of Claim shall furnish to the other party in
reasonable detail such information as the General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties or
the Diageo Indemnified Parties, as the case may be, may have with respect to
such indemnification claim (including copies of any summons, complaint or other
pleading which may have been served on it and any written claim, demand,
invoice, billing or other document evidencing or asserting the same). Subject to
the limitations set forth in Sections 9.2(b) and 9.3(b) hereof, no failure or
delay by General Xxxxx or Diageo in the performance of the foregoing shall
reduce or otherwise affect the obligation of the Diageo Indemnifying Parties or
the General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties, respectively, to indemnify and hold the
General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties or the Diageo Indemnified Parties,
respectively, harmless, except to the extent that such failure or delay shall
have actually adversely affected the General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties' or
Diageo Indemnifying Parties', as the case may be, ability to defend against,
settle or satisfy any Covered Losses for which the party seeking indemnification
is entitled to indemnification hereunder.
(b) If the claim or demand set forth in the Notice of Claim given
pursuant to Section 9.4(a) hereof is a claim or demand asserted by a third
party, the party receiving such Notice of Claim shall have 15 days after the
date on which Notice of Claim is given to notify the party giving such Notice of
Claim in writing of its election to defend such third party claim or demand on
behalf of the party seeking indemnification. If the party receiving such Notice
of Claim elects, on behalf of the General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties or Diageo
Indemnifying Parties, as the case may be, to defend such third party claim or
demand, the party seeking indemnification shall make available to the
indemnifying party and its agents and representatives all records and other
materials which are reasonably required in the defense of such third party claim
or demand and shall otherwise cooperate with, and assist the indemnifying party
in the defense of, such third party claim or demand, and so long as Diageo or
General Xxxxx, as the case may be, is defending such third party claim in good
faith, the General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties
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or Diageo Indemnified Parties, as applicable, shall not pay, settle or
compromise such third party claim or demand. In such case, the General Xxxxx
Indemnifying Parties or the Diageo Indemnifying Parties, as the case may be, may
pay, settle or compromise such third party claim or demand (i) with the written
consent of Diageo or General Xxxxx, on behalf of the Diageo Indemnified Parties
or the General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties, as the case may be, or (ii) without
such consent, so long as such settlement includes (A) an unconditional release
of the Diageo Indemnified Parties or the General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties, as
the case may be, from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation, (B)
does not subject the indemnified parties to any material injunctive relief or
other material equitable remedy, and (C) does not include a statement or
admission of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of any
indemnified party. If the party receiving such Notice of Claim elects to defend
such third party claim or demand, the General Xxxxx Indemnified Party or the
Diageo Indemnified Party, as the case may be, shall have the right to
participate in the defense of such third party claim or demand, at such
indemnified party's own expense. In the event, however, that such indemnified
party reasonably determines that representation by counsel to the indemnifying
parties of both such indemnifying parties and the indemnified party could
reasonably be expected to present such counsel with a conflict of interest, then
the indemnified party may employ separate counsel to represent or defend it in
any such action or proceeding and the indemnifying parties will pay the fees and
expenses of such counsel; provided, that the Diageo Indemnifying Parties or the
General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties, as the case may be, shall not, in connection
with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable
for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in
addition to local counsel) at any time for all General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties
or Diageo Indemnified Parties, as the case may be. If the party receiving such
Notice of Claim does not elect to defend such third party claim or demand or
does not defend such third party claim or demand in good faith, the General
Xxxxx Indemnified Parties or Diageo Indemnified Parties, as the case may be,
shall have the right, in addition to any other right or remedy they may have
hereunder, at the Diageo Indemnifying Parties' or General Xxxxx Indemnifying
Parties', as the case may be, expense, to defend such third party claim or
demand; provided, however, that (i) such General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties or
Diageo Indemnified Parties, as the case may be, shall not have any obligation to
participate in the defense of, or defend, any such third party claim or demand;
(ii) such General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties' or Diageo Indemnified Parties', as
the case may be, defense of or participation in the defense of any such third
party claim or demand shall not in any way diminish or lessen the obligations of
the Diageo Indemnifying Parties or General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties, as
applicable, under the agreements of indemnification set forth in this Article
IX; and (iii) such General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties or Diageo Indemnified
Parties, as the case may be, may not settle any claim without the consent of
Diageo or General Xxxxx, respectively, on behalf of the Diageo Indemnifying
Parties or General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties, respectively (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).
(c) Diageo and General Xxxxx shall cooperate in the defense of any
claim or litigation subject to this Article IX and the records of each shall be
available to the other with respect to such defense.
(d) Except for third party claims being defended in good faith, (i)
Diageo shall satisfy the Diageo Indemnifying Parties' obligations under this
Article IX in respect of a valid claim for indemnification hereunder which is
not contested by Diageo in good faith, at its election, either (A) in cash or
(B) by payment in the form of a number of shares of General Xxxxx
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Common Stock equal to (x) the amount of such obligation divided by (y) Market
Value on the date of delivery of such shares, in either case within 30 days
after the date on which Notice of Claim is given and (ii) General Xxxxx shall
satisfy the General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties' obligations under this Article
IX in respect of a valid claim for indemnification hereunder which is not
contested by General Xxxxx in good faith within 30 days after the date on which
Notice of Claim is given by payment in the form of a number of shares of General
Xxxxx Common Stock equal to (A) the amount of such obligation divided by (B) the
Market Value on the date of delivery of such shares.
Section 9.5. Limitations on Indemnification. (a) The Diageo
Indemnifying Parties shall have no liability for indemnification pursuant to
clause (i) of Section 9.2(a) with respect to Covered Losses for which
indemnification is provided thereunder, unless such Covered Losses exceed in the
aggregate $100 million, in which case the Diageo Indemnifying Parties shall be
liable for all such Covered Losses in excess of such amount; provided, that the
Diageo Indemnifying Parties shall have no liability for such Covered Losses (and
such Covered Losses will not be aggregated for purposes of such $100 million) in
connection with any individual claim or series of related claims unless the
aggregate amount of Covered Losses associated with such claim or series of
related claims exceeds $5 million.
(b) The General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties shall have no liability for
indemnification pursuant to clause (i) of Section 9.3(a) with respect to Covered
Losses for which indemnification is provided thereunder, unless such Covered
Losses exceed in the aggregate $100 million, in which case the General Xxxxx
Indemnifying Parties shall be liable for all such Covered Losses in excess of
such amount; provided, that the General Xxxxx Indemnifying Parties shall have no
liability for such Covered Losses (and such Covered Losses will not be
aggregated for purposes of such $100 million) in connection with any individual
claim or any series of related claims unless the aggregate amount of Covered
Losses associated with such claim or series of related claims exceeds $5
million.
Section 9.6. Exclusive Tax Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in this Article IX, the above provisions of this Article IX
shall not apply to Tax indemnification matters, which matters shall instead be
governed by Article VII.
ARTICLE X
Termination
-----------
Section 10.1. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any
time prior to the Closing by:
(a) General Xxxxx and Diageo by mutual written consent;
(b) either General Xxxxx or Diageo if the Effective Time shall not
have occurred by the close of business on March 31, 2001 (the "Termination
Date"); provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant
to this Section 10.1(b) shall not be available to (i) General Xxxxx, if its or
Merger Sub's failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the
cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Effective Time to occur on or
before the
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Termination Date or (ii) Diageo, if its or Pillsbury's failure to fulfill any
obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the
failure of the Effective Time to occur on or before the Termination Date;
(c) either General Xxxxx or Diageo if any Governmental Authority shall
have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action (which such
party shall have used its reasonable best efforts to resist, resolve or lift, as
applicable, in accordance with Section 5.2) permanently restraining, enjoining
or otherwise prohibiting the Merger or the Subsidiary Purchases, and such order,
decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable;
(d) by either General Xxxxx or Diageo if (i) the General Xxxxx
Stockholders Approval shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to
obtain the Required General Xxxxx Votes in connection with the approval of the
General Xxxxx Share Issuance and the Charter Amendment or (ii) the Diageo
Shareholders Approval shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to
obtain the Required Diageo Vote in connection with the approval of the
Transactions, in each case upon the taking of such vote(s) at a duly held
meeting of stockholders or shareholders of General Xxxxx or Diageo, as the case
may be, or at any adjournment thereof; or
(e) (i) by General Xxxxx, prior to the Diageo Shareholders Meeting, if
the Board of Directors of Diageo shall have withdrawn or modified in any manner
adverse to General Xxxxx its recommendation that the shareholders of Diageo
approve the Transactions or shall have resolved to take any such action, or (ii)
by Diageo, prior to the General Xxxxx Stockholders Meeting, if the Board of
Directors of General Xxxxx shall have withdrawn or modified in any manner
adverse to Diageo its recommendation that the stockholders of General Xxxxx
approve the General Xxxxx Share Issuance and the Charter Amendment or shall have
resolved to take any such action.
Section 10.2. Procedure and Effect of Termination. In the event of
termination of this Agreement by either or both of Diageo and General Xxxxx
pursuant to Section 10.1, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given by the
terminating party to the other, and this Agreement shall thereupon terminate and
become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall
be abandoned without further action by the parties hereto, except that the
provisions of Section 10.3 and Article XI shall survive the termination of this
Agreement; provided, however, that such termination shall not relieve any party
hereto of any liability for any breach of this Agreement.
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Section 10.3. Termination Fees. (a) Fee Payable by General Xxxxx. In
the event that this Agreement is terminated by General Xxxxx or Diageo pursuant
to Section 10.1(d)(i), General Xxxxx shall pay to Diageo a termination fee of
$105 million; provided that in the event that at the time of the General Xxxxx
Stockholders Meeting a Business Combination Proposal with respect to General
Xxxxx shall have been publicly announced or otherwise become known to the
stockholders of General Xxxxx generally, the fee payable by General Xxxxx to
Diageo pursuant to this sentence shall be increased to $315 million. In the
event that this Agreement is terminated by Diageo pursuant to Section
10.1(e)(ii), General Xxxxx shall pay to Diageo a termination fee of $315
million.
(b) Fee Payable by Diageo. In the event that this Agreement is
terminated by General Xxxxx or Diageo pursuant to Section 10.1(d)(ii), Diageo
shall pay to General Xxxxx a termination fee of $105 million; provided that in
the event that at the time of the Diageo Shareholders Meeting an Acquisition
Proposal or a Business Combination Proposal with respect to Diageo shall have
been publicly announced or otherwise become known to the shareholders of Diageo
generally, the fee payable by Diageo to General Xxxxx pursuant to this sentence
shall be increased to $315 million. In the event that General Xxxxx terminates
this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.1(e)(i), Diageo shall pay to General Xxxxx
a termination fee of $315 million.
(c) Making of Payments. Any payments required to be made by General
Xxxxx or Diageo pursuant to this Section 10.3 shall be made promptly following
the termination of this Agreement, by wire transfer in immediately available
funds, to the account specified by the other party.
ARTICLE XI
Miscellaneous
-------------
Section 11.1. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement,
and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by
each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.
Section 11.2. Governing Law; Jurisdiction and Forum; Waiver of Jury
Trial. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the choice of law
principles thereof.
(b) Each of the parties hereto irrevocably submits to the exclusive
jurisdiction of any Delaware state or federal court of appropriate jurisdiction
in any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Subsidiary
Purchase Agreements, and hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of
such Action may be heard and determined in such Delaware state or federal court.
Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it
may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance
of such Action. The parties further agree, to the extent permitted by applicable
Law, that any final and unappealable judgment against any of them in any Action
contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any other
jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on the
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judgment, a certified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the fact and
amount of such judgment.
(c) To the extent that any party hereto has or hereafter may acquire
any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether
through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of
execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, such
party hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations with
respect to this Agreement.
(d) Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
Law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any Action arising
out of or relating to this Agreement. Each party certifies that it has been
induced to enter into this Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers
and certifications set forth above in this Section 11.2.
Section 11.3. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Ancillary
Agreements, the Schedules and Exhibits hereto and thereto, and the
Confidentiality Agreement contain the entire agreement between the parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof and there are no agreements,
understandings, representations or warranties between the parties other than
those set forth or referred to herein. Except for Section 7.3, which is intended
to benefit, and to be enforceable by, the General Xxxxx Tax Indemnitees and the
Diageo Tax Indemnitees, Section 9.2 which is intended to benefit, and be
enforceable by, the General Xxxxx Indemnified Parties, and Section 9.3 which is
intended to benefit, and be enforceable by, the Diageo Indemnified Parties, this
Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person not a party hereto (and
their successors and assigns permitted by Section 11.6) any rights or remedies
hereunder.
Section 11.4. Expenses. Except as set forth in this Agreement and the
Subsidiary Purchase Agreements, whether the Merger is or is not consummated, all
legal, investment banking and other costs and expenses incurred in connection
with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by
the party incurring such costs and expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, any
costs incurred in connection with the Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby by Diageo and its Subsidiaries (including Pillsbury, the
Purchased Entities and their respective Subsidiaries) prior to the Closing,
including any arrangements referred to in Section 3.14 with respect to the
Diageo Financial Advisors (including any indemnity obligations to the Diageo
Financial Advisors), shall be deemed incurred by Diageo or one or more of the
Continuing Affiliates, and not by any of the Business Entities.
Section 11.5. Notices. All notices hereunder shall be sufficiently
given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and delivered personally, sent by
documented overnight delivery service or, to the extent receipt is confirmed,
telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission service to the appropriate
address or number as set forth below. Notices to Diageo or Pillsbury shall be
addressed to:
Diageo plc
0 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx X0X0XX
Attn.: Group General Counsel
Telecopy No.: 011-44207-927-4864
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with a copy to:
Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as Diageo may
designate by written notice to General Xxxxx. Notices to General Xxxxx or Merger
Sub shall be addressed to:
General Xxxxx, Inc.
Number Xxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx.
Xxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
Attn.: General Counsel
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Wachtell, Lipton, Xxxxx & Xxxx
00 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Esq.
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as General
Xxxxx may designate by written notice to Diageo.
Section 11.6. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that no party hereto will assign its
rights or delegate any or all of its obligations under this Agreement without
the express prior written consent of each other party hereto.
Section 11.7. Headings; Definitions. The section and article headings
contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and
will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All references
to Sections or Articles contained herein mean Sections or Articles of this
Agreement unless otherwise stated. All capitalized terms defined herein are
equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of such terms. The
terms "hereof", "herein", and "herewith" and words of similar import shall,
unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole
(including all of the Exhibits hereto) and not to any particular provision of
this Agreement. The word "including" and words of similar import when used in
this Agreement shall mean "including without limitation" unless the context
otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified. All references in this
Agreement to any period of days shall be deemed to be to the relevant number of
calendar days unless otherwise specified.
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Section 11.8. Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may not be
modified or amended except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by
the party against whom enforcement of any such modification or amendment is
sought. Any party hereto may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance
by another party hereto with any term or provision of this Agreement on the part
of such other party hereto to be performed or complied with. The waiver by any
party hereto of a breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall not be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.
Section 11.9. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that
irreparable damage would occur in the event that any party fails to consummate
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement and that the parties shall be entitled to specific performance in
such event, in addition to any other remedy or law or in equity.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.
GENERAL XXXXX, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
GENERAL XXXXX NORTH AMERICAN BUSINESSES,
INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title: Executive Vice President
DIAGEO plc
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Group Chief Operating
Officer
THE PILLSBURY COMPANY
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Chairman of the Board
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