AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION BY AND BETWEEN AND LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC. March 16, 2007
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I DEFINED TERMS | 5 | |||
1.1 Certain
Defined Terms
|
5 | |||
ARTICLE II PLAN OF REORGANIZATION | 7 | |||
2.1 Sale of
Assets; Consideration; No Liability
|
7 | |||
2.2 AOC
Liquidating Distribution; Dissolution
|
7 | |||
2.3 Reorganization
|
7 | |||
2.4 Dissenter’s
Rights
|
7 | |||
2.5 Stock
Transfer Books
|
8 | |||
2.6 Fractional
Shares
|
8 | |||
ARTICLE III THE CLOSING | 8 | |||
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF AOC | 9 | |||
4.1 Organization
and Existence
|
9 | |||
4.2 Capitalization
|
9 | |||
4.3 Power
and Authority
|
9 | |||
4.4 Financial
Statements
|
9 | |||
4.5 Absence
of Certain Changes
|
9 | |||
4.6 No
Violation; Consents and Approvals
|
9 | |||
4.7 Litigation
|
10 | |||
4.8 Title
to Assets
|
10 | |||
4.9 Governmental
Approvals
|
10 | |||
4.10 Tax Matters
|
10 | |||
4.11 No Brokers
|
10 | |||
4.12 No Employees; No
Employee Benefit Plans
|
10 | |||
4.13 No Reliance
|
10 | |||
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF LII | 10 | |||
5.1 Organization
and Existence
|
10 | |||
5.2 Capitalization
|
10 | |||
5.3 Power
and Authority
|
10 | |||
5.4 No
Violations; Consents and Approvals
|
11 | |||
5.5 No
Litigation
|
11 | |||
5.6 Listing
|
11 | |||
5.7 No
Brokers
|
11 | |||
5.8 No
Reliance
|
11 | |||
2
Page | ||||
ARTICLE VI ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS; COVENANTS OF PARTIES | 11 | |||
6.1 Operation
in the Ordinary Course of Business
|
11 | |||
6.2 Press
Releases
|
11 | |||
6.3 Listing
|
11 | |||
6.4 Fees
and Expenses
|
11 | |||
6.5 LII
Annual Meeting; Proxy Statement
|
12 | |||
6.6 AOC
Special Meeting
|
12 | |||
6.7 Private
Placement
|
12 | |||
6.8 Cooperation
and Information
|
13 | |||
6.9 Tax-Free
Reorganization
|
13 | |||
ARTICLE VII CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF AOC | 13 | |||
7.1 Representations
and Warranties True
|
13 | |||
7.2 Covenants
and Agreements Performed by LII
|
13 | |||
7.3 Compliance
Certificate
|
13 | |||
7.4 Tax
Ruling
|
13 | |||
7.5 Shareholder
Approval
|
14 | |||
7.6 Regulatory
Approvals
|
14 | |||
7.7 Stock
Exchange Listing
|
14 | |||
7.8 Legal
Proceedings
|
14 | |||
7.9 Stock
Certificates; Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares
|
14 | |||
7.10 Registration
Rights Agreement
|
14 | |||
7.11 Dissenters
|
14 | |||
ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF LII | 14 | |||
8.1 Representations
and Warranties True
|
14 | |||
8.2 Covenants
and Agreements Performed by AOC
|
14 | |||
8.3 Compliance
Certificate
|
14 | |||
8.4 Tax
Ruling
|
15 | |||
8.5 Shareholder
Approval
|
15 | |||
8.6 Regulatory
Approvals
|
15 | |||
8.7 Legal
Proceedings
|
15 | |||
8.8 LII
Certificate
|
15 | |||
8.9 Consideration
Certificate
|
15 | |||
8.10 Dissenters
|
15 | |||
8.11 Registration
Rights Agreement
|
15 | |||
8.12 Non-Accredited
Investors
|
15 | |||
8.13 Investment
Certificate
|
15 | |||
ARTICLE IX TERMINATION | 16 | |||
9.1 Termination
Prior to Closing
|
16 | |||
9.2 Effect
of Termination
|
16 | |||
3
Page | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS | 16 | |||
10.1 Survival
of Representations and Warranties
|
16 | |||
10.2 Notices
|
16 | |||
10.3 Entire
Agreement; Incorporation By Reference
|
17 | |||
10.4 Amendment
|
17 | |||
10.5 Binding
Effect; Assignment; No Third Party Benefit
|
17 | |||
10.6 Severability
|
17 | |||
10.7 Governing
Law
|
18 | |||
10.8 Headings
|
18 | |||
10.9 Counterparts
|
18 |
EXHIBIT A — Registration Rights Agreement
EXHIBIT B — Representations to the IRS in
Connection with the Private Letter Ruling
EXHIBIT C — Accredited Investor Certificate
EXHIBIT D — Non-Accredited Investor Certificate
4
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (this
“Agreement”) is made and entered into as of
this 16th day of March, 2007, by and between A.O.C.
Corporation, a Texas corporation (“AOC”) and
Lennox International Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“LII”).
RECITALS
A. As of the date hereof, the assets of AOC consist of
(i) 2,695,770 shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of LII (“LII Common
Stock”), and (ii) cash.
B. Prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated
hereby (the “Closing”), AOC intends to
distribute to its shareholders as a pro rata dividend, all of
its cash, less $1,000,000 retained to discharge AOC’s
existing liabilities, including payments to dissenters, if any
(the “Cash Dividend”).
C. AOC desires to sell all of its assets remaining after
giving effect to the Cash Dividend, consisting of
2,695,770 shares of LII Common Stock (the
“Assets”) to LII and LII desires to purchase
the Assets on the terms and subject to the conditions contained
in this Agreement.
D. For federal income tax purposes, the parties intend that
the Reorganization shall qualify as a “reorganization”
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder and that the execution of
this Agreement will constitute adoption of a plan of
reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereby, intending
to be legally bound, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINED TERMS
1.1 Certain Defined
Terms. As used in this Agreement, the terms
set forth below have the following meanings:
“Accredited Investor” means “accredited
investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 of
Regulation D under the Securities Act.
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the
preamble to this Agreement.
“Applicable Law” means any federal, state,
local, municipal, foreign, international, multinational or other
administrative statute, law, rule, or regulation or any
judgment, order, writ, injunction, or decree of any Governmental
Authority to which a specified person or property is subject.
“Assets” has the meaning set forth in the
Recitals.
“AOC” has the meaning set forth in the preamble
to this Agreement.
“AOC Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.2.
“AOC Financial Statements” has the meaning set
forth in Section 4.4.
“AOC Special Meeting” has the meaning set forth
in Section 6.6.
“Cash Dividend” has the meaning set forth in
the Recitals.
“Closing” has the meaning set forth in the
Recitals.
“Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in
Article III.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended through the date hereof.
“Consideration Certificate” has the meaning set
forth in Section 2.1(b).
5
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service of the
United States or any successor entity.
“LII” has the meaning set forth in the preamble
to this Agreement.
“LII Annual Meeting” has the meaning set forth
in Section 6.5(i).
“LII Certificate” has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.8.
“LII Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in
the Recitals.
“Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1.
“Material Adverse Effect” means any change,
circumstance, effect, event or fact that has a material and
adverse effect on the business, assets, financial condition or
results of operations, taken as a whole.
“New LII Shares” has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1.
“NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.
“NYSE Rules” means the NYSE Listed Company
Manual.
“PPM” has the meaning set forth in
Section 6.7.
“Private Letter Ruling” has the meaning set
forth in Section 7.4.
“Proceeding” means any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative
or investigative, any appeal in such an action, suit or
proceeding, and any inquiry or investigation that could lead to
such an action, suit or proceeding.
“Pro Rata Share” means with respect to an AOC
Shareholder, a fraction, expressed as a percentage, the
numerator of which is the number of shares of AOC Common Stock
owned by such AOC Shareholder, and the denominator of which is
the total number of shares of AOC Common Stock owned by all AOC
Shareholders, in each case as determined on the Closing Date.
“Proxy Statement” has the meaning set forth in
Section 6.5(ii).
“Registration Rights Agreement” means that
certain Registration Rights Agreement between LII and each AOC
Shareholder, providing for piggyback registration rights,
substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A.
“Reorganization” has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.3.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, together with the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.
“Tax” or “Taxes” means any and
all taxes of any kind (together with any and all interest,
penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with
respect thereto) imposed by any Taxing Authority, plus all
amounts due with respect to unclaimed property.
“Taxing Authority” means any government or
subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof having
jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection or
other imposition of Taxes.
“Tax Returns” means any and all statements,
returns, reports and forms (including elections, declarations,
claims for refund, amendments, schedules, information returns or
attachments thereto) filed or required to be filed with a Taxing
Authority relating to Taxes.
“TBCA” means the Texas Business Corporation Act.
6
ARTICLE II
PLAN OF
REORGANIZATION
2.1 Sale of Assets; Consideration; No
Liability.
(i) At the Closing and subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement, AOC shall convey, transfer and
deliver the Assets to LII. In consideration therefor, at the
Closing and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement, LII shall deliver to AOC 2,239,589 shares
(subject to reduction pursuant to section 2.6(i)) of LII
Common Stock (the “New LII Shares”) issued in
the names of the AOC Shareholders in such amounts as set forth
in the Consideration Certificate. The New LII Shares will
contain the following or similar legend:
“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT
BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR
UNDER THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE, AND MAY NOT
BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR
OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT TO (A) AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
ALL SUCH LAWS OR (B) AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH
REGISTRATION AND AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IN A
FORM SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS
NOT REQUIRED BY SUCH LAWS.”
(ii) At least two business days prior to the Closing, AOC
shall deliver to LII a certificate executed on behalf of AOC by
its Chairman or President setting forth (a) the names and
addresses of the AOC shareholders of record on the Closing Date
(the “AOC Shareholders”); (b) the number
of shares of AOC Common Stock owned by the AOC Shareholders on
the Closing Date; (c) the number of New LII Shares to be
issued to each AOC Shareholder in accordance with his or her Pro
Rata Share and the exact name that should appear on each stock
certificate representing that number of whole New LII Shares to
be issued to each AOC Shareholder pursuant to this
Section 2.1 and Section 2.2; (d) the decision by
AOC either to distribute cash in lieu of fractional shares or to
round the New LII Shares upward or downward pursuant to
Section 2.6; and (e) the respective cash amounts in
lieu of fractional shares payable to each AOC Shareholder or the
results of such rounding pursuant to Section 2.6 (the
“Consideration Certificate”).
(iii) LII shall not assume or become liable for any debts,
liabilities or obligations of AOC, whether absolute or
contingent, known or unknown, accrued or unaccrued or otherwise
(collectively, the “Liabilities”).
2.2 AOC Liquidating Distribution;
Dissolution. Prior to the Closing, AOC shall
distribute the Cash Dividend to its shareholders pro rata. As
soon as practicable after the Closing Date but not later than
30 days thereafter, AOC shall distribute to the AOC
Shareholders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Share
and in liquidation of AOC (i) the stock certificates
representing the whole New LII Shares, (ii) the cash (if
any) paid by LII in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to
Section 2.6, and (iii) the assets (if any) of AOC
remaining after the satisfaction of all of its Liabilities. Such
distribution in liquidation of AOC shall be structured so that
the issuance of the New LII Shares to the AOC Shareholders is
exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to
Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. AOC
agrees to take all steps necessary to dissolve AOC in a
reasonable amount of time after the liquidating distribution and
in no event later than 180 days following the Closing Date.
2.3 Reorganization. The
transfer by AOC of the Assets to LII in exchange for the New LII
Shares, the pro rata distribution of the New LII Shares, cash in
lieu of fractional New LII Shares and remaining assets to the
AOC Shareholders in liquidation of AOC and the subsequent
dissolution of AOC is referred to herein as the
“Reorganization.”
2.4 Dissenter’s
Rights. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, shares of AOC Common Stock
outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date and held by an
AOC Shareholder who has not voted in favor of the Reorganization
or consented thereto in writing and who has delivered to AOC a
7
written objection to the Reorganization in accordance with
Article 5.12 of the TBCA shall be entitled to payment of
the fair value of such shares in accordance with the provisions
of Articles 5.11 through 5.13, inclusive, of the TBCA;
provided that if such AOC Shareholder fails to perfect or
effectively withdraws or loses his or her right to payment of
the fair value of his shares under the TBCA, such shares shall
be treated as if they had been voted in favor of the
Reorganization. AOC shall give LII prompt notice of any
objections or demands received by AOC from any shareholder
exercising his right to dissent, and, prior to the Closing Date,
LII shall have the right to participate in all negotiations and
proceedings with respect thereto. Prior to the Closing Date, AOC
shall not, except with the prior written consent of LII, make
any payment with respect to, or settle or offer to settle, any
such objections or demands.
2.5 Stock Transfer
Books. AOC shall close its stock transfer
books for a reasonable period prior to Closing, but in no event
more than fifty (50) days, for the purpose of determining
the AOC Shareholders entitled to receive New LII Shares pursuant
to Section 2.2 and the number of AOC Shareholders who are
not Accredited Investors. AOC shall provide LII with notice of
any registration of transfers of AOC Common Stock that occur
between the date of this Agreement and the closing of its stock
transfer books.
2.6 Fractional
Shares. Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Agreement, solely for the purpose of saving LII the
expense and inconvenience of issuing and transferring fractional
shares, no fractional shares of LII Common Stock will be issued.
AOC shall determine, in its sole discretion, at least two
business days prior to the Closing Date, whether to distribute
cash in lieu of fractional shares or to round the fractional
shares that would otherwise be received by each AOC Shareholder
upward or downward, in each case, as described in this
Section 2.6.
(i) If AOC determines to distribute cash in lieu of
fractional shares, (a) any AOC Shareholder entitled to
receive a fractional share of LII Common Stock but for this
Section 2.6 shall be entitled to receive a cash payment in
lieu thereof in an amount equal to the percentage of a whole
share of LII Common Stock represented by such fractional share
multiplied by $29.00, (b) LII shall deliver at Closing a
check made payable to AOC in the aggregate amount of such cash
payments to the AOC Shareholders in lieu of fractional shares,
and (c) the aggregate number of New LII Shares to be
delivered to AOC pursuant to Section 2.1 shall be reduced
by such number of shares equal to the sum of all of all
fractional shares for which cash is paid in lieu thereof
pursuant to this Section 2.6(i).
(ii) If AOC determines to round the fractional shares,
(a) each fractional share of LII Common Stock that any AOC
Shareholder would otherwise receive but for this
Section 2.6, shall be rounded upward or downward to the
next whole number of New LII Shares, as determined by AOC in its
sole discretion, and the aggregate number of shares to be
received by such AOC Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement
shall be adjusted accordingly as determined by AOC in its sole
discretion and (b) the aggregate number of New LII Shares
to be delivered to AOC pursuant to Section 2.1 shall not
change.
(iii) The (i) decision by AOC either to
(A) distribute cash in lieu of fractional shares or
(B) round the New LII Shares upward or downward, and
(ii) respective cash amounts payable to each AOC
Shareholder or the results of such rounding, as applicable,
shall be set forth in the Consideration Certificate.
ARTICLE III
THE CLOSING
The Closing shall occur at the offices of Xxxxxxxx &
Xxxxxx LLP, 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxxx, Xxxxx,
00000 at 9:00 a.m. on the third business day following the
satisfaction or waiver of each of the conditions to the
obligations of the parties set forth in Articles VII and
VIII hereof to complete the Reorganization or such later date as
the parties may mutually agree. The date on which the Closing
takes place is herein referred to as the “Closing
Date”.
8
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF AOC
AOC represents and warrants to LII as of the date of this
Agreement as follows:
4.1 Organization and
Existence. AOC is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Texas.
4.2 Capitalization. The
authorized capital of AOC consists of 50,000 shares of
common stock, par value $10.00 per share (the “AOC
Common Stock”), of which 12,315 shares of AOC
Common Stock are issued and outstanding. All of the outstanding
shares of AOC Common Stock have been duly authorized and are
validly issued, fully paid and non assessable and not subject to
preemptive rights.
4.3 Power and Authority. The
Board of Directors of AOC has adopted a resolution declaring the
advisability of, and recommending that the AOC shareholders
approve this Agreement and the Reorganization. AOC has full
corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform
this Agreement, and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Reorganization. The execution, delivery
and performance by AOC of this Agreement, and the consummation
by AOC of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the
Reorganization, have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action (other than the approval of the Reorganization
by the holders of AOC Common Stock in accordance with the TBCA
and the AOC bylaws). This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by AOC and constitutes, and each other agreement,
instrument or document executed or to be executed by AOC in
connection with the Reorganization has been, or when executed
will be, duly executed and delivered by AOC and constitutes, or
when executed and delivered will constitute, a valid and legally
binding obligation of AOC enforceable against it in accordance
with its terms, except that such enforceability may be limited
by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting
creditors’ rights generally and (b) general principles
of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
4.4 Financial
Statements. AOC has furnished LII with true
and complete copies of the unaudited statement of assets and
liabilities of AOC as of December 31, 2006 and the related
unaudited statements of income of AOC for the quarterly period
then ended (the “AOC Financial Statements”).
The AOC Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved and fairly present
the financial position of AOC as at the date thereof and the
results of its operations and changes in financial position for
the period then ended.
4.5 Absence of Certain
Changes. Except as reflected on the AOC
Financial Statements, AOC has no debts, liabilities or
obligations of any nature, whether accrued, absolute, contingent
or otherwise. Except as contemplated hereby, since
December 31, 2006, AOC has not incurred any material
liability, except in the ordinary course of its business
consistent with its past practice, nor has there been any
change, or any event involving a prospective change, in the
business, assets, financial condition or results of operations
of AOC which has had, or is reasonably likely to have, a
Material Adverse Effect on AOC. On the Closing Date, AOC will
have no debts, liabilities, or obligations of any nature,
whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise, except those
debts, liabilities or obligations for which cash amounts have
been set aside in connection with this Agreement.
4.6 No Violation; Consents and
Approvals. Neither the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement nor the consummation by AOC of
the transactions contemplated herein will (i) violate any
provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of AOC,
(ii) violate any statute, law, judgment, writ, decree,
order, regulation or rule of any court or Governmental Authority
applicable to AOC or (iii) result in a violation or breach
of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Assets
pursuant to, any material contract, indenture, mortgage, loan
agreement, note, lease or other instrument or obligation to
which AOC is subject.
9
4.7 Litigation. There are no
Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of AOC, threatened
against AOC.
4.8 Title to Assets. The
Assets are represented by one or more LII Common Stock
certificate(s) issued in the name of AOC (the “LII
Certificate”). The Assets are owned by AOC free and
clear of any liens, claims, charges, options and encumbrances,
except for the restricted legend on the LII Certificate. The
Assets and cash represent all of the assets of AOC.
4.9 Governmental
Approvals. Except as may be obtained under
state securities or “Blue Sky” laws, no consent,
approval, order or authorization of, or declaration, filing or
registration with, any Governmental Authority is required to be
obtained or made by AOC in connection with the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement by AOC or the
consummation of this Agreement.
4.10 Tax Matters. AOC has
duly filed all Tax Returns required to be filed with the IRS or
other applicable Taxing Authority, and no extensions of the
applicable statute of limitations with respect to any such Tax
Return has been requested or granted and all such Tax Returns
were true and correct in all material respects. AOC has timely
paid all material Taxes and assessments currently due and
payable by AOC. No notice of any proposed Tax deficiency,
assessment or levy has been received by AOC that has not been
fully resolved. AOC has withheld and paid all material Taxes
required to have been withheld and paid in connection with
amounts paid or owing to any employee, independent contractor,
creditor, stockholder, member or other third party.
4.11 No Brokers. AOC has not
retained any financial advisor, broker, agent, or finder or paid
or agreed to pay any financial advisor, broker, agent, or finder
on account of the Reorganization.
4.12 No Employees; No Employee Benefit
Plans. AOC has no employees and no employee
benefit plans.
4.13 No Reliance. Except for
the representations and warranties made by AOC in this
Agreement, including in any Exhibit hereto or in any other
document, certificate or instrument delivered to LII at Closing
by or on behalf of AOC in connection with this Agreement, AOC
will not make any representation or warranty with respect to its
business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial
or otherwise) or prospects. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, LII acknowledges that no representations or
warranties are made with respect to any projections, forecasts,
estimates, budgets or prospect information that may have been
made available to LII or any of their respective representatives.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES OF LII
LII represents and warrants to AOC as of the date of this
Agreement as follows:
5.1 Organization and
Existence. LII is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of Delaware.
5.2 Capitalization. The
authorized capital of LII consists of 200,000,000 shares of
common stock, par value $.01 per share (the “LII
Common Stock”), and 25,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, par value $.01 per share. As of March 15, 2007,
68,059,113 shares of LII Common Stock and no shares of
preferred stock are issued and outstanding. All of the
outstanding shares of LII Common Stock have been duly authorized
and are validly issued, fully paid and non assessable and are
not subject to preemptive rights.
5.3 Power and Authority. The
Board of Directors of LII has adopted a resolution declaring the
advisability of, and recommending that the LII stockholders
approve the issuance of the New LII Shares pursuant to this
Agreement. LII has full corporate power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby to be performed by it. The execution,
delivery and performance by LII of this Agreement, and the
consummation by LII of the transactions contemplated hereby to
be performed by it, have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action (other
10
than the approval by the holders of LII Common Stock of the
issuance of the New LII Shares pursuant to this Agreement, in
accordance with the LII bylaws and the NYSE Rules). This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by LII and
constitutes, and each other agreement, instrument or document
executed or to be executed by LII in connection with the
Reorganization, including without limitation the Registration
Rights Agreement, has been, or when executed will be, duly
executed and delivered by LII and constitutes, or when executed
and delivered will constitute, a valid and legally binding
obligation of LII enforceable against it in accordance with its
terms, except that such enforceability may be limited by
(a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer,
reorganization, moratorium and similar laws affecting
creditors’ rights generally and (b) general principles
of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
5.4 No Violations; Consents and
Approvals. Neither the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement nor the consummation by LII of
the transactions contemplated herein will (i) violate any
provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of LII,
(ii) violate any statute, law, judgment, writ, decree,
order, regulation or rule of any court or Governmental Authority
applicable to LII or (iii) result in a violation or breach
of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property
or assets of LII pursuant to, any material contract, indenture,
mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument or
obligation to which LII is subject, which, in the case of
clauses (ii) and (iii), would reasonably be likely to have
a Material Adverse Effect.
5.5 No Litigation. There are
no Proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of LII, threatened
which would reasonably be expected to prevent or hinder
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.6 Listing. The outstanding
LII Common Stock is listed for trading on the NYSE.
5.7 No Brokers. AOC has not
retained any financial advisor, broker, agent, or finder or paid
or agreed to pay any financial advisor, broker, agent, or finder
on account of the Reorganization.
5.8 No Reliance. Except for
the representations and warranties made by LII in this
Agreement, including in any Exhibit hereto or in any other
document, certificate or instrument delivered to AOC at Closing
by or on behalf of LII in connection with this Agreement, LII
will not make any representation or warranty with respect to its
business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial
or otherwise) or prospects. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, AOC acknowledges that no representations or
warranties are made with respect to any projections, forecasts,
estimates, budgets or prospect information that may have been
made available to AOC or any of their respective representatives.
ARTICLE VI
ADDITIONAL
AGREEMENTS; COVENANTS OF PARTIES
6.1 Operation in the Ordinary Course of
Business. AOC shall ensure that all
Liabilities arising before or after the Closing are timely
discharged. Except as expressly contemplated hereby or necessary
to consummate the Reorganization, AOC shall operate only in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
6.2 Press Releases. Except
as may be required by Applicable Law or by the rules of the
NYSE, neither AOC nor LII shall issue any press release with
respect to this Agreement or the Reorganization without the
prior consent of the other party (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld under the circumstances). Any such press
release required by Applicable Law or by the rules of any
national securities exchange shall only be made after reasonable
notice to the other party.
6.3 Listing. LII agrees to
prepare and submit an application to the NYSE for the listing of
the New LII Shares on the NYSE.
6.4 Fees and Expenses. AOC
shall be responsible for the payment of all expenses incurred by
AOC in connection with the Reorganization, including, without
limitation, all fees and expenses of AOC’s legal
11
counsel and accountants engaged by AOC to assist in the
Reorganization. Subject to receipt of appropriate documentation,
AOC shall also reimburse LII for all
out-of-pocket
expenses reasonably incurred by LII in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without
limitation, the fees and expenses of LII’s legal counsel
and accountants engaged by LII to assist in the Reorganization
whether or not the Closing occurs; provided that the maximum
amount of reimbursement to which LII is entitled is $250,000.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, AOC shall have no obligation to
reimburse LII’s
out-of-pocket
expenses pursuant to this Section 6.4 if the Board of
Directors of LII withdraws or modifies its recommendation as
provided in Section 6.5 and this Agreement is terminated
pursuant to Section 9.1(vi).
6.5 LII Annual Meeting; Proxy Statement.
(i) LII shall submit a proposal to the holders of LII
Common Stock to consider and vote upon the issuance of the New
LII Shares pursuant to this Agreement at LII’s Annual
Meeting of Stockholders currently scheduled to be held on
May 17, 2007 (the “LII Annual Meeting”).
The vote required for the approval of the issuance of the New
LII Shares pursuant to this Agreement is described in
Section 7.5(ii) of this Agreement, as required by
Rule 312.03(b) of the NYSE Rules. The Board of Directors of
LII shall, subject to its fiduciary obligations to LII under
Applicable Law, taking into account the advice of counsel,
recommend to the LII stockholders that they approve the issuance
of the New LII Shares pursuant to this Agreement. For the
avoidance of doubt, the Board of Directors may withdraw or
modify its recommendation if it determines, after taking into
account the advice of counsel, that the withdrawal or
modification of the recommendation is necessary or desirable to
comply with its fiduciary obligations to LII and its
stockholders under Applicable Law.
(ii) LII shall prepare, shall file with the SEC under the
Exchange Act and, promptly thereafter, shall mail to LII
stockholders, a proxy statement with respect to the LII Annual
Meeting. The term “Proxy Statement,” as used
herein, means such proxy statement and all related proxy
materials and all amendments and supplements thereto, if any.
Subject to Section 6.5(i), the Proxy Statement shall
contain the recommendation of the Board that holders of LII
Common Stock vote in favor of the issuance of the New LII Shares
pursuant to this Agreement. LII shall notify AOC reasonably
promptly of the receipt of any comments on, or any requests for
amendments or supplements to, the Proxy Statement by the SEC,
and LII shall supply AOC with copies of all correspondence
between it and its representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC
or members of its staff, on the other, with respect to the Proxy
Statement. AOC shall cooperate with LII’s reasonable
requests in preparing the Proxy Statement, and LII and AOC shall
each use its reasonable best efforts to obtain and furnish the
information required to be included in the Proxy Statement. LII
and AOC each agree promptly to correct any information provided
by it for use in the Proxy Statement if and to the extent that
such information shall have become false or misleading in any
material respect, and LII further agrees to take all steps
necessary to cause the Proxy Statement as so corrected to be
filed with the SEC and to be disseminated promptly to the LII
stockholders, in each case as and to the extent required by
Applicable Law.
6.6 AOC Special Meeting. AOC
shall, in accordance with the TBCA and AOC’s bylaws, duly
call, give notice of, convene and hold a special meeting of the
holders of AOC Common Stock (the “AOC Special
Meeting”) as promptly as practicable after the date
hereof (but no later than the date of the LII Annual Meeting) to
consider and vote upon the adoption and approval of the
Reorganization. The AOC shareholder vote required for the
adoption and approval of the Reorganization shall be an
affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of AOC Common Stock entitled to vote thereon,
as required by Articles 5.10 and 6.03 of the TBCA and the
AOC bylaws. The Board of Directors of AOC shall, subject to its
fiduciary obligations to AOC under Applicable Law, taking into
account the advice of counsel, recommend to such shareholders
that they vote in favor of the adoption and approval of all
matters necessary to effectuate the Reorganization.
6.7 Private
Placement. Promptly after the date hereof,
LII shall prepare a private placement memorandum containing
information in compliance with Rule 502 of
Regulation D for the purposes of satisfying the exemption
from registration of the New LII Shares under the Securities Act
and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder
(the “PPM”). As used herein, PPM includes such
private placement memorandum and all amendments and supplements
thereto, if any. LII shall use its reasonable best efforts to
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have the PPM completed so that it can be delivered with or as a
part of the notice and proxy materials as part of the AOC
Special Meeting. AOC shall cooperate with LII’s reasonable
requests in preparing the PPM, and LII and AOC shall each use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain and furnish the
information necessary to complete the PPM within a reasonable
period of time after the execution of this Agreement. The
information provided by AOC and LII shall not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or any omission to state therein a
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein not misleading. LII and AOC each agree
promptly to correct any information provided by it for use in
the PPM if and to the extent that such information shall have
become false or misleading in any material respect, and LII and
AOC further agree to use their reasonable best efforts to cause
the PPM as so corrected to be disseminated to the extent
required by Applicable Law. LII shall also take any action
(other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in
which it is not now so qualified) reasonably required to be
taken under any applicable state securities laws in connection
with the issuance of securities pursuant to the PPM.
6.8 Cooperation and
Information. The parties shall cooperate
fully with each other in connection with the preparation of the
Proxy Statement, the PPM, and the Private Letter Ruling and the
filing of the Proxy Statement and Private Letter Ruling with the
applicable Governmental Authority, and shall obtain and furnish
to each other the information required to be included (based
upon the advice of its counsel) in such documents and filings.
6.9 Tax-Free
Reorganization. Promptly after the date of
this Agreement, AOC and LII shall prepare and submit the Private
Letter Ruling with the IRS. AOC shall notify LII reasonably
promptly of the receipt of any comments on, or any requests for
amendments or supplements to, the Private Letter Ruling from the
IRS, and AOC shall supply LII with copies of all correspondence
between it and its representatives, on the one hand, and the IRS
or members of its staff, on the other, with respect to the
Private Letter Ruling. AOC, after consultation with LII, shall
use its reasonable best efforts to respond promptly to any
comments made by the IRS with respect to the Private Letter
Ruling. AOC and LII agree to treat the Reorganization as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code and to file all Tax Returns consistently with such
treatment and to not take a position with any Taxing Authority
inconsistent with such treatment. In connection with the Private
Letter Ruling regarding such tax treatment, AOC and LII shall
make to the IRS the representations contained (and ascribed to
each of them) in Exhibit B hereto.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS
TO OBLIGATIONS OF AOC
The obligations of AOC to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the
fulfillment on or before the Closing Date of each of the
following conditions:
7.1 Representations and Warranties
True. All the representations and warranties
of LII contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects on and as of the Closing Date; provided
that to the extent that any such representation or warranty is
made as of a specified date, such representation or warranty
shall have been true and correct as of such specified date.
7.2 Covenants and Agreements Performed by
LII. LII shall have performed and complied in
all material respects with all covenants and agreements required
by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or
prior to the Closing Date.
7.3 Compliance
Certificate. AOC shall have received
certificates to the effect set forth in Sections 7.1 and
7.2, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of LII by a duly
authorized officer.
7.4 Tax Ruling. AOC shall
have obtained a ruling from the IRS with respect to the
Reorganization in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
AOC to the effect that, based on the facts and assumptions
stated therein, for Federal income tax purposes the
Reorganization will qualify as a reorganization within the
meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code (the “Private
Letter Ruling”).
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7.5 Shareholder Approval.
(i) The holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of AOC Common Stock entitled to vote thereon shall have
duly and validly approved the Reorganization and all other
actions necessary to effectuate the Reorganization.
(ii) The holders of at least 50% of the outstanding shares
of LII Common Stock entitled to vote thereon shall have cast a
vote in respect of the proposal contained in the Proxy Statement
to issue New LII Shares pursuant to this Agreement and such
proposal shall have been duly and validly approved by at least a
majority of the votes cast.
7.6 Regulatory
Approvals. All necessary approvals,
registrations, and exemptions under federal and state securities
laws shall have been obtained.
7.7 Stock Exchange
Listing. The New LII Shares shall have been
approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of
issuance.
7.8 Legal Proceedings. On
the Closing Date, other than suits to enforce this Agreement,
there shall not be (i) any effective injunction, writ, or
temporary restraining order or any other order of any nature
issued by a court or Governmental Authority of competent
jurisdiction directing that any aspect of the Reorganization not
be consummated, or (ii) any Proceeding pending in which it
is or may be sought to prohibit, substantially delay, or rescind
this Agreement or any aspect of the Reorganization or to obtain
an award of damages in connection with the Reorganization and
which, in the good faith judgment of either of the parties, is
material.
7.9 Stock Certificates; Cash in Lieu of
Fractional Shares. AOC shall have received
stock certificates representing the whole New LII Shares in the
name and denomination as set forth in the Consideration
Certificate and, if applicable, a check by LII made payable to
AOC in the aggregate amount of cash payments to AOC Shareholders
in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 2.6.
7.10 Registration Rights
Agreement. LII shall have delivered to AOC an
executed copy of the Registration Rights Agreement.
7.11 Dissenters. The number
of shares of AOC Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to
the Closing Date and held by an AOC Shareholder who has not
voted in favor of the Reorganization or consented thereto in
writing and who has delivered to AOC a written objection to the
Reorganization in accordance with Article 5.12 of the TBCA
shall be less than 5% of the total number of shares of AOC
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date.
ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS
TO OBLIGATIONS OF LII
The obligations of LII to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the
fulfillment on or before the Closing Date of each of the
following conditions:
8.1 Representations and Warranties
True. All the representations and warranties
of AOC contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in
all material respects on and as of the Closing Date; provided
that to the extent that any such representation or warranty is
made as of a specified date, such representation or warranty
shall have been true and correct as of such specified date.
8.2 Covenants and Agreements Performed by
AOC. AOC shall have performed and complied in
all material respects with all covenants and agreements required
by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or
prior to the Closing Date.
8.3 Compliance
Certificate. LII shall have received
certificates to the effect set forth in Sections 8.1 and
8.2, dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of AOC by a duly
authorized officer.
14
8.4 Tax Ruling. AOC shall
have obtained the Private Letter Ruling in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to LII.
8.5 Shareholder Approval.
(i) The holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of AOC Common Stock entitled to vote thereon shall have
duly and validly approved the Reorganization and all other
actions necessary to effectuate the Reorganization.
(ii) The holders of at least 50% of the outstanding shares
of LII Common Stock entitled to vote thereon shall have cast a
vote in respect of the proposal contained in the Proxy Statement
to issue New LII Shares pursuant to this Agreement and such
proposal shall have been duly and validly approved by at least a
majority of the votes cast.
8.6 Regulatory
Approvals. All necessary approvals,
registrations, and exemptions under federal and state securities
laws shall have been obtained.
8.7 Legal Proceedings. On
the Closing Date, other than suits to enforce this Agreement,
there shall not be (i) any effective injunction, writ, or
temporary restraining order or any other order of any nature
issued by a court or Governmental Authority of competent
jurisdiction directing that any aspect of the Reorganization not
be consummated, or (ii) any Proceeding pending in which it
is or may be sought to prohibit, substantially delay, or rescind
this Agreement or any aspect of the Reorganization or to obtain
an award of damages in connection with the Reorganization and
which, in the good faith judgment of either of the parties, is
material.
8.8 LII Certificate. LII
shall have received the LII Certificate, together with such
stock powers or other instruments duly authorized on behalf of
AOC dated the Closing Date as are reasonably satisfactory to
LII, evidencing the sale, assignment, transfer, and conveyance
by AOC to LII of the Assets in accordance with the terms hereof.
8.9 Consideration
Certificate. LII shall have received the
Consideration Certificate at least two business days prior to
the Closing Date.
8.10 Dissenters. The number
of shares of AOC Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to
the Closing Date and held by an AOC Shareholder who has not
voted in favor of the Reorganization or consented thereto in
writing and who has delivered to AOC a written objection to the
Reorganization in accordance with Article 5.12 of the TBCA
shall be less than 5% of the total number of shares of AOC
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date.
8.11 Registration Rights
Agreement. AOC shall have delivered to LII a
copy of the Registration Rights Agreement duly executed by each
AOC Shareholder.
8.12 Non-Accredited
Investors. There shall be no more than
thirty-five (35) AOC Shareholders who are not Accredited
Investors.
8.13 Investment
Certificate. LII shall have received a
certificate in the form of Exhibit C hereto duly executed
by each AOC Shareholder that is an Accredited Investor and a
certificate in the form of Exhibit D hereto duly executed
by each AOC Shareholder that is not an Accredited Investor.
15
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION
9.1 Termination Prior to
Closing. This Agreement may be terminated and
the Reorganization abandoned at any time prior to the Closing in
the following manner:
(i) by mutual written consent of AOC and LII;
(ii) by AOC or LII after September 30, 2007, if the
Closing shall not have occurred by the close of business on such
date, so long as the failure to consummate the Reorganization on
or before such date does not result from a breach of this
Agreement by the party seeking termination of this Agreement;
(iii) by AOC, if (A) any of the representations and
warranties of LII contained in this Agreement shall not be true
and correct when made or at any time prior to the Closing as if
made at and as of such time or (B) LII shall have failed to
fulfill any of their obligations in this Agreement in all
material respects; and, in the case of each of clauses
(A) and (B), such misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or
failure (provided it can be cured) has not been cured within
five days of actual knowledge thereof by LII;
(iv) by LII, if (A) any of the representations and
warranties of AOC contained in this Agreement shall not be true
and correct when made or at any time prior to the Closing as if
made at and as of such time or (B) AOC shall have failed to
fulfill any of their obligations in this Agreement in all
material respects; and, in the case of each of clauses
(A) and (B), such misrepresentation, breach of warranty, or
failure (provided it can be cured) has not been cured within
five days of actual knowledge thereof by AOC;
(v) by AOC or LII, if the AOC shareholders do not approve
the Reorganization at the AOC Special Meeting as described in
Section 7.5(i) of this Agreement; or
(vi) by AOC or LII, if the LII stockholders do not approve
the Reorganization at the LII Annual Meeting as described in
Section 7.5(ii) of this Agreement.
9.2 Effect of
Termination. In the event of the termination
of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1 by LII, on the
one hand, or AOC, on the other, written notice thereof shall
forthwith be given to the other party specifying the provision
hereof pursuant to which such termination is made, and this
Agreement shall become void and have no effect, except that the
provisions contained in this Article IX and Article X
and in Section 6.4 shall survive the termination hereof.
Nothing contained in this Section shall relieve any party from
liability for any willful breach of this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.1 Survival of Representations and
Warranties. The representations and
warranties contained herein and in any certificate or other
writing delivered pursuant hereto shall not survive the Closing
Date. This Section 10.1 shall not limit any covenant or
agreement of the parties to this Agreement which, by its terms,
contemplates performance after the Closing Date.
10.2 Notices. Any notice
required or permitted to be given under this Agreement must be
in writing and shall be deemed delivered three days after it is
deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the party to
be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified, with a
return receipt requested. Notice delivered by facsimile
transmission (with the original being mailed the next day) shall
be deemed to have been delivered on the day it is faxed to the
recipient. Notice served in any other manner shall be deemed to
have been given only if and when received by the addressee. For
purposes of notices, the addresses of the parties shall be
initially as set forth below. A party may change its address for
purposes of this Section 10.2 by giving notice of such
change of address to the other party in the manner herein
provided for giving notice.
16
(i) if to AOC:
A.O.C. Corporation
c/o Service Experts Inc. [4T]
0000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
with copies to:
Xxxxxxxx & Knight LLP
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
(ii) if to LII:
0000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx.
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Xx.
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
with copies to:
Xxxxx Xxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx
00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
10.3 Entire Agreement; Incorporation By
Reference. This Agreement, together with the
Exhibits, which are incorporated by reference herein, and the
Registration Rights Agreement constitute the entire agreement
among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written
and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter
of this Agreement. No representations or warranties, other than
those specifically set forth herein or in documents delivered
pursuant to the terms hereof, are being made by the parties,
notwithstanding any oral or written management presentations or
other information provided by one party to the other.
10.4 Amendment. This
Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
executed by both parties hereto.
10.5 Binding Effect; Assignment; No Third Party
Benefit. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
successors and permitted assigns; provided that neither this
Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations
hereunder shall be assigned by either of the parties (by
operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent
of the other party, which consent may be withheld or denied in
their sole and absolute discretion. Nothing expressed or
referred to in this Agreement shall be construed to give any
Person, other than the parties to this Agreement, any legal or
equitable right, remedy or claim under or with respect to this
Agreement or any provision of this Agreement, except such rights
as shall enure to a successor or permitted assignee under this
Agreement.
10.6 Severability. If any
provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable, then
this Agreement shall be considered divisible and such provision
shall be deemed inoperative to the extent it is deemed
unenforceable, and in all other respects this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted
by Applicable Law.
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10.7 Governing Law. This
Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in
accordance with the internal, substantive laws of the State of
Texas, without giving effect to the conflict of laws rules
thereof.
10.8 Headings. The
descriptive headings in this Agreement are inserted for
convenience of reference only, do not constitute a part of this
Agreement and shall not affect in any manner the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
10.9 Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile
transmission) in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be
considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective
when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the
parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood
that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.
[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]
[Signature page follows]
18
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed on the dates set forth by their signatures below,
to be effective as of the date set forth above.
A.O.C. CORPORATION
By: |
/s/ Xxx
Xxxxx
|
Name: Xxx Xxxxx
Title: | President, AOC |
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx, Xx.
|
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: | Chief Legal Officer |
19