AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER BY AND BETWEEN FIRST NIAGARA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. AND GREAT LAKES BANCORP, INC. SEPTEMBER 9, 2007
BY
AND BETWEEN
FIRST
NIAGARA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
AND
SEPTEMBER
9, 2007
Β
Β
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Β
ARTICLE
I CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
|
1
|
||
Β |
1.1.
|
Certain
Definitions.
|
1
|
ARTICLE
II THE MERGER
|
8
|
||
Β |
2.1.
|
Merger.
|
8
|
Β |
2.2.
|
Effective
Time.
|
8
|
Β |
2.3.
|
Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws.
|
8
|
Β |
2.4.
|
Directors
and Officers of Surviving Corporation.
|
8
|
Β |
2.5.
|
Advisory
Board.
|
9
|
Β |
2.6.
|
Effects
of the Merger.
|
9
|
Β |
2.7.
|
Tax
Consequences.
|
9
|
Β |
2.8.
|
Possible
Alternative Structures.
|
9
|
Β |
2.9.
|
Bank
Merger
|
9
|
Β |
2.10.
|
Additional
Actions
|
10
|
ARTICLE
III CONVERSION OF SHARES
|
10
|
||
Β |
3.1.
|
Conversion
of GLB Common Stock; Merger Consideration.
|
10
|
Β |
3.2.
|
Election
Procedures.
|
12
|
Β |
3.3.
|
Procedures
for Exchange of GLB Common Stock.
|
15
|
Β |
3.4
|
Reservation
of Shares.
|
17
|
ARTICLE
IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GLB
|
17
|
||
Β |
4.1.
|
Standard.
|
18
|
Β |
4.2.
|
Organization.
|
18
|
Β |
4.3.
|
Capitalization.
|
19
|
Β |
4.4.
|
Authority;
No Violation.
|
19
|
Β |
4.5.
|
Consents.
|
20
|
Β |
4.6.
|
Financial
Statements.
|
21
|
Β |
4.7.
|
Taxes.
|
22
|
Β |
4.8.
|
No
Material Adverse Effect.
|
23
|
Β |
4.9.
|
Material
Contracts; Leases; Defaults.
|
23
|
Β |
4.10.
|
Ownership
of Property; Insurance Coverage.
|
25
|
Β |
4.11.
|
Legal
Proceedings.
|
26
|
Β |
4.12.
|
Compliance
With Applicable Law.
|
26
|
Β |
4.13.
|
Employee
Benefit Plans.
|
27
|
Β |
4.14.
|
Brokers,
Finders and Financial Advisors.
|
30
|
Β |
4.15.
|
Environmental
Matters.
|
30
|
Β |
4.16.
|
Loan
Portfolio.
|
31
|
Β |
4.17.
|
Securities
Documents.
|
32
|
Β |
4.18.
|
Related
Party Transactions.
|
33
|
Β |
4.19.
|
Deposits.
|
33
|
Β |
4.20.
|
Antitakeover
Provisions Inapplicable; Required Vote.
|
33
|
Β |
4.21.
|
Registration
Obligations.
|
33
|
Β |
4.22.
|
Risk
Management Instruments.
|
33
|
Β |
4.23.
|
Fairness
Opinion.
|
34
|
Β |
4.24.
|
Trust
Accounts
|
34
|
Β |
4.25.
|
Intellectual
Property
|
34
|
Β |
4.26.
|
Labor
Matters
|
34
|
Β
(i)
Β
Β |
4.27.
|
GLB
Information Supplied
|
35
|
ARTICLE
V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FNFG
|
35
|
||
Β |
5.1.
|
Standard.
|
35
|
Β |
5.2.
|
Organization.
|
36
|
Β |
5.3.
|
Capitalization.
|
36
|
Β |
5.4.
|
Authority;
No Violation.
|
37
|
Β |
5.5.
|
Consents.
|
37
|
Β |
5.6.
|
Financial
Statements.
|
38
|
Β |
5.7.
|
Taxes.
|
39
|
Β |
5.8.
|
No
Material Adverse Effect.
|
39
|
Β |
5.9.
|
Ownership
of Property; Insurance Coverage.
|
40
|
Β |
5.10.
|
Legal
Proceedings.
|
40
|
Β |
5.11.
|
Compliance
With Applicable Law.
|
40
|
Β |
5.12.
|
Employee
Benefit Plans.
|
41
|
Β |
5.13.
|
Environmental
Matters.
|
43
|
Β |
5.14.
|
Loan
Losses.
|
43
|
Β |
5.15.
|
Securities
Documents
|
43
|
Β |
5.16.
|
Brokers,
Finders and Financial Advisors
|
43
|
Β |
5.17.
|
FNFG
Common Stock
|
44
|
Β |
5.18.
|
FNFG
Information Supplied
|
44
|
ARTICLE
VI COVENANTS OF GLB
|
44
|
||
Β |
6.1.
|
Conduct
of Business.
|
44
|
Β |
6.2.
|
Current
Information.
|
48
|
Β |
6.3.
|
Access
to Properties and Records.
|
50
|
Β |
6.4.
|
Financial
and Other Statements.
|
50
|
Β |
6.5.
|
Maintenance
of Insurance.
|
51
|
Β |
6.6.
|
Disclosure
Supplements.
|
51
|
Β |
6.7.
|
Consents
and Approvals of Third Parties.
|
51
|
Β |
6.8.
|
All
Reasonable Efforts.
|
51
|
Β |
6.9.
|
Failure
to Fulfill Conditions.
|
51
|
Β |
6.10.
|
No
Solicitation.
|
51
|
Β |
6.11.
|
Reserves
and Merger-Related Costs.
|
54
|
Β |
6.12.
|
Board
of Directors and Committee Meetings.
|
55
|
ARTICLE
VII COVENANTS OF FNFG
|
55
|
||
Β |
7.1.
|
Conduct
of Business.
|
55
|
Β |
7.2.
|
Current
Information.
|
55
|
Β |
7.3.
|
Financial
and Other Statements.
|
56
|
Β |
7.4.
|
Disclosure
Supplements.
|
56
|
Β |
7.5.
|
Consents
and Approvals of Third Parties.
|
56
|
Β |
7.6.
|
All
Reasonable Efforts.
|
56
|
Β |
7.7.
|
Failure
to Fulfill Conditions.
|
56
|
Β |
7.8.
|
Employee
Benefits.
|
56
|
Β |
7.9.
|
Directors
and Officers Indemnification and Insurance.
|
58
|
Β |
7.10.
|
Stock
Listing.
|
59
|
Β |
7.11.
|
Stock
and Cash Reserve.
|
59
|
Β
(ii)
Β
ARTICLE
VIII REGULATORY AND OTHER MATTERS
|
59
|
||
Β |
8.1.
|
GLB
Shareholder Meeting.
|
59
|
Β |
8.2.
|
Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.
|
59
|
Β |
8.3.
|
Regulatory
Approvals.
|
61
|
Β |
8.4.
|
Affiliates.
|
61
|
ARTICLE
IX CLOSING CONDITIONS
|
61
|
||
Β |
9.1.
|
Conditions
to Each Partyβs Obligations under this Agreement.
|
61
|
Β |
9.2.
|
Conditions
to the Obligations of FNFG under this Agreement.
|
62
|
Β |
9.3.
|
Conditions
to the Obligations of GLB under this Agreement.
|
63
|
ARTICLE
X THE CLOSING
|
64
|
||
Β |
10.1.
|
Time
and Place.
|
64
|
Β |
10.2.
|
Deliveries
at the Pre-Closing and the Closing.
|
64
|
ARTICLE
XI TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
|
64
|
||
Β |
11.1.
|
Termination.
|
64
|
Β |
11.2.
|
Effect
of Termination.
|
67
|
Β |
11.3.
|
Amendment,
Extension and Waiver.
|
68
|
ARTICLE
XII MISCELLANEOUS
|
68
|
||
Β |
12.1.
|
Confidentiality.
|
68
|
Β |
12.2.
|
Public
Announcements.
|
68
|
Β |
12.3.
|
Survival.
|
69
|
Β |
12.4.
|
Notices.
|
69
|
Β |
12.5.
|
Parties
in Interest.
|
70
|
Β |
12.6.
|
Complete
Agreement.
|
70
|
Β |
12.7.
|
Counterparts.
|
71
|
Β |
12.8.
|
Severability.
|
71
|
Β |
12.9.
|
Governing
Law.
|
71
|
Β |
12.10.
|
Interpretation.
|
71
|
Β |
12.11.
|
Specific
Performance.
|
71
|
Β
Exhibit AΒ Β Β Β Β | Form of GLB Voting AgreementΒ | |
Exhibit B | [left intentionally blank] | |
Exhibit C | Affiliates Agreement |
Β
(iii)
Β
Β
This
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this βAgreementβ) is dated as of September 9,
2007, by and between First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(βFNFGβ), and Great Lakes Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(βGLBβ).
Β
WHEREAS,
the
Board of Directors of each of FNFG and GLB (i) has determined that this
Agreement and the business combination and related transactions contemplated
hereby are in the best interests of their respective companies and shareholders
and (ii) has determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby are consistent with and in furtherance of their respective business
strategies, and (iii) has adopted a resolution approving this Agreement and
declaring its advisability; and
Β
WHEREAS,
in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, GLB will merge with and into FNFG
(the βMergerβ), and immediately thereafter Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, a New
York chartered stock savings bank and wholly owned subsidiary of GLB (βGBSBβ),
will be merged with and into First Niagara Bank, a federally chartered stock
savings bank and wholly owned subsidiary of FNFG (βFirst Niagara Bankβ);
and
Β
WHEREAS,
as a
condition to the willingness of FNFG to enter into this Agreement, each of
the
directors of GLB has entered into a Voting Agreement, substantially in the
form
of Exhibit A hereto, dated as of the date hereof, with FNFG (the βGLB Voting
Agreementsβ), pursuant to which each such director has agreed, among other
things, to vote all shares of common stock of GLB owned by such person in favor
of the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby,
upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the GLB Voting Agreements;
and
Β
WHEREAS,
the
parties intend the Merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning
of
Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the βCodeβ),
and that this Agreement be and is hereby adopted as a βplan of reorganizationβ
within the meaning of Sections 354 and 361 of the Code; and
Β
WHEREAS,
the
parties desire to make certain representations, warranties and agreements in
connection with the business transactions described in this Agreement and to
prescribe certain conditions thereto.
Β
NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties and
agreements herein contained, and of other good and valuable consideration,
the
receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
Β
ARTICLE
I
CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS
Β
1.1.Β Certain
Definitions.
Β
As
used
in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings (unless
the
context otherwise requires, references to Articles and Sections refer to
Articles and Sections of this Agreement).
Β
1
Β
βAffiliateβ
means any Person who directly, or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with,
such Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes
any
executive officer or director of such Person and any Affiliate of such executive
officer or director.
Β
βAgreementβ
means this agreement, and any amendment hereto.
Β
βApplicationsβ
means the applications for regulatory approval that are required by the
transactions contemplated hereby.
Β
βBank
Mergerβ shall mean the merger of GBSB with and into First Niagara Bank, with
First Niagara Bank as the surviving institution, which merger shall occur
immediately following the Merger.
Β
βBank
Regulatorβ shall mean any Federal or state banking regulator, including but not
limited to the OTS, the FRB, the FDIC and the Department, which regulates First
Niagara Bank or GBSB, or any of their respective holding companies or
subsidiaries, as the case may be.
Β
βBHCAβ
shall mean the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.
Β
βCash
Considerationβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.
Β
βCash
Electionβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.
Β
βCash
Election Sharesβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.
Β
βCertificateβ
shall mean certificates evidencing shares of GLB Common Stock.
Β
βClosingβ
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
Β
βClosing
Dateβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
Β
βCOBRAβ
shall mean the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as
amended.
Β
βCodeβ
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Β
βConfidentiality
Agreementβ shall mean the confidentiality agreement referred to in Section 12.1
of this Agreement.
Β
βDepartmentβ
shall mean the Banking Department of the State of New York, and where
appropriate shall include the Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York
and the Banking Board of the State of New York.
Β
βDGCLβ
shall mean the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Β
βDissenting
Sharesβ shall have the meaning set forth in SectionΒ 3.1.4.
Β
βDissenting
Shareholderβ shall have the meaning set forth in
SectionΒ 3.1.4.
Β
2
Β
βEffective
Timeβ shall mean the date and time specified pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof as
the effective time of the Merger.
Β
βElection
Deadlineβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.3.
Β
βElection
Formβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.2.
Β
βElection
Form Record Dateβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.2.2.
Β
βEnvironmental
Lawsβ means any applicable Federal, state or local law, statute, ordinance,
rule, regulation, code, license, permit, authorization, approval, consent,
order, judgment, decree, injunction or agreement with any governmental entity
relating to (1) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment
(including, without limitation, air, water vapor, surface water, groundwater,
drinking water supply, surface soil, subsurface soil, plant and animal life
or
any other natural resource), and/or (2) the use, storage, recycling, treatment,
generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release
or disposal of Materials of Environmental Concern. The term Environmental Law
includes without limitation (a) the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Β§9601, et seq; the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Β§6901, et seq; the
Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Β§7401, et seq; the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. Β§1251, et seq; the Toxic Substances Control
Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. Β§2601, et seq; the Emergency Planning and Community
Right to Know Act, 42 U.S.C. Β§11001, et seq; the Safe Drinking Xxxxx Xxx, 00
X.X.X. Β§000x, et seq; and all comparable state and local laws, and (b) any
common law (including without limitation common law that may impose strict
liability) that may impose liability or obligations for injuries or damages
due
to the presence of or exposure to any Materials of Environmental
Concern.
Β
βERISAβ
shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
Β
βExchange
Actβ shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Β
βExchange
Agentβ shall mean Mellon Investor Services, LLC, or such other bank or trust
company or other agent designated by FNFG, and reasonably acceptable to GLB,
which shall act as agent for FNFG in connection with the exchange procedures
for
converting Certificates into the Merger Consideration.
Β
βExchange
Fundβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.1.
Β
βExchange
Ratioβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.
Β
βFDIAβ
shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended.
Β
βFDICβ
shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any successor
thereto.
Β
βFHLBβ
shall mean the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.
Β
3
Β
βFirst
Niagara Bankβ shall mean First Niagara Bank, a federally chartered stock savings
association, with its principal offices located at 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx,
P.O.
Box 514, Lockport, New York, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of
FNFG.
Β
βFirst
Niagara Commercial Bankβ shall mean the wholly owned, commercial bank subsidiary
of First Niagara Bank that is chartered under the laws of the State of New
York
and is limited to those activities set forth in Section 2(a)(5)(E)(ii) of the
BHCA.
Β
βFNFGβ
shall mean First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with
its
principal executive offices located at 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxx
Xxxx 00000.
Β
βFNFG
Common Stockβ shall mean the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of
FNFG.
Β
βFNFG
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEβ shall mean a written disclosure schedule delivered by FNFG
to GLB specifically referring to the appropriate section of this
Agreement.
Β
βFNFG
Financial Statementsβ shall mean the (i) the audited consolidated statements of
condition (including related notes and schedules) of FNFG and subsidiaries
as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, changes in stockholdersβ equity and cash flows (including
related notes and schedules, if any) of FNFG and subsidiaries for each of the
three years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, as set forth in FNFGβs
annual report for the year ended December 31, 2006, and (ii) the unaudited
interim consolidated financial statements of FNFG and subsidiaries as of the
end
of each calendar quarter following December 31, 2006, and for the periods then
ended, as filed by FNFG in its Securities Documents.
Β
βFNFG
Regulatory Agreementβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section
5.11.3.
Β
βFNFG
Stock Benefit Plansβ shall mean the 1999 Stock Option Plan, the 1999 Recognition
and Retention Plan and the 2002 Long-Term Incentive Stock Benefit
Plan.
Β
βFNFG
Subsidiaryβ means any corporation, of which more than 50% of the capital stock
is owned, either directly or indirectly, by FNFG or First Niagara Bank, except
any corporation the stock of which is held in the ordinary course of the lending
activities of First Niagara Bank.
Β
βFRBβ
shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and, where
appropriate, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Β
βGAAPβ
shall mean accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, consistently applied with prior practice.
Β
βGBSBβ
shall mean Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, a New York chartered stock savings
bank, with its principal offices located at 0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxx
Xxxx,
00000, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of GLB.
Β
βGLBβ
shall mean Great Lakes Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal
offices located at 0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, 00000.
Β
4
Β
βGLB
Common Stockβ shall mean the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
GLB.
Β
βGLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEβ shall mean a written disclosure schedule delivered by GLB
to FNFG specifically referring to the appropriate section of this
Agreement.
Β
βGLB
Financial Statementsβ shall mean (i) the audited consolidated balance sheets
(including related notes and schedules, if any) of GLB and subsidiaries as
of
December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated statements of operations,
stockholdersβ equity and cash flows (including related notes and schedules, if
any) of GLB and subsidiaries for each of the three years ended December 31,
2006, 2005 and 2004, as set forth in GLBβs annual report for the year ended
December 31, 2006, and (ii) the unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements of GLB and subsidiaries as of the end of each calendar quarter
following December 31, 2006 and for the periods then ended, as filed by GLB
in
its Securities Documents.
Β
βGLB
Option Plansβ shall mean the GLB 2000 Stock Option, the GLB 2002 Stock Option
Plan and the Bay View Capital Corporation 1995 Stock Option and Incentive Plan,
and any amendments thereto.
Β
βGLB
Optionβ shall mean an option to purchase shares of GLB Common Stock granted
pursuant to the GLB Option Plans and as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.3.1.
Β
βGLB
Recommendationβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.
Β
βGLB
Regulatory Agreementβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.12.3.
Β
βGLB
Regulatory Reportsβ means the Call Reports of GBSB and accompanying schedules,
as filed with the FDIC, for each calendar quarter beginning with the quarter
ended March 31, 2007, through the Closing Date, and all Reports filed with
the
FDIC by GLB from March 31, 2007 through the Closing Date.
Β
βGLB
Shareholders Meetingβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.1.1.
Β
βGLB
Subsidiaryβ means any corporation, of which more than 50% of the capital stock
is owned, either directly or indirectly, by GLB or GBSB, except any corporation
the stock of which is held in the ordinary course of the lending activities
of
GBSB.
Β
βGovernmental
Entityβ shall mean any Federal or state court, administrative agency or
commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality.
Β
βHOLAβ
shall mean the Home Ownersβ Loan Act, as amended.
Β
βIRSβ
shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Β
βKnowledgeβ
as used with respect to a Person (including references to such Person being
aware of a particular matter) means those facts that are known or should have
been known by the executive officers and directors of such Person, and includes
any facts, matters or circumstances set forth in any written notice from any
Bank Regulator or any other material written notice received by that
Person.
Β
5
Β
βMaterial
Adverse Effectβ shall mean, with respect to FNFG or GLB, respectively, any
effect that (i) is material and adverse to the financial condition, results
of
operations or business of FNFG and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or GLB
and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, respectively, or (ii) does or would
materially impair the ability of either GLB, on the one hand, or FNFG, on the
other hand, to perform its obligations under this Agreement or otherwise
materially threaten or materially impede the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided that βMaterial Adverse Effectβ shall
not be deemed to include the impact of (a) changes in laws and regulations
affecting banks or thrift institutions or their holding companies generally,
or
interpretations thereof by courts or governmental agencies, (b) changes in
GAAP
or regulatory accounting principles generally applicable to financial
institutions and their holding companies, (c) actions and omissions of a party
hereto (or any of its Subsidiaries) taken with the prior written consent of
the
other party, (d) the impact of the announcement of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and compliance with this Agreement on the
business, financial condition or results of operations of the parties and their
respective subsidiaries, including the expenses incurred by the parties hereto
in consummating the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (e) changes
in
national or international political or social conditions including the
engagement by the United States in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to
the
declaration of a national emergency or war, or the occurrence of any military
or
terrorist attack upon or within the United States, or any of its territories,
possessions or diplomatic or consular offices or upon any military installation,
equipment or personnel of the United States, unless it uniquely affects either
or both of the parties or any of their Subsidiaries (f) any change in the value
of the securities or loan portfolio, or any change in the value of the deposits
or borrowings, of FNFG or GLB, or any of their Subsidiaries, respectively,
resulting from a change in interest rates generally, or (g) any charge or
reserve taken by GLB at the request of FNFG pursuant to Section 6.11 of this
Agreement.
Β
βMaterials
of Environmental Concernβ means pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic
substances, petroleum and petroleum products, and any other materials regulated
under Environmental Laws.
Β
βMergerβ
shall mean the merger of GLB with and into FNFG (or a subsidiary thereof)
pursuant to the terms hereof.
Β
βMerger
Considerationβ shall mean the cash or FNFG Common Stock, or combination thereof,
in an aggregate per share amount to be paid by FNFG for each share of GLB Common
Stock, as set forth in SectionΒ 3.1.
Β
βMerger
Registration Statementβ shall mean the registration statement, together with all
amendments, filed with the SEC under the Securities Act for the purpose of
registering shares of FNFG Common Stock to be offered to holders of GLB Common
Stock in connection with the Merger.
Β
βNasdaqβ
shall mean the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
Β
βOTSβ
shall mean the Office of Thrift Supervision or any successor
thereto.
Β
βPBGCβ
shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any successor
thereto.
Β
6
Β
βPension
Planβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.13.2.
Β
βPersonβ
shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association,
trust or βgroupβ (as that term is defined under the Exchange Act).
Β
βProxy
Statement-Prospectusβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.2.1.
Β
βRegulatory
Approvalsβ means the approval of any Bank Regulator that is necessary in
connection with the consummation of the Merger, the Bank Merger and the related
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Β
βRightsβ
shall mean warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, stock appreciation
rights and other arrangements or commitments which obligate an entity to issue
or dispose of any of its capital stock or other ownership interests or which
provide for compensation based on the equity appreciation of its capital
stock.
Β
βSECβ
shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor
thereto.
Β
βSecurities
Actβ shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Β
βSecurities
Documentsβ shall mean all reports, offering circulars, proxy statements,
registration statements and all similar documents filed, or required to be
filed, pursuant to the Securities Laws.
Β
βSecurities
Lawsβ shall mean the Securities Act; the Exchange Act; the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended; the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the
SEC promulgated thereunder.
Β
βShortfall
Numberβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.5.
Β
βSignificant
Subsidiaryβ shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of
the SEC.
Β
βStock
Considerationβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.
Β
βStock
Conversion Numberβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.2.1.
Β
βStock
Electionβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.
Β
βStock
Election Numberβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.4.
Β
βStock
Election Sharesβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.3.
Β
βSurviving
Corporationβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1
hereof.
Β
βTermination
Dateβ shall mean June 30, 2008.
Β
7
Β
βTreasury
Stockβ shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.2.
Β
Other
terms used herein are defined in the preamble and elsewhere in this
Agreement.
Β
Β
ARTICLE
II
THE
MERGER
Β
2.1.Β Merger.
Β
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Effective Time: (a) GLB
shall merge with and into FNFG, with FNFG as the resulting or surviving
corporation (the βSurviving Corporationβ); and (b) the separate existence of GLB
shall cease and all of the rights, privileges, powers, franchises, properties,
assets, liabilities and obligations of GLB shall be vested in and assumed by
FNFG. As part of the Merger, each share of GLB Common Stock (other than
Dissenting Shares and Treasury Stock) will be converted into the right to
receive the Merger Consideration pursuant to the terms of Article III hereof.
Immediately after the Merger, GBSB shall merge with and into First Niagara
Bank,
with First Niagara Bank as the resulting institution.
Β
2.2.Β Effective
Time.
Β
The
Closing shall occur no later than the close of business on the fifth business
day following the latest to occur of (i) the receipt of all Regulatory
Approvals, (ii)Β GLB shareholder approval of the Merger, or (iii) the
passing of any applicable waiting periods; or at such other date or time upon
which FNFG and GLB mutually agree (the βClosingβ). The Merger shall be effected
by the filing of a certificate of merger with the Delaware Office of the
Secretary of State on the day of the Closing (the βClosing Dateβ), in accordance
with the DGCL. The βEffective Timeβ means the date and time upon which the
certificate of merger is filed with the Delaware Office of the Secretary of
State, or as otherwise stated in the certificate of merger, in accordance with
the DGCL.
Β
2.3.Β Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Β
The
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of FNFG as in effect immediately prior
to the Effective Time shall be the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
of
the Surviving Corporation, until thereafter amended as provided therein and
by
applicable law.
Β
2.4.Β Directors
and Officers of Surviving Corporation.
Β
The
directors of FNFG immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial
directors of the Surviving Corporation, each to hold office in accordance with
the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation. The
officers of FNFG immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the initial
officers of Surviving Corporation, in each case until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
Β
8
Β
2.5.Β Advisory
Board.
Β
Effective
immediately after the Effective Time, Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxxx and Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
shall be appointed to the currently existing Western New York Advisory Board
of
First Niagara Bank (the βAdvisory Boardβ).
Β
2.6.Β Effects
of the Merger.
Β
At
and
after the Effective Time, the Merger shall have the effects as set forth in
the
DGCL.
Β
2.7.Β Tax
Consequences.
Β
It
is
intended that the Merger shall constitute a reorganization within the meaning
of
Section 368(a) of the Code, and that this Agreement shall constitute a βplan of
reorganizationβ as that term is used in Sections 354 and 361 of the
Code.
From and
after the date of this Agreement and until the Closing, each party hereto shall
use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify, and will not
knowingly take any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take any action
or cause any action to fail to be taken which action or failure to act could
prevent the Merger from qualifying as a reorganization under Section 368(a)
of
the Code. Following the Closing, neither FNFG, GLB nor any of their affiliates
shall knowingly take any action, cause any action to be taken, fail to take
any
action or cause any action to fail to be taken, which action or failure to
act
could cause the Merger to fail to qualify as a reorganization under Section
368(a) of the Code. FNFG and GLB each hereby agrees to deliver certificates
substantially in compliance with IRS published advance ruling guidelines, with
customary exceptions and modifications thereto, to enable counsel to deliver
the
legal opinion contemplated by SectionΒ 9.1.6, which certificates shall be
effective as of the date of such opinion.
Β
2.8.Β Possible
Alternative Structures.
Β
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, prior to the Effective
Time FNFG shall be entitled to revise the structure of the Merger or the Bank
Merger, including without limitation, by merging GLB into a wholly owned
subsidiary of FNFG, provided that (i)Β any such subsidiary shall become a
party to, and shall agree to be bound by, the terms of this Agreement
(ii)Β there are no adverse Federal or state income tax consequences to GLB
shareholders as a result of the modification; (iii) the consideration to be
paid
to the holders of GLB Common Stock under this Agreement is not thereby changed
in kind, value or reduced in amount; and (iv) such modification will not delay
materially or jeopardize the receipt of Regulatory Approvals or other consents
and approvals relating to the consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger
or
otherwise cause any condition to Closing set forth in ArticleΒ IX not to be
capable of being fulfilled. The parties hereto agree to appropriately amend
this
Agreement and any related documents in order to reflect any such revised
structure.
Β
2.9.Β Bank
Merger
Β
FNFG
and
GLB shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause the merger of GBSB with
and
into First Niagara Bank, with First Niagara Bank as the surviving institution,
to occur as soon as practicable after the Effective Time. In addition, following
the execution and delivery of this Agreement, FNFG will cause First Niagara
Bank, and GLB will cause GBSB, to execute and deliver a mutually acceptable
Plan
of Bank Merger.
Β
9
Β
2.10.Β Additional
Actions
Β
If,
at
any time after the Effective Time, FNFG shall consider or be advised that any
further deeds, assignments or assurances in law or any other acts are necessary
or desirable to (i)Β vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in
FNFG its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties
or assets of GLB, GBSB, or (ii)Β otherwise carry out the purposes of this
Agreement, GLB and its officers and directors shall be deemed to have granted
to
FNFG an irrevocable power of attorney to execute and deliver, in such official
corporate capacities, all such deeds, assignments or assurances in law or any
other acts as are necessary or desirable to (a)Β vest, perfect or confirm,
of record or otherwise, in FNFG its right, title or interest in, to or under
any
of the rights, properties or assets of GLB or (b)Β otherwise carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, and the officers and directors of the FNFG are
authorized in the name of GLB or otherwise to take any and all such
action.
Β
ARTICLE
III
CONVERSION
OF SHARES
Β
3.1.Β Conversion
of GLB Common Stock; Merger Consideration.
Β
At
the
Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part
of
FNFG, GLB or the holders of any of the shares of GLB Common Stock, the Merger
shall be effected in accordance with the following terms:
Β
3.1.1.Β Each
share of FNFG Common Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior
to
the Effective Time shall remain issued and outstanding following the Effective
Time and shall be unchanged by the Merger.
Β
3.1.2.Β All
shares of GLB Common Stock held in the treasury of GLB (βTreasury Stockβ) and
each share of GLB Common Stock owned by FNFG immediately prior to the Effective
Time (other than shares held in a fiduciary capacity or in connection with
debts
previously contracted) shall, at the Effective Time, cease to exist, and the
certificates for such shares shall be canceled as promptly as practicable
thereafter, and no payment or distribution shall be made in consideration
therefor.
Β
3.1.3.Β Subject
to the provisions of this Article III, each share of GLB Common Stock issued
and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than Treasury Stock
and Dissenting Shares) shall become and be converted into, as provided in and
subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, the right to receive
at
the election of the holder thereof as provided in Section 3.2, the following,
without interest:
Β
(A)Β for
each
share of GLB Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive cash
has
been effectively made and not revoked or lost, pursuant to Section 3.2 (a βCash
Electionβ), cash from FNFG in an amount equal to $14.00 (the βCash
Considerationβ) (collectively, βCash Election Sharesβ);
Β
10
Β
(B)Β for
each
share of GLB Common Stock with respect to which an election to receive FNFG
Common Stock has been effectively made and not revoked or lost, pursuant to
Section 3.2 (a βStock Electionβ), .993 shares (βthe Exchange Ratioβ) of FNFG
Common (the βStock Considerationβ) (collectively, the βStock Election Sharesβ);
Β
(C)Β a
combination of the Cash Consideration and the Stock Consideration (a βMixed
Electionβ and collectively the βMixed Election Sharesβ); and
Β
(D)Β for
each
share of GLB Common Stock other than shares as to which a Cash Election, a
Stock
Election or a Mixed Election has been effectively made and not revoked or lost,
pursuant to Section 3.2 (collectively, βNon-Election Sharesβ), such Stock
Consideration and/or Cash Consideration as is determined in accordance with
Section 3.2.
Β
3.1.4.Β Each
outstanding share of GLB Common Stock the holder of which has perfected his
right to dissent under the DGCL and has not effectively withdrawn or lost such
right as of the Effective Time (the βDissenting Sharesβ) shall not be converted
into or represent a right to receive the Merger Consideration hereunder, and
the
holder thereof shall be entitled only to such rights as are granted by the
DGCL.
GLB shall give FNFG prompt notice upon receipt by GLB of any written demand
for
payment of the fair value of such shares of GLB Common Stock and of withdrawals
of such notice and any other instruments provided pursuant to applicable law
(any shareholder duly making such demand being hereinafter called a βDissenting
Shareholderβ), and FNFG shall have the right to participate in all negotiations
and proceedings with respect to any such demands. GLB shall not, except with
the
prior written consent of FNFG, voluntarily make any payment with respect to,
or
settle or offer to settle, any such demand for payment, or waive any failure
to
timely deliver a written demand for appraisal or the taking of any other action
by such Dissenting Shareholder as may be necessary to perfect appraisal rights
under the DGCL. Any payments made in respect of Dissenting Shares shall be
made
by the Surviving Company.
Β
3.1.5.Β If
any
Dissenting Shareholder shall effectively withdraw or lose (through failure
to
perfect or otherwise) his right to such payment at or prior to the Effective
Time, such holderβs shares of GLB Common Stock shall be converted into a right
to receive cash or FNFG Common Stock in accordance with the applicable
provisions of this Agreement. If such holder shall effectively withdraw or
lose
(through failure to perfect or otherwise) his right to such payment after the
Effective Time (or the Election Deadline), each share of GLB Common Stock of
such holder shall be treated as a Non-Election Share.
Β
3.1.6.Β After
the
Effective Time, shares of GLB Common Stock shall be no longer outstanding and
shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist, and shall thereafter
by operation of this section represent the right to receive the Merger
Consideration (or as to Dissenting Shares, such rights as provided by the
DGCL)
and any
dividends or distributions with respect thereto or any dividends or
distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time that were declared
or made by GLB on such shares of GLB Common Stock in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement on or prior to the Effective Time and which remain unpaid
at
the Effective Time.
Β
11
Β
3.1.7.Β In
the
event FNFG changes (or establishes a record date for changing) the number of,
or
provides for the exchange of, shares of FNFG Common Stock issued and outstanding
prior to the Effective Time as a result of a stock split, stock dividend,
recapitalization, reclassification, or similar transaction with respect to
the
outstanding FNFG Common Stock and the record date therefor shall be prior to
the
Effective Time, the Exchange Ratio shall be proportionately and appropriately
adjusted; provided,
that
no such
adjustment shall be made with regard to FNFG Common Stock if FNFG issues
additional shares of Common Stock and receives fair market value consideration
for such shares.
Β
3.2.Β Election
Procedures.
Β
3.2.1.Β Holders
of GLB Common Stock may elect to receive shares of FNFG Common Stock or cash
(in
either case without interest) in exchange for their shares of GLB Common Stock
in accordance with the procedures set forth herein; provided that, in the
aggregate, and subject to the provisions of 3.2, 50% of the total number of
shares of GLB Common Stock issued and outstanding at the Effective Time,
including any Dissenting Shares but excluding any Treasury Shares (the βStock
Conversion Numberβ), shall be converted into the Stock Consideration and the
remaining outstanding shares of GLB Common Stock shall be converted into the
Cash Consideration. Shares of GLB Common Stock as to which a Cash Election
(including, pursuant to a Mixed Election) has been made are referred to herein
as βCash Election Shares.β Shares of GLB Common Stock as to which a Stock
Election has been made (including, pursuant to a Mixed Election) are referred
to
as βStock Election Shares.β Shares of GLB Common Stock as to which no election
has been made (or as to which an Election Form is not returned properly
completed) are referred to herein as βNon-Election Shares.β The aggregate number
of shares of GLB Common Stock with respect to which a Stock Election has been
made is referred to herein as the βStock Election Number.β Any Dissenting Shares
shall be deemed to be Cash Election Shares, and the holders thereof shall in
no
event receive consideration comprised of FNFG Common Stock with respect to
such
shares; provided;
however, that for purposes of making the proration calculations provided for
in
this Section 3.2, only Dissenting Shares as existing at the Effective Time
shall
be deemed Cash Election Shares.
Β
3.2.2.Β An
election form and other appropriate and customary transmittal materials (which
shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to
the
Certificates shall pass, only upon proper delivery of such Certificates to
the
Exchange Agent), in such form as GLB and FNFG shall mutually agree (βElection
Formβ), shall be mailed no more than 40 business days and no less than 20
business days prior to the anticipated Effective Time or on such earlier date
as
FNFG and GLB shall mutually agree (the βMailing Dateβ) to each holder of record
of GLB Common Stock as of five business days prior to the Mailing Date (the
βElection Form Record Dateβ). Each Election Form shall permit such holder,
subject to the allocation and election procedures set forth in this Section
3.2,
(i) to elect to receive the Cash Consideration for all of the shares of GLB
Common Stock held by such holder, in accordance with Section 3.1.3, (ii) to
elect to receive the Stock Consideration for all of such shares, in accordance
with Section 3.1.3, (iii) elect to receive the Stock Consideration for a part
of
such holderβs GLB Common Stock and the Cash consideration for the remaining part
of such holderβs GLB Common Stock, or (iv) to indicate that such record holder
has no preference as to the receipt of cash or FNFG Common Stock for such
shares. A holder of record of shares of GLB Common Stock who holds such shares
as nominee, trustee or in another representative capacity (a βRepresentativeβ)
may submit multiple Election Forms, provided that each such Election Form covers
all the shares of GLB Common Stock held by such Representative for a particular
beneficial owner. Any shares of GLB Common Stock with respect to which the
holder thereof shall not, as of the Election Deadline, have made an election
by
submission to the Exchange Agent of an effective, properly completed Election
Form shall be deemed Non-Election Shares.
Β
12
3.2.3.Β To
be
effective, a properly completed Election Form shall be submitted to the
Exchange
Agent on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the 20th day following
the
Mailing Date (or such other time and date as FNFG and GLB may mutually
agree)
(the βElection Deadlineβ); provided, however, that the Election Deadline may not
occur on or after the Closing Date. GLB shall use its reasonable best efforts
to
make available up to two separate Election Forms, or such additional Election
Forms as FNFG may permit, to all persons who become holders (or beneficial
owners) of GLB Common Stock between the Election Form Record Date and the
close
of business on the business day prior to the Election Deadline. GLB shall
provide to the Exchange Agent all information reasonably necessary for
it to
perform as specified herein. An election shall have been properly made
only if
the Exchange Agent shall have actually received a properly completed Election
Form by the Election Deadline. An Election Form shall be deemed properly
completed only if accompanied by one or more Certificates (or customary
affidavits and indemnification regarding the loss or destruction of such
Certificates or the guaranteed delivery of such Certificates) representing
all
shares of GLB Common Stock covered by such Election Form, together with
duly
executed transmittal materials included with the Election Form. If an GLB
shareholder either (i) does not submit a properly completed Election Form
in a
timely fashion or (ii) revokes its Election Form prior to the Election
Deadline
(without later submitting a properly completed Election Form prior to the
Election Deadline), the shares of GLB Common Stock held by such shareholder
shall be designated as Non-Election Shares. Any Election Form may be revoked
or
changed by the person submitting such Election Form to the Exchange Agent
by
written notice to the Exchange Agent only if such notice of revocation
or change
is actually received by the Exchange Agent at or prior to the Election
Deadline.
FNFG shall cause the Certificate or Certificates relating to any revoked
Election Form to be promptly returned without charge to the person submitting
the Election Form to the Exchange Agent. Subject to the terms of this Agreement
and of the Election Form, the Exchange Agent shall have discretion to determine
when any election, modification or revocation is received and whether any
such
election, modification or revocation has been properly made. All elections
shall
be revoked automatically if the Exchange Agent is notified in writing by
FNFG or
GLB, upon exercise by FNFG or GLB of its respective or their mutual rights
to
terminate this Agreement to the extent provided under Article XI, that
this
Agreement has been terminated in accordance with Article
XI.
Β
3.2.4.Β If
the
aggregate number of shares of GLB Common Stock with respect to which Stock
Elections shall have been made (the βStock Election Numberβ) exceeds the Stock
Conversion Number, then all Cash Election Shares and all Non-Election Shares
of
each holder thereof shall be converted into the right to receive the Cash
Consideration, and Stock Election Shares of each holder thereof will be
converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that
number of Stock Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying
(x)
the number of Stock Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction,
the
numerator of which is the Stock Conversion Number and the denominator of which
is the Stock Election Number, with the remaining number of such holderβs Stock
Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Cash
Consideration.
Β
13
Β
3.2.5.Β
If the
Stock Election Number is less than the Stock Conversion Number (the amount
by
which the Stock Conversion Number exceeds the Stock Election Number being
referred to herein as the βShortfall Numberβ), then all Stock Election Shares
shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock Consideration and the
Non-Election Shares and Cash Election Shares shall be treated in the following
manner:
Β
(A)Β If
the
Shortfall Number is less than or equal to the number of Non-Election Shares,
then all Cash Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive
the
Cash Consideration and the Non-Election Shares of each holder thereof shall
convert into the right to receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that
number of Non-Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying
(x)
the number of Non-Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the Shortfall Number and the denominator of which is
the
total number of Non-Election Shares, with the remaining number of such holderβs
Non-Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Cash
Consideration; or
Β
(B)Β If
the
Shortfall Number exceeds the number of Non-Election Shares, then all
Non-Election Shares shall be converted into the right to receive the Stock
Consideration and Cash Election Shares of each holder thereof shall convert
into
the right to receive the Stock Consideration in respect of that number of Cash
Election Shares equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) the number
of
Cash Election Shares held by such holder by (y) a fraction, the numerator of
which is the amount by which (1) the Shortfall Number exceeds (2) the total
number of Non-Election Shares and the denominator of which is the total number
of Cash Election Shares, with the remaining number of such holderβs Cash
Election Shares being converted into the right to receive the Cash
Consideration.
Β
3.2.6.Β Adjustment
to Preserve Tax Treatment.Β Notwithstanding
anything in this Article III to the contrary, if the aggregate value of the
Stock Consideration to be delivered as of the Effective Time, less the amount
of
cash paid in lieu of fractional shares of FNFG Common Stock pursuant to Section
3.2.7 (the βStock Valueβ), is less than 40% of the sum of (i) the aggregate
value of the Merger Consideration to be delivered as of the Effective Time,
plus
(ii) the value of any consideration described in Treasury Regulations Section
1.368-1(e)(1)(ii), plus (iii) cash paid to holders of Dissenting Shares, plus
(iv) the value of any consideration paid by FNFG or any of its Subsidiaries
(or
any βrelated personβ to FNFG or any of its Subsidiaries within the meaning of
Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-1(e)(3)) to acquire shares of GLB Common
Stock prior to the Effective Time (such sum, the βAggregate Valueβ), then FNFG
may reduce the number of shares of outstanding GLB Common Stock entitled to
receive the Cash Consideration and correspondingly increase the number of shares
of GLB Common Stock entitled to receive the Stock Consideration by the minimum
amount necessary to cause the Stock Value to equal 40% of the Aggregate
Value.
Β
3.2.7.Β No
Fractional Shares.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no certificates
or
scrip representing fractional shares of FNFG Common Stock shall be issued upon
the surrender for exchange of Certificates, no dividend or distribution with
respect to FNFG Common Stock shall be payable on or with respect to any
fractional share interest, and such fractional share interests shall not entitle
the owner thereof to vote or to any other rights of a shareholder of FNFG.
In
lieu of the issuance of any such fractional share, FNFG shall pay to each former
holder of GLB Common Stock who otherwise would be entitled to receive a
fractional share of FNFG Common Stock, an amount in cash, rounded to the nearest
cent and without interest, equal to the product of (i) the fraction of a share
to which such holder would otherwise have been entitled and (ii) the average
of
the daily closing sales prices of a share of FNFG Common Stock as reported
on
the Nasdaq for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the
Closing Date. For purposes of determining any fractional share interest, all
shares of GLB Common Stock owned by a GLB shareholder shall be combined so
as to
calculate the maximum number of whole shares of FNFG Common Stock issuable
to
such GLB shareholder.
Β
14
Β
3.3.Β Procedures
for Exchange of GLB Common Stock.
Β
3.3.1.Β FNFG
to Make Merger Consideration Available.
After
the Election Deadline and no later than the Closing Date, FNFG shall deposit,
or
shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent for the benefit of the
holders of GLB Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with this Section 3.3,
certificates representing the shares of FNFG Common Stock and an aggregate
amount of cash sufficient to pay the aggregate amount of cash payable pursuant
to this Article III (including any cash that may be payable in lieu of any
fractional shares of GLB Common Stock) (such cash and certificates for shares
of
FNFG Common Stock, together with any dividends or distributions with respect
thereto, being hereinafter referred to as the βExchange Fundβ).
Β
3.3.2.Β Exchange
of Certificates.
FNFG
shall take all steps necessary to cause the Exchange Agent, within five (5)
business days after the Effective Time, to mail to each holder of a Certificate
or Certificates, a form letter of transmittal for return to the Exchange Agent
and instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates for
the
Merger Consideration and cash in lieu of fractional shares, if any, into which
the GLB Common Stock represented by such Certificates shall have been converted
as a result of the Merger. The letter of transmittal shall specify that delivery
shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass,
only upon delivery of the Certificates to the Exchange Agent. Upon proper
surrender of a Certificate for exchange and cancellation to the Exchange Agent,
together with a properly completed letter of transmittal, duly executed, the
holder of such Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor,
as
applicable, (i) a certificate representing that number of shares of FNFG Common
Stock (if any) to which such former holder of GLB Common Stock shall have become
entitled pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.1 or 3.2 hereof, (ii) a check
representing that amount of cash (if any) to which such former holder of GLB
Common Stock shall have become entitled pursuant to the provisions of Section
3.1 or 3.2 hereof and (iii) a check representing the amount of cash (if any)
payable in lieu of fractional shares of FNFG Common Stock, which such former
holder has the right to receive in respect of the Certificate surrendered
pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2, and the Certificate so surrendered
shall forthwith be cancelled. No interest will be paid or accrued on the cash
payable in lieu of fractional shares. Certificates surrendered for exchange
by
any person who is an βaffiliateβ of GLB for purposes of Rule 145(c) under the
Securities Act shall not be exchanged for certificates representing shares
of
FNFG Common Stock until FNFG has received the written agreement of such person
contemplated by Section 8.4 hereof.
Β
15
Β
3.3.3.Β Rights
of Certificate Holders after the Effective Time.
The
holder of a Certificate that prior to the Merger represented issued and
outstanding GLB Common Stock shall have no rights, after the Effective Time,
with respect to such GLB Common Stock except to surrender the Certificate in
exchange for the Merger Consideration as provided in this Agreement (or as
to
Dissenting Shares, such rights as provided by the DGCL). No dividends or other
distributions declared after the Effective Time with respect to FNFG Common
Stock shall be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate until the
holder thereof shall surrender such Certificate in accordance with this Section
3.3. After the surrender of a Certificate in accordance with this Section 3.3,
the record holder thereof shall be entitled to receive any such dividends or
other distributions, without any interest thereon, which theretofore had become
payable with respect to shares of FNFG Common Stock represented by such
Certificate.
Β
3.3.4.Β Surrender
by Persons Other than Record Holders.
If the
Person surrendering a Certificate and signing the accompanying letter of
transmittal is not the record holder thereof, then it shall be a condition
of
the payment of the Merger Consideration that: (i)Β such Certificate is
properly endorsed to such Person or is accompanied by appropriate stock powers,
in either case signed exactly as the name of the record holder appears on such
Certificate, and is otherwise in proper form for transfer, or is accompanied
by
appropriate evidence of the authority of the Person surrendering such
Certificate and signing the letter of transmittal to do so on behalf of the
record holder; and (ii) the person requesting such exchange shall pay to the
Exchange Agent in advance any transfer or other taxes required by reason of
the
payment to a person other than the registered holder of the Certificate
surrendered, or required for any other reason, or shall establish to the
satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not
payable.
Β
3.3.5.Β Closing
of Transfer Books.
From
and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on the stock transfer
books of GLB of the GLB Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior
to
the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates representing
such
shares are presented for transfer to the Exchange Agent, they shall be exchanged
for the Merger Consideration and canceled as provided in this Section
3.3.
Β
3.3.6.Β Return
of Exchange Fund.
At any
time following the six (6) month period after the Effective Time, FNFG shall
be
entitled to require the Exchange Agent to deliver to it any portions of the
Exchange Fund which had been made available to the Exchange Agent and not
disbursed to holders of Certificates (including, without limitation, all
interest and other income received by the Exchange Agent in respect of all
funds
made available to it), and thereafter such holders shall be entitled to look
to
FNFG (subject to abandoned property, escheat and other similar laws) with
respect to any Merger Consideration that may be payable upon due surrender
of
the Certificates held by them. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither FNFG
nor
the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any holder of a Certificate for any Merger
Consideration delivered in respect of such Certificate to a public official
pursuant to any abandoned property, escheat or other similar law.
Β
3.3.7.Β Lost,
Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.
In the
event any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making
of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming such Certificate to be
lost,
stolen or destroyed and, if required by FNFG, the posting by such person of
a
bond in such amount as FNFG may reasonably direct as indemnity against any
claim
that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange
Agent
will issue in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger
Consideration deliverable in respect thereof.
Β
16
Β
3.3.8.Β Withholding.
FNFG or
the Exchange Agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the
consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby to any holder of GLB Common Stock such amounts as FNFG
(or
any Affiliate thereof) or the Exchange Agent are required to deduct and withhold
with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any applicable
provision of U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax law. To the extent
that
such amounts are properly withheld by FNFG or the Exchange Agent, such withheld
amounts will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid
to the holder of the GLB Common Stock in respect of whom such deduction and
withholding were made by FNFG or the Exchange Agent.
Β
3.3.9.Β Treatment
of GLB Options.
GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.3.1 sets forth all of the outstanding GLB Options as
of
the date hereof. Prior to and effective as of the Effective Time, GLB shall
take
all actions necessary to terminate the GLB Option Plans (and all other option
plans listed in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.1(ii). Holders of all unexercised
GLB Options as of the Effective Time will receive, in cancellation of their
GLB
Options, a cash payment from GLB immediately prior to the Effective Time, in
an
amount equal to the product of (x) the number of shares of GLB Common Stock
provided for in such GLB Option and (y) the excess, if any, of $14.00 over
the
exercise price per share provided for in such GLB Option (the βCash Option
Paymentβ), which cash payment shall be treated as compensation and shall be net
of any applicable federal or state withholding tax. Prior to the Effective
Time,
GLB shall use its reasonably best efforts to obtain the written consent of
each
option holder to the cancellation of the GLB Options in exchange for the Cash
Option Payment, provided that the failure to obtain each consent shall not
be a
breach of this agreement, provided further that the execution of this Agreement
confirms the agreement of Xxxxxx X. Xxxx, Xx., Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx and Xxxxx
X.
Xxxxxxx, and the current directors of GLB, to enter into such written consent.
Β
3.3.10.Β 3.4Β Reservation
of Shares.
FNFG
shall reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of the FNFG Common
Stock for the purpose of issuing shares of FNFG Common Stock to the GLB
shareholders in accordance with this Article III.
Β
ARTICLE
IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF GLBΒ
Β
GLB
represents and warrants to FNFG that the statements contained in this Article
IV
are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct
and complete as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as though the
Closing Date were substituted for the date of this Agreement throughout this
Article IV), subject to the standard set forth in Section 4.1 and except as
set
forth in the GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE delivered by GLB to FNFG on the date
hereof, and except as to any representation or warranty which specifically
relates to an earlier date, which only need be so correct as of such earlier
date. GLB has made a good faith effort to ensure that the disclosure on each
schedule of the GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE corresponds to the section referenced
herein. However, for purposes of the GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, any item disclosed
on any schedule therein is deemed to be fully disclosed with respect to all
schedules under which such item may be relevant as and to the extent that it
is
reasonably clear on the face of such schedule that such item applies to such
other schedule. References to the Knowledge of GLB shall include the Knowledge
of GBSB.
Β
17
Β
4.1.Β Standard.Β
Β
No
representation or warranty of GLB contained in this Article IV shall be deemed
untrue or incorrect, and GLB shall not be deemed to have breached a
representation or warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact,
circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually
or
taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent with
any paragraph of Article IV, has had or is reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, disregarding for these purposes (x) any qualification
or exception for, or reference to, materiality in any such representation or
warranty and (y) any use of the terms βmaterialβ, βmateriallyβ, βin all material
respectsβ, βMaterial Adverse Effectβ or similar terms or phrases in any such
representation or warranty. The foregoing standard shall not apply to
representations and warranties contained in Sections 4.2 (other than the last
sentence of SectionsΒ 4.2.1 and 4.2.2), and Sections 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.3, 4.4,
4.13.5, 4.13.8, 4.13.10 and 4.13.11, which shall be deemed untrue, incorrect
and
breached if they are not true and correct in all material respects based on
the
qualifications and standards therein contained. Provided further, that as to
the
representations contained in Sections 4.13.5, 4.13.8, 4.13.10, 4.13.11, if
there
is a breach that relates to an undisclosed payment, expense accrual or cost
in
excess of $300,000 (either individually or in the aggregate), such breach shall
be considered material.
Β
4.2.Β Organization.
Β
4.2.1.Β GLB
is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws
of the State of Delaware, and is duly registered as a bank holding company
under
the BHCA. GLB has full corporate power and authority to carry on its business
as
now conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business in the states
of
the United States and foreign jurisdictions where its ownership or leasing
of
property or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification.
Β
4.2.2.Β GBSB
is a
New York chartered savings bank duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing (to the extent required) under the laws of the State of New York.
The
deposits of GBSB are insured by the FDIC to the fullest extent permitted by
law,
and all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith
have been paid by GBSB when due. GBSB is a member in good standing of the FHLB
and owns the requisite amount of stock therein.
Β
4.2.3.Β GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.2.3 sets forth each GLB Subsidiary. Each GLB Subsidiary
is
a corporation or limited liability company duly organized, validly existing
and
in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization.
Β
4.2.4.Β The
respective minute books of GLB, GBSB and each other GLB Subsidiary accurately
records, in all material respects, all material corporate actions of their
respective shareholders and boards of directors (including
committees).
Β
18
Β
4.2.5.Β Prior
to
the date of this Agreement, GLB has made available to FNFG true and correct
copies of the certificate of incorporation or charter and bylaws of GLB, GBSB
and each other GLB Subsidiary.
Β
4.3.Β Capitalization.
Β
4.3.1.Β The
authorized capital stock of GLB consists of 20,000,000 shares of common stock,
$0.01 par value per share, of which 10,826,198 shares are outstanding, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights. There are
99,189 shares of GLB Common Stock held by GLB as treasury stock. Neither GLB
nor
any GLB Subsidiary has or is bound by any Rights of any character relating
to
the purchase, sale or issuance or voting of, or right to receive dividends
or
other distributions on any shares of GLB Common Stock, or any other security
of
GLB or a GLB Subsidiary or any securities representing the right to vote,
purchase or otherwise receive any shares of GLB Common Stock or any other
security of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary, other than (i) shares issuable under
the
GLB Option Plans, (ii) capital securities issued by GLB Statutory Trust I (the
βTrustβ); (iii) debentures issued by GLB to the Trust; (iv) the guarantee issued
by GLB to the holders of the capital securities issued by the Trust, and (v)
the
warrants listed on GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.3.1. GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.3.1
sets forth the name of each holder of options to purchase GLB Common Stock,
the
number of shares each such individual may acquire pursuant to the exercise
of
such options, the grant and vesting dates, and the exercise price relating
to
the options held.
Β
4.3.2.Β GLB
owns
all of the capital stock of GBSB, free and clear of any lien or encumbrance.
Except for the GLB Subsidiaries, GLB does not possess, directly or indirectly,
any material equity interest in any corporate entity, except for equity
interests held in the investment portfolios of GLB Subsidiaries, equity
interests held by GLB Subsidiaries in a fiduciary capacity, and equity interests
held in connection with the lending activities of GLB Subsidiaries, including
stock in the FHLB. Either GLB or GBSB owns all of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of each GLB Subsidiary free and clear of all liens, security
interests, pledges, charges, encumbrances, agreements and restrictions of any
kind or nature, except that, in the case of the Trust, GLB owns 100% of the
common securities and less than 100% of the preferred securities.
Β
4.3.3.Β To
GLBβs
Knowledge, except as set forth in the GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.3.3, no Person
or βgroupβ (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), is
the beneficial owner (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) of 5%
or
more of the outstanding shares of GLB Common Stock.
Β
4.4.Β Authority;
No Violation.
Β
4.4.1.Β GLB
has
full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and,
subject to the receipt of the Regulatory Approvals and the approval of this
Agreement by GLBβs shareholders, to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by GLB and the completion
by GLB of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, have
been
duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of GLB, and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of GLB, except for the approval of the GLB
shareholders, is necessary to complete the transactions contemplated hereby,
including the Merger. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and
delivered by GLB, and subject to approval by the shareholders of GLB and receipt
of the Regulatory ApprovalsΒ and
due
and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by FNFG,
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of GLB, enforceable against GLB
in
accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and
similar laws affecting creditorsβ rights generally, and subject, as to
enforceability, to general principles of equity.
Β
19
Β
4.4.2.Β Subject
to receipt of Regulatory Approvals and GLBβs and FNFGβs compliance with any
conditions contained therein, and to the receipt of the approval of the
shareholders of GLB, (A) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by GLB,
(B)Β the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and (C)
compliance by GLB with any of the terms or provisions hereof will not (i)
conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary or the charter and bylaws
of GBSB; (ii)Β violate any statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation,
judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction applicable to GLB or any GLB
Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets; or (iii)Β except
as set forth on GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.4.2, violate, conflict with, result
in
a breach of any provisions of, constitute a default (or an event which, with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default), under, result
in
the termination of, accelerate the performance required by, or result in a
right
of termination or acceleration or the creation of any lien, security interest,
charge or other encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of GLB or
GBSB
under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other investment or
obligation to which GLB or GBSB is a party, or by which they or any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, except for such
violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults under clause (ii) or (iii) hereof
which, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse
Effect on GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Β
4.5.Β Consents.
Β
Except
for (a)Β filings with Bank Regulators, the receipt of the Regulatory
Approvals, and compliance with any conditions contained therein,
(b)Β the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of
Delaware, (c)Β the filing with the SEC of (i) the Merger Registration
Statement and (ii) such reports under Sections 13(a), 13(d), 13(g) and 16(a)
of
the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and the obtaining from the SEC of such orders
as may be required in connection therewith, (d)Β approval of the listing of
FNFG Common Stock to be issued in the Merger on the Nasdaq, (e)Β such
filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the
securities or βBlue Skyβ laws of various states in connection with the issuance
of the shares of FNFG Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, and
(f)Β the
approval of this Agreement by the requisite vote of the shareholders of GLB,
no
consents, waivers or approvals of, or filings or registrations with, any
Governmental Entity are necessary, and, to GLBβs Knowledge, except as set forth
on GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.5, no consents, waivers or approvals of, or filings
or registrations with, any other third parties are necessary, in connection
with
(x) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by GLB, and (y) the completion
of the Merger and the Bank Merger. GLB has no reason to believe that (i) any
Regulatory Approvals or other required consents or approvals will not be
received, or that (ii) any public body or authority, the consent or approval
of
which is not required or to which a filing is not required, will object to
the
completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Β
20
Β
4.6.Β Financial
Statements.
Β
4.6.1.Β GLB
has
previously made available to FNFG the GLB Regulatory Reports. The GLB Regulatory
Reports have been prepared in all material respects in accordance with
applicable regulatory accounting principles and practices throughout the periods
covered by such statements.
Β
4.6.2.Β GLB
has
previously made available to FNFG the GLB Financial Statements. The GLB
Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (including
the related notes where applicable) fairly present in each case in all material
respects (subject in the case of the unaudited interim statements to normal
year-end adjustments), the consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis as of and for the respective periods ending on the dates thereof, in
accordance with GAAP during the periods involved, except as indicated in the
notes thereto, or in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form
10-Q.
Β
4.6.3.Β At
the
date of each balance sheet included in the GLB Financial Statements or the
GLB
Regulatory Reports, neither GLB nor GBSB, as applicable, had any liabilities,
obligations or loss contingencies of any nature (whether absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise) of a type required to be reflected in such GLB
Financial Statements or GLB Regulatory Reports or in the footnotes thereto
which
are not fully reflected or reserved against therein or fully disclosed in a
footnote thereto, except for liabilities, obligations and loss contingencies
which are not material individually or in the aggregate or which are incurred
in
the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, and except
for
liabilities, obligations and loss contingencies which are within the subject
matter of a specific representation and warranty herein and subject, in the
case
of any unaudited statements, to normal, recurring audit adjustments and the
absence of footnotes.
Β
4.6.4.Β The
records, systems, controls, data and information of GLB and its Subsidiaries
are
recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any electronic,
mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not) that are under
the exclusive ownership and direct control of GLB or its Subsidiaries or
accountants (including all means of access thereto and therefrom), except for
any non-exclusive ownership and non-direct control that would not reasonably
be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the system of internal accounting
controls described below in this SectionΒ 4.6.4. GLB (x)Β has
implemented and maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting
(as required by Rule 13a-15(a) of the Exchange Act) that is designed to provide
reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the
preparation of its financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with
GAAP, (y)Β has implemented and maintains disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) to ensure that material
information relating to GLB, including its consolidated Subsidiaries, is made
known to the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of GLB
by
others within those entities, and (z)Β has disclosed, based on its most
recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to GLBβs outside auditors and the
audit committee of GLBβs Board of Directors (i)Β any significant
deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange
Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect GLBβs ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information and (ii)Β any fraud,
whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have
a
significant role in GLBβs internal control over financial reporting. These
disclosures (if any) were made in writing by management to GLBβs auditors and
audit committee and a copy has previously been made available to FNFG. As of
the
date hereof, to the knowledge of GLB, its chief executive officer and chief
financial officer will be able to give the certifications required pursuant
to
the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to SectionΒ 302 of the
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act, without qualification, when next due.
Β
21
Β
4.6.5.Β Since
JuneΒ 30, 2006, (i)Β neither GLB nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the
Knowledge of GLB, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or
representative of GLB or any of its Subsidiaries has received or otherwise
had
or obtained knowledge of any material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim,
whether written or oral, regarding the accounting or auditing practices,
procedures, methodologies or methods of GLB or any of its Subsidiaries or their
respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint,
allegation, assertion or claim that GLB or any of its Subsidiaries has engaged
in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (ii)Β no attorney
representing GLB or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by GLB
or
any of its Subsidiaries, has reported evidence of a material violation of
Securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by GLB or any
of
its officers, directors, employees or agents to the Board of Directors of GLB
or
any committee thereof or to any director or officer of GLB.
Β
4.7.Β Taxes.
Β
Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.7(a), GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries that
are at least 80 percent owned by GLB are members of the same affiliated group
within the meaning of Code Section 1504(a). GLB has duly filed all federal,
state and material local tax returns required to be filed by or with respect
to
GLB and every GLB Subsidiary on or prior to the Closing Date, taking into
account any extensions (all such returns, to GLBβs Knowledge, being accurate and
correct in all material respects) and has duly paid or made provisions for
the
payment of all material federal, state and local taxes which have been incurred
by or are due or claimed to be due from GLB and any GLB Subsidiary by any taxing
authority or pursuant to any written tax sharing agreement on or prior to the
Closing Date other than taxes or other charges which (i) are not delinquent,
(ii) are being contested in good faith, or (iii) have not yet been fully
determined. Except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.7(b), as of
the date of this Agreement, GLB has received no written notice of, and to GLBβs
Knowledge there is no audit examination, deficiency assessment, tax
investigation or refund litigation with respect to any taxes of GLB or any
of
its Subsidiaries, and no claim has been made by any authority in a jurisdiction
where GLB or any of its Subsidiaries do not file tax returns that GLB or any
such Subsidiary is subject to taxation in that jurisdiction. Except as set
forth
in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.7(c), GLB and its Subsidiaries have not
executed an extension or waiver of any statute of limitations on the assessment
or collection of any material tax due that is currently in effect. GLB and
each
of its Subsidiaries has withheld and paid all taxes required to have been
withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
independent contractor, creditor, shareholder or other third party, and GLB
and
each of its Subsidiaries, to GLBβs Knowledge, has timely complied with all
applicable information reporting requirements under Part III, Subchapter A
of
Chapter 61 of the Code and similar applicable state and local information
reporting requirements.
Β
22
Β
4.8.Β No
Material Adverse Effect.
Β
GLB
has
not suffered any Material Adverse Effect since December 31, 2006 and no event
has occurred or circumstance arisen since that date which, in the aggregate,
has
had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on
GLB.
Β
4.9.Β Material
Contracts; Leases; Defaults.
Β
4.9.1.Β Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.1, neither GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary
is a party to or subject to: (i) any employment, consulting or severance
contract or material arrangement with any past or present officer, director
or
employee of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary, except for βat willβ arrangements; (ii)
any plan, material arrangement or contract providing for bonuses, pensions,
options, deferred compensation, retirement payments, profit sharing or similar
material arrangements for or with any past or present officers, directors or
employees of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary; (iii) any collective bargaining
agreement with any labor union relating to employees of GLB or any GLB
Subsidiary; (iv) any agreement which by its terms limits the payment of
dividends by GLB or any GLB Subsidiary; (v) any instrument evidencing or related
to material indebtedness for borrowed money whether directly or indirectly,
by
way of purchase money obligation, conditional sale, lease purchase, guaranty
or
otherwise, in respect of which GLB or any GLB Subsidiary is an obligor to any
person, which instrument evidences or relates to indebtedness other than
deposits, repurchase agreements, FHLB advances, bankersβ acceptances, and
βtreasury tax and loanβ accounts and transactions in βfederal fundsβ in each
case established in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, or which contains financial covenants or other restrictions (other
than those relating to the payment of principal and interest when due) which
would be applicable on or after the Closing Date to FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary;
(vi) any other agreement, written or oral, that
obligates GLB or any GLB Subsidiary for the payment of more than $50,000
annually or for the payment of more than $100,000 over its remaining term,
which
is
not terminable without cause on 60 daysβ or less notice without penalty or
payment,
or
(vii)
any agreement (other than this Agreement), contract, arrangement, commitment
or
understanding (whether written or oral) that restricts or limits in any material
way the conduct of business by GLB or any GLB Subsidiary (it being understood
that any non-compete or similar provision shall be deemed
material).
Β
4.9.2.Β Each
real
estate lease that requires the consent of the lessor or its agent resulting
from
the Merger or the Bank Merger by virtue of the terms of any such lease, is
listed in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.2 identifying the section of the lease
that contains such prohibition or restriction. Subject to any consents that
may
be required as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
to
its Knowledge, neither GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary is in default in any material
respect under any material contract, agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease,
insurance policy or other instrument to which it is a party, by which its
assets, business, or operations may be bound or affected, or under which it
or
its assets, business, or operations receive benefits, and there has not occurred
any event that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, would
constitute such a default.
Β
23
Β
4.9.3.Β True
and
correct copies of agreements, contracts, arrangements and instruments referred
to in Section 4.9.1 and 4.9.2 have been made available to FNFG on or before
the
date hereof, and are in full force and effect on the date hereof and neither
GLB
nor any GLB Subsidiary (nor, to the Knowledge of GLB, any other party to any
such contract, arrangement or instrument) has materially breached any provision
of, or is in default in any respect under any term of, any such contract,
arrangement or instrument, except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.9.3(a). Except as listed on GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.9.3(b), no party to
any material contract, arrangement or instrument will have the right to
terminate any or all of the provisions of any such contract, arrangement or
instrument as a result of the execution of, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by, this Agreement. Except as set forth in GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.3(c), no plan, contract, employment agreement,
termination agreement, or similar agreement or arrangement to which GLB or
any
GLB Subsidiary is a party or under which GLB or any GLB Subsidiary may be liable
contains provisions which permit an employee or independent contractor to
terminate it without cause and continue to accrue future benefits thereunder.
Except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.9.3(d), no such agreement,
plan, contract, or arrangement (x) provides for acceleration in the vesting
of
benefits or payments due thereunder upon the occurrence of a change in ownership
or control of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary or upon the occurrence of a subsequent
event; or (y) requires GLB or any GLB Subsidiary to provide a benefit in the
form of GLB Common Stock or determined by reference to the value of GLB Common
Stock.
Β
4.9.4.Β Since
DecemberΒ 31, 2006, through and including the date of this Agreement, except
as publicly disclosed by GLB in the Securities Documents filed or furnished
by
GLB prior to the date hereof, neither GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary has
(i)Β except for (A)Β normal increases for employees (other than officers
and directors subject to the reporting requirements of SectionΒ 16(a) of the
Exchange Act) made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, or (B)Β as required by applicable law, increased the wages,
salaries, compensation, pension, or other fringe benefits or perquisites payable
to any executive officer, employee, or director from the amount thereof in
effect as of DecemberΒ 31, 2006 (which amounts have been previously made
available to FNFG), granted any severance or termination pay, entered into
any
contract to make or grant any severance or termination pay (except as required
under the terms of agreements or severance plans listed on GLB DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULEΒ 4.13.1, as in effect as of the date hereof), or paid any bonus
other than the customary year-end bonuses in amounts consistent with past
practice, (ii)Β granted any options to purchase shares of GLB Common Stock,
or any right to acquire any shares of its capital stock to any executive
officer, director or employee other than grants to employees (other than
officers subject to the reporting requirements of SectionΒ 16(a) of the
Exchange Act) made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice under GLB Option Plans, (iii)Β increased or established any bonus,
insurance, severance, deferred compensation, pension, retirement, profit
sharing, stock option (including, without limitation, the granting of stock
options, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, or restricted stock
awards), stock purchase or other employee benefit plan, (iv)Β made any
material election for federal or state income tax purposes, (v)Β made any
material change in the credit policies or procedures of GLB or any of its
Subsidiaries, the effect of which was or is to make any such policy or procedure
less restrictive in any material respect, (vi)Β made any material
acquisition or disposition of any assets or properties, or any contract for
any
such acquisition or disposition entered into other than loans and loan
commitments, (vii)Β entered into any lease of real or personal property
requiring annual payments in excess of $100,000, other than in connection with
foreclosed property or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, (viii)Β changed any accounting methods, principles or practices of
GLB or its Subsidiaries affecting its assets, liabilities or businesses,
including any reserving, renewal or residual method, practice or policy or
(ix)Β suffered any strike, work stoppage, slow-down, or other labor
disturbance.
Β
24
Β
4.10.Β Ownership
of Property; Insurance Coverage.
Β
4.10.1.Β Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.10, GLB and each GLB Subsidiary has
good and, as to real property, marketable title to all material assets and
properties owned by GLB or each GLB Subsidiary in the conduct of its businesses,
whether such assets and properties are real or personal, tangible or intangible,
including assets and property reflected in the balance sheets contained in
the
GLB Regulatory Reports and in the GLB Financial Statements or acquired
subsequent thereto (except to the extent that such assets and properties have
been disposed of in the ordinary course of business, since the date of such
balance sheets), subject to no material encumbrances, liens, mortgages, security
interests or pledges, except (i)Β those items which secure liabilities for
public or statutory obligations or any discount with, borrowing from or other
obligations to FHLB, inter-bank credit facilities, or any transaction by an
GLB
Subsidiary acting in a fiduciary capacity, (ii) statutory liens for amounts
not
yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith, (iii) non-monetary
liens affecting real property which do not materially and adversely affect
the
value or use of such real property, and (iv) those described and reflected
in
the GLB Financial Statements. GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries, as lessee, have
the
right under valid and existing leases of real and personal properties used
by
GLB and its Subsidiaries in the conduct of their businesses to occupy or use
all
such properties as presently occupied and used by each of them.
Β
4.10.2.Β With
respect to all material agreements pursuant to which GLB or any GLB Subsidiary
has purchased securities subject to an agreement to resell, if any, GLB or
such
GLB Subsidiary, as the case may be, has a lien or security interest (which
to
GLBβs Knowledge is a valid, perfected first lien) in the securities or other
collateral securing the repurchase agreement, and the value of such collateral
equals or exceeds the amount of the debt secured thereby.
Β
4.10.3.Β GLB
and
each GLB Subsidiary currently maintain insurance considered by each of them
to
be reasonable for their respective operations. Neither GLB nor any GLB
Subsidiary, except as disclosed in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.10.3(a), has
received notice from any insurance carrier during the past two years that (i)
such insurance will be canceled or that coverage thereunder will be reduced
or
eliminated, or (ii) premium costs (other than with respect to health or
disability insurance) with respect to such policies of insurance will be
substantially increased. There are presently no material claims pending under
such policies of insurance and no notices have been given by GLB or any GLB
Subsidiary under such policies (other than with respect to health or disability
insurance). All such insurance is valid and enforceable and in full force and
effect, and within the last two years GLB and each GLB Subsidiary has received
each type of insurance coverage for which it has applied and during such periods
has not been denied indemnification for any material claims submitted under
any
of its insurance policies. GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.10.3(b) identifies all
material policies of insurance maintained by GLB and each GLB Subsidiary as
well
as the other matters required to be disclosed under this Section.
Β
25
Β
4.11.Β Legal
Proceedings.
Β
Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.11, neither GLB nor any GLB
Subsidiary is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to GLBβs Knowledge,
threatened legal, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims
(whether asserted or unasserted), actions or governmental investigations or
inquiries of any nature (i) against GLB or any GLB Subsidiary, (ii) to which
GLB
or any GLB Subsidiaryβs assets are or may be subject, (iii) challenging the
validity or propriety of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
or (iv) which could adversely affect the ability of GLB or GBSB to perform
under
this Agreement, except, in each of (i) through (iv) above, for any proceeding,
claim, action, investigation or inquiry which, if adversely determined,
individually or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably expected to have
a
Material Adverse Effect on GLB.
Β
4.12.Β Compliance
With Applicable Law.
Β
4.12.1.Β To
GLBβs
Knowledge, and except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.12.1, each
of
GLB and each GLB Subsidiary is in compliance in all material respects with
all
applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations,
ordinances, rules, judgments, orders or decrees applicable to it, its
properties, assets and deposits, its business, and its conduct of business
and
its relationship with its employees, including, without limitation, the USA
Patriot Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the
Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and all
other applicable fair lending laws and other laws relating to discriminatory
business practices and neither GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary has received any
written notice to the contrary. The Board of Directors of GBSB has adopted
and
GBSB has implemented an anti-money laundering program that contains adequate
and
appropriate customer identification verification procedures that has not been
deemed ineffective by any Governmental Authority and that meets the requirements
of Sections 352 and 326 of the USA Patriot Act and the regulations
thereunder.
Β
4.12.2.Β Each
of
GLB and each GLB Subsidiary has all material permits, licenses, authorizations,
orders and approvals of, and has made all filings, applications and
registrations with, all Governmental Entities and Bank Regulators that are
required in order to permit it to own or lease its properties and to conduct
its
business as presently conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates of
authority, orders and approvals are in full force and effect and, to the
Knowledge of GLB, no suspension or cancellation of any such permit, license,
certificate, order or approval is threatened or will result from the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, subject to
obtaining Regulatory Approvals.
Β
26
Β
4.12.3.Β For
the
period beginning JanuaryΒ 1, 2003 as to GBSB, and for the period beginning
June 30, 2006 for GLB and each GLB Subsidiary (other than GBSB), neither GLB
nor
any GLB Subsidiary has received any written notification or, to GLBβs Knowledge,
any other communication from any Bank Regulator (i) asserting that GLB or any
GLB Subsidiary is not in material compliance with any of the statutes,
regulations or ordinances which such Bank Regulator enforces; (ii) threatening
to revoke any license, franchise, permit or governmental authorization which
is
material to GLB or any GLB Subsidiary; (iii)Β requiring, or threatening to
require, GLB or any GLB Subsidiary, or indicating that GLB or any GLB Subsidiary
may be required, to enter into a cease and desist order, agreement or memorandum
of understanding or any other agreement with any federal or state governmental
agency or authority which is charged with the supervision or regulation of
banks
or engages in the insurance of bank deposits restricting or limiting, or
purporting to restrict or limit, in any material respect the operations of
GLB
or any GLB Subsidiary, including without limitation any restriction on the
payment of dividends; or (iv) directing, restricting or limiting, or purporting
to direct, restrict or limit, in any manner the operations of GLB or any GLB
Subsidiary, including without limitation any restriction on the payment of
dividends (any such notice, communication, memorandum, agreement or order
described in this sentence is hereinafter referred to as a βGLB Regulatory
Agreementβ). Neither GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary (other than GBSB) has consented
to or entered into any GLB Regulatory Agreement that is currently in effect
or
that was in effect since June 30, 2006, and GBSB has not consented to or entered
into any GLB Regulatory Agreement that is currently in effect or that was in
effect since June 30, 2003. The most recent regulatory rating given to GBSB
as
to compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (βCRAβ) is satisfactory or
better.
Β
4.12.4.Β Since
December 31, 2006, GLB has been and is in compliance in all material respects
with (i)Β the applicable provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act and
(ii)Β the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations
of the NYSE. GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.12.4 sets forth, as of JulyΒ 31,
2007, a schedule of all executive officers and directors of GLB who have
outstanding loans from GLB or GBSB, and there has been no default on, or
forgiveness or waiver of, in whole or in part, any such loan during the two
years immediately preceding the date hereof.
Β
4.13.Β Employee
Benefit Plans.
Β
4.13.1.Β GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.1 includes a descriptive list of all existing bonus,
incentive, deferred compensation, pension, retirement, profit-sharing, thrift,
savings, employee stock ownership, stock bonus, stock purchase, restricted
stock, stock option, stock appreciation, phantom stock, severance, welfare
benefit plans (including paid time off policies and other benefit policies
and
procedures), fringe benefit plans, employment, severance and change in control
agreements and all other material benefit practices, policies and arrangements
maintained by GLB or any GLB Subsidiary in which any employee or former
employee, consultant or former consultant or director or former director of
GLB
or any GLB Subsidiary participates or to which any such employee, consultant
or
director is a party or is otherwise entitled to receive benefits (the βGLB
Compensation and Benefit Plansβ). Except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULEΒ 4.13.1, neither GLB nor any of its Subsidiaries has any commitment
to create any additional GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan or to materially
modify, change or renew any existing GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan (any
modification or change that increases the cost of such plans would be deemed
material), except as required to maintain the qualified status thereof, GLB
has
made available to FNFG true and correct copies of the GLB Compensation and
Benefit Plans.
Β
27
Β
4.13.2.Β To
the
Knowledge of GLB and except as disclosed in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.2,
each
GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan has been operated and administered in all
material respects in accordance with its terms and with applicable law,
including, but not limited to, ERISA, the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, COBRA, the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (βHIPAAβ) and any regulations or rules
promulgated thereunder, and all material filings, disclosures and notices
required by ERISA, the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, COBRA and HIPAA and any other applicable
law
have been timely made or any interest, fines, penalties or other impositions
for
late filings have been paid in full. Each GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan
which is an βemployee pension benefit planβ within the meaning of Section 3(2)
of ERISA (a βPension Planβ) and which is intended to be qualified under
SectionΒ 401(a) of the Code, is subject of a βFavorable Letterβ within the
meaning of Rev. Proc. 2006-27 Section 5.01, and GLB is not aware of any
circumstances which are reasonably likely to result in revocation of any such
Favorable Letter. There is no material pending or, to the Knowledge of GLB,
threatened action, suit or claim relating to any of the GLB Compensation and
Benefit Plans (other than routine claims for benefits). Neither GLB nor any
GLB
Subsidiary has engaged in a transaction, or omitted to take any action, with
respect to any GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan that would reasonably be
expected to subject GLB or any GLB Subsidiary to an unpaid tax or penalty
imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502 of ERISA.
Β
4.13.3.Β
GLB does
not maintain any defined benefit pension plan. To the Knowledge of GLB, and
except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.13.3, there is no pending
investigation or enforcement action by any Governmental Entity or Bank Regulator
with respect to any GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan, or any plan maintained
by
any entity which is considered one employer with GLB under Section 4001(b)(1)
of
ERISA or Code Section 414 (βERISA Affiliateβ)(such plan being referred to as an
βERISA Affiliate Planβ). Neither GLB, its Subsidiaries, nor any ERISA Affiliate
has contributed to any βmultiemployer plan,β as defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA.
Β
4.13.4.Β Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.13.4, all material contributions
required to be made under the terms of any GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan
or
ERISA Affiliate Plan or any employee benefit arrangements to which GLB or any
GLB Subsidiary is a party or a sponsor have been timely made, and all
contributions and funding obligations are accrued on GLBβs consolidated
financial statements to the extent required by GAAP. GLB and its Subsidiaries
have expensed and accrued as a liability the present value of future benefits
under each applicable GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan for financial reporting
purposes as required by GAAP.
Β
4.13.5.Β Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.5(a), neither GLB nor any GLB
Subsidiary has any obligations to provide retiree health, life insurance,
disability insurance, or other retiree death benefits under any GLB Compensation
and Benefit Plan, other than benefits mandated by COBRA or other applicable
law.
Except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.13.5(b), there has been no
communication to employees by GLB or any GLB Subsidiary that would reasonably
be
expected to promise or guarantee such employees retiree health, life insurance,
disability insurance, or other retiree death benefits.
Β
28
Β
4.13.6.Β Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.13.6, GLB and its Subsidiaries do
not maintain any GLB Compensation and Benefit Plans covering employees who
are
not United States residents.
Β
4.13.7.Β With
respect to each GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan, if applicable, GLB has
provided or made available to FNFG copies of: (A) any trust instruments and
insurance contracts; (B) the three most recent Forms 5500 filed with the IRS;
(C)Β the three most recent actuarial reports and financial statements; (D)
the most recent summary plan description; (E) most recent Favorable Letter
issued by the IRS; (F) any Form 5310 or Form 5330 filed with the IRS within
the
last three years; and (G) the most recent nondiscrimination tests performed
under ERISA and the Code (including 401(k) and 401(m) tests).
Β
4.13.8.Β Except
as
disclosed in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.8, the consummation of the Merger
will
not, directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, as a result of
any
termination of employment or service at any time prior to or following the
Effective Time) (A) entitle any employee, consultant or director to any payment
or benefit (including severance pay, change in control benefit, or similar
compensation) or any increase in compensation, (B) result in the vesting or
acceleration of any benefits under any GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan or
(C)
result in any material increase in benefits payable under any GLB Compensation
and Benefit Plan.
Β
4.13.9.Β Except
as
disclosed in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.9, neither GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary
maintains any compensation plans, programs or arrangements under which any
payment is reasonably likely to become non-deductible, in whole or in part,
for
tax reporting purposes as a result of the limitations under Section 162(m)
of
the Code and the regulations issued thereunder.
Β
4.13.10.Β To
the
Knowledge of GLB, the consummation of the Mergers and the Bank Merger will
not,
directly or indirectly (including without limitation, as a result of any
termination of employment or service at any time prior to or following the
Effective Time), entitle any current or former employee, director or independent
contractor of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary to any actual or deemed payment (or
benefit) which could constitute a βparachute paymentβ (as such term is defined
in Section 280G of the Code), except as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.13.10.
Β
4.13.11.Β Except
as
disclosed in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.11, there are no stock appreciation
or
similar rights, earned dividends or dividend equivalents, or shares of
restricted stock, outstanding under any of the GLB Compensation and Benefit
Plans or otherwise as of the date hereof and none will be granted, awarded,
or
credited after the date hereof.
Β
4.13.12.Β GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.13.12(a) sets forth, as of the payroll date immediately
preceding the date of this Agreement, a list of the full names of all officers,
and employees whose annual rate of salary is $50,000 or greater, of GBSB or
GLB,
their title and rate of salary, and their date of hire. GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.13.12(b) sets forth any changes to any GLB Compensation and Benefit Plan
since
December 31, 2006.
Β
29
Β
4.14.Β Brokers,
Finders and Financial Advisors.
Β
Neither
GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary, nor any of their respective officers, directors,
employees or agents, has employed any broker, finder or financial advisor in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or incurred
any
liability or commitment for any fees or commissions to any such person in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except for
the
retention of Sandler XβXxxxx & Partners, L.P. (βSandler XβXxxxxβ) by GLB and
the fee payable pursuant thereto. A true and correct copy of the engagement
agreement with Sandler XβXxxxx, setting forth the fee payable to Sandler XβXxxxx
for its services rendered to GLB in connection with the Merger and transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, is attached to GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.14.
Β
4.15.Β Environmental
Matters.
Β
4.15.1.Β Except
as
may be set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.15 and any Phase I Environmental
Report identified therein, with respect to GLB and each GLB
Subsidiary:
Β
(A)Β Each
of
GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries, the Participation Facilities, and, to GLBβs
Knowledge, the Loan Properties are in substantial compliance with, and are
not
liable in any material respect under, any Environmental Laws;
Β
(B)Β GLB
has
received no written notice that there is any suit, claim, action, demand,
executive or administrative order, directive, investigation or proceeding
pending and, to GLBβs Knowledge, no such action is threatened, before any court,
governmental agency or other forum against it or any of the GLB Subsidiaries
or
any Participation Facility (x) for alleged noncompliance (including by any
predecessor) with, or liability under, any Environmental Law or (y) relating
to
the presence of or release (as defined herein) into the environment of any
Materials of Environmental Concern (as defined herein), whether or not occurring
at or on a site owned, leased or operated by it or any of the GLB Subsidiaries
or any Participation Facility;
Β
(C)Β Neither
GLB nor GBSB has received any written notice, by way of suit, claim, action,
demand, executive or administrative order, directive, investigation or
proceeding, or otherwise, alleging or indicating that it (or any subsidiary)
may
be liable under any Environmental Law with respect to any Loan
Property;
Β
(D)Β The
properties currently owned or operated by GLB or any GLB Subsidiary (including,
without limitation, soil, groundwater or surface water on, or under the
properties, and buildings thereon) are not contaminated with and do not
otherwise contain any Materials of Environmental Concern other than as permitted
under applicable Environmental Law;
Β
(E)Β Neither
GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary during the past two years has received any written
notice, demand letter, executive or administrative order, directive or request
for information from any federal, state, local or foreign governmental entity
or
any third party indicating that it may be in violation of, or liable under,
any
Environmental Law;
Β
30
Β
(F)Β To
GLBβs
Knowledge, there are no underground storage tanks on, in or under any properties
owned or operated by GLB or any of the GLB Subsidiaries or any Participation
Facility, and to GLBβs Knowledge, no underground storage tanks have been closed
or removed from any properties owned or operated by GLB or any of the GLB
Subsidiaries or any Participation Facility; and
Β
(G)Β To
GLBβs
Knowledge, during the period of (s) GLBβs or any of the GLB Subsidiariesβ
ownership or operation of any of their respective current properties or (t)
GLBβs or any of the GLB Subsidiariesβ participation in the management of any
Participation Facility, there has been no contamination by or release of
Materials of Environmental Concerns in, on, under or affecting such properties
that could reasonably be expected to result in material liability under the
Environmental Laws.
Β
4.15.2.Β βLoan
Propertyβ means any property in which the applicable party (or a Subsidiary of
it) holds a security interest, and, where required by the context, includes
the
owner or operator of such property, but only with respect to such property.
βParticipation Facilityβ means any facility in which the applicable party (or a
Subsidiary of it) participates in the management (including all property held
as
trustee or in any other fiduciary capacity) and, where required by the context,
includes the owner or operator of such property, but only with respect to such
property.
Β
4.16.Β Loan
Portfolio.
Β
4.16.1.Β The
allowance for loan losses reflected in GLBβs audited consolidated balance sheet
at December 31, 2006 was, and the allowance for loan losses shown on the balance
sheets in GLBβs Securities Documents for periods ending after December 31, 2006
was or will be, as the case may be, adequate, as of the dates thereof, under
GAAP.
Β
4.16.2.Β GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.16.2 sets forth a listing, as of July 31, 2007, by
account, of: (A) all loans (including loan participations) of GBSB or any other
GLB Subsidiary that have been accelerated during the past twelve months; (B)
all
loan commitments or lines of credit of GBSB or any other GLB Subsidiary which
have been terminated by GBSB or any other GLB Subsidiary during the past twelve
months by reason of a default or adverse developments in the condition of the
borrower or other events or circumstances affecting the credit of the borrower;
(C) all loans, lines of credit and loan commitments as to which GBSB or any
other GLB Subsidiary has given written notice of its intent to terminate during
the past twelve months; (D) with respect to all commercial loans (including
commercial real estate loans), all notification letters and other written
communications from GBSB or any other GLB Subsidiary to any of their respective
borrowers, customers or other parties during the past twelve months wherein
GBSB
or any other GLB Subsidiary has requested or demanded that actions be taken
to
correct existing defaults or facts or circumstances which may become defaults;
(E) each borrower, customer or other party which has notified GBSB or any other
GLB Subsidiary during the past twelve months of, or has asserted against GBSB
or
any other GLB Subsidiary, in each case in writing, any βlender liabilityβ or
similar claim, and, to the Knowledge of GBSB, each borrower, customer or other
party which has given GBSB or any other GLB Subsidiary any oral notification
of,
or orally asserted to or against GBSB or any other GLB Subsidiary, any such
claim; (F) all loans, (1) that are contractually past due 90 days or more in
the
payment of principal and/or interest, (2) that are on non-accrual status, (3)
that as of the date of this Agreement are classified as βOther Loans Specially
Mentionedβ, βSpecial Mentionβ, βSubstandardβ, βDoubtfulβ, βLossβ, βClassifiedβ,
βCriticizedβ, βWatch listβ or words of similar import, together with the
principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on each such Loan and the
identity of the obligor thereunder, (4) where a reasonable doubt exists as
to
the timely future collectability of principal and/or interest, whether or not
interest is still accruing or the loans are less than 90 days past due, (5)
where, during the past three years, the interest rate terms have been reduced
and/or the maturity dates have been extended subsequent to the agreement under
which the loan was originally created due to concerns regarding the borrowerβs
ability to pay in accordance with such initial terms, or (6) where a specific
reserve allocation exists in connection therewith, and (G) all assets classified
by GBSB or any GBSB Subsidiary as real estate acquired through foreclosure
or in
lieu of foreclosure, including in-substance foreclosures, and all other assets
currently held that were acquired through foreclosure or in lieu of foreclosure.
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.16.2 may exclude any individual loan with a principal
outstanding balance of less than $100,000, provided that DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
4.16.2 includes, for each category described, the aggregate amount of individual
loans with a principal outstanding balance of less than $100,000 that has been
excluded.
Β
31
Β
4.16.3.Β All
loans
receivable (including discounts) and accrued interest entered on the books
of
GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries arose out of bona fide armβs-length transactions,
were made for good and valuable consideration in the ordinary course of GLBβs or
the appropriate GLB Subsidiaryβs respective business, and the notes or other
evidences of indebtedness with respect to such loans (including discounts)
are
true and genuine and are what they purport to be, except as set forth in GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.16.3(a). To the Knowledge of GLB, the loans,
discounts and the accrued interest reflected on the books of GLB and the GLB
Subsidiaries are subject to no defenses, set-offs or counterclaims (including,
without limitation, those afforded by usury or truth-in-lending laws), except
as
may be provided by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditorsβ
rights generally or by general principles of equity. Except as set forth in
GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 4.16.3(b), all such loans are owned by GLB or the
appropriate GLB Subsidiary free and clear of any liens.
Β
4.16.4.Β The
notes
and other evidences of indebtedness evidencing the loans described above, and
all pledges, mortgages, deeds of trust and other collateral documents or
security instruments relating thereto are, in all material respects, valid,
true
and genuine, and what they purport to be.
Β
4.17.Β Securities
Documents.
Β
GLB
has
made available to FNFG copies of its (i) annual reports on Form 10-K for the
years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, (ii) quarterly reports on Form
10-Q for the quarters ended March 31 and June 30 2007, and (iii) proxy materials
used or for use in connection with its meetings of shareholders held in 2007,
2006 and 2005. Such reports, prospectus and proxy materials complied, at the
time filed with the SEC, in all material respects, with the Securities Laws.
Β
32
Β
4.18.Β Related
Party Transactions.
Β
Except
as
described in GLBβs Proxy Statement distributed in connection with the annual
meeting of shareholders held in May 2007 (which has previously been provided
to
FNFG), or as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.18, neither GLB nor any
GLB
Subsidiary is a party to any transaction (including any loan or other credit
accommodation) with any director or officer of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary, or
any
affiliate thereof. All such transactions (a) were made in the ordinary course
of
business, (b) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest
rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with other Persons, and (c) did not involve more than the normal
risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. No loan or credit
accommodation to any Affiliate of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary is presently in
default or, during the three year period prior to the date of this Agreement,
has been in default or has been restructured, modified or extended. Neither
GLB
nor any GLB Subsidiary has been notified that principal and interest with
respect to any such loan or other credit accommodation will not be paid when
due
or that the loan grade classification accorded such loan or credit accommodation
by GLB is inappropriate.
Β
4.19.Β Deposits.
Β
Except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.19, none of the deposits of GLB or any
GLB Subsidiary is a βbrokered depositβ as defined in 12 CFR Section
337.6(a)(2).
Β
4.20.Β Antitakeover
Provisions Inapplicable; Required Vote.
Β
The
Board
of Directors of GLB has, to the extent such statute is applicable, taken all
action (including appropriate approvals of the Board of Directors of GLB)
necessary to exempt FNFG, the Merger, the Merger Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby from Section 203 of the DGCL. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares of GLB Common Stock is required
to
approve this Agreement and the Merger under GLBβs certificate of incorporation
and the DGCL.
Β
4.21.Β Registration
Obligations.
Β
Neither
GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary is under any obligation, contingent or otherwise,
which will survive the Effective Time by reason of any agreement to register
any
transaction involving any of its securities under the Securities
Act.
Β
4.22.Β Risk
Management Instruments.
Β
All
material interest rate swaps, caps, floors, option agreements, futures and
forward contracts and other similar risk management arrangements, whether
entered into for GLBβs own account, or for the account of one or more of GLBβs
Subsidiaries or their customers (all of which are set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE 4.22), were in all material respects entered into in compliance with
all applicable laws, rules, regulations and regulatory policies, and to the
Knowledge of GLB, with counterparties believed to be financially responsible
at
the time; and to GLBβs Knowledge each of them constitutes the valid and legally
binding obligation of GLB or one of its Subsidiaries, enforceable in accordance
with its terms (except as enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and
similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditorsβ rights
or by general equity principles), and is in full force and effect. Neither
GLB
nor any GLB Subsidiary, nor to the Knowledge of GLB any other party thereto,
is
in breach of any of its obligations under any such agreement or arrangement
in
any material respect.
Β
33
Β
4.23.Β Fairness
Opinion.
Β
GLB
has
received a written opinion from Sandler XβXxxxx to the effect that, subject to
the terms, conditions and qualifications set forth therein, as of the date
hereof, the Merger Consideration to be received by the shareholders of GLB
pursuant to this Agreement is fair to such shareholders from a financial point
of view. Such opinion has not been amended or rescinded as of the date of this
Agreement.
Β
4.24.Β Trust
Accounts
Β
GBSB
and
each of its subsidiaries has properly administered all accounts for which it
acts as a fiduciary, including but not limited to accounts for which it serves
as trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservator
or
investment advisor, in accordance with the terms of the governing documents
and
applicable laws and regulations. Neither GBSB nor any other GLB Subsidiary,
and
to the Knowledge of GLB, nor has any of their respective directors, officers
or
employees, committed any breach of trust with respect to any such fiduciary
account and the records for each such fiduciary account.
Β
4.25.Β Intellectual
Property
Β
GLB
and
each GLB Subsidiary owns or, to GLBβs Knowledge, possesses valid and binding
licenses and other rights (subject to expirations in accordance with their
terms) to use all patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trade names, servicemarks
and trademarks used in their business, each without payment (except as set
forth
in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 4.25), and neither GLB nor any GLB Subsidiary has
received any notice of conflict with respect thereto that asserts the rights
of
others. GLB and each GLB Subsidiary have performed all the obligations required
to be performed, and are not in default in any respect, under any contract,
agreement, arrangement or commitment relating to any of the foregoing. To the
Knowledge of GLB, the conduct of the business of GLB and each GLB Subsidiary
as
currently conducted or proposed to be conducted does not, in any material
respect, infringe upon, dilute, misappropriate or otherwise violate any
intellectual property owned or controlled by any third party.
Β
4.26.Β Labor
Matters
Β
There
are
no labor or collective bargaining agreements to which GLB or any GLB Subsidiary
is a party. To the Knowledge of GLB, there is no union organizing effort pending
or threatened against GLB or any GLB Subsidiary. There is no labor strike,
labor
dispute (other than routine employee grievances that are not related to union
employees), work slowdown, stoppage or lockout pending or, to the Knowledge
of
GLB, threatened against GLB or any GLB Subsidiary. There is no unfair labor
practice or labor arbitration proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of GLB,
threatened against GLB or any GLB Subsidiary (other than routine employee
grievances that are not related to union employees). GLB and each GLB Subsidiary
is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws respecting
employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and
wages and hours, and are not engaged in any unfair labor practice.
Β
34
Β
4.27.Β GLB
Information Supplied
Β
The
information relating to GLB and any GLB Subsidiary to be contained in the Merger
Registration Statement, or in any other document filed with any Bank Regulator
or other Governmental Entity in connection herewith, will not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made,
not misleading.
Β
ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF FNFGΒ
Β
FNFG
represents and warrants to GLB that the statements contained in this Article
V
are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct
and complete as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as though the
Closing Date were substituted for the date of this Agreement throughout this
Article V), subject to the standard set forth in Section 5.1, and except as
set
forth in the FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE delivered by FNFG to GLB on the date
hereof, and except as to any representation or warranty which specifically
relates to an earlier date, which only need be so correct as of such earlier
date. FNFG has made a good faith effort to ensure that the disclosure on each
schedule of the FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE corresponds to the section referenced
herein. However, for purposes of the FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, any item
disclosed on any schedule therein is deemed to be fully disclosed with respect
to all schedules under which such item may be relevant as and to the extent
that
it is reasonably clear on the face of such schedule that such item applies
to
such other schedule. References to the Knowledge of FNFG shall include the
Knowledge of First Niagara Bank and First Niagara Commercial Bank.
Β
5.1.Β Standard.Β
Β
No
representation or warranty of FNFG contained in this Article V shall be deemed
untrue or incorrect, and FNFG shall not be deemed to have breached a
representation or warranty, as a consequence of the existence of any fact,
circumstance or event unless such fact, circumstance or event, individually
or
taken together with all other facts, circumstances or events inconsistent with
any paragraph of Article V, has had or is reasonably expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect, disregarding for these purposes (x) any qualification or
exception for, or reference to, materiality in any such representation or
warranty and (y) any use of the terms βmaterialβ, βmateriallyβ, βin all material
respectsβ, βMaterial Adverse Effectβ or similar terms or phrases in any such
representation or warranty. The foregoing standard shall not apply to
representations and warranties contained in Sections 5.2 (other than the last
sentence of SectionsΒ 5.2.1 and 5.2.2), 5.3, and 5.4, which shall be deemed
untrue, incorrect and breached if they are not true and correct in all material
respects based on the qualifications and standards therein
contained.
Β
Β
35
Β
Β
5.2.Β Organization.
Β
5.2.1.Β FNFG
is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws
of the State of Delaware, and is duly registered as a savings and loan holding
company under the HOLA. FNFG has full corporate power and authority to carry
on
its business as now conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business
in the states of the United States and foreign jurisdictions where its ownership
or leasing of property or the conduct of its business requires such
qualification.
Β
5.2.2.Β First
Niagara Bank is a savings bank duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing (to the extent required) under federal law. The deposits of First
Niagara Bank are insured by the FDIC to the fullest extent permitted by law,
and
all premiums and assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have
been paid when due. First Niagara Bank is a member in good standing of the
FHLB
and own the requisite amount of stock therein.
Β
5.2.3.Β First
Niagara Commercial Bank is a New York chartered commercial bank duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing (to the extent required) under the laws
of
the State of New York. The deposits of First Niagara Commercial Bank are insured
by the FDIC to the fullest extent permitted by law, and all premiums and
assessments required to be paid in connection therewith have been paid by First
Niagara Commercial Bank when due. The activities of First Niagara Commercial
Bank have been limited to those set forth in Section 2(a)(5)(E)(ii) of the
BHCA.
Β
5.2.4.Β FNFG
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 5.2.4 sets forth each FNFG Subsidiary. Each FNFG Subsidiary
is a corporation or limited liability company duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization.
Β
5.2.5.Β The
respective minute books of FNFG and each FNFG Subsidiary accurately records,
in
all material respects, all material corporate actions of their respective
shareholders and boards of directors (including committees).
Β
5.2.6.Β Prior
to
the date of this Agreement, FNFG has made available to GLB true and correct
copies of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of FNFG and First Niagara
Bank and the FNFG Subsidiaries.
Β
5.3.Β Capitalization.
Β
5.3.1.Β The
authorized capital stock of FNFG consists of 250,000,000 shares of common stock,
$0.01 par value, of which 105,352,701 shares are outstanding, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights, and 50,000,000
shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value (βFNFG Preferred Stockβ), none of
which are outstanding. There are 14,692,035 shares of FNFG Common Stock held
by
FNFG as treasury stock. Neither FNFG nor any FNFG Subsidiary has or is bound
by
any Rights of any character relating to the purchase, sale or issuance or voting
of, or right to receive dividends or other distributions on any shares of FNFG
Common Stock, or any other security of FNFG or any securities representing
the
right to vote, purchase or otherwise receive any shares of FNFG Common Stock
or
any other security of FNFG, other than shares issuable under the FNFG Stock
Benefit Plans.
Β
Β
36
Β
Β
5.3.2.Β FNFG
owns
all of the capital stock of First Niagara Bank free and clear of any lien or
encumbrance. First Niagara Bank owns all of the capital stock of First Niagara
Commercial Bank free and clear of any lien or encumbrance.
Β
5.3.3.Β To
the
Knowledge of FNFG, no Person or βgroupβ (as that term is used in Section
13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) is the beneficial owner (as defined in Section
13(d) of the Exchange Act) of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of FNFG
Common Stock.
Β
5.4.Β Authority;
No Violation.
Β
5.4.1.Β FNFG
has
full corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and,
subject to receipt of the Regulatory Approvals, to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by FNFG and
the completion by FNFG of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Merger, have been duly and validly approved by the Board of Directors of FNFG,
and no other corporate proceedings on the part of FNFG, are necessary to
complete the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger. This
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by FNFG, and subject
to the receipt of the Regulatory Approvals
and due
and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by GLB,
constitutes the valid and binding obligations of FNFG, enforceable against
FNFG
in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
and
similar laws affecting creditorsβ rights generally, and subject, as to
enforceability, to general principles of equity.
Β
5.4.2.Β Subject
to receipt of Regulatory Approvals and GLBβs and FNFGβs compliance with any
conditions contained therein, (A) the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by FNFG, (B)Β the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, and
(C) compliance by FNFG with any of the terms or provisions hereof will not
(i)
conflict with or result in a breach of any provision of the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws of FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary; (ii) violate any
statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or
injunction applicable to FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary or any of their respective
properties or assets; or (iii) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of
any
provisions of, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse
of
time, or both, would constitute a default), under, result in the termination
of,
accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of termination
or
acceleration or the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or other
encumbrance upon any of the properties or assets of FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary
under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, deed of trust, license, lease, agreement or other investment or
obligation to which any of them is a party, or by which they or any of their
respective properties or assets may be bound or affected, except for such
violations, conflicts, breaches or defaults under clause (ii) or (iii) hereof
which, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a Material Adverse
Effect on FNFG.
Β
5.5.Β Consents.
Β
Except
for (a)Β filings with Bank Regulators, the receipt of the Regulatory
Approvals, and compliance with any conditions contained therein,
(b)Β the
filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State
of
Delaware, (c)Β the filing with the SEC of (i) the Merger Registration
Statement and (ii) such reports under Sections 13(a), 13(d), 13(g) and 16(a)
of
the Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and the obtaining from the SEC of such orders
as may be required in connection therewith, (d)Β approval of the listing of
FNFG Common Stock to be issued in the Merger on the Nasdaq, (e)Β such
filings and approvals as are required to be made or obtained under the
securities or βBlue Skyβ laws of various states in connection with the issuance
of the shares of FNFG Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement, and
(f)Β the
approval of this Agreement by the requisite vote of the shareholders of GLB,
no
consents, waivers or approvals of, or filings or registrations with, any
Governmental Entity are necessary, and, to FNFGβs Knowledge, no consents,
waivers or approvals of, or filings or registrations with, any other third
parties are necessary, in connection with (x) the execution and delivery of
this
Agreement by FNFG, and (y) the completion of the Merger and the Bank Merger.
FNFG has no reason to believe that (i) any Regulatory Approvals or other
required consents or approvals will not be received, or that (ii) any public
body or authority, the consent or approval of which is not required or to which
a filing is not required, will object to the completion of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Β
Β
37
Β
Β
5.6.Β Financial
Statements.
Β
5.6.1.Β FNFG
has
previously made available to GLB the FNFG Financial Statements. The FNFG
Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and (including
the related notes where applicable) fairly present in each case in all material
respects (subject in the case of the unaudited interim statements to normal
year-end adjustments) the consolidated financial position, results of operations
and cash flows of FNFG and the FNFG Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as
of
and for the respective periods ending on the dates thereof, in accordance with
GAAP during the periods involved, except as indicated in the notes thereto,
or
in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q.
Β
5.6.2.Β At
the
date of each balance sheet included in the FNFG Financial Statements, FNFG
did
not have any liabilities, obligations or loss contingencies of any nature
(whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a type required to
be
reflected in such FNFG Financial Statements or in the footnotes thereto which
are not fully reflected or reserved against therein or fully disclosed in a
footnote thereto, except for liabilities, obligations and loss contingencies
which are not material individually or in the aggregate or which are incurred
in
the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, and except
for
liabilities, obligations and loss contingencies which are within the subject
matter of a specific representation and warranty herein and subject, in the
case
of any unaudited statements, to normal, recurring audit adjustments and the
absence of footnotes.
Β
5.6.3.Β The
records, systems, controls, data and information of FNFG and its Subsidiaries
are recorded, stored, maintained and operated under means (including any
electronic, mechanical or photographic process, whether computerized or not)
that are under the exclusive ownership and direct control of FNFG or its
Subsidiaries or accountants (including all means of access thereto and
therefrom), except for any non-exclusive ownership and non-direct control that
would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the system
of internal accounting controls described below in this SectionΒ 5.6.3. FNFG
(x)Β has implemented and maintains a system of internal control over
financial reporting (as required by Rule 13a-15(a) of the Exchange Act) that
is
designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of its financial statements for external purposes
in accordance with GAAP, (y)Β has implemented and maintains disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act)
to
ensure that material information relating to FNFG, including its consolidated
Subsidiaries, is made known to the chief executive officer and the chief
financial officer of FNFG by others within those entities, and (z)Β has
disclosed, based on its most recent evaluation prior to the date hereof, to
FNFGβs outside auditors and the audit committee of FNFGβs Board of Directors
(i)Β any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule
13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) which are reasonably likely to adversely affect
FNFGβs ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information
and (ii)Β any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in FNFGβs internal control over
financial reporting. As of the date hereof, to the knowledge of FNFG, its chief
executive officer and chief financial officer will be able to give the
certifications required pursuant to the rules and regulations adopted pursuant
to SectionΒ 302 of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act, without qualification, when next
due.
Β
Β
38
Β
Β
5.6.4.Β The
allowance for credit losses reflected in FNFGβs audited statement of condition
at December 31, 2006 was, and the allowance for credit losses shown on the
balance sheets in FNFGβs Securities Documents for periods ending after December
31, 2006 was or will be, as the case may be, adequate, as of the dates thereof,
under GAAP.
Β
5.7.Β Taxes.
Β
FNFG
and
the FNFG Subsidiaries that are at least 80 percent owned by FNFG are members
of
the same affiliated group within the meaning of Code Section 1504(a). FNFG
has
duly filed all federal, state and material local tax returns required to be
filed by or with respect to FNFG and each FNFG Subsidiary on or prior to the
Closing Date, taking into account any extensions (all such returns, to the
Knowledge of FNFG, being accurate and correct in all material respects) and
has
duly paid or made provisions for the payment of all material federal, state
and
local taxes which have been incurred by or are due or claimed to be due from
FNFG and any FNFG Subsidiary by any taxing authority or pursuant to any written
tax sharing agreement on or prior to the Closing Date other than taxes or other
charges which (i) are not delinquent, (ii) are being contested in good faith,
or
(iii)Β have not yet been fully determined. FNFG and each of its Subsidiaries
has withheld and paid all taxes required to have been withheld and paid in
connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor,
creditor, shareholder or other third party, and FNFG and each of its
Subsidiaries, to the Knowledge of FNFG, has timely complied with all applicable
information reporting requirements under Part III, Subchapter A of Chapter
61 of
the Code and similar applicable state and local information reporting
requirements.
Β
5.8.Β No
Material Adverse Effect.
Β
FNFG
has
not suffered any Material Adverse Effect since DecemberΒ 31, 2006 and no
event has occurred or circumstance arisen since that date which, in the
aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect
on
FNFG.
Β
Β
39
Β
Β
5.9.Β Ownership
of Property; Insurance Coverage.
Β
5.9.1.Β FNFG
and
each FNFG Subsidiary has good and, as to real property, marketable title to
all
material assets and properties owned by FNFG or each FNFG Subsidiary in the
conduct of their businesses, whether such assets and properties are real or
personal, tangible or intangible, including assets and property reflected in
the
balance sheets contained in the FNFG Financial Statements or acquired subsequent
thereto (except to the extent that such assets and properties have been disposed
of in the ordinary course of business, since the date of such balance sheets),
subject to no material encumbrances, liens, mortgages, security interests or
pledges, except (i) those items which secure liabilities for public or statutory
obligations or any discount with, borrowing from or other obligations to FHLB,
inter-bank credit facilities, or any transaction by a FNFG Subsidiary acting
in
a fiduciary capacity, (ii) statutory liens for amounts not yet delinquent or
which are being contested in good faith, (iii) non-monetary liens affecting
real
property which do not adversely affect the value or use of such real property,
and (iv) those described and reflected in the FNFG Financial Statements. FNFG
and the FNFG Subsidiaries, as lessee, have the right under valid and existing
leases of real and personal properties used by FNFG and its Subsidiaries in
the
conduct of their businesses to occupy or use all such properties as presently
occupied and used by each of them.
Β
5.10.Β Legal
Proceedings.
Β
Except
as
disclosed in FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULEΒ 5.10, neither FNFG nor any FNFG
Subsidiary is a party to any, and there are no pending or, to the Knowledge
of
FNFG, threatened legal, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings, claims
(whether asserted or unasserted), actions or governmental investigations or
inquiries of any nature (i)Β against FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary,
(ii)Β to which FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiaryβs assets are or may be subject,
(iii)Β challenging the validity or propriety of any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, or (iv) which would reasonably be expected
to
adversely affect the ability of FNFG to perform under this Agreement, except
for
any proceeding, claim, action, investigation or inquiry which, if adversely
determined, individually or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
5.11.Β Compliance
With Applicable Law.Β
Β
5.11.1.Β To
the
Knowledge of FNFG, each of FNFG and each FNFG Subsidiary is in compliance in
all
material respects with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign
statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders or decrees
applicable to it, its properties, assets and deposits, its business, and its
conduct of business and its relationship with its employees, including, without
limitation, the USA Patriot Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair
Housing Act, the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, the Home Mortgage
Disclosure Act, and all other applicable fair lending laws and other laws
relating to discriminatory business practices, and neither FNFG nor any FNFG
Subsidiary has received any written notice to the contrary. The Board of
Directors of First Niagara Bank has adopted and First Niagara Bank has
implemented an anti-money laundering program that contains adequate and
appropriate customer identification verification procedures that has not been
deemed ineffective by any Governmental Authority and that meets the requirements
of Sections 352 and 326 of the USA Patriot Act and the regulations
thereunder.
Β
Β
40
Β
Β
5.11.2.Β Each
of
FNFG and each FNFG Subsidiary has all material permits, licenses,
authorizations, orders and approvals of, and has made all filings, applications
and registrations with, all Bank Regulators that are required in order to permit
it to own or lease its properties and to conduct its business as presently
conducted; all such permits, licenses, certificates of authority, orders and
approvals are in full force and effect and, to the Knowledge of FNFG, no
suspension or cancellation of any such permit, license, certificate, order
or
approval is threatened or will result from the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, subject to obtaining the Regulatory
Approvals.
Β
5.11.3.Β For
the
period beginning JanuaryΒ 1, 2003, neither FNFG nor any FNFG Subsidiary has
received any written notification or, to the Knowledge of FNFG, any other
communication from any Bank Regulator (i) asserting that FNFG or any FNFG
Subsidiary is not in material compliance with any of the statutes, regulations
or ordinances which such Bank Regulator enforces; (ii) threatening to revoke
any
license, franchise, permit or governmental authorization which is material
to
FNFG or First Niagara Bank or First Niagara Commercial Bank; (iii) requiring
or
threatening to require FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary, or indicating that FNFG
or
any FNFG Subsidiary may be required, to enter into a cease and desist order,
agreement or memorandum of understanding or any other agreement with any federal
or state governmental agency or authority which is charged with the supervision
or regulation of banks or engages in the insurance of bank deposits restricting
or limiting, or purporting to restrict or limit, in any material respect the
operations of FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary, including without limitation any
restriction on the payment of dividends; or (iv) directing, restricting or
limiting, or purporting to direct, restrict or limit, in any manner the
operations of FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary, including without limitation any
restriction on the payment of dividends (any such notice, communication,
memorandum, agreement or order described in this sentence is hereinafter
referred to as an βFNFG Regulatory Agreementβ). Neither FNFG nor any FNFG
Subsidiary has consented to or entered into any currently effective FNFG
Regulatory Agreement. The most recent regulatory rating given to First Niagara
Bank as to compliance with the CRA is satisfactory or better.
Β
5.11.4.Β Since
the
enactment of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act, FNFG has been and is in compliance in
all
material respects with (i)Β the applicable provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx
Act and (ii)Β the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and
regulations of the Nasdaq.
Β
5.12.Β Employee
Benefit Plans.
Β
5.12.1.Β FNFG
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 5.12 includes a list of all existing bonus, incentive,
deferred compensation, pension, retirement, profit-sharing, thrift, savings,
employee stock ownership, stock bonus, stock purchase, restricted stock, stock
option, stock appreciation, phantom stock, severance, welfare benefit plans,
fringe benefit plans, employment, severance and change in control agreements
and
all other benefit practices, policies and arrangements maintained by FNFG or
any
FNFG Subsidiary and in which employees in general may participate (the βFNFG
Compensation and Benefit Plansβ). Β
Β
Β
41
Β
Β
5.12.2.Β To
the
Knowledge of FNFG and except as disclosed in FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 5.12.2,
each FNFG Compensation and Benefit Plan has been operated and administered
in
all material respects in accordance with its terms and with applicable law,
including, but not limited to, ERISA, the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange
Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, COBRA, the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act and any regulations or rules promulgated
thereunder, and no notice has been issued by any Governmental Entity questioning
or challenging such compliance. All material filings, disclosures and notices
required by ERISA, the Code, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act and any other applicable law have been timely
made or any interest, fines, penalties or other impositions for late filings
have been paid in full. Each FNFG Compensation and Benefit Plan which is a
Pension Plan and
which is
intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a
favorable determination letter from the IRS, and FNFG is not aware of any
circumstances which are reasonably likely to result in revocation of any such
favorable determination letter. There is no material pending or, to the
Knowledge of FNFG, threatened action, suit or claim relating to any of the
FNFG
Compensation and Benefit Plans (other than routine claims for benefits). Neither
FNFG nor any FNFG Subsidiary has engaged in a transaction, or omitted to take
any action, with respect to any FNFG Compensation and Benefit Plan that would
reasonably be expected to subject FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary to an unpaid
tax
or penalty imposed by either Section 4975 of the Code or Section 502 of
ERISA.
Β
5.12.3.Β No
liability to any Governmental Entity, other than PBGC premiums arising in the
ordinary course of business, has been or is expected by FNFG or any of its
Subsidiaries to be incurred with respect to any FNFG Compensation and Benefit
Plan which is a Defined Benefit Plan or with respect to any ERISA Affiliate
Plan
currently or formerly maintained by FNFG or any ERISA Affiliate. To the
Knowledge of FNFG, no FNFG Defined Benefit Plan had an "accumulated funding
deficiency" (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived, as
of
the last day of the end of the most recent plan year ending prior to the date
hereof. No notice of a "reportable event" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA)
for which the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived has been required
to be filed for any FNFG Defined Benefit Plan within the 12-month period ending
on the date hereof. Neither FNFG nor any of its Subsidiaries has provided,
or is
required to provide, security to any FNFG Defined Benefit Plan or to any
single-employer plan of an ERISA Affiliate pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) of
the
Code or has taken any action, or omitted to take any action, that has resulted,
or would reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of a lien under
Section 412(n) of the Code or pursuant to ERISA. Neither FNFG, its Subsidiaries,
nor any ERISA Affiliate has contributed to any "multiemployer plan," as defined
in Section 3(37) of ERISA, on or after January 1, 1998. To the Knowledge of
FNFG, there is no pending investigation or enforcement action by any Bank
Regulator with respect to any FNFG Compensation and Benefit Plan or any ERISA
Affiliate Plan.
Β
5.12.4.Β All
material contributions required to be made under the terms of any FNFG
Compensation and Benefit Plan or ERISA Affiliate Plan or any employee benefit
arrangements to which FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary is a party or a sponsor have
been timely made, and all anticipated contributions and funding obligations
are
accrued on FNFGβs consolidated financial statements to the extent required by
GAAP. FNFG and its Subsidiaries have expensed and accrued as a liability the
present value of future benefits under each applicable FNFG Compensation and
Benefit Plan for financial reporting purposes as required by GAAP.
Β
Β
42
Β
Β
5.13.Β Environmental
Matters.
Β
5.13.1.Β To
the
Knowledge of FNFG, neither the conduct nor operation of its business nor any
condition of any property currently or previously owned or operated by it
(including, without limitation, in a fiduciary or agency capacity), or on which
it holds a lien, results or resulted in a violation of any Environmental Laws
that is reasonably likely to impose a material liability (including a material
remediation obligation) upon FNFG or any of FNFG Subsidiary. To the Knowledge
of
FNFG, no condition has existed or event has occurred with respect to any of
them
or any such property that, with notice or the passage of time, or both, is
reasonably likely to result in any material liability to FNFG or any FNFG
Subsidiary by reason of any Environmental Laws. Neither FNFG nor any FNFG
Subsidiary during the past five years has received any written notice from
any
Person that FNFG or any FNFG Subsidiary or the operation or condition of any
property ever owned, operated, or held as collateral or in a fiduciary capacity
by any of them are currently in violation of or otherwise are alleged to have
financial exposure under any Environmental Laws or relating to Materials of
Environmental Concern (including, but not limited to, responsibility (or
potential responsibility) for the cleanup or other remediation of any Materials
of Environmental Concern at, on, beneath, or originating from any such property)
for which a material liability is reasonably likely to be imposed upon FNFG
or
any FNFG Subsidiary.
Β
5.13.2.Β There
is
no suit, claim, action, demand, executive or administrative order, directive,
investigation or proceeding pending or, to the FNFG βs Knowledge, threatened,
before any court, governmental agency or other forum against FNFG or any FNFG
Subsidiary (x) for alleged noncompliance (including by any predecessor) with,
or
liability under, any Environmental Law or (y) relating to the presence of or
release (defined herein) into the environment of any Materials of Environmental
Concern (as defined herein), whether or not occurring at or on a site owned,
leased or operated by any of the FNFG .
Β
5.14.Β Loan
Losses.
Β
The
allowance for loan losses reflected in FNFGβs audited consolidated balance sheet
at December 31, 2006 was, and the allowance for loan losses shown on the balance
sheets in FNFGβs Securities Documents for periods ending after December 31, 2006
were adequate, as of the dates thereof, under GAAP.
Β
5.15.Β Securities
Documents
Β
FNFG
has
made available to GLB copies of its (i) annual reports on Form 10-K for the
years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, (ii) quarterly reports on Form
10-Q for the quarters ended March 31 and June 30, 2007, and (iii) proxy
materials used or for use in connection with its meetings of shareholders held
in 2007, 2006 and 2005. Such reports and such proxy materials complied, at
the
time filed with the SEC, in all material respects, with the Securities
Laws.
Β
5.16.Β Brokers,
Finders and Financial Advisors
Β
Neither
FNFG nor any FNFG Subsidiary, nor any of their respective officers, directors,
employees or agents, has employed any broker, finder or financial advisor in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or incurred
any
liability or commitment for any fees or commissions to any such person in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement except for
the
retention of Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx & Company, Incorporated and the fee payable
pursuant thereto.
Β
Β
43
Β
Β
5.17.Β FNFG
Common Stock
Β
The
shares of FNFG Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Agreement, when issued
in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable and subject to no preemptive
rights.
Β
5.18.Β FNFG
Information Supplied
Β
The
information relating to FNFG and any FNFG Subsidiary to be contained in the
Merger Registration Statement, or in any other document filed with any Bank
Regulator or other Governmental Entity in connection herewith, will not contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in
which
they are made, not misleading. The Merger Registration Statement will comply
with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
and the provisions of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, except that no representation or warranty is made by FNFG with
respect to statements made or incorporated by reference therein based on
information supplied by GLB specifically for inclusion or incorporation by
reference in the Merger Registration Statement.
Β
ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
OF GLBΒ
Β
6.1.Β Conduct
of Business.
Β
6.1.1.Β Affirmative
Covenants.
During
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, except with
the written consent of FNFG, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed, GLB will, and it will cause each GLB Subsidiary to:
operate its business, only in the usual, regular and ordinary course of
business; use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organization
and assets and maintain its rights and franchises; and voluntarily take no
action which would (i)Β adversely affect the ability of the parties to
obtain any Regulatory Approval or other approvals of Governmental Entities
required for the transactions contemplated hereby or materially increase the
period of time necessary to obtain such approvals, or (ii) adversely affect
its
ability to perform its covenants and agreements under this
Agreement.
Β
6.1.2.Β Negative
Covenants.
GLB
agrees that from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, except as
otherwise specifically permitted or required by this Agreement, set forth in
GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 6.1.2, or consented to by FNFG in writing (which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), it will not, and
it
will cause each GLB Subsidiary not to:
Β
Β
44
Β
Β
(A)Β change
or
waive any provision of its Certificate of Incorporation, Charter or Bylaws,
except as required by law, or appoint a new director to the board
directors;
Β
(B)Β change
the number of authorized or issued shares of its capital stock, issue any shares
of GLB Common Stock, including any shares that are held as βtreasury sharesβ as
of the date of this Agreement, or issue or grant any Right or agreement of
any
character relating to its authorized or issued capital stock or any securities
convertible into shares of such stock, make any grant or award under the GLB
Option Plans, or split, combine or reclassify any shares of capital stock,
or
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other distribution in respect of
capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock,
except that (i) GLB may issue shares of GLB Common Stock upon the valid
exercise, in accordance with the information set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE 4.3.1, of presently outstanding GLB Options issued under the GLB Option
Plan, and (ii) any GLB Subsidiary may pay dividends to its parent company (as
permitted under applicable law or regulations) consistent with past
practice.
Β
(C)Β enter
into, amend in any material respect or terminate any contract or agreement
(including without limitation any settlement agreement with respect to
litigation) except in the ordinary course of business;
Β
(D)Β other
than as set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 6.1.2(D), make application for
the
opening or closing of any, or open or close any, branch or automated banking
facility;
Β
(E)Β grant
or
agree to pay any bonus, severance or termination to, or enter into, renew or
amend any employment agreement, severance agreement and/or supplemental
executive agreement with, or increase in any manner the compensation or fringe
benefits of, any of its directors, officers or employees, except (i)Β as may
be required pursuant to commitments existing on the date hereof and set forth
on
GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES 4.9.1 and 4.13.1, (ii)Β pay increases in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to non-officer
employees, (iii) cash bonuses with respect to the year ending December 31,
2007
in the amounts and to the individuals set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE
6.1.2(E), and (iv) a contribution to the GBSB 401(k) Plan with respect to the
year ending December 31, 2007, consistent with applicable law, up to an amount
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 6.1.2(E). Neither GLB nor any GLB
Subsidiary shall hire or promote any employee to a rank having a title of vice
president or other more senior rank or hire any new employee at an annual rate
of compensation in excess of $50,000, provided that GLB or an GLB Subsidiary
may
hire at-will, non-officer employees to fill vacancies that may from time to
time
arise in the ordinary course of business. Β
Β
(F)Β enter
into or, except as may be required by law, materially modify any pension,
retirement, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation right, stock grant,
savings, profit sharing, deferred compensation, supplemental retirement,
consulting, bonus, group insurance or other employee benefit, incentive or
welfare contract, plan or arrangement, or any trust agreement related thereto,
in respect of any of its directors, officers or employees; or make any
contributions to any defined contribution plan not in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice;
Β
Β
45
Β
Β
(G)Β merge
or
consolidate GLB or any GLB Subsidiary with any other corporation; sell or lease
all or any substantial portion of the assets or business of GLB or any GLB
Subsidiary; make any acquisition of all or any substantial portion of the
business or assets of any other person, firm, association, corporation or
business organization other than in connection with foreclosures, settlements
in
lieu of foreclosure, troubled loan or debt restructuring, or the collection
of
any loan or credit arrangement between GLB, or any GLB Subsidiary, and any
other
person; enter into a purchase and assumption transaction with respect to
deposits and liabilities; permit the revocation or surrender by any GLB
Subsidiary of its certificate of authority to maintain, or file an application
for the relocation of, any existing branch office, or file an application for
a
certificate of authority to establish a new branch office;
Β
(H)Β sell
or
otherwise dispose of the capital stock of GLB or sell or otherwise dispose
of
any asset of GLB or of any GLB Subsidiary other than in the ordinary course
of
business consistent with past practice; except for transactions with the FHLB,
subject any asset of GLB or of any GLB Subsidiary to a lien, pledge, security
interest or other encumbrance (other than in connection with deposits,
repurchase agreements, bankers acceptances, βtreasury tax and loanβ accounts
established in the ordinary course of business and transactions in βfederal
fundsβ and the satisfaction of legal requirements in the exercise of trust
powers) other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice; incur any indebtedness for borrowed money (or guarantee any
indebtedness for borrowed money), except in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice;
Β
(I)Β voluntarily
take any action which would result in any of the representations and warranties
of GLB or GBSB set forth in this Agreement becoming untrue as of any date after
the date hereof or in any of the conditions set forth in Article IX hereof
not
being satisfied, except in each case as may be required by applicable
law;
Β
(J)Β change
any method, practice or principle of accounting, except as may be required
from
time to time by GAAP (without regard to any optional early adoption date) or
any
Bank Regulator responsible for regulating GLB or GBSB;
Β
(K)Β waive,
release, grant or transfer any material rights of value or modify or change
in
any material respect any existing material agreement or indebtedness to which
GLB or any GLB Subsidiary is a party, other than in the ordinary course of
business, consistent with past practice;
Β
(L)Β purchase
any equity securities, or purchase any securities other than securities (i)
rated βAAAβ or higher by either Standard & Poorβs Ratings Services or
Xxxxxβx Investors Service, (ii) having a face amount of not more than
$5,000,000, (iii) with a weighted average life of not more than three years
and
(iv) otherwise in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice;
Β
(M)Β except
for commitments issued prior to the date of this Agreement which have not yet
expired and which have been disclosed on the GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 6.12(M),
and the renewal of existing lines of credit, make any new loan or other credit
facility commitment (including without limitation, lines of credit and letters
of credit) in an amount in excess of $500,000 for a commercial real estate
loan
or $1,000,000 for a commercial business loan, or in excess of $500,000 for
a
residential loan. In addition, the prior approval of FNFG is required with
respect to the foregoing: (i) any new loan or credit facility commitment in
an
amount of $500,000 or greater to any borrower or group of affiliated borrowers
whose credit exposure with GBSB, GLB or any GLB Subsidiary, in the aggregate,
exceeds $1,000,000 prior thereto or as a result thereof; and (ii) any new loan
or credit facility commitment in excess of $500,000 to any person residing,
or
any property located, outside of New York State;
Β
Β
46
Β
Β
(N)Β except
as
set forth on the GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 6.12(N), enter into, renew, extend
or
modify any other transaction (other than a deposit transaction) with any
Affiliate;
Β
(O)Β enter
into any futures contract, option, interest rate caps, interest rate floors,
interest rate exchange agreement or other agreement or take any other action
for
purposes of hedging the exposure of its interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities to changes in market rates of
interest;
Β
(P)Β except
for the execution of this Agreement, and actions taken or which will be taken
in
accordance with this Agreement and performance thereunder, take any action
that
would give rise to a right of payment to any individual under any employment
agreement;
Β
(Q)Β make
any
material change in policies in existence on the date of this Agreement with
regard to: the extension of credit, or the establishment of reserves with
respect to the possible loss thereon or the charge off of losses incurred
thereon; investments; asset/liability management; or other material banking
policies except as may be required by changes in applicable law or regulations
or by a Bank Regulator;
Β
(R)Β except
for the execution of this Agreement, and the transactions contemplated therein,
take any action that would give rise to an acceleration of the right to payment
to any individual under any GLB Employee Plan;
Β
(S)Β except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 6.12(S), make any capital expenditures
in
excess of $25,000 individually or $50,000 in the aggregate, other than pursuant
to binding commitments existing on the date hereof and other than expenditures
necessary to maintain existing assets in good repair;
Β
(T)Β except
as
set forth in GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 6.12(T), purchase or otherwise acquire,
or
sell or otherwise dispose of, any assets or incur any liabilities other than
in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices and
policies;
Β
(U)Β sell
any
participation interest in any loan (other than sales of loans secured by one-
to
four-family real estate that are consistent with past practice) (and provided
that First Niagara Bank will be given the first opportunity to purchase any
loan
participation being sold) or OREO properties (other than sales of OREO which
generate a net book loss of not more than $20,000 per property);
Β
Β
47
Β
Β
(V)Β undertake
or enter into any lease, contract or other commitment for its account, other
than in the normal course of providing credit to customers as part of its
banking business, involving a payment by GLB or GBSB of more than $25,000
annually, or containing any financial commitment extending beyond 24 months
from
the date hereof;
Β
(W)Β pay,
discharge, settle or compromise any claim, action, litigation, arbitration
or
proceeding, other than any such payment, discharge, settlement or compromise
in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice that involves
solely money damages in the amount not in excess of $25,000 individually or
$50,000 in the aggregate, and that does not create negative precedent for other
pending or potential claims, actions, litigation, arbitration or proceedings;
Β
(X)Β foreclose
upon or take a deed or title to any commercial real estate without first
conducting a Phase I environmental assessment of the property or foreclose
upon
any commercial real estate if such environmental assessment indicates the
presence of a Materials of Environmental Concern;
Β
(Y)Β purchase
or sell any mortgage loan servicing rights other than in the ordinary course
of
business consistent with past practice;
Β
(Z)Β issue
any
broadly distributed communication of a general nature to employees (including
general communications relating to benefits and compensation) without prior
consultation with FNFG and, to the extent relating to post-Closing employment,
benefit or compensation information without the prior consent of FNFG (which
shall not be unreasonably withheld) or issue any broadly distributed
communication of a general nature to customers without the prior approval of
FNFG (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), except as required by law
or
for communications in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice that do not relate to the Merger or other transactions contemplated
hereby; or
Β
(AA)Β agree
to
do any of the foregoing.
Β
6.1.3.Β Stock
Purchase Plan.
Β
As
soon
as practicable following the date of this Agreement, GLB agrees to terminate
any
pending Offerings under the GLB Stock Purchase Plan (βStock Purchase Planβ) and
to return any funds accumulated from employees and directors pursuant to such
Offerings. GLB further agrees that no new Offerings shall be made under the
Stock Purchase Plan from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time and
that the Stock Purchase Plan shall be terminated no later than the Effective
Time, including cancellation of the reservation of 200,000 shares for issuance
under the Plan.
6.2.Β Current
Information.
Β
6.2.1.Β During
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, GLB will
cause
one or more of its representatives to confer with representatives of FNFG and
report the general status of its ongoing operations at such times as FNFG may
reasonably request. GLB will promptly notify FNFG of any material change in
the
normal course of its business or in the operation of its properties and, to
the
extent permitted by applicable law, of any governmental complaints,
investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that the same may
be
contemplated), or the institution or the threat of material litigation involving
GLB or any GLB Subsidiary. Without limiting the foregoing, senior officers
of
FNFG and GLB shall meet on a reasonably regular basis (expected to be at least
monthly) to review the financial and operational affairs of GLB and its
Subsidiaries, in accordance with applicable law, and GLB shall give due
consideration to FNFGβs input on such matters, with the understanding that,
notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, neither FNFG
nor any FNFG Subsidiary shall under any circumstance be permitted to exercise
control of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary prior to the Effective Time.
Β
Β
48
Β
Β
6.2.2.Β GBSB
and
First Niagara Bank shall meet on a regular basis to discuss and plan for the
conversion of GBSBβs data processing and related electronic informational
systems to those used by First Niagara Bank, which planning shall include,
but
not be limited to, discussion of the possible termination by GBSB of third-party
service provider arrangements effective at the Effective Time or at a date
thereafter, non-renewal of personal property leases and software licenses used
by GBSB in connection with its systems operations, retention of outside
consultants and additional employees to assist with the conversion, and
outsourcing, as appropriate, of proprietary or self-provided system services,
it
being understood that GBSB shall not be obligated to take any such action prior
to the Effective Time and, unless GBSB otherwise agrees, no conversion shall
take place prior to the Effective Time. In the event that GBSB takes, at the
request of First Niagara Bank, any action relative to third parties to
facilitate the conversion that results in the imposition of any termination
fees
or charges, First Niagara Bank shall indemnify GBSB for any such fees and
charges, and the costs of reversing the conversion process, if for any reason
the Merger is not consummated for any reason other than a breach of this
Agreement by GLB, or a termination of this Agreement under Section 11.1.8 or
11.1.9.
Β
6.2.3.Β GBSB
shall provide First Niagara Bank, within fifteen (15) business days of the
end
of each calendar month, a written list of nonperforming assets (the term
βnonperforming assets,β for purposes of this subsection, means (i) loans that
are βtroubled debt restructuringβ as defined in Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 15, βAccounting by Debtors and Creditors for Troubled
Debt Restructuring,β (ii) loans on nonaccrual, (iii) real estate owned, (iv) all
loans ninety (90) days or more past due) as of the end of such month and (iv)
and impaired loans. On a monthly basis, GLB shall provide First Niagara Bank
with a schedule of all loan approvals, which schedule shall indicate the loan
amount, loan type and other material features of the loan.
Β
6.2.4.Β GLB
shall
promptly inform FNFG upon receiving notice of any legal, administrative,
arbitration or other proceedings, demands, notices, audits or investigations
(by
any federal, state or local commission, agency or board) relating to the alleged
liability of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary under any labor or employment
law.
Β
Β
49
Β
Β
6.3.Β Access
to Properties and Records.
Β
Subject
to Section 12.1 hereof, GLB shall permit FNFG reasonable access upon reasonable
notice to its properties and those of the GLB Subsidiaries, and shall disclose
and make available to FNFG during normal business hours all of its books, papers
and records relating to the assets, properties, operations, obligations and
liabilities, including, but not limited to, all books of account (including
the
general ledger), tax records, minute books of directorsβ (other than minutes
that discuss any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
other
subject matter GLB reasonably determines should be treated as confidential)
and
shareholdersβ meetings, organizational documents, Bylaws, material contracts and
agreements, filings with any regulatory authority, litigation files, plans
affecting employees, and any other business activities or prospects in which
FNFG may have a reasonable interest; provided, however, that GLB shall not
be
required to take any action that would provide access to or to disclose
information where such access or disclosure would violate or prejudice the
rights or business interests or confidences of any customer or other person
or
would result in the waiver by it of the privilege protecting communications
between it and any of its counsel. GLB shall provide and shall request its
auditors to provide FNFG with such historical financial information regarding
it
(and related audit reports and consents) as FNFG may reasonably request for
securities disclosure purposes.
FNFG
shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any interference with
GLBβs regular business operations during any such access to GLBβs property,
books and records. GLB and each GLB Subsidiary shall permit FNFG, at its
expense, to cause a βphase I environmental auditβ and a βphase II environmental
auditβ to be performed at any physical location owned or occupied by GLB or any
GLB Subsidiary. In the event any subsurface or phase II site assessments are
conducted, FNFG shall indemnify GLB and its Subsidiaries for all costs and
expenses associated with returning the property to its previous
condition.
Β
6.4.Β Financial
and Other Statements.
Β
6.4.1.Β Promptly
upon receipt thereof, GLB will furnish to FNFG copies of each annual, interim
or
special audit of the books of GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries made by its
independent auditors and copies of all internal control reports submitted to
GLB
by such auditors in connection with each annual, interim or special audit of
the
books of GLB and the GLB Subsidiaries made by such auditors.
Β
6.4.2.Β As
soon
as reasonably available, but in no event later than the date such documents
are
filed with the SEC, GLB will deliver to FNFG the Securities Documents filed
by
it with the SEC under the Securities Laws. GLB will furnish to FNFG copies
of
all documents, statements and reports as it or any GLB Subsidiary shall send
to
its shareholders, the FDIC, the FRB, the Department or any other regulatory
authority, except as legally prohibited thereby. Within 25 days after the end
of
each month, GLB will deliver to FNFG a consolidated balance sheet and a
consolidated statement of income, without related notes, for such month prepared
in accordance with current financial reporting practices.
Β
6.4.3.Β GLB
will
advise FNFG promptly of the receipt of any examination report of any Bank
Regulator with respect to the condition or activities of GLB or any of the
GLB
Subsidiaries.
Β
6.4.4.Β With
reasonable promptness, GLB will furnish to FNFG such additional financial data
that GLB possesses and as FNFG may reasonably request, including without
limitation, detailed monthly financial statements and loan reports.
Β
Β
50
Β
Β
6.5.Β Maintenance
of Insurance.
Β
GLB
shall
maintain, and cause each GLB Subsidiary to maintain, insurance in such amounts
as are reasonable to cover such risks as are customary in relation to the
character and location of theirs properties and the nature of their
business
Β
6.6.Β Disclosure
Supplements.
Β
From
time
to time prior to the Effective Time, GLB will promptly supplement or amend
the
GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE delivered in connection herewith with respect to any
matter hereafter arising which, if existing, occurring or known at the date
of
this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in such
GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE or which is necessary to correct any information in
such
GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE which has been rendered materially inaccurate thereby.
No supplement or amendment to such GLB DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE shall have any effect
for the purpose of determining satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Article IX.
Β
6.7.Β Consents
and Approvals of Third Parties.
Β
GLB
shall
use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable all
consents and approvals necessary or desirable for the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Β
Β
6.8.Β All
Reasonable Efforts.
Β
Subject
to the terms and conditions herein provided, GLB agrees to use all commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or
cause
to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws
and
regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement.
Β
6.9.Β Failure
to Fulfill Conditions.
Β
In
the
event that GLB determines that a condition to its obligation to complete the
Merger cannot be fulfilled and that it will not waive that condition, it will
promptly notify FNFG.
Β
6.10.Β No
Solicitation.
Β
(a)
GLB
shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and the respective officers,
directors, employees, investment bankers, financial advisors, attorneys,
accountants, consultants, affiliates and other agents (collectively, the
βRepresentativesβ) not to, directly or indirectly, (i)Β initiate, solicit,
induce or knowingly encourage, or take any action to facilitate the making
of,
any inquiry, offer or proposal which constitutes, or could reasonably be
expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal; (ii)Β participate in any
discussions or negotiations regarding any Acquisition Proposal or furnish,
or
otherwise afford access, to any Person (other than FNFG) any information or
data
with respect to GLB or any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise relating to an
Acquisition Proposal; (iii)Β release any Person from, waive any provisions
of, or fail to enforce any confidentiality agreement or standstill agreement
to
which GLB is a party; or (iv)Β enter into any agreement, agreement in
principle or letter of intent with respect to any Acquisition Proposal or
approve or resolve to approve any Acquisition Proposal or any agreement,
agreement in principle or letter of intent relating to an Acquisition Proposal.
Any violation of the foregoing restrictions by GLB or any Representative,
whether or not such Representative is so authorized and whether or not such
Representative is purporting to act on behalf of GLB or otherwise, shall be
deemed to be a breach of this Agreement by GLB. GLB and its Subsidiaries shall,
and shall cause each of GLB Representative to, immediately cease and cause
to be
terminated any and all existing discussions, negotiations, and communications
with any Persons with respect to any existing or potential Acquisition Proposal.
Β
Β
51
Β
Β
For
purposes of this Agreement, βAcquisition Proposalβ shall mean any inquiry, offer
or proposal (other than an inquiry, offer or proposal from FNFG), whether or
not
in writing, contemplating, relating to, or that could reasonably be expected
to
lead to, an Acquisition Transaction. For purposes of this Agreement,
βAcquisition Transactionβ shall mean (A)Β any transaction or series of
transactions involving any merger, consolidation, recapitalization, share
exchange, liquidation, dissolution or similar transaction involving GLB or
any
of its Subsidiaries; (B)Β any transaction pursuant to which any third party
or group acquires or would acquire (whether through sale, lease or other
disposition), directly or indirectly, any assets of GLB or any of its
Subsidiaries representing, in the aggregate, fifteen percent (15%)Β or more
of the assets of GLB and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; (C)Β any
issuance, sale or other disposition of (including by way of merger,
consolidation, share exchange or any similar transaction) securities (or
options, rights or warrants to purchase or securities convertible into, such
securities) representing fifteen percent (15%)Β or more of the votes
attached to the outstanding securities of GLB or any of its Subsidiaries;
(D)Β any tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result
in any third party or group beneficially owning fifteen percent (15%)Β or
more of any class of equity securities of GLB or any of its Subsidiaries; or
(E)Β any transaction which is similar in form, substance or purpose to any
of the foregoing transactions, or any combination of the foregoing.
(b)
Notwithstanding SectionΒ 6.10(a), GLB may take any of the actions described
in clause (ii)Β of SectionΒ 6.10(a) if, but only if, (i)Β GLB has
received a bona fide unsolicited written Acquisition Proposal that did not
result from a breach of this SectionΒ 6.10; (ii)Β GLB Board determines
in good faith, after consultation with and having considered the advice of
its
outside legal counsel and its independent financial advisor, that (A)Β such
Acquisition Proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a Superior
Proposal and (B)Β the failure to take such actions would be inconsistent
with its fiduciary duties to GLBβs shareholders under applicable law;
(iii)Β GLB has provided FNFG with at least three (3)Β Business Daysβ
prior notice of such determination; and (iv)Β prior to furnishing or
affording access to any information or data with respect to GLB or any of its
Subsidiaries or otherwise relating to an Acquisition Proposal, GLB receives
from
such Person a confidentiality agreement with terms no less favorable to GLB
than
those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement. GLB shall promptly provide
to
FNFG any non-public information regarding GLB or its Subsidiaries provided
to
any other Person that was not previously provided to FNFG, such additional
information to be provided no later than the date of provision of such
information to such other party.
Β
Β
52
Β
Β
For
purposes of this Agreement, βSuperior Proposalβ shall mean any bona fide written
proposal (on its most recently amended or modified terms, if amended or
modified) made by a third party to enter into an Acquisition Transaction on
terms that GLB Board determines in its good faith judgment, after consultation
with and having considered the advice of outside legal counsel and a financial
advisor (i)Β would, if consummated, result in the acquisition of all, but
not less than all, of the issued and outstanding shares of GLB Common Stock
or
all, or substantially all, of the assets of GLB and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis; (ii)Β would result in a transaction that
(A)Β involves consideration to the holders of the shares of GLB Common Stock
that is more favorable, from a financial point of view, than the consideration
to be paid to GLBβs shareholders pursuant to this Agreement, considering, among
other things, the nature of the consideration being offered and any material
regulatory approvals or other risks associated with the timing of the proposed
transaction beyond or in addition to those specifically contemplated hereby,
and
which proposal is not conditioned upon obtaining additional financing and
(B)Β is, in light of the other terms of such proposal, more favorable to
GLBβs shareholders than the Merger and the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement; and (iii)Β is reasonably likely to be completed on the terms
proposed, in each case taking into account all legal, financial, regulatory
and
other aspects of the proposal.
Β
(c)
GLB
shall promptly (and in any event within twenty-four (24)Β hours) notify FNFG
in writing if any proposals or offers are received by, any information is
requested from, or any negotiations or discussions are sought to be initiated
or
continued with, GLB or any GLB Representatives, in each case in connection
with
any Acquisition Proposal, and such notice shall indicate the name of the Person
initiating such discussions or negotiations or making such proposal, offer
or
information request and the material terms and conditions of any proposals
or
offers (and, in the case of written materials relating to such proposal, offer,
information request, negotiations or discussion, providing copies of such
materials (including e-mails or other electronic communications) unless
(i)Β such materials constitute confidential information of the party making
such offer or proposal under an effective confidentiality agreement,
(ii)Β disclosure of such materials jeopardizes the attorney-client privilege
or (iii)Β disclosure of such materials contravenes any law, rule,
regulation, order, judgment or decree. GLB agrees that it shall keep FNFG
informed, on a current basis, of the status and terms of any such proposal,
offer, information request, negotiations or discussions (including any
amendments or modifications to such proposal, offer or request).
(d)
Neither the GLB Board nor any committee thereof shall (i)Β withdraw, qualify
or modify, or propose to withdraw, qualify or modify, in a manner adverse to
FNFG in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(including the Merger), the GLB Recommendation (as defined in Section 8.1),
or
make any statement, filing or release, in connection with GLB Shareholders
Meeting or otherwise, inconsistent with the GLB Recommendation (it being
understood that taking a neutral position or no position with respect to an
Acquisition Proposal shall be considered an adverse modification of the GLB
Recommendation); (ii)Β approve or recommend, or propose to approve or
recommend, any Acquisition Proposal; or (iii)Β enter into (or cause GLB or
any of its Subsidiaries to enter into) any letter of intent, agreement in
principle, acquisition agreement or other agreement (A)Β related to any
Acquisition Transaction (other than a confidentiality agreement entered into
in
accordance with the provisions of SectionΒ 6.10(b)) or (B)Β requiring
GLB to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger or any other
transaction contemplated by this Agreement.
Β
53
Β
(e)
Notwithstanding SectionΒ 6.10(d), prior to the date of GLB Shareholders
Meeting, the GLB Board may approve or recommend to the shareholders of GLB
a
Superior Proposal and withdraw, qualify or modify GLB Recommendation in
connection therewith (a βGLB Subsequent Determinationβ) after the fifth
(5th)Β Business
Day following FNFGβs receipt of a notice (the βNotice of Superior Proposalβ)
from GLB advising FNFG that the GLB Board has decided that a bona fide
unsolicited written Acquisition Proposal that it received (that did not result
from a breach of this SectionΒ 6.10) constitutes a Superior Proposal (it
being understood that GLB shall be required to deliver a new Notice of Superior
Proposal in respect of any revised Superior Proposal from such third party
or
its affiliates that GLB proposes to accept) if, but only if, (i)Β the GLB
Board has reasonably determined in good faith, after consultation with and
having considered the advice of outside legal counsel and a financial advisor,
that it is required to take such actions to comply with its fiduciary duties
to
GLBβs shareholders under applicable law, (ii)Β during the five
(5)Β Business Day Period after receipt of the Notice of Superior Proposal by
FNFG, GLB and the GLB Board shall have cooperated and negotiated in good
faith
with FNFG to make such adjustments, modifications or amendments to the terms
and
conditions of this Agreement as would enable GLB to proceed with the GLB
Recommendation without a GLB Subsequent Determination; provided,
however,
that
FNFG shall not have any obligation to propose any adjustments, modifications
or
amendments to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (iii)Β at the
end of such five (5)Β Business Day period, after taking into account any
such adjusted, modified or amended terms as may have been proposed by FNFG
since
its receipt of such Notice of Superior Proposal, GLB Board has again in good
faith made the determination (A)Β in clause (i)Β of this
SectionΒ 6.10(e) and (B)Β that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes a
Superior Proposal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the changing, qualifying
or
modifying of the GLB Recommendation or the making of a GLB Subsequent
Determination by the GLB Board shall not change the approval of the GLB Board
for purposes of causing any Takeover Laws to be inapplicable to this Agreement
and the GLB Voting Agreements and the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, including the Merger.
(f)
Nothing contained in this SectionΒ 6.10 shall prohibit GLB or the GLB Board
from complying with GLBβs obligations required under Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2(a)
promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided,
however,
that
any such disclosure relating to an Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed a
change
in GLB Recommendation unless GLB Board reaffirms GLB Recommendation in such
disclosure.
Β
6.11.Β Reserves
and Merger-Related Costs.
Β
GLB
agrees to consult with FNFG with respect to its loan, litigation and real
estate
valuation policies and practices (including loan classifications and levels
of
reserves). FNFG and GLB shall also consult with respect to the character,
amount
and timing of restructuring charges to be taken by each of them in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby and shall take such charges as
FNFG
shall reasonably request and which are not inconsistent with GAAP, provided
that
no such actions need be effected until FNFG shall have irrevocably certified
to
GLB that all conditions set forth in Article IX to the obligation of FNFG
to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (other than the delivery
of
certificates or opinions) have been satisfied or, where legally permissible,
waived.
Β
54
Β
6.12.Β Board
of Directors and Committee Meetings.
Β
GLB
and
GBSB shall permit representatives of FNFG (no more than two) to attend any
meeting of the Board of Directors of GLB and/or GBSB or the Executive and
Loan
Committees thereof as an observer, provided that neither GLB nor GBSB shall
be
required to permit the FNFG representative to remain present during any
confidential discussion of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby or any third party proposal to acquire control of GLB or GBSB or during
any other matter that the respective Board of Directors has reasonably
determined to be confidential with respect to FNFGβs participation.
Β
ARTICLE
VII
COVENANTS
OF FNFGΒ
Β
7.1.Β Conduct
of Business.
Β
During
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, except
with
the written consent of GLB, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld,
FNFG will, and it will cause each FNFG Subsidiary to use reasonable efforts
to
preserve intact its business organization and assets and maintain its rights
and
franchises; and voluntarily take no action that would: (i) adversely affect
the
ability of the parties to obtain the Regulatory Approvals or other approvals
of
Governmental Entities required for the transaction contemplated hereby, or
materially increase the period of time necessary to obtain such approvals;
(ii)
adversely affect its ability to perform its covenants and agreements under
this
Agreement; or (iii) result in the representations and warranties contained
in
Article V of this Agreement not being true and correct on the date of this
Agreement or at any future date on or prior to the Closing Date or in any
of the
conditions set forth in Article IX hereof not being satisfied.
Β
7.2.Β Current
Information.
Β
During
the period from the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, FNFG will
cause one or more of its representatives to confer with representatives of
GLB
and report the general status of its financial condition, operations and
business and matters relating to the completion of the transactions contemplated
hereby, at such times as GLB may reasonably request. FNFG will promptly notify
GLB, to the extent permitted by applicable law, of any governmental complaints,
investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that the same may
be
contemplated), or the institution of material litigation involving FNFG and
any
FNFG Subsidiary. FNFG
shall be reasonably responsive to requests by GLB for access to such information
and personnel regarding FNFG and its Subsidiaries as may be reasonably necessary
for GLB to confirm that the representations and warranties of FNFG contained
herein are true and correct and that the covenants of FNFG contained herein
have
been performed in all material respects; provided, however, that FNFG shall
not
be required to take any action that would provide access to or to disclose
information where such access or disclosure, in FNFGβs reasonable judgment,
would interfere with the normal conduct of FNFGβs business or would violate or
prejudice the rights or business interests or confidences of any customer
or
other person or would result in the waiver by it of the privilege protecting
communications between it and any of its counsel.
Β
55
Β
7.3.Β Financial
and Other Statements.
Β
FNFG
will
make available to GLB the Securities Documents filed by it with the SEC under
the Securities Laws. FNFG will furnish to GLB copies of all documents,
statements and reports as it or FNFG file with the OTS or any other Bank
Regulator authority with respect to the Merger. FNFG will furnish to GLB
copies
of all documents, statements and reports as it or any FNFG Subsidiary sends
to
the shareholders of FNFG. FNFG will advise GLB promptly of the receipt of
any
examination report of any Bank Regulator with respect to the condition or
activities of FNFG or any FNFG subsidiary.
Β
7.4.Β Disclosure
Supplements.
Β
From
time
to time prior to the Effective Time, FNFG will promptly supplement or amend
the
FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE delivered in connection herewith with respect to
any
material matter hereafter arising which, if existing, occurring or known
at the
date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described
in
such FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE or which is necessary to correct any information
in such FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE which has been rendered inaccurate thereby.
No
supplement or amendment to such FNFG DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE shall have any effect
for the purpose of determining satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Article IX.
Β
7.5.Β Consents
and Approvals of Third Parties.
Β
FNFG
shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as soon as practicable
all consents and approvals, necessary or desirable for the consummation of
the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.Β
Β
7.6.Β All
Reasonable Efforts.
Β
Subject
to the terms and conditions herein provided, FNFG agrees to use all commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action and to do, or
cause
to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws
and
regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement.
Β
7.7.Β Failure
to Fulfill Conditions.
Β
In
the
event that FNFG determines that a condition to its obligation to complete
the
Merger cannot be fulfilled and that it will not waive that condition, it
will
promptly notify GLB.
Β
7.8.Β Employee
Benefits.
Β
7.8.1.Β FNFG
will
review all GLB Compensation and Benefit Plans to determine whether to maintain,
terminate or continue such plans. In the event employee compensation and/or
benefits as currently provided by GLB or any GLB Subsidiary are changed or
terminated by FNFG, in whole or in part, FNFG shall provide Continuing Employees
(as defined below) with compensation and benefits that are, in the aggregate,
substantially similar to the compensation and benefits provided to similarly
situated employees of FNFG or applicable FNFG Subsidiary (as of the date
any
such compensation or benefit is provided). Employees of GLB or any GLB
Subsidiary who become participants in an FNFG Compensation and Benefit Plan
shall, for purposes of determining eligibility for and for any applicable
vesting periods of such employee benefits only (and not for benefit accrual
purposes unless specifically set forth herein) be given credit for meeting
eligibility and vesting requirements in such plans for service as an employee
of
GLB or GBSB or any predecessor thereto prior to the Effective Time, provided,
however, that credit for prior service shall not be given for any purpose
under
the FNFG ESOP, and provided further, that credit for benefit accrual purposes
will be given only for purposes of FNFG vacation policies or programs and
for
purposes of the calculation of severance benefits under any severance
compensation plan of FNFG. This Agreement shall not be construed to limit
the
ability of FNFG or First Niagara Bank to terminate the employment of any
employee or to review employee benefits programs from time to time and to
make
such changes (including terminating any program) as they deem
appropriate.
Β
56
Β
7.8.2.Β The
payments and benefits that would be required to be made under the employment
agreements between (i) GLB and/or GBSB and (ii) each of the following
individuals, Xxxxxx X. Xxxx, Xx. (βXxxxβ), Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx (βXxxxxxβ) and
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx (βXxxxxxxβ), assuming a termination of employment as of March
1, 2008, shall be calculated in accordance with the principles set forth
in GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 7.8.2, which includes explanatory detail and analysis
as to
the method of the calculation of the payments and benefits due. Each of the
executives referenced in this Section 7.8.2 shall sign an acknowledgement
in
connection with the execution of this Agreement, which shall be included
in GLB
DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE 7.8.2, agreeing to the application of the principles
set
forth therein, and upon payment thereunder, shall execute a mutually acceptable
release.
Β
7.8.3.Β
Any
employee of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary who is not a party to an employment,
change in control or severance agreement or contract providing severance
payments shall, at the Effective Time, be covered by and eligible to receive
severance benefits under the severance plan or policy of FNFG applicable
to its
employees generally, in accordance with the terms of such plan or
policy.
Β
7.8.4.Β In
the
event of any termination or consolidation of any GLB health plan with any
FNFG
health plan, FNFG shall make available to employees of GLB or any GLB Subsidiary
who continue employment with FNFG or a FNFG Subsidiary (βContinuing Employeesβ)
and their dependents employer-provided health coverage on the same basis
as it
provides such coverage to FNFG employees. Unless a Continuing Employee
affirmatively terminates coverage under a GLB health plan prior to the time
that
such Continuing Employee becomes eligible to participate in the FNFG health
plan, no coverage of any of the Continuing Employees or their dependents
shall
terminate under any of the GLB health plans prior to the time such Continuing
Employees and their dependents become eligible to participate in the health
plans, programs and benefits common to all employees of FNFG and their
dependents. In the event of a termination or consolidation of any GLB health
plan, terminated GLB employees and qualified beneficiaries will have the
right
to continued coverage under group health plans of FNFG in accordance with
COBRA,
consistent with the provisions below. In the event of any termination of
any GLB
health plan, or consolidation of any GLB health plan with any FNFG health
plan,
any coverage limitation under the FNFG health plan due to any pre-existing
condition shall be waived by the FNFG health plan to the degree that such
condition was covered by the GLB health plan and such condition would otherwise
have been covered by the FNFG health plan in the absence of such coverage
limitation. All GLB Employees who cease participating in an GLB health plan
and
become participants in a comparable FNFG health plan shall receive credit
for
any co-payment and deductibles paid under GLBβs health plan for purposes of
satisfying any applicable deductible or out-of-pocket requirements under
the
FNFG health plan, upon substantiation, in a form satisfactory to FNFG that
such
co-payment and/or deductible has been satisfied.
Β
57
Β
7.9.Β Directors
and Officers Indemnification and Insurance.
Β
7.9.1.Β
For a
period of six years after the Effective Time, FNFG shall indemnify, defend
and
hold harmless each person who is now, or who has been at any time before
the
date hereof or who becomes before the Effective Time, an officer, director
or
employee of GLB or a GLB Subsidiary (the βIndemnified Partiesβ) against all
losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses (including attorneyβs fees),
liabilities or judgments or amounts that are paid in settlement (which
settlement shall require the prior written consent of FNFG, which consent
shall
not be unreasonably withheld) of or in connection with any claim, action,
suit,
proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, or administrative (each
a
βClaimβ), in which an Indemnified Party is, or is threatened to be made, a party
or witness in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part out of the
fact
that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of GLB or a GLB
Subsidiary if such Claim pertains to any matter of fact arising, existing
or
occurring at or before the Effective Time (including, without limitation,
the
Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby), regardless of whether
such Claim is asserted or claimed before, or after, the Effective Time, to
the
fullest extent permitted under applicable state or Federal law, FNFGβs
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, and under GLBβs Certificate of
Incorporation or Charter and Bylaws. FNFG shall pay expenses in advance of
the
final disposition of any such action or proceeding to each Indemnified Party
to
the full extent permitted by applicable state or Federal law upon receipt
of an
undertaking to repay such advance payments if he shall be adjudicated or
determined to be not entitled to indemnification in the manner set forth
below.
Any Indemnified Party wishing to claim indemnification under this Section
7.9.1
upon learning of any Claim, shall notify FNFG (but the failure so to notify
FNFG
shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have under this Section
7.9.1, except to the extent such failure materially prejudices FNFG) and
shall
deliver to FNFG the undertaking referred to in the previous sentence.
Β
7.9.2.Β In
the
event that either FNFG or any of its successors or assigns (i)Β consolidates
with or merges into any other person and shall not be the continuing or
surviving bank or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers
all
or substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then, and
in
each such case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and
assigns of FNFG shall assume the obligations set forth in this
SectionΒ 7.9.
Β
7.9.3.Β FNFG
shall maintain, or shall cause First Niagara Bank to maintain, in effect
for six
years following the Effective Time, the current directorsβ and officersβ
liability insurance policies covering the officers and directors of GLB
(provided, that FNFG may substitute therefor policies of at least the same
coverage containing terms and conditions which are not materially less
favorable) with respect to matters occurring at or prior to the Effective
Time;
provided, however, that in no event shall FNFG be required to expend pursuant
to
this Section 7.9.3 more than 175% of the annual cost currently expended by
GLB
with respect to such insurance (the βMaximum Amountβ); provided,
further, that
if
the amount of the annual premium necessary to maintain or procure such insurance
coverage exceeds the Maximum Amount, FNFG shall maintain the most advantageous
policies of directorsβ and officersβ insurance obtainable for a premium equal to
the Maximum Amount. In connection with the foregoing, GLB agrees in order
for
FNFG to fulfill its agreement to provide directors and officers liability
insurance policies for six years to provide such insurer or substitute insurer
with such reasonable and customary representations as such insurer may request
with respect to the reporting of any prior claims.
Β
58
Β
7.9.4.Β The
obligations of FNFG provided under this Section 7.9 are intended to be
enforceable against FNFG directly by the Indemnified Parties and shall be
binding on all respective successors and permitted assigns of FNFG.
Β
7.10.Β Stock
Listing.
Β
FNFG
agrees to list on the Nasdaq (or such other national securities exchange
on
which the shares of the FNFG Common Stock shall be listed as of the date
of
consummation of the Merger), subject to official notice of issuance, the
shares
of FNFG Common Stock to be issued in the Merger.
Β
7.11.Β Stock
and Cash Reserve.
Β
FNFG
agrees at all times from the date of this Agreement until the Merger
Consideration has been paid in full to reserve a sufficient number of shares
of
its common stock and to maintain sufficient liquid accounts or borrowing
capacity to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.
Β
ARTICLE
VIII
REGULATORY
AND OTHER MATTERS
Β
8.1.Β GLB
Shareholder Meeting.
Β
GLB
will
(i) as promptly as practicable after the Merger Registration Statement is
declared effective by the SEC, take all steps necessary to duly call, give
notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the βGLB Shareholders
Meetingβ), for the purpose of considering this Agreement and the Merger, and for
such other purposes as may be, in GLBβs reasonable judgment, necessary or
desirable, (ii) subject to Section 6.10, have its Board of Directors recommend
approval of this Agreement to the GLB shareholders (the βGLB Recommendationβ).
Β
8.2.Β Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.
Β
8.2.1.Β For
the
purposes (x) of registering FNFG Common Stock to be offered to holders of
GLB
Common Stock in connection with the Merger with the SEC under the Securities
Act
and (y) of holding the GLB Shareholders Meeting, FNFG shall draft and prepare,
and GLB shall cooperate in the preparation of, the Merger Registration
Statement, including a combined proxy statement and prospectus satisfying
all
applicable requirements of applicable state securities and banking laws,
and of
the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations
thereunder (such proxy statement/prospectus in the form mailed to the GLB
shareholders, together with any and all amendments or supplements thereto,
being
herein referred to as the βProxy Statement-Prospectusβ). FNFG shall file the
Merger Registration Statement, including the Proxy Statement-Prospectus,
with
the SEC. Each of FNFG and GLB shall use their reasonable best efforts to
have
the Merger Registration Statement declared effective under the Securities
Act as
promptly as practicable after such filing, and each of GLB and FNFG shall
thereafter promptly mail the Proxy Statement-Prospectus to the GLB shareholders.
FNFG shall also use its reasonably best efforts to obtain all necessary state
securities law or βBlue Skyβ permits and approvals required to carry out the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and GLB shall furnish all
information concerning GLB and the holders of GLB Common Stock as may be
reasonably requested in connection with any such action.
Β
59
Β
8.2.2.Β GLB
shall
provide FNFG with any information concerning itself that FNFG may reasonably
request in connection with the drafting and preparation of the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus, and FNFG shall notify GLB promptly of the receipt of
any
comments of the SEC with respect to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and of
any
requests by the SEC for any amendment or supplement thereto or for additional
information and shall provide to GLB promptly copies of all correspondence
between FNFG or any of their representatives and the SEC. FNFG shall give
GLB
and its counsel the opportunity to review and comment on the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus prior to its being filed with the SEC and shall give
GLB
and its counsel the opportunity to review and comment on all amendments and
supplements to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and all responses to requests
for
additional information and replies to comments prior to their being filed
with,
or sent to, the SEC. Each of FNFG and GLB agrees to use all reasonable efforts,
after consultation with the other party hereto, to respond promptly to all
such
comments of and requests by the SEC and to cause the Proxy Statement-Prospectus
and all required amendments and supplements thereto to be mailed to the holders
of GLB Common Stock entitled to vote at the GLB Shareholders Meeting hereof
at
the earliest practicable time.
Β
8.2.3.Β GLB
and
FNFG shall promptly notify the other party if at any time it becomes aware
that
the Proxy Statement-Prospectus or the Merger Registration Statement contains
any
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein,
in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. In
such
event, GLB shall cooperate with FNFG in the preparation of a supplement or
amendment to such Proxy Statement-Prospectus that corrects such misstatement
or
omission, and FNFG shall file an amended Merger Registration Statement with
the
SEC, and each of GLB shall mail an amended Proxy Statement-Prospectus to
the GLB
shareholders. If requested by FNFG, GLB shall obtain a βcomfortβ letter from its
independent certified public accountant, dated as of the date of the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus and updated as of the date of consummation of the Merger,
with respect to certain financial information regarding GLB, in form and
substance that is customary in transactions such as the Merger.
Β
60
Β
8.3.Β Regulatory
Approvals.
Β
Each
of
GLB and FNFG will cooperate with the other and use all reasonable efforts
to
promptly prepare all necessary documentation, to effect all necessary filings
and to obtain all necessary permits, consents, waivers, approvals and
authorizations of the SEC, the Bank Regulators and any other third parties
and
governmental bodies necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement. GLB and FNFG will furnish each other and each otherβs counsel
with all information concerning themselves, their subsidiaries, directors,
officers and shareholders and such other matters as may be necessary or
advisable in connection with the Proxy Statement-Prospectus and any application,
petition or any other statement or application made by or on behalf of GLB,
FNFG
to any Bank Regulatory or governmental body in connection with the Merger,
and
the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. GLB shall have the
right
to review and approve in advance all characterizations of the information
relating to GLB and any of its Subsidiaries, which appear in any filing made
in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with any
governmental body. FNFG
shall give GLB and its counsel the opportunity to review and comment on each
filing prior to its being filed with a Bank Regulator and shall give GLB
and its
counsel the opportunity to review and comment on all amendments and supplements
to such filings and all responses to requests for additional information
and
replies to comments prior to their being filed with, or sent to, a Bank
Regulator.
Β
8.4.Β Affiliates.
Β
8.4.1.Β GLB
shall
use all reasonable efforts to cause each director, executive officer and
other
person who is an βaffiliateβ (for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act)
of GLB to deliver to FNFG, as soon as practicable after the date of this
Agreement, and at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the GLB
Shareholders Meeting, a written agreement, in the form of Exhibit C hereto,
providing that such person will not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose
of any shares of FNFG Common Stock to be received by such βaffiliate,β as a
result of the Merger otherwise than in compliance with the applicable provisions
of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Β
ARTICLE
IX
CLOSING
CONDITIONS
Β
9.1.Β Conditions
to Each Partyβs Obligations under this Agreement.
Β
The
respective obligations of each party under this Agreement shall be subject
to
the fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions,
none of which may be waived:
Β
9.1.1.Β Shareholder
Approval.
This
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been approved
by
the requisite vote of the shareholders of GLB.
Β
9.1.2.Β Injunctions.
None of
the parties hereto shall be subject to any order, decree or injunction of
a
court or agency of competent jurisdiction that enjoins or prohibits the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and no statute,
rule or regulation shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated, interpreted,
applied or enforced by any Governmental Entity or Bank Regulator, that enjoins
or prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
Β
61
Β
9.1.3.Β Regulatory
Approvals.
All
Regulatory Approvals and other necessary approvals, authorizations and consents
of any Governmental Entities required to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained and shall remain
in full
force and effect and all waiting periods relating to such approvals,
authorizations or consents shall have expired; and no such approval,
authorization or consent shall include any condition or requirement, excluding
standard conditions that are normally imposed by the regulatory authorities
in
bank merger transactions, that would, in the good faith reasonable judgment
of
the Board of Directors of FNFG, materially and adversely affect the business,
operations, financial condition, property or assets of the combined enterprise
of GLB, GBSB and FNFG or materially impair the value of GLB or GBSB to
FNFG.
Β
9.1.4.Β Effectiveness
of Merger Registration Statement.
The
Merger Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities
Act and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Merger Registration
Statement shall have been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose shall
have
been initiated or threatened by the SEC and, if the offer and sale of FNFG
Common Stock in the Merger is subject to the blue sky laws of any state,
shall
not be subject to a stop order of any state securities commissioner.
Β
9.1.5.Β Nasdaq
Listing.
The
shares of FNFG Common Stock to be issued in the Merger shall have been
authorized for listing on the Nasdaq, subject to official notice of
issuance.
Β
9.1.6.Β Tax
Opinion.
On the
basis of facts, representations and assumptions which shall be consistent
with
the state of facts existing at the Closing Date, FNFG shall have received
an
opinion of Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx, P.C., reasonably acceptable in
form and substance to FNFG, and GLB shall have received an opinion of Xxxxxxx
Xxxx, LLP reasonably acceptable in form and substance to GLB, each dated
as of
the Closing Date, substantially to the effect thatΒ for
federal income tax purposes,
the
Merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
SectionΒ 368(a) of the Code. In rendering the tax opinions described in this
SectionΒ 9.1.6, the law firms may require and rely upon customary
representations contained in certificates of officers of FNFG and GLB and
their
respective Subsidiaries.
Β
9.2.Β Conditions
to the Obligations of FNFG under this Agreement.
Β
The
obligations of FNFG under this Agreement shall be further subject to the
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 9.2.1 through 9.2.5
at or
prior to the Closing Date:
Β
9.2.1.Β Representations
and Warranties.
Each of
the representations and warranties of GLB set forth in this Agreement shall
be
true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and upon the Effective
Time
with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had
been
made on the Effective Time (except to the extent such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date), in any case subject to the standard
set
forth in Section 4.1; and GLB shall have delivered to FNFG a certificate
to such
effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer
of
GLB as of the Effective Time.
Β
62
Β
9.2.2.Β Agreements
and Covenants.
GLB
shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and complied
in
all material respects with all agreements or covenants to be performed or
complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time, and FNFG shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of GLB by the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer of GLB to such effect dated as of the Effective
Time.
Β
9.2.3.Β Permits,
Authorizations, Etc.
GLB
shall have obtained any and all material permits, authorizations, consents,
waivers, clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation of
the
Merger and the Bank Merger.
Β
9.2.4.Β Dissenting
Shares.
As of
immediately prior to the Effective Time, not more than 5% of the issued and
outstanding shares of GLB Common Stock shall have dissented to the Merger
under
the DGCL, and preserved, as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, the
right to pursue their right of appraisal for the fair value of their shares
of
GLB Common Stock under the DGCL.
Β
9.2.5.Β No
Material Adverse Effect.
Since
December 31, 2006, no event has occurred or circumstance arisen that,
individually or in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have
a
Material Adverse Effect on GLB.
Β
GLB
will
furnish FNFG with such certificates of its officers or others and such other
documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set forth in this Section
9.2 as FNFG may reasonably request.
Β
9.3.Β Conditions
to the Obligations of GLB under this Agreement.
Β
The
obligations of GLB under this Agreement shall be further subject to the
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 9.3.1 through 9.3.5
at or
prior to the Closing Date:
Β
9.3.1.Β Representations
and Warranties.
Each of
the representations and warranties of FNFG set forth in this Agreement shall
be
true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and upon the Effective
Time
with the same effect as though all such representations and warranties had
been
made on the Effective Time (except to the extent such representations and
warranties speak as of an earlier date), in any case subject to the standard
set
forth in Section 5.1; and FNFG shall have delivered to GLB a certificate
to such
effect signed by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer
of
FNFG as of the Effective Time.
Β
9.3.2.Β Agreements
and Covenants.
FNFG
shall have performed in all material respects all obligations and complied
in
all material respects with all agreements or covenants to be performed or
complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time, and GLB shall have
received a certificate signed on behalf of FNFG by the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer to such effect dated as of the Effective
Time.
Β
63
Β
9.3.3.Β Permits,
Authorizations, Etc.
FNFG
shall have obtained any and all material permits, authorizations, consents,
waivers, clearances or approvals required for the lawful consummation of
the
Merger and the Bank Merger.
Β
9.3.4.Β Payment
of Merger Consideration.
FNFG
shall have delivered the Exchange Fund to the Exchange Agent on or before
the
Closing Date and the Exchange Agent shall provide GLB with a certificate
evidencing such delivery.
Β
9.3.5.Β No
Material Adverse Effect.
Since
December 31, 2006, no event has occurred or circumstance arisen that,
individually or in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably likely to have
a
Material Adverse Effect on FNFG.
Β
FNFG
will
furnish GLB with such certificates of their officers or others and such other
documents to evidence fulfillment of the conditions set forth in this Section
9.3 as GLB may reasonably request.
Β
ARTICLE
X
THE
CLOSING
Β
10.1.Β Time
and Place.
Β
Subject
to the provisions of Articles IX and XI hereof, the Closing of the transactions
contemplated hereby shall take place at the offices of Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
& Xxxxxx, 0000Β Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. at 10:00
a.m., or at such other place or time upon which FNFG and GLB mutually agree.
A
pre-closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the βPre-Closingβ) shall
take place at the offices of Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. at 10:00 a.m. on the day prior to the
Closing Date.
Β
10.2.Β Deliveries
at the Pre-Closing and the Closing.
Β
At
the
Pre-Closing there shall be delivered to FNFG and GLB the opinions, certificates,
and other documents and instruments required to be delivered at the Pre-Closing
under Article IX hereof. At or prior to the Closing, FNFG shall have delivered
the Merger Consideration as set forth under Section 9.3.4 hereof.
Β
ARTICLE
XI
TERMINATION,
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Β
11.1.Β Termination.
Β
This
Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date, whether
before or after approval of the Merger by the shareholders of GLB:
Β
11.1.1.Β At
any
time by the mutual written agreement of FNFG and GLB;
Β
11.1.2.Β By
the
Board of Directors of either party (provided, that the terminating party
is not
then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other
agreement contained herein) if there shall have been a material breach of
any of
the representations or warranties set forth in this Agreement on the part
of the
other party, which breach by its nature cannot be cured prior to the Termination
Date or shall not have been cured within 30 days after written notice of
such
breach by the terminating party to the other party provided, however, that
neither party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to
this
Section 11.1.2 unless the breach of representation or warranty, together
with
all other such breaches, would entitle the terminating party not to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby under Section 9.2.1 (in the case of
a
breach of a representation or warranty by GLB) or Section 9.3.1 (in the case
of
a breach of a representation or warranty by FNFG);
Β
64
Β
11.1.3.Β By
the
Board of Directors of either party (provided, that the terminating party
is not
then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other
agreement contained herein) if there shall have been a material failure to
perform or comply with any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this
Agreement on the part of the other party, which failure by its nature cannot
be
cured prior to the Termination Date or shall not have been cured within 30
days
after written notice of such failure by the terminating party to the other
party
provided, however, that neither party shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 11.1.3 unless the breach of covenant or
agreement, together with all other such breaches, would entitle the terminating
party not to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby under Section
9.2.2
(in the case of a breach of covenant by GLB) or Section 9.3.2 (in the case
of a
breach of covenant by FNFG);
Β
11.1.4.Β At
the
election of the Board of Directors of either party if the Closing shall not
have
occurred by the Termination Date, or such later date as shall have been agreed
to in writing by FNFG and GLB; provided, that no party may terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 11.1.4 if the failure of the Closing to
have
occurred on or before said date was due to such partyβs material breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or other agreement contained in this
Agreement;
Β
11.1.5.Β By
the
Board of Directors of either party if the shareholders of GLB shall have
voted
at the GLB Shareholders Meeting on the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and such vote shall not have been sufficient to approve such
transactions;
Β
11.1.6.Β By
the
Board of Directors of either party if (i) final action has been taken by
a Bank
Regulator whose approval is required in connection with this Agreement and
the
transactions contemplated hereby, which final action (x) has become unappealable
and (y) does not approve this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby,
or (ii)Β any court of competent jurisdiction or other governmental authority
shall have issued an order, decree, ruling or taken any other action
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such order,
decree, ruling or other action shall have become final and
nonappealable;
Β
11.1.7.Β By
the
Board of Directors of either party (provided, that the terminating party
is not
then in material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other
agreement contained herein) in the event that any of the conditions precedent
to
the obligations of such party to consummate the Merger cannot be satisfied
or
fulfilled by the date specified in SectionΒ 11.1.4 of this
Agreement.
Β
65
Β
11.1.8.Β By
the
Board of Directors of FNFG if GLB has received a Superior Proposal, and in
accordance with Section 6.10 of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of
GLB
has entered into an acquisition agreement with respect to the Superior Proposal,
terminated this Agreement, or withdraws its recommendation of this Agreement,
fails to make such recommendation or modifies or qualifies its recommendation
in
a manner adverse to FNFG.
Β
11.1.9.Β By
the
Board of Directors of GLB if GLB has received a Superior Proposal, and in
accordance with Section 6.10 of this Agreement, the Board of Directors of
GLB
has made a determination to accept such Superior Proposal.
Β
11.1.10.Β By
GLB,
if its Board of Directors so determines by a majority vote of the members
of its
entire Board, at any time during the five-day period commencing on the
Determination Date, such termination to be effective on the 30th
day
following such Determination Date (βEffective Termination Dateβ), if both of the
following conditions are satisfied:
Β
(i)Β The
FNFG
Market Value on the Determination Date is less than $11.30; and
Β
(ii)Β the
number obtained by dividing the FNFG Market Value on the Determination Date
by
the Initial FNFG Market Value (βFNFG Ratioβ) shall be less than the quotient
obtained by dividing the Final Index Price by the Initial Index Price minus
0.20;
Β
subject,
however, to the following three sentences. If GLB elects to exercise its
termination right pursuant to this Section 11.1.10, it shall give prompt
written
notice thereof to FNFG. During the five business day period commencing with
its
receipt of such notice, FNFG shall have the option of paying additional Merger
Consideration in the form of FNFG Common Stock, cash, or a combination of
FNFG
Common Stock and cash so that the Aggregate FNFG Share Amount shall be valued
at
the lesser of (i) the product of 0.80 and the Initial FNFG Market Value or
(ii)
the product obtained by multiplying the Index Ratio by the Initial FNFG Market
Value. If within such five business day period, FNFG delivers written notice
to
GLB that it intends to proceed with the Merger by paying such additional
consideration, as contemplated by the preceding sentence, then no termination
shall have occurred pursuant to this SectionΒ 11.10 and this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms (except that
the
Merger Consideration shall have been so modified).
Β
For
purposes of this Section 11.1.10, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated below:
Β
βDetermination
Dateβ shall mean the first date on which all Regulatory Approvals (and waivers,
if applicable) necessary for consummation of the Merger and the Bank Merger
have
been received (disregarding any waiting period).
Β
βFinal
Index Price,β means the average of the daily closing value of the Index, as
reported by SNL Securities, for the five consecutive trading days immediately
preceding the Determination Date.
Β
66
Β
βFNFG
Market Valueβ shall be the average of the daily closing sales prices of a share
of FNFG Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq for the five consecutive trading
days immediately preceding the Determination Date.
Β
βIndexβ
means
the
SNL Bank and Thrift index as reported by SNL securities.
Β
βInitial
FNFG Market Valueβ means the closing sales price of a share of FNFG Common
Stock, as reported on the Nasdaq, on the five trading days immediately preceding
the public announcement of this Agreement, adjusted as indicated in the last
sentence of this Section 11.1.10.
Β
βInitial
Index Priceβ means the closing value of the Index as reported by SNL Securities
on the trading day immediately preceding the execution of this Agreement.
Β
βIndex
Ratioβ shall be the Final Index Price divided by the Initial Index
Price.
Β
11.2.Β Effect
of Termination.
11.2.1.Β In
the
event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to any provision of Section
11.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and have no further force,
except that (i) the provisions of Sections 11.2, 12.1, 12.2, 12.6, 12.9,
12.10,
and any other Section which, by its terms, relates to post-termination rights
or
obligations, shall survive such termination of this Agreement and remain
in full
force and effect.
Β
11.2.2.Β If
this
Agreement is terminated, expenses and damages of the parties hereto shall
be
determined as follows:
Β
(A)Β Except
as
provided below, whether or not the Merger is consummated, all costs and expenses
incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses.
Β
(B)Β In
the
event of a termination of this Agreement because of a willful breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement,
the
breaching party shall remain liable for any and all damages, costs and expenses,
including all reasonable attorneysβ fees, sustained or incurred by the
non-breaching party as a result thereof or in connection therewith or with
respect to the enforcement of its rights hereunder.
Β
(C)Β As
a
condition of FNFGβs willingness, and in order to induce FNFG, to enter into this
Agreement, and to reimburse FNFG for incurring the costs and expenses related
to
entering into this Agreement and consummating the transactions contemplated
by
this Agreement, GLB hereby agrees to pay FNFG, and FNFG shall be entitled
to
payment of a fee of $5,900,000 (the βFNFG Feeβ), within three business days
after written demand for payment is made by FNFG, following the occurrence
of
any of the events set forth below:
Β
(i)Β GLB
terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1.9 or FNFG terminates this
Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1.8; or
Β
67
Β
(ii)Β The
entering into a definitive agreement by GLB relating to an Acquisition Proposal
or the consummation of an Acquisition Proposal involving GLB within twelve
months after the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the termination
of the
Agreement by FNFG pursuant to SectionΒ 11.1.2 or 11.1.3 because of, in
either case, a willful breach by GLB; or (ii) the failure of the shareholders
of
GLB to approve this Agreement after the occurrence of an Acquisition
Proposal.
Β
(D)Β If
demand
for payment of the FNFG Fee is made pursuant to SectionΒ 11.2.2(C) and
payment is timely made, then FNFG will not have any other rights or claims
against GLB, its Subsidiaries, and their respective officers and directors,
under this Agreement, it being agreed that the acceptance of the FNFG Fee
under
Section 11.2.2(C) will constitute the sole and exclusive remedy of FNFG against
GLB and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and
directors.
Β
11.3.Β Amendment,
Extension and Waiver.
Β
Subject
to applicable law, at any time prior to the Effective Time (whether before
or
after approval thereof by the shareholders of GLB), the parties hereto by
action
of their respective Boards of Directors, may (a) amend this Agreement, (b)
extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts
of
any other party hereto, (c) waive any inaccuracies in the representations
and
warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto,
or (d)
waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein;
provided, however, that after any approval of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby by the shareholders of GLB, there may not
be,
without further approval of such shareholders, any amendment of this Agreement
which reduces the amount, value or changes the form of consideration to be
delivered to GLBβs shareholders pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement may
not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each
of
the parties hereto. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any extension
or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed
on
behalf of such party, but such waiver or failure to insist on strict compliance
with such obligation, covenant, agreement or condition shall not operate
as a
waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other
failure.
Β
ARTICLE
XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Β
12.1.Β Confidentiality.
Β
Except
as
specifically set forth herein, FNFG and GLB mutually agree to be bound by
the
terms of the confidentiality agreements dated August 21, 2007 (the
βConfidentiality Agreementβ) previously executed by the parties hereto, which
Confidentiality Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The
parties hereto agree that such Confidentiality Agreements shall continue
in
accordance with their respective terms, notwithstanding the termination of
this
Agreement.Β
Β
12.2.Β Public
Announcements.
Β
GLB
and
FNFG shall cooperate with each other in the development and distribution
of all
news releases and other public disclosures with respect to this Agreement,
and
except as may be otherwise required by law, neither GLB nor FNFG shall issue
any
news release, or other public announcement or communication with respect
to this
Agreement unless such news release, public announcement or communication
has
been mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto.
Β
68
Β
12.3.Β Survival.
Β
All
representations, warranties and covenants in this Agreement or in any instrument
delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall expire on and be terminated and
extinguished at the Effective Time, except for those covenants and agreements
contained herein which by their terms apply in whole or in part after the
Effective Time.
Β
12.4.Β Notices.
Β
All
notices or other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed given if delivered by receipted hand delivery or mailed by prepaid
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) or by recognized
overnight courier addressed as follows:
Β
Β |
If
to GLB, to:
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxx, Xx.
President
and Chief Executive Officer
0000
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax:
(0000) 000-0000
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
With
required copies to:
|
Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
Xxxxxxx
Xxxx LLP
Xxx
X&X Xxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β |
If
to FNFG, to:
|
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
President
and Chief Executive Officer
First
Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
0000
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx
X.X.
Xxx 000
Xxxxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
|
Β
Β
69
Β
Β |
With
required copies to:
|
Xxxx
Xxxxx
Senior
Vice President, General Counsel
First
Niagara Financial Group, Inc.
0000
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxx
X.X.
Xxx 000
Xxxxxxxx,
Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
Β
and
Β
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxx, P.C.
0000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X., Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxxx,
X.X. 00000
Fax:
(000) 000-0000
|
Β
or
such
other address as shall be furnished in writing by any party, and any such
notice
or communication shall be deemed to have been given: (a)Β as of the date
delivered by hand; (b)Β threeΒ (3) business days after being delivered
to the U.S.Β mail, postage prepaid; or (c)Β oneΒ (1) business day
after being delivered to the overnight courier.
Β
12.5.Β Parties
in Interest.
Β
This
Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that
neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder
shall be assigned by any party hereto without the prior written consent of
the
other party. Except as provided in Article III and Sections 7.8.2 and 7.9,
nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon
any
person, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors, any
rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this
Agreement.
Β
12.6.Β Complete
Agreement.
Β
This
Agreement, including the Exhibits and Disclosure Schedules hereto and the
documents and other writings referred to herein or therein or delivered pursuant
hereto, and the Confidentiality Agreement, referred to in Section 12.1, contains
the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its
subject matter. There are no restrictions, agreements, promises, warranties,
covenants or undertakings between the parties other than those expressly
set
forth herein or therein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings (other than the Confidentiality Agreements referred to in
Section
12.1 hereof) between the parties, both written and oral, with respect to
its
subject matter.
Β
70
Β
12.7.Β Counterparts.
Β
This
Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts all of which shall
be
considered one and the same agreement and each of which shall be deemed an
original.
A
facsimile copy of a signature page shall be deemed to be an original signature
page.
Β
12.8.Β Severability.
Β
In
the
event that any one or more provisions of this Agreement shall for any reason
be
held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions of this Agreement and the parties shall use their
reasonable efforts to substitute a valid, legal and enforceable provision
which,
insofar as practical, implements the purposes and intents of this
Agreement.Β
Β
12.9.Β Governing
Law.
Β
This
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of Delaware, without giving effect
to
its principles of conflicts of laws.Β
Β
12.10.Β Interpretation.
Β
When
a
reference is made in this Agreement to Sections or Exhibits, such reference
shall be to a Section of or Exhibit to this Agreement unless otherwise
indicated. The recitals hereto constitute an integral part of this Agreement.
References to Sections include subsections, which are part of the related
Section (e.g., a section numbered βSection 5.5.1β would be part of βSection 5.5β
and references to βSection 5.5β would also refer to material contained in the
subsection described as βSection 5.5.1β). The table of contents, index and
headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and
shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever
the words βincludeβ, βincludesβ or βincludingβ are used in this Agreement, they
shall be deemed to be followed by the words βwithout limitationβ. The phrases
βthe date of this Agreementβ, βthe date hereofβ and terms of similar import,
unless the context otherwise requires, shall be deemed to refer to the date
set
forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
The
parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this
Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation
arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties
and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring
any
party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this
Agreement.
Β
12.11.Β Specific
Performance.
Β
The
parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that
the
provisions contained in this Agreement were not performed in accordance with
its
specific terms or was otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the
parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches
of
this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions thereof
in
any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, this being
in
addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in
equity.
71
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, FNFG and GLB have caused this Agreement to be executed under
seal by their duly authorized officers as of the date first set forth
above.
Β
Β | First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. | |
Β | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Dated:Β September
9, 2007
|
By: |
Β
|
Β | Β |
Name:Β Xxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
Β | Β |
Title:Β President
Β Β
and Chief Executive Officer
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β | Great Lakes Bancorp, Inc. | |
Β | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Dated:Β September
9, 2007
|
By: |
Β
|
Β | Β |
Name:Β Xxxxxx
X. Xxxx, Xx.
|
Β | Β |
Title:Β President
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
and Chief Executive Officer
|
Β
72