STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of January 26, 2001 (this
"Agreement"), between Royal Bank of Canada, a Canadian chartered bank
("Grantee"), and Centura Banks, Inc., a North Carolina corporation ("Issuer").
RECITALS
A. Merger Agreement. Grantee and Issuer have entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 26, 2001 (the "Merger Agreement"), which
agreement was executed and delivered on the date of this Stock Option Agreement,
pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of Grantee to be organized under the
laws of the State of North Carolina is to merge with and into Issuer (the
"Merger"); and
B. Option. As a condition to Grantee's entering into the Merger
Agreement and in consideration therefor, Issuer has agreed to grant Grantee the
Option (as hereinafter defined).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants and agreements set forth herein and in the Merger Agreement, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Grant of Option. (a) Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an
unconditional, irrevocable option (the "Option") to purchase, subject to the
terms hereof, up to an aggregate of 7,858,534 fully paid and nonassessable
shares of the common stock, no par value, of Issuer ("Common Stock") at a price
per share equal to U.S. $44.69 (the "Option Price"); provided, however, that in
no event shall the number of shares for which this Option is exercisable exceed
19.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. The number of shares
of Common Stock that may be received upon the exercise of the Option and the
Option Price are subject to adjustment as herein set forth.
(b) In the event that any additional shares of Common Stock are issued
or otherwise become outstanding after the date of this Agreement (other than
pursuant to this Agreement and other than pursuant to an event described in
Section 5 hereof), the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Option
shall be increased so that, after such issuance, such number together with any
shares of Common Stock previously issued pursuant hereto, equals 19.9% of the
number of shares of Common Stock then issued and outstanding. Nothing contained
in this Section l(b) or elsewhere in this Agreement shall be deemed to authorize
Issuer to issue shares in breach of any provision of the Merger Agreement.
2. Exercise. (a) The Holder (as hereinafter defined) may exercise the
Option, in whole or part, if, but only if, both an Initial Triggering Event (as
hereinafter defined) and a Subsequent Triggering Event (as hereinafter defined)
shall have occurred prior to the occurrence of an Exercise Termination Event (as
hereinafter defined), provided that the Holder shall have sent the written
notice of such exercise (as provided in subsection (e) of this Section 2) within
90 days following such Subsequent Triggering Event (or such later period as
provided in Section 10). Each of the following shall be
an "Exercise Termination Event": (i) the Effective Time (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) of the Merger; (ii) termination of the Merger Agreement in
accordance with the provisions thereof if such termination occurs prior to the
occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event except a termination by Grantee
pursuant to Section 8.01(b) of the Merger Agreement (unless the breach by Issuer
giving rise to such right of termination is non-volitional) (a "Listed
Termination"); or (iii) the passage of eighteen (18) months (or such longer
period as provided in Section 10) after termination of the Merger Agreement if
such termination follows the occurrence of an Initial Triggering Event or is a
Listed Termination. The term "Holder" shall mean the holder or holders of the
Option. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Option
may not be exercised at any time when Grantee shall be in material breach of any
of its covenants or agreements contained in the Merger Agreement such that
Issuer shall be entitled to terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section
8.01(b) thereof.
(b) The term "Initial Triggering Event" shall mean any of the following
events or transactions occurring on or after the date hereof:
(i) Issuer or any of its Significant Subsidiaries (as defined in
Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC")) (the "Issuer Subsidiaries"), without having
received Grantee's prior written consent, shall have entered into an
agreement to engage in an Acquisition Transaction (as hereinafter
defined) with any person (the term "person" for purposes of this
Agreement having the meaning assigned thereto in Sections 3(a)(9) and
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934
Act"), and the rules and regulations thereunder) other than Grantee or
any of its Subsidiaries (each a "Grantee Subsidiary"), or the Board of
Directors of Issuer (the "Issuer Board") shall have recommended that
the stockholders of Issuer approve or accept any Acquisition
Transaction with any person other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary.
For purposes of this Agreement, (a) "Acquisition Transaction" shall
mean (x) a merger or consolidation, or any similar transaction,
involving Issuer or any Issuer Subsidiary, provided, however, that in
no event shall any merger, consolidation or similar transaction
involving only the Issuer and one or more of its Subsidiaries or
involving only any two or more of such Subsidiaries, if such
transaction is not in violation of the terms of the Merger Agreement,
be deemed to be an Acquisition Transaction, (y) a purchase, lease or
other acquisition of all or any substantial part of the assets or
business operations of Issuer or any Issuer Subsidiary, or (z) a
purchase or other acquisition (including by way of merger,
consolidation, share exchange or other wise) of securities representing
10% or more of the voting power of Issuer or any Issuer Subsidiary and
(b) "Subsidiary" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 under
the 1934 Act;
(ii) Any person other than the Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary
shall have acquired beneficial ownership or the right to acquire
beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock (the term "beneficial ownership" for purposes of this Agreement
having the meaning assigned thereto in Section 13(d) of the 1934 Act,
and the rules and regulations thereunder);
-2-
(iii) The shareholders of Issuer shall have voted and failed to
approve the Merger Agreement at a meeting which has been held for that
purpose or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or such meeting
shall not have been held or shall have been canceled prior to
termination of the Merger Agreement if, prior to such meeting (or if
such meeting shall not have been held or shall have been canceled,
prior to such termination), it shall have been publicly announced that
any person (other than Grantee or any of its Subsidiaries) shall have
made, or disclosed an intention to make, a bona fide proposal to engage
in an Acquisition Transaction;
(iv) The Issuer Board shall have withdrawn, modified or qualified
(or publicly announced its intention to withdraw, modify or qualify) in
any manner adverse in any respect to Grantee its recommendation that
the shareholders of Issuer approve the transactions contemplated by the
Merger Agreement in anticipation of engaging in an Acquisition
Transaction, or Issuer shall have authorized, recom mended, proposed
(or publicly announced its intention to authorize, recommend or
propose) an agreement to engage in an Acquisition Transaction with any
person other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary;
(v) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary shall
have filed with the SEC a registration statement or tender offer
materials with respect to a potential exchange or tender offer that
would constitute an Acquisition Transaction (or filed a preliminary
proxy statement with the SEC with respect to a potential vote by its
shareholders to approve the issuance of shares to be offered in such an
exchange offer);
(vi) Issuer shall have willfully breached any covenant or
obligation contained in the Merger Agreement after an overture is made
by a third party to Issuer or its shareholders to engage in an
Acquisition Transaction, and (a) following such breach Grantee would be
entitled to terminate the Merger Agreement (whether immediately or
after the giving of notice or passage of time or both) and (b) such
breach shall not have been cured prior to the Notice Date (as defined
in Section 2(e)); or
(vii) Any person other than Grantee or any Grantee Subsidiary,
without Grantee's prior written consent, shall have filed an
application or notice with any regulatory or antitrust authority
regarding an Acquisition Transaction.
(c) The term "Subsequent Triggering Event" shall mean any of the
following events or transactions occurring after the date hereof:
(i) The acquisition by any person (other than Grantee or any
Grantee Subsidiary) of beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the then
outstanding Common Stock; or
-3-
(ii) The occurrence of the Initial Triggering Event described in
clause (i) of subsection (b) of this Section 2, except that the
percentage referred to in clause (z) of the second sentence thereof
shall be 25%.
(d) Issuer shall notify Grantee promptly in writing of the occurrence
of any Initial Triggering Event or Subsequent Triggering Event (together, a
"Triggering Event"), it being understood that the giving of such notice by
Issuer shall not be a condition to the right of the Holder to exercise the
Option.
(e) In the event the Holder is entitled to and wishes to exercise the
Option (or any portion thereof), it shall send to Issuer a written notice (the
date of which being herein referred to as the "Notice Date") specifying (i) the
total number of shares it will purchase pursuant to such exercise and (ii) a
place and date not earlier than three business days nor later than 60 business
days from the Notice Date for the closing of such purchase (the "Closing Date");
provided, that if prior notification to or approval of any United States or
foreign regulatory or antitrust agency is required in connection with such
purchase, the Holder shall promptly file the required notice or application for
approval, shall promptly notify Issuer of such filing and shall expeditiously
process the same and the period of time that otherwise would run pursuant to
this sentence shall run instead from the date on which any required notification
periods have expired or been terminated or such approvals have been obtained and
any requisite waiting period or periods shall have passed. Any exercise of the
Option shall be deemed to occur on the Notice Date relating thereto.
(f) At the closing referred to in subsection (e) of this Section 2, the
Holder shall (i) pay to Issuer the aggregate purchase price for the shares of
Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option in immediately
available funds by wire transfer to a bank account designated by Issuer and (ii)
present and surrender this Agreement to Issuer at its principal executive
offices, provided that the failure or refusal of the Issuer to designate such a
bank account or accept surrender of this Agreement shall not preclude the Holder
from exercising the Option.
(g) At such closing, simultaneously with the delivery of immediately
available funds as provided in subsection (f) of this Section 2, Issuer shall
deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing the number of
shares of Common Stock purchased by the Holder and, if the Option should be
exercised in part only, a new Option evidencing the rights of the Holder thereof
to purchase the balance of the shares purchasable hereunder.
-4-
(h) Certificates for Common Stock delivered at a closing hereunder may
be endorsed with a restrictive legend that shall read substantially as follows:
"The transfer of the shares represented by this certificate is
subject to certain provisions of an agreement between the registered
holder hereof and Issuer and to resale restrictions arising under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A copy of such agreement is on file
at the principal office of Issuer and will be provided to the holder
hereof without charge upon receipt by Issuer of a written request
therefor."
It is understood and agreed that: (i) the reference to the resale restrictions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") in the above legend
shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such reference
if the Holder shall have delivered to Issuer a copy of a letter from the staff
of the SEC, or an opinion of counsel, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Issuer, to the effect that such legend is not required for
purposes of the 1933 Act; (ii) the reference to the provisions of this Agreement
in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s)
without such reference if the shares have been sold or transferred in compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement and under circumstances that do not
require the retention of such reference in the opinion of counsel to the Holder,
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer; and (iii) the
legend shall be removed in its entirety if the conditions in the preceding
clauses (i) and (ii) are both satisfied. In addition, such certificates shall
bear any other legend as may be required by law.
(i) Upon the giving by the Holder to Issuer of the written notice of
exercise of the Option provided for under subsection (e) of this Section 2 and
the tender of the applicable purchase price in immediately available funds, the
Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon such exercise, notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of
Issuer shall then be closed or that certificates representing such shares of
Common Stock shall not then be actually delivered to the Holder. Issuer shall
pay all expenses, and any and all United States federal, state and local taxes
and other charges that may be payable in connection with the preparation, issue
and delivery of stock certificates under this Section 2 in the name of the
Holder or its assignee, transferee or designee.
3. Covenants of Issuer. Issuer agrees: (i) that it shall at all times
maintain, free from preemptive rights, sufficient authorized but unissued or
treasury shares of Common Stock so that the Option may be exercised without
additional authorization of Common Stock after giving effect to all other
options, warrants, convertible securities and other rights to purchase Common
Stock; (ii) that it will not, by charter amendment or through reorganization,
consolidation, merger, dissolution or sale of assets, or by any other voluntary
act, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the
covenants, stipulations or conditions to be observed or performed hereunder by
Issuer; (iii) promptly to take all action as may from time to time be required
(including (x) complying with all applicable premerger notification, reporting
and waiting period requirements specified in 15 U.S.C. Section 18a and
-5-
regulations promulgated thereunder and (y) in the event prior approval of or
notice to any state or other United States federal or foreign regulatory
authority is necessary before the Option may be exercised, cooperating fully
with the Holder in preparing such applications or notices and providing such
information to such state or other United States federal or foreign regulatory
authority as they may require) in order to permit the Holder to exercise the
Option and Issuer duly and effectively to issue shares of Common Stock pursuant
hereto; and (iv) promptly to take all action provided herein to protect the
rights of the Holder against dilution.
4. Exchange. This Agreement (and the Option granted hereby) are
exchangeable, without expense, at the option of the Holder, upon presentation
and surrender of this Agreement at the principal office of Issuer, for other
Agreements providing for Options of different denominations entitling the holder
thereof to purchase, on the same terms and subject to the same conditions as are
set forth herein, in the aggregate the same number of shares of Common Stock
purchasable hereunder. The terms "Agreement" and "Option" as used herein include
any Agreements and related Options for which this Agreement (and the Option
granted hereby) may be exchanged. Upon receipt by Issuer of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this
Agreement, and (in the case of loss, theft or destruction) of reasonably
satisfactory indemnification, and upon surrender and cancellation of this
Agreement, if mutilated, Issuer will execute and deliver a new Agreement of like
tenor and date. Any such new Agreement executed and delivered shall constitute
an additional contractual obligation on the part of Issuer, whether or not the
Agreement so lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated shall at any time be
enforceable by anyone.
5. Certain Adjustments. In addition to the adjustment in the number of
shares of Common Stock that are purchasable upon exercise of the Option pursuant
to Section 1 of this Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable
upon the exercise of the Option and the Option Price shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time as provided in this Section 5. In the event of any
change in Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend, stock split, split-up,
recapitalization, stock combination, exchange of shares or similar transaction,
the type and number of shares or securities subject to the Option, and the
Option Price therefor, shall be adjusted appropriately, and proper provision
shall be made in the agreements governing such transaction so that Grantee shall
receive, upon exercise of the Option, the number and class of shares or other
securities or property that Grantee would have received in respect of Common
Stock if the Option had been exercised immediately prior to such event, or the
record date therefor, as applicable. If any additional shares of Common Stock
are issued after the date of this Agreement (other than pursuant to an event
described in the first sentence of this Section 5), the number of shares of
Common Stock subject to the Option shall be adjusted so that, after such
issuance, it, together with any shares of Common Stock previously issued
pursuant hereto, equals 19.9% of the number of shares of Common Stock then
issued and outstanding.
-6-
6. Registration Rights. Upon the occurrence of a Subsequent Triggering
Event that occurs prior to an Exercise Termination Event, Issuer shall, at the
request of Grantee delivered within twelve (12) months (or such later period as
provided in Section 10) of such Subsequent Triggering Event (whether on its own
behalf or on behalf of any subsequent holder of this Option (or part thereof) or
any of the shares of Common Stock issued pursuant hereto), promptly prepare,
file and keep current a registration statement under the 1933 Act covering any
shares issued and issuable pursuant to this Option and shall use its reasonable
best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and remain
current in order to permit the sale or other disposition of any shares of Common
Stock issued upon total or partial exercise of this Option ("Option Shares") in
accordance with any plan of disposition requested by Grantee. Issuer will use
its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement promptly to
become effective and then to remain effective for such period not in excess of
180 days from the day such registration statement first becomes effective or
such shorter time as may be reasonably necessary to effect such sales or other
dispositions. Grantee shall have the right to demand two such registrations. The
Issuer shall bear the costs of such registrations (including, but not limited
to, Issuer's attorneys' fees, printing costs and filing fees, except for
underwriting discounts or commissions, brokers' fees and the fees and
disbursements of Grantee's counsel related thereto). The foregoing
notwithstanding, if, at the time of any request by Grantee for registration of
Option Shares as provided above, Issuer is in registration with respect to an
underwritten public offering by Issuer of shares of Common Stock, and if in the
good faith judgment of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters, or, if
none, the sole underwriter or underwriters, of such offering the offer and sale
of the Option Shares would interfere with the successful marketing of the shares
of Common Stock offered by Issuer, the number of Option Shares otherwise to be
covered in the registration statement contemplated hereby may be reduced;
provided, however, that after any such required reduction, the number of Option
Shares to be included in such offering for the account of the Holder shall
constitute at least 331/3% of the total number of shares to be sold by the
Holder and Issuer in the aggregate; and provided further, however, that if such
reduction occurs, then Issuer shall file a registration statement for the
balance as promptly as practicable thereafter as to which no reduction pursuant
to this Section 6 shall be permitted or occur and the Holder shall thereafter be
entitled to one additional registration and the twelve (12) month period
referred to in the first sentence of this section shall be increased to
twenty-four (24) months. Each such Holder shall provide all information
reasonably requested by Issuer for inclusion in any registration statement to be
filed hereunder. If requested by any such Holder in connection with such
registration, Issuer shall become a party to any underwriting agreement relating
to the sale of such shares, but only to the extent of obligating itself in
respect of representations, warranties, indemnities and other agreements
customarily included in such underwriting agreements for Issuer. Upon receiving
any request under this Section 6 from any Holder, Issuer agrees to send a copy
thereof to any other person known to Issuer to be entitled to registration
rights under this Section 6, in each case by promptly mailing the same, postage
prepaid, to the address of record of the persons entitled to receive such
copies. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event
shall the number of registrations that
-7-
Issuer is obligated to effect be increased by reason of the fact that there
shall be more than one Holder as a result of any assignment or division of this
Agreement.
7. Repurchase. (a) At any time after the occurrence of a Repurchase
Event (as defined below) (i) at the request of the Holder, delivered prior to an
Exercise Termination Event (or such later period as provided in Section 10),
Issuer (or any successor thereto) shall repurchase the Option from the Holder at
a price (the "Option Repurchase Price") equal to the amount by which (A) the
market/offer price (as defined below) exceeds (B) the sum of (x) the Option
Price, multiplied by the number of shares for which this Option may then be
exercised, and (y) if applicable, the amount paid by Issuer to Grantee pursuant
to Section 8.03 of the Merger Agreement; and (ii) at the request of the owner of
Option Shares from time to time (the "Owner"), delivered prior to an Exercise
Termination Event (or such later period as provided in Section 10), Issuer (or
any successor thereto) shall repurchase such number of Option Shares from the
Owner as the Owner shall designate at a price (the "Option Share Repurchase
Price") equal to the market/offer price multiplied by the number of Option
Shares so designated. The term "market/offer price" shall mean the highest of
(i) the price per share of Common Stock at which a tender or exchange offer
therefor has been made, (ii) the price per share of Common Stock to be paid by
any third party pursuant to an agreement with Issuer, (iii) the highest closing
price for shares of Common Stock within the six-month period immediately
preceding the date the Holder gives notice of the required repurchase of this
Option or the Owner gives notice of the required repurchase of Option Shares, as
the case may be, or (iv) in the event of a sale of all or any substantial part
of Issuer's assets or business operations, the sum of the net price paid in such
sale for such assets or business operations and the current market value of the
remaining assets or business operations of Issuer as determined by a nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by the Holder or the Owner, as the
case may be, and reasonably acceptable to Issuer, divided by the number of
shares of Common Stock of Issuer outstanding at the time of such sale. In
determining the market/offer price, the value of consideration other than cash
shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment banking firm selected
by the Holder or Owner, as the case may be, and reasonably acceptable to Issuer.
(b) The Holder and the Owner, as the case may be, may exercise its
right to require Issuer to repurchase the Option and any Option Shares pursuant
to this Section 7 by surrendering for such purpose to Issuer, at its principal
office, a copy of this Agreement or certificates for Option Shares, as
applicable, accompanied by a written notice or notices stating that the Holder
or the Owner, as the case may be, elects to require Issuer to repurchase this
Option and/or the Option Shares in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 7. The Owner shall also represent and warrant that it has sole record
and beneficial ownership of such Option Shares and that such Option Shares are
then free and clear of all liens. As promptly as practicable, and in any event
within five (5) business days after the surrender of the Option and/or
certificates representing Option Shares and the receipt of such notice or
notices relating thereto, Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Holder the Option Repurchase Price and/or to the Owner the Option Share
Repurchase Price
-8-
therefor or the portion thereof that Issuer is not then prohibited under
applicable law and regulation from so delivering.
(c) For purposes of this Section 7, a "Repurchase Event" shall be
deemed to have occurred upon the occurrence of any of the following events or
transactions after the date hereof:
(i) the acquisition by any person (other than Grantee or any
Grantee Subsidiary) of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of the then
outstanding Common Stock; or
(ii) the consummation of any Acquisition Transaction described in
Section 2(b)(i) hereof, except that the percentage referred to in
clause (z) shall be 25%.
8. Substitute Option. (a) In the event that prior to an Exercise
Termination Event, Issuer shall enter into an agreement (i) to consolidate with
or merge into any person, other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, or engage
in a plan of exchange with any person, other than Grantee or a Grantee
Subsidiary and Issuer shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation of
such consolidation or merger or the acquirer in such plan of exchange, (ii) to
permit any person, other than Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary, to merge into
Issuer or be acquired by Issuer in a plan of exchange and Issuer shall be the
continuing or surviving or acquiring corporation, but, in connection with such
merger or plan of exchange, the then outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be
changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other person or
cash or any other property or the then outstanding shares of Common Stock shall
after such merger or plan of exchange represent less than 50% of the outstanding
shares and share equivalents of the merged or acquiring company, or (iii) to
sell or otherwise transfer all or a substantial part of its or any Issuer
Subsidiary's assets or business operations to any person, other than Grantee or
a Grantee Subsidiary, then, and in each such case, the agreement governing such
transaction shall make proper provision so that the Option shall, upon the
consummation of any such transaction and upon the terms and conditions set forth
herein, be converted into, or exchanged for, an option (the "Substitute
Option"), at the election of the Holder, of either (x) the Acquiring Corporation
(as hereinafter defined) or (y) any person that controls the Acquiring
Corporation.
(b) The following terms have the meanings indicated:
(i) "Acquiring Corporation" shall mean (i) the continuing or
surviving person of a consolidation or merger with Issuer (if other
than Issuer), (ii) the acquiring person in a plan of exchange in which
Issuer is acquired, (iii) the Issuer in a merger or plan of exchange in
which Issuer is the continuing or surviving or acquiring person and
(iv) the transferee of all or a substantial part of Issuer's assets or
business operations (or the assets or business operations of any Issuer
Subsidiary).
-9-
(ii) "Substitute Common Stock" shall mean the common stock issued
by the issuer of the Substitute Option upon exercise of the Substitute
Option.
(iii) "Assigned Value" shall mean the market/offer price, as
defined in Section 7.
(iv) "Average Price" shall mean the average closing price of a
share of the Substitute Common Stock for six months immediately
preceding the consolidation, merger or sale in question, but in no
event higher than the closing price of the shares of Substitute Common
Stock on the day preceding such consolidation, merger or sale; provided
that if Issuer is the issuer of the Substitute Option, the Average
Price shall be computed with respect to a share of common stock issued
by the person merging into Issuer or by any company which controls or
is controlled by such person, as the Holder may elect.
(c) The Substitute Option shall have the same terms as the Option,
provided that if the terms of the Substitute Option cannot, for legal reasons,
be the same as the Option, such terms shall be as similar as possible and in no
event less advantageous to the Holder. The issuer of the Substitute Option shall
also enter into an agreement with the then Holder or Holders of the Substitute
Option in substantially the same form as this Agreement (after giving effect for
such purpose to the provisions of Section 9), which agreement shall be
applicable to the Substitute Option.
(d) The Substitute Option shall be exercisable for such number of
shares of Substitute Common Stock as is equal to the Assigned Value multiplied
by the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Option was exercisable
immediately prior to the event described in the first sentence of Section 8(a),
divided by the Average Price. The exercise price of the Substitute Option per
share of Substitute Common Stock shall then be equal to the Option Price
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of shares
of Common Stock for which the Option was exercisable immediately prior to the
event described in the first sentence of Section 8(a) and the denominator of
which shall be the number of shares of Substitute Common Stock for which the
Substitute Option is exercisable.
(e) In no event, pursuant to any of the foregoing paragraphs, shall the
Substitute Option be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the shares of Substitute
Common Stock outstanding prior to exercise of the Substitute Option. In the
event that the Substitute Option would be exercisable for more than 19.9% of the
shares of Substitute Common Stock outstanding prior to exercise but for this
clause (e), the issuer of the Substitute Option (the "Substitute Option Issuer")
shall make a cash payment to Holder equal to the excess of (i) the value of the
Substitute Option without giving effect to the limitation in this clause (e)
over (ii) the value of the Substitute Option after giving effect to the
limitation in this clause (e). This difference in value shall be determined by a
nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the Holder.
-10-
(f) Issuer shall not enter into any transaction described in subsection
(a) of this Section 8 unless the Acquiring Corporation and any person that
controls the Acquiring Corporation assume in writing all the obligations of
Issuer hereunder.
9. Repurchase of Substitute Option. (a) At the request of the holder of
the Substitute Option (the "Substitute Option Holder"), the Substitute Option
Issuer shall repurchase the Substitute Option from the Substitute Option Holder
at a price (the "Substitute Option Repurchase Price") equal to the amount by
which (i) the Highest Closing Price (as hereinafter defined) exceeds (ii) the
exercise price of the Substitute Option, multiplied by the number of shares of
Substitute Common Stock for which the Substitute Option may then be exercised,
and at the request of the owner (the "Substitute Share Owner") of shares of
Substitute Common Stock (the "Substitute Shares"), the Substitute Option Issuer
shall repurchase the Substitute Shares at a price (the "Substitute Share
Repurchase Price") equal to the Highest Closing Price multiplied by the number
of Substitute Shares so designated. The term "Highest Closing Price" shall mean
the highest closing price for shares of Substitute Common Stock within the
six-month period immediately preceding the date the Substitute Option Holder
gives notice of the required repurchase of the Substitute Option or the
Substitute Share Owner gives notice of the required repurchase of the Substitute
Shares, as applicable.
(b) The Substitute Option Holder and the Substitute Share Owner, as the
case may be, may exercise its respective rights to require the Substitute Option
Issuer to repurchase the Substitute Option and the Substitute Shares pursuant to
this Section 9 by surrendering for such purpose to the Substitute Option Issuer,
at its principal office, the agreement for such Substitute Option (or, in the
absence of such an agreement, a copy of this Agreement) and/or certificates for
Substitute Shares accompanied by a written notice or notices stating that the
Substitute Option Holder or the Substitute Share Owner, as the case may be,
elects to require the Substitute Option Issuer to repurchase the Substitute
Option and/or the Substitute Shares in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 9. As promptly as practicable and in any event within five (5) business
days after the surrender of the Substitute Option and/or certificates
representing Substitute Shares and the receipt of such notice or notices
relating thereto, the Substitute Option Issuer shall deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Substitute Option Holder the Substitute Option Repurchase Price
and/or to the Substitute Share Owner the Substitute Share Repurchase Price
therefor or the portion thereof which the Substitute Option Issuer is not then
prohibited under applicable law and regulation from so delivering.
10. Extension of Periods Under Certain Circumstances. The periods for
exercise of certain rights under Sections 2, 6, 7, 9 and 14 shall be extended:
(i) to the extent necessary to obtain all regulatory approvals for the exercise
of such rights (for so long as the Holder, Owner, Substitute Option Holder or
Substitute Share Owner, as the case may be, is using commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain such regulatory approvals), and for the expiration of all
statutory waiting periods; (ii) to the extent necessary to avoid liability under
Section 16(b) of the 1934 Act by reason of such
-11-
exercise; and (iii) when there exists an injunction, order or judgment that
prohibits or delays exercise of such right.
11. Representations and Warranties. (a) Issuer hereby represents and
warrants to Grantee as follows:
(i) Issuer has the requisite corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
and validly authorized by the Issuer Board prior to the date hereof and
no other corporate proceedings on the part of Issuer are necessary to
authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions so
contemplated. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by Issuer.
(ii) Issuer has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize
and reserve and to permit it to issue, and at all times from the date
hereof through the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its
terms will have reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the Option,
that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the maximum number of
shares of Common Stock at any time and from time to time issuable
hereunder, and all such shares, upon issuance pursuant thereto, will be
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable, and will be
delivered free and clear of all claims, liens, encumbrance and security
interests and not subject to any preemptive rights.
(b) Grantee hereby represents and warrants to Issuer as follows:
Grantee has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by the Grantee and the performance of its obligations
hereunder by the Grantee have been duly and validly authorized by the Board of
Directors of Grantee and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the
Grantee are necessary to authorize this Agreement or for Grantee to perform its
obligations hereunder. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by Grantee.
(c) This Option is not being, and any Option Shares or other securities
acquired by Grantee upon exercise of the Option will not be, acquired with a
view to the public distribution thereof and will not be transferred or otherwise
disposed or except in a transaction registered or exempt from registration under
the 1933 Act.
12. Assignment. Neither of the parties hereto may assign any of its
rights or obligations under this Agreement or the Option created hereunder to
any other person, without the express written consent of the other party, except
that in the event an Initial Triggering Event shall have occurred prior to an
Exercise Termination Event, Grantee, subject to the express provisions hereof,
may assign in whole or in part its rights and obligations hereunder.
-12-
13. Filings, Etc. Each of Grantee and Issuer will use its reasonable
best efforts to make all filings with, and to obtain consents of, all third
parties and governmental authorities necessary to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
14. Surrender of Option. (a) Grantee may, at any time following a
Repurchase Event and prior to the occurrence of an Exercise Termination Event
(or such later period as provided in Section 10), relinquish the Option
(together with any Option Shares issued to and then owned by Grantee) to Issuer
in exchange for a cash fee equal to the Surrender Price. The "Surrender Price"
shall be equal to U.S. $100 million (i) plus, if applicable, Grantee's purchase
price with respect to any Option Shares, (ii) minus, if applicable, the excess
of (A) the net price, if any, received by Grantee or a Grantee Subsidiary
pursuant to the sale of Option Shares (or any other securities into which such
Option Shares were converted or exchanged) to any unaffiliated party, over (B)
Grantee's purchase price of such Option Shares and (iii) minus, if applicable,
the amount paid by Issuer to Grantee pursuant to Section 8.03(a) of the Merger
Agreement.
(b) Grantee may exercise its right to relinquish the Option and any
Option Shares pursuant to this Section 14 by surrendering to Issuer, at its
principal office, a copy of this Agreement together with certificates for Option
Shares, if any, accompanied by a written notice stating (i) that Grantee elects
to relinquish the Option and Option Shares, if any, in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 14 and (ii) the Surrender Price. The Surrender Price
shall be payable in immediately available funds on or before the second business
day following receipt of such notice by Issuer.
15. Specific Performance. The parties hereto acknowledge that damages
would be an inadequate remedy for a breach of this Agreement by either party
hereto and that the obligations of the parties hereto shall be enforceable by
either party hereto through injunctive or other equitable relief. In connection
therewith, both parties waive the posting of any bond or similar requirement.
16. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
contained in this Agreement is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory
agency of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the
remainder of the terms, provisions and covenants and restrictions contained in
this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be
affected, impaired or invalidated. If for any reason such court or regulatory
agency determines that the Holder is not permitted to acquire, or Issuer is not
permitted to repurchase pursuant to Section 7, the full number of shares of
Common Stock provided in Section l(a) hereof (as adjusted pursuant to Section
l(b) or Section 5 hereof), it is the express intention of Issuer to allow the
Holder to acquire or to require Issuer to repurchase such lesser number of
shares as may be permissible, without any amendment or modification hereof.
-13-
17. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered
in person, by fax, telecopy, or by registered or certified mail (postage
prepaid, return receipt requested) at the respective addresses of the parties
set forth in the Merger Agreement.
18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina.
19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
20. Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of
the parties hereto shall bear and pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
on its behalf in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder,
including fees and expenses of its own financial consultants, investment
bankers, accountants and counsel.
21. Entire Agreement; Third-Party Rights. Except as otherwise expressly
provided herein or in the Merger Agreement, this Agreement contains the entire
agreement between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated
hereunder and supersedes all prior arrangements or understandings with respect
thereof, written or oral. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall inure
to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective
successors and permitted assignees. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or
implied, is intended to confer upon any party, other than the parties hereto,
and their respective successors except as assignees, any rights, remedies,
obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement, except as
expressly provided herein.
22. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not
defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Merger Agreement.
-14-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the
date first above written.
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
--------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Vice-Chairman and Chief
Financial Officer
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice-Chairman
Personal & Commercial Banking
CENTURA BANKS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx.
---------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xx.
Title: Chief Executive Officer
-15-
