AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER Dated as of November 11, 2009 Among IESI-BFC LTD. - and - IESI-BFC MERGER SUB, INC. - and - WASTE SERVICES, INC.
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Copy
Dated as of November 11, 2009
Among
IESI-BFC LTD.
- and -
IESI-BFC MERGER SUB, INC.
- and -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||
ARTICLE I INTERPRETATION | 2 | |||||||
1.1 | Definitions |
2 | ||||||
1.2 | Construction |
2 | ||||||
ARTICLE II THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS | 3 | |||||||
2.1 | The Merger |
3 | ||||||
2.2 | Effect of the Merger |
3 | ||||||
2.3 | Effect of Merger on Securities |
4 | ||||||
2.4 | Officers and Directors |
7 | ||||||
2.5 | Exchange Procedure for Stock |
7 | ||||||
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WSI | 10 | |||||||
3.1 | Authorization |
11 | ||||||
3.2 | Existence and Good Standing; Authority; Binding Obligation |
11 | ||||||
3.3 | Existing Structure; Subsidiaries and Investments |
11 | ||||||
3.4 | Capital Structure |
12 | ||||||
3.5 | No Conflicts; Consents |
13 | ||||||
3.6 | Securities Filings; Compliance |
14 | ||||||
3.7 | Financial Statements |
15 | ||||||
3.8 | Liabilities |
16 | ||||||
3.9 | Properties; Encumbrances; Condition; Leases; Licenses |
16 | ||||||
3.10 | Patents; Trademarks; Other Intellectual Property |
17 | ||||||
3.11 | Contracts |
18 | ||||||
3.12 | No Litigation |
18 | ||||||
3.13 | Taxes |
18 | ||||||
3.14 | Insurance |
19 | ||||||
3.15 | Permits |
19 | ||||||
3.16 | Compliance with Laws; Regulatory Matters |
20 | ||||||
3.17 | Environmental Matters |
20 | ||||||
3.17 | (A) | Additional Environmental Matters |
21 | |||||
3.18 | Compensation; Non-Arm’s Length Arrangements |
21 | ||||||
3.19 | Employee Benefit Plans |
22 | ||||||
3.20 | Labor Relations |
23 | ||||||
3.21 | Customers and Suppliers |
23 | ||||||
3.22 | No Changes |
23 | ||||||
3.23 | No Broker’s or Finder’s Fees |
24 | ||||||
3.24 | Registration Statement/Proxy Statement Disclosure |
25 | ||||||
3.25 | Vote Required |
25 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
(continued)
Page | ||||||||
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF IESI-BFC | 25 | |||||||
4.1 | Authorization |
25 | ||||||
4.2 | Existence and Good Standing; Authority; Binding Obligation |
25 | ||||||
4.3 | Existing Structure; Subsidiaries and Investments |
26 | ||||||
4.4 | Capital Structure |
27 | ||||||
4.5 | No Conflicts; Consents |
28 | ||||||
4.6 | Securities Filings; Compliance |
29 | ||||||
4.7 | Financial Statements |
30 | ||||||
4.8 | Liabilities |
30 | ||||||
4.9 | Properties; Encumbrances; Condition; Leases; Licenses |
31 | ||||||
4.10 | Patents; Trademarks; Other Intellectual Property |
32 | ||||||
4.11 | Contracts |
32 | ||||||
4.12 | No Litigation |
33 | ||||||
4.13 | Taxes |
33 | ||||||
4.14 | Insurance |
34 | ||||||
4.15 | Permits |
34 | ||||||
4.16 | Compliance with Laws; Regulatory Matters |
34 | ||||||
4.17 | Environmental Matters |
35 | ||||||
4.17 | (A) | Additional Environmental Matters |
36 | |||||
4.18 | Compensation; Non-Arm’s Length Arrangements |
36 | ||||||
4.19 | Employee Benefit Plans |
36 | ||||||
4.20 | Labor Relations |
37 | ||||||
4.21 | Customers and Suppliers |
38 | ||||||
4.22 | No Changes |
38 | ||||||
4.23 | No Broker’s or Finder’s Fees |
39 | ||||||
4.24 | Registration Statement Disclosure |
40 | ||||||
4.25 | Merger Sub |
40 | ||||||
ARTICLE V OTHER COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES | 40 | |||||||
5.1 | Conduct of WSI Business |
40 | ||||||
5.2 | Conduct of IESI-BFC Business |
42 | ||||||
5.3 | Coordination |
43 | ||||||
5.4 | Regulatory Approvals; Consents; Actions; Etc. |
44 | ||||||
5.5 | Access |
45 | ||||||
5.6 | Non-Solicitation |
47 | ||||||
5.7 | Right to Match |
48 | ||||||
5.8 | Agreement as to Damages |
50 | ||||||
5.9 | Injunctive Relief and Specific Performance |
51 | ||||||
5.10 | Registration Statement |
52 | ||||||
5.11 | WSI Credit Facility and WSI Senior Subordinated Notes |
53 | ||||||
5.12 | IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion |
54 | ||||||
5.13 | WSI Fairness Opinion; WSI Stockholders Meeting |
54 | ||||||
5.14 | Confidentiality; Announcements |
55 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
(continued)
Page | ||||||||
5.15 | Consents and Approvals |
55 | ||||||
5.16 | Expenses |
56 | ||||||
5.17 | Further Assurances |
56 | ||||||
5.18 | Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance |
56 | ||||||
5.19 | Section 16 Matters |
58 | ||||||
5.20 | Stock Exchange Listing |
58 | ||||||
5.21 | Tax Treatment |
58 | ||||||
ARTICLE VI CLOSING CONDITIONS | 60 | |||||||
6.1 | Conditions to each Party’s Obligations |
60 | ||||||
6.2 | Conditions to IESI-BFC’s Obligations |
61 | ||||||
6.3 | Conditions to WSI’s Obligations |
62 | ||||||
ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS | 64 | |||||||
7.1 | Parties’ Review |
64 | ||||||
7.2 | Term |
64 | ||||||
7.3 | Notice and Cure Provisions |
64 | ||||||
7.4 | Termination |
65 | ||||||
7.5 | Waiver |
66 | ||||||
7.6 | Notices |
67 | ||||||
7.7 | Survival of Representations and Warranties |
67 | ||||||
7.8 | Entire Agreement |
68 | ||||||
7.9 | Amendments and Modifications |
68 | ||||||
7.10 | Successors and Assigns |
68 | ||||||
7.11 | Third-Party Beneficiaries |
68 | ||||||
7.12 | Governing Law |
68 | ||||||
7.13 | Attornment |
68 | ||||||
7.14 | Severability |
68 | ||||||
7.15 | Counterparts |
69 |
-iii-
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER dated as of November 11, 2009,
BY AND AMONG:
IESI-BFC LTD., a corporation amalgamated under the laws of the Province of Ontario (“IESI-BFC”), | ||
- and — | ||
IESI-BFC MERGER SUB, INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (“Merger Sub”), | ||
- and - | ||
WASTE SERVICES, INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (“WSI”). |
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, Merger Sub is a direct, wholly-owned Subsidiary of IESI-BFC;
WHEREAS, IESI-BFC through its Subsidiaries is engaged in the business of providing collection,
transfer, disposal and recycling services in Canada and the United States for solid waste (such
activities and all incidental or related businesses of such Persons, the “IESI-BFC Business”);
WHEREAS, WSI and its Subsidiaries are engaged in the business of providing collection,
transfer, disposal and recycling services in Canada and the United States for solid waste (such
activities and all incidental or related businesses of such Persons, the “WSI Business”);
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into certain transactions described in this Agreement,
including the merger of Merger Sub with and into WSI (the “Merger”), in each case in accordance
with the applicable provisions of the DGCL and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the boards of directors of each of IESI-BFC, WSI and Merger Sub have approved, upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Transactions;
WHEREAS, a meeting will be held of stockholders of WSI at which meeting such stockholders will
be asked to approve the WSI Stockholder Approval Matters;
WHEREAS, holders of an aggregate of approximately 33.5% of WSI’s outstanding common shares
have entered into agreements with IESI-BFC to vote in favor of the WSI Stockholder Approval
Matters; and
WHEREAS, for United States federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger qualify
(i) as a reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) for an
exception to the general rule of Section 367(a)(1) of the Code, and that this Agreement be, and is
hereby adopted as, a plan of reorganization for purposes of Section 368 of the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this
Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
Article I
INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings indicated in Schedule
1.1.
1.2 Construction
1.2.1. Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) “or” is not exclusive; (ii) an
accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with U.S.
GAAP in the case of the WSI Entities and the IESI-BFC Entities for periods starting with its
second fiscal quarter of 2009 and Canadian GAAP for the IESI-BFC Entities for periods prior
to its second fiscal quarter of 2009; (iii) terms defined in this Agreement in their
singular or plural forms have correlative meanings when used herein in their plural or
singular forms, respectively; (iv) pronouns and any variations thereof refer to the
masculine, feminine or neuter, singular or plural, as the context may require; (v) any date
specified for any action that is not a Business Day shall be deemed to mean the first
Business Day after such date; (vi) a reference to a Person includes its successors and
permitted assigns; (vii) the terms “hereof”, “herein”, “hereunder”, “hereto” and similar
terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular
provision of this Agreement; (viii) the word “including” shall mean “including without
limitation”; (ix) except where otherwise expressly provided, all references herein to dollar
amounts shall mean United States dollars; (x) any reference to any federal, state,
provincial, local or foreign statute or law shall be to such statute or law as amended at
the applicable time, and shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder at the applicable time; and (xi) the inclusion of headings and a
table of contents in this Agreement is for convenience of reference only and shall not
affect the construction or interpretation hereof.
1.2.2. 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 rise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of
any of the provisions of this Agreement.
-2-
Article II
THE MERGER AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
2.1 The Merger
2.1.1. The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement, and in accordance with the DGCL, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into
WSI at the Effective Time. Following the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger
Sub shall cease and WSI shall continue as the surviving corporation (the “Surviving
Corporation”).
2.1.2. Closing. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Agreement, the Closing shall take place on the third (3rd) Business Day following
the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permitted hereunder) of the conditions set forth
in Article VI (other than the delivery of any certificates or opinions or the conditions set
forth in Sections 6.1.2, 6.1.3 (with respect to a stop order),
6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.2.6, 6.3.1, 6.3.2,
6.3.3 and 6.3.5, all of which shall be satisfied (or waived) on the Closing
Date) (the “Closing Date”) at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of Torys LLP, 000 Xxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000.
2.1.3. Effective Time. At the Closing, WSI shall (i) file a certificate of
merger (the “Certificate of Merger”) in such form as is required by, and executed and
acknowledged in accordance with, the relevant provisions of the DGCL and (ii) make all other
filings or recordings required under the DGCL in connection with the Merger. The Merger
shall become effective at such time as the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the
Delaware Secretary of State or at such subsequent time as IESI-BFC and WSI shall agree and
as shall be specified in the Certificate of Merger (the date and time the Merger becomes
effective being the “Effective Time”).
2.2 Effect of the Merger.
2.2.1. At the Effective Time, the effect of the Merger shall be as provided in this
Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time (i) the
Surviving Corporation shall possess all rights, privileges, powers and franchises, both
public and private, and all of the property, real, personal, and mixed of each of Merger Sub
and WSI and all obligations belonging to or due to Merger Sub or WSI, all of which shall be
vested in the Surviving Corporation without any further act or deed, and (ii) the Surviving
Corporation shall be liable for all the debts, liabilities, duties and obligations of Merger
Sub and WSI.
2.2.2. Certificate of Incorporation. At the Effective Time, the certificate of
incorporation of WSI shall be amended and restated in its entirety in a form to be
reasonably agreed between the Parties and shall be the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Corporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) until thereafter amended as
provided by applicable law, such Certificate of Incorporation and the Surviving
Corporation’s by-laws.
-3-
2.2.3. By-laws. The by-laws of Merger Sub, as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time (the “By-laws”), shall be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable Law.
2.3 Effect of Merger on Securities.
2.3.1. Capital Stock of Constituent Companies. At the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Merger and without any further action on the part of Merger Sub, IESI-BFC, WSI
or the holders of any of the following securities, and in consideration of the other
agreements set forth or referred to herein:
2.3.1.1. Capital Stock of Merger Sub. The issued and outstanding
Merger Sub common shares held by IESI-BFC immediately prior to the Effective Time
will be converted into and will become one newly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable preferred share of the Surviving Corporation with a redemption
amount and fair market value equal to $10 in the aggregate.
2.3.1.2. WSI Common Stock. Each share of WSI Common Stock that is
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of WSI
Common Stock owned by IESI-BFC, Merger Sub or WSI, or by any direct or indirect
wholly-owned Subsidiary of IESI-BFC, Merger Sub or WSI, in each case immediately
prior to the Effective Time) shall be canceled and extinguished and automatically
converted into the right to receive from IESI-BFC 0.5833 shares of IESI-BFC common
stock (the “Conversion Number”) and the cash payable in lieu of fractional shares
pursuant to Section 2.3.3 upon the surrender of the Certificate, if any,
representing such share of WSI Common Stock in the manner provided in Section
2.5 (or in the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, upon delivery
of an affidavit (and bond, if required) in the manner provided in Section
2.5.11).
2.3.1.3. Certain Owned WSI Common Stock. Each share of WSI Common
Stock that is owned by IESI-BFC, Merger Sub or WSI, or by any direct or indirect
wholly-owned Subsidiary of IESI-BFC, Merger Sub or WSI, in each case immediately
prior to the Effective Time, will automatically be cancelled and will cease to
exist, and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor.
2.3.1.4. The Surviving Corporation will issue common shares (the “Surviving
Corporation Common Shares”) to IESI-BFC in consideration for IESI-BFC issuing its
common shares to the stockholders of WSI pursuant to Section 2.3.1.2 and
Section 2.5. The number of Surviving Corporation Common Shares issued to
IESI-BFC will be equal to the number of shares of WSI Common Stock outstanding
immediately before the Effective Time (other than the shares of WSI Common Stock
that is owned by IESI-BFC, Merger Sub or WSI, or by any direct or indirect
wholly-owned Subsidiary of IESI-BFC, Merger Sub or WSI, in each case immediately
prior to the Effective Time).
2.3.2. Adjustment to Conversion Number. The Conversion Number shall be
appropriately adjusted to reflect fully the effect of any stock split, reverse stock split,
stock dividend (including any dividend or distribution of securities convertible into
IESI-BFC common shares or WSI Common Stock), reorganization, recapitalization,
reclassification or other like change with respect to IESI-BFC common shares or WSI Common
Stock having a record date on or after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time.
-4-
2.3.3. Fractional Shares. No fraction of a share of IESI-BFC common stock will
be issued by virtue of the Merger, but in lieu thereof each holder of record of shares of
WSI Common Stock who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share of IESI-BFC common
stock pursuant to this Section 2.3 (after aggregating all fractional shares of
IESI-BFC common stock that otherwise would be received by such holder of record) shall, upon
the surrender of the Certificate, if any, representing such share of WSI Common Stock in the
manner provided in Section 2.5.3 (or in the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate, upon delivery of an affidavit (and bond, if required) in the manner provided in
Section 2.5.11), receive from IESI-BFC an amount of cash (rounded to the nearest
whole cent), without interest, equal to the product obtained by multiplying such fraction by
the Closing Share Value.
2.3.4. WSI Stock Awards.
2.3.4.1. At the Effective Time, each WSI Stock Award that is a stock option
to purchase shares of WSI Common Stock (each, a “WSI Stock Option”) that is
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, whether or not then vested or
exercisable (each, an “Assumed Option”), shall be assumed by IESI-BFC. Each
Assumed Option shall be converted into an option to acquire that number of shares
of IESI-BFC common stock equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the
number of shares of WSI Common Stock subject to such WSI Stock Option and (ii) the
Conversion Number, rounded up to the nearest whole share of IESI-BFC common stock.
Each Assumed Option shall have an exercise price per share equal to the quotient
obtained by dividing (i) the per share exercise price of WSI Common Stock subject
to such Assumed Option by (ii) the Conversion Number (which price per share shall
be rounded up to the nearest one-hundredth of one cent). The foregoing adjustments
shall (A) in the case of any WSI Stock Option that is intended to be an “incentive
stock option” under Section 422 of the Code, be determined in a manner consistent,
to the maximum extent possible, with the requirements of Section 424(a) of the
Code, (B) in the case of any WSI Stock Option that is not intended to be an
“incentive stock option,” be determined in a manner consistent, to the maximum
extent possible, with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and (C) in the
case of any WSI Stock Option that is granted to a participant that is not subject
to U.S. taxation and which is intended to satisfy any condition of non-U.S. law,
to be determined in a manner consistent with such law. Each Assumed Option shall
otherwise be subject to the same terms and conditions (including, without
limitation, as to vesting (and any accelerated vesting) and exercisability) as
were applicable under the respective WSI Stock Option immediately prior to the
Effective Time.
2.3.4.2. Subject to the terms and upon the conditions herein, immediately
prior to the Effective Time, each WSI Stock Award that is a WSI
RSU granted and then outstanding under the WSI Stock Plans shall be fully
vested in each holder thereof and the underlying shares of WSI Common Stock shall
be issued and will be treated at the Effective Time the same as, and shall have
the same rights and be subject to the same conditions as, other shares of WSI
Common Stock; provided that upon vesting and issuance, the holder may satisfy the
applicable withholding tax obligations by returning to the Surviving Corporation
or IESI-BFC a sufficient number of shares of WSI Common Stock equal in value to
such obligation.
-5-
2.3.4.3. Prior to the Effective Time, WSI shall be authorized to take all
actions necessary under the WSI Stock Plans, the award agreements thereunder and
otherwise to effectuate this Section 2.3.4.
2.3.5. WSI Warrants. At the Effective Time, each outstanding and unexercised
warrant to purchase shares of WSI Common Stock (each, a “WSI Warrant”) will be assumed by
IESI-BFC. Each such WSI Warrant so assumed by IESI-BFC under this Agreement will continue to
have, and be subject to, the same terms and conditions set forth in such WSI Warrant
immediately prior to the Effective Time, except that such WSI Warrants shall be exercisable
for shares of IESI-BFC common stock, with the numbers of shares purchasable and exercise
price adjusted as set forth in such assumed WSI Warrants (i.e., each WSI Warrant shall
entitle its holder the right to acquire that number of shares of IESI-BFC common stock equal
to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the number of shares of WSI Common Stock subject
to such WSI Warrant and (i) the Conversion Number, rounded up to the nearest whole share of
IESI-BFC common stock, and the WSI Warrants shall have an exercise price per share equal to
the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the per share exercise price of WSI Common Stock
subject to such WSI Warrant by (ii) the Conversion Number (which price per share shall be
rounded up to the nearest one-hundredth of one cent)). From and after the Effective Time,
unless the context requires otherwise, all references to WSI in the WSI Warrants shall be
deemed to refer to IESI-BFC.
2.3.6. For the avoidance of doubt, the common shares of IESI-BFC issued to the holders
of the WSI Common Stock in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2 shall be considered to be
held of record by the relevant holder thereof as of and from the Effective Time, and such
holders shall be entitled to all benefits accruing to such common shares of IESI-BFC from
such date.
2.3.7. IESI-BFC shall, on or prior to the Effective Time, reserve for issuance the
number of shares of IESI-BFC common stock that will become subject to the WSI Warrants and
the Assumed Options that will be assumed pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.3.
2.3.8. If registration of any interests in the WSI Stock Plans or any other WSI
Applicable Plans, or the common shares of IESI-BFC issuable thereunder, is required under the
U.S. Securities Act, IESI-BFC shall file with the SEC within five (5) Business Days after the
Effective Time a registration statement on the appropriate registration forms with respect to
such interests in common shares of IESI-BFC, and shall use its commercially reasonable
efforts to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement or registration
statements (and maintain the current status of the prospectus or
the prospectuses contained therein) for so long as the relevant WSI Stock Plans or any
other WSI Applicable Plan, as applicable, remain in effect and such registration of interests
in the common shares of IESI-BFC issuable thereunder continues to be required.
-6-
2.3.9. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, IESI-BFC shall deliver to the
holders of Assumed Options appropriate notices setting forth such holders’ rights pursuant
to any WSI Stock Plans (with respect to Assumed Options) and agreements evidencing such
awards and stating that the Assumed Options shall continue in effect on the same terms and
conditions (subject to the adjustments required by this Section 2.3.4 after giving
effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the terms of the WSI Stock
Plans (in the case of the Assumed Options)).
2.4 Officers and Directors
The individuals to serve as directors or officers of the Surviving Corporation immediately
following the Merger shall be determined by the Parties, acting reasonably prior to the Closing
Date. IESI-BFC shall cause, within two (2) Business Days following the Effective Time, two
individuals nominated by WSI to be appointed to the board of directors of IESI-BFC and shall cause
such individuals to be renominated as part of the “company slate” at IESI-BFC’s 2010 annual
shareholders’ meeting if such meeting occurs after the Closing Date; provided that WSI shall
(following prior consultation with IESI-BFC) provide the names of such individuals to IESI-BFC
within 30 days in advance of the Closing Date and such individuals shall be determined to be
legally qualified and otherwise suitable by the board of directors of IESI-BFC, acting reasonably,
to serve in such capacity.
2.5 Exchange Procedure for Stock.
2.5.1. Exchange Agent. Prior to the Closing Date, IESI-BFC shall select a bank
or trust company reasonably acceptable to WSI to act as the exchange agent for the Merger
(the “Exchange Agent”).
2.5.2. IESI-BFC to Provide Common Stock. As promptly as practicable (and in any
event within five (5) Business Days) following the Effective Time, IESI-BFC shall make
available to the Exchange Agent for exchange in accordance with this Article II, the
shares of IESI-BFC common stock issuable pursuant to
Section 2.3.1 in exchange for
shares of WSI Common Stock. In addition, IESI-BFC shall make available from time to time
after the Effective Time as necessary, cash in an amount sufficient to pay any cash payable
in lieu of fractional shares pursuant to Section 2.3.3 and any dividends or
distributions to which holders of shares of WSI Common Stock may be entitled pursuant to
Section 2.5.4. Any IESI-BFC common stock and cash deposited with the Exchange Agent
shall hereinafter be referred to as the “Exchange Fund”. The Exchange Agent shall invest any
cash in the Exchange Fund as directed by IESI-BFC.
-7-
2.5.3. Exchange Procedures. As promptly as practicable following the Effective
Time, IESI-BFC shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record (as of
immediately prior to the Effective Time) of a certificate or certificates (the
“Certificates”) which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented outstanding shares
of WSI Common Stock (or effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof)
or non-certificated shares of WSI Common Stock represented by book entry (“Book Entry
Shares”) (i) a letter of transmittal in customary form as WSI and IESI-BFC may
reasonably agree (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and
title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of the Certificates (or effective
affidavits in lieu thereof) or Book Entry Shares to the Exchange Agent) and (ii)
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates or Book Entry Shares in
exchange for certificates representing whole shares of IESI-BFC common stock pursuant to
Section 2.3.1, cash payable in respect thereof in lieu of any fractional shares
pursuant to Section 2.3.3 and any dividends or other distributions payable in
respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.5.4. With respect to uncertificated shares of
WSI Common Stock held through “direct registration”, IESI-BFC shall implement procedures
with the Exchange Agent for effecting the exchange of such directly registered
uncertificated shares of WSI Common Stock and payment of cash in lieu of any fractional
shares pursuant to Section 2.3.1, as promptly as practicable after the Effective
Time. Upon surrender of Certificates (or effective affidavits in lieu thereof) or Book Entry
Shares for cancellation to the Exchange Agent or to such other agent or agents as may be
appointed by IESI-BFC, together with such letter of transmittal, duly completed and validly
executed in accordance with the instructions thereto, the holders of such Certificates or
Book Entry Shares shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor the number of whole
shares of IESI-BFC common stock (after taking into account all Certificates or such Book
Entry Shares surrendered by such holder of record) to which such holder is entitled pursuant
to Section 2.3.1 (which, at the election of IESI-BFC, may be in uncertificated book
entry form unless a physical certificate is requested by the holder of record or is
otherwise required by applicable Laws), payment in lieu of fractional shares to which such
holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.3.3 and any dividends or distributions to
which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 2.5.4, and the Certificates so
surrendered shall forthwith be canceled. The Exchange Agent shall accept such Certificates
or Book Entry Shares upon compliance with such reasonable terms and conditions as the
Exchange Agent may impose to effect an orderly exchange thereof in accordance with normal
exchange practices. No interest shall be paid or accrued for the benefit of holders of the
Certificates or Book Entry Shares on the cash amounts payable upon the surrender of such
Certificates or such Book Entry Shares pursuant to this Section 2.5. Until so
surrendered, from and after the Effective Time outstanding Certificates or Book Entry Shares
shall be deemed to evidence only the ownership of the number of full shares of IESI-BFC
common stock into which such shares of WSI Common Stock shall have been so converted and the
right to receive an amount in cash in lieu of the issuance of any fractional shares in
accordance with Section 2.3.3 and any dividends or distributions payable pursuant to
Section 2.5.4.
2.5.4. Distributions With Respect to Unexchanged Shares. Whenever a dividend or
other distribution is declared or made after the date hereof with respect to IESI-BFC common
stock with a record date after the Effective Time, such declaration shall include a dividend
or other distribution in respect of all shares of IESI-BFC common stock issuable pursuant to
this Agreement. No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the date hereof
with respect to IESI-BFC common stock with a record date after the Effective Time will be
paid to the holders of any unsurrendered Certificates or Book Entry Shares with respect to
the shares of IESI-BFC common stock represented thereby until the holders of record of such
Certificates or such Book Entry Shares shall surrender such Certificates or such Book Entry
Shares. Subject to applicable
Law, following surrender of any such Certificates or such Book Entry Shares, the
Exchange Agent shall deliver to the record holders thereof, without interest, promptly after
such surrender, the number of whole shares of IESI-BFC common stock issued in exchange
therefor along with any such dividends or other distributions with a record date after the
Effective Time and theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of IESI-BFC common
stock.
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2.5.5. Transfers of Ownership. In the event that a transfer of ownership of
shares of WSI Common Stock is not registered in the stock transfer books or ledger of WSI,
or if shares of IESI-BFC common stock are to be issued in a name other than that in which
the Certificates surrendered in exchange therefor are registered, it will be a condition of
the issuance thereof that the Certificates so surrendered are properly endorsed and
otherwise in proper form for surrender and transfer and the Person requesting such transfer
has paid to IESI-BFC (or any agent designated by IESI-BFC) any transfer or other Taxes
required by reason of the issuance of shares of IESI-BFC common stock in any name other than
that of the registered holder of the Certificates surrendered, or established to the
satisfaction of IESI-BFC (or any agent designated by IESI-BFC) that such transfer or other
Taxes have been paid or are otherwise not payable.
2.5.6. Required Withholding. Each of the Exchange Agent, IESI-BFC and the
Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any consideration
payable or otherwise deliverable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as may be required
to be deducted or withheld therefrom under applicable Law. To the extent that such amounts
are so deducted or withheld, such amounts shall be treated for all purposes under this
Agreement as having been paid to the Person to whom such amounts would otherwise have been
paid.
2.5.7. Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which
remains undistributed to the holders of Certificates or Book Entry Shares twelve (12) months
after the Effective Time shall, at the request of the Surviving Corporation, be delivered to
the Surviving Corporation or otherwise according to the instruction of the Surviving
Corporation, and any holders of the Certificates or Book Entry Shares who have not
surrendered such Certificates or Book Entry Shares in compliance with this Section
2.5 shall after such delivery to the Surviving Corporation look only to the Surviving
Corporation for delivery or payment of the shares of IESI-BFC common stock issuable in
respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.3.1, cash in lieu of any fractional shares
payable in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.3.3 and any dividends or other
distributions payable in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.5.4.
2.5.8. No Further Ownership Rights. From and after the Effective Time, all
shares of WSI Common Stock shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be
cancelled, retired and cease to exist, and each holder of a Certificate or Book Entry Shares
theretofore representing any shares of WSI Common Stock shall cease to have any rights with
respect thereto, except the right to receive the shares of IESI-BFC common stock issuable in
respect thereof pursuant to Sections 2.3.1 and 2.3.4, cash in lieu of any
fractional shares payable in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.3.3 and any
dividends or other distributions payable in respect thereof pursuant to Section
2.5.4. All shares of IESI-BFC common stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of
shares of WSI Common Stock in accordance with the terms hereof (including any cash paid in
respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.3.3 and any dividends or other
distributions paid in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.5.4) shall be deemed to
have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of WSI Common
Stock, and there shall be no further registration of transfers on the records of the
Surviving Corporation of shares of WSI Common Stock which were outstanding immediately prior
to the Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time, Certificates are presented to the
Surviving Corporation for any reason, then such Certificates shall be canceled and exchanged
as provided in this Article II.
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2.5.9. Shares of IESI-BFC common stock or cash, as applicable, delivered upon the
surrender of the shares of WSI Common Stock in accordance with the terms hereof shall be
deemed to have been delivered in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares.
There shall be no further registration or transfers on the stock transfer books of the
Surviving Corporation of the shares of WSI Common Stock which were outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time.
2.5.10. No Liability. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 2.5, neither IESI-BFC nor the Surviving Corporation shall be liable to any
holder of shares of WSI Common Stock for any amount properly paid to a public official
pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law, rule, regulation,
statute, order, judgment or decree.
2.5.11. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. In the event any Certificate
representing shares of WSI Common Stock shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, the
Exchange Agent shall deliver shares of IESI-BFC common stock or cash, as applicable, in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate upon the making of an affidavit of
that fact by the holder thereof; provided, however, that IESI-BFC may, in its discretion and
as a condition precedent to the issuance or payment thereof, require the owner of such lost,
stolen or destroyed Certificate to deliver an indemnity (with or without a bond in support
thereof and in such sum as it may reasonably direct) against any claim that may be made
against IESI-BFC with respect to the Certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed.
2.5.12. Further Action. If, at any time after the Effective Time, any further
action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes or intent of this Agreement and
to vest the Surviving Corporation with full right, title and possession to all assets,
property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises of WSI and Merger Sub, the directors and
officers of WSI, Merger Sub and the Surviving Corporation shall have the authority to take
all such lawful and necessary action.
Article III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WSI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WSI
WSI represents and warrants to IESI-BFC that, except as disclosed in the WSI SEC Documents
filed prior to the date hereof or as set forth in the WSI Disclosure Letter (which exceptions shall
not apply in the case of Sections 3.1 to 3.5 inclusive, 3.13, 3.17,
3.17(A), 3.23, 3.24 and 3.25, except in the case of the WSI
Disclosure Letter where such letter is specifically referred to in such Sections):
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3.1 Authorization
WSI has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and,
subject to obtaining stockholder approval, to perform its obligations hereunder, including the
completion of the Transactions. The board of directors of WSI has approved and declared advisable
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and has resolved to recommend
to WSI’s stockholders that they approve this Agreement and the Transactions. The execution,
delivery and performance by WSI of this Agreement including the completion of the Transactions,
have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of WSI and, subject to
obtaining stockholder approval, no other action on the part of WSI or its directors or stockholders
is necessary to authorize such execution, delivery or performance.
3.2 Existence and Good Standing; Authority; Binding Obligation
3.2.1. Each WSI Entity is an organization duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing (where such concept is recognized) under the laws of its jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization. Assuming in each case valid execution and delivery by the
parties thereto (other than WSI), this Agreement constitutes legal, valid and binding
obligations of WSI enforceable against WSI in accordance with its terms, except as may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws in
effect from time to time relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and
remedies generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is
sought in a proceeding in equity or at law) (the “Enforcement Qualifications”).
3.2.2. Each WSI Entity has the full corporate or other entity power and authority to
own, lease and operate its assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each
WSI Entity is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction where the character or location
of the properties owned or leased by it, or the nature of the business conducted by it,
requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on the WSI Entities or the WSI Business. Each WSI Entity shall have
provided or made available within seven (7) Business Days after the date hereof to IESI-BFC
correct and complete copies of all its organizational and governing documents, including all
amendments thereto and restatements thereof. None of the WSI Entities is in default of any
of the terms or conditions of any of its organizational and governing documents. Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by WSI nor the performance of its obligations
thereunder, including the completion of the Transactions, conflicts with or will conflict
with or violate or will violate any provision of its organizational or governing documents.
3.3 Existing Structure; Subsidiaries and Investments
3.3.1. Section 3.3.1 of the WSI Disclosure Letter sets forth a correct
and complete chart showing the names, jurisdictions of organization and the ownership of
each WSI Entity (including the authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock, partnership
or membership interests or other ownership interests of each WSI Entity) as of the date of
the WSI Disclosure Letter. Other than as set forth in Section 3.3.1 of the
WSI Disclosure Letter, no Person has any record or beneficial ownership interest in
any
WSI Entity (excluding any ownership interest in WSI). All shares of capital stock,
partnership or membership interests or other ownership interests so indicated in Section
3.3.1 of the WSI Disclosure Letter as being issued and outstanding have been
validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable securities and all shares of capital
stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership interests (excluding shares of
capital stock of WSI) are owned as indicated in Section 3.3.1 of the WSI
Disclosure Letter, free and clear of any Lien other than as set forth in Section
3.3.1 of the WSI Disclosure Letter. Other than as set forth in Section
3.3.1 of the WSI Disclosure Letter, there are no restrictions on the voting
rights (including voting trusts or proxies), or sale or transfer (including agreements
relating to pre-emptive rights, rights of first refusal, co-sale rights or “drag-along”
rights) of any securities of any WSI Entity or any registration rights with respect to any
securities of any WSI Entity, other than pursuant to this Agreement.
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3.3.2. Except as set forth in Section 3.3.2 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter, or as contemplated by this Agreement, none of the WSI Entities directly or
indirectly owns or has any commitment to purchase any capital stock, partnership, membership
or other equity, ownership or proprietary interest in any Person, nor does any WSI Entity
have any direct or indirect Subsidiary.
3.4 Capital Structure
3.4.1. The authorized capital stock of WSI as of the date of this Agreement consists of
(i) 166,666,666 shares of WSI Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share and (ii) 5,000,000
shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (“WSI Preferred Stock”).
3.4.2. As of the close of business on the day prior to the date hereof: (i) 46,253,107
shares of WSI Common Stock were issued and outstanding; (ii) no shares of WSI Preferred
Stock were issued or outstanding; (iii) no shares of WSI Common Stock were held in the
treasury of WSI; (iv) 2,262,191 shares of WSI Common Stock were duly reserved for future
issuance pursuant to WSI Stock Awards; and (v) 2,804,694 shares of WSI Common Stock were
duly reserved for future issuance pursuant to the exercise of WSI Warrants. Except as
described above, as of the close of business on the day prior to the date hereof, there were
no shares of voting or non-voting capital stock, equity interests or other equity securities
of WSI authorized, issued, reserved for issuance or otherwise outstanding.
3.4.3. All outstanding shares of WSI Common Stock are, and all shares which may be
issued pursuant to the WSI Stock Options, restricted stock units granted pursuant to the WSI
Stock Plans (“WSI RSUs”) and the WSI Warrants will be, when issued against payment therefor
in accordance with the terms thereof, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable, and not subject to, or issued in violation of, any preemptive, subscription
or any kind of similar rights. WSI has no outstanding shares of WSI Common Stock that are
subject to a right of repurchase.
3.4.4. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of WSI having the
right to vote (or convertible into securities having the right to vote) on any matters on
which stockholders of WSI may vote. Except as described in
Schedule 3.4 hereto, there are no outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls, rights,
commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind (contingent or otherwise)
to which WSI is a party or bound obligating WSI to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be
issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other voting or equity
securities of WSI or obligating WSI to issue, grant, extend or enter into any agreement to
issue, grant or extend any security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement,
arrangement or undertaking relating to the issuance of any such shares of capital stock or
other voting or equity securities of WSI.
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3.4.5. Schedule 3.4 hereto contains a complete and correct list of all WSI
Stock Options, WSI RSUs and WSI Warrants outstanding as of the date hereof, including the
number of underlying securities and applicable strike prices (in each case in the aggregate
amounts shown). The WSI Disclosure Letter will contain a complete and correct list of the
holders of all WSI Stock Options, WSI RSUs and WSI Warrants outstanding as of the date
specified therein, including: (i) the date of grant or issuance; (ii) the exercise price;
(iii) the vesting schedule and expiration date; and (iv) all other material terms, including
any terms regarding the acceleration of vesting.
3.4.6. All of the issued and outstanding shares of WSI Common Stock and all of the
issued and outstanding WSI Warrants, WSI Stock Options and WSI RSUs were issued in material
compliance with all applicable securities Laws.
3.4.7. Except as disclosed in Section 3.4.7 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of WSI to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock (or options or warrants to acquire any such
shares) or other security or equity interests of WSI. There are no stock-appreciation
rights, security-based performance units, phantom stock or other security rights or other
agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character (contingent or otherwise) pursuant
to which any Person is or may be entitled to receive any payment or other value based on the
revenues, earnings or financial performance, stock price performance or other attribute of
WSI or any of its Subsidiaries or assets or calculated in accordance therewith of WSI or to
cause WSI or any of its Subsidiaries to file a registration statement under securities Laws,
or which otherwise relate to the registration of any securities of WSI or any of its
Subsidiaries.
3.4.8. Other than the voting agreements referred to in the Recitals, there are no
voting trusts, proxies or other agreements, commitments or understandings to which WSI or
any of its Subsidiaries or, to WSI’s Knowledge, any of the stockholders of WSI, is a party
or by which any of them is bound with respect to the issuance, holding, acquisition, voting
or disposition of any shares of capital stock or other security or equity interest of WSI or
any of its Subsidiaries.
3.5 No Conflicts; Consents
3.5.1. Except as set forth in Section 3.5.1 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter (together with the matters set forth in Section 3.5.2 of the WSI
Disclosure Letter, the “WSI Consents”), the execution, delivery and performance by WSI
of this Agreement does not and the consummation of the Merger and the other Transactions and
compliance with the terms hereof will not, conflict with or result in any violation or
breach of or
default under (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) or require the consent
of any Person under, or give rise to a right of payment or reimbursement, or termination,
cancellation, modification or acceleration of any obligation or loss of any material benefit
under, or to increased, additional, accelerated or guaranteed rights or entitlements of any
Person under, or result in the creation of a Lien upon any property or assets of any of the
WSI Entities under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i) the charter, by-laws or
other organizational documents of any of the WSI Entities, (ii) any Contract, lease,
license, indenture, note, bond, agreement, permit, concession, franchise or other
instrument, whether written or oral, to which any of the WSI Entities or any of their
respective property or assets is bound, or (iii) other than the matters referred to in
Section 3.5.2, any Law or Order applicable to any of the WSI Entities or any of
their respective property or assets, other than in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above,
any such items that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and that would not reasonably be expected to
prevent or adversely affect in any material respect the completion of the Transactions or
compliance by any of the WSI Entities with the terms of this Agreement.
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3.5.2. Except as set forth in Section 3.5.2 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter, no consent, approval, license, permit, Order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required to be
obtained or made by the WSI Entities in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by the WSI Entities or the consummation of the Merger and the
other Transactions in compliance with the terms hereof by the WSI Entities, other than (i)
compliance with and filings under the HSR Act and the Competition Act, and (ii) the filing
of the Certificate of Merger, except where the failure to obtain or make such, individually
or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect and would not reasonably be expected to prevent or adversely affect in any
material respect the completion of the Transactions or compliance by any of the WSI Entities
with the terms of this Agreement.
3.6 Securities Filings; Compliance
3.6.1. WSI will have made available within seven (7) Business Days after the date
hereof to IESI-BFC (by public filing with the SEC or otherwise) a true and complete copy of
each report, schedule, registration statement, other statement (including proxy materials)
and information filed by WSI with the SEC since January 1, 2006 (together with all documents
filed by WSI with the SEC after the date hereof, the “WSI SEC Documents”), which include all
the documents (other than preliminary material) that WSI was required to file with the SEC
since January 1, 2006 pursuant to the U.S. federal securities Laws. WSI shall deliver
(including by public filing with the SEC if IESI-BFC and its counsel are notified in writing
contemporaneously with such filing) to IESI-BFC a true and complete copy of each document
filed or furnished to the SEC after the date hereof. As of their respective filing dates and
giving effect to any amendments or supplements that have been filed and made publicly
available prior to the making of this representation and warranty, the WSI SEC Documents
complied (and will comply in the case of documents filed after the date hereof) in all
material respects with the requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act
and the U.S. Exchange Act applicable to such WSI SEC Documents and none of the WSI SEC
Documents
contained (or will contain in the case of documents filed after the date hereof) any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading.
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3.6.2. As of the date hereof, WSI is in compliance in all material respects with all
applicable requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, the U.S. Exchange Act, The
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act and the NASDAQ Stock Market.
3.6.3. WSI’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) of the U.S. Exchange Act), as required by Rules 13a-15(a) and 15d-15(a) of the
U.S. Exchange Act, are designed to ensure that all information required to be disclosed by
WSI in the reports it files or submits under the U.S. Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.
WSI’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness
of WSI’s disclosure controls and procedures and, to the extent required by applicable Law,
have presented in any applicable WSI SEC Document that is a report on Form 10-K or Form
10-Q, or any amendment thereto, their conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by such report or amendment
based on such evaluation. Based on its most recently completed evaluation of its system of
internal control over financial reporting prior to the date of this Agreement, to WSI’s
Knowledge, (i) WSI had no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or
operation of its internal control over financial reporting and (ii) there has been no fraud,
whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in WSI’s internal control over financial reporting.
3.6.4. Since January 1, 2007, (i) neither WSI nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to WSI’s
Knowledge, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or representative of WSI or
any Subsidiary of WSI has received or otherwise 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 WSI or any Subsidiary of WSI
or their respective internal accounting controls, including any material complaint,
allegation, assertion or claim that WSI or any Subsidiary of WSI has engaged in questionable
accounting or auditing practices, and (ii) to WSI’s Knowledge no attorney representing WSI
or any Subsidiary of WSI, whether or not employed by WSI or any Subsidiary of WSI, has
reported evidence of a material violation of U.S. federal securities Laws, breach of
fiduciary duty or similar violation by WSI or any Subsidiary of WSI or any of their
directors, officers, employees or agents to the board of directors of WSI or any committee
thereof or to any director or executive officer of WSI.
3.7 Financial Statements
(i) The audited consolidated financial statements included in WSI’s annual report on Form 10-K
for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 (such financial statements collectively, the “WSI
Audited Financial Statements”), and (ii) the unaudited consolidated financial statements included
in WSI’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (such financial
statements, the “WSI Interim Financial Statements” and, together with the WSI Audited Financial
Statements, the “WSI Financial Statements” and such
date, the “WSI Balance Sheet Date”), have been prepared from the Books and Records of the WSI
Entities and in accordance with U.S. GAAP (subject to usual year-end adjustments in the case of the
WSI Interim Financial Statements, none of which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a
Material Adverse Effect) consistently applied throughout the periods indicated, except as may
otherwise be noted therein. The WSI Financial Statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the consolidated financial position of WSI and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of their respective
dates, and their results of operations and cash flows for the year and period, respectively, then
ended.
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3.8 Liabilities
None of the WSI Entities has any Liabilities, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
otherwise, other than (i) as and to the extent set forth in or reserved for in the balance sheet
contained in the WSI Interim Financial Statements or in the notes thereto (together with immaterial
Liabilities not included therein), (ii) current liabilities in respect of trade or business
obligations incurred after the WSI Balance Sheet Date in the Ordinary Course (and not materially
different in type or amount), none of which, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the WSI Entities or the WSI Business,
(iii) other Liabilities that would not be required to be included in a balance sheet prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, none of which, individually or in the aggregate has had or would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the WSI Entities of the WSI Business,
(iv) as set forth in Section 3.8 of the WSI Disclosure Letter, and (v) any
Liabilities arising as a result of the Transactions. The only material Liabilities of the WSI
Entities are, and immediately after the Closing will be, Liabilities with respect to the WSI
Business or arising from the Transactions.
3.9 Properties; Encumbrances; Condition; Leases; Licenses
3.9.1. Real Property.
3.9.1.1. The WSI Entities, as applicable, have good, valid and marketable
title, in fee simple, to all their material owned real property (in this
Article III the “Owned Real Property”), and, as of the Closing Date, such
Owned Real Property shall be free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens.
A list of the Owned Real Property and the municipal address of each such property
is listed in Section 3.9.1.1 of the WSI Disclosure Letter.
3.9.1.2. The WSI Entities, as applicable, have good and valid leasehold title
to all their material leased real property (in this Article III, the
“Leased Real Property”, and collectively with the Owned Real Property, the “Real
Property”), and, as of the Closing Date, such leasehold title shall be free and
clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens and restrictions contained in the
relevant lease and any restrictions imposed by operating permits relating to such
Leased Real Property. A list of the Leased Real Property and the municipal
address of each such property is listed in Section 3.9.1.2 of the WSI
Disclosure Letter. A correct and complete copy of each lease relating to a
Leased Real Property, and all amendments, modifications, assignment or other
changes thereto will have been delivered or made available to IESI-BFC within
seven (7) Business Days after the date hereof. The WSI Entities, as applicable,
have the right to use such Leased Real Property in accordance with the terms
of the applicable lease for the conduct of its business as presently conducted in
all material respects. All leases relating to the Leased Real Property are in
writing, valid, binding and in full force and effect. There has been no material
breach of or default under any lease relating to the Leased Real Property by any
of the WSI Entities or, to WSI’s Knowledge, any other Person, which breach or
default has not been cured or waived and no event has occurred which, with notice
or lapse of time or both, may constitute a material breach or default.
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3.9.1.3. To WSI’s Knowledge, the Real Property and its current uses conform
in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including those relating to
zoning, environmental and health and safety standards.
3.9.1.4. To WSI’s Knowledge, no part of the Real Property is subject to any
building or use restriction that would restrict or prevent the use and operation
of the Real Property for the WSI Business in the same manner as prior to the
Closing.
3.9.1.5. Any material buildings, plants and other structures or improvements
constituting part of the Real Property are being maintained by the WSI Entities in
good working condition and repair in all material respects (ordinary wear and tear
excepted) and have no material structural or other defects.
3.9.1.6. To WSI’s Knowledge, there is no material proposed or pending
assessment or any condemnation, expropriation, taking by eminent domain or similar
proceedings with respect to all or any portion of the Real Property, and none of
the WSI Entities has received any written or oral notice thereof.
3.9.1.7. There are no outstanding agreements, options, contracts or
commitments to sell, transfer, terminate, surrender, disclaim or otherwise dispose
of all or part of the Real Property. The WSI Entities have all rights to possess,
use and occupy the Real Property as necessary for the conduct of the WSI Business.
3.10 Patents; Trademarks; Other Intellectual Property
The WSI Entities are the exclusive owners of or have a valid license to use all Intellectual
Property used in or necessary to conduct the WSI Business as presently conducted (the “WSI
Intellectual Property”) and, as of the Closing Date, such WSI Intellectual Property shall be free
and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens and restrictions imposed by the terms of any
relevant license in the case of any licensed WSI Intellectual Property. Neither the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by the Parties thereto, nor the completion of the Transactions will in
any way affect the continuation, validity or effectiveness of the WSI Intellectual Property or
require the consent, waiver, approval, authorization of, notice to, or designation, registration,
declaration or filing with, any party or third party in respect of the WSI Intellectual Property,
except as would not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No WSI Entity
is in material breach of any license to use the WSI Intellectual
Property. To WSI’s Knowledge: (i) the conduct of the WSI Business does not infringe, misappropriate or
otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of any third Person and no claims or proceedings
have been instituted or threatened alleging such infringement, misappropriation or violation; and
(ii) no other Person has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated any of the rights in the
WSI Intellectual Property owned by a WSI Entity, and no claims or proceedings have been instituted
or threatened, alleging any such infringement, misappropriation or violation.
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3.11 Contracts
Correct and complete copies of all of the material Contracts to which any of the WSI Entities
is bound (including all amendments thereto and restatements thereof) (in this Article III,
collectively, the “Material Contracts”) will have been delivered or made available to IESI-BFC
within seven (7) Business Days after the date hereof. Each of the Material Contracts is in full
force and effect and is valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms, except where
the failure to be so valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect have not had and
would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect. None of the WSI Entities is in default under any of the Material Contracts, and no event
has occurred or, as a result of the Transactions will occur, which with the giving of notice, the
lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default thereunder or result in any violation or breach
thereof, except for such breaches that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.12 No Litigation
There is no material claim, dispute or Action pending or, to WSI’s Knowledge, threatened with
respect to the WSI Business, any WSI Entity, any of their respective partners, directors, managers
or officers that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would be reasonably expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect. No WSI Entity is subject to any Order entered in any lawsuit,
arbitration or similar proceeding that individually or in the aggregate has or would be reasonably
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.13 Taxes
Except as set forth in Section 3.13 of the WSI Disclosure Letter:
3.13.1. The WSI Entities have timely filed all material Tax Returns required to be
filed by the WSI Entities in accordance with all applicable Laws with the appropriate
Governmental Authority in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be
filed. All such material Tax Returns are correct and complete in all material respects.
All Taxes owed and due by each of the WSI Entities (whether or not shown on any Tax Return)
have been fully and timely paid by the WSI Entity responsible therefor or have been
adequately provided for in the form of a reserve in the appropriate WSI Books and Records.
The WSI Entities have maintained adequate provision on their Books and Records for all
material Taxes that have accrued but are not yet due. None of the WSI Entities has received
written notice of any claim made by any Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction where a
WSI Entity did not file Tax Returns that any of the WSI Entities was or may be subject to
taxation therein.
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3.13.2. No waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations for the
filing of any material Tax Returns, payment of any material Taxes or the assessment,
reassessment or collection of any material Taxes by the WSI Entities are outstanding. All
deficiencies proposed as a result of any audits or any other action or proceeding by a
Governmental Authority for assessment, reassessment or collection of material Taxes relating
to the WSI Entities have been paid or settled. None of the WSI Entities is negotiating any
material draft assessment or reassessment with any Taxing Authority. Based on WSI’s
Knowledge, there is no material dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of any of the
WSI Entities. None of the WSI Entities has received written notice of any pending federal,
state, provincial, local or foreign material Tax audit or assessment of any of the WSI
Entities and, to WSI’s Knowledge, no such Tax audit or assessment is threatened against any
of the WSI Entities.
3.13.3. Each of the WSI Entities has in all material respects withheld, collected,
deposited and paid when due all Taxes required to have been withheld, collected, deposited
and paid under all applicable Laws to the relevant Governmental Authority or other relevant
Taxing Authority. No Liens for Taxes exist with respect to any assets or properties of the
WSI Entities, except for Permitted Liens.
3.13.4. None of the WSI Entities is a party to, is bound by or has any obligation
under, any Tax sharing, indemnification or similar agreement.
3.13.5. The WSI Entities do not have any actual or potential liability under Treasury
Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any comparable or similar provision of any federal, state,
provincial, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, pursuant to any contractual
obligation, or otherwise for any Taxes of any Person other than the WSI Entities.
3.13.6. There are no material adjustments under Section 481 of the Code (or any similar
adjustments under any provision of the Code or any comparable or similar foreign, state,
provincial or local Tax Laws) that are required to be taken into account by the WSI Entities
in any period ending after the Closing Date by reason of a change in method of accounting in
any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date.
3.14 Insurance
Each of the WSI Entities maintains (or there is maintained on its behalf) insurance coverage
with reputable insurers in such amounts and covering such risks and with such deductibles as is
generally maintained by comparable businesses. The coverage under such policies is in full force
and effect, all premiums on such policies have been paid in full in a timely manner and the WSI
Entities have not received written notice of threatened termination with respect to any such
policy.
3.15 Permits
The WSI Entities hold or have the benefit of all material Permits required for the conduct of
the WSI Business as presently conducted (the “WSI Permits”). All the WSI Permits are in full force
and effect and no WSI Entity has engaged in any activity which would cause or permit revocation or
suspension of any WSI Permit, and no action or proceeding looking to or
contemplating the revocation or suspension of any WSI Permit is pending. WSI has not received
written notice of any existing material defaults or material events of default or events or states
of fact which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a material default by any WSI
Entity under any WSI Permit.
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3.16 Compliance with Laws; Regulatory Matters
(i) Each of the WSI Entities is in compliance with and has conducted their business in
compliance with all applicable Laws, including without limitation, the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act and any applicable foreign corrupt practice Law, and Orders, except for instances of
non-compliance which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) none of the WSI Entities has received any
written communication during the past three years from a Governmental Authority that alleges that
any of the WSI Entities is not in compliance in any material respect with any applicable Law or
Order. None of the WSI Entities have received notice that any investigation or review of the WSI
Entities or the WSI Business by any Governmental Authority is pending. This Section 3.16
does not relate to matters with respect to Taxes, or Environmental Requirements, which are subject
of Sections 3.13 and 3.17 respectively.
3.17 Environmental Matters
Except for matters that have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect or as set forth in Section 3.17 of the WSI Disclosure Letter:
3.17.1. each WSI Entity, the WSI Business and the Real Property is and has been in
compliance with all applicable Environmental Requirements;
3.17.2. each WSI Entity has obtained all Permits and maintained and complied with all
such Permits required for its operations under applicable Environmental Requirements;
3.17.3. there are no pending or, to WSI’s Knowledge, threatened Environmental Claims
against or affecting any WSI Entity, the WSI Business, any Real Property or, to WSI’s
Knowledge, any Former Real Property;
3.17.4. to WSI’s Knowledge, none of the WSI Entities or any of their predecessors has
handled, Released or disposed of, nor to WSI’s Knowledge have they allowed or arranged for
any third party to handle, Release, or dispose of, any Hazardous Waste;
3.17.5. to WSI’s Knowledge, none of the WSI Entities or any of their predecessors has
handled, Released or disposed of, nor have they allowed or arranged for any third party to
handle, Release or dispose of, any waste to, at or upon: (i) any location other than a site
lawfully permitted to receive such waste; or (ii) any site which, pursuant to any
Environmental Requirements, (x) has been placed on the National Priorities List or its
state, local or Canadian federal or provincial equivalent, or (y) the EPA or the relevant
state, local or Canadian federal or provincial agency or other Governmental Authority has
notified any of the WSI Entities that such Governmental Authority has proposed or is
proposing to place on the National Priorities List or its state, local or Canadian
federal or provincial equivalent.
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3.17.6. except as disclosed in Section 3.17.6 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter, no part of the Real Property or Former Real Property has ever been used by the
WSI Entities or, to WSI’s Knowledge, by any of their predecessors or other Person as a
landfill or for the disposal of waste. With respect to the landfills listed in Section
3.17.6 of the WSI Disclosure Letter, there has been no disposal of waste by the
WSI Entities or, to WSI’s Knowledge, by any of their predecessors or other Person except in
those areas approved at the time for the disposal of waste in accordance with Environmental
Requirements and the WSI Permits;
3.17.7. except as set forth in Section 3.17.7 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter, there has been no Release of any Hazardous Material at, from, in, to, on or
under any Real Property or to WSI’s Knowledge, any Former Real Property, that violates any
Environmental Requirement and that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any
Environmental Claim; and
3.17.8. the WSI Entities’ closure and post-closure estimates with respect to each of
its landfills, including future construction and maintenance of all landfill gas control
systems, are adequate to meet applicable closure and post-closure obligations and the
resulting financial assurances are sufficient to meet applicable Environmental Requirements.
3.17(A) Additional Environmental Matters
Section 3.17(A) of the WSI Disclosure Letter lists (i) all material actual and
alleged violations of Environmental Requirements currently outstanding with Governmental
Authorities relating to (x) violations of any Environmental Requirements in relation to the WSI
Entities or the WSI Business; (y) any WSI Permits issued to the WSI Entities; or (z) with respect
to the Real Property, the WSI Business or to WSI’s Knowledge, the Former Real Property, and (ii)
all pending, or to WSI’s Knowledge, threatened, material Environmental Claims against or affecting
any WSI Entity, the WSI Business, any Real Property or to WSI’s Knowledge, any Former Real
Property.
3.18 Compensation; Non-Arm’s Length Arrangements
3.18.1. Except as set forth in Section 3.18.1 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter, neither the execution of this Agreement nor the completion of the Transactions
shall, in and of itself, result in any liability for severance or change of control payments
or similar payment requirements to any employee, officer, director, manager, shareholder,
partner, member, consultant, independent contractor, sales representative, agent or other
Person, or any other related obligations.
3.18.2. As of the Closing Date, the WSI Entities will not have any outstanding loans or
advances to or owe any money or obligations to any officer or director of the WSI Entities
or to any Person who owns 10% or more of the WSI Common Stock or to any family member or
Affiliate of any such Person.
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3.19 Employee Benefit Plans
3.19.1. Except as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect, WSI, the WSI Entities and each of their WSI ERISA Affiliates has complied with the
terms of all agreements and all applicable Laws relating to each of the pension, retirement,
or supplemental retirement income plans or other employee compensation or benefit plans,
agreements, policies, programs, arrangements or practices, whether written or oral, with
respect to which WSI, the WSI Entities or any of their WSI ERISA Affiliates sponsors,
administers or has any liability to make contributions or provide benefits (collectively
referred to as “WSI Applicable Plans”).
3.19.2. No step has been taken, no event has occurred and no condition or circumstance
exists that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in any WSI Applicable
Plan under applicable Laws being ordered or required to be terminated or wound up in whole
or in part or having its registration, qualification or tax exemption under applicable Law
refused or revoked, or being placed under the administration of any trustee or receiver or
regulatory authority or being required to pay any material Taxes, fees, penalties or levies
under applicable Laws. There are no Actions, suits, claims (other than routine claims for
payment of benefits in the Ordinary Course), trials, demands, investigations, arbitrations
or other proceedings which are pending or, to WSI’s Knowledge, threatened in respect of any
of the WSI Applicable Plans or their assets which would have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
3.19.3. Except as set forth in Section 3.19.3 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter and except as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect (i) neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation
of the Transactions will (either alone or in conjunction with any other event, including
termination of employment) result in, cause the accelerated vesting or delivery of, or
increase the amount or value of, any payment or benefit to any employee, officer or director
of WSI, the WSI Entities or any WSI ERISA Affiliates; (ii) WSI, the WSI Entities and each
WSI ERISA Affiliate has made all contributions required under applicable Law to fund their
liabilities in respect of any WSI Applicable Plan including going concern unfunded
liabilities, solvency deficiencies or wind-up deficiencies, where applicable; (iii) each WSI
Applicable Plan that is required by Laws to be funded is fully funded on a going concern,
solvency and wind-up basis; and (iv) none of the WSI Applicable Plans provide
post-retirement health care continuation coverage and/or other benefits beyond retirement or
other termination of service to employees or former employees or to the beneficiaries or
dependents of such employees (except to the extent required under COBRA).
3.19.4. Except as set forth in Section 3.19.4 of the WSI Disclosure
Letter, neither WSI nor any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to make any payments or is
a party to any agreement that would obligate it to make any payments as a result of the
transactions contemplated under this Agreement that would not, to the extent otherwise
deductible under Section 162 of the Code, be deductible under Section 280G of the Code
(taking into account only compensation payable pursuant to agreements of WSI and the
Subsidiaries which are in force prior to the Closing).
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3.20 Labor Relations
There have been no material violations of any Laws with respect to the current or former
employees, employment practices or work conditions of any WSI Entity, or the terms and conditions
of employment, wages and hours. No WSI Entity is engaged in any unfair labor or other unlawful
employment practice and there are no material charges of unfair labor practices (as defined under
applicable Law) or other employment related claims, complaints or actions pending or, to WSI’s
Knowledge, threatened against any WSI Entity before any domestic or foreign Governmental Authority.
There is no strike, picketing, slowdown, work stoppage or lock out, or organizational attempt
pending against or involving any WSI Entity or the WSI Business. To WSI’s Knowledge, no issue with
respect to union representation is pending with respect to the employees of any WSI Entity. Except
as set forth in Section 3.20 of the WSI Disclosure Letter, no union or collective
bargaining agent or other labor organization has ever been certified or recognized by the WSI
Entities as the representative of any of the employees of any WSI Entity.
3.21 Customers and Suppliers
Since January 1, 2009, there has been no termination or cancellation of, and no modification
or change in, the WSI Entities’ business relationship with any customers or suppliers which would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the WSI Entities or the WSI Business.
3.22 No Changes
Except as set forth in Section 3.22 of the WSI Disclosure Letter, since
January 1, 2009, none of the WSI Entities has:
3.22.1. discharged or satisfied any material Liens or Liabilities, whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to become due, other than current
Liabilities shown on the balance sheet contained in the WSI Audited Financial Statements and
current Liabilities incurred since January 1, 2009 in the Ordinary Course; and each WSI
Entity has discharged or satisfied any such material Liabilities when due;
3.22.2. permitted any of its assets with a value in excess of $1,000,000 to be
subjected to any Lien except for Permitted Liens;
3.22.3. sold, leased, transferred, terminated, surrendered, disclaimed or otherwise
disposed of any assets with a value in excess of $500,000, individually or in the aggregate,
except in the Ordinary Course;
3.22.4. made any capital expenditure other than capital expenditures that are (i) in
the ordinary course of carrying on the WSI Business or used for ordinary repairs necessary
to maintain its property and facilities or (ii) less than $500,000 individually or less than
$1,000,000 in the aggregate for all WSI Entities;
3.22.5. declared, set aside, made or paid any dividend, or any other distribution with
respect to its capital stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership
interests, as applicable, other than to another WSI Entity;
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3.22.6. redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired or disposed of any of its capital
stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership interests, as applicable,
other than any such capital stock, partnership or membership interest or other ownership
interests held by another WSI Entity;
3.22.7. increased its Indebtedness in any material respect or made any material loan or
advance to any Person, except in the Ordinary Course;
3.22.8. cancelled or waived any material debts, material claims or rights of material
value, except in the Ordinary Course;
3.22.9. made any change in methods, principles or practices of accounting or auditing
other than as required by U.S. GAAP;
3.22.10. conducted its business or entered into any material transaction, except in the
Ordinary Course;
3.22.11. suffered any material damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by
insurance;
3.22.12. made any material changes in the compensation, commission, bonus, benefits,
pension or other direct or indirect remuneration payable or to become payable to its
directors, managers, officers, employees, independent contractors or agents, including any
improvements to severance or termination pay, except (i) as required by Law, or (ii) salary
increases in the Ordinary Course;
3.22.13. effected any revaluing of any of the assets or liabilities of the WSI
Business, including writing up, writing down or writing off the value of inventory, accounts
receivable or Intellectual Property, except for any such revaluing in the Ordinary Course or
which, individually or in the aggregate, is immaterial to the WSI Business;
3.22.14. become subject to any material labor dispute or, to WSI’s Knowledge,
threatened material labor dispute involving the employees of any WSI Entity or the WSI
Business;
3.22.15. changed in any material respect the methods or procedures for billing or
collection of customer accounts or recording of customer accounts receivable or reserves for
doubtful accounts; or
3.22.16. authorized or made a commitment, whether or not in writing, to do any of the
foregoing.
Since January 1, 2009, there has been no Material Adverse Effect relating to the WSI Entities
or the WSI Business.
3.23 No Broker’s or Finder’s Fees
Other than as set forth in Section 3.23 of the WSI Disclosure Letter, no
agent, broker, investment bank or other Person acting or purporting to act on behalf of any of the
WSI
Entities is, or will be, entitled to any commission or broker’s or finder’s fee respecting the
Transactions from any of the WSI Entities or the IESI-BFC Entities.
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3.24 Registration Statement/Proxy Statement Disclosure
As of the date of its filing with the SEC, the date it becomes effective under the U.S.
Securities Act and as of the Closing Date, the Registration Statement on Form F-4 (including the
proxy statement relating to the WSI Stockholder Meeting contained therein) to be filed by IESI-BFC
with the SEC in connection with the Merger, and any amendments and supplements thereto (the
“Registration Statement”) will contain full, true and plain disclosure of all material facts
relating to the WSI Business and the WSI Entities and will not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, with respect
to the WSI Business or the WSI Entities.
3.25 Vote Required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of WSI Common
Stock is the only vote or consent of the holders of any classes or series of WSI’s capital stock
necessary to approve this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby,
including the Merger.
Article IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF IESI-BFC
IESI-BFC represents and warrants to WSI that, except as disclosed in the IESI-BFC Securities
Documents filed prior to the date hereof or as set forth in the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter (which
exceptions shall not apply in the case of Sections 4.1 to 4.5 inclusive,
4.13, 4.17, 4.17(A), 4.23, 4.24 and 4.25, except in
the case of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter where such letter is specifically referred to in such
Sections):
4.1 Authorization
Each of IESI-BFC and Merger Sub has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder, including the completion of the
Transactions. The board of directors of IESI-BFC has unanimously approved this Agreement and the
Transactions. The execution, delivery and performance by each of IESI-BFC and Merger Sub of this
Agreement, including the completion of the Transactions, have been duly authorized by all necessary
(corporate or other organizational) action on the part of IESI-BFC and Merger Sub and their
directors, and no other action on the part of IESI-BFC or Merger Sub or their directors is
necessary to authorize such execution, delivery or performance. No approval of the stockholders of
IESI-BFC is required in connection with the Merger and this Agreement pursuant to IESI-BFC’s
statute of incorporation or articles of amalgamation and by-laws.
4.2 Existence and Good Standing; Authority; Binding Obligation
4.2.1. Each IESI-BFC Entity is an organization duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing (where such concept is recognized) under the laws of its jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization. Assuming in each case valid execution and delivery
by the parties thereto (other than the IESI-BFC Entities), this Agreement constitutes legal,
valid and binding obligations of each IESI-BFC Entity that is a party thereto enforceable
against each such IESI-BFC Entity in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by
the Enforcement Qualifications.
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4.2.2. Each IESI-BFC Entity has the full entity power and authority to own, lease and
operate its assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each IESI-BFC
Entity is qualified to do business in every jurisdiction where the character or location of
the properties owned or leased by it, or the nature of the business conducted by it,
requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a
Material Adverse Effect on the IESI-BFC Entities or the IESI-BFC Business. Each IESI-BFC
Entity shall have provided or made available within seven (7) Business Days after the date
hereof to WSI correct and complete copies of all its organizational and governing documents,
including all amendments thereto and restatements thereof. None of the IESI-BFC Entities is
in default of any of the terms or conditions of any of its organizational and governing
documents. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the IESI-BFC Entities,
as applicable, nor the performance of their respective obligations thereunder, including the
completion of the Transactions, conflict with or will conflict with or violate or will
violate any provision of their respective organizational or governing documents.
4.3 Existing Structure; Subsidiaries and Investments
4.3.1. Section 4.3.1 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter sets forth a
correct and complete chart showing the names, jurisdictions of organization and the
ownership of each IESI-BFC Entity (including the authorized, issued and outstanding capital
stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership interests of each IESI-BFC
Entity) as of the date of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter. Other than as set forth
in Section 4.3.1 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, no Person has any record
or beneficial ownership interests in any IESI-BFC Entity (excluding any ownership interest
in IESI-BFC). All shares of capital stock, partnership or membership interests or other
ownership interests so indicated in Section 4.3.1 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter as being issued and outstanding have been validly issued and are fully paid and
non-assessable securities and all shares of capital stock, partnership or membership
interests or other ownership interests (excluding any ownership interest in IESI-BFC) are
owned as indicated in Section 4.3.1 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, free
and clear of any Lien other than as set out in Section 4.3.1 of the IESI-BFC
Disclosure Letter. Other than as set forth in Section 4.3.1 of the IESI-BFC
Disclosure Letter there are no restrictions on the voting rights (including voting
trusts or proxies), or sale or transfer (including agreements relating to pre-emptive
rights, rights of first refusal, co-sale rights or “drag-along” rights) of any securities of
any IESI-BFC Entity or any registration rights with respect to any IESI-BFC Entity, other
than pursuant to this Agreement. All shares of IESI-BFC issued at the Closing pursuant to
Article II will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable, and free and clear of any Lien.
4.3.2. Except as set forth in Section 4.3.2 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter, or as contemplated by this Agreement, none of the IESI-BFC Entities directly or
indirectly owns or has any commitment to purchase any capital stock, partnership, membership
or
other equity, ownership or proprietary interest in any Person, nor does any IESI-BFC
Entity have any direct or indirect Subsidiary.
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4.4 Capital Structure
4.4.1. The authorized share capital of IESI-BFC as of the date of this Agreement
consists of (i) an unlimited number of common shares, (ii) an unlimited number of special
shares and (iii) an unlimited number of preferred shares issuable in series.
4.4.2. As of the close of business on the day prior to the date hereof: (i) 82,336,148
common shares were issued and outstanding; (ii) 11,095,233 special shares were issued and
outstanding, (iii) 110,952.33 participating preferred shares in the capital of IESI
Corporation were issued and outstanding and are exchangeable for 11,095,233 common shares in
the capital of IESI-BFC pursuant to an amended and restated securityholders’ agreement dated
October 1, 2008 (the “Securityholders’ Agreement”), (iv) no preferred shares were issued or
outstanding and (v) 4,000,000 common shares of IESI-BFC were duly reserved for future
issuance pursuant to IESI-BFC employee stock option plans and other incentive arrangements,
with options to acquire an aggregate of 2,245,500 common shares of IESI-BFC granted at the
date of this Agreement. Except as described above, as of the date of this Agreement, there
were no shares of voting or non-voting capital stock, equity interests or other equity
securities of IESI-BFC authorized, issued, reserved for issuance or otherwise outstanding.
4.4.3. All outstanding common shares of IESI-BFC are, and all shares which may be
issued pursuant to the IESI-BFC employee stock option plans and other incentive
arrangements, will be, when issued against payment therefor in accordance with the terms
thereof, duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and not subject to,
or issued in violation of, any preemptive, subscription or any kind of similar rights.
IESI-BFC has no outstanding common shares of IESI-BFC that are subject to a right of
repurchase.
4.4.4. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of IESI-BFC having
the right to vote (or convertible into securities having the right to vote) on any matters
on which shareholders of IESI-BFC may vote. Except as described in this Section 4.4
and as provided in the Securityholders’ Agreement, there are no outstanding securities,
options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of
any kind (contingent or otherwise) to which IESI-BFC is a party or bound obligating IESI-BFC
to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares or
other voting or equity securities of IESI-BFC or obligating IESI-BFC to issue, grant, extend
or enter into any agreement to issue, grant or extend any security, option, warrant, call,
right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or undertaking relating to the issuance of any
shares or other voting or equity securities of IESI-BFC.
4.4.5. All of the issued and outstanding common shares, all of the issued and
outstanding special shares and all of the issued and outstanding options were issued in
material compliance with all applicable securities Laws.
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4.4.6. Other than as provided in the Securityholders’ Agreement with respect to the
right to exchange participating preferred shares of IESI Corporation for shares of IESI-BFC
common stock, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of IESI-BFC to repurchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire any shares in the capital of IESI-BFC (or options or warrants to
acquire any such shares) or other security or equity interests of IESI-BFC. Other than the
IESI-BFC Long-Term Incentive Plan and this Agreement, there are no stock-appreciation
rights, security-based performance units, phantom stock or other security rights or other
agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character (contingent or otherwise) pursuant
to which any Person is or may be entitled to receive any payment or other value based on the
revenues, earnings or financial performance, stock price performance or other attribute of
IESI-BFC or any of its Subsidiaries or assets or calculated in accordance therewith of
IESI-BFC or, other than as provided in the Securityholders’ Agreement, to cause IESI-BFC or
any of its Subsidiaries to file a registration statement under securities Laws, or which
otherwise relate to the registration of any securities of IESI-BFC or any of its
Subsidiaries.
4.4.7. Other than as provided in the Securityholders’ Agreement, there are no voting
trusts, proxies or other agreements, commitments or understandings to which IESI-BFC or any
of its Subsidiaries or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, any of the shareholders of IESI-BFC, is a
party or by which any of them is bound with respect to the issuance, holding, acquisition,
voting or disposition of any shares in the capital of IESI-BFC or other security or equity
interest of IESI-BFC or any of its Subsidiaries.
4.5 No Conflicts; Consents
4.5.1. Except as set forth in Section 4.5.1 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter (together with the matters set forth in Section 4.5.2 of the IESI-BFC
Disclosure Letter, the “IESI-BFC Consents”), the execution, delivery and performance by
the IESI-BFC Entities of this Agreement do not, the consummation of the Merger and the other
Transactions and compliance with the terms hereof by the IESI-BFC Entities will not,
conflict with or result in any violation or breach of or default under (with or without
notice or lapse of time, or both) or require the consent of any Person under, or give rise
to a right of payment or reimbursement, or termination, cancellation, modification or
acceleration of any obligation or loss of any material benefit under, or to increased,
additional, accelerated or guaranteed rights or entitlements of any Person under, or result
in the creation of a Lien upon any property or assets of any of the IESI-BFC Entities under
any of the terms, conditions or provisions of (i) the charter, by-laws or other
organizational documents of any of the IESI-BFC Entities, (ii) any Contract, lease, license,
indenture, note, bond, agreement, permit, concession, franchise or other instrument, whether
written or oral, to which any of the IESI-BFC Entities or any of their respective property
or assets is bound, or (iii) other than the matters referred to in Section 4.5.2,
any Law or Order applicable to any of the IESI-BFC Entities or any of their respective
property or assets, other than in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) above, any such items
that, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect and that would not reasonably be expected to prevent or
adversely affect in any material respect the completion of the Transactions or compliance by
any of the IESI-BFC Entities with the terms of this Agreement.
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4.5.2. Except as set forth in Section 4.5.2 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter, no consent, approval, license, permit, Order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required to be
obtained or made by the IESI-BFC Entities in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement by the IESI-BFC Entities or the consummation of the Merger and
the other Transactions in compliance with the terms hereof by the IESI-BFC Entities, other
than (i) compliance with and filings under the HSR Act and the Competition Act, and (ii) the
filing of the Certificate of Merger, except where the failure to obtain or make such,
individually or in the aggregate, has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect and would not reasonably be expected to prevent or adversely affect
in any material respect the completion of the Transactions or compliance by any of the
IESI-BFC Entities with the terms of this Agreement.
4.6 Securities Filings; Compliance
4.6.1. IESI-BFC will have made available within seven (7) Business Days after the date
hereof to WSI (by public filing with the Canadian Securities Commissions or the SEC or
otherwise) a true and complete copy of each report, schedule, prospectus, circular and
information filed by IESI-BFC with the Canadian Securities Commissions or the SEC since
January 1, 2006 (together with all documents filed by IESI-BFC with the Canadian Securities
Commissions or the SEC after the date hereof, the “IESI-BFC Securities Documents”), which
include all the documents (other than preliminary material) that IESI-BFC was required to
file with Canadian Securities Commissions or the SEC since January 1, 2006 pursuant to
Canadian Securities Laws or U.S. federal securities Laws. IESI-BFC shall deliver (including
by public filing with the SEC or Canadian Securities Commissions if WSI and its counsel are
notified in writing contemporaneously with such filing) to WSI a true and complete copy of
each document filed or furnished to the Canadian Securities Commissions or the SEC after the
date hereof. As of their respective filing dates and giving effect to any amendments and
supplements that have been filed and made publicly available prior to the making of this
representation and warranty, the IESI-BFC Securities Documents complied (and will comply in
the case of all documents filed after the date hereof) in all material respects with the
requirements of Canadian Securities Laws or U.S. federal securities Laws applicable to such
IESI-BFC Securities Documents, and none of the IESI-BFC Securities Documents contained (or
will contain in the case of documents filed after the date hereof) a misrepresentation (as
defined in Canadian Securities Laws).
4.6.2. As of the date hereof, IESI-BFC is in compliance in all material respects with
all applicable requirements of Canadian Securities Laws or U.S. federal securities Laws and
the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
4.6.3. Management of the IESI-BFC Entities has designed and implemented disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Multilateral Instrument 52-109) to provide reasonable
assurance that material information relating to IESI-BFC (including its consolidated
Subsidiaries) is made known to the management of the IESI-BFC Entities by others within
those entities. To IESI-BFC’s Knowledge such disclosure controls and procedures are
effective for such purposes. The management of the IESI-BFC Entities has designed and
implemented internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Multilateral
Instrument 52-109) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To IESI-BFC’s Knowledge such internal
controls are effective for such purpose. Since the date of the filing of IESI-BFC’s most
recent interim report for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, management of the IESI-BFC
Entities has disclosed to IESI-BFC’s outside auditors and the audit committee of IESI-BFC
(i) any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation internal
control over financial reporting which exist to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge and are reasonably
likely to adversely affect IESI-BFC’s ability to record, process, summarize and report
financial information, or (ii) any fraud to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, whether or not material,
that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in IESI-BFC’s
internal control over financial reporting.
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4.6.4. Since January 1, 2007, (i) neither IESI-BFC nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor to
IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, any director, officer, employee, auditor, accountant or representative
of IESI-BFC or any Subsidiary of IESI-BFC has received or otherwise 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 IESI-BFC or
any Subsidiary of IESI-BFC or their respective internal accounting controls, including any
material complaint, allegation, assertion or claim that IESI-BFC or any Subsidiary of
IESI-BFC has engaged in questionable accounting or auditing practices, and (ii) to
IESI-BFC’s Knowledge no attorney representing IESI-BFC or any Subsidiary of IESI-BFC,
whether or not employed by IESI-BFC or any Subsidiary of IESI-BFC, has reported evidence of
a material violation of Canadian Securities Laws, breach of fiduciary duty or similar
violation by IESI-BFC or any Subsidiary of IESI-BFC or any of their directors, officers,
employees or agents to the board of directors of IESI-BFC or any committee thereof or to any
director or executive officer of IESI-BFC.
4.7 Financial Statements
(i) The audited consolidated financial statements of IESI-BFC for the year ended December 31,
2008 (such financial statements, the “IESI-BFC Audited Financial Statements”), and (ii) the interim
unaudited consolidated financial statements of IESI-BFC for the nine months ended September 30,
2009 (such financial statements, the “IESI-BFC Interim Financial Statements” and, together with the
IESI-BFC Audited Financial Statements, the “IESI-BFC Financial Statements” and such date, the
“IESI-BFC Balance Sheet Date”), have been prepared from the Books and Records of IESI-BFC and in
accordance with Canadian or U.S. GAAP as indicated in such statements (subject to usual year-end
adjustments in the case of the IESI-BFC Interim Financial Statements, none of which, individually
or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect) consistently applied throughout the
periods indicated, except as may otherwise be noted therein. The IESI-BFC Financial Statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of IESI-BFC and its
consolidated Subsidiaries as of their respective dates, and their results of operations and cash
flows for the year and period, respectively, then ended.
4.8 Liabilities
None of the IESI-BFC Entities has any Liabilities, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or
otherwise, other than (i) as and to the extent set forth in or reserved for in the balance sheet
contained in the IESI-BFC Interim Financial Statements or in the
notes thereto (together with immaterial liabilities not included therein), (ii) current liabilities in
respect of trade or business obligations incurred after the IESI-BFC Balance Sheet Date in the
Ordinary Course (and not materially different in type or amount), none of which, separately or in
the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
IESI-BFC Entities or the IESI-BFC Business, (iii) other Liabilities that would not be required to
be included in a balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, none of which individually or
in the aggregate has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
IESI-BFC Entities or the IESI-BFC Business; (iv) as set forth in Section 4.8 of the
IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, and (v) any Liabilities arising as a result of the
Transactions. The only material Liabilities of the IESI-BFC Entities are, and immediately after
the Closing will be, Liabilities with respect to the IESI-BFC Business or arising from the
Transactions.
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4.9 Properties; Encumbrances; Condition; Leases; Licenses
4.9.1. Real Property.
4.9.1.1. The IESI-BFC Entities, as applicable, have good, valid and
marketable title, in fee simple, to all their material owned real property (in
this Article IV the “Owned Real Property”), and, as of the Closing Date,
such Owned Real Property shall be free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted
Liens. A list of the Owned Real Property and the municipal address of each such
property is listed in Section 4.9.1.1 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter.
4.9.1.2. The IESI-BFC Entities, as applicable, have good and valid leasehold
title to all their material leased real property (in this Article IV, the
“Leased Real Property”, and collectively with the Owned Real Property, the “Real
Property”), and, as of the Closing Date, such leasehold title shall be free and
clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens and restrictions contained in the
relevant lease and any restrictions imposed by operating permits relating to such
Leased Real Property. A list of the Leased Real Property and the municipal address
of each such property is listed in Section 4.9.1.2 of the IESI-BFC
Disclosure Letter. A correct and complete copy of each lease relating to a
Leased Real Property, and all amendments, modifications, assignment or other
changes thereto will have been delivered or made available to WSI within seven (7)
Business Days after the date hereof. The IESI-BFC Entities, as applicable, have
the right to use such Leased Real Property in accordance with the terms of the
applicable lease for the conduct of its business as presently conducted in all
material respects. All leases relating to the Leased Real Property are in writing,
valid, binding and in full force and effect. There has been no material breach of
or default under any lease relating to the Leased Real Property by any of the
IESI-BFC Entities or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, any other Person which breach or
default has not been cured or waived and no event has occurred which, with notice
or lapse of time or both, may constitute a material breach or default.
4.9.1.3. To IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, the Real Property and its current uses
conform in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including those
relating to zoning, environmental and health and safety standards.
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4.9.1.4. To IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, no part of the Real Property is subject to
any building or use restriction that would restrict or prevent the use and
operation of the Real Property for the IESI-BFC Business in the same manner as
prior to the Closing.
4.9.1.5. Any material buildings, plants and other structures or improvements
constituting part of the Real Property are being maintained by the IESI-BFC
Entities in good working condition and repair in all material respects (ordinary
wear and tear excepted) and have no material structural or other defects.
4.9.1.6. To IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, there is no material proposed or pending
assessment or any condemnation, expropriation, taking by eminent domain or similar
proceedings with respect to all or any portion of the Real Property, and none of
the IESI-BFC Entities has received any written or oral notice thereof.
4.9.1.7. There are no outstanding agreements, options, contracts or
commitments to sell, transfer, terminate, surrender, disclaim or otherwise dispose
of all or part of the Real Property. IESI-BFC’s Entities have all rights to
possess, use and occupy the Real Property as necessary for the conduct of the
IESI-BFC Business.
4.10 Patents; Trademarks; Other Intellectual Property
The IESI-BFC Entities are the exclusive owners of or have a valid license to use all
Intellectual Property used in or necessary to conduct the IESI-BFC Business as presently conducted
(the “IESI-BFC Intellectual Property”) and, as of the Closing Date, such IESI-BFC Intellectual
Property shall be free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens and restrictions imposed by
the terms of any relevant license in the case of any licensed IESI-BFC Intellectual Property.
Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Parties thereto, nor the completion of
the Transactions will in any way affect the continuation, validity or effectiveness of the IESI-BFC
Intellectual Property or require the consent, waiver, approval, authorization of, notice to, or
designation, registration, declaration or filing with, any party or third party in respect of the
IESI-BFC Intellectual Property, except as would not be reasonably expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect. No IESI-BFC Entity is in material breach of any license to use IESI-BFC
Intellectual Property. To IESI-BFC’s Knowledge: (i) the conduct of the IESI-BFC Business does not
infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate the intellectual property rights of any third Person
and no claims or proceedings have been instituted or threatened alleging such infringement,
misappropriation or violation; and (ii) no other Person has infringed, misappropriated or otherwise
violated any of the rights in the IESI-BFC Intellectual Property owned by a IESI-BFC Entity, and no
claims or proceedings have been instituted or threatened, alleging any such infringement,
misappropriation or violation.
4.11 Contracts
Correct and complete copies of all of the material Contracts to which any of the IESI-BFC
Entities is bound (including all amendments thereto and restatements thereof) (in this Article
IV, collectively, the “Material Contracts”) will have been delivered or made available
to WSI within seven (7) Business Days after the date hereof. Each of the Material Contracts
is in full force and effect and is valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms,
except where the failure to be so valid, binding and enforceable and in full force and effect have
not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect. None of the IESI-BFC Entities is in default under any of the Material Contracts,
and no event has occurred or, as a result of the Transactions will occur, which, with the giving of
notice, the lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default thereunder or result in any
violation or breach thereof, except for such breaches that, individually or in the aggregate, have
not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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4.12 No Litigation
There is no material claim, dispute or Action pending or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, threatened
with respect to the IESI-BFC Business, any IESI-BFC Entity, any of their respective partners,
directors, managers or officers that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would be
reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No IESI-BFC Entity is subject to any Order
entered in any lawsuit, arbitration or similar proceeding that individually or in the aggregate has
or would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.13 Taxes
Except as set forth in Section 4.13 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter:
4.13.1. The IESI-BFC Entities have timely filed all material Tax Returns required to be
filed by the IESI-BFC Entities in accordance with all applicable Laws with the appropriate
Governmental Authority in all jurisdictions in which such Tax Returns are required to be
filed. All such material Tax Returns are correct and complete in all material respects.
All Taxes owed and due by each of the IESI-BFC Entities (whether or not shown on any Tax
Return) have been fully and timely paid by the IESI-BFC Entity responsible therefor or have
been adequately provided for in the form of a reserve in the appropriate IESI-BFC Books and
Records. The IESI-BFC Entities have maintained adequate provision on their Books and
Records for all material Taxes that have accrued but are not yet due. None of the IESI-BFC
Entities has received written notice of any claim made by any Governmental Authority in any
jurisdiction where a IESI-BFC Entity did not file Tax Returns that any of the IESI-BFC
Entities was or may be subject to taxation therein.
4.13.2. No waivers or extensions of any applicable statute of limitations for the
filing of any material Tax Returns, payment of any material Taxes or the assessment,
reassessment or collection of any material Taxes by the IESI-BFC Entities are outstanding.
All deficiencies proposed as a result of any audits or any other action or proceeding by a
Governmental Authority for assessment, reassessment or collection of material Taxes relating
to the IESI-BFC Entities have been paid or settled. None of the IESI-BFC Entities is
negotiating any material draft assessment or reassessment with any Taxing Authority. Based
on IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, there is no material dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability
of any of the IESI-BFC Entities. None of the IESI-BFC Entities has received written notice
of any pending federal, provincial, state, local or foreign material Tax audit or assessment
of any of the IESI-BFC Entities and, to IESI-
BFC’s Knowledge, no such Tax audit or assessment is threatened against any of the
IESI-BFC Entities.
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4.13.3. Each of the IESI-BFC Entities has in all material respects withheld, collected,
deposited and paid when due all Taxes required to have been withheld, collected, deposited
and paid under all applicable Laws to the relevant Governmental Authority or other relevant
Taxing Authority. No Liens for Taxes exist with respect to any assets or properties of the
IESI-BFC Entities, except for Permitted Liens.
4.13.4. None of the IESI-BFC Entities is a party to, is bound by or has any obligation
under, any Tax sharing, indemnification or similar agreement.
4.13.5. The IESI-BFC Entities do not have any actual or potential liability under
Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any comparable or similar provision of any
federal, state, provincial, local or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, pursuant to
any contractual obligation, or otherwise for any Taxes of any Person other than the IESI-BFC
Entities.
4.13.6. There are no material adjustments under Section 481 of the Code (or any similar
adjustments under any provision of the Code or comparable or similar foreign, state,
provincial or local Tax Laws) that are required to be taken into account by the IESI-BFC
Entities in any period ending after the Closing Date by reason of a change in method of
accounting in any taxable period ending on or before the Closing Date.
4.14 Insurance
Each of the IESI-BFC Entities maintains (or there is maintained on its behalf) insurance
coverage with reputable insurers in such amounts and covering such risks and with such deductibles
as is generally maintained by comparable businesses. The coverage under such policies is in full
force and effect, all premiums on such policies have been paid in full in a timely manner and the
IESI-BFC Entities have not received written notice of threatened termination with respect to any
such policy.
4.15 Permits
The IESI-BFC Entities hold or have the benefit of all material Permits for the conduct of the
IESI-BFC Business as presently conducted (the “IESI-BFC Permits”). All the IESI-BFC Permits are in
full force and effect and no IESI-BFC Entity has engaged in any activity which would cause or
permit revocation or suspension of any IESI-BFC Permit, and no action or proceeding looking to or
contemplating the revocation or suspension of any IESI-BFC Permit is pending. IESI-BFC has not
received written notice of any existing material defaults or material events of default or events
or states of fact which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute a material default by
any IESI-BFC Entity under any IESI-BFC Permit.
4.16 Compliance with Laws; Regulatory Matters
(i) Each of the IESI-BFC Entities is in compliance with and has conducted its business in
compliance with all applicable Laws, including without limitation, the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act and any applicable foreign corrupt practice Law, and Orders, except for
instances of non-compliance which, individually or in the aggregate, have not had and would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) none of the IESI-BFC
Entities has received any written communication during the past three years from a Governmental
Authority that alleges that any of the IESI-BFC Entities is not in compliance in any material
respect with any applicable Law or Order. None of the IESI-BFC Entities have received notice that
any investigation or review of the IESI-BFC Entities or the IESI-BFC Business by any Governmental
Authority is pending. This Section 4.16 does not relate to matters with respect to Taxes,
or Environmental Requirements, which are subject of Sections 4.13 and 4.17,
respectively.
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4.17 Environmental Matters
Except for matters that have not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect or as set forth in Section 4.17 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter:
4.17.1. each IESI-BFC Entity, the IESI-BFC Business and the Real Property is and has
been in compliance with all applicable Environmental Requirements;
4.17.2. each IESI-BFC Entity has obtained all Permits and maintained and complied with
all such Permits required for its operations under applicable Environmental Requirements;
4.17.3. there are no pending or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, threatened Environmental
Claims against or affecting any IESI-BFC Entity, the IESI-BFC Business, any Real Property
or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, any Former Real Property;
4.17.4. to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, none of the IESI-BFC Entities or any of their
predecessors has handled, Released or disposed of, nor to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge have they
allowed or arranged for any third party to handle, Release, or dispose of, any Hazardous
Waste;
4.17.5. to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, none of the IESI-BFC Entities or any of their
predecessors has handled, Released or disposed of, nor have they allowed or arranged for any
third party to handle, Release or dispose of, any waste to, at or upon: (i) any location
other than a site lawfully permitted to receive such waste; or (ii) any site which,
pursuant to any Environmental Requirements, (x) has been placed on the National Priorities
List or its state, local or Canadian federal or provincial equivalent, or (y) the EPA or the
relevant state, local or Canadian federal or provincial agency or other Governmental
Authority has notified any of the IESI-BFC Entities that such Governmental Authority has
proposed or is proposing to place on the National Priorities List or its state, local or
Canadian federal or provincial equivalent;
4.17.6. except as disclosed in Section 4.17.6 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter, no part of the Real Property or Former Real Property has ever been used by the
IESI-BFC Entities or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, by any of their predecessors or other Person
as a landfill or for the disposal of waste. With respect to the landfills listed in
Section 4.17.6 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, there has been no disposal
of waste by the IESI-BFC Entities or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, by any of their predecessors
or other Person
except in those areas approved at the time for the disposal of waste in accordance with
Environmental Requirements and the IESI-BFC Permits;
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4.17.7. except as set forth in Section 4.17.7 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter, there has been no Release of any Hazardous Material at, from, in, to, on or
under any Real Property or to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, any Former Real Property, that violates
any Environmental Requirement and that could reasonably be expected to give rise to any
Environmental Claim; and
4.17.8. the IESI-BFC Entities’ closure and post-closure estimates with respect to each
of its landfills, including future construction and maintenance of all landfill gas control
systems, are adequate to meet applicable closure and post-closure obligations and the
resulting financial assurances are sufficient to meet applicable Environmental Requirements.
4.17(A) Additional Environmental Matters
Section 4.17(A) of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter lists (i) all material
actual and alleged violations of Environmental Requirements currently outstanding with Governmental
Authorities relating to (x) violations of any Environmental Requirements in relation to the
IESI-BFC Entities or the IESI-BFC Business; (y) any IESI-BFC Permits issued to the IESI-BFC
Entities; or (z) with respect to the Real Property, the IESI-BFC Business or to IESI-BFC’s
Knowledge, the Former Real Property, and (ii) all pending, or to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, threatened,
material Environmental Claims against or affecting any IESI-BFC Entity, the IESI-BFC Business, any
Real Property or to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, any Former Real Property.
4.18 Compensation; Non-Arm’s Length Arrangements
4.18.1. Except as set forth in Section 4.18.1 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter, neither the execution of this Agreement nor the completion of the Transactions
shall, in and of itself, result in any liability for severance or change of control payments
or similar payment requirements to any employee, officer, director, manager, shareholder,
partner, member, consultant, independent contractor, sales representative, agent or other
person, or any other related obligations.
4.18.2. As of the Closing Date, the IESI-BFC Entities will not have any outstanding
loans or advances to or owe any money or obligations to any officer or director of the
IESI-BFC Entities or to any Person who owns 10% or more of the common shares of IESI-BFC or
to any family member or Affiliate of any such Person.
4.19 Employee Benefit Plans
4.19.1. Except as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect, IESI-BFC, the IESI-BFC Entities and each of their IESI-BFC ERISA Affiliates has
complied with the terms of all agreements and all applicable Laws relating to each of the
pension, retirement or supplemental retirement income plans or other employee compensation
or benefit plans, agreements, policies, programs, arrangements or practices, whether written
or oral, with respect to which IESI-BFC, the IESI-BFC Entities or any of their IESI-BFC
ERISA Affiliates sponsors, administers or has any
liability to make contributions or provide benefits (collectively referred to as
“IESI-BFC Applicable Plans”).
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4.19.2. No step has been taken, no event has occurred and no condition or circumstance
exists that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in any IESI-BFC
Applicable Plan under applicable Laws being ordered or required to be terminated or wound up
in whole or in part or having its registration, qualification or tax exemption under
applicable Law refused or revoked, or being placed under the administration of any trustee
or receiver or regulatory authority or being required to pay any material Taxes, fees,
penalties or levies under applicable Laws. There are no Actions, suits, claims (other than
routine claims for payment of benefits in the Ordinary Course), trials, demands,
investigations, arbitrations or other proceedings which are pending or, to IESI-BFC’s
Knowledge, threatened in respect of any of the IESI-BFC Applicable Plans or their assets
which would have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
4.19.3. Except as set forth in Section 4.19.3 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter and except as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect (i) neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation
of the Transactions will (either alone or in conjunction with any other event, including
termination of employment) result in, cause the accelerated vesting or delivery of, or
increase the amount or value of, any payment or benefit to any employee, officer or director
of IESI-BFC, the IESI-BFC Entities or any IESI-BFC ERISA Affiliates; (ii) IESI-BFC, the
IESI-BFC Entities and each IESI-BFC ERISA Affiliate has made all contributions required
under applicable Law to fund their liabilities in respect of any IESI-BFC Applicable Plan
including going concern unfunded liabilities, solvency deficiencies or wind-up deficiencies,
where applicable; (iii) each IESI-BFC Applicable Plan that is required by Laws to be funded
is fully funded on a going concern, solvency and wind-up basis; and (iv) none of the
IESI-BFC Applicable Plans provide post-retirement health care continuation coverage and/or
other benefits beyond retirement or other termination of service to employees or former
employees or to the beneficiaries or dependents of such employees (except to the extent
required under COBRA).
4.19.4. Except as set forth in Section 4.19.4 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter, neither IESI-BFC nor any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to make any payments
or is a party to any agreement that would obligate it to make any payments as a result of
the transactions contemplated under this Agreement that would not, to the extent otherwise
deductible under Section 162 of the Code, be deductible under Section 280G of the Code
(taking into account only compensation payable pursuant to agreements of IESI-BFC and the
Subsidiaries which are in force prior to the Closing).
4.20 Labor Relations
There have been no material violations of any Laws with respect to the current or former
employees, employment practices or work conditions of any IESI-BFC Entity, or the terms and
conditions of employment, wages and hours. No IESI-BFC Entity is engaged in any unfair labor or
other unlawful employment practice and there are no material charges of unfair labor practices (as
defined under applicable Law) or other employment related claims, complaints or actions pending or,
to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, threatened against any IESI-BFC
Entity before any domestic or foreign Governmental Authority. There is no strike, picketing,
slowdown, work stoppage or lock out, or organizational attempt pending against or involving any
IESI-BFC Entity or the IESI-BFC Business. To IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, no issue with respect to union
representation is pending with respect to the employees of any IESI-BFC Entity. Except as set
forth in Section 4.20 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, no union or collective
bargaining agent or other labor organization has ever been certified or recognized by the IESI-BFC
Entities as the representative of any of the employees of any IESI-BFC Entity.
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4.21 Customers and Suppliers
Since January 1 2009, there has been no termination or cancellation of, and no modification or
change in, the IESI-BFC Entities’ business relationship with any customers or suppliers which would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the IESI-BFC Entities or the IESI-BFC
Business.
4.22 No Changes
Except as set forth in Section 4.22 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, since
January 1, 2009, none of the IESI-BFC Entities has:
4.22.1. discharged or satisfied any material Liens or Liabilities, whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to become due, other than current
Liabilities shown on the balance sheet contained in the IESI-BFC Audited Financial
Statements and current Liabilities incurred since January 1, 2009 in the Ordinary Course;
and each IESI-BFC Entity has discharged or satisfied such Liabilities when due;
4.22.2. permitted any of its assets with a value in excess of $1,000,000 to be
subjected to any Lien except for Permitted Liens;
4.22.3. sold, leased, transferred, terminated, surrendered, disclaimed or otherwise
disposed of any assets with a value in excess of $500,000, individually or in the aggregate,
except in the Ordinary Course;
4.22.4. made any capital expenditure other than capital expenditures that are (i) in
the ordinary course of carrying on the IESI-BFC Business or used for ordinary repairs
necessary to maintain its property and facilities or (ii) less than $500,000 individually or
less than $1,000,000 in the aggregate for all IESI-BFC Entities;
4.22.5. declared, set aside, made or paid any dividend, or any other distribution with
respect to its capital stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership
interests, as applicable, other than to another IESI-BFC Entity and other than the regular
and special quarterly dividends for 2009 and the regular quarterly dividends for 2010;
4.22.6. redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired or disposed of any of its capital
stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership interests, as applicable,
other than any such capital stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership
interests held by another IESI-BFC Entity;
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4.22.7. increased its Indebtedness in any material respect, or made any material loan
or advance to any Person, except in the Ordinary Course;
4.22.8. cancelled or waived any material debts, material claims or material rights of
value, except in the Ordinary Course;
4.22.9. made any change in methods, principles or practices of accounting or auditing
other than as required by Canadian or U.S. GAAP;
4.22.10. conducted its business or entered into any material transaction, except in the
Ordinary Course;
4.22.11. suffered any material damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by
insurance;
4.22.12. made any material changes in the compensation, commission, bonus, benefits,
pension or other direct or indirect remuneration payable or to become payable to its
directors, managers, officers, employees, independent contractors or agents, including any
improvements to severance or termination pay, except (i) as required by Law, or (ii) salary
increases in the Ordinary Course;
4.22.13. effected any revaluing of any of the assets or liabilities of the IESI-BFC
Business, including writing up, writing down or writing off the value of inventory, accounts
receivable or Intellectual Property, except for any such revaluing in the Ordinary Course or
which, individually or in the aggregate, is immaterial to the IESI-BFC Business;
4.22.14. become subject to any material labor dispute or, to IESI-BFC’s Knowledge,
threatened material labor dispute involving the employees of any IESI-BFC Entity or the
IESI-BFC Business;
4.22.15. changed in any material respect the methods or procedures for billing or
collection of customer accounts or recording of customer accounts receivable or reserves for
doubtful accounts; or
4.22.16. authorized or made a commitment, whether or not in writing, to do any of the
foregoing.
Since January 1, 2009, there has been no Material Adverse Effect in the IESI-BFC Entities or
the IESI-BFC Business.
4.23 No Broker’s or Finder’s Fees
Other than as set forth in Section 4.23 of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, no
agent, broker, investment bank or other Person acting or purporting to act on behalf of any of the
IESI-BFC Entities is, or will be, entitled to any commission or broker’s or finder’s fee respecting
the Transactions from any of the IESI-BFC Entities or the WSI Entities.
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4.24 Registration Statement Disclosure
As of the date of its filing with the SEC, the date it becomes effective under the U.S.
Securities Act and as of the Closing Date, the Registration Statement will contain full, true and
plain disclosure of all material facts relating to the IESI-BFC Business and the IESI-BFC Entities
and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, with respect to the IESI-BFC Business or the IESI-BFC
Entities.
4.25 Merger Sub
Merger Sub was formed solely to effectuate the Transactions and has no operations, assets or
liabilities other than as a result of its entry into this Agreement. At the Effective Time,
IESI-BFC will cause Merger Sub to merge into WSI.
Article V
OTHER COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
5.1 Conduct of WSI Business
Except as contemplated in this Agreement or with the prior written consent of IESI-BFC, during
the period from the date hereof to the Closing Date, WSI shall (i) cause the WSI Business to be
carried on only, and shall ensure that the WSI Entities do not take any action except, in the
Ordinary Course (provided that actions required in connection with WSI’s obligation to file a
registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to its Senior Subordinated Notes shall not be
deemed to be outside the Ordinary Course); (ii) cause each WSI Entity to use its commercially
reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organization and its present relationships with
customers, suppliers, landlords and other Persons with which it may have significant business
relationships and to keep available the services of its current officers, employees and
consultants; and (iii) ensure that none of the WSI Entities, directly or indirectly, do, authorize,
agree or commit to do any of the following:
5.1.1. modify, amend or otherwise change, or take any action in contravention of, its
certificate of incorporation or by-laws or equivalent organizational documents or governing
documents;
5.1.2. enter into any merger, consolidation, business combination, joint venture or
other material corporate transaction;
5.1.3. (i) issue (other than pursuant to the terms of convertible securities disclosed
in Schedule 3.4 hereto), sell, dispose of, pledge or encumber any shares of its
capital stock of any class or its partnership or membership interests or other ownership
interests, as applicable, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights
of any kind to acquire any shares of its capital stock or its partnership or membership
interests or any other ownership interests, as applicable, of it, or (ii) sell, dispose of,
pledge or encumber any of its assets, tangible or intangible, unless in the case of this
clause (ii) any such disposition is in the Ordinary Course and involves, individually or in
the aggregate for all of the WSI Entities, aggregate fair value not in excess of $1,000,000;
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5.1.4. purchase or otherwise acquire (including, for cash or securities, by merger,
consolidation, or acquisition of securities or assets) any business or any interest in any
Person, or make any investment either by purchase of securities, contributions of capital or
property transfer, unless any such purchase or other acquisition is in the Ordinary Course
and involves aggregate consideration not in excess of $1,000,000;
5.1.5. incur any Indebtedness (including any refinancing of existing Indebtedness) or
guarantee or endorse or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for, the
obligations of any Person, or make any loans or advances, other than pursuant to WSI’s
senior credit facilities existing on the date hereof as necessary to meet ordinary working
capital requirements, Indebtedness incurred in the Ordinary Course or liabilities under
Contracts entered into in the Ordinary Course, provided that this Section 5.1.5
shall not restrict any action required in connection with WSI’s obligation to file a
Registration Statement on Form S-4 with respect to its Senior Subordinated Notes;
5.1.6. declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or any other distribution, payable
in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock or
partnership or membership interests or other ownership interests, other than to another WSI
Entity;
5.1.7. reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire,
directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock, partnership or membership interests or
other ownership interests as applicable, other than any of such capital stock, partnership
or membership interest or other ownership interest held entirely by another WSI Entity;
5.1.8. make any capital expenditures, other than capital expenditures that are (i) in
the ordinary course of carrying on the WSI Business or used for ordinary repairs necessary
to maintain its property and facilities, or (ii) less than $250,000 individually or less
than $500,000 in the aggregate for all WSI Entities;
5.1.9. enter into, amend, terminate, surrender, disclaim, assign or sublet any Material
Contract with a value in excess of $1,000,000 annually, or any material lease relating to a
Leased Real Property;
5.1.10. sell, assign, convey or otherwise dispose of any assets of the WSI Entities
outside of the Ordinary Course;
5.1.11. increase the compensation, commission, bonus, benefits, pension or other direct
or indirect remuneration payable or to become payable to its directors, managers, officers,
employees (other than in the Ordinary Course), or grant or agree to grant any severance or
termination pay to, or enter into any employment or severance agreement with any such
Persons (other than in the Ordinary Course), or establish, adopt, enter into or amend or
take any action to accelerate any rights or benefits under any collective bargaining, bonus,
incentive, profit share, trust, compensation, stock option, restricted stock, pension,
retirement, supplemental retirement, deferred compensation, employment, termination,
severance or other plan, agreement, trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the benefit of
any such Persons, except as required by Law or the terms
of an existing Contract or incur any withdrawal liability (within the meaning of
Section 4201 of ERISA);
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5.1.12. change its fiscal year or make any material change in its accounting policies
or procedures, unless required under U.S. GAAP or otherwise required by Law;
5.1.13. permit present insurance policies or other comparable insurance coverage to
lapse;
5.1.14. adopt any plan or proposal for a complete or partial liquidation or dissolution
or any reorganization or recapitalization or commence any case, proceeding or action seeking
relief under any existing or future Laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, conservatorship
or relief of debtors;
5.1.15. take or permit to be taken, any action that would prevent the WSI Business as
it currently exists, from continuing on an ongoing basis in all material respects;
5.1.16. settle or compromise any material liability for Taxes;
5.1.17. make or change any material Tax election or file an amended Tax Return that
would affect any of the WSI Entities in any material respect in relation to a prior period
or surrender any right to claim a material refund of Taxes;
5.1.18. take any action which if it had been taken immediately prior to the date hereof
would have resulted in a breach of a representation or warranty under Article III;
or
5.1.19. take any action which would reasonably be expected to delay or hinder the
ability of WSI to consummate the Transactions or to fulfill its obligations set forth herein
or impair the ability of WSI to obtain the approval of the holders of WSI Common Stock of
WSI Stockholders Approval Matters.
5.2 Conduct of IESI-BFC Business
5.2.1. Except as contemplated in this Agreement or with the prior written consent of
WSI, during the period from the date hereof to the Closing Date, IESI-BFC shall (i) cause
the IESI-BFC Business to be carried on only, and shall ensure that the IESI-BFC Entities do
not take any action except, in the Ordinary Course; (ii) cause each IESI-BFC Entity to use
its commercially reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business organization and its
present relationships with customers, suppliers, landlords and other Persons with which it
may have significant business relationships and to keep available the services of its
current officers, employees and consultants; and (iii) ensure that none of the IESI-BFC
Entities, directly or indirectly, do, authorize, agree or commit to do any of the following:
5.2.1.1. enter into any merger, consolidation, business combination, joint
venture or other material corporate transaction with any Person except Permitted
Acquisitions;
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5.2.1.2. purchase or otherwise acquire (including for cash or securities, by
merger, consolidation, or acquisition of securities or assets) any business or any
interest in any Person or any property or assets, or make any investment either by
purchase of stock or securities, contributions of capital or property transfer,
unless such purchase or acquisition is in the Ordinary Course and involves,
individually or in the aggregate for all IESI-BFC Entities, aggregate
consideration not in excess of $25,000,000 (“Permitted Acquisitions”);
5.2.1.3. declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or any other
distribution, payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any
of its capital stock or partnership or membership interests or other ownership
interests, other than to another IESI-BFC Entity and other than the regular and
special quarterly dividends for 2009 and the regular quarterly dividends for 2010.
5.2.1.4. reclassify, combine, split, subdivide or redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of its capital stock partnership or
membership interests or other ownership interests as applicable, other than any
such capital stock, partnership or membership interests or other ownership
interests held entirely by another IESI-BFC Entity;
5.2.1.5. sell, assign, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially
all of the assets of IESI-BFC and its Subsidiaries;
5.2.1.6. adopt any plan or proposal for a complete or partial liquidation or
dissolution or any reorganization or recapitalization, or commence any case,
proceeding or action seeking relief under any existing or future Laws relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency, conservatorship or relief of debtors;
5.2.1.7. take any action which if it had been taken immediately prior to the
date hereof would have resulted in a breach of a representation or warranty under
Article IV; or
5.2.1.8. take any action which would reasonably be expected to delay or
hinder the ability of IESI-BFC to consummate the Transactions or fulfill its
obligations set forth herein.
5.3 Coordination
During the period from the date hereof to the Closing Date:
5.3.1. subject to any applicable competition and antitrust Laws, the Parties shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to confer and discuss, from time to time and as reasonably
requested by any of them, regarding the conduct of the WSI Business and the IESI-BFC
Business, provided however that the Parties will not share any competitively sensitive
information;
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5.3.2. WSI agrees to notify IESI-BFC promptly of any event after the date hereof (i)
which would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any representation or warranty
under Article III or a Material Adverse Effect in the WSI Entities or the WSI
Business, or (ii) which would reasonably be expected to delay or impede the ability of WSI
to consummate the Transactions or to fulfill its obligations set forth herein;
5.3.3. IESI-BFC agrees to notify WSI promptly of any event after the date hereof (i)
which would reasonably be expected to result in a breach of any representation or warranty
under Article IV or a Material Adverse Effect in the IESI-BFC Entities or the
IESI-BFC Business, or (ii) which would reasonably be expected to delay or impede the ability
of IESI-BFC to consummate the Transactions or to fulfill its respective obligations set
forth herein; and
5.3.4. in addition to the foregoing, the Parties agree to notify each other promptly of
the following (i) any notice or communication from any Person alleging that the consent of
such Person is or may be required in connection with the Transactions, (ii) any notice or
other communication from any Governmental Authority in connection with the Transactions, and
(iii) any Actions commenced, or to WSI’s Knowledge or IESI-BFC’s Knowledge, threatened that
relate to the Transactions or that would be material to the IESI-BFC Entities or the WSI
Entities.
5.4 Regulatory Approvals; Consents; Actions; Etc.
5.4.1. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each
of the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause its Subsidiaries
to take, all actions (and to refrain from taking, or cause its Subsidiaries to refrain from
taking, any inconsistent actions), and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and
cooperate with the other Parties in doing, all things (and to refrain from doing, or to
cause its Subsidiaries to refrain from doing, any inconsistent things) necessary, proper or
advisable to consummate and make effective, in a timely manner, the Merger and the
Transactions, including (i) seeking all consents, approvals or waivers from third parties in
connection with the Transactions, including those of which the failure to obtain would
result in any breach of, or constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of
time or both, would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination,
amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, or create, give rise to or change any rights or
obligations of any Person under, or result in the creation of an encumbrance of any property
or asset of the Parties pursuant to any note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract,
agreement, lease license, permit, franchise or other instrument or obligation, (ii) the
defending of any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative,
challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions, including seeking to
have any stay or temporary restraining or interim order entered by any court or other
Governmental Authority lifted, mitigated, rescinded, vacated or reversed, (iii) the carrying
out of the terms of the Merger applicable to it and (iv) the execution and delivery of any
additional instrument necessary to consummate the Transactions and to fully carry out the
purposes of this Agreement and the Merger.
5.4.2. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each
of the Parties shall use its best efforts to take, or cause its Subsidiaries to take, all
actions (and to refrain from taking, or cause its Subsidiaries to refrain from taking, any
inconsistent actions), and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with
the other Parties in doing, all things (and to refrain from doing, or to cause its
Subsidiaries to refrain from doing, any inconsistent things) necessary, proper or advisable
to obtain any Regulatory Approval as soon as practicable and as required within the
timeframes set forth under applicable Laws; provided, that neither IESI-BFC nor any of its
Subsidiaries shall, in connection with any Regulatory Approval, be required to (and WSI
shall not, without the prior written consent of IESI-BFC) enter into any settlement,
undertaking, consent, decree, stipulation or other agreement with any Governmental Authority
or take any action or agree to take any action that requires, or would require, IESI-BFC or
WSI or their respective Subsidiaries to (a) sell, divest or otherwise dispose of any assets,
licenses or business, that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected
to constitute a Material Divestiture, or (b) take or agree to take any other action, or
agree to any limitation or condition that would reasonably be expected to have, individually
or in the aggregate, an adverse effect in any material respect on its business, assets,
properties or condition (financial or otherwise) taken as a whole.
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5.4.3. If an applicable Governmental Authority notifies one or more of the Parties that
it will require remedies, restrictions or limitations in order to grant an applicable
competition or antitrust Regulatory Approval that are not on terms and conditions consistent
with the limitations in Section 5.4, then the Parties shall negotiate in good faith
to adjust the Conversion Number or make such other amendments to this Agreement as the
Parties may deem advisable with a view to seeking to complete a business combination between
them.
5.5 Access
5.5.1. WSI shall permit IESI-BFC (including its Representatives) to have reasonable
access during regular business hours to the premises and the books and records of the WSI
Entities, and shall furnish IESI-BFC with such financial, environmental and operating data
and other information with respect to the WSI Business and the WSI Entities as IESI-BFC
shall from time to time reasonably request. The representations and warranties of WSI and
any remedies for breaches thereof shall not be affected by any investigation by, or
knowledge of, IESI-BFC.
5.5.2. IESI-BFC shall permit WSI (including its Representatives) to have reasonable
access during regular business hours to the premises and the books and records of the
IESI-BFC Entities, and shall furnish WSI with such financial, environmental and operating
data and other information with respect to the IESI-BFC Business and IESI-BFC Entities as
WSI shall from time to time reasonably request. The representations and warranties of
IESI-BFC and any remedies for breaches thereof shall not be affected by any investigation
by, or knowledge of, WSI.
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5.5.3. Without limiting the provisions of Sections 5.5.1 and 5.5.2, (a)
not later than 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date that is seven (7) Business Days after
the date of this Agreement, (i) IESI-BFC shall deliver the IESI-BFC Disclosure
Letter to WSI, and (ii) WSI shall deliver the WSI Disclosure Letter to IESI-BFC,
and (b) during the period from the date hereof until 5:00 pm (Toronto time) on the date that
is 30 days after the date of this Agreement (the “Due Diligence Period”) (A) IESI-BFC shall
be entitled to conduct a due diligence review of the WSI Entities and the WSI Business, and
(B) WSI
shall be entitled to conduct a due diligence review of the IESI-BFC Entities and the
IESI-BFC Business. If, during the Due Diligence Period, IESI-BFC acting reasonably and in
good faith identifies in connection with its due diligence review or its review of the WSI
Disclosure Letter any fact or circumstance (whether or not disclosed in applicable
securities filings or other public disclosure) that it determines (1) to be adverse in any
material respect to a purchaser of the WSI Entities and the WSI Business, taken as a whole,
or (2) would materially reduce or frustrate the benefits IESI-BFC expects to obtain from the
Transactions, then IESI-BFC may elect to terminate this agreement pursuant to Section
7.4.1(i) by providing written notice to WSI together with a written explanation of such
matter prior to the end of the Due Diligence Period. If, during the Due Diligence Period,
WSI acting reasonably and in good faith identifies in connection with its due diligence
review or its review of the IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter any fact or circumstance (whether or
not disclosed in applicable securities filings or other public disclosure) that it
determines (1) to be adverse in any material respect to an investor in IESI-BFC Entities and
the IESI-BFC Business, taken as a whole, or (2) would materially reduce or frustrate the
benefits WSI expects to obtain from the Transactions, then WSI may elect to terminate this
agreement pursuant to Section 7.4.1(i) by providing written notice to IESI-BFC
together with a written explanation of such matter prior to the end of the Due Diligence
Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Party may exercise the termination right
provided in this Section 5.5.3 with respect to any matter occurring after the date
hereof constituting or resulting from any of the matters referred to in clauses (i) through
and including clause (xi) in the definition of “Material Adverse Effect” subject to the
proviso following clause (xi) of such definition. The WSI Disclosure Letter and the IESI-BFC
Disclosure Letter shall be prepared and delivered in accordance with the following
requirements: (a) the disclosure letters shall be in a form and provide content that is
customary for disclosure letters in public mergers and acquisitions transactions; (b) each
disclosure contained therein shall clearly identify the specific representation and warranty
it is intended to qualify and shall also qualify any other representations and warranties to
which the relevance of such disclosure is reasonably apparent; and (c) the disclosures shall
describe the applicable exception to the representation and warranty in sufficient
specificity, scope and detail to provide the recipient a reasonable understanding of the
nature and scope of the exception.
5.5.4. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, during the period from
the date hereof to the Closing Date, WSI (including its Representatives), on one hand, and
IESI-BFC (including its Representatives), on the other hand, shall (subject to the prior
consent of the other Party, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) be permitted to
contact any Governmental Authority to obtain relevant environmental information with respect
to the IESI-BFC Business and the WSI Business, respectively. WSI and IESI-BFC shall
reasonably cooperate and coordinate with each other in respect of such contact with any
Governmental Authority.
5.5.5. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the access to information provisions of
this Section 5.5 are subject to applicable competition and antitrust Laws.
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5.6 Non-Solicitation
5.6.1. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 5.6 and in
Section 5.7, WSI shall not, directly or indirectly, through any Person, and shall
cause its
Subsidiaries not to: (i) solicit, assist, initiate, knowingly encourage or otherwise
facilitate any inquiries or proposals, whether publicly or otherwise, regarding,
constituting or that may reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal, (ii)
enter into, continue or participate in any discussions or negotiations with, furnish any
information relating to WSI or any of its Subsidiaries or offer or provide access to the
business, properties, assets, books or records of WSI or any of its Subsidiaries or
otherwise cooperate in any way with, any proposals or offers or any other efforts or
attempts that constitute, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, an Acquisition Proposal,
(iii) withdraw, qualify or modify (or propose to do so), the approval of the board of
directors of WSI of this Agreement, (iv) approve or recommend, or propose publicly to
approve or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal (it being understood that publicly taking no
position or a neutral position with respect to an Acquisition Proposal for a period of more
than three (3) Business Days shall be considered to be a violation of this Section
5.6) or (v) accept or enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement in respect
of an Acquisition Proposal; provided that nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent
the board of directors of WSI, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending
prior to obtaining approval of the WSI Stockholder Approval Matters, from entering into an
agreement (subject to compliance with Section 7.4.1(e) and Section 5.8) or
engaging in discussions or negotiations with or furnishing information to (subject to
compliance with Section 5.6.4) any Person who has made a written Acquisition
Proposal that the board of directors of WSI determines in good faith after consultation with
its financial advisors and its outside counsel would be reasonably likely to lead to a
Superior Proposal. Notwithstanding clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 5.6.1, at
any time prior to obtaining the requisite approval of the WSI Stockholder Approval Matters,
and subject to compliance with Section 5.6.3, the board of directors of WSI may
modify or withdraw its recommendation of this Agreement (a “WSI Recommendation Change”) if
the board of directors of WSI has determined in good faith (after consultation with its
legal and financial advisors) that failure to effect a WSI Recommendation Change could
reasonably be determined to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law;
provided that WSI shall not be relieved of its obligation to call and hold the WSI
Stockholders Meeting and the vote on the WSI Stockholder Approval Matters except in
circumstances where this Agreement has been terminated in accordance with its terms.
5.6.2. WSI shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and the officers, directors,
employees, Representatives and agents of WSI and its Subsidiaries to, immediately terminate
any existing discussions or negotiations with any parties (other than IESI-BFC) with respect
to any proposal or matter that constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, an
Acquisition Proposal. WSI agrees not to release (or waive or otherwise forbear in the
enforcement of) any third party (other than IESI-BFC) from any existing or subsequent
confidentiality agreement (including, for greater certainty, any standstill provisions);
provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the board of directors of WSI from considering
and accepting any Superior Proposal that might be made by any such third party if the
provisions of this Agreement are complied with. WSI represents and warrants that it has not
waived any existing standstill provisions contained in a confidentiality agreement or
otherwise for any Person, other than IESI-BFC. WSI shall promptly request the return or
destruction of all information provided to any third party which, at any time since November
1, 2007, has entered into a confidentiality agreement with WSI relating to a potential
Acquisition Proposal to the extent that such information
has not previously been returned or destroyed, and shall use all commercially
reasonable efforts to ensure that such requests are honoured in accordance with the terms of
such agreement.
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5.6.3. WSI shall promptly (and in any event within 24 hours) notify IESI-BFC of (i) any
Acquisition Proposal or inquiry that could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition
Proposal, in each case received after the date hereof, of which any of its directors or
officers are or become aware, (ii) any amendments to the foregoing, (iii) any request for
non-public information relating to WSI or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with an
Acquisition Proposal or inquiry that could reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition
Proposal, (iv) for access to the properties, books or records of WSI or any of its
subsidiaries by any person that informs WSI or such Subsidiary that it is considering
making, or has made, an Acquisition Proposal and any amendment thereto. Any such notice
shall include the identity of the Person making the Acquisition Proposal or inquiry and a
description of the material terms and conditions of any such Acquisition Proposal or
amendment or inquiry (and a copy thereof, if in writing). WSI shall keep IESI-BFC informed
of any change to the material terms of any such Acquisition Proposal (as amended, if
applicable) or inquiry.
5.6.4. If at any time following the date of this Agreement and prior to obtaining the
requisite approval of the WSI Stockholder Approval Matters, WSI receives a request for
material non-public information from a Person who is not subject to an existing
confidentiality agreement and who proposes an Acquisition Proposal and the board of
directors of WSI determines in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors and
its outside counsel that such proposal would be reasonably likely to lead to a Superior
Proposal, then, and only in such case, the board of directors of WSI may provide such Person
with access to information regarding WSI, subject to the execution by such Person of a
confidentiality agreement having confidentiality, standstill and other terms no more
favorable to such Person than the equivalent terms of the Confidentiality Agreement;
provided that IESI-BFC is promptly provided with a list and copies of all information
provided to such Person not previously provided to IESI-BFC and is promptly provided with
access to information similar to that which was provided to such Person and is promptly and
regularly provided with a reasonably detailed description of the content and status of the
discussions with such Person.
5.6.5. WSI shall ensure that its officers and directors and those of its Subsidiaries
and any financial or other advisors or Representatives retained by it are aware of the
provisions of this Section 5.6 and it shall be responsible for any breach of this
Section 5.6 by any such Person or its advisors or Representatives.
5.7 Right to Match
5.7.1. Subject to Section 5.7.2, WSI covenants that it will not accept,
approve, recommend (or change or withdraw its recommendation relating to the Agreement,
except in the circumstances set forth in the last sentence of Section 5.6.1) or
enter into any agreement, understanding or arrangement in respect of a Superior Proposal
(other than a confidentiality agreement permitted by Section 5.6.4) unless:
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(a) | an Acquisition Proposal has been made that the board of directors of WSI determines in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel constitutes a Superior Proposal; | ||
(b) | WSI has complied with its obligations under Section 5.6 and the other provisions of Section 5.7 and has provided IESI-BFC with a copy of the Superior Proposal (together with a written notice from the board of directors of WSI regarding the value and financial terms that the board of directors of WSI has in consultation with its financial advisors determined should be ascribed to any non-cash consideration offered under the said Superior Proposal); | ||
(c) | a period (the “Response Period”) of three (3) Business Days shall have elapsed from the date on which IESI-BFC received written notice from the board of directors of WSI that the board of directors of WSI determined, subject only to compliance with this Section 5.7, to accept, approve, recommend or enter into a binding agreement to proceed with the Superior Proposal; | ||
(d) | if IESI-BFC has proposed to amend the terms of this Agreement in accordance with Section 5.7.2, the board of directors of WSI shall have determined that the Acquisition Proposal continues to constitute a Superior Proposal after taking into account the amendments; and | ||
(e) | WSI shall have terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4.1(e) and shall have paid the fees prescribed by Section 5.8. |
5.7.2. During the Response Period, IESI-BFC will have the right, but not the
obligation, to offer to amend the terms of this Agreement. The board of directors of WSI
will review any such proposal by IESI-BFC to amend the terms of the Agreement, including an
increase in, or modification of, the consideration to be received by the holders of WSI
Common Stock, to determine whether the Acquisition Proposal to which IESI-BFC is responding
would be a Superior Proposal when assessed against the Agreement as it is proposed by
IESI-BFC to be amended. If the board of directors of WSI does not so determine, the board
of directors of WSI will promptly reaffirm its recommendation of the transactions
contemplated under this Agreement. If the board of directors of WSI does so determine, WSI
may approve, recommend, accept or enter into an agreement, understanding or arrangement to
proceed with the Superior Proposal.
5.7.3. Each successive amendment to any Acquisition Proposal that results in an
increase in, or modification of, the consideration (or value of such consideration) to be
received by the holders of WSI Common Stock shall constitute a new Acquisition Proposal for
the purposes of this Section 5.7 and IESI-BFC shall be afforded a new Response
Period in respect of each such Acquisition Proposal.
5.7.4. If the Response Period would not terminate before the date fixed for the WSI
Stockholders Meeting, WSI shall adjourn the WSI Stockholders Meeting to a date that is at
least one (1) Business Day after the expiration of the Response Period.
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5.8 Agreement as to Damages
5.8.1. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof relating to the payment of fees or
expenses (including Section 5.16), including the payment of brokerage fees, if:
(a) | the Agreement is terminated either by IESI-BFC or by WSI pursuant to Section 7.4.1(a) in circumstances where the Agreement and Merger did not receive the requisite approval at the WSI Stockholders Meeting (as contemplated in Section 6.1.5), but only if prior to the WSI Stockholders Meeting an Acquisition Proposal shall have been made to the holders of WSI Common Stock or any Person shall have publicly announced an intention to make an Acquisition Proposal, and within twelve months of termination of this Agreement, any Person or company either (a) acquires, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the issued and outstanding WSI Common Stock or consolidated assets of WSI or (b) enters into a definitive agreement to acquire, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the issued and outstanding WSI Common Stock or consolidated assets of WSI; or | ||
(b) | IESI-BFC shall have terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4.1(b) on the basis of any intentional breach of this Agreement by WSI; or | ||
(c) | IESI-BFC shall have terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4.1(d); or | ||
(d) | WSI shall have terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4.1(e); |
then WSI shall pay, or cause to be paid, to IESI-BFC (or as IESI-BFC may direct by notice in
writing), within two (2) Business Days of the first to occur of the foregoing, the amount of
$11,000,000 plus an amount equal to the aggregate of all out-of-pocket costs up to a maximum of
$3,500,000 for professional and advisory services and other expenses reasonably incurred by
IESI-BFC in connection with the Transactions and the preparations therefor to the date of
termination (the amount of such expenses to be confirmed by IESI-BFC in writing in reasonable
detail) (collectively, the “IESI-BFC Termination Fee” and the aggregate of all such out-of-pocket
costs, the “IESI-BFC Expense Reimbursement Amount”) less any amounts actually paid by WSI to
IESI-BFC pursuant to Section 5.8.2, if any, in immediately available funds to an account
designated by IESI-BFC. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof relating to the payment of fees
or expenses (including Section 5.16), including the payment of brokerage fees, if WSI shall
have terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4.1(c) on the basis of any intentional
breach of this Agreement by IESI-BFC, then IESI-BFC shall pay, or cause to be paid, to WSI (or as
WSI may direct by notice in writing), within two (2) Business Days of such termination, the amount
of $11,000,000 plus all out-of-pocket costs up to a maximum of $3,500,000 for professional and
advisory services and other expenses reasonably incurred by WSI in connection with the Transactions
and the preparations therefor to the date of termination (the amount of such expenses to be
confirmed by WSI in writing in reasonable detail) (collectively, the “WSI Termination Fee” and the
aggregate of all such out-of-pocket costs, the “WSI Expense Reimbursement Amount”) less any amounts
actually paid by IESI-BFC to WSI pursuant to Section 5.8.3, in immediately available funds
to an account designated
by WSI. Each Party acknowledges that the payment of the $11,000,000 amount set out in this
Section 5.8.1 is a payment of liquidated damages that is a genuine pre-estimate of the
minimum damages that the Party entitled to such damages will suffer or incur as a result of the
event giving rise to such damages and the resultant termination of this Agreement and is not a
penalty. Each Party irrevocably waives any right it may have to raise as a defense that any such
liquidated damages are excessive or punitive. Each of the Parties further acknowledges the
difficulty in estimating such damages, which are based in part on the loss of opportunities which
will arise as a result of the event giving rise to such damages and the resultant failure of the
Closing to occur on the termination of this Agreement. Because of this difficulty, the Parties have
made a genuine pre-estimate of the minimum amount of damages which will be suffered and have
reserved the right to make claims for additional damages if actual damages exceed the estimated
amounts.
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5.8.2. If
this Agreement has been terminated by WSI pursuant to Section
7.4.1(j) for failure to obtain the WSI Fairness Opinion, by WSI pursuant to Section 7.4.1(h) or by IESI-BFC pursuant to:
(a) | Section 7.4.1(a) or Section 7.4.1(h) in circumstances where the Agreement or the Merger did not receive the requisite approval at the WSI Stockholders Meeting (as contemplated in Section 6.1.5); | ||
(b) | Section 7.4.1(b) on the basis of a breach by WSI of this Agreement (other than an intentional breach thereof); or | ||
(c) | Section 7.4.1(j) because WSI has failed to obtain the WSI Fairness Opinion, |
then WSI shall, within two (2) Business Days following the termination of this Agreement, pay
to IESI-BFC (or as IESI-BFC shall direct) the IESI-BFC Expense Reimbursement Amount in immediately
available funds to an account designated by IESI-BFC.
5.8.3. If this Agreement has been terminated by IESI-BFC pursuant to Section
7.4.1(j) for failure to obtain the IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion or WSI pursuant to:
(a) | Section 7.4.1(c) on the basis of a breach by IESI-BFC of this Agreement (other than an intentional breach thereof); or | ||
(b) | Section 7.4.1(j) because IESI-BFC has failed to obtain the IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion, |
then IESI-BFC shall, within two (2) Business Days following the termination of this Agreement,
pay to WSI (or as WSI shall direct) the WSI Expense Reimbursement Amount in immediately available
funds to an account designated by WSI.
5.9 Injunctive Relief and Specific Performance
5.9.1. Subject to the following sentence, upon termination of this Agreement under
circumstances where IESI-BFC is entitled to the IESI-BFC Termination Fee or the IESI-BFC
Expense Reimbursement Amount, as applicable, and such fee has been paid in full, IESI-BFC
shall, subject to Section 5.16 (and, if applicable, the entitlement to receive the
balance of the IESI-BFC Termination Fee contemplated by Section 5.8.1(a) if the
IESI-BFC Expense Reimbursement Amount is paid first), be precluded from any other
remedy against WSI, at law or in equity or otherwise and IESI-BFC shall not seek to obtain
any recovery, judgment or damages of any kind, including consequential, indirect or punitive
damages, against WSI or any of its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders or
affiliates in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
Notwithstanding the payment of the IESI-BFC Termination Fee or the IESI-BFC Expense
Reimbursement Amount, as applicable, IESI-BFC shall retain all other remedies it may have at
law or in equity against WSI or any other Person for any action, cause of action, suit,
proceeding, claim or damages relating to any intentional breach by WSI of this Agreement,
provided that the amount of any additional damages otherwise recoverable from WSI shall
reflect payment of the IESI-BFC Termination Fee or the IESI-BFC Expense Reimbursement
Amount, as applicable, so that there is no double recovery.
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5.9.2. Subject to the following sentence, upon termination of this Agreement under
circumstances where WSI is entitled to the WSI Termination Fee or the WSI Expense
Reimbursement Amount, as applicable, and such fee has been paid in full, WSI shall, subject
to Section 5.16, be precluded from any other remedy against IESI-BFC, at law or in
equity or otherwise and WSI shall not seek to obtain any recovery, judgment or damages of
any kind, including consequential, indirect or punitive damages, against IESI-BFC or any of
its directors, officers, employees, partners, shareholders or affiliates in connection with
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding the payment of the
WSI Termination Fee or the WSI Expense Reimbursement Amount, as applicable, WSI shall retain
all other remedies it may have at law or in equity against IESI-BFC or any other Person for
any action, cause of action, suit, proceeding, claim or damages relating to any intentional
breach by IESI-BFC of this Agreement, provided that the amount of any additional damages
otherwise recoverable from IESI-BFC shall reflect payment of the WSI Termination Fee or the
WSI Expense Reimbursement Amount, as applicable, so that there is no double recovery.
5.9.3. Despite Section 5.8, but subject to Sections 5.9.1 and
5.9.2, the Parties acknowledge and agree that an award of money damages would be
inadequate for any breach of this Agreement by any Party and that such breach would cause
the non-breaching Party irreparable harm. The Parties agree that, in the event of any
breach or threatened breach of this Agreement by one of the Parties, the non-breaching Party
will be entitled to obtain equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific
performance of any such covenants or agreements (including the obligation of the Parties to
effect the Closing and of IESI-BFC to cause Merger Sub to effect the Closing), without the
necessity of posting bond or security in connection therewith, and the Parties shall not
object to the granting of injunctive or other equitable relief on the basis that there
exists an adequate remedy at law. Subject to Sections 5.9.1 and 5.9.2, such
remedies will not be the exclusive remedies for any breach of this Agreement, but will be in
addition to all other remedies available at law or equity to each of the Parties.
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5.10 Registration Statement
Each of WSI, IESI-BFC and Merger Sub shall use reasonable best efforts to take or cause to be
taken such actions as may be required to be taken under the U.S. Securities Act, the U.S. Exchange
Act, any other federal securities Laws, any applicable state securities or “blue
sky” Laws and any stock exchange requirements in connection with the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including in connection with preparation and delivery
of the Registration Statement. In connection with the Merger and the WSI Stockholders Meeting, WSI
and IESI-BFC shall cooperate in the filing of the Registration Statement as promptly as practicable
and shall use reasonable best efforts to respond to the comments of the SEC and have the
Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC under the U.S. Securities Act and thereafter
to cause the proxy statement/prospectus for the WSI Stockholders Meeting to be mailed to WSI
stockholders all as promptly as reasonably practicable and use all reasonable efforts to keep the
Registration Statement effective as long as reasonably necessary to consummate the Merger;
provided, however, that prior to the filing of the Registration Statement (and any amendments), the
Parties shall consult with each other Party with respect to such filings and shall afford each
other Party and its Representatives reasonable opportunity to comment thereon. Each Party shall
provide any other Party with any information for inclusion in the Registration Statement which may
be required under applicable Law or which is reasonably requested by each other Party. Each Party
shall notify each other Party of the receipt of comments of the SEC and of any request from the SEC
for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or for additional information, and will
promptly supply to such other Party copies of all correspondence between such Party or its
Representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC or members of its staff, on the other hand, with
respect to the Registration Statement or the Merger. Each of WSI, IESI-BFC and Merger Sub shall use
reasonable best efforts to resolve all SEC comments with respect to the Registration Statement and
any other required filings as promptly as practicable after receipt thereof. Each of WSI, IESI-BFC
and Merger Sub agree to correct any information provided by it for use in the Registration
Statement which shall have become false or misleading in any material respect. Each Party will
promptly notify the other Parties if at any time prior to the WSI Stockholders Meeting any event
should occur which is required by applicable Law to be set forth in an amendment of, or a
supplement to, the Registration Statement. In such case, the Parties will cooperate to promptly
prepare and file such amendment or supplement with the SEC to the extent required by applicable Law
and will mail such amendment or supplement to WSI stockholders to the extent required by applicable
Law; provided, however, that prior to such filing, each Party shall consult with each other Party
with respect to such amendment or supplement and shall afford each such Party and its
Representatives reasonable opportunity to comment thereon. Notwithstanding the forgoing, no Party
shall have any obligation to notify the other Parties of any matters to the extent that its board
of directors or any committee thereof determines in good faith, after consultation with its outside
legal counsel, that to do so would be inconsistent with the directors’ exercise of their fiduciary
obligations to its shareholders (or stockholders) under applicable Law.
5.11 WSI Credit Facility and WSI Senior Subordinated Notes
5.11.1. WSI shall cooperate with and assist IESI-BFC in refinancing WSI’s senior
secured credit facilities, including without limitation, by using its commercially
reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary or appropriate to obtain and consummate such refinancing on the
Closing Date, including without limitation, assisting with the preparation of documents,
participating in meetings, and preparing and participating in a roadshow.
5.11.2. WSI shall cooperate with and assist IESI-BFC in planning and preparing to make
an offer to purchase, a redemption of, or taking such other action with respect to,
WSI’s Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the “Senior Subordinated Notes”), which
IESI-BFC in consultation with WSI shall deem to be advisable and appropriate. WSI shall use
its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or
cause to be done, all things necessary or appropriate to assist IESI-BFC in such efforts,
including without limitation, assisting with the preparation of documents and participating
in meetings.
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5.11.3. WSI shall keep IESI-BFC reasonably informed with respect to the status of and
shall consult with IESI-BFC in advance of any filing in connection with its obligation to
file a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with respect to its Senior Subordinated Notes, and
shall not take any action with respect to, or in furtherance thereof, if such action could
delay or interfere with the Closing; provided, that nothing in this clause shall require WSI
to breach or violate its obligations under the Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 16,
2009, among WSI and Barclays Capital Inc., as representative of the Initial Purchasers, and
the Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 16, 2009, among WSI, as Issuer, and
Barclays Capital Inc., as representatives of the Initial Purchasers.
5.12 IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion
5.12.1. IESI-BFC shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as
possible after the date hereof and in any event within 30 days after the date hereof an
opinion, customary and reasonable in form, scope, content and qualifications, of a
nationally recognized investment banking firm to the effect that the Transactions are fair
to IESI-BFC (the “IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion”). IESI-BFC shall provide a copy of the IESI-BFC
Fairness Opinion to WSI promptly following receipt.
5.13 WSI Fairness Opinion; WSI Stockholders Meeting
5.13.1. WSI shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain as promptly as
possible after the date hereof and in any event within 30 days after the date hereof an
opinion, customary and reasonable in form, scope, content and qualifications, of a
nationally recognized investment banking firm to the effect that the consideration to be
received by the holders of WSI Common Stock pursuant to the Agreement and the Merger is fair
to these holders from a financial point of view (the “WSI Fairness Opinion”). WSI shall
provide a copy of the WSI Fairness Opinion to IESI-BFC promptly following receipt.
5.13.2. As soon as practicable following the date hereof, WSI shall take all action
necessary under its organizational and governing documents and under all applicable Laws to
duly call, give notice of and hold, not later than June 15, 2010, a meeting of its
stockholders for the purpose (the “WSI Stockholders Meeting”) of voting on the approval and
adoption of this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby, and
any other item of business required by or consented to by IESI-BFC, acting reasonably (the
“WSI Stockholder Approval Matters”). In connection with such meeting, WSI will use its
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the necessary approvals of its stockholders of the
matters referred to above and such other matters as may be required by the DGCL and will
comply with all legal requirements in
respect of such meeting, including ensuring that all proxies solicited by it in
connection with such are solicited in compliance with all applicable Laws.
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5.13.3. The Registration Statement shall include a copy of the WSI Fairness Opinion and
a statement that the board of directors of WSI recommends that the WSI stockholders vote to
approve the WSI Stockholder Approval Matters at the WSI Stockholders Meeting (such
recommendation of the board of directors of WSI being referred to as the “WSI Board
Recommendation”); and subject to Section 5.6.1, the WSI Board Recommendation shall
not be withdrawn or modified without the prior written consent of IESI-BFC, except following
a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.4.
5.14 Confidentiality; Announcements
5.14.1. That certain confidentiality agreement dated November 9, 2009, between IESI-BFC
and WSI and others regarding the confidentiality obligations of each party thereto (the
“Confidentiality Agreement”) is hereby ratified and confirmed by the Parties, as applicable,
and shall continue in full force and effect until the Closing Date, when it shall terminate.
5.14.2. From and after the date hereof, WSI shall not (and shall cause the WSI Entities
not to) and IESI-BFC shall not (and shall cause the IESI-BFC Entities not to) issue or
permit to be issued any media, newspaper, wire service, trade journal or any other public
statement, or otherwise disclose or permit to be disclosed any information (except to such
Person’s Representatives, or in connection with the financing or proposed financing of the
Transactions), in each case concerning the Transactions, without the approval of IESI-BFC
(in the case of WSI and the WSI Entities) or WSI (in the case of IESI-BFC and the IESI-BFC
Entities), except as otherwise provided herein or as may be required by applicable Law or
stock exchange requirements, in which case the issuing party shall, where practicable,
provide IESI-BFC or WSI, as applicable, in writing, no less than one (1) Business Day prior
to such proposed statement, the content of the proposed statement and an opportunity to
comment on the statement.
5.15 Consents and Approvals
5.15.1. WSI shall use its commercially reasonable efforts (including, as soon as
practicable, giving any required notices, or making any required filings) to obtain the WSI
Consents, including taking or causing to be taken, any and all actions that may be desirable
in connection therewith, provided that such actions do not Impair the Transactions.
5.15.2. IESI-BFC shall use its commercially reasonable efforts (including, as soon as
practicable, giving any required notices, or making any required filings) to obtain the
IESI-BFC Consents, including taking or causing to be taken, any and all actions that may be
desirable in connection therewith, provided that such actions do not Impair the
Transactions.
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5.16 Expenses
5.16.1. Subject to Section 5.8, IESI-BFC on the one hand, and WSI on the other
hand, shall be responsible for the fees and expenses (including fees and expenses of
Representatives) incurred by the IESI-BFC Entities and the WSI Entities, respectively, in
connection with the negotiation and finalization of this Agreement and the completion of the
Transactions.
5.16.2. Whether or not the Closing occurs, the filing fees associated with filings
under the HSR Act and the Competition Act shall be borne equally by IESI-BFC on the one
hand, and WSI on the other hand. If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with
Section 7.4, WSI shall pay to IESI-BFC in cash, within ten (10) days after such
termination, its share of the costs and expenses referred to in the preceding sentence.
5.17 Further Assurances
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, from time to time the Parties agree to
take such actions as may be reasonably requested by any other Party, and provide reasonable
cooperation to each other in order to carry out the purposes of this Agreement.
5.18 Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance
5.18.1. From and after the Effective Time, IESI-BFC shall cause the Surviving
Corporation or its relevant Subsidiary, as applicable, to, (i) indemnify, defend and hold
harmless, all past and present directors, officers and employees of WSI and its Subsidiaries
(in all of their capacities) and all fiduciaries under any WSI Applicable Plans
(collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) against any costs, expenses (including attorney’s
fees and expenses and disbursements), judgments, fines, losses, claims damages or
liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or
pertaining to the fact that the Indemnified Party is or was a director, officer, employee or
fiduciary of WSI or any of its Subsidiaries or a fiduciary under any WSI Applicable Plan or
is or was serving at the request of WSI or any of its Subsidiaries as a director, officer or
employee of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture,
trust or other business or non-profit enterprise (including an employee benefit plan)
whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time (including with respect
to acts or omissions occurring in connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby), and provide advancement of expenses to the Indemnified
Parties, in all such cases to the same extent that such persons are indemnified or have the
right to advancement of expenses as of the date of this Agreement by WSI or its relevant
Subsidiary, as applicable, pursuant to WSI’s certificate of incorporation, by-laws and
indemnification agreements, if any, or by WSI’s relevant Subsidiary pursuant to such
Subsidiary’s certificate of incorporation, by-laws and indemnification agreements of any
Subsidiary of WSI, if any, in each case, in existence on the date hereof, (ii) without
limitation to clause (i), to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, include and
cause to be maintained in effect in the Surviving Corporation’s (or any successor’s)
certificate of incorporation and by-laws for a period of six (6) years after the Effective
Time, the current provisions regarding limitation of
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liability of directors, and indemnification of and advancement of expenses to
directors, officers and employees of WSI, as contained in the certificate of incorporation
and by-laws of WSI and (iii) not settle, compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment
in any proceeding or threatened Action (and in which indemnification could be sought by an
Indemnified Party hereunder), unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an
unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such
Action or such Indemnified Party otherwise consents in writing, and cooperates in the
defense of such proceeding or threatened Action. Prior to the Effective Time, WSI shall and,
if WSI is unable to, IESI-BFC shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, obtain and fully pay
for “tail” prepaid insurance policies with a claims period of at least six (6) years from
and after the Effective Time from an insurance carrier with the same or better rating as
WSI’s current insurance carrier with respect to directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
and fiduciary insurance (collectively, “D&O Insurance”), for the Indemnified Parties, with
terms, conditions, retentions and levels of coverage at least as favorable as WSI’s existing
D&O Insurance as of the date of this Agreement with respect to matters existing or occurring
prior to the Effective Time (including with respect to acts or omissions occurring in
connection with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby). If such “tail” prepaid insurance policies have been obtained, IESI-BFC shall, and
shall cause the Surviving Corporation after the Effective Time, to maintain such policies in
full force and effect, for its full term, and to continue to honor its respective
obligations thereunder. If WSI and the Surviving Corporation for any reason fail to obtain
such “tail” prepaid insurance policies as of the Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation
shall, and IESI-BFC shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, continue to maintain in
effect, at no expense to the beneficiaries, for a period of at least six (6) years from and
after the Effective Time for the Indemnified Parties, WSI’s existing D&O Insurance as of the
date of this Agreement (provided that IESI-BFC (or any successor) may substitute therefor
policies of at least the same terms, conditions, retentions and levels of coverage and
amounts which are, in the aggregate, as favorable to the Indemnified Parties as provided in
the existing policies as of the date of this Agreement) or, if such insurance is
unavailable, the Surviving Corporation shall, and IESI-BFC shall cause the Surviving
Corporation to, purchase the best available D&O Insurance for such six-year period from an
insurance carrier with the same or better credit rating as WSI’s current insurance carrier
with respect to WSI’s existing D&O Insurance with terms, conditions, retentions and with
levels of coverage at least as favorable as provided in WSI’s existing D&O Insurance
policies as of the date of this Agreement with respect to claims, actions, suits,
proceedings or investigations, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
arising out of or pertaining to facts or events that occurred prior to, at or after the
Effective Time (including with respect to acts or omissions occurring in connection with
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby), provided,
however, that in no event will IESI-BFC or the Surviving Corporation be required to expend
annually in excess of 250% of the annual premium currently paid by WSI for such coverage
(and to the extent the annual premium would exceed 250% of the annual premium currently paid
by WSI for such coverage, the Surviving Corporation shall use all reasonable efforts to
cause to be maintained the maximum amount of coverage as is available for such 250% of such
annual premium). The obligations of IESI-BFC and the Surviving Corporation under this
Section 5.18 shall not be terminated, amended or modified in any manner so as to
adversely affect any Indemnified Party (including their successors, heirs and legal
representatives) to whom
this Section 5.18 applies without the consent of such affected Indemnified
Party (it being expressly agreed that the Indemnified Parties to whom this Section
5.18 applies shall be third party beneficiaries of this Section 5.18, and this
Section 5.18 shall be enforceable by such Indemnified Parties and their respective
successors, heirs and legal representatives and shall be binding on all successors and
assigns of IESI-BFC and the Surviving Corporation).
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5.18.2. If IESI-BFC or any of its successors or assigns (i) shall consolidate with or
merge into any other corporation or entity and shall not be the continuing or surviving
corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or (ii) shall transfer all or
substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case,
proper provisions shall be made so that the successors and assigns of IESI-BFC shall assume
all of the obligations set forth in this Section 5.18.
5.18.3. The rights of the Indemnified Parties under this Section 5.18 shall be
in addition to any other rights such Indemnified Parties may have under the certificate of
incorporation or by-laws of the Surviving Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, or under
any applicable Contracts or Laws, and IESI-BFC shall, and shall cause the Surviving
Corporation to, honor and perform under all indemnification agreements entered into by WSI
or any of its Subsidiaries.
5.19 Section 16 Matters.
Prior to the Effective Time, each of WSI and IESI-BFC shall take all such steps as may be
required to cause any dispositions of WSI Common Stock (including derivative securities with
respect to WSI Common Stock) or acquisitions of common shares of IESI-BFC resulting from the
transactions contemplated hereby by each individual who is subject to the reporting requirements of
Section 16(a) of the U.S. Exchange Act with respect to WSI, to be exempt under Rule 16b-3
promulgated under the U.S. Exchange Act, such steps to be taken in accordance with the interpretive
guidance set forth by the SEC.
5.20 Stock Exchange Listing.
IESI-BFC shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the common shares of IESI-BFC to be
issued in the Merger (i) conditionally to be approved for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange,
and (ii) approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject only to official notice of
issuance, in each case prior to the Effective Time.
5.21 Tax Treatment
5.21.1. Each of IESI-BFC and WSI will use its commercially reasonable efforts, and each
agrees to cooperate with the other and provide the other with such documentation,
information and materials as may be reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to (i) cause
the Merger to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code,
and (ii) avoid gain recognition to the stockholders of WSI pursuant to Section 367(a)(1) of
the Code. Neither IESI-BFC nor WSI will take or fail to take (and, following the Merger,
IESI-BFC will cause WSI not to take or fail to take) any action which action (or failure to
act) would reasonably be expected to (i) cause the Merger to fail to qualify as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code or (ii) cause stockholders of WSI to recognize gain pursuant to Section 367(a)(1)
of the Code, other than any such stockholder that would be a “five-percent transferee
shareholder” of IESI-BFC (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section
1.367(a)-3(c)(5)(ii)) following the Merger that does not enter into a five-year gain
recognition agreement in the form provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.367(a)-8. With
respect to the Merger, IESI-BFC will (and following the Merger will cause WSI to) file all
required information with its Tax Returns and maintain all records required for Tax
purposes, including, without limitation, the reporting requirements contained in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(6).
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5.21.2. WSI shall identify to the best of its knowledge on Section 5.21.2 of
the WSI Disclosure Letter United States persons who are either officers or directors
of WSI or United States persons who own stock representing five percent (5%) or more of the
total voting power or total value of all outstanding shares of WSI Common Stock within the
meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.367(a)-3(c)(1)(ii). WSI shall update the
information contained on Section 5.21.2 of the WSI Disclosure Letter, to
the extent appropriate, prior to the Effective Time.
5.21.3. Officers of IESI-BFC, Merger Sub and WSI shall agree on a final form of
certificates within seven (7) Business Days after the date hereof and deliver such forms to
Akin Gump Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Xxxx LLP, tax counsel for WSI, and Torys LLP, tax counsel for
IESI-BFC, which certificates shall be in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to the
Parties or as substantially agreed to by the Parties and such firms, including
contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, at the time the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the SEC and the Effective Time, in connection with such
tax counsel’s respective delivery of opinions pursuant to Section 6.1.6 hereof.
Each of IESI-BFC, Merger Sub and WSI shall use its commercially reasonable efforts not to
take or cause to be taken any action that would cause to be untrue (or fail to take or cause
not to be taken any action which would cause to be untrue) any of the certifications and
representations included in the certificates described in this Section 5.21.3.
5.21.4. WSI and IESI-BFC shall cooperate in the preparation, execution and filing of
all Tax Returns, questionnaires, applications or other documents regarding any real property
transfer or gains, sales, use, transfer, value added, stock transfer and stamp taxes, and
transfer, recording, registration and other fees and similar Taxes which become payable in
connection with the Merger that are required or permitted to be filed on or before the
Effective Time. Each of Merger Sub and WSI shall pay, without deduction from any amount
payable to holders of WSI Common Stock and without reimbursement from the other Party, any
such Taxes or fees imposed on it by any Governmental Authority, which becomes payable in
connection with the Merger.
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Article VI
CLOSING CONDITIONS
6.1 Conditions to each Party’s Obligations
The obligation of each Party to complete the Transactions to be performed by it in connection
with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction before or on the Closing Date of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived in whole or in part in writing by IESI-BFC on its own
behalf, and by WSI on its own behalf, and which the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable
efforts, as applicable, to satisfy as soon as practicable but in any event before the Outside Date:
6.1.1. The applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or
terminated, the Competition Act Approval shall have been obtained, and all other material
Regulatory Approvals shall have been obtained.
6.1.2. On the Closing Date, there shall be no Law or Order prohibiting or seeking to
prohibit the Closing of the Transactions and no Action by or before any Governmental
Authority seeking to prohibit the Closing of the Transactions.
6.1.3. The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective and no stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect and no
proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before the SEC.
6.1.4. The common shares of IESI-BFC to be issued in the Merger shall have been
conditionally approved for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange (subject only to the
satisfaction of customary conditions) and the New York Stock Exchange (subject only to the
occurrence of Closing and matters attendant thereto and official notice of issuance).
6.1.5. The WSI Stockholder Approval Matters shall have been approved at the WSI
Stockholders Meeting.
6.1.6. WSI shall receive the opinion of Akin Gump Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Xxxx LLP, counsel to
WSI, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to WSI, and IESI-BFC shall receive the
opinion of Torys LLP, counsel to IESI-BFC, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
IESI-BFC, each dated the Closing Date, rendered on the basis of facts, representations and
assumptions set forth in such opinion and the certificates obtained from officers of
IESI-BFC, Merger Sub and WSI, all of which are consistent with the state of facts existing
as of the Effective Time, to the effect that (i) the Merger will qualify as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) WSI and IESI-BFC will each be a
“party to the reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code. In rendering
the opinion described in this Section 6.1.6, Akin Gump Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Xxxx LLP and
Torys LLP shall each have received and may rely upon the certificates and representations
referred to in Section 5.21.3 hereof.
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6.2 Conditions to IESI-BFC’s Obligations
The obligation of IESI-BFC to complete the Transactions to be performed by it in connection
with the Closing is subject to the satisfaction before or on the Closing Date of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived in whole or in part in writing by IESI-BFC and each of which
WSI shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy as soon as practicable but in any
event before the Outside Date:
6.2.1. The representations and warranties of WSI set forth in this Agreement shall be
true and correct in all respects, without regard to any materiality or Material Adverse
Effect qualifications contained in them as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of
the Closing Date (except (i) for representations and warranties made as of a specified date,
the accuracy of which shall be determined as of that specified date, (ii) other than in the
case of the representations and warranties specifically referred to in clause (iii) below,
where the failure or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and
correct in all respects, individually or in the aggregate, would not have had or reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to WSI, and (iii) in the case of
the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.1, 3.2.1 and
3.4, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material
respects), and IESI-BFC shall have received a certificate of WSI addressed to IESI-BFC and
dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of WSI by a senior executive officer of WSI
(without personal liability), confirming the same as at the Closing Date.
6.2.2. WSI shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
agreements contained herein required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the
Closing Date, and IESI-BFC shall have received a certificate confirming the same as of the
Closing Date.
6.2.3. Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, there shall have occurred no
Material Adverse Effect with respect to WSI, and WSI shall have delivered to IESI-BFC a
certificate, dated the Closing Date, to such effect.
6.2.4. The Regulatory Approvals shall have been obtained (in the case of Competition
Act Approval, HSR Approval and any other competition or antitrust approvals on terms and
conditions consistent with the limitations in Section 5.4.2).
6.2.5. IESI-BFC shall have received the following:
6.2.5.1. the WSI Consents to be listed on a schedule delivered by the 30th
day after the date hereof (which list of consents shall be agreed to by each of
the Parties acting reasonably), and if subject to any conditions, satisfaction of
all such conditions shall not Impair the Transactions;
6.2.5.2. the IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion; and
6.2.5.3. all documents reasonably requested by IESI-BFC relating to the
existence of, and the due authorization and consummation of the Transactions and
all other actions and proceedings taken at or before the Closing in connection
with the performance by, the WSI Entities of their
obligations under this Agreement, which documents shall be in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to IESI-BFC.
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6.2.6. As of the Closing Date, (i) the Net Indebtedness of WSI (determined on a
consolidated basis) shall not be more than $405,000,000 (determined based on an exchange
rate of U.S.$1.00 = CDN$1.05), and (ii) the Net Working Capital of WSI (determined on a
consolidated basis) shall not be less than $-(negative)13,800,000, and WSI shall have
delivered to IESI-BFC a certificate, dated the Closing Date, to such effect together with a
schedule setting out the details of such calculation in reasonable detail and in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to IESI-BFC. For the purposes of this Section
6.2.6, “Net Indebtedness” of WSI means the sum of all Indebtedness of WSI less the
amount of cash and cash equivalents held by WSI, and “Net Working Capital” of WSI means an
amount equal to WSI’s current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents) less WSI’s
current liabilities (excluding short term financing and the current portion of long term
Indebtedness), all determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and in a manner consistent with
the preparation of the WSI Financial Statements. If IESI-BFC consents in writing to any
acquisitions by the WSI Entities that would otherwise be restricted by Section
5.1.4, then an amount to be agreed by the Parties shall be added to the Net Indebtedness
reference amount of $405,000,000 referred to above.
6.3 Conditions to WSI’s Obligations
The obligation of WSI to complete the Transactions to be performed by it in connection with
the Closing is subject to the satisfaction before or on the Closing Date of the following
conditions, any of which may be waived in writing in whole or in part by WSI and each of which
IESI-BFC shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy as soon as practicable but in any
event before the Outside Date:
6.3.1. The representations and warranties of IESI-BFC set forth in this Agreement shall
be true and correct in all respects, without regard to any materiality or Material Adverse
Effect qualifications contained in them as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of
the Closing Date (except (i) for representations and warranties made as of a specified date,
the accuracy of which shall be determined as of that specified date, (ii) other than in the
case of the representations and warranties specifically referred to in clause (iii) below,
where the failure or failures of such representations and warranties to be so true and
correct in all respects, individually or in the aggregate, would not have had or reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to IESI-BFC, and (iii) in the
case of the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 4.1, 4.2.1
and 4.4, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all
material respects), and WSI shall have received a certificate of IESI-BFC addressed to WSI
and dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of IESI-BFC by a senior executive officer of
IESI-BFC (without personal liability), confirming the same as at the Closing Date.
6.3.2. IESI-BFC shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all
agreements contained herein required to be performed or complied with by it on or before the
Closing Date, and IESI-BFC shall have delivered to WSI a certificate, dated the Closing
Date, to such effect.
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6.3.3. Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, there shall have occurred no
Material Adverse Effect with respect to IESI-BFC, and IESI-BFC shall have delivered to WSI a
certificate dated the Closing Date, to such effect.
6.3.4. The board of directors of WSI shall have received the WSI Fairness Opinion.
6.3.5. IESI-BFC shall have increased the consideration to be provided to the
stockholders of WSI in the Merger by cash or shares of IESI-BFC common stock or a
combination of both having an aggregate value in an amount equal to the Difference
(expressed in dollars) in the event that (i) the Closing Share Value compared to the closing
price of IESI-BFC common stock on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the trading day prior to the
date of this Agreement has declined (the “Decline”) by more than 20% (the percentage amount
of the Decline in excess of 20%, if any, the “Difference”), and (ii) the percentage amount
of the Decline exceeds by more than 20% the percentage decline, if any, in the
volume-weighted average trading price of the common shares of the Sector Basket measured for
and as of such dates; provided, however, that without limiting the requirement of IESI-BFC
to provide increased consideration pursuant to the preceding clause, the total amount of
cash consideration to be provided in the Merger pursuant to the preceding clause shall be
limited to the extent necessary in view of counsel to WSI and counsel to IESI-BFC acting
reasonably and following mutual consultation, to cause the Merger not to fail to qualify as
a reorganization under the provisions Section 368(a) of the Code. For purposes of this
Section 6.3.5 only: (a) “Closing Share Value” means the weighted average trading
price of the common shares of IESI-BFC on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the ten (10)
trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to the Closing Date, and (b)
“Sector Basket” means the common shares of Waste Management, Inc., Republic Services, Inc.
and Waste Connections, Inc included on a weighted basis according to the relative closing
market capitalization of such companies on the New York Stock Exchange on the trading day
prior to the date of this Agreement. For purposes of clarification, if the percentage
amount of the Decline is 25% and the percentage decline in the common shares of the Sector
Basket is less than 5%, then IESI-BFC shall have increased the aggregate consideration to be
provided in the Merger, in cash or shares or a combination thereof, by an amount equal to 5%
of the Closing Share Value multiplied by the number of shares of WSI Common Stock to be
exchanged in the Merger. By way of further example, if the percentage amount of the Decline
is 25% and the percentage decline in the common shares of the Sector Basket is greater than
or equal to 5%, then no increase by IESI-BFC of the consideration to be provided in the
Merger shall have been made.
6.3.6. WSI shall have received all documents reasonably requested by WSI relating to
the existence of, and the due authorization and consummation of the Transactions and all
other actions and proceedings taken at or before the Closing in connection with the
performance by, the IESI-BFC Entities of their obligations under this Agreement, which
documents shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to WSI.
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Article VII
MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 Parties’ Review
7.1.1. IESI-BFC has not relied upon any representation, warranty, statement, advice,
document, projection, or other information of any type provided by any of the WSI Entities
or any of their respective Representatives, except for those representations and warranties
expressly set forth in Article III. In deciding to enter into this Agreement and to
consummate the Transactions, IESI-BFC has relied solely upon its own knowledge,
investigation, and analysis (and that of its Representatives) and not upon any disclosure or
representation made by, or any duty to disclose on the part of any of the WSI Entities or
any of their respective Representatives, other than the express representations and
warranties of WSI set forth in Article III.
7.1.2. WSI has not relied upon any representation, warranty, statement, advice,
document, projection, or other information of any type provided by IESI-BFC, any of the
other IESI-BFC Entities or any of their respective Representatives, except for those
representations and warranties expressly set forth in Article IV. In deciding to
enter into this Agreement and to consummate the Transactions, WSI has relied solely upon its
own knowledge, investigation, and analysis (and that of its Representatives) and not upon
any disclosure or representation made by, or any duty to disclose on the part of, IESI-BFC,
any of the other IESI-BFC Entities or any of their respective Representatives, other than
the express representations and warranties of IESI-BFC set forth in Article IV.
7.2 Term
This Agreement shall be effective from the date hereof until the earlier of the Effective Time
and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, provided that if the Effective
Time occurs, the agreements in Section 5.18 shall survive in accordance with their terms.
7.3 Notice and Cure Provisions
No Party may elect not to complete the transactions contemplated pursuant to the conditions
set forth herein or any termination right arising therefrom and no payments are payable as a result
of such election pursuant to Section 5.8 unless forthwith and in any event prior to the
Closing, the Party intending to rely thereon has delivered a written notice to the other Parties
specifying in reasonable detail all breaches of covenants, representations and warranties or other
matters which the Party delivering such notice is asserting as the basis for the non-fulfillment of
the applicable condition or termination right, as the case may be. If any such notice is delivered
with respect to a breach of covenant, representation or warranty in this Agreement that is capable
of being cured, provided that a Party is proceeding diligently to cure such matter, no Party may
terminate this Agreement other than pursuant to Sections 7.4.1(h), (i) and
(j) until the expiration of a period ending the earlier of the following: (i) ten (10) days
from such notice and (ii) the Outside Date if such matter has not been cured by such date.
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7.4 Termination
7.4.1. This Agreement may:
(a) | subject to Section 7.3, be terminated either by IESI-BFC or WSI if any condition in Section 6.1 becomes incapable of being satisfied in circumstances where the failure to satisfy any such condition is not the result, directly or indirectly, of a breach of this Agreement by such terminating Party; | ||
(b) | subject to Section 7.3, be terminated by IESI-BFC if any condition in Section 6.2 becomes incapable of being satisfied in circumstances where the failure to satisfy any such condition is not the result, directly or indirectly, of a breach of this Agreement by IESI-BFC; | ||
(c) | subject to Section 7.3, be terminated by WSI if any condition in Section 6.3 becomes incapable of being satisfied in circumstances where the failure to satisfy any such condition is not the result, directly or indirectly, of a breach of this Agreement by WSI; | ||
(d) | be terminated by IESI-BFC if the board of directors of WSI shall have: (i) withdrawn or modified in a manner adverse to IESI-BFC its approval or recommendation of the Agreement or the Merger (it being understood that publicly taking no position or a neutral position with respect to an Acquisition Proposal for a period of more than three (3) Business Days shall be considered an adverse modification), (ii) approved or recommended an Acquisition Proposal or entered into a binding written agreement in respect of an Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality and standstill agreement permitted by Section 5.6) or (iii) failed to publicly recommend or reaffirm its approval of the Agreement or the Merger, after an Acquisition Proposal shall have been made to holders of WSI Common Stock or any Person shall have publicly announced an intention to make an Acquisition Proposal, within three (3) Business Days of any written request by IESI-BFC, acting reasonably (or in the event that the WSI Stockholders Meeting is scheduled to occur within such three (3) Business Day period, prior to the date of such meeting); | ||
(e) | be terminated by WSI prior to obtaining the requisite approval of the WSI Stockholder Approval Matters in order to enter into a binding written agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (other than a confidentiality and standstill agreement permitted by Section 5.6), subject to compliance with Sections 5.6 and 5.7; | ||
(f) | be terminated either by IESI-BFC or WSI if the Effective Time does not occur on or prior to the Outside Date, provided that the failure of the Effective Time to so occur is not the result of the breach of this Agreement by the Party terminating this Agreement; |
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(g) | be terminated by IESI-BFC if the WSI Stockholders Meeting is not convened and held on or before June 15, 2010; | ||
(h) | be terminated either by IESI-BFC or WSI if the Agreement or the Merger shall have failed to receive the Requisite Approval at the WSI Stockholders Meeting; | ||
(i) | by either IESI-BFC or WSI prior to the end of the Due Diligence Period pursuant to Section 5.5.3; | ||
(j) | by (A) IESI-BFC if WSI has failed to obtain the WSI Fairness Opinion within 30 days after the date hereof or if IESI-BFC has failed to obtain the IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion within 30 days after the date hereof or (B) by WSI if IESI-BFC has failed to obtain the IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion within 30 days after the date hereof or if WSI has failed to obtain the WSI Fairness Opinion within 30 days after the date hereof; | ||
(k) | be terminated by the written agreement of the Parties, |
in each case, prior to the Effective Time.
7.4.2. If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with the foregoing provisions of
this Section 7.4, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and of no further force
or effect and no Party shall have any further obligations hereunder except as provided in
Sections 5.8, 5.9, 5.10 and 5.16 and Article VII,
and provided that neither the termination of this Agreement nor anything contained in this
Section 7.4 shall relieve any Party from any liability for any intentional breach by
it of this Agreement.
7.5 Waiver
Any Party may (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or acts of the
other Parties, (ii) waive compliance, except as provided herein, with any of the other Parties’
agreements or the fulfillment of any conditions to its own obligations contained herein, or (iii)
waive inaccuracies in any of the other Parties’ representations or warranties contained herein or
in any document delivered by the other Parties; provided, however, that any such extension or
waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of the Party
to be bound thereby and, unless otherwise provided in the written waiver, will be limited to the
specific breach or condition waived.
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7.6 Notices
All notices, consents, approvals, requests and other communications to any Party hereunder
shall be in writing (including telecopier or similar writing) and shall be given to such Party at
its address or telecopier number set forth below, or such other address or telecopier number as
such Party may hereinafter specify for the purpose to the Party
giving such notice. Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by telecopy,
when such telecopy is transmitted to the telecopy number specified in this Section 7.6 and
the appropriate electronic confirmation is received, or (ii) if given by overnight mail or by any
other means, when delivered at the address specified in this Section 7.6.
If to WSI:
0000 Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx 000 Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X0X 0X0 Attn: Xxxx X. Xxxxxx Tel: 000-000-0000 Fax: 000-000-0000 |
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to each of:
Akin Gump Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Xxxx LLP 0000 Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxx., X.X. Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. 00000 Attn: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx Tel: 000-000-0000 Fax: 000-000-0000 |
If to IESI-BFC at any time:
IESI-BFC Ltd. 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000 Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx X0X 0X0 Attn: General Counsel Tel: (000) 000-0000 Fax: (000) 000-0000 |
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Torys LLP 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 Attn: Xxxxx Xxxxx Tel:000-000-0000 Fax:000-000-0000 |
7.7 Survival of Representations and Warranties
The representations and warranties and agreements contained herein and in any other
certificate or writing delivered pursuant hereto shall not survive the Effective Time, except
Article II, Section 5.18, Section 5.21 and Article VII.
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7.8 Entire Agreement
This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement by and among
the Parties concerning the Transactions and supersede any prior understandings, agreements or
representations by or between the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they have related in any
way to the subject matter hereof.
7.9 Amendments and Modifications
This Agreement may be amended or modified only by an instrument in writing duly executed by
all the Parties. Any Party may waive compliance by another Party with any term or provision of
this Agreement on the part of such other Party to be performed or complied with but only by a
written agreement signed by the Party waiving such compliance.
7.10 Successors and Assigns
All the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, enure to the benefit of,
and be enforceable by the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Parties. No Party may
assign any of its rights, benefits, interests or obligations under this Agreement without the prior
written consent of the other Parties.
7.11 Third-Party Beneficiaries
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each Party hereto, and
nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person
any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement, other
than Section 5.18 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the Persons covered thereby
and may be enforced by such Persons).
7.12 Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the
State of Delaware.
7.13 Attornment
Any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be instituted in
the courts of Delaware. Each Party waives any objection which it may have now or later to the venue
of that action or proceeding, irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts in
that action or proceeding, agrees to be bound by any judgment of those courts and agrees not to
seek, and hereby waives, any review of the merits of any judgment by the court of any other
jurisdiction.
7.14 Severability
If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being
enforced by any rule or law, or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement
shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of
the Transactions is not affected in any manner materially adverse to a Party. Upon any
determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or
incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect
the original interest of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that
the Transactions are fulfilled to the fullest extend possible.
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7.15 Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any counterpart
or other signature hereupon delivered by facsimile shall be deemed for all purposes as constituting
good and valid execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Party.
* * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.
IESI-BFC LTD. |
||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Title: | Vice-Chairman & CEO | |||
IESI-BFC MERGER SUB, INC. |
||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |||
Title: | Authorized Person | |||
WASTE SERVICES, INC. |
||||
By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | |||
Title: | Executive Vice President and General Counsel |
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Schedule 1.1
Definitions
“Acquisition Proposal” means (a) any offer, proposal or inquiry relating to any (i) merger,
amalgamation, business combination, take-over bid, tender offer, arrangement, consolidation,
recapitalization, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution, winding up, distribution or share
exchange involving WSI or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) sale or other disposition of assets
(including shares of Subsidiaries or rights or interests therein or thereto) of WSI or any of its
Subsidiaries representing 20% or more of the consolidated assets or contributing 20% or more of the
consolidated revenue of WSI and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (or any lease, long-term supply
agreement or other arrangement having the same economic effect), (iii) sale or acquisition of more
than 20% of the voting or equity securities of WSI (or rights or interests therein or thereto), or
similar transactions involving WSI and/or its Subsidiaries, or (b) a proposal or offer or public
announcement or other public disclosure of an intention to do any of the foregoing, directly or
indirectly, excluding in each case the Transactions and the Agreement or any transaction to which
IESI-BFC or an Affiliate of IESI-BFC is a party, but including for greater certainty any
modification or proposed modification to an Acquisition Proposal.
“Action” means any action, suit, arbitration or any administrative or other proceeding or
investigation by or before any Governmental Authority.
“Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries,
controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person specified. For purposes of
this definition, control of a Person means the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether by contract or otherwise.
“Agreement” means this Agreement and Plan of Merger, including the Recitals and all Exhibits
and Schedules, and all amendments or restatements, as permitted, and the expressions “hereof”,
“herein”, “hereto”, “hereunder”, “hereby” and similar expressions refer to this Agreement and Plan
of Merger; and unless otherwise indicated, references to “Recitals”, “Article”, “Section”,
“Exhibit” or “Schedule” mean the Recitals or the specified Article, Section, Exhibit or Schedule of
this Agreement.
“Assumed Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.4.
“Book Entry Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.3.
“Books and Records” means books and records, including all sales, purchasing, financial,
taxation and operations books and records, relating to, as applicable, (i) the WSI Entities or the
WSI Business, or (ii) the IESI-BFC Entities or the IESI-BFC Business.
“Business Day” means any day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, or (ii) a day on which
banking institutions are not generally open for the conduct of business in the State of New York
and the Province of Ontario.
“By-laws” has the meaning as set forth in Section 2.2.3.
“Canadian Securities Commissions” means the applicable securities commissions or other
regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.
“Canadian Securities Laws” means the securities Laws of each of the provinces and the
territories of Canada.
“Certificate of Incorporation” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.2.
“Certificate of Merger” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.3.
“Certificates” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.3.
“Closing” means the completion of the Transactions on the Closing Date.
“Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.2.
“Closing Share Value” means the weighted average trading price of the common shares of
IESI-BFC on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the three trading days ending on the trading day
immediately prior to the Closing Date.
“COBRA” means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.
“Code” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Competition Act” means the Competition Act (Canada).
“Competition Act Approval” means that: (a) the applicable waiting period has expired or been
terminated pursuant to Section 123 of the Competition Act; (b) the Commissioner or his/her
authorized representative shall have provided IESI-BFC with a waiver from complying with Part IX of
the Competition Act pursuant to Paragraph 113(c) of the Competition Act and, in the case of (a) or
(b), the Commissioner or his/her authorized representative shall have advised IESI-BFC in writing
that the Commissioner does not intend to make an application under Section 92 of the Competition
Act with respect to Merger, and neither the Commissioner nor any of his/her authorized
representatives shall have rescinded or amended such advice; (c) the Commissioner shall have issued
an advance ruling certificate pursuant to Section 102 of the Competition Act in respect of the
Merger; or (d) the Parties have entered into a Consent Agreement with the Commissioner pursuant to
Section 105 of the Competition Act in respect of the Merger on terms and conditions consistent with
the limitations in Section 5.4.2.
“Confidentiality Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.1.
“Contract” means, with respect to any Person, any of the binding agreements, contracts, leases
(whether for real or personal property), notes, bonds, mortgages, indentures, deeds of trust,
loans, evidences of indebtedness, letters of credit, settlement agreements, franchise agreements,
undertakings, employment agreements, license agreements or instruments to which such Person or its
Subsidiaries is a party, whether oral or written.
“Conversion Number” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.1.2.
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“D&O Insurance” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.18.1.
“Decline” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.5.
“DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law.
“Difference” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.5.
“Due Diligence Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.3.
“Effective Time” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.3.
“Enforcement Qualifications” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.1.
“Environment” means air, land (including soil and any surface or subsurface strata), and
surface water or groundwater, or any combination or part thereof.
“Environmental Claim” means any request for information or investigation pursuant to Section
104(e) of the United States Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act or
similar federal, state, provincial or foreign law, potentially responsible party notice, Permit
challenge, claim, charge or Lien by any Governmental Authority or Order for non-compliance,
enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions, costs or damages pursuant to
any common law cause of action or applicable Environmental Requirement, and any claim by any other
Person challenging any Permit under Environmental Requirements, related permit modification or
expansion or seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, costs, recovery, compensation,
injunctive or other relief, including as a consequence of an alleged contractual obligation related
to Environmental Requirements or those resulting from alleged violations of any Environmental
Requirement or the presence of Hazardous Materials at, or under or from the Real Property, any
Former Real Property or any off-site location.
“Environmental Requirement” means each and every Law or Order regulating or otherwise relating
in any way to waste management, the protection of human health (as it relates to the Environment),
worker health and safety or the Environment or the Release or threatened Release of Hazardous
Material into the Environment as in effect on the date hereof.
“EPA” means the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Exchange Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.1.
“Exchange Fund” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5.2.
“Former Real Property” means all real property formerly owned, leased or operated by the WSI
Entities or the IESI-BFC Entities, as applicable, other than the Real Property.
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“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time,
consistently applied.
“Governmental Authority” means any government, or any governmental department, commission,
agency, authority, instrumentality or subdivision, or any judicial or administrative body, or any
stock exchange, whether domestic, foreign, international, federal, state, provincial or local, or
any arbitrator having competent jurisdiction over the matter or matters in question.
“Hazardous Material” means any material: (i) the Release or threatened Release of which into
the Environment is prohibited, limited or regulated pursuant to any Environmental Requirement; or
(ii) that is defined or listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any Environmental
Requirement as a “contaminant,” “hazardous substance,” “hazardous material,” “hazardous waste,” or
“toxic substance,” or any other formulation intended to define, list or classify material by reason
of deleterious properties such as ignitibility, corrosivity, reactivity, radioactivity,
carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity or “EP toxicity,” and petroleum and drilling fluids,
produced waters and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of
crude oil, natural gas or geothermal energy, as such Environmental Requirement was in effect at the
time of the relevant act or omission; or (iii) which is or contains any petroleum or petroleum
products, fractions or wastes, radioactive materials or wastes, friable asbestos or polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs).
“Hazardous Waste” means any waste that is defined or listed in, or otherwise classified
pursuant to, any Environmental Requirement as “hazardous waste”.
“HSR Act” means the Xxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
“HSR Approval” means expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act (including any
voluntary agreed extensions) or earlier termination thereof.
“IESI-BFC” means IESI-BFC Ltd.
“IESI-BFC Applicable Plans” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.19.1.
“IESI-BFC Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.
“IESI-BFC Balance Sheet Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.
“IESI-BFC Business” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“IESI-BFC Consents” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.1.
“IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter” means the schedule designated as such, delivered by IESI-BFC to
WSI, pursuant to Section 5.5.3 and dated the date of delivery.
“IESI-BFC Entities” means IESI-BFC and each of its Subsidiaries.
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“IESI-BFC ERISA Affiliate” means each business or entity which is a member of a “controlled
group of corporations,” under “common control” or an “affiliated service group” with IESI-BFC
within the meaning of Sections 414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code, or required to be aggregated with
IESI-BFC under Section 414(o) of the Code, or is under “common control” with IESI-BFC, within the
meaning of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
“IESI-BFC Expense Reimbursement Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.1.
“IESI-BFC Fairness Opinion” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12.
“IESI-BFC Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.
“IESI-BFC Intellectual Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.10.
“IESI-BFC Interim Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.
“IESI-BFC Permits” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.15.
“IESI-BFC Securities Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.1.
“IESI-BFC Termination Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.1.
“IESI-BFC’s Knowledge” means the actual knowledge or awareness after due inquiry of each or
any of Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxx Xxxxxx.
“Impair the Transactions” means actions or conditions which would have a Material Adverse
Effect on the WSI Entities or the WSI Business, taken or a whole, or the IESI-BFC Entities or the
IESI-BFC Business, taken as a whole, or materially reduce or frustrate the benefits that IESI-BFC
or WSI expect to obtain from the completion of the Transactions.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, all obligations of such Person (i) for
borrowed money, (ii) evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (iii) evidenced
by capital lease or deferred purchase price obligations, or (iv) in the nature of guarantees of the
obligations described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) above of any other Person, and all principal,
interest, fees, prepayment penalties or amounts due or owing with respect to the foregoing.
“Indemnified Parties: has the meaning set forth in Section 5.18.1.
“Intellectual Property” means all patents, patent rights, trademarks, trade names or service
marks, copyrights, inventions, formulas, confidential, proprietary or technical information, trade
secrets, know how, domain names or other intellectual property, whether registered or unregistered,
and all Contracts with respect to any of the foregoing;
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“Law” means any federal, state, provincial, local, national or supranational or foreign law
(including common law), statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, Order, code ruling, decree,
arbitration award, agency requirement, license or permit of any Governmental Authority, or any
interpretation or administration of any of the foregoing by any Governmental Authority.
“Leased Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Sections 3.9.1.2 or
4.9.1.2, as applicable.
“Liabilities” means all Indebtedness, obligations, mortgages and liabilities of whatever
nature, whether known or unknown, accrued or unaccrued, due or to become due, contingent or
otherwise.
“Lien” means any lien, pledge, security interest, charge, claim, mortgage, deed of trust,
option, warrant, purchase right or option, right of first refusal or similar right, lease, easement
or other encumbrance or restriction of any kind.
“Material Adverse Effect” means any fact, change, effect, circumstance, event, occurrence or
development that, individually or in the aggregate, (a) is or would reasonably be expected to be
materially adverse to the business, operations, assets, results of operations, liabilities or other
obligations, capitalization or financial condition of a Party and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, or (b) prevents or impairs in any material respect or could reasonably be expected to
prevent or impair in any material respect the ability of a Party to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided any fact, change, effect, circumstance, event, occurrence
or development resulting from or arising in connection with any of the following shall not
constitute a Material Adverse Effect:
(i) | any change generally affecting the solid waste business in the countries or markets where such Person and its Subsidiaries operate or conduct business; | ||
(ii) | any change in global, North American, national or regional political conditions (including acts of terrorism); | ||
(iii) | any adoption, proposal, implementation or change in applicable Law or interpretations thereof by any Governmental Authority or any changes in Canadian or U.S. GAAP; | ||
(iv) | any natural disaster or weather event or pattern; | ||
(v) | any change in general economic, business, regulatory, national or global financial, currency exchange, securities or commodity market conditions; | ||
(vi) | the seasonality of a Person’s business; | ||
(vii) | the announcement of the execution of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or the performance of any obligation hereunder (including the loss of any customers, employees or business in connection therewith); |
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(viii) | the failure, in and of itself, of the Person to meet any internal or public projections, forecasts or estimates of revenues or earnings (it being understood that the causes underlying such failure may be taken in account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred); | ||
(ix) | any action required by the terms of this Agreement; | ||
(x) | changes, in any analyst’s recommendations, any financial strength rating or any other recommendations or ratings as to a Person (it being understood that the causes underlying such change may be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred); and | ||
(xi) | any change in the trading price or volume of a Person’s securities (it being understood that the causes underlying such change in market price or trading volume may be taken in account in determining whether a Material Adverse Effect has occurred), or any suspension of trading in securities generally or on any securities exchange on which any securities of such Person trade; |
provided, however, that with respect to the immediately preceding clauses (i)
through (v) such matters do not have a disproportionate effect on such Person and
its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, relative to other companies and entities
operating in the solid waste business (if such matters have a disproportionate
effect they shall be taken into account in determining whether a Material Adverse
Effect has occurred only to the extent of such disproportionate effect). For the
purposes of Article III of this Agreement a Material Adverse Effect shall be
determined with respect to WSI and for the purposes of Article IV of this Agreement
a Material Adverse Effect shall be determined with respect to IESI-BFC.
“Material Contracts” has the meaning set forth in Sections 3.11 or 4.11, as
applicable.
“Material Divestiture” means the sale, divestiture or other disposition of any assets,
licenses or business that, (i) during the calendar year 2009, were responsible for generating
revenue in excess of the dollar amount representing more than 25% of the gross revenues of WSI and
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during the calendar year 2009, or (ii) during the calendar
year 2009, constituted substantially all of the industrial and commercial business of WSI and its
Subsidiaries in one or more of its operating districts (each, a “District Divestiture”) and/or
IESI-BFC and its Subsidiaries in one or more of its operating districts (each, a “District
Divestiture”) such that there are two or more District Divestitures that, individually or in the
aggregate, generated adjusted EBITDA that accounted for in excess of the dollar amount representing
more than 10% of WSI’s total adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations during the calendar year
2009, calculated in the manner in which WSI normally accounts for adjusted EBITDA on a quarterly
basis, or (iii) would reduce the annualized cost
savings to IESI-BFC in respect of non-corporate operating and general and administrative
expenses reasonably expected to result from the Merger by $5 million or more.
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“Merger” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Merger Sub” means IESI-BFC Merger Sub, Inc.
“Order” means any writ, judgment, ruling, decree, injunction or similar order of any
Governmental Authority.
“Ordinary Course” means in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
“Outside Date” means June 30, 2010.
“Owned Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Sections 3.9.1.1 or
4.9.1.1, as applicable.
“Party” means each of the parties to this Agreement.
“Permits” means all currently binding agreements, orders, licenses, franchises, permits and
authorizations that have been issued by, or entered into with, any Governmental Authority necessary
to own or operate, as applicable, (i) the WSI Business, or (ii) the IESI-BFC Business.
“Permitted Acquisitions” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.1.2.
“Permitted Liens” means with respect to any Person, any one or more of the following: (i)
Liens set forth in the WSI Disclosure Letter or IESI-BFC Disclosure Letter, as
applicable, or relating to debt obligations reflected in the WSI Financial Statements or IESI-BFC
Financial Statements, as applicable; (ii) Liens for Taxes either not yet delinquent or which are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently prosecuted and as to which
adequate reserves shall have been set aside in conformity with applicable GAAP; (iii) with respect
to any assets other than real property, deposits or pledges to secure the payment of workers’
compensation, unemployment insurance, social security benefits or obligations arising under similar
legislation, or to secure the performance of public or statutory obligations, surety or appeal
bonds, and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the Ordinary Course as to which adequate
reserves have been established; (iv) materialmen’s, mechanics’, workmen’s, repairmen’s, employees’,
landlord’s, lessor’s or other like Liens arising in the Ordinary Course to secure obligations not
yet delinquent or being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves shall have been
set aside in conformity with applicable GAAP; (v) any Lien affecting any asset of such Person which
does not secure Indebtedness, which does not materially impair the use of such asset for the
purposes for which it is held; (vi) easements, protrusions, encroachments, encumbrances (other than
with respect to Indebtedness), building restrictions, and such other encumbrances which do not
materially and adversely affect the marketability of the same or interfere with the use thereof in
the business of such Person, (vii) recorded/registered Liens provided such Liens are in good
standing in all material respects and do not materially interfere with the use of the Real Property
in the business of such Person; (viii) in connection
with a Leased Real Property the rights and Liens of the landlord under the applicable lease
and all Liens granted or permitted by the landlord and registered on title to the Leased Real
Property; and (ix) Liens which would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
Effect.
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“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, general
partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, other entity or business organization, trust,
union, association or Governmental Authority.
“Real Property” has the meaning set forth in Sections 3.9.1.2 or 4.9.1.2, as
applicable.
“Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.24.
“Regulatory Approvals” means the Competition Act Approval, HSR Approval and all other required
competition, foreign investment, antitrust or stock exchange (including stockholder approval
requirements) consents and approvals.
“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, dumping, injection, pouring, deposit,
disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into the Environment.
“Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, any investment banker, attorney,
accountant or other representative retained by such Person.
“Response Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.7.1(c).
“Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act” means the United States Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Sector Basket” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.5.
“Securityholders’ Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.2.
“Senior Subordinated Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.11.2.
“Subsidiary” of a Person means any corporation or other organization, whether incorporated or
unincorporated, of which such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner or of
which such Person and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, owns or controls
at least a majority of the securities or other interests having by their terms ordinary voting
power to elect a majority of the board of directors or others performing similar functions with
respect to such corporation or other organization.
“Superior Proposal” shall mean any unsolicited, bona fide written Acquisition Proposal which
the WSI board of directors receives after the date hereof but before the date on which the WSI
Stockholder Approval Matters are approved: (a) to acquire not less than all of the outstanding WSI
Common Stock or all of the assets of WSI on a consolidated basis, (b) that is reasonably capable of
being completed without undue delay, taking into account to the extent considered appropriate by
the WSI board of directors, all financial, legal, regulatory and other
aspects of such proposal and the Person making such proposal, (c) that did not result from a
breach of Section 5.6 of this Agreement, (d) that is not subject to any due diligence or
access condition, (e) that the board of directors determines, in its good faith judgment, after
receiving written advice of its outside legal and financial advisors that not seeking to enter into
a definitive transaction agreement with respect to such Acquisition Proposal could reasonably be
determined to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law; and (f) that the
board of directors determines, in its good faith judgment, after receiving the advice of its
outside legal and financial advisors and after taking into account all the terms and conditions of
the Acquisition Proposal, is more favorable to the holders of the WSI Common Stock from a financial
point of view than this Agreement (including any changes proposed by IESI-BFC to the terms of this
Agreement).
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“Surviving Corporation” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.1.
“Surviving Corporation Common Shares” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.1.4.
“Tax” or “Taxes” means any and all fees (including license, documentation, filing and
registration fees) imposed by a Governmental Authority, any federal, state, provincial, foreign or
local taxes, assessments, reassessments, deficiencies and other like governmental impositions
(including all net or gross income tax, gross receipts, profits, net proceeds, unemployment
compensation, social security, payroll, withholding, estimated, employment, capital gains, goods
and services, harmonized sales, sales, sales and use, transfer, rental, turnover, exercise, stamp,
value added, privilege, property (tangible and intangible), alternative or add-on minimum and any
other tax or similar governmental charge), together with any interest, additions to taxes, fines
and penalties thereon.
“Tax Returns” means all federal, state, provincial, foreign and local returns, reports,
statements (including any information returns, claim for refunds, amended returns or declarations
of estimated Tax) and other filings required to be filed in respect of Taxes by any Person.
“Taxing Authority” means any Governmental Authority having or purporting to exercise
jurisdiction with respect to any Tax.
“Transactions” means, collectively, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
“Treasury Regulations” means the income Tax regulations promulgated under the Code, as such
regulations may be amended from time to time. References herein to specific provisions of the
Treasury Regulations shall be deemed to include the corresponding provisions of succeeding
provisions of the Treasury Regulations.
“U.S. Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
“U.S. Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations thereunder.
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“WSI” means Waste Services, Inc.
“WSI Applicable Plans” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.19.1.
“WSI Audited Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
“WSI Balance Sheet Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
“WSI Board Recommendation” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.3.
“WSI Business” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“WSI Common Stock” means the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share of WSI.
“WSI Consents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.5.1.
“WSI Disclosure Letter” means the schedule designated as such, delivered by WSI to IESI-BFC,
pursuant to Section 5.5.3 and dated the date of delivery.
“WSI Entities” means WSI and each of its Subsidiaries.
“WSI ERISA Affiliate” means each business or entity which is a member of a “controlled group
of corporations,” under “common control” or an “affiliated service group” with WSI within the
meaning of Sections 414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code, or required to be aggregated with WSI under
Section 414(o) of the Code, or is under “common control” with WSI, within the meaning of Section
4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
“WSI Expense Reimbursement Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.1.
“WSI Fairness Opinion” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.1.
“WSI Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
“WSI Intellectual Property” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.
“WSI Interim Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
“WSI Permits” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.15.
“WSI Preferred Stock” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.1.
“WSI Recommendation Change” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6.1.
“WSI RSUs” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.3.
“WSI SEC Documents” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.1.
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“WSI Stock Awards” means any stock-based award granted pursuant to a WSI Stock Plan.
“WSI Stock Option” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.4.
“WSI Stock Plans” means the Capital Environmental Resource Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan, and
the 2007 Waste Services, Inc. Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, each as amended from time to
time.
“WSI Stockholder Approval Matters” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.2.
“WSI Stockholders Meeting” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.13.2.
“WSI Termination Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.1.
“WSI Warrant” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.5.
“WSI’s Knowledge” means the actual knowledge or awareness after due inquiry of each or any of
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