STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") dated as of December 15,
1997, is by and between HUBCO, Inc., a New Jersey corporation and registered
bank holding company ("HUBCO"), and MSB Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation
and registered savings and loan holding company ("MSB").
BACKGROUND
WHEREAS, HUBCO and MSB, as of the date hereof, are prepared to execute
a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the "MERGER AGREEMENT") pursuant to
which MSB will be merged with and into HUBCO (the "Merger"); and
WHEREAS, HUBCO has advised MSB that it will not execute the Merger
Agreement unless MSB executes this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSB has determined that the Merger
Agreement provides substantial benefits to the shareholders of MSB; and
WHEREAS, as an inducement to HUBCO to enter into the Merger Agreement
and in consideration for such entry, MSB desires to grant to HUBCO an option to
purchase authorized but unissued shares of common stock of MSB in an amount and
on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and
agreements set forth herein and in the Merger Agreement, HUBCO and MSB,
intending to be legally bound hereby, agree:
1. GRANT OF OPTION. MSB hereby grants to HUBCO the option to purchase
600,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, of MSB (the "COMMON STOCK") at
a price of $29.00 per share (the "OPTION PRICE"), on the terms and conditions
set forth herein (the "OPTION").
2. EXERCISE OF OPTION. This Option shall not be exercisable until the
occurrence of a Triggering Event (as such term is hereinafter defined). Upon or
after the occurrence of a Triggering Event (as such term is hereinafter
defined), HUBCO may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any time or
from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and the
termination provisions of Section 19 of this Agreement.
The term "TRIGGERING EVENT" means the occurrence of any of the
following events:
A person or group (as such terms are defined in the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT"), and the rules and regulations
thereunder) other than HUBCO or an affiliate of HUBCO:
a. acquires beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in
Rule 13d-3 as promulgated under the Exchange Act) of at least 20% of the then
outstanding shares of Common Stock; or
b. enters into a letter of intent or an agreement, whether
oral or written, with MSB pursuant to which such person or any affiliate of such
person would (i) merge or consolidate, or enter into any similar transaction,
with MSB, (ii) acquire all or a significant portion of the assets or liabilities
of MSB, or (iii) acquire beneficial ownership of securities representing, or the
right to acquire beneficial ownership or to vote securities representing, 20% or
more of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock; or
c. makes a filing with any bank or thrift regulatory
authorities or publicly announces a bona fide proposal (a "PROPOSAL") for (i)
any merger with, consolidation with or acquisition of all or a significant
portion of all the assets or liabilities of, MSB or any other business
combination involving MSB, or (ii) a transaction involving the transfer of
beneficial ownership of securities representing, or the right to acquire
beneficial ownership or to vote securities representing, 20% or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, and thereafter, if such Proposal has not
been Publicly Withdrawn (as such term is hereinafter defined) at least 15 days
prior to the meeting of stockholders of MSB called to vote on the Merger and
MSB's stockholders fail to approve the Merger by the vote required by applicable
law at the meeting of stockholders called for such purpose; or
d. makes a bona fide Proposal and thereafter, but before
such Proposal has been Publicly Withdrawn, MSB willfully takes any action in any
manner which would materially interfere with its ability to consummate the
Merger or materially reduce the value of the transaction to HUBCO.
The term "TRIGGERING EVENT" also means the taking of any material
direct or indirect action by MSB or any of its directors, senior executive
officers, investment bankers or other person with actual or apparent authority
to speak for the MSB Board of Directors, inviting, encouraging or soliciting any
proposal which has as its purpose a tender offer for the shares of Common Stock,
a merger, consolidation, plan of exchange, plan of acquisition or reorganization
of MSB, or a sale of a significant number of shares of Common Stock or any
significant portion of its assets or liabilities.
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The term "SIGNIFICANT PORTION" means 25% of the assets or liabilities
of MSB. The term "SIGNIFICANT NUMBER" means 20% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock.
"PUBLICLY WITHDRAWN", for purposes of clauses (c) and (d) above, shall
mean an unconditional bona fide withdrawal of the Proposal coupled with a public
announcement of no further interest in pursuing such Proposal or in acquiring
any controlling influence over MSB or in soliciting or inducing any other person
(other than HUBCO or any affiliate) to do so.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised at any
time (i) in the absence of any required governmental or regulatory approval or
consent necessary for MSB to issue the shares of Common Stock covered by the
Option (the "OPTION SHARES") or HUBCO to exercise the Option or prior to the
expiration or termination of any waiting period required by law, or (ii) so long
as any injunction or other order, decree or ruling issued by any federal or
state court of competent jurisdiction is in effect which prohibits the sale or
delivery of the Option Shares.
MSB shall notify HUBCO promptly in writing of the occurrence of any
Triggering Event known to it, it being understood that the giving of such notice
by MSB shall not be a condition to the right of HUBCO to exercise the Option.
MSB will not take any action which would have the effect of preventing or
disabling MSB from delivering the Option Shares to HUBCO upon exercise of the
Option or otherwise performing its obligations under this Agreement, except to
the extent required by applicable securities and banking laws and regulations.
In the event HUBCO wishes to exercise the Option, HUBCO shall send a
written notice to MSB (the date of which is hereinafter referred to as the
"NOTICE DATE") specifying the total number of Option Shares it wishes to
purchase and a place and date between two and ten business days inclusive from
the Notice Date for the closing of such a purchase (a "CLOSING"); PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that a Closing shall not occur prior to two days after the later of
receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals and the expiration of any legally
required notice or waiting period, if any.
3. PAYMENT AND DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES. At any Closing hereunder (a)
HUBCO will make payment to MSB of the aggregate price for the Option Shares so
purchased by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account
designated by MSB; (b) MSB will deliver to HUBCO a stock certificate or
certificates representing the number of Option Shares so purchased, free and
clear of all liens, claims, charges and encumbrances of any kind or nature
whatsoever created by or through MSB, registered in the name of HUBCO or its
designee, in such denominations as were specified by HUBCO in its notice of
exercise and, if necessary, bearing a legend as set forth below; and (c) HUBCO
shall pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of the
Option Shares so purchased.
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If required under applicable federal securities laws, a legend will be
placed on each stock certificate evidencing Option Shares issued pursuant to
this Agreement, which legend will read substantially as follows:
The shares of stock evidenced by this certificate have not been registered
for sale under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 ACT"). These shares
may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of unless a registration
statement with respect to the sale of such shares has been filed under the
1933 Act and declared effective or, in the opinion of counsel reasonably
acceptable to MSB Bancorp, Inc., said transfer would be exempt from
registration under the provisions of the 1933 Act and the regulations
promulgated thereunder.
No such legend shall be required if a registration statement is filed and
declared effective under Section 4 hereof.
4. REGISTRATION RIGHTS. Upon or after the occurrence of a Triggering
Event and upon receipt of a written request from HUBCO, MSB shall, if necessary
for the resale of the Option or the Option Shares by HUBCO, prepare and file a
registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state
securities bureau covering the Option and such number of Option Shares as HUBCO
shall specify in its request, and MSB shall use its best efforts to cause such
registration statement to be declared effective in order to permit the sale or
other disposition of the Option and the Option Shares, PROVIDED that HUBCO shall
in no event have the right to have more than one such registration statement
become effective, and PROVIDED FURTHER that MSB shall not be required to prepare
and file any such registration statement in connection with any proposed sale
with respect to which counsel to MSB delivers to MSB and to HUBCO (which is
reasonably acceptable to HUBCO) its opinion to the effect that no such filing is
required under applicable laws and regulations with respect to such sale or
disposition; PROVIDED FURTHER, however, that MSB may delay any registration of
Option Shares above for a period not exceeding 90 days in the event that MSB
shall in good faith determine that any such registration would adversely effect
an offering of securities by MSB for cash. HUBCO shall provide all information
reasonable requested by MSB for inclusion in any registration statement to be
filed hereunder.
In connection with such filing, MSB shall use its best efforts to cause
to be delivered to HUBCO such certificates, opinions, accountant's letters and
other documents as HUBCO shall reasonably request and as are customarily
provided in connection with registrations of securities under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended. All expenses incurred by MSB in complying with the
provisions of this Section 4, including without limitation, all registration and
filing fees, printing expenses, fees and disbursements of counsel for MSB and
blue sky fees and expenses shall be paid by MSB. Underwriting discounts and
commissions to brokers and dealers
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relating to the Option Shares, fees and disbursements of counsel to HUBCO and
any other expenses incurred by HUBCO in connection with such registration shall
be borne by HUBCO. In connection with such filing, MSB shall indemnify and hold
harmless HUBCO against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or
several, to which HUBCO may become subject, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in any preliminary or final registration statement or any amendment or
supplement thereto, or arise out of a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and MSB will
reimburse HUBCO for any legal or other expense reasonably incurred by HUBCO in
connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that MSB will not be liable in any case
to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is
based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission made in such preliminary or final registration statement or
such amendment or supplement thereto in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished by or on behalf of HUBCO specifically for use in
the preparation thereof. HUBCO will indemnify and hold harmless MSB to the same
extent as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence but only with
reference to written information specifically furnished by or on behalf of HUBCO
for use in the preparation of such preliminary or final registration statement
or such amendment or supplement thereto; and HUBCO will reimburse MSB for any
legal or other expense reasonably incurred by MSB in connection with
investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no indemnifying party shall be
liable for any settlement effected without its prior written consent.
5. ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. In the event of any
change in the Common Stock by reason of stock dividends, split-ups, mergers,
recapitalizations, combinations, conversions, exchanges of shares or the like,
then the number and kind of Option Shares and the Option Price shall be
appropriately adjusted.
In the event any capital reorganization or reclassification of the
Common Stock, or any consolidation, merger or similar transaction of MSB with
another entity, or any sale of all or substantially all of the assets of MSB,
shall be effected in such a way that the holders of Common Stock shall be
entitled to receive stock, securities or assets with respect to or in exchange
for Common Stock, then, as a condition of such reorganization, reclassification,
consolidation, merger or sale, lawful and adequate provisions (in form
reasonably satisfactory to the holder hereof) shall be made whereby the holder
hereof shall thereafter have the right to purchase and receive upon the basis
and upon the terms and conditions specified herein and in lieu of the Common
Stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon exercise of the
rights represented by this Option, such shares of stock, securities or assets as
may be issued or payable with respect to or in
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exchange for the number of shares of Common Stock immediately theretofore
purchasable and receivable upon exercise of the rights represented by this
Option had such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale
not taken place; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if such transaction results in the
holders of Common Stock receiving only cash, the holder hereof shall be paid the
difference between the Option Price and such cash consideration without the need
to exercise the Option.
6. FILINGS AND CONSENTS. Each of HUBCO and MSB will use its reasonable
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.
Exercise of the Option herein provided shall be subject to compliance
with all applicable laws including, in the event HUBCO is the holder hereof,
approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation or the New York Department of Banking, and MSB
agrees to cooperate with and furnish to the holder hereof such information and
documents as may be reasonably required to secure such approvals.
7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MSB. MSB hereby represents and
warrants to HUBCO as follows:
a. DUE AUTHORIZATION. MSB has full corporate power and
authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all corporate
action necessary for execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has
been duly taken by MSB.
b. AUTHORIZED SHARES. MSB has taken and, as long as the Option
is outstanding, will take all necessary corporate action to authorize and
reserve for issuance all shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to
any exercise of the Option.
c. NO CONFLICTS. Neither the execution and delivery of this
Agreement nor consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (assuming all
appropriate regulatory approvals) will violate or result in any violation or
default of or be in conflict with or constitute a default under any term of the
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of MSB or any agreement, instrument,
judgment, decree or order applicable to MSB.
8. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto acknowledge that damages
would be an inadequate remedy for a breach of this Agreement and that the
obligations of the parties hereto shall be specifically enforceable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, HUBCO shall have the right to seek money damages
against MSB for a breach of this Agreement.
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9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the Merger Agreement constitute
the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof and supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and oral, among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject
matter hereof.
10. ASSIGNMENT OR TRANSFER. HUBCO may not sell, assign or otherwise
transfer its rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, to any
person or group of persons other than to a wholly-owned subsidiary of HUBCO.
HUBCO represents that it is acquiring the Option for HUBCO's own account and not
with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution of the Option or
the Option Shares. HUBCO is aware that neither the Option nor the Option Shares
is the subject of a registration statement filed with, and declared effective
by, the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 5 of the
Securities Act, but instead each is being offered in reliance upon the exemption
from the registration requirement provided by Section 4(2) thereof and the
representations and warranties made by HUBCO in connection therewith.
11. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT. Upon mutual consent of the parties hereto,
this Agreement may be amended in writing at any time, for the purpose of
facilitating performance hereunder or to comply with any applicable regulation
of any governmental authority or any applicable order of any court or for any
other purpose.
12. VALIDITY. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. 13.
NOTICES. All notices, requests, consents and other communications required or
permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given when delivered personally, by express service, cable, telegram or telex,
or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested)
to the respective parties as follows:
If to HUBCO:
HUBCO, Inc.
0000 XxxXxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
President and Chief Executive Officer
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With a copy to:
Pitney, Xxxxxx, Xxxx & Xxxxx
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq.
If to MSB:
MSB Bancorp, Inc.
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx,
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Wood
Two World Trade Center
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Omer X. X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
or to such other address as the person to whom notice is to be given may have
previously furnished to the others in writing in the manner set forth above
(provided that notice of any change of address shall be effective only upon
receipt thereof).
14. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.
15. CAPTIONS. The captions in the Agreement are inserted for
convenience and reference purposes, and shall not limit or otherwise affect any
of the terms or provisions hereof.
16. WAIVERS AND EXTENSIONS. The parties hereto may, by mutual consent,
extend the time for performance of any of the obligations or acts of either
party hereto. Each party may waive (a) compliance with any of the covenants of
the other party contained in this Agreement and/or (b) the other party's
performance of any of its obligations set forth in this Agreement.
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17. PARTIES IN INTEREST. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this Agreement,
express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other person any rights or
remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
18. 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.
19. TERMINATION. This Agreement shall terminate upon either the
termination of the Merger Agreement as provided therein or the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
if termination of the Merger Agreement occurs after the occurrence of a
Triggering Event (as defined in Section 2 hereof), this Agreement shall not
terminate until the later of 18 months following the date of the termination of
the Merger Agreement or the consummation of any proposed transactions which
constitute the Triggering Event.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto, pursuant to resolutions
adopted by its Board of Directors, has caused this Stock Option Agreement to be
executed by its duly authorized officer, all as of the day and year first above
written.
MSB BANCORP, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx,
Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
HUBCO, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
---------------------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx,
Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
