Contract
Exhibit 2.2
EXECUTION
VERSION
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and
URS
Corporation
and
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Group plc
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CONTENTS
CLAUSE | PAGE | |
1.
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DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION | 1 |
2. |
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
ACQUISITION
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5 |
3. |
OBLIGATIONS OF BIDCO, UNIVERSE
AND STAR
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7 |
4. |
PUBLICATION OF THE ACQUISITION
DOCUMENT
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9 |
5. |
REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES
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10 |
6. |
RECOMMENDATION
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10 |
7. |
CONDUCT PENDING COMPLETION OF THE
TRANSACTION
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11 |
8. |
TERMINATION
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12 |
9. |
COSTS
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13 |
10. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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13 |
11. |
ENTIRE
AGREEMENT
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14 |
12. |
MISCELLANEOUS
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14 |
SCHEDULE 1 | 17 | |
Form of Rule 2.5 Announcement | 17 | |
SCHEDULE 2 | 18 | |
Scheme Timetable | 18 | |
SCHEDULE 3 | 19 | |
The Star Share Schemes | 19 |
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THIS AGREEMENT is made
on June
2010
BETWEEN:
(1)
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UNIVERSE BIDCO LIMITED
(registered in England and Wales with registered number 7289402)
whose registered office is at Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx XX0 0XX ("Bidco");
and
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(2)
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URS CORPORATION, a
Delaware Corporation whose registered office is at 000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx,
00xx
Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000 ("Universe");
and
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(3)
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XXXXX XXXXXX GROUP PLC
(registered in England and Wales with registered number 5639381)
whose registered office is at Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxxx XX00 0XX) ("Star"),
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(each a
"party" and together the
"parties").
RECITALS
(A)
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Universe
proposes to announce immediately following the execution of this Agreement
a firm intention to make a recommended cash and loan note acquisition of
the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Star pursuant to Rule
2.5 of the Takeover Code.
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(B)
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The
Acquisition will be made by Bidco, a wholly-owned subsidiary undertaking
of Universe on the terms and subject to the conditions: (i) referred to in
the Rule 2.5 Announcement and this Agreement; and (ii) to be set out in
the Acquisition Document.
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(C)
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Bidco,
Universe and Star intend that the Acquisition will be implemented by way
of the Scheme, although Bidco and Universe reserve the right, as set out
in this Agreement and the Rule 2.5 Announcement, to implement the
Acquisition by way of the Takeover
Offer.
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(D)
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The
parties are entering into this Agreement to set out certain obligations
and commitments in relation to the implementation of the Acquisition
(whether by way of the Scheme or the Takeover Offer) and certain matters
relating to the conduct of the business of the Star Group pending the
Acquisition Effective Date.
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(E)
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Universe
and Star have entered into a separate letter agreement dated 15 June 2010
pursuant to which Star has (i) granted Universe certain matching rights,
and (ii) agreed to break fee and certain non-solicitation
restrictions.
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THE
PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1.
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DEFINITIONS
AND INTERPRETATION
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1.1
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In
this Agreement (including the recitals), the following terms and
expressions shall have the following
meanings:
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"Acquisition" means the direct
or indirect acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of
Star by Universe (other than any Star Shares already held by Universe (if any)),
to be effected by way of (i) the Scheme; or (ii) the Takeover Offer (as the case
may be);
"Acquisition Conditions" means
the terms and conditions set out in Appendix I of the Rule 2.5
Announcement;
"Acquisition Document" means
(i) if the Scheme is (or is to be) implemented, the Scheme Circular; or (ii) if
the Takeover Offer is (or is to be) implemented, the Takeover Offer
Document;
1
"Acquisition Effective Date"
means (i) if the Scheme is (or is to be) implemented, the date that the Scheme
becomes effective in accordance with its terms; or (ii) if the Takeover Offer is
(or is to be) implemented, the date that the Takeover Offer becomes or is
declared unconditional in all respects;
"Bidco Directors" means the
directors of Bidco;
"Business Day" means a day
(other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks in the UK are generally open
for business;
"Clearances" means all
consents, clearances, permissions and waivers necessary and all filings and the
expiry of all waiting periods necessary, from or under the laws, regulations or
practices applied by any Relevant Authority in connection with the
implementation of, in each case to the extent relevant, the Acquisition
(including, but not limited to any such consents, clearances, permissions,
waivers and all filings and the expiry of all waiting periods as are set out in
the Conditions) where, in the case of those consents, clearances, permissions
and waivers, the direct consequence of a failure to obtain any such consent,
clearance, permission or waiver would be of material significance in the context
of the Acquisition and, in the case of waiting periods, where the direct
consequence of a failure to wait for the expiry, lapse or termination of any
such waiting periods would be of material significance in the context of the
Acquisition and references to Clearances having been satisfied shall be
construed as meaning that the foregoing have been obtained or, where
appropriate, made or expired, on terms satisfactory to Universe;
"Companies Act" means the
Companies Xxx 0000 (as amended or re-enacted from time to time);
"Conditions" means (i) if the
Scheme is (or is to be) implemented, the terms and conditions comprising the
Scheme Conditions; or (ii) if the Takeover Offer is (or is to be) implemented,
the terms and conditions comprising the Takeover Offer Conditions;
"Confidentiality Agreement"
means the confidentiality agreement between Universe and Star in relation to the
Acquisition dated 28 May 2010;
"Court" means the High Court
of Justice in England and Wales;
"Court Meeting" means the
meeting of holders of Scheme Shares (and any adjournment thereof) to be convened
by order of the Court pursuant to section 896 of the Companies Act to consider
and, if thought fit, to approve the Scheme;
"Court Orders" means the
Scheme Court Order and the Reduction Court Order;
"Group" means, in relation to
any person, that person and any companies which are holding companies,
subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings of that person or of any such holding
company;
"holding company" shall have
the meaning ascribed to it in section 1159 of the Companies Act;
"Inducement Fee Letter" means
the letter agreement described in Recital (E);
"Listing Rules" means the
rules and regulations made by the Financial Services Authority in its capacity
as the UK Listing Authority under the Financial Services and Markets Xxx 0000,
and contained in the UK Listing Authority's publication of the same
name;
"Loan Notes" means the loan
notes to be issued by Universe Bidco under the Loan Note Alternative (as defined
in the 2.5 Announcement);
2
"Longstop Date" means the date
falling four months after the date on which the Rule 2.5 Announcement is
issued;
"Major Transaction" means any
proposal by Star or any other member of its Group to dispose of any significant
part of its business or assets or any other transaction requiring the approval
of Star Shareholders under the Listing Rules or under Rule 21.1 of the Takeover
Code;
"Meetings" means the Court
Meeting and the Shareholders' Meeting;
"Panel" means the Panel on
Takeovers and Mergers;
"Reduction Court Hearing"
means the hearing of the Court to confirm the Reduction of Capital;
"Reduction Court Order" means
the order of the Court confirming the Reduction of Capital under section 641 of
the Act;
"Reduction of Capital" means
the reduction of Star's share capital provided for by the Scheme;
"Reduction Record Time" means
6 p.m. on the Business Day before the Reduction Court Hearing;
"Registrar" means the
Registrar of Companies for England and Wales;
"Relevant Authority" means any
central bank, court or competition, antitrust, national, supranational or
supervisory body or other government, governmental, trade or regulatory agency
or body, in each case in any jurisdiction and including, without limitation, the
UK Office of Fair Trading, the UK Listing Authority and the Panel;
"Rule 2.5 Announcement" means
the draft press announcement set out in Schedule 1;
"Scheme" means the proposed
scheme of arrangement proposed under section 899 of the Companies Act between
Star and the holders of the Scheme Shares, with or subject to any modification,
addition or condition approved or imposed by the Court and agreed to by
Universe, the full terms of which will be set out in the Scheme Circular or (as
the case may be) any supplemental circular(s);
"Scheme Circular" means the
document to be despatched to Star Shareholders and others by Star containing,
amongst other things, the Scheme, the Scheme Conditions and other relevant terms
and conditions, certain information about Universe and Star and the notices of
the Meetings and, where the context so admits, includes any form of proxy,
election, notice, court document, meeting advertisement or other document
reasonably required in connection with the Scheme;
"Scheme Conditions" means the
Acquisition Conditions, which shall be incorporated into the Scheme
Circular;
"Scheme Court Hearing" means
the hearing of the Court to sanction the Scheme;
"Scheme Court Order" means the
order of the Court sanctioning the Scheme under section 899 of the Companies
Act;
"Scheme Shareholders" means
the holders of Scheme Shares;
"Scheme Shares" has the
meaning given in the Rule 2.5 Announcement;
3
"Shareholders' Meeting" means
the general meeting of shareholders of Star to be convened in connection with
the Scheme to consider and, if thought fit, to approve certain resolutions in
relation to the Scheme and, the Acquisition (with or without amendment) and any
adjournment thereof;
"Star Directors" means the
directors of Star from time to time;
"Star Shareholders" means the
holders of Star Shares;
"Star Share Schemes" means
each of the following share schemes operated by the Star Group being The Star
Approved Share Option Scheme, The Star XXXX Share Option Scheme, The Star
Unapproved Share Option Scheme and The Star Long Term Incentive Plan, all
adopted by Star in 2005;
"Star Shares" means the
73,595,034 ordinary shares of 10 xxxxx each in the capital of Star in issue as
at the date of this Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt excluding any such
shares held in treasury);
"subsidiary" shall have the
meaning ascribed to it in section of 1159 of the Companies Act;
"subsidiary undertaking" shall
have the meaning ascribed to it in section 1162 of the Companies
Act;
"Supplemental Document" has
the meaning given in clause 4.5;
"Takeover Code" means the City
Code on Takeovers and Mergers, as amended from time to time;
"Takeover Offer" means a
takeover offer (within the meaning of Section 974 of the Companies Act) for the
entire issued and to be issued share capital of Star (other than any shares held
by Universe (if any)) including any amendment or revision thereto, the full
terms of which will be set out in the Takeover Offer Document or (as the case
may be) any revised offer document(s);
"Takeover Offer Conditions"
means the Acquisition Conditions, so far as applicable and subject to
appropriate amendments for the Takeover Offer, including (without limitation)
the deletion of the Condition set out in paragraph A.2 of Appendix 1 to the Rule
2.5 Announcement and its replacement with a condition that the Takeover Offer be
conditional on valid acceptances being received in respect of not less than 75
per cent. (or such lesser percentage as Universe may decide in accordance with
the Takeover Code) in nominal value of the Star Shares to which the Takeover
Offer relates, which conditions shall be incorporated in the Takeover Offer
Document;
"Takeover Offer Document"
means, if following the date of this Agreement Universe elects to implement the
Acquisition by way of the Takeover Offer in accordance with clause 3.3, the
document to be despatched to Star Shareholders and others by Universe (or such
other entity as it may elect) containing, amongst other things, the Takeover
Offer, the Takeover Offer Conditions and certain information about Universe and
Star and, where the context so admits, includes any form of acceptance,
election, notice or other document reasonably required in connection with the
Takeover Offer;
"Timetable" means (i) if the
Scheme is (or is to be) implemented, the indicative timetable for the Scheme set
out in Schedule 2; (ii) if the Takeover Offer is (or is to be) implemented, such
indicative timetable (which complies with the requirements of the Takeover Code)
as may be notified in writing by Universe to Star as soon as reasonably
practicable following Universe making a valid election in accordance with clause
3.3;
4
"UK Listing Authority" means
the UK Financial Services Authority acting in its capacity as the competent
authority for listing in the United Kingdom for the purposes of Part VI of the
Financial Services and Markets Xxx 0000; and
"Universe Directors" means the
members of the executive committee of Universe.
1.2
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In
this Agreement, unless the context otherwise
requires:
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(a)
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references
to a person include any individual, firm, body corporate (wherever
incorporated), government, state or agency of a state or any joint
venture, association, partnership, works council or employee
representative body (whether or not having separate legal
personality);
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(b)
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headings
do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement, the singular shall
include the plural and vice versa, and references to one gender include
all genders;
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(c)
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references
to any English legal term or concept shall, in respect of any jurisdiction
other than England, be construed as references to the term or concept
which most nearly corresponds to it in that
jurisdiction;
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(d)
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references
to time are to local time in London;
and
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(e)
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any
phrase introduced by the terms including, include, in particular or any
similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit
the sense of the words preceding those
terms.
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1.3
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Except
as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any express reference
to an enactment (which includes any legislation in any jurisdiction)
includes references to (i) that enactment as amended, consolidated or
re-enacted by or under any other enactment before or after the date of
this Agreement; (ii) any enactment which that enactment re-enacts (with or
without modification); and (iii) any subordinate legislation (including
regulations) made (before or after the date of this Agreement) under that
enactment, as amended, consolidated or re-enacted as described in (i) or
(ii) above.
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2.
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IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE ACQUISITION
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2.1
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Subject
to clause 3.3 and to compliance, where applicable, by Universe with its
obligations under this Agreement and/or the provision by Universe of its
approval to the form of the relevant documentation (in terms reasonably
satisfactory to Universe) and subject to the requirements of its
directors' fiduciary and statutory duties, Star undertakes to (and
undertakes to procure that the other members of its Group will) take all
steps as are necessary to implement the Acquisition by way of the Scheme,
subject to, the Conditions and, so far as reasonably possible, within the
Timetable.
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2.2
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The
principal terms of the Acquisition shall be as set forth in the
Conditions, the terms as set out in the Rule 2.5 Announcement and such
other terms or other modifications as the parties may agree in
writing. Unless and until this Agreement is terminated in
accordance with its terms, each of the parties shall use all reasonable
endeavours to implement the Acquisition and to achieve satisfaction of the
Conditions as promptly as practicable, save that nothing in this Agreement
shall oblige Universe to (i) waive any of the Conditions or treat them as
satisfied or (ii) give any undertakings or commitments to any Relevant
Authority.
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2.3
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Without
prejudice to the generality of clauses 2.1 and 2.2, each of Bidco and
Universe undertakes to Star and Star undertakes to Bidco and Universe (to
the extent that such steps have not already been taken prior to the date
hereof):
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(a)
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to
make as promptly as reasonably practicable and in accordance with any
applicable time limits (and any extension thereof that may be granted),
all such notifications or filings with any appropriate Relevant
Authorities, whether jointly or separately (as may be required by
applicable law), as are necessary for the implementation of the
Acquisition, the obtaining of the Clearances, and/or the satisfaction of
the Conditions, subject, in the case of Star only, to Universe having
notified Star in writing of the notifications or filings required to be
made by Star under this clause and it being acknowledged by the parties
that no party intends to make any filings with any anti-trust authority in
connection with the Acquisition;
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5
(b)
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to
provide as promptly as practicable, in consultation with the other party,
such information or documentation as requested by a Relevant Authority,
whether or not any notification has been made to it under applicable law;
and
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(c)
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promptly
to notify the other party of, and provide copies of, any material
communications (whether oral or written) received from or made to a
Relevant Authority in connection with the obtaining of the Clearances, the
satisfaction of the Conditions and the implementation of the Acquisition,
save in respect of any information the disclosure of which would, in the
reasonable opinion of the party concerned, adversely affect its legitimate
business interests, provided that in such circumstances a copy of such
communication is provided to the other party's external counsel on an
"external counsel" basis and a non-confidential version of the same (or a
non-confidential summary of a non-written communication) is provided to
the other party, and provided further that Star shall not make any oral or
written submissions to any Relevant Authority without obtaining the
approval of Universe or its external counsel to the content of any such
submission.
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2.4
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Universe
undertakes to:
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(a)
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consult
with Star as to the form and content of any notification, filing, response
to a request for information or other submission (together the "Submissions") to be
made to a Relevant Authority in connection with the implementation of the
Acquisition, save that where such information is reasonably considered by
Universe to be commercially sensitive, Universe shall only provide such
information (or, at its option, provide such information to Star's legal
advisers on an external counsel only basis) where it is reasonably
practicable to do so;
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(b)
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use
all reasonable endeavours to procure that Star and its external legal
advisers are able to attend meetings and participate in any discussions
with any Relevant Authority in relation to the Acquisition, save where
such meetings and discussions are likely to involve discussions of
information that is commercially sensitive to Universe (in which event,
Universe shall use reasonable endeavours to procure that Star's legal
advisers are able to participate) or where the discussions relate to
Universe only;
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(c)
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procure
that relevant drafts or re-drafts of any Submissions are provided to Star
as soon as practicable and in sufficient time to allow Star and its
advisers to provide comments thereon, save that where such drafts or
re-drafts contain information that is reasonably considered by Universe to
be commercially sensitive, Universe shall only provide such information
(or, at its option, provide such information to Star's legal advisers on
an external counsel only basis) where it is reasonably practicable to do
so; and
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(d)
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take
reasonable account of the comments of Star and its advisers on such drafts
and re-drafts of any Submission before they are
submitted.
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2.5
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Each
of Star and Universe undertakes to keep the other informed reasonably
promptly of developments which are material or potentially material to the
obtaining of the Clearances by the date of the Scheme Court Hearing, as
set out in the Timetable, or which would otherwise materially affect the
implementation of the Acquisition.
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6
3.
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OBLIGATIONS
OF BIDCO, UNIVERSE AND STAR
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3.1
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Subject
to Bidco and Universe complying with Clause 4, Star shall as promptly as
reasonably practicable prepare and, subject to any necessary approval of
the Panel, the UK Listing Authority and the Court, publish and circulate
as promptly as is practicable, and in accordance with the Timetable, and
in a manner approved by the Panel, the UK Listing Authority or the Court,
as necessary:
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(a)
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the
Scheme Document, form of election and form of
proxy;
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(b)
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such
other information, documents, circulars, forms, notices or announcements
(as the case may be), as are or may be required by the Takeover Code, the
Panel, the Companies Act, the Listing Rules or any applicable laws or
regulations in connection with the implementation of the Acquisition;
and
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(c)
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such
other information, circulars, forms, notices or announcements (as the case
may be) as Universe and Star agree in
writing.
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3.2
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If,
and for so long as, the Acquisition is being (or is to be) implemented by
way of the Scheme, and without prejudice to the generality of clause 2.1,
Star shall (and shall procure that any relevant member of its Group
shall):
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(a)
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as
soon as reasonably practicable and in accordance with the Timetable, apply
to the Court for leave to convene the Court Meeting and file such
documents as may be necessary in connection
therewith;
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(b)
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subject
to the approval of Universe, finalise and (where required) settle with the
Court the Scheme Circular, all necessary advertisements and forms of proxy
and election and (insofar as required) seek the approval of the UK Listing
Authority and the Panel in relation to such
documents;
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(c)
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once
approved by Universe and the Court, not seek to revise the Scheme
Circular, to amend the terms of the Acquisition or to adjourn the Meetings
without the prior written consent of Universe and (if applicable) the
prior consent of the Panel;
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(d)
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upon
(i) the Court making the order necessary for the purpose of convening the
Court Meeting; (ii) any necessary advertisements, the Scheme Circular and
forms of proxy and election being settled with the Court; and (iii) such
documents being approved by Bidco and Universe, publish the requisite
advertisements and arrange for the posting of the Scheme Circular to the
Star Shareholders (who are on the register of members of Star on a record
date to be agreed with the Court) and others entitled to receive the same,
and thereafter publish and/or post such other documents and information as
the Court may approve and/or direct from time to time in connection with
the due implementation of the
Scheme;
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(e)
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not
(unless required by the Court or the Panel) agree to an extension of time
in connection with, or to any variation, amendment, withdrawal or
non-enforcement (in whole or in part) of, the Scheme without the prior
written consent of Universe;
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(f)
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prior
to the Meetings, keep Universe informed, on a regular basis and, in any
event, as soon as reasonably practicable following a request from
Universe, of:
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(i)
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the
number of proxy votes received in respect of the resolutions to be
proposed at the Shareholders' Meeting and the Court Meeting and the
identity of the relevant Scheme Shareholders;
and
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(ii)
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the
level of take-up of Loan Notes under the form of
election;
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7
(g)
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acknowledge
that Bidco and Universe may, prior to the Shareholders' Meeting, appoint a
proxy solicitation agent to facilitate proxy voting by Star Shareholders,
subject to prior written notification to
Star;
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(h)
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convene,
hold and transact the relevant business at each of the Meetings at the
time and date specified in the Scheme Circular (or as soon as practicable
thereafter) and propose the resolutions set out in the notices of those
meetings (as appropriate) without
amendments;
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(i)
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subject
to the Scheme becoming effective by not later than the Longstop Date (or
such later date as Universe, Star and the Court may agree) agree and
assist in implementing any extension of time limits in the Takeover Code
or of the Timetable which Universe reasonably requests to satisfy the
Conditions and, if required, the Panel
approves;
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(j)
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following
each of the Meetings and assuming the necessary resolutions are passed by
the requisite majorities, as soon as practicable (and in accordance with
the Timetable) take all necessary steps to seek the sanction of the Court
to the Scheme (unless Universe has notified Star in writing that an event
has occurred or a circumstance has arisen which Universe considers is
sufficiently material for the Panel to permit it to withdraw from the
Acquisition), and take any other action reasonably necessary to implement
the Acquisition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, reconvening the
Court Meeting and any other necessary shareholder meetings if so required
by the Court);
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(k)
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subject
to applicable confidentiality, legal and regulatory requirements,
co-operate with and provide such details to Universe in relation to the
Star Share Schemes as Universe reasonably requires in order to plan and
make proposals to the participants of the Star Share Schemes and, if
necessary, to communicate with such participants in respect of such
proposals which will be consistent with the proposals set out in Schedule
3;
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(l)
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not
allot or issue any Star Shares between 6.00 p.m. on the Business Day
before the Reduction Court Hearing and the time upon which the Scheme
becomes effective;
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(m)
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as
soon as reasonably practicable following sanction of the Scheme and the
confirmation of the Reduction of Capital by the Court, cause office copies
of the Court Order to be filed with the
Registrar;
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(n)
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take
steps in consultation with Universe to ensure that the issue of shares in
accordance with the Scheme becomes effective upon the office copies of the
Court Orders and any other necessary documents being filed with the
Registrar;
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(o)
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appoint
an appropriate person to execute as transferor an instrument of transfer,
or give any instructions to transfer, such Scheme Shares as Scheme
Shareholders elect to transfer to Bidco in consideration for the receipt
of the Loan Notes; and
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(p)
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procure
that the Star Directors accept responsibility for all the information in
the Scheme Circular other than that relating to Bidco, Universe, the Bidco
Directors (and, in each case, members of their immediate families related
trusts and persons connected with them), the Universe Directors (to the
extent required by the Panel), information on Universe's future plans for
the Group, its management and employees and the Loan Notes and any other
information for which a bidder would customarily accept responsibility in
a document such as a Scheme
Circular.
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3.3
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During
the period from the date on which the Court Meeting is held (other than
where the resolutions required to implement the Scheme are not passed) to
the Acquisition Effective Date and subject to all applicable legal and
regulatory requirements, Star and Universe will agree in good faith the
basis on which Universe, its advisers and its representatives may have
reasonable access to the management of Star, members of the Star Group and
Star's advisers and material information in relation to the business of
the Star Group, in each case for business integration planning
purposes.
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8
3.4
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Bidco
and Universe may elect (with the Panel's consent, if required), at any
time by delivering a written notice to Star to that effect, to implement
the Acquisition by way of the Takeover Offer (rather than the Scheme),
whether or not the Scheme Circular has been
posted.
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3.5
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Bidco,
Universe and Star agree to the proposals to be made in accordance with
Rule 15 of the Code to holders of options and awards granted under the
Star Share Schemes in connection with the Acquisition, as set out in
Schedule 3.
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3.6
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Universe
shall procure that, in respect of all directors and officers of Star and
any members of its Group at the date of this agreement who cease to be a
director or officer of Star following the Acquisition Effective Date (each
a "Retired
Officer"), Bidco or Universe shall maintain directors and officers
insurance for their benefit for a period of six years from the retirement
date of each such Retired Officer (the "Run Off
Cover"). The Run Off Cover shall be with reputable
insurers on terms satisfactory to Universe (acting reasonably), for such a
sum as Universe and Star agree to be reasonable, acting in good faith, and
provide cover at least as broad in its scope as that provided under Star's
existing directors and officers insurance as at the date of this
agreement.
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3.7
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Without
prejudice to Universe's obligations under clause 3.6 above, Universe
agrees that Star will be permitted to purchase Run Off Cover at any time
between the date hereof and the Acquisition Effective
Date. Star agrees to consult with Universe before arranging or
paying for such insurance cover. Universe consents, for the
purpose of Rule 21 of the Code, to Star arranging and paying for such
cover in whole or in part as an extension to existing cover and/or as a
separate insurance policy.
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4.
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PUBLICATION
OF THE ACQUISITION DOCUMENT
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4.1
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Star,
Bidco and Universe agree:
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(a)
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that
the Acquisition Document will contain provisions in accordance with the
terms and conditions set out in the Rule 2.5 Announcement, the relevant
Conditions and such other further terms and conditions as agreed
(including any modification thereto) between Star, Bidco and Universe;
and
|
(b)
|
to
co-operate and consult with each other in the preparation and publication
of the Acquisition Document or any other document or filing which is
required or which Universe and Star (as the case may be) reasonably
consider to be necessary for the purposes of implementing the
Acquisition.
|
4.2
|
If
Bidco and Universe implement the Acquisition by way of the
Scheme:
|
(a)
|
Universe
undertakes to provide Star as soon as reasonably practicable with all such
information about itself, Bidco, its Group, its concert parties and the
Loan Notes as may reasonably be required for inclusion in the Scheme
Circular and to provide all such other assistance as may reasonably be
required in connection with the preparation of the Scheme Circular,
including access to, and ensuring the provision of reasonable assistance
by, its management and relevant professional
advisers;
|
(b)
|
Star
agrees to seek the approval of Universe as to the form and content of the
Scheme Circular before it is posted and to afford Universe sufficient time
to consider the Scheme Circular in order to give such approval;
and
|
9
(c)
|
Star
shall not despatch the Scheme Circular until Universe and Bidco have
approved it in writing.
|
4.3
|
Universe
agrees with Star that no Inducement Fee (as defined in the Inducement Fee
Letter) will be payable by Star if any failure or inability on its part to
comply with its obligations under clauses 3.1 and 3.2 hereof is as a
direct result of a failure on the part of Universe or Bidco to comply with
their respective obligations under clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of this Agreement,
subject to Star having complied with its obligations under this
Agreement.
|
4.4
|
If
Bidco and Universe elect to implement the Acquisition by way of the
Takeover Offer, Star undertakes to provide Universe as soon as reasonably
practicable with all such information about itself and its Group
(including directors and their connected persons) as may reasonably be
required for inclusion in the Takeover Offer Document and to provide all
such other assistance as may reasonably be required in connection with the
preparation of the Takeover Offer Document, including access to, and
ensuring the provision of reasonable assistance by, its management and
relevant professional advisers.
|
4.5
|
Should
any supplemental document, circular or announcement be required to be
published and/or submitted to the Court in connection with the Acquisition
(a "Supplemental
Document") Bidco, Universe and Star shall provide such co-operation
and information (including such information as is necessary for the
Supplemental Document to comply with all applicable legal and regulatory
provisions) as the other may reasonably request and is reasonably
necessary to finalise and publish promptly such Supplemental
Document.
|
5.
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
|
Each party represents and warrants to
the other that:
(a)
|
it
has the requisite power and authority to enter into this
Agreement;
|
(b)
|
this
Agreement is binding on it in accordance with its terms;
and
|
(c)
|
the
execution and delivery, and performance of its obligations under, this
Agreement will not result in:
|
(i)
|
a
breach of any of its constitutional
documents;
|
(ii)
|
a
breach of, or default under, any instrument to which it is a party or by
which it is bound; or
|
(iii)
|
a
breach of any order, judgment or decree of any court or governmental
agency to whose jurisdiction it is
subject.
|
6.
|
RECOMMENDATION
|
6.1
|
Star
agrees that any Acquisition Document shall incorporate a unanimous and
unqualified recommendation from the Star Directors to vote in favour of
the resolutions to be proposed at the Meetings or to accept the Takeover
Offer (as the case may be) as they shall do in respect of their own
holdings of Star Shares, except to the extent that the Star Directors have
determined in good faith (with the benefit of external financial and legal
advice) that such recommendation should not be given or should be
withdrawn, adversely modified or qualified in order to comply with their
fiduciary or statutory duties and provided that Star shall notify Universe
as soon as reasonably practicable that the recommendation may not be given
or may be withdrawn, adversely modified or
qualified.
|
6.2
|
Star
further undertakes that the Star Directors will not at any time withdraw,
adversely modify or qualify their recommendation, or agree to withdraw,
adversely modify or qualify their recommendation, except to the extent
that the Star Directors have determined in good faith (with the benefit of
external financial and legal advice) that such recommendation should not
be given or should be withdrawn, adversely modified or qualified in order
to comply with their fiduciary or statutory duties or as required under
Rule 3.1 of the Code and provided that Star shall notify Universe as soon
as reasonably practicable that the recommendation may not be given or may
be withdrawn, adversely modified or
qualified.
|
10
7.
|
CONDUCT
PENDING COMPLETION OF THE
TRANSACTION
|
7.1
|
Pending
the Acquisition Effective Date, and without prejudice to Rule 21 of the
Takeover Code and subject to all applicable legal and regulatory
requirements, save for any action required to effect the Acquisition or
the Scheme, Star shall and shall procure that each member of its Group
shall:
|
(a)
|
carry
on its businesses in the ordinary course and, unless in accordance with
the terms of existing arrangements in place prior to the date of this
Agreement or with the consent of Universe, shall
not:
|
(i)
|
without
the prior written consent of Universe, not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed:
|
(A)
|
incur
any commitment or capital expenditure which, individually, amounts to or
exceeds £2 million; or
|
(B)
|
dispose
of any assets which, in the aggregate, amounts to or exceeds £2
million,
|
in each
case, otherwise than in the ordinary course of business; and
(ii)
|
unless
it has given prior written notification to Universe, enter into any
contract (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) the value of
which, individually, amounts to or exceeds £10
million;
|
(b)
|
not
enter into any contract, agreement or arrangement unless pursuant to
existing arrangements in place, and as disclosed in writing to Universe,
prior to the date of this
Agreement:
|
(i)
|
with
any person who is located or domiciled in any country designated as
embargoed from time to time by the United States State Department (an
"Embargoed
Country"); or
|
(ii)
|
where
any member of the Star Group would be obligated under the terms of such
contract, agreement or arrangement, to carry out any work in any Embargoed
Country;
|
(c)
|
in
the case of Star only, disclose to Bidco and Universe as soon as
reasonably practicable any matter of which it is actually aware which is
reasonably likely to constitute a breach of any of the Conditions, other
than that set out in paragraph A.2 of Appendix 1 to the 2.5 Announcement,
which would allow Universe to invoke any such Condition so as to cause the
Acquisition to lapse;
|
(d)
|
in
the case of Star only, once the Acquisition Document has been circulated
to Star Shareholders, except as required by law or by the Panel (after any
rights Bidco or Universe may have to appeal a Panel ruling have been
exhausted), not make any amendment or addition to, or otherwise vary, the
terms of the Acquisition Document without the prior written approval of
Bidco and Universe;
|
11
(e)
|
save
with Universe's prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed) not, save as disclosed to Universe on or before the date of this
Agreement:
|
(i)
|
change
the general terms of employment of any members of Star's "executive
committee" in any way, other than in the ordinary course of
business;
|
(ii)
|
enter
into any arrangements with the trustees of any pension scheme, in which it
or any member of its Group participates, to pay employer contributions to
such scheme other than those employer contributions agreed with the
trustees as at the date of this Agreement, save as required by law or
regulation or the rules of any such scheme or otherwise with the prior
written consent of Universe;
|
(iii)
|
recommend,
declare, announce, pay or make or propose the recommendation, declaration,
payment or making of, any bonus, dividend, or other distribution to its
shareholders without the prior written consent of
Universe;
|
(iv)
|
except
in respect of options granted at the date of this Agreement under the Star
Share Schemes and save as contemplated pursuant to the Scheme, alter the
allotted or issued share capital of Star, nor grant any options or other
rights to subscribe for any shares under the Star Share Schemes, without
the prior written consent of
Universe;
|
(v)
|
other
than as contemplated by clause 7.3, amend the memorandum or articles of
association of Star's Group;
|
(vi)
|
and,
subject always to the fiduciary and statutory duties of Star's directors,
otherwise take any action which it knows would or might reasonably be
expected to be prejudicial to the successful outcome of the Acquisition or
which would or might reasonably be expected to have the effect of
preventing any of the Conditions from being fulfilled or resulting in a
delay to the Timetable;
|
(vii)
|
enter
into any loan agreement with any bank or other financial institution, or
issue any debt securities; or
|
(viii)
|
agree
to do any of the above.
|
7.2
|
Star
shall promptly notify Bidco and Universe if Star becomes aware of any act,
matter or thing inconsistent with its obligations contained in clause
7.1.
|
7.3
|
Star
shall propose to Star Shareholders such changes as Bidco and Universe may
reasonably require to Star's articles of association in order to implement
the Acquisition in relation to holders of options under the Star Share
Schemes.
|
8.
|
TERMINATION
|
8.1
|
This
Agreement may be terminated and, subject to clause 8.2, all obligations of
Bidco, Universe and Star under this Agreement shall cease as
follows:
|
(a)
|
as
agreed in writing between Universe and Star at any time prior to the
Acquisition Effective Date;
|
(b)
|
if
the Scheme lapses or terminates, unless Bidco and Universe have elected
prior to such time or elect within five Business Days following such time,
to implement the Acquisition by way of the Takeover Offer in accordance
with clause 3.3;
|
12
(c)
|
if
Bidco and Universe elect to implement the Acquisition by way of the
Takeover Offer, the Takeover Offer is withdrawn by Bidco and Universe
(with the consent of the Panel if required) or
lapses;
|
(d)
|
upon
service of a notice by Bidco and Universe on Star if at any time prior to
satisfaction of the Conditions a person not acting in concert with Bidco
and Universe unconditionally acquires more than 50 per cent. of Star's
then issued ordinary share capital;
|
(e)
|
upon
service of a written notice by Bidco and Universe on Star if the
recommendation of the Star Directors contained in the Rule 2.5
Announcement is withdrawn, qualified or modified adversely at any time
prior to the Scheme Court Hearing;
|
(f)
|
upon
service of a written notice by Star on Universe if, to comply with their
fiduciary and/or statutory duties (having taken external legal advice
prior to the service of such notice), the recommendation of the Star
Directors contained in the Rule 2.5 Announcement is withdrawn, qualified
or modified adversely at any time prior to the Scheme Court Hearing;
or
|
(g)
|
if
the Acquisition Effective Date has not occurred by the Longstop
Date.
|
8.2
|
Termination
of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to the rights of either of
the parties which have arisen prior to termination, including (without
limitation) any claim in respect of a breach of this
Agreement. Clauses 1 (Definitions and Interpretation), 3.5, 3.6
and 3.7 (Obligations of Bidco, Universe and Star), 4.3 (Publication of the
Acquisition Document), 9 (Costs), 11 (Entire Agreement) and 12
(Miscellaneous) shall survive termination of this
Agreement.
|
9.
|
COSTS
|
Without
prejudice to its other rights pursuant to this Agreement (or in relation to a
breach by either party of the terms of this Agreement), each party shall pay its
own costs and expenses in connection with or incidental to the
Acquisition.
10.
|
ANNOUNCEMENTS
|
10.1
|
Subject
to clause 10.2, prior to the satisfaction or waiver (as the case may be)
of the Conditions, no announcement or statement shall be made regarding
the Acquisition except on a joint basis or on terms agreed in advance by
the other party (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed).
|
10.2
|
The
restriction in clause 10.1 shall not
apply:
|
(a)
|
to
any announcement or statement required by applicable law, regulation,
court order, Regulatory Authority or the rules of any stock exchange
provided that the party required to make such an announcement or statement
will, if practicable, consult with the other party as to the content and
timing of such announcement or statement and the extent of the required
disclosure;
|
(b)
|
to
any announcement or statement following an announcement or statement by a
third party of a possible offer, or firm intention to make an offer, for
Star; or
|
(c)
|
after
the recommendation of the Star Directors is withdrawn, adversely modified
or qualified in accordance with clause
6.1.
|
13
11.
|
ENTIRE
AGREEMENT
|
11.1
|
This
Agreement, the Inducement Fee Letter and the Confidentiality Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the
Acquisition and, together, supersede any previous agreement whether
written or oral between the parties in relation to the Acquisition, except
that the confidentiality provisions in the Confidentiality Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of such
agreement.
|
11.2
|
Each
party acknowledges that in entering into this Agreement it is not relying
upon any pre-contractual statement that is not set out in this Agreement,
the Inducement Fee Letter or the Confidentiality Agreement. If there is
any inconsistency between the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement and
this Agreement the relevant terms of this Agreement shall
prevail. Save as set out in Clause 4.3 (which shall prevail
over the terms of the Inducement Fee Agreement), if there is any
inconsistency between the terms of the Inducement Fee Letter and this
Agreement, the Inducement Fee Letter shall
prevail.
|
11.3
|
Except
in the case of fraud, no party shall have any right of action against any
other party to this Agreement arising out of or in connection with any
pre-contractual statement except to the extent that it is repeated in this
Agreement, the Inducement Fee Letter or the Confidentiality
Agreement.
|
11.4
|
For
the purposes of this clause, pre-contractual statement means any draft,
agreement, undertaking, representation, warranty, promise, assurance or
arrangement of any nature whatsoever, whether or not in writing, relating
to the subject matter of this Agreement, the Inducement Fee Letter or the
Confidentiality Agreement made or given by any person at any time prior to
the date of this Agreement.
|
12.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
12.1
|
Notices
under this Agreement shall be given in writing, by personal delivery,
pre-paid recorded delivery mail, by facsimile transmission or by courier,
and shall be effective when duly given in accordance with clause
12.2. Notices shall be given as
follows:
|
(a)
|
if
to Star:
|
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Group plc
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxx
XX00
0XX
FAO: The
Company Secretary
Fax: x00
(0) 0000 000 000
with a
copy to:
Xxxxx
Xxxxx International LLP
000
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx XX0X
0XX
FAO: Xxxxxxx
Xxxx (Partner)
Fax:
x00 (0) 000 000 0000
(b)
|
if
to Bidco or Universe:
|
14
URS
Corporation
000
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
26th
Floor
San
Francisco
CA
94111
United
States of America
FAO: Xxx
Xxxxxxx (Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary)
Fax: x0
(000) 000 0000
with a
copy to:
Ashurst
LLP
Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx
0 Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
XX0X 0XX
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
FAO: Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx (Partner)
Fax: x00
(0) 000 000 0000
12.2
|
Any
notice given under this Agreement shall, in the absence of earlier
receipt, be deemed to have been duly given as
follows:
|
(a)
|
if
delivered personally, on delivery;
|
(b)
|
if
sent by pre-paid recorded delivery mail, at 10.00 a.m. on the second
Business Day following the date of
posting;
|
(c)
|
if
sent by facsimile, when sent (with receipt confirmed);
and
|
(d)
|
if
sent by courier, on delivery.
|
12.3
|
The
provisions of this Agreement may be modified or amended only by written
agreement between Universe and
Star.
|
12.4
|
None
of the parties to this Agreement may (or purport to) assign, transfer,
charge or otherwise deal with all or any of its rights under this
Agreement nor grant, declare, create or dispose of any right or interest
in it without the prior written consent of the other
parties.
|
12.5
|
A
person who is not a party to this Agreement shall have no right under the
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Xxx 0000 to enforce any of its
terms.
|
12.6
|
If
any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be illegal or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, under any enactment or rule of law,
but would be valid and enforceable if deleted in whole or in part or
reduced in application, such provision shall apply with such deletion or
modification as may be necessary to make it valid and enforceable but the
enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
affected.
|
12.7
|
This
Agreement, may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the
parties to it on separate counterparts, each of which is an original but
all of which together constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of
a counterpart of this Agreement by e-mail attachment or telecopy shall be
an effective mode of delivery.
|
15
12.8
|
This
Agreement, and the non-contractual obligations arising from or related to
it, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and
the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English
Courts.
|
12.9
|
Nothing
in this Agreement, the Inducement Fee Agreement or the Confidentiality
Agreement shall oblige the Company to pay an amount which the Panel
determines would not be permitted by Rule 21.2 of the
Code.
|
IN WITNESS whereof this
agreement has been executed on the date first above written.
|
||
|
16
SCHEDULE
1
Form
of Rule 2.5 Announcement
|
||
|
17
SCHEDULE
2
Scheme
Timetable
Stage
|
Indicative
Date
|
|
|
Execute
this Agreement
|
28
June 2010
|
|
Issue
Rule 2.5 Announcement
|
28
June 2010
|
|
Part
8 Claim Form issued
|
29
June 2010
|
|
Hearing
of the Part 8 Claim Form for leave to convene the Court
Meeting
|
6
July 2010
|
|
Post
Scheme Circular
|
7
July 2010
|
|
Court
Meeting and Shareholders' Meeting
|
30
July 2010
|
|
Scheme
Court Hearing
|
7
September 2010
|
|
Reduction
Court Hearing
|
9
September 2010
|
|
Effective
date of the Scheme
|
10
September 2010
|
|
||
|
18
SCHEDULE
3
The
Star Share Schemes
1.
|
Introduction
|
Bidco,
Universe and Star agree that the options and other awards held by participants
in the Star Share Schemes shall be dealt with in accordance with the terms of
this Schedule.
2.
|
Appropriate
Proposals
|
2.1
|
Universe
and Star agree that the proposals ("Proposals") to
participants ("Participants") in the
Star Share Schemes set out in this Schedule are appropriate proposals for
the purposes of Universe and Bidco's obligations under Rule 15 of the
Takeover Code.
|
2.2
|
Subject
to applicable confidentiality, legal and/or regulatory requirements, Star
undertakes to Universe to co-operate with and to provide such information
in writing to Universe in relation to the Star Share Schemes as Universe
may reasonably require.
|
3.
|
Commercial
Intention
|
3.1
|
Universe
and Star agree that it is their joint commercial intention that, subject
to the rules of the Star Share Schemes, options and awards under the Star
Share Schemes become exercisable and/or vest as a consequence of the
Acquisition being effected. The Proposals, where appropriate,
will include provisions for cashless exercise and for Participants to
transfer shares acquired under the Star Share Schemes to spouses or civil
partners.
|
3.2
|
In
the light of the commercial intention of the parties, Bidco, Universe and
Star agree that if the Acquisition is effected by way of a scheme of
arrangement, and company law counsel is of the opinion that the scheme of
arrangement is not for the purposes of or in connection with the
reconstruction of Star or its amalgamation with another company, Star
shall document the scheme of arrangement as "a general offer structured as
a scheme of arrangement" if this will assist in enabling options and
awards held under any of the Star Share Schemes to be exercised pursuant
to the rules of these plans in consequence of a general
offer.
|
3.3
|
For
the avoidance of doubt, Universe shall not offer Participants the
opportunity either (i) to surrender their rights for a cash consideration
or (ii) to surrender or exchange their rights to acquire Star Shares for
equivalent rights to acquire Universe
Shares.
|
4.
|
Documentation
and Communications
|
4.1
|
Star
shall, in conjunction with Universe, prepare documentation to be sent to
participants in the Star Share Schemes outlining the anticipated effect of
the Scheme on their contractual rights and incorporating the
Proposals.
|
4.2
|
Star
agrees to consult with Universe as to the content of the documentation, to
seek the approval of Universe (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)
to the content of such documentation, so far as it relates to the
Proposals, and to afford Universe sufficient time to consider the
documentation.
|
5.
|
Discretions
and Vesting Criteria
|
Star
agrees that it shall not, without prior consultation with Universe and affording
Universe sufficient time to consider and comment on the same,
either:
19
5.1
|
exercise
any discretion in a manner that would increase the number of shares in
respect of which any rights under the Star Share Schemes would otherwise
vest or become exercisable but for the exercise of such discretion;
or,
|
5.2
|
determine
the extent to which any vesting condition to which any right under the
Star Share Schemes may be subject shall have been met save to the extent
that any such determination has been made prior to the date of this
Agreement.
|
6.
|
Articles
of Association of Star
|
The
articles of association of Star shall be amended such that Star shares issued or
transferred after the Reduction Record Time pursuant to the exercise or vesting
of options or awards under the Star Share Schemes shall be automatically
acquired by Universe on payment by Universe to the participant on the same terms
as are available to other holders of Star Shares under the Scheme save as
regards the Loan Note Alternative which shall not be available.
7.
|
Employee
Benefit Trust
|
7.1
|
Star
and Universe shall consult with one another with a view to establishing
agreement as to the optimum distribution of Star shares held by the
trustee of the Star Employee Benefit
Trust.
|
7.2
|
If
so requested by Universe, and only if so requested, Star shall exclude all
or any of the trustee's holding of Star Shares from the Scheme in order to
enable the Star Employee Benefit Trust to use such Star Shares to satisfy
the exercise of options and vesting of awards under the Star Share Schemes
following the Reduction Record
Time.
|
7.3
|
Star
shall, in consultation with Universe, transmit written recommendations
from Star (by way of a letter of wishes) requesting the trustee to
consider and, if thought fit, to resolve that the trustee
shall:
|
(a)
|
transfer
Star Shares to satisfy rights under the Share Schemes to the greatest
possible extent; and
|
(b)
|
continue
to co-operate with Star in the provision of benefits following
implementation of the Scheme, to the extent of the trust fund remaining
after discharge of its debts and
liabilities.
|
|
||
|
20
Signed
by
for
and on behalf of UNIVERSE
BIDCO LIMITED by:
|
)
)
)
)
|
Signed
by
for
and on behalf of URS
CORPORATION by:
|
)
)
)
)
|
Signed
by
for
and on behalf of XXXXX
XXXXXX GROUP PLC by:
|
)
)
)
)
|
|
||
|
21