Exhibit 2
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
DATED AS OF MAY 31, 1999
among
YORKSHIRE WATER PLC
XXXXXXXX ACQUISITION CORP.
and
AQUARION COMPANY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I
THE MERGER ............................................................... 1
1.1 The Merger........................................................ 1
1.2 Closing........................................................... 1
1.3 Effective Time.................................................... 1
1.4 Effects of the Merger ............................................ 2
1.5 Certificate of Incorporation...................................... 2
1.6 By-Laws .......................................................... 2
1.7 Officers and Directors of Surviving Corporation .................. 2
1.8 Effect on Capital Stock .......................................... 2
1.9 Further Assurances................................................ 3
ARTICLE II
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES ................................................. 3
2.1 Exchange Fund .................................................... 3
2.2 Exchange Procedures .............................................. 3
2.3 No Further Ownership Rights in Aquarion Common Stock.............. 3
2.4 Termination of Exchange Fund...................................... 4
2.5 No Liability...................................................... 4
2.6 Investment of the Exchange Fund .................................. 4
2.7 Lost Certificates ................................................ 4
2.8 Withholding Rights................................................ 4
2.9 Stock Transfer Books.............................................. 4
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ........................................... 5
3.1 Representations and Warranties of Aquarion........................ 5
(a) Organization, Standing and Power ............................. 5
(b) Capital Structure............................................. 5
(c) Authority; No Violations ..................................... 6
(d) Reports and Financial Statements ............................. 7
(e) Absence of Liabilities ....................................... 8
(f) Compliance ................................................... 8
(g) Environmental Matters......................................... 8
(h) Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA................................. 10
(i) Absence of Certain Changes or Events ......................... 11
(j) Year 2000..................................................... 11
(k) Taxes......................................................... 11
(l) Insurance..................................................... 12
(m) Property Franchises........................................... 12
(n) Water Quality................................................. 12
(o) Board Approval ............................................... 12
(p) Vote Required................................................. 13
(q) Rights Plan................................................... 13
(r) Brokers or Finders ........................................... 13
(s) Opinion of Aquarion Financial Advisor......................... 13
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(t) Regulation as a Utility...................................... 13
(u) Litigation .................................................. 13
(v) No Parent Capital Stock...................................... 13
3.2 Representations and Warranties of Parent......................... 14
(a) Organization, Standing and Power ............................ 14
(b) Authority; No Violations .................................... 14
(c) Board Approval .............................................. 14
(d) Vote Required................................................ 14
(e) Brokers or Finders .......................................... 15
(f) Litigation .................................................. 15
(g) No Aquarion Capital Stock.................................... 15
(h) Financing.................................................... 15
3.3 Representations and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub.......... 15
(a) Organization, Standing and Power ............................ 15
(b) Authority; No Violations .................................... 15
(c) Board and Stockholder Approval .............................. 16
(d) No Business Activities ...................................... 16
(e) No Aquarion Capital Stock.................................... 16
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS................................ 16
4.1 Covenants of Aquarion ........................................... 16
(a) Ordinary Course.............................................. 16
(b) Dividends; Changes in Share Capital.......................... 16
(c) Issuance of Securities ...................................... 17
(d) Governing Documents.......................................... 17
(e) No Acquisitions.............................................. 17
(f) No Dispositions.............................................. 17
(g) Investments; Indebtedness.................................... 17
(h) Compensation ................................................ 18
(i) Other Actions................................................ 18
(j) Accounting Methods; Income Tax Matters ...................... 18
(k) Rights Plan.................................................. 18
(l) Contracts.................................................... 19
(m) Regulatory Matters .......................................... 19
(n) Standstill Agreements........................................ 19
(o) Compromise; Settlement ...................................... 19
4.2 Covenants of Parent ............................................. 19
(a) Financing.................................................... 19
(b) Regulatory Approvals ........................................ 19
4.3 Advice of Changes; Governmental Filings ......................... 19
4.4 Transition Planning; Continued Operations of Aquarion............ 20
4.5 Community Service Programs....................................... 20
4.6 Control of Aquarion's Business................................... 20
ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS.................................................... 21
5.1 Preparation of Proxy Statement; Aquarion Stockholders Meeting.... 21
5.2 Access to Information ........................................... 21
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5.3 Reasonable Best Efforts ....................................... 22
5.4 Acquisition Proposals ......................................... 23
5.5 Treatment of Aquarion Stock Options; Other Stock Plans;
Employee Benefits Matters...................................... 24
(a) Options; Other Stock Plans ................................ 24
(b) Employee Benefits.......................................... 25
5.6 Fees and Expenses ............................................. 25
5.7 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance......... 25
5.8 Public Announcements........................................... 26
5.9 Disclosure Schedule Supplements ............................... 26
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT ................................................... 27
6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger..... 27
(a) Stockholder Approval ...................................... 27
(b) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality .................. 27
(c) Governmental Approvals .................................... 27
(d) HSR Act.................................................... 27
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.. 27
(a) Representations and Warranties ............................ 27
(b) Performance of Obligations of Aquarion .................... 27
6.3 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Aquarion............... 27
(a) Representations and Warranties ............................ 28
(b) Performance of Obligations of Parent ...................... 28
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT............................................... 28
7.1 Termination ................................................... 28
7.2 Effect of Termination ......................................... 29
7.3 Amendment ..................................................... 29
7.4 Extension; Waiver ............................................. 29
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS ..................................................... 30
8.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements..... 30
8.2 Notices ....................................................... 30
8.3 Interpretation................................................. 30
8.4 Counterparts................................................... 31
8.5 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries ................... 31
8.6 Governing Law ................................................. 31
8.7 Severability................................................... 31
8.8 Assignment..................................................... 31
8.9 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers ........................... 31
8.10 Enforcement ................................................... 32
8.11 Definitions ................................................... 32
8.12 Other Agreements............................................... 33
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GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS
Definition Location of Definition
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1935 Act ........................................................ Section 3.1(t)
Acquisition Proposal ................................................Section 5.4
Agreement.............................................................. Preamble
Aquarion .............................................................. Preamble
Aquarion Board Approval.......................................... Section 3.1(o)
Aquarion Common Stock.................................................. Recitals
Aquarion Disclosure Schedule ........................................Section 3.1
Aquarion Employees ............................................Section 5.5(b)(i)
Aquarion Financial Advisor ...................................... Section 3.1(r)
Aquarion Preferred Stock ......................................Section 3.1(b)(i)
Aquarion Proxy Statement ........................................ Section 5.1(a)
Aquarion Required Consents...................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Aquarion SEC Reports ............................................ Section 3.1(d)
Aquarion Stock Option Plans....................................Section 3.1(b)(i)
Aquarion Stock Options ........................................Section 3.1(b)(i)
Aquarion Stockholders Meeting.................................... Section 5.1(b)
Aquarion Voting Debt ........................................ Section 3.1(b)(ii)
Benefit Plans....................................................Section 8.11(a)
BHC.......................................................... Section 3.1(b)(iv)
Board of Directors ..............................................Section 8.11(b)
Business Day ....................................................Section 8.11(c)
Certificate...................................................... Section 1.8(b)
Closing..............................................................Section 1.2
Closing Date ........................................................Section 1.2
Code ................................................................Section 2.8
Confidentiality Agreement............................................Section 5.2
Contracts.................................................... Section 3.1(c)(ii)
Delaware Certificate of Merger ......................................Section 1.3
Dissenting Shares................................................ Section 1.8(e)
DGCL ................................................................Section 1.1
DOJ.............................................................. Section 5.3(b)
DRIP ..........................................................Section 3.1(b)(i)
Encumbrances ................................................ Section 3.1(b)(iv)
Effective Time ......................................................Section 1.3
Environmental Claim........................................ Section 3.1(g)(v)(A)
Environmental Law.......................................... Section 3.1(g)(v)(B)
ERISA..........................................................Section 3.1(h)(i)
Exchange Act ................................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Exchange Agent ......................................................Section 2.1
Exchange Fund........................................................Section 2.1
Expenses ............................................................Section 5.6
Final Order...................................................... Section 6.1(c)
GAAP ............................................................ Section 3.1(d)
Governmental Entity..........................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Hazardous Materials........................................ Section 3.1(g)(v)(C)
Health Agencies..............................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
HSR Act......................................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Indemnified Parties.............................................. Section 5.7(a)
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Definition Location of Definition
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knowledge........................................................Section 8.11(d)
Laws ........................................................ Section 3.1(c)(ii)
Material Adverse Effect..........................................Section 8.11(e)
Merger ................................................................ Recitals
Merger Consideration ............................................ Section 1.8(a)
Merger Sub ............................................................ Preamble
NYSE ........................................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Orders ...................................................... Section 3.1(c)(ii)
Parent ................................................................ Preamble
Parent Disclosure Schedule ..........................................Section 3.2
Parent Financial Advisor ........................................ Section 3.2(e)
Parent Ordinary Shares .......................................... Section 3.1(v)
Person ..........................................................Section 8.11(g)
PUCs ........................................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Release.................................................... Section 3.1(g)(v)(D)
Required Aquarion Vote .......................................... Section 3.1(p)
Rights ........................................................Section 3.1(b)(i)
Rights Plan....................................................Section 3.1(b)(i)
SEC.............................................................. Section 3.1(d)
Significant Subsidiary ..........................................Section 8.11(h)
Stock Split....................................................Section 3.1(b)(i)
Subsidiary ......................................................Section 8.11(h)
Superior Proposal............................................... Section 8.11(i)
Surviving Corporation................................................Section 1.1
Tax Return .................................................. Section 3.1(k)(vi)
Taxes........................................................ Section 3.1(k)(vi)
Termination Date ................................................ Section 7.1(b)
Termination Fee.................................................. Section 7.2(b)
Violation.................................................... Section 3.1(c)(ii)
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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of May 31, 1999 (this "Agreement"),
among YORKSHIRE WATER PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the
laws of England and Wales ("Parent"), XXXXXXXX ACQUISITION CORP., a Delaware
corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"),
and AQUARION COMPANY, a Delaware corporation ("Aquarion").
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of the Parent, Merger Sub and
Aquarion have each determined that this Agreement and the merger of Merger Sub
with and into Aquarion (the "Merger") in accordance with the provisions of
this Agreement are advisable and in the best interests of their respective
stockholders, and such Boards of Directors have approved such Merger, upon the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, pursuant to
which the holders of shares of common stock, no par value, of Aquarion
("Aquarion Common Stock") will be converted into the right to receive the
Merger Consideration (as defined in Section 1.8) for each share of Aquarion
Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
(as defined in Section 1.3) (other than shares of Aquarion Common Stock that
are owned or held directly or indirectly by Parent or Aquarion which shall be
canceled as provided in Section 1.8, and Dissenting Shares (as defined in
Section 1.8)), and Aquarion will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent;
WHEREAS, Parent, Merger Sub and Aquarion desire to make certain
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby and also to prescribe various conditions to
the transactions contemplated hereby; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
THE MERGER
1.1 The Merger. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement, and in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "DGCL"), Merger Sub shall be merged with and into Aquarion at the
Effective Time. Following the Merger, the separate corporate existence of
Merger Sub shall cease and Aquarion shall continue as the surviving
corporation (the "Surviving Corporation").
1.2 Closing. The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place at
10:00 a.m., New York City time, as soon as practicable, but in any event not
later than the third Business Day, after the satisfaction or waiver (subject
to any applicable Law or Order (each as defined in Section 3.1(c)) of the
conditions (excluding conditions that, by their terms, cannot be satisfied
until the Closing Date) set forth in Article VI (the "Closing Date"), unless
another time or date is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto. The
Closing shall be held at the offices of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx, 000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx, 00000, unless another place is agreed to
in writing by the parties hereto.
1.3 Effective Time. On the Closing Date, the parties shall (i) file a
certificate of merger (the "Delaware Certificate of Merger") in such form as
is required by and executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
DGCL and (ii) make all other filings or recordings required under the DGCL.
The Merger shall become effective at such time as the Delaware Certificate of
Merger is duly filed with the Delaware Secretary of State or at such
subsequent time as Parent and Aquarion shall agree and be specified in the
Delaware Certificate of Merger (the date and time the Merger becomes effective
being the "Effective Time").
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1.4 Effects of the Merger. At and after the Effective Time, the Merger will
have the effects set forth in the DGCL. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time all the property,
rights, privileges, powers and franchises of Aquarion and Merger Sub shall be
vested in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts, liabilities and duties of
Aquarion and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the
Surviving Corporation.
1.5 Certificate of Incorporation. At the Effective Time, the certificate of
incorporation of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended in accordance with
the DGCL to read in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit 1.5 hereto until
thereafter amended as provided therein and under the DGCL.
1.6 By-Laws. The by-laws of Merger Sub as in effect at the Effective Time
shall be the by-laws of the Surviving Corporation until thereafter changed or
amended as provided therein and under applicable Law or Order.
1.7 Officers and Directors of Surviving Corporation. The officers of
Aquarion as of the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving
Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or otherwise
ceasing to be an officer or until their respective successors are duly elected
and qualified, as the case may be. The directors of Merger Sub as of the
Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation until the
earlier of their resignation or removal or otherwise ceasing to be a director
or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.
1.8 Effect on Capital Stock.
(a) At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on
the part of the holder thereof, each share of Aquarion Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares of
Aquarion Common Stock that are 100% owned or held directly or indirectly by
Parent or Aquarion, which shall be canceled as provided in Section 1.8(c) and
Dissenting Shares) shall be converted into the right to receive, subject to
the provisions of Article II, $37.05 in cash (the "Merger Consideration"),
without any interest or dividends thereon, except as provided in Section 2.3.
(b) As a result of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
holders thereof, at Effective Time, all shares of Aquarion Common Stock shall
cease to be outstanding and shall be canceled and shall cease to exist, and
each holder of a certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Time
represented any such shares of Aquarion Common Stock (a "Certificate") shall
thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of Aquarion
Common Stock, except the right to receive the applicable Merger Consideration,
other than with respect to Aquarion Common Stock to be canceled in accordance
with Section 1.8(c) and Dissenting Shares, in accordance with Article II upon
the surrender of such Certificate.
(c) Each share of Aquarion Common Stock issued that is 100% owned or held
directly or indirectly by Parent or Aquarion at the Effective Time shall, by
virtue of the Merger, cease to be outstanding and shall be canceled and no
payment or other consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor.
(d) Each share of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Merger Sub
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be
converted into one share of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Surviving Corporation as of the Effective Time.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, shares of
Aquarion Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time and held by a holder who has not voted in favor of the Merger
and who demands appraisal for such shares in accordance with Section 262 of
the DGCL ("Dissenting Shares") shall not be converted into a right to receive
the Merger Consideration unless such holder fails to perfect within the period
prescribed by the DGCL or withdraws or otherwise loses such holder's right to
appraisal under the DGCL. If, after the Effective Time, such holder fails to
perfect or withdraws or loses such holder's right to appraisal, such
Dissenting Shares shall be treated as if they had been converted as of the
Effective Time
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into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, without interest or
dividends thereon, except as provided in Section 2.3. Aquarion shall give
Merger Sub prompt notice of any written demands received by Aquarion for
appraisal of shares of Aquarion Common Stock, withdrawals of such demands, and
other instruments served pursuant to the DGCL and received by Aquarion and
relating thereto. Parent shall direct all negotiations and proceedings with
respect to such demands for appraisals. Prior to the Effective Time, Aquarion
shall not, except with the prior written consent of Merger Sub, make any
payment with respect to, or settle or offer to settle, any such demands.
1.9 Further Assurances. At and after the Effective Time, the officers and
directors of the Surviving Corporation will be authorized to execute and
deliver, in the name and on behalf of Aquarion or Merger Sub, any deeds, bills
of sale, assignments or assurances and to take and do, in the name and on
behalf of Aquarion or Merger Sub, any other actions and things to vest,
perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Corporation any and
all right, title and interest in, to and under any of the rights, properties
or assets acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Corporation as a result
of, or in connection with, the Merger.
ARTICLE II
EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
2.1 Exchange Fund. Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall designate a
commercial bank or trust company selected by Parent and reasonably acceptable
to Aquarion to act as exchange agent hereunder for the purpose of exchanging
Certificates for the Merger Consideration (the "Exchange Agent"). At or prior
to the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit or cause to be deposited with the
Exchange Agent, in trust for the benefit of holders of shares of Aquarion
Common Stock, the aggregate amount of cash to be paid pursuant to Section 1.8
in exchange for outstanding shares of Aquarion Common Stock (other than shares
of Aquarion Common Stock that are 100% owned or held directly or indirectly by
Parent or Aquarion which shall be canceled as provided in Section 1.8(c) and
Dissenting Shares). Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to
make available to the Exchange Agent from time to time as needed, cash
sufficient to pay any dividends pursuant to Section 2.3. Any cash deposited
with the Exchange Agent shall hereinafter be referred to as the "Exchange
Fund".
2.2 Exchange Procedures. As soon as reasonably practicable after the
Effective Time, the Surviving Corporation shall cause the Exchange Agent to
mail to each holder of a Certificate (i) a letter of transmittal 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 to the
Exchange Agent, and which letter shall be in customary form and have such
other provisions as Parent may reasonably specify and (ii) instructions for
effecting the surrender of such Certificates in exchange for the Merger
Consideration. Upon surrender of a Certificate to the Exchange Agent together
with such letter of transmittal, duly executed and completed in accordance
with the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may reasonably be
required by the Exchange Agent, the holder of such Certificate shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor a check in the aggregate amount equal
to (A) the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of shares of Aquarion
Common Stock formerly represented by such Certificate and (B) any dividends
payable in accordance with Section 2.3 less any required withholding of taxes
as provided in Section 2.8. No interest will be paid or will accrue on any
cash payable pursuant to the preceding sentence. In the event of a transfer of
ownership of Aquarion Common Stock which is not registered in the transfer
records of Aquarion, a check in the proper amount of cash for the appropriate
Merger Consideration and any dividends payable in accordance with Section 2.3
may be paid with respect to such Aquarion Common Stock to such a transferee if
the Certificate formerly representing such shares of Aquarion Common Stock is
presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to
evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock
transfer taxes have been paid or are not payable. The Exchange Fund shall not
be used for any purpose other than as set forth in this Article II.
2.3 No Further Ownership Rights in Aquarion Common Stock. Cash paid upon
conversion of shares of Aquarion Common Stock in accordance with the terms of
Article I and this Article II shall be deemed to have been paid in full
satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of Aquarion Common Stock,
subject, however,
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to the Surviving Corporation's obligation, if any, to pay any dividends or
make any other distributions with a record date prior to the Effective Time
which may have been declared or made by Aquarion on such shares of Aquarion
Common Stock prior to the date of this Agreement and which remain unpaid at
the Effective Time.
2.4 Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund which
remains undistributed to the holders of Certificates for twelve months after
the Effective Time shall be delivered to the Surviving Corporation or
otherwise on the instruction of the Surviving Corporation, and any holders of
the Certificates who have not theretofore complied with this Article II shall
thereafter look only to the Surviving Corporation and Parent for the Merger
Consideration with respect to the shares of Aquarion Common Stock formerly
represented thereby to which such holders are entitled pursuant to Section 1.8
and Section 2.2, and any dividends on shares of Aquarion Common Stock to which
such holders are entitled pursuant to Section 2.3.
2.5 No Liability. None of Parent, Merger Sub, Aquarion, the Surviving
Corporation or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any Person in respect of
any Merger Consideration or dividends from the Exchange Fund delivered to a
public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or
similar Law.
2.6 Investment of the Exchange Fund. The Exchange Agent shall invest any
cash included in the Exchange Fund only in one or more of the following
investments as directed by the Surviving Corporation from time to time: (i)
obligations of the United States government maturing not more than 180 days
after the date of purchase; (ii) certificates of deposit maturing not more
than 180 days after the date of purchase issued by a bank organized under the
laws of the United States or any state thereof having a combined capital and
surplus of at least $500,000,000; (iii) a money market fund having assets of
at least $3,000,000,000; or (iv) tax-exempt or corporate debt obligations
maturing not more than 180 days after the date of purchase given the highest
investment grade rating by Standard & Poor's and Xxxxx'x Investor Service. Any
interest and other income resulting from such investments shall promptly be
paid to the Surviving Corporation.
2.7 Lost Certificates. If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the Person claiming
such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the
Surviving Corporation, the posting by such Person of a bond in such reasonable
amount as the Surviving Corporation may direct as indemnity against any claim
that may be made against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange
Agent will deliver in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate
the applicable Merger Consideration with respect to the shares of Aquarion
Common Stock formerly represented thereby and unpaid dividends, if any, on
shares of Aquarion Common Stock deliverable in respect thereof, pursuant to
this Agreement.
2.8 Withholding Rights. Each of the Surviving Corporation and Parent shall
be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable
pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of shares of Aquarion Common Stock
such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the
making of such payment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the "Code"), or any
provision of state, local or foreign tax Law or Order. To the extent that
amounts are so withheld by the Surviving Corporation or Parent, as the case
may be, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this
Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Aquarion Common
Stock in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the
Surviving Corporation or Parent, as the case may be.
2.9 Stock Transfer Books. At the close of business, New York City time, on
the day Effective Time occurs, the stock transfer books of Aquarion shall be
closed and there shall be no further registration of transfers of shares of
Aquarion Common Stock thereafter on the records of Aquarion. From and after
the Effective Time, the holders of Certificates shall cease to have any rights
with respect to such shares of Aquarion Common Stock formerly represented
thereby, except as otherwise provided herein or by Law. On or after the
Effective Time, any Certificates presented to the Exchange Agent or Parent for
any reason shall be exchanged for the Merger Consideration with respect to the
shares of Aquarion Common Stock formerly represented thereby and any dividends
to which the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to Section 2.3.
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ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
3.1 Representations and Warranties of Aquarion. Except as set forth in the
Disclosure Schedule delivered by Aquarion to Parent prior to the execution of
this Agreement (the "Aquarion Disclosure Schedule"), Aquarion represents and
warrants to Parent as follows:
(a) Organization, Standing and Power. Each of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries
(as defined in Section 8.11(h)) is a corporation duly incorporated or
otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of
its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, has all requisite power and
authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now being conducted, and each of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries is
duly qualified and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in
which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties
makes such qualification necessary other than in such jurisdictions where the
failure so to qualify or be in good standing would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in Section 8.11(e)) on
Aquarion. Section 3.1(a) of the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule sets forth a
complete and accurate list of each direct and indirect Subsidiary of Aquarion.
The copies of the certificates of incorporation and by-laws of Aquarion and
its material Subsidiaries that were previously furnished to Parent are true,
complete and correct copies of such documents as in effect on the date of this
Agreement.
(b) Capital Structure.
(i) As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of
Aquarion consisted of (A) 16,000,000 shares of Aquarion Common Stock and
(B) 2,500,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value ("Aquarion Preferred
Stock"), in one or more series, in an aggregate stated value not in excess
of $25,000,000, of which no shares were outstanding but of which 100,000
shares have been designated as Series B Junior Participating Preferred
Stock and reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Preferred Stock
Purchase Rights (the "Rights") distributed to the holders of Aquarion
Common Stock pursuant to the Rights Agreement dated as of June 25, 1996, as
amended as of the date hereof, between Aquarion and ChaseMellon Shareholder
Services, L.L.C., as Rights Agent (the "Rights Plan"). As of May 21, 1999,
11,373,624 shares of Aquarion Common Stock were issued and outstanding. As
of the date of this Agreement, no shares of Aquarion Common Stock and no
shares of Aquarion Preferred Stock were held in the treasury of Aquarion.
From January 1, 1999 to May 21, 1999, there were no issuances of shares of
the capital stock of Aquarion or any other securities of Aquarion other
than the issuance of (i) 34,126 shares (and accompanying Rights) pursuant
to options or rights outstanding as of December 31, 1998 under the Aquarion
Stock Option Plans (as defined below), (ii) 67,746 shares (and accompanying
Rights) pursuant to Aquarion's Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock
Purchase Plan (the "DRIP") and (iii) phantom stock units for 223 shares
pursuant to the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan. All issued and
outstanding shares of the capital stock of Aquarion are duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and no class of capital stock
is entitled to preemptive rights. There were outstanding as of May 21, 1999
no options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock from Aquarion
other than (w) the Rights, (x) options representing in the aggregate the
right to purchase up to 1,260,712 shares of Aquarion Common Stock
(collectively, the "Aquarion Stock Options") under the (1985) Long-Term
Incentive Plan, as amended, the (1994) Stock Incentive Plan, as amended,
and the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (collectively, the "Aquarion Stock Option
Plans"), (y) stock units representing in the aggregate the right to be paid
43,150.82 shares of Aquarion Common Stock under the Directors' Deferred
Compensation Plan and (z) rights of stockholders under the DRIP. As of May
21, 1999 Aquarion had reserved 245,987 shares of Aquarion Common Stock for
purchase pursuant to the DRIP and 1,260,712 shares of Aquarion Common Stock
for purchase pursuant to the Aquarion Stock Option Plans. Other than the
associated Rights issued with the shares issued as described above and
options or other rights to acquire no more than 1,549,849.82 shares of
Aquarion Common Stock (and accompanying Rights) in the aggregate pursuant
to the Aquarion Stock Option Plans, the DRIP and the Directors' Deferred
Compensation Plan, no options or warrants or other rights to acquire
capital stock from Aquarion have been issued or granted and remain
outstanding as
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of the date of this Agreement. All shares of Aquarion Common Stock subject
to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on the terms and conditions
specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are issuable, will be
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. All of the
numbers of shares of Aquarion Common Stock provided in this Section
3.1(b)(i) or elsewhere in this Agreement are in each case determined after
giving effect to the 3-for-2 stock split of the Aquarion Common Stock
effected in the form of a distribution of one-half of one share of Aquarion
Common Stock on each outstanding share of Aquarion Common Stock paid on
Xxxxx 00, 0000 (xxx "Xxxxx Xxxxx").
(xx) As of the date of this Agreement, no bonds, debentures, notes or
other indebtedness of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries having the right
to vote on any matters on which stockholders may vote ("Aquarion Voting
Debt") are issued or outstanding.
(iii) Except as set forth in this Section 3.1(b), pursuant to the
Aquarion Stock Options, pursuant to the Directors' Deferred Compensation
Plan or pursuant to the DRIP, as of the date of this Agreement, there are
no securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments, agreements,
arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which Aquarion or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, or by which any of them is bound, obligating
Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to
be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or other
voting securities of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries or, securities
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or voting
securities of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries, or obligating Aquarion
or any of its Subsidiaries to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such
security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement
or undertaking. As of the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding
obligations of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of capital stock of Aquarion or any of its
Subsidiaries or to provide funds to, or make any investment in any other
Person, other than a wholly owned Subsidiary of Aquarion.
(iv) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary of
Aquarion are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
and are owned, beneficially and of record, by Aquarion or a Subsidiary,
which is wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by Aquarion, free and clear
of any liens, claims, mortgages, encumbrances, pledges, security interests,
or any other restrictions with respect to the transferability or
assignability thereof (collectively, "Encumbrances"), except for
Encumbrances pursuant to the First Mortgage dated as of June 1, 1924,
between BHC Company ("BHC") and State Street Bank as Trustee, as amended by
the Twenty-Fifth Supplemental Mortgage thereto.
(c) Authority; No Violations.
(i) Aquarion has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, subject in the case of the
consummation of the Merger to the adoption of this Agreement by the
Required Aquarion Vote (as defined in Section 3.1(p)). The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Aquarion, and no other corporate or
stockholder proceedings on the part of Aquarion are necessary to authorize
this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (other
than in the case of the consummation of the Merger, the adoption of this
Agreement by the Required Aquarion Vote). This Agreement has been duly and
validly executed and delivered by Aquarion and constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of Aquarion, enforceable against it in accordance with
its terms.
(ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Aquarion do not or
will not, as the case may be, and the performance of the Agreement and the
consummation of the Merger by Aquarion and the other transactions
contemplated hereby will not, result in any violation of, or constitute a
default (with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give
rise to a right of termination, amendment, cancellation or acceleration of
any obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, or the creation of
an Encumbrance on any assets of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries (any
such violation, default, right of termination, amendment, cancellation or
acceleration, loss or creation, a "Violation") pursuant to: (A) any
provision of
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the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Aquarion or any Subsidiary
of Aquarion or (B) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion, subject to obtaining or making
the consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings referred to in paragraph (iii) below, any loan or
credit agreement, note, mortgage, bond, indenture, lease, benefit plan or
other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, or
license (collectively, "Contracts"), or any statute, law, ordinance, rule,
regulation, whether federal, state, local or foreign (collectively,
"Laws"), or any judgment, order or decree, whether federal, state, local or
foreign (collectively, "Orders") applicable to Aquarion or any Subsidiary
of Aquarion or their respective properties or assets.
(iii) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration,
declaration or filing with, or notice to, any foreign, supranational,
national, state, municipal or local government, any instrumentality,
subdivision, court, administrative agency or commission or other authority
thereof, or any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any
regulatory, taxing, importing or other governmental or quasi governmental
authority (a "Governmental Entity"), is required by or with respect to
Aquarion or any Subsidiary of Aquarion in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Aquarion or the performance of this Agreement
and the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby, except for those required under or in relation to (A) the Xxxx
Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
Act"), (B) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), (C) the DGCL with respect to the filing of the Delaware Certificate
of Merger, (D) Laws, practices and Orders of any state public utility
control or public service commissions or similar state regulatory bodies
("PUCs"), each of which is identified in Section 3.1(c)(iii)(D) of the
Aquarion Disclosure Schedule, (E) Laws, practices and Orders of any state
departments of public health or departments of health or similar state
regulatory bodies or of any federal or state regulatory body having
jurisdiction over environmental protection or environmental conservation or
similar matters ("Health Agencies"), each of which is identified in Section
3.1(c)(iii)(E) of the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule, (F) rules and
regulations of The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE"), and (G) such
consents, approvals, Orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations
and filings the failure of which to make or obtain would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion. Consents,
approvals, Orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings
required under or in relation to any of the foregoing clauses (A) through
(F) are hereinafter referred to as "Aquarion Required Consents." The
parties hereto agree that references in this Agreement to "obtaining"
Aquarion Required Consents means obtaining such consents, approvals or
authorizations, making such registrations, declarations or filings, giving
such notices; and having such waiting periods expire as are necessary to
avoid a violation of Law or an Order.
(d) Reports and Financial Statements. Aquarion has filed all required
reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed
by it with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") since January 1,
1998 (collectively, including all exhibits thereto, the "Aquarion SEC
Reports"). No Subsidiary of Aquarion is required to file any form, report or
other document with the SEC. None of Aquarion SEC Reports, as of their
respective dates (and, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date
of this Agreement or the Closing Date, then on the date of such filing),
contained or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
or will omit 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. Each of the audited consolidated
financial statements and unaudited interim financial statements (including the
related notes) included in the Aquarion SEC Reports presents fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position and consolidated
results of operations and cash flows of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries as of
the respective dates or for the respective periods set forth therein, all in
conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") consistently applied during the periods involved except as otherwise
noted therein, and subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial
statements, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that have not been
and are not expected to be material in amount. All of such Aquarion SEC
Reports, as of their respective dates (and as of the date of any amendment to
the respective Aquarion SEC
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Report), complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(e) Absence of Liabilities. Except for liabilities or obligations which are
accrued or reserved against in Aquarion's most recent financial statements (or
in the related notes thereto) included in the Aquarion SEC Reports or which
were incurred in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices since the date of Aquarion's most recent financial statements
included in the Aquarion SEC Reports, Aquarion and each of its Subsidiaries do
not have any material, known liabilities or obligations (whether absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a nature required by GAAP to be reflected
in a consolidated balance sheet (or reflected in the notes thereto) of
Aquarion.
(f) Compliance.
(i) Except as set forth in the Aquarion SEC Reports filed prior to the
date hereof, neither Aquarion nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation
of, is, to the knowledge of Aquarion, under investigation with respect to
any violation of, or has been given notice or threatened with any violation
of, any Laws or Orders (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.1(f)
Environmental Laws), except for violations or possible violations which
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Aquarion. Aquarion and its Subsidiaries have all permits, licenses,
franchises and other governmental authorizations, consents and approvals
necessary to conduct their businesses as presently conducted, except for
such permits, licenses, franchises and other governmental authorizations,
consents and approvals the absence of which would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion. BHC is in
material compliance with the provisions of the Connecticut Water Diversion
Policy Act, Sections 22a-365 et seq. of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Sea Cliff Water Company is currently operating in material accordance with
the declaration of policy set forth in Section 15-0105 of the New York
Environmental Conservation Law and the terms and conditions of all
decisions, orders, permits, licenses, or approvals issued and/or renewed by
the New York Department of Environmental Conservation under Article 15 of
the Environmental Conservation Law. Neither Aquarion nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in breach or violation of, or in default in the performance
or observance of (i) any provision of its certificate of incorporation or
by-laws, or (ii) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion, any Contract applicable to
Aquarion or any Subsidiaries of Aquarion or their respective properties or
assets.
(ii) All filings required to be made by Aquarion or any of its
Subsidiaries since December 31, 1996, under any applicable Laws or Orders
relating to the regulation of public utilities, have been filed with the
appropriate PUC or Health Agency or any other appropriate Governmental
Entity (including, without limitation, to the extent required, the state
public utility regulatory agencies in Connecticut and New York), as the
case may be, including all forms, statements, reports, agreements (oral or
written) and all documents, exhibits, amendments and supplements
appertaining thereto, including but not limited to all rates, tariffs,
franchises, service agreements and related documents and all such filings
complied, as of their respective dates, in all material respects with all
applicable requirements of the appropriate Laws or Orders, except for such
filings or such failures to comply that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion.
(g) Environmental Matters.
(i) Aquarion and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all
applicable Environmental Laws (as defined in Section 3.1(g)) (which
compliance includes, but is not limited to, the possession by Aquarion of
all permits and other governmental authorizations required under applicable
Environmental Laws, and compliance with the terms and conditions thereof),
except where the failure to be in compliance would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion. Aquarion has not
received any communication (written or oral), whether from a Governmental
Entity, citizens group, employee or otherwise, alleging that Aquarion or
any of its Subsidiaries are not in such compliance, and there are no past
or present (or to the knowledge of Aquarion, future) actions, activities,
circumstances, conditions,
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events or incidents that may prevent or interfere with such compliance in
the future, except for such failure to be in compliance and such actions,
activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on
Aquarion.
(ii) There are no Environmental Claims (as defined in Section 3.1(g))
pending or, to the knowledge of Aquarion, threatened, against Aquarion or
any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person whose liability for any such
Environmental Claim Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries has retained or
assumed either contractually or by operation of Law or Order.
(iii) To the knowledge of Aquarion, there are no past or present actions,
activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents, including,
without limitation, the Release (as defined in Section 3.1(g)), threatened
Release or presence of any Hazardous Material (as defined in Section
3.1(g)), that could form the basis of any Environmental Claim against
Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the best knowledge of Aquarion
against any Person whose liability for any Environmental Claim Aquarion or
any of its Subsidiaries has or may have retained or assumed either
contractually or by operation of Law or Order, except for such liabilities
which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect on Aquarion.
(iv) Aquarion has delivered or otherwise made available for inspection to
the Parent complete and correct copies of all material reports, studies or
analyses in the possession of or initiated by Aquarion or any of its
Subsidiaries pertaining to Hazardous Materials in, on, beneath or adjacent
to any property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by Aquarion
or any of its Subsidiaries, or regarding Aquarion's or any of its
Subsidiaries' compliance with applicable Environmental Laws. There are no
reports, studies or analyses in the possession of or initiated by Aquarion
or any of its Subsidiaries pertaining to Hazardous Materials in, on,
beneath or adjacent to any property currently or formerly owned, operated
or leased by Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries, or regarding Aquarion's
or any of its Subsidiaries' compliance with applicable Environmental Law,
which contain any information not otherwise set forth in the Aquarion
Disclosure Schedule that is materially adverse to Aquarion.
(v) As used in this Agreement:
(A) "Environmental Claim" means any written claim, action, cause of
action, investigation or notice by any Person alleging potential
liability (including, without limitation, potential liability for
investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs,
natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, or
penalties) arising out of, based on or resulting from (a) the presence,
or Release of any Hazardous Materials at any location, whether or not
owned or operated by Aquarion, or (b) circumstances forming the basis
of any violation, or alleged violation, of any Environmental Law.
(B) "Environmental Law" means all Laws relating to pollution or
protection of human health or the environment, including without
limitation, Laws relating to Releases or threatened Releases of
Hazardous Materials or otherwise relating to the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, Release, disposal,
transport or handling of Hazardous Materials and all Laws with regard
to recordkeeping, notification, disclosure and reporting requirements
respecting Hazardous Materials.
(C) "Hazardous Materials" means all substances defined as Hazardous
Substances, Oils, Pollutants or Contaminants in the National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, 40 C.F.R. (S) 300.5,
or defined as such by, or regulated as such under, any Environmental
Law.
(D) "Release" means any release, spill, emission, discharge, leaking,
pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration
into the indoor or outdoor environment (including, without limitation,
ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface
strata) or into or out of any property, including the movement of
Hazardous Materials through or in the air, soil, surface water,
groundwater or property.
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(h) Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA.
(i) Section 3.1(h)(i) of the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule contains a true
and complete list of each deferred compensation and each bonus or other
incentive compensation, stock purchase, stock option and other equity
compensation or ownership plan, program, agreement or arrangement, each
severance or termination pay, medical, surgical, hospitalization, life
insurance and other "welfare" plan, fund or program (within the meaning of
Section 3(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder ("ERISA"))
(excluding any payroll practices, compensation arrangements and fringe
benefits or perquisites which, individually or in the aggregate, are not
material); each profit-sharing, stock bonus or other "pension" plan, fund
or program (within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA); each employment,
retention, consulting, termination or severance agreement with any officer
or director or any other employee (if the cash severance amount payable to
such employee under such agreement could be reasonably expected to exceed
$200,000); and each other material employee benefit plan, fund, program,
agreement or arrangement, in each case, that is sponsored, maintained or
contributed to or required to be contributed to by Aquarion or by any trade
or business, whether or not incorporated (an "ERISA Affiliate"), that
together with Aquarion would be deemed a "single employer" within the
meaning of section 4001(b) of ERISA, or to which Aquarion or an ERISA
Affiliate is party for the benefit of any employee or former employee of
Aquarion or any Subsidiary of Aquarion, in respect of which Aquarion or any
Subsidiary of Aquarion will have continuing liability on or after the
Effective Time (the "Aquarion Benefit Plans"). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, at any time prior to the tenth Business Day following the date
of this Agreement, Aquarion may amend or supplement the list set forth in
Section 3.1(h)(i) of the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule, so long as the items
included in any such amendment or supplement would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) With respect to each Aquarion Benefit Plan, (A) no amendments have
been made thereto since December 31, 1998 (other than as required by
applicable Law or as would not result in any increased cost that would have
a Material Adverse Effect), and (B) Aquarion has heretofore delivered or
made available to Parent true and complete copies of the Aquarion Benefit
Plans, any related trust or other funding vehicle, any reports or summaries
required under ERISA or the Code and the most recent determination letter
received from the IRS with respect to each Aquarion Benefit Plan intended
to qualify under Section 401 of the Code.
(iii) No liability under Title IV has been incurred by Aquarion or any
ERISA Affiliate that has not been satisfied in full, and no condition
exists that presents a material risk to Aquarion or any ERISA Affiliate of
incurring any such liability, other than liability for premiums due the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (which premiums have been paid when
due), where any such liability has had, or would have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(iv) No Aquarion Benefit Plan that is subject to Title IV (a "Aquarion
Title IV Plan") is a "multiemployer pension plan," as defined in section
3(37) of ERISA, nor is any Aquarion Title IV Plan a plan described in
section 4063(a) of ERISA.
(v) Each Aquarion Benefit Plan has been operated and administered in
accordance with its terms, the terms of any applicable collective
bargaining agreement and applicable Law, including but not limited to ERISA
and the Code, except as would not be reasonably expected to result in a
Material Adverse Effect, and each Aquarion Benefit Plan intended to be
"qualified" within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a
favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service.
(vi) None of the terms of the Aquarion Benefit Plans provide that the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will,
either alone or in combination with another event, (A) entitle any current
or former employee or officer of Aquarion or any ERISA Affiliate to
severance pay, unemployment compensation or any other payment, except as
expressly provided in this Agreement, or (B) accelerate the time of payment
or vesting, or increase the amount of compensation due any such employee or
officer. Aquarion has made available to Parent estimates prepared by
Deloitte & Touche of the amounts reasonably expected to be paid to the
individuals set forth in Section 3.1(h)(vi) of the Aquarion Disclosure
Schedule
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(or by which any of their benefits may be increased or accelerated) (in
accordance with the assumptions set forth therein) as a result of a
qualified termination of employment occurring after a Change in Control (as
such term is defined in the Continuity Agreements). For purposes of the
preceding sentence, estimates were prepared in good faith, in accordance
with the assumptions set forth therein (which were believed to be
reasonable) and, to the best knowledge of Aquarion, such amounts accurately
reflect the amounts to be paid under the Continuity Agreements, based on
such assumptions.
(vii) There are no pending, or to the knowledge of Aquarion, threatened
or anticipated claims by or on behalf of any Aquarion Benefit Plan, by any
employee or beneficiary covered under any such Aquarion Benefit Plan, or
otherwise involving any such Aquarion Benefit Plan (other than routine
claims for benefits) that would be reasonably expected to result in
liability that would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(viii) The individuals set forth in Section 3.1(h)(vi) of the Aquarion
Disclosure Schedule have entered into Continuity Agreements previously
provided to Parent under cover of a memorandum of your counsel dated May
11, 1999.
(i) Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed in the
Aquarion SEC Reports filed with the SEC prior to the date hereof, since March
31, 1999 (a) the businesses of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries have been
conducted in the ordinary course, consistent with past practices and (b) there
has not been any event, occurrence, development or state of circumstances or
facts that has had, or would, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion. As of the date hereof, $14.5 million of
short term indebtedness incurred by Aquarion and its Subsidiaries remains
outstanding.
(j) Year 2000. The computer software operated by Aquarion and its
Subsidiaries which is used in the conduct of their businesses is capable of
providing or being adapted to provide uninterrupted millennium functionality
to record, store, process and present calendar dates falling on or after
January 1, 2000 in substantially the same manner and with the same
functionality as such software records, stores, processes and presents such
calendar dates falling on or before December 31, 1999, other than such
interruptions in millennium functionality that would not, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect
on Aquarion. Aquarion believes that the remaining cost of adaptions referred
to in the foregoing sentence is not reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect on Aquarion.
(k) Taxes.
(i) Aquarion and its Subsidiaries have (A) duly filed (or there has been
filed on their behalf) with the appropriate Governmental Entities all Tax
Returns (as defined in Section 3.1(k)(vii)(B)) required to be filed by them
on or prior to the date hereof, other than those Tax Returns the failure of
which to file would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a
Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion, and such Tax Returns are true, correct
and complete in all material respects, and (B) duly paid in full or made
provision in accordance with GAAP (or there has been paid or provision has
been made on their behalf) for the payment of all Taxes (as defined in
Section 3.1(k)(vii)(A)) shown to be due on such Tax Returns.
(ii) Except as set forth in Section 3.1(k)(ii) of the Aquarion Disclosure
Schedule, there are no ongoing federal, state, local or foreign audits or
examinations of any Tax Return of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries.
(iii) There are no outstanding requests, agreements, consents or waivers
to extend the statutory period of limitations applicable to the assessment
of any Taxes or deficiencies against Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries,
and no power of attorney granted by either Aquarion or any of its
Subsidiaries with respect to any Taxes is currently in force.
(iv) Neither Aquarion nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any
agreement providing for the allocation or sharing of Taxes.
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(v) No consent under Section 341(f) of the Code has been filed with
respect to Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries.
(vi) For purposes of this Agreement: (A) "Taxes" means any and all
federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes of any kind (together with
any and all interest, penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts
imposed with respect thereto) imposed by any taxing authority, including,
without limitation, taxes or other charges on or with respect to income,
franchises, windfall or other profits, gross receipts, property, sales,
use, capital stock, payroll, employment, social security, workers'
compensation, unemployment compensation or net worth, and taxes or other
charges in the nature of excise, withholding, ad valorem or value added,
and (B) "Tax Return" means any return, report or similar statement
(including the attached schedules) required to be filed with respect to any
Tax, including, without limitation, any information return, claim for
refund, amended return or declaration of estimated Tax.
(l) Insurance. Each of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries is, and has been
continuously since January 1, 1994, insured with financially responsible
insurers in such amounts and against such risks and losses as are (i)
customary in all material respects for companies in the United States
conducting the business conducted by Aquarion and its Subsidiaries during such
time period, (ii) required to be maintained by Aquarion or any of its
Subsidiaries under the terms of any note, bond, indenture, contract, agreement
or arrangement to which either Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or by which any of their respective properties are bound, except for such
failures to maintain insurance that would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in the acceleration of any payment
of the principal amount of any such note, bond, indenture, contract, agreement
or arrangement, and (iii) required to be maintained pursuant to all applicable
Laws and Orders, except for (in the case of clause (iii)) such insurance the
absence of which would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Aquarion
nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice of cancellation or
termination with respect to any material insurance policy of Aquarion or any
Subsidiary of Aquarion. Aquarion has fulfilled all of its obligations under
each material insurance policy, including the timely payment of premiums,
other than such failures to fulfill its obligations that would not reasonably
be expected, individually or in the aggregate to reduce or nullify the
benefits under such policy.
(m) Property Franchises. Aquarion and its Subsidiaries own or have
sufficient rights and consents to use under existing franchises, easements,
leases, and license agreements all properties, rights and assets necessary for
the conduct of their businesses and operations as currently conducted, except
where the failure to own or have sufficient rights and consents to use such
properties, rights and assets would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion. BHC is
duly authorized and franchised by the State of Connecticut to sell and deliver
water service and otherwise operate as a "water company" as defined in Section
16-1(a)(1) of the Connecticut General Statutes within the jurisdictions
described on page 2 of Aquarion's 1999 annual report to stockholders, except
where the failure to be so authorized or franchised would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion. Sea Cliff Water
Company is duly authorized to sell, furnish and distribute water for domestic,
commercial and public purposes and otherwise operate as a "water-works
corporation" as defined in Section 40 of the New York Transportation
Corporations Law and Section 2, subd. 27 of the New York Public Service Law
within the jurisdictions described on page 2 of Aquarion's 1999 annual report
to stockholders.
(n) Water Quality. The quality of water supplied by Aquarion and its
Subsidiaries to their respective customers meets or exceeds all standards for
quality and safety of water in all material respects in accordance with
applicable Laws and Orders.
(o) Board Approval. The Board of Directors of Aquarion, by resolutions duly
adopted at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or
modified in any way (the "Aquarion Board Approval"), has duly (i) determined
that this Agreement and the Merger are advisable and in the best interests of
Aquarion and its stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement and the Merger and
(iii) recommended that the stockholders of Aquarion adopt this Agreement.
Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties set forth in
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Sections 3.2(g) and 3.3(e), the Board of Directors of Aquarion has taken the
necessary action to make inapplicable the restrictions on business
combinations set forth in Section 203 of the DGCL and any other similar
applicable antitakeover Laws.
(p) Vote Required. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and
warranties set forth in Sections 3.2(g) and 3.3(e), the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Aquarion Common Stock
to adopt this Agreement (the "Required Aquarion Vote") is the only vote of the
holders of any class or series of Aquarion capital stock necessary to adopt
this Agreement and approve the transactions contemplated hereby.
(q) Rights Plan. Aquarion has heretofore provided Parent with a complete and
correct copy of the Rights Plan, including all amendments and exhibits
thereto. The Board of Directors of Aquarion has approved an amendment to the
Rights Plan (a certified copy of which has been provided to Parent) so that
neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Merger
will (i) cause the Rights to become exercisable, (ii) cause Parent or Merger
Sub to become an Acquiring Person (as such term is defined in the Rights Plan)
or (iii) give rise to a Stock Acquisition Date or a Distribution Date (as each
such term is defined in the Rights Plan).
(r) Brokers or Finders. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial
advisor or other firm or Person is or will be entitled to any broker's or
finder's fee or any other similar commission or fee in connection with any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Co.
Incorporated (the "Aquarion Financial Advisor"), whose fees and expenses will
be paid by Aquarion in accordance with Aquarion's agreement with such firm,
based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Aquarion and previously
disclosed to Parent.
(s) Opinion of Aquarion Financial Advisor. Aquarion has received the opinion
of Aquarion Financial Advisor, dated the date of this Agreement, to the effect
that, as of such date, the Merger Consideration is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of Aquarion Common Stock, a copy of which
opinion has been made available to Parent.
(t) Regulation as a Utility. Certain Subsidiaries of Aquarion are regulated
as public utilities in Connecticut and New York. Neither Aquarion nor any
"subsidiary company" or "affiliate" (as such terms are defined in the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (the "1935 Act")) of Aquarion
is subject to regulation as a public utility or public service company (or
similar designation) by any other state in the United States, by the United
States or any agency or instrumentality of the United States or by any foreign
country. Aquarion is not a holding company under the 1935 Act. From December
31, 1989 to the date of this Agreement no Governmental Entity has denied the
request of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries to include any asset then in
utility service in rate base for recovery in the amount of $500,000 or more.
(u) Litigation. Except for claims, actions, suits, proceedings or
investigations (collectively, "Claims") that would not have a Material Adverse
Effect on Aquarion, there are no claims, actions, suits, proceedings or
investigations pending or, to Aquarion's knowledge, threatened against
Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries, or any properties or rights of Aquarion
or any of its Subsidiaries, by or before any Governmental Entity. To the
knowledge of Aquarion, Section 3.1(a) of the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule sets
forth all Claims which are pending or threatened against any of Aquarion or
its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof.
(v) No Parent Capital Stock. Aquarion does not own or hold directly or
indirectly any ordinary shares of 15 5/9 xxxxx each of Parent ("Parent
Ordinary Shares") or any other capital stock of Parent, or any options,
warrants or other rights to acquire any Parent Ordinary Shares or any other
capital stock of Parent, or in each case, any interests therein.
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3.2 Representations and Warranties of Parent. Except as set forth in the
Disclosure Schedule delivered by Parent to Aquarion prior to the execution of
this Agreement (the "Parent Disclosure Schedule"), Parent represents and
warrants to Aquarion as follows:
(a) Organization, Standing and Power. Parent is a corporation duly
incorporated or otherwise organized and validly existing under the Laws of
its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, has all requisite power
and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as now being conducted, and is duly qualified to do business in
each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or
leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary other than in
such jurisdictions where the failure so to qualify or to be in good
standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent.
(b) Authority; No Violations.
(i) Parent has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute
and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all
necessary corporate action on the part of Parent. This Agreement has
been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and constitutes
a valid and binding agreement of Parent, enforceable against it in
accordance with its terms.
(ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent do not or
will not, as the case may be, and the performance of this Agreement and
the consummation by Parent of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby will not, result in a Violation pursuant to: (A)
any provision of the memorandum and articles of association (or other
comparable charter documents) of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent or
(B) except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Material Adverse Effect on Parent, subject to obtaining or making the
consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings referred to in paragraph (iii) below, any
Contract, Laws or Orders applicable to Parent or any Subsidiary of
Parent or their respective properties or assets.
(iii) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, or notice to, any
Governmental Entity is required by or with respect to Parent or any
Subsidiary of Parent in connection with the execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Parent or the performance of this Agreement and the
consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby, except for those required under or in relation to (A) the HSR
Act, (B) Laws of any PUCs and set forth in Section 3.2 (b)(iii)(B) of
the Parent Disclosure Schedule, (C) Laws of any Health Agencies set
forth in Section 3.2 (b)(iii)(C) of the Parent Disclosure Schedule, (D)
rules and regulations of the London Stock Exchange, (E) any
notification required to be made to the Office of Water Services
pursuant to the Instrument of Appointment of York Water Services
Limited as a regulated water and sewerage undertaker and (F) such
consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings the failure of which to make or obtain would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect
on Parent. Consents, approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations,
declarations and filings required under or in relation to the foregoing
clauses (A) through (F) are hereinafter referred to as the "Parent
Required Consents". The parties hereto agree that references in this
Agreement to "obtaining" Parent Required Consents means obtaining such
consents, approvals or authorizations, making such registrations,
declarations or filings, giving such notices; and having such waiting
periods expire as are necessary to avoid a violation of Law or an
Order.
(c) Board Approval. The Board of Directors of Parent, by resolutions duly
adopted at a meeting duly called and held and not subsequently rescinded or
modified in any way, has duly (i) determined that this Agreement and the
Merger are in the best interests of Parent and its stockholders and (ii)
approved this Agreement and the Merger.
(d) Vote Required. No vote of the holders of any class or series of
Parent capital stock is necessary to approve this Agreement, the Merger or
the other transactions contemplated hereby.
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(e) Brokers or Finders. No agent, broker, investment banker, financial
advisor or other firm or Person is or will be entitled to any broker's or
finder's fee or any other similar commission or fee in connection with any
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements
made by or on behalf of Parent, except Xxxxxxxxx & Co., L.L.C. (the "Parent
Financial Advisor"), whose fees and expenses will be paid by Parent in
accordance with Parent's agreement with such firm based upon arrangements
made by or on behalf of Parent.
(f) Litigation. As of the date hereof, there are no claims, actions,
suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to Parent's knowledge,
threatened against Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or any properties or
rights of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, before any Governmental Entity
that (i) seek to question, delay or prevent the consummation of the Merger
or the other transactions contemplated hereby or (ii) would reasonably be
expected to affect adversely the ability of Parent to fulfill its
obligations hereunder, including Parent's obligations under Article I and
Article II.
(g) No Aquarion Capital Stock. Parent does not own or hold directly or
indirectly any shares of Aquarion Common Stock or any other capital stock
of Aquarion, or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire any shares
of Aquarion Common Stock or any other capital stock of Aquarion, or in each
case, any interests therein, other than pursuant to the Merger as
contemplated by this Agreement.
(h) Financing. Parent has or will have available, prior to the Effective
Time, sufficient funds to pay the Merger Consideration pursuant to this
Agreement and otherwise to satisfy its obligations hereunder.
3.3 Representations and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub. Parent and
Merger Sub represent and warrant to Aquarion as follows:
(a) Organization, Standing and Power. Merger Sub is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of
Delaware. Merger Sub is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.
(b) Authority; No Violations.
(i) Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to
execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations
hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The
execution, delivery and performance by Merger Sub of this Agreement and
the consummation by Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby
have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary corporate and
stockholder action on the part of Merger Sub. This Agreement has been
duly and validly executed and delivered by Merger Sub and constitutes a
valid and binding agreement of Merger Sub, enforceable against it in
accordance with its terms.
(ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Merger Sub do
not or will not, as the case may be, and the performance of this
Agreement and the consummation by Merger Sub of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby will not, result in a Violation
pursuant to: (A) any provision of the certificate of incorporation or
by-laws of Merger Sub or (B) except as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, subject to
obtaining or making the consents, approvals, orders, authorizations,
registrations, declarations and filings referred to in paragraph (iii)
below, any Contract, Laws or Orders applicable to Merger Sub or its
properties or assets.
(iii) No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is
required by or with respect to Merger Sub in connection with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by Merger Sub or the
consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby, except for the Parent Required Consents, the filing of the
Delaware Certificate of Merger pursuant to the DGCL and such consents,
approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and
filings the failure of which to make or obtain would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
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(c) Board and Stockholder Approval. The Board of Directors of Merger Sub,
by resolutions duly adopted without a meeting by unanimous consent thereto
in writing and not subsequently rescinded or modified in any way, has duly
(i) determined that this Agreement and the Merger are advisable and in the
best interest of Merger Sub and its stockholder, (ii) approved this
Agreement and the Merger and (iii) recommended that the stockholder of
Merger Sub adopt this Agreement. Following the adoption of such resolutions
by the Board of Directors of Merger Sub, the sole stockholder of Merger
Sub, without a meeting by consent in writing, has duly adopted this
Agreement.
(d) No Business Activities. Merger Sub has not conducted any activities
other than in connection with its organization, the negotiation and
execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby. Merger Sub has no Subsidiaries.
(e) No Aquarion Capital Stock. Merger Sub does not own or hold directly
or indirectly any shares of Aquarion Common Stock or any other capital
stock of Aquarion, or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire any
shares of Aquarion Common Stock or any other capital stock of Aquarion, or
in each case, any interests therein.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
4.1 Covenants of Aquarion. During the period from the date of this Agreement
and continuing until the Effective Time, Aquarion agrees as to itself and its
Subsidiaries that (except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement or as otherwise indicated in Section 4.1 of the Aquarion Disclosure
Schedule or as required by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction
(written notice of which will be given promptly to Parent) or to the extent
that Parent shall otherwise consent in writing):
(a) Ordinary Course.
(i) Aquarion and each of its Subsidiaries shall carry on their
respective businesses in the usual, regular and ordinary course in all
material respects, in substantially the same manner as heretofore
conducted, and shall use all reasonable efforts to preserve intact
their present lines of business, business organizations and
reputations, maintain their rights, franchises and permits, keep
available the services of their key officers and employees, maintain
their assets and properties in good working order and condition,
ordinary wear and tear excepted, and preserve their relationships with
customers, suppliers and others having business dealings with them to
the end that their ongoing businesses shall not be impaired in any
material respect at the Effective Time; provided, however, that no
action by Aquarion or its Subsidiaries with respect to matters
specifically addressed by any other provision of this Section 4.1 shall
be deemed a breach of this Section 4.1(a)(i) unless such action would
constitute a breach of one or more of such other provisions.
(ii) Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, (A) enter into any new material line of business or (B) incur or
commit to any capital expenditures other than capital expenditures not
in excess of the aggregate amount set forth in Section 4.1(a)(ii)(A) of
the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule or, if the Closing Date has not
occurred on or prior to December 31, 1999, the aggregate amounts set
forth in Section 4.1(a)(ii)(B) of the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule.
(b) Dividends; Changes in Share Capital. Aquarion shall not, and shall
not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, and shall not propose to, (i)
declare, set aside or pay any dividends on or make other distributions in
respect of any of its capital stock, except (x) dividends by wholly owned
Subsidiaries of Aquarion to such Subsidiary's parent or another wholly
owned Subsidiary of Aquarion and (y) the regular dividends on Aquarion
Common Stock in the amount of $.2775 per share of Aquarion Common Stock
payable in the second quarter of 1999, up to $.2825 per share of Aquarion
Common Stock payable in the
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third and fourth quarters of 1999 and the first and second quarters of
2000, and up to $.2875 per share of Aquarion Common Stock per quarter
thereafter (such amounts in each case after giving effect to the Stock
Split), (ii) split, combine, subdivide or reclassify any of its capital
stock or issue or authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities
in respect of, in lieu of or in substitution for, shares of its capital
stock, except for any such transaction by a wholly owned Subsidiary of
Aquarion which remains a wholly owned Subsidiary of Aquarion after
consummation of such transaction, (iii) adopt a plan of complete or partial
liquidation or resolutions providing for or authorizing such liquidation or
a dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or
other reorganization or (iv) directly or indirectly repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or any securities
convertible into or exercisable for any shares of its capital stock except,
subject to and in accordance with applicable Laws and Orders, for the
purchase from time to time by Aquarion of Aquarion Common Stock (and the
associated Rights) in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice in connection with funding the Aquarion Benefit Plans.
(c) Issuance of Securities. Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit any
of its Subsidiaries to, issue, deliver or sell, or authorize or propose the
issuance, delivery or sale of, any shares of its capital stock of any
class, any Aquarion Voting Debt or any securities convertible into or
exercisable for, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such
shares or Aquarion Voting Debt, or enter into any agreement with respect to
any of the foregoing, other than (i) the issuance of Aquarion Common Stock
(and the associated Rights) upon the exercise of stock options or in
connection with other stock-based Aquarion Benefit Plans outstanding on the
date hereof in accordance with their present terms or pursuant to the DRIP,
(ii) issuances by a wholly owned Subsidiary of Aquarion of capital stock to
such Subsidiary's Parent or another wholly owned Subsidiary of Aquarion and
(iii) issuances of shares, options, rights or other awards and amendments
to equity-related awards, except as permitted in Section 4.1(h).
(d) Governing Documents. Except to the extent required to comply with
their respective obligations hereunder or, following written notice to
Parent, as may be required by Law or Order or required by the rules and
regulations of the NYSE, Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, amend or propose to amend their respective
certificates of incorporation, by-laws or other governing documents.
(e) No Acquisitions. Except for Aquarion's proposed acquisition of The
Village Water Company substantially on the terms disclosed to Parent, and
acquisitions that are part of, related to or in support of the water
utility business, that have a value not in excess of $5 million
individually and $25 million in the aggregate (in each case, including the
assumption of debt) and that would not reasonably be expected to prevent or
materially delay the Merger, Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit any
of its Subsidiaries to, acquire or agree to acquire by merging or
consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial equity interest in or a
substantial portion of the assets of, or by any other manner, any business
or any corporation, partnership, association or other business organization
or division thereof or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets
(other than the acquisition of assets used in the operations of the
business of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course). Aquarion
shall inform Parent reasonably in advance of taking, or permitting any
Subsidiary to take, action relating to any direct or indirect acquisition
related to or in support of the water utility business, including any such
acquisition permitted by this Section 4.1(e).
(f) No Dispositions. Other than (i) dispositions (including sales of
surplus land) referred to in the Aquarion SEC Reports filed prior to the
date of this Agreement, (ii) sales of surplus land having a value not in
excess of $10 million in the aggregate (provided that no more than one such
sale may have a value exceeding $3 million) or (iii) in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice (other than sales of surplus
land), Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary of Aquarion
to, sell, lease, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of, or agree to
sell, lease, transfer, encumber or otherwise dispose of, any of its assets
(including capital stock of Subsidiaries of Aquarion) which are material to
Aquarion.
(g) Investments; Indebtedness. Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) other than in connection with actions
permitted by Section 4.1(e), make any loans, advances or capital
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contributions to, or investments in, any other Person, other than loans
(except for loans made pursuant to the Carematrix and Georgetown main
extension agreements), advances, capital contributions and investments by
Aquarion or a Subsidiary of Aquarion to or in Aquarion or any wholly owned
Subsidiary of Aquarion, (ii) pay, discharge or satisfy any claims,
liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, or
otherwise), other than payments, discharges or satisfactions incurred or
committed to in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice or reflected in the most recent consolidated financial statements
(or the notes thereto) of Parent included in the most recent Aquarion SEC
Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement or (iii) other than in
connection with actions permitted by Section 4.1(e), create, incur, assume
or suffer to exist any indebtedness, guarantees, loans or advances not in
existence as of the date of this Agreement except for short-term
indebtedness incurred under Aquarion's current short-term facilities (and
any replacements thereof) incurred in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practices, and which is reasonably expected by
Aquarion to be repaid by Aquarion from cash from continuing operations
within 12 months of the incurrence thereof in each case as such facilities
and other existing indebtedness may be amended, extended, modified,
refunded, renewed, refinanced or replaced after the date of this Agreement,
but only if the aggregate principal amount thereof is not increased
thereby, the term thereof is not extended thereby (or, in the case of
replacement indebtedness, the term of such indebtedness is not for a longer
period of time than the period of time applicable to the indebtedness so
replaced) and the other terms and conditions thereof, taken as a whole, are
not less advantageous to Aquarion and its Subsidiaries than those in
existence as of the date of this Agreement.
(h) Compensation. Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, (i) increase the amount of compensation of any senior
executive officer, director or employee, (ii) make any increase in or
commitment to increase any employee benefits, (iii) issue any additional
Aquarion Stock Options, equity-based awards or shares of Aquarion Common
Stock pursuant to the Aquarion Benefits Plans, adopt or make any commitment
to enter into, adopt, amend in any material manner or terminate any
Aquarion Benefit Plan, or any other agreement, arrangement, plan or policy
between Aquarion or one of its Subsidiaries and one or more of its
directors, officers or employees, or (iv) make any contribution, other than
regularly scheduled contributions, to any Aquarion Benefit Plan except as
are granted in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past
practice, in connection with normal periodic performance reviews and
related compensation and benefit increases (including annual across-the-
board increases to be granted in 2000 that are consistent with past
practices in both timing and amount); provided, that Aquarion shall notify
Parent of any such increases, issuances or grants.
(i) Other Actions. Aquarion shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to take any action that would, or fail to take any action
which failure would, or that could reasonably be expected to, result in,
(i) a material breach of any provision of this Agreement, or (ii) any of
the conditions to the Merger set forth in Article VI not being satisfied.
(j) Accounting Methods; Income Tax Matters. Except as disclosed in the
Aquarion SEC Reports filed prior to the date of this Agreement, or as
required by a Governmental Entity, Aquarion shall not, nor shall it permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, change its methods of accounting in effect at
December 31, 1998, except as required by changes in GAAP as concurred in by
Aquarion's independent auditors. Aquarion shall not, nor shall it permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) change its fiscal year, (ii) make or
rescind any material tax election, (iii) settle or compromise any claim,
action, suit, litigation, proceeding, arbitration, investigation, audit, or
controversy in respect of Taxes for any amount in excess of the amount
reserved therefor and reflected in the most recent consolidated financial
statements (or the notes thereto) of Aquarion included in the most recent
Aquarion SEC Report, or (iv) change in any material respect any of its
methods of reporting income, deductions or accounting for federal income
Tax purposes from those employed in the preparation of its federal income
Tax Return for the taxable year ending December 31, 1998.
(k) Rights Plan. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict
the ability of Aquarion to amend, modify or waive any provision of the
Rights Plan, or take any other action with respect to the Rights, in
response to any Acquisition Proposal (as defined in Section 5.4); provided
that any such
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amendment, modification, waiver or other action is in no way adverse to
Parent and will not impede or delay consummation of the Merger or the other
transactions contemplated hereby.
(l) Contracts. Aquarion shall not, nor shall it permit any of its
Subsidiaries, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice (i) to modify, amend, terminate or fail to use commercially
reasonable efforts to renew any material Contract or waive, release or
assign any material rights or claims under a Contract to which Aquarion or
any of its Subsidiaries is a party or (ii) to enter into any new material
Contracts.
(m) Regulatory Matters. Except for filings in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice that would not have a Material
Adverse Effect on Aquarion, Aquarion shall inform Parent reasonably in
advance of making a filing to implement any changes in any of its or its
Subsidiaries' rates or surcharges for water service or executing any
agreement with respect thereto that is otherwise permitted under this
Agreement and shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, deliver to Parent
a copy of each such filing or agreement. Aquarion shall, and shall cause
its Subsidiaries to, make all such filings (A) only in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice or (B) as required by a
Governmental Entity.
(n) Standstill Agreements. Neither Aquarion nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall terminate, amend, modify or waive any provision of any
confidentiality or standstill agreement to which it is a party. Aquarion
shall take all steps necessary to enforce, to the fullest extent permitted
under applicable Law and Orders, the provisions of any such agreement.
(o) Compromise; Settlement. Neither Aquarion nor any of its Subsidiaries
shall settle or compromise any pending or threatened claims or arbitrations
(other than any Claims or arbitrations relating to matters set forth in the
Aquarion SEC Reports), other than settlements which involve solely the
payment of money (without admission of liability) that would not result in
an uninsured payment by or liability of Aquarion in excess of $300,000 in
the aggregate above the reserves established therefor on the books of
Aquarion as of the date hereof.
4.2 Covenants of Parent. During the period from the date of this Agreement
and continuing until the Effective Time, Parent agrees as to itself and its
Subsidiaries that (except as expressly contemplated or permitted by this
Agreement or as otherwise indicated on the Parent Disclosure Schedule or as
required by a Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction (written notice of
which will be given promptly to Aquarion) or to the extent that Aquarion shall
otherwise consent in writing):
(a) Financing. Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, take any action that would, or fail to take any action
which failure would, or that could reasonably be expected to, impair
Parent's ability to have available sufficient funds to pay the Merger
Consideration pursuant to this Agreement and otherwise to satisfy its
obligations hereunder.
(b) Regulatory Approvals. Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, take any action that would, or fail to take any action
which failure would, reasonably be expected to impede or delay any Parent
Required Consent or any Aquarion Required Consent or otherwise impede or
delay the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
4.3 Advice of Changes; Governmental Filings. Each party shall (a) confer on
a regular and frequent basis with the other, with respect to matters relevant
to the Merger and (b) report (to the extent permitted by Law, Order or any
applicable confidentiality agreement) on operational matters with respect to
Aquarion and its Subsidiaries and technological matters and innovations with
respect to Parent and its Subsidiaries, and Aquarion shall promptly advise
Parent, orally and in writing, of any material change or event affecting its
business or operations, including any complaint, investigation or hearing by
any Governmental Entity (or communication indicating the same may be
contemplated) or the institution or threat of material litigation. Aquarion
shall file all reports required to be filed by it with the SEC (and all other
Governmental Entities) between the date of this
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Agreement and the Effective Time and shall (to the extent permitted by Law,
Order or any applicable confidentiality agreement) deliver to Parent copies of
all such reports, announcements and publications promptly after the same are
filed. Except as otherwise required by Section 4.1(m) and subject to
applicable Laws and Orders relating to the exchange of information, each of
Aquarion and Parent shall have the right to review in advance, and will
consult with the other with respect to, all the information relating to the
other party and each of their respective Subsidiaries, which appears in any
filings, announcements or publications made with, or written materials
submitted to, any third party or any Governmental Entity in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In exercising the foregoing
right, each of the parties hereto agrees to act reasonably and as promptly as
practicable. Each party agrees that, to the extent practicable and as timely
as practicable, it will consult with, and provide all appropriate and
necessary assistance to, the other party with respect to the obtaining of all
permits, consents, approvals and authorizations of all third parties and
Governmental Entities necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and each party will keep the other party
apprised of the status of matters relating to completion of the transactions
contemplated hereby. Aquarion will provide Parent with copies of Aquarion's
proposed 2000 Capital Budget and 2000 Operating Budget promptly following
management's completion thereof.
4.4 Transition Planning; Continued Operations of Aquarion.
(a) Aquarion and Parent shall each appoint four officers to serve from time
to time as their respective representatives on a committee that will be
responsible for coordinating transition planning and implementation relating
to the Merger. The initial representatives of Aquarion shall be Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx XxXxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx. The initial
representatives of Parent shall be Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
and Xxxx Xxxx.
(b) Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, Parent at its
discretion may locate up to two of its representatives at the offices of
Aquarion (it being understood that such representatives shall not interfere
with the business and operations of Aquarion or its Subsidiaries and shall
have no authority whatsoever with respect to the operation of the business of
Aquarion or any of its subsidiaries). During such period Aquarion shall cause
one or more of its designated representatives to consult as requested by
Parent with such representatives of Parent and to discuss the general status
of the business of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries consistent with Sections 4.4
and 5.2 hereof.
(c) Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, Aquarion at
its discretion may locate up to two of its representatives at the offices of
Parent for observation with respect to technological matters and innovations
relevant to Aquarion's business (it being understood that such representatives
shall not interfere with the business or operations of Parent or its
subsidiaries, shall have no authority whatsoever with respect to the
operations of the business of Parent or any of its subsidiaries and that
Aquarion will hold any information obtained by such persons or any information
provided to Aquarion pursuant to Section 4.3 in confidence to the extent
required by, and in accordance with, the provisions of a mutually satisfactory
confidentiality agreement).
(d) Parent agrees that the Surviving Corporation will continue to operate
Aquarion's offices and facilities in Bridgeport, Connecticut for the
foreseeable future.
4.5 Community Service Programs. The parties agree that the community service
programs that are currently provided by Aquarion and its Subsidiaries serve a
number of important goals. After the Effective Time, Parent intends to cause
the Surviving Corporation to continue to support the community service
programs which are supported by Aquarion and its Subsidiaries.
4.6 Control of Aquarion's Business. Nothing contained in this Agreement
shall be deemed to give Parent, directly or indirectly, the right to control
or direct Aquarion's operations prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the
Effective Time, Aquarion shall exercise, consistent with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its
operations.
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ARTICLE V
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
5.1 Preparation of Proxy Statement; Aquarion Stockholders Meeting.
(a) As promptly as practicable following the date hereof, Aquarion shall, in
cooperation with Parent, prepare and file with the SEC preliminary proxy
materials relating to the Aquarion Stockholders Meeting (such proxy statement,
and any amendments or supplements thereto, the "Aquarion Proxy Statement").
The Aquarion Proxy Statement shall comply as to form in all material respects
with the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, and shall include a statement that the Board of
Directors finds the Merger to be advisable, fair to and in the best interests
of Aquarion. Each of Aquarion and Parent shall use all reasonable efforts to
have the Proxy Statement cleared by the SEC as promptly as practicable after
filing with the SEC. Aquarion shall, as promptly as practicable after receipt
thereof, provide copies of any written comments received from the SEC with
respect to the Aquarion Proxy Statement to Parent and advise Parent of any
oral comments with respect to the Aquarion Proxy Statement received from the
SEC. Aquarion shall cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to its stockholders
at the earliest practicable date following clearance of the Proxy Statement by
the SEC and, subject to Section 5.4, shall include in the Proxy Statement the
recommendation of the Board of Directors of Aquarion that the stockholders of
Aquarion vote in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement.
Parent agrees that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by
Parent for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Aquarion Proxy
Statement and each amendment or supplement thereto, at the time of mailing
thereof and at the time of Aquarion Stockholders Meeting, will contain an
untrue statement of a material fact or omit 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. Aquarion agrees
that none of the information supplied or to be supplied by Aquarion for
inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Aquarion Proxy Statement and
each amendment or supplement thereto, at the time of mailing thereof and at
the time of Aquarion Stockholders Meeting, will contain an untrue statement of
a material fact or omit 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. For purposes of the foregoing, it
is understood and agreed that information concerning or related to Parent will
be deemed to have been supplied by Parent and information concerning or
related to Aquarion and Aquarion Stockholders Meeting shall be deemed to have
been supplied by Aquarion. Aquarion will provide Parent and its counsel with a
reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the Aquarion Proxy Statement
and all responses to requests for additional information by and replies to
comments of the SEC prior to filing such with, or sending such to, the SEC,
and will provide Parent and its counsel with a copy of all such filings made
with the SEC. No amendment or supplement to the information supplied by Parent
for inclusion in the Aquarion Proxy Statement shall be made without the
approval of Parent, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed.
(b) Subject to Sections 5.4 and 7.1(f), Aquarion shall, as promptly as
practicable following the execution of this Agreement, duly call, give notice
of, convene and hold a meeting of its stockholders (the "Aquarion Stockholders
Meeting") for the purpose of obtaining the Required Aquarion Vote with respect
to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, shall take all lawful
action to solicit the adoption of this Agreement by the Required Aquarion Vote
and the Board of Directors of Aquarion shall recommend adoption of this
Agreement by the stockholders of Aquarion. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing but subject to its rights pursuant to Sections 5.4 and 7.1(f),
Aquarion agrees that its obligations pursuant to the first sentence of this
Section 5.1(b) shall not be affected by the commencement, public proposal,
public disclosure or communication to Aquarion of any Acquisition Proposal (as
defined in Section 5.4).
5.2 Access to Information. Upon reasonable notice, Aquarion shall (and shall
cause its Subsidiaries to) afford to the officers, employees, accountants,
counsel, financial advisors and other representatives of Parent reasonable
access during normal business hours, during the period prior to the Effective
Time, to all its facilities, operations, officers, employees, agents and
accountants and its properties, books, contracts, commitments and
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records and, during such period, Aquarion shall (and shall cause its
Subsidiaries to) furnish promptly to Parent (or in the case of the documents
referred to in clause (a)(ii) below, make available to any representatives of
Parent situated at Aquarion's facility in accordance with Section 4.4(b)) (i)
a copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and other document
filed, published, announced or received by it during such period pursuant to
the requirements of Federal or state securities Laws, as applicable; and (ii)
each report, schedule, statement and other document filed with any other
Governmental Entity (other than, in the case of clause (i) or (ii), documents
which such party is not permitted to disclose under applicable Law or Orders),
and (b) consistent with its legal obligations, all other information
concerning its business, properties and personnel as Parent may reasonably
request; provided, however, that Aquarion may restrict the foregoing access to
the extent that (i) a Governmental Entity requires Aquarion or any of its
Subsidiaries to restrict access to any properties or information reasonably
related to any such contract on the basis of applicable Laws or Orders with
respect to national security matters or (ii) any Law or Order of any
Governmental Entity applicable to Aquarion requires Aquarion or its
Subsidiaries to restrict access to any properties or information. Parent will
hold any information provided under this Section 5.2 or Sections 4.3 or 4.4
that is non-public in confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance
with, the provisions of the letter dated March 19, 1999 between Aquarion and
Parent (the "Confidentiality Agreement"). Any investigation by Parent shall
not affect the representations and warranties of Aquarion.
5.3 Reasonable Best Efforts.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each party will
use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and
to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties
in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws and
Orders to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement as soon as practicable after the date hereof. In furtherance
and not in limitation of the foregoing, each party hereto agrees to make an
appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act
with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby as promptly as
practicable after the date hereof and to supply as promptly as practicable any
additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant
to the HSR Act and to take all other actions necessary to cause the expiration
or termination of the applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act as soon as
practicable.
(b) Each of Parent and Aquarion shall, in connection with the efforts
referenced in Section 5.3(a) to obtain all requisite approvals and
authorizations for the transactions contemplated by this Merger Agreement
under the HSR Act or any other applicable Law or Order, use its reasonable
best efforts to (i) make all appropriate filings and submissions with any PUC,
Health Agency or other Governmental Entity that may be necessary, proper or
advisable under applicable Laws or Orders in respect of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) cooperate in all respects
with each other in connection with any such filing or submission and in
connection with any investigation or other inquiry, including any proceeding
initiated by a private party, (iii) promptly inform the other party of any
communication received by such party from, or given by such party to, PUCs,
Health Agencies, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (the
"DOJ") or any other Governmental Entity and of any material communication
received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private party, in
each case regarding any of the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv)
permit the other party to review any communication given by it to, and consult
with each other in advance of any meeting or conference with, PUCs, Health
Agencies, the DOJ or any such other Governmental Entity or, in connection with
any proceeding by a private party, with any other Person, and to the extent
permitted by PUCs, Health Agencies, the DOJ or such other applicable
Governmental Entity or other Person, give the other party the opportunity to
attend and participate in such meetings and conferences.
(c) In furtherance and not in limitation of the covenants of the parties
contained in Sections 5.3(a) and 5.3(b), if any administrative or judicial
action or proceeding, including any proceeding by a private party, is
instituted (or threatened to be instituted) challenging any transaction
contemplated by this Agreement as violative of any applicable Law or Order,
each of Parent and Aquarion shall cooperate in all respects with each other
and use its respective reasonable best efforts to contest and resist any such
action or proceeding and to have vacated,
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lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction or other
order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that is in effect and that
prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of
this Agreement, nothing in this Section 5.3 shall limit a party's right to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(b) or 7.1(c) so long as such
party has up to then complied in all respects with its obligations under this
Section 5.3.
(d) If any objections are asserted with respect to the transactions
contemplated hereby under any applicable Law or Order or if any suit is
instituted by any Governmental Entity or any private party challenging any of
the transactions contemplated hereby as violative of any applicable Law or
Order, each of Parent and Aquarion shall use its best reasonable efforts to
resolve any such objections or challenge as such Governmental Entity or
private party may have to such transactions under such Law or Order so as to
permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.4 Acquisition Proposals.
(a) Aquarion shall, and shall instruct each of its Subsidiaries and
Representatives (as defined below) to, immediately cease all existing
discussions or negotiations, if any, with any parties conducted heretofore
with respect to any Acquisition Proposal (as defined below). Aquarion shall
not directly or indirectly, and it shall cause its Subsidiaries, officers,
directors, employees, representatives, agents or affiliates, including any
investment bankers, attorneys or accountants ("Representatives") retained by
Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, not to, directly or
indirectly, through any Person, (i) solicit, initiate, encourage or otherwise
facilitate (including by way of furnishing information) any inquiries or
proposals that constitute, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, any
inquiry, proposal or offer (or any improvement, restatement, amendment,
renewal or reiteration thereof) from any Person relating to any direct or
indirect acquisition or purchase of Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries, a
merger, recapitalization, consolidation, business combination, sale of a
significant portion of the assets of Aquarion and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, sale of 10% or more of the shares of capital stock (including by way of
a tender offer, share exchange or exchange offer) or similar or comparable
transactions involving Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries, other than the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (any such inquiry, proposal or
offer (or improvement, restatement, amendment, renewal or reiteration thereof)
(other than made by Parent or an affiliate thereof) being herein referred to
as an "Acquisition Proposal"), or (ii) engage in negotiations or discussions
concerning, or provide any non-public information to any Person relating to,
any Acquisition Proposal. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement, the Board of Directors of Aquarion may, at any time prior to
adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of Aquarion, furnish
information (pursuant to a customary confidentiality agreement no more
favorable, in the aggregate, to the party receiving information than the
Confidentiality Agreement (it being understood that Aquarion may enter into a
confidentiality agreement without a standstill or with a standstill provision
less favorable to Aquarion if it waives or similarly modifies the standstill
provision in the Confidentiality Agreement; provided that in no circumstances
shall any such standstill provision in any such further confidentiality
agreement be more favorable with respect to the purchase of shares of Aquarion
Common Stock)) to, or engage in discussions or negotiations with, any Person
in response to a Superior Proposal (as defined in Section 8.11(i)) made by
such Person if, and only to the extent that, prior to taking such action, (A)
the Board of Directors of Aquarion consults in good faith with its independent
legal counsel as to the advisability of furnishing information to, or engaging
in discussions or negotiations with, such Person and (B) Aquarion provides
reasonable advance notice to Parent to the effect that it is taking such
action.
(b) Except and only to the extent provided in paragraph (c) below, neither
the Board of Directors of Aquarion nor any committee thereof shall (i)
withdraw, modify or change, or propose to withdraw, modify or change, in any
manner adverse to Parent, the approval or recommendation by such Board of
Directors or such committee of the Merger or this Agreement, (ii) approve or
recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, any Acquisition Proposal, or
(iii) cause Aquarion to enter into any agreement (other than a confidentiality
agreement entered into in accordance with Section 5.4(a)), letter of intent,
agreement in principle, acquisition agreement or other similar agreement
relating to any Acquisition Proposal.
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(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in response to a
Superior Proposal and after consulting in good faith with its independent
legal counsel as to the advisability of such action, Aquarion's Board of
Directors shall be permitted (subject to this and the following sentences), at
any time prior to the adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of
Aquarion, (i) to withdraw, modify or change, or propose to withdraw, modify or
change, the approval or recommendation by the Board of Directors of this
Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or (ii) to approve or recommend, or propose to approve or recommend, any
Superior Proposal, but only in each case referred to in clauses (i) and (ii),
after the fifth Business Day following Parent's receipt of written notice
advising Parent that the Board of Directors of Aquarion has received a
Superior Proposal, specifying the material terms and conditions of such
Superior Proposal, identifying the Person making such Superior Proposal and
stating that it intends to take any action described in clause (i) or (ii)
above. After providing such notice, Aquarion shall provide a reasonable
opportunity to Parent within such five Business Day-period to make such
adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement as would enable
Aquarion to proceed with its recommendation to the stockholders of Aquarion
without taking any action described in clauses (i) or (ii) of the preceding
sentence; provided that any such adjustments shall be at the discretion of
Parent at such time.
(d) Aquarion shall immediately advise Parent orally and in writing of any
request for information or any Acquisition Proposal, the material terms and
conditions of such request or Acquisition Proposal and the identity of the
Person making such request or Acquisition Proposal. Aquarion will keep Parent
reasonably informed of the status and details (including amendments or
proposed amendments) of any such request or Acquisition Proposal.
(e) Nothing contained in this Section 5.4 shall prohibit Aquarion or its
Board of Directors (i) from taking and disclosing to its stockholders a
position contemplated by Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2(a) promulgated under the
Exchange Act or from making any legally required disclosure to the
stockholders of Aquarion with regard to an Acquisition Proposal or (ii) prior
to the adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of Aquarion, from taking
any action as contemplated by Section 7.1(f). Nothing in this Section 5.4
shall (x) permit Aquarion to terminate this Agreement (except as specifically
provided in Article VII hereof) or (y) affect any other obligation of Aquarion
under this Agreement.
5.5 Treatment of Aquarion Stock Options; Other Stock Plans; Employee
Benefits Matters.
(a) Options; Other Stock Plans. Aquarion and Parent shall take all requisite
action, including, any and all required amendments to the Aquarion Stock
Option Plans and the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan or to any
agreements entered into thereunder (in each case which amendments may be
conditioned on the Closing occurring) (provided that, with respect to any
required stockholder approval, or any required consent or agreement of another
party to such agreements, of such amendments, such requisite action shall be
limited to Aquarion's and Parent's respective reasonable best efforts to
obtain such stockholder approval), to the extent necessary so that at the
Closing (i) all Aquarion Stock Options that have been granted and that have
not been exercised prior to the Closing Date shall be canceled as of the
Closing Date and at the Closing Aquarion shall pay to each holder of Aquarion
Stock Options a cash payment equal to the aggregate of the number of Aquarion
Stock Options at each exercise price held as of immediately preceding the
Closing multiplied by the excess of the Merger Consideration over the
applicable exercise price (regardless of whether such Aquarion Stock Options
are then vested or exercisable), less such amounts as Aquarion is required to
deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code
or any provision of state, local or foreign tax Law or Order and (ii) all
stock units under the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan that remain
outstanding as of immediately prior to the Closing shall be converted into the
right to receive cash under the terms and conditions of each holder's deferred
compensation account. Aquarion and Parent shall take all actions necessary to
ensure that such payments or conversions into the right to receive cash
extinguish all rights of participants under the Aquarion Stock Option Plans
and the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan to receive either shares of
Aquarion Common Stock or Parent Ordinary Shares at or after the Effective
Time.
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(b) Employee Benefits.
(i) Obligations of Parent; Comparability of Benefits. Parent shall cause the
Surviving Corporation to assume all employment and other related Agreements
with respect to any current employee of Aquarion, which shall be performed in
accordance with their terms. In addition, the obligations under each Aquarion
Benefit Plan (as defined in Section 8.11(a)) as to which Aquarion or any of
its Subsidiaries has any obligation with respect to any current or former
employee (the "Aquarion Employees") shall become the obligations of Parent and
the Surviving Corporation at the Effective Time, and for at least two years
thereafter, Parent shall, or shall cause the Surviving Corporation to, provide
benefits, in the aggregate, that are no less favorable than the benefits
provided, in the aggregate, under such Aquarion Benefit Plans to Aquarion
Employees immediately prior to the Effective Time. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, nothing herein shall require (A) the continuation of any particular
Aquarion Benefit Plan or prevent the amendment or termination thereof (subject
to the maintenance, in the aggregate, of the benefits as provided in the
preceding sentence) or (B) Parent or the Surviving Corporation to continue or
maintain any stock purchase or other equity plan related to the equity of
Aquarion or the Surviving Corporation or Parent.
(ii) Pre-Existing Limitations: Deductible: Service Credit. With respect to
any Benefit Plans of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent in which Aquarion
Employees participate effective as of the Closing Date, Parent shall, or shall
cause the Surviving Corporation to: (A) not impose any limitations more
onerous than those currently in effect as to pre-existing conditions,
exclusions and waiting periods with respect to participation and coverage
requirements applicable to Aquarion Employees under any Benefit Plan of Parent
or any Subsidiary of Parent in which such employees may be eligible to
participate after the Effective Time, (B) provide each Aquarion Employee with
credit for any co-payments and deductibles paid prior to the Effective Time in
satisfying any applicable deductible or out-of-pocket requirements under any
welfare Benefit Plan of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent in which such
employees may be eligible to participate after the Effective Time, and (C)
recognize all service of Aquarion Employees with Aquarion for all purposes
(including, without limitation, purposes of eligibility to participate,
vesting credit, entitlement for benefits, and benefit accrual) in any Benefit
Plan of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent in which such employees may be
eligible to participate after the Effective Time, to the same extent taken
into account under a comparable Aquarion Benefit Plan immediately prior to the
Closing Date.
(iii) Change of Control. Aquarion and Parent agree that, for purposes of the
Aquarion Benefit Plans, the approval or consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, as applicable, shall constitute a "Change in
Control", as applicable under such Aquarion Benefit Plans.
5.6 Fees and Expenses. Whether or not the Merger is consummated, all
Expenses (as defined below) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such
Expenses, except (a) if the Merger is consummated, the Surviving Corporation
shall pay, or cause to be paid, any and all property or transfer taxes imposed
on Aquarion or its Subsidiaries and (b) as provided in Section 7.2. As used in
this Agreement, "Expenses" includes all out-of-pocket expenses (including all
fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, investment bankers, experts and
consultants to a party hereto and its affiliates) incurred by a party or on
its behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation,
negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the preparation, printing, filing and mailing
of the Aquarion Proxy Statement and the solicitation of stockholder approvals
and all other matters related to the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.7 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) After the Effective Time through the sixth anniversary of the Effective
Time, Parent and the Surviving Corporation shall, jointly and severally,
indemnify and hold harmless each present (as of the Effective Time) or former
officer, director or employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries (the
"Indemnified Parties"), against all claims, losses, liabilities, damages,
judgments, fines and reasonable fees, costs and expenses (including attorneys'
fees and expenses) incurred in connection with any claim, action, proceeding
or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
arising out of or pertaining to (i) the fact that the Indemnified
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Party is or was an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or (ii) matters existing or occurring at or prior to the
Effective Time (including this Agreement and the transactions and actions
contemplated hereby), whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the
Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law or Order;
provided that no Indemnified Party may settle any such claim without the prior
approval of Parent (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed). Each Indemnified Party will be entitled to advancement of expenses
incurred in the defense of any claim, action, proceeding or investigation from
Parent or the Surviving Corporation within ten Business Days of receipt by
Parent or the Surviving Corporation from the Indemnified Party of a request
therefor; provided that any Person to whom expenses are advanced provides an
undertaking, to the extent required by the DGCL, to repay such advances if it
is ultimately determined that such Person is not entitled to indemnification.
(b) The Surviving Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect (i) in
its certificate of incorporation and by-laws for a period of six years after
the Effective Time, the current provisions regarding elimination of liability
of directors and indemnification of, and advancement of expenses to, officers,
directors and employees contained in the certificate of incorporation and by-
laws of Aquarion and (ii) for a period of six years after the Effective Time,
the current policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance and
fiduciary liability insurance maintained by Aquarion (provided that the
Surviving Corporation may substitute therefor policies of at least the same
coverage and amounts containing terms and conditions which are, in the
aggregate, no less advantageous to the insured) with respect to claims arising
from facts or events that occurred on or before the Effective Time; provided,
however, that in no event shall the Surviving Corporation be required to
expend in any one year an amount in excess of 200% of the annual premiums
currently paid by Aquarion for such insurance; and, provided, further, that if
the annual premiums of such insurance coverage exceed such amount, the
Surviving Corporation shall be obligated to obtain a policy with the greatest
coverage available for a cost not exceeding such amount.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if any claim, action,
proceeding or investigation (whether arising before, at or after the Effective
Time) is made against any Indemnified Party on or prior to the sixth
anniversary of the Effective Time, the provisions of this Section 5.7 shall
continue in effect until the final disposition of such claim, action,
proceeding or investigation.
(d) In the event that the Surviving Corporation or any of its successors or
assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be
the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or
merger or (ii) transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its properties
and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, proper provision shall
be made so that the successors or assigns of the Surviving Corporation shall
succeed to the obligations set forth in Section 5.5 and this Section 5.7.
5.8 Public Announcements. Aquarion and Parent shall use all reasonable
efforts to develop a joint communications plan and each party shall use all
reasonable efforts (i) to ensure that all press releases and other public
statements with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
consistent with such joint communications plan, and (ii) unless otherwise
required by applicable Law or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement
with or rules of any securities exchange, to consult with each other before
issuing any press release or otherwise making any public statement with
respect to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
5.9 Disclosure Schedule Supplements. From time to time after the date of
this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, Aquarion will promptly
supplement or amend the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule with respect to any
matter hereafter arising which, if existing or occurring at or prior to the
date of this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described
in the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule or which is necessary to correct any
information in a schedule or in any representation and warranty of Aquarion
which has been rendered inaccurate thereby. From time to time after the date
of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time, Parent will promptly
supplement or amend the Parent Disclosure Schedule with respect to any matter
hereafter arising which, if existing or occurring at or prior to the date of
this Agreement, would have been required to be set forth or described in the
Parent Disclosure Schedule or which is necessary to correct any information in
a schedule or in any representation and warranty of Parent or Merger Sub which
has been rendered inaccurate thereby (including, for purposes of this Section
5.9 only, any representation or warranty set forth in Section 3.2(f) without
regard to the words "As of the date hereof" therein). Each of Aquarion and
Parent shall, within a reasonable
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period of time following any such supplement or amendment, negotiate in good
faith with respect to the consequences of any such supplement or amendment.
For purposes of determining the accuracy of the representations and warranties
of Aquarion contained in this Agreement and the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in this
Agreement in order to determine the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in
Sections 6.2(a) and 6.3(a), the Parent Disclosure Schedule and the Aquarion
Disclosure Schedule shall be deemed to include only that information contained
therein on the date of this Agreement and shall be deemed to exclude any
information contained in any subsequent supplement or amendment thereto.
ARTICLE VI
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger. The
respective obligations of Aquarion, Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger
are subject to the satisfaction or waiver at or prior to the Closing of the
following conditions:
(a) Stockholder Approval. Aquarion shall have obtained the Required
Aquarion Vote for the adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of
Aquarion.
(b) No Injunctions or Restraints; Illegality. No federal, state, local or
foreign, if any, Law shall have been adopted or promulgated, and no
temporary restraining Order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other
Order issued by a court or other Governmental Entity of competent
jurisdiction shall be in effect, having the effect of making the Merger
illegal or otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Merger.
(c) Governmental Approvals. All Parent Required Consents and the Aquarion
Required Consents shall have been obtained prior to the Effective Time, and
shall have become Final Orders. The Final Orders shall not, individually or
in the aggregate, impose terms and conditions that (i) could reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on Aquarion or on Parent or
(ii) materially impair the ability of the parties to complete the Merger or
the other transactions contemplated hereby. "Final Order" for purposes of
this Agreement means action by the relevant regulatory authority which has
not been reversed, stayed, enjoined, set aside, annulled or suspended with
respect to which any waiting period prescribed by any Law or Order before
the Merger and other transactions contemplated hereby may be consummated
has expired, and as to which all conditions to be satisfied before the
consummation of such transactions prescribed by Law or Order have been
satisfied.
(d) HSR Act. The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to
the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or shall have
expired.
6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub. The
obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction of, or waiver by Parent, at or prior to the Closing of the
following additional conditions:
(a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
warranties of Aquarion set forth in this Agreement shall be true and
correct (other than any representation or warranty, or any portion of a
representation or warranty, that is not qualified as to Material Adverse
Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct in
all material respects), as if such representations or warranties were made
as of the Effective Time, except (i) to the extent given as of a certain
date and (ii) for changes specifically permitted by this Agreement, and
Parent shall have received a certificate of the chief executive officer and
the chief financial officer of Aquarion to such effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations of Aquarion. Aquarion shall have performed
or complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the
Closing Date, and Parent shall have received a certificate of the chief
executive officer and the chief financial officer of Aquarion to such
effect.
6.3 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Aquarion. The obligations of
Aquarion to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of, or waiver by
Aquarion, at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions:
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(a) Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and
warranties of Parent and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement shall be
true and correct (other than any representation or warranty, or any portion
of a representation or warranty, that is not qualified as to Material
Adverse Effect, which representations and warranties shall be true and
correct in all material respects), as if such representations or warranties
were made as of the Effective Time, except (i) to the extent given as of a
certain date and (ii) for changes specifically permitted by this Agreement,
and Aquarion shall have received a certificate of the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer of Parent to such effect.
(b) Performance of Obligations of Parent. Parent shall have performed or
complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants
required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the
Closing Date, and Aquarion shall have received a certificate of the chief
executive officer and the chief financial officer of Parent to such effect.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
7.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the
Effective Time, by action taken or authorized by the Board of Directors of the
terminating party or parties, and except as provided below, whether before or
after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger by the
stockholders of Aquarion or Merger Sub:
(a) By mutual written consent of Parent and Aquarion, by action of their
respective Boards of Directors;
(b) By either Aquarion or Parent, by written notice to the other party,
if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before the first
anniversary of the date of this Agreement (the "Termination Date");
provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this
Section 7.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill
any obligation under this Agreement (including without limitation Section
5.3) has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Effective
Time to occur on or before the Termination Date; provided further that if,
on such first anniversary, (i) the condition set forth in Section 6.1(c)
has not been satisfied or waived, (ii) all of the other conditions to the
consummation of the Merger set forth in Article VI have been satisfied or
waived or can readily be satisfied and (iii) any approvals required in
order for the condition set forth in Section 6.1(c) to be satisfied that
have not yet been obtained are being pursued diligently and in good faith,
then the Termination Date shall, without any action by any of the parties,
be extended to the earlier of (x) the date that is six months after the
first anniversary of the date hereof and (y) the date that such approvals
are no longer being pursued diligently and in good faith by any party
necessary to the prosecution thereof;
(c) By either Aquarion or Parent if any Governmental Entity (i) shall
have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken any other action (which the
parties shall have used their reasonable best efforts to resist, resolve or
lift, as applicable, in accordance with Section 5.3) permanently
restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and such order, decree, ruling or other
action shall have become final and nonappealable or (ii) shall have failed
to issue an order, decree or ruling or to take any other action (which
order, decree, ruling or other action the parties shall have used their
reasonable best efforts to obtain, in accordance with Section 5.3), in each
case (i) and (ii) that is necessary to fulfill the conditions set forth in
subsections 6.1(c) and (d), as applicable, and such denial of a request to
issue such order, decree, ruling or take such other action shall have
become final and nonappealable; provided, however, that the right to
terminate this Agreement under this Section 7.1(c) shall not be available
to any party whose failure to comply with Section 5.3 has been the cause of
such action or inaction;
(d) By either Aquarion or Parent if the approval by the stockholders of
Aquarion required for the consummation of the Merger shall not have been
obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the Required Aquarion Vote upon
the taking of such vote at a duly held meeting of stockholders of Aquarion,
or at any adjournment thereof;
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(e) By Parent if the Board of Directors of Aquarion shall have taken or
resolved to take any of the actions set forth in clauses (i) or (ii) of
Section 5.4(b); or
(f) By Aquarion at any time prior to adoption of this Agreement by the
stockholders of Aquarion if the Board of Directors of Aquarion shall
approve a Superior Proposal; provided, however, that Aquarion shall have
complied with Section 5.4 and provided, further, that it shall be a
condition to termination by Aquarion pursuant to this Section 7.1(f) that
Aquarion shall have made the payment of the Termination Fee (as defined in
Section 7.2(b)) to Parent required by Section 7.2(b).
7.2 Effect of Termination.
(a) In the event of termination of this Agreement by either Aquarion or
Parent as provided in Section 7.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void
and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of Parent or
Aquarion or their respective officers or directors except with respect to the
second sentence of Section 5.2, Section 5.6, this Section 7.2 and Article
VIII; provided, however, that nothing herein shall relieve any party from
liability for the willful breach of any of its representations, warranties,
covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement and; provided, further,
that if this Agreement is terminated by either Parent pursuant to Section
7.1(e) or by Aquarion pursuant to Section 7.1(f), Parent shall no longer be
bound by the terms of Section 7 of the Confidentiality Agreement.
(b) Parent and Aquarion agree that Aquarion shall pay to Parent the sum of
$20 million (the "Termination Fee") solely as follows: (i) if (A) Aquarion or
Parent shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(d) due to the
failure of Aquarion's stockholders to adopt this Agreement, (B) at any time
after the date of this Agreement and at or before the time of the event giving
rise to such termination there shall exist an Acquisition Proposal with
respect to Aquarion or any of its Subsidiaries and (C) within 12 months
following the termination of this Agreement, Aquarion enters into a definitive
agreement with a third party with respect to an Acquisition Proposal or an
Acquisition Proposal is consummated, or (ii) if Parent shall terminate this
Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(e), or (iii) if Aquarion shall terminate
this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(f).
(c) The Termination Fee required to be paid to Parent pursuant to Section
7.2(b)(iii) shall be made prior to, and shall be a pre-condition to the
effectiveness of termination of, this Agreement by Aquarion pursuant to
Section 7.1(f). The Termination Fee required to be paid to Parent pursuant to
Section 7.2(b)(i) shall be made to Parent not later than five Business Days
after the entering into of a definitive agreement with respect to, or the
consummation of, an Acquisition Proposal, as applicable. The Termination Fee
required to be paid to Parent pursuant to Section 7.2(b)(ii) shall be made to
Parent not later than five Business Days after such termination. All payments
under this Section 7.2 shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available
funds to an account designated by Parent.
7.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto, by
action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors, at any
time before or after approval of the matters presented in connection with the
Merger by the stockholders of Aquarion and Merger Sub, but, after any such
approval, no amendment shall be made which by Law or in accordance with the
rules of any relevant stock exchange requires further approval by such
stockholders without such further approval. This Agreement may not be amended
except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties
hereto.
7.4 Extension; Waiver. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties
hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors,
may, to the extent legally allowed, (i) extend the time for the performance of
any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (ii) waive
any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in
any document delivered pursuant hereto and (iii) waive compliance with any of
the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a
party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth
in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any
party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or
otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of those rights.
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ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. None of the
representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements in this Agreement
or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any
rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties,
covenants and other agreements, shall survive the Effective Time, except for
those covenants and agreements contained herein and therein that by their
terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Effective
Time and this Article VIII. Nothing in this Section 8.1 shall relieve any
party for any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other
agreement in this Agreement occurring prior to termination.
8.2 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing (including telecopy or other similar writing) and shall be deemed duly
given (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by telecopy or
telefacsimile, upon confirmation of receipt, (b) on the first Business Day
following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier
service, (c) on the tenth Business Day following the date of mailing if
delivered by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid or (d) if given by any other means, when received at the address
specified in this Section 8.2, except, in each case, for a notice of a change
of address, which shall be effective only upon receipt thereof. All notices
hereunder shall be delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other
instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such
notice:
(a) if to Parent or Merger Sub, to
Yorkshire Water plc
0 Xxx Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxx XX0 0XX
Fax: 000-00-000-000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxx
Group Company Secretary
with a copy to
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Xxxxxxx & Xxxx LLP
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
(b) if to Aquarion to
Aquarion Company
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
President and Chief Executive Officer
with a copy to
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
8.3 Interpretation. When a reference is made in this Agreement to Sections,
Exhibits or Schedules, such reference shall be to a Section of or Exhibit or
Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. The table
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of contents, glossary of defined terms and headings contained in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include",
"includes" or "including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to
be followed by the words "without limitation". The inclusion of any matter in
the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule or the Parent Disclosure Schedule in
connection with any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement that is
qualified as to materiality or "Material Adverse Effect" shall not be an
admission by the party delivering such disclosure schedule that such matter is
material or would have a Material Adverse Effect.
8.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and
shall become effective when each party shall have received counterparts hereof
signed by all other parties hereto, it being understood that the parties need
not sign the same counterpart.
8.5 Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries.
(a) This Agreement together with the Aquarion Disclosure Schedule, the
Parent Disclosure Schedule and exhibits hereto constitutes the entire
agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written
and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, other
than the Confidentiality Agreement, which shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement.
(b) 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 5.7 (which is intended to be for the benefit of the Persons covered
thereby and may be enforced by such Persons).
8.6 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to
principles of conflict of laws.
8.7 Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is
invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law, Order 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 contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially
adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision
is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall
negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original
intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order
that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally
contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
8.8 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto, in whole
or in part (whether by operation of Law, Order or otherwise), without the
prior written consent of the other parties, and any attempt to make any such
assignment without such consent shall be null and void. Subject to the
preceding sentence, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit
of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and
assigns. Aquarion agrees that, at the request of Parent and Merger Sub at any
time prior to adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of Aquarion,
Aquarion will take all actions required by the DGCL in order to effect, after
all actions required by the DGCL are taken by Parent and Merger Sub, the
substitution of another direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent
for Merger Sub in this Agreement; provided that each of Parent and such
substitute Subsidiary shall represent and warrant to Aquarion, on the date
such substitution is to be effective, the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 3.3; and provided, further, that no action shall be taken
that would require Aquarion to amend or supplement the Aquarion Proxy
Statement at any time after the Aquarion Proxy Statement has first been mailed
to Aquarion's stockholders.
8.9 Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers. Each of Parent, Merger Sub and
Aquarion irrevocably agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect
to this Agreement or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in
respect hereof brought by any party hereto or its successors or assigns may be
brought and
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determined in the Chancery or other Courts of the State of Delaware, or in the
United States Courts in or for the District of Delaware, in each case having
subject matter jurisdiction, and each of Parent, Merger Sub and Aquarion
hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for
itself and in respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, to the
nonexclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. By the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, Parent appoints The Corporation Trust Company at
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 (or at such other place within
the State of Delaware as may be designated for such purpose), as its agent
upon which process may be served in any such legal action or proceeding.
Service of process upon such agent, together with notice of such service given
to Parent in the manner specified in Section 8.2, shall be deemed in every
respect effective service of process upon Parent in any legal action or
proceeding. Nothing herein shall in any way be deemed to limit the ability of
Aquarion to serve any writs, process or summons in any other manner permitted
by applicable Law or Order or to obtain jurisdiction over Parent in such other
jurisdictions and in such manner as may be permitted by applicable Law or
Order. Each of Parent, Merger Sub and Aquarion hereby irrevocably waives, and
agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or
otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, (a) any
claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the above-named
courts for any reason other than the failure to serve process in accordance
with this Section 8.9, (b) that it or its property is exempt or immune from
jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such
courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment,
attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or
otherwise) and (c) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law or Order,
that (i) the suit, action or proceeding in any such court is brought in an
inconvenient forum, (ii) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is
improper and (iii) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be
enforced in or by such courts. This Agreement does not involve less than
$100,000, and the parties intend that 6 Del.C. (S)2708 shall apply to this
Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Aquarion
understands and agrees that this Section 8.9 is not intended to and shall not
be deemed to be a consent by Parent to jurisdiction for any purpose other than
the limited purpose of enforcing this Agreement in accordance with its terms.
8.10 Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in
the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with their specific terms. It is accordingly agreed that the
parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, this
being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at Law, Order
or in equity.
8.11 Definitions. As used in this Agreement:
(a) "Benefit Plans" means, with respect to any Person, each employee or
director benefit plan, program, arrangement and contract (including any
"employee benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and any
bonus, deferred compensation, stock bonus, stock purchase, restricted
stock, stock option, employment, termination, stay agreement or bonus,
change in control and severance plan, program, arrangement and contract) in
effect on the date of this Agreement or disclosed on Section 4.1(c) of the
Aquarion Disclosure Schedule, to which such Person or its Subsidiary is a
party, which is maintained or contributed to by such Person, or with
respect to which such Person could incur material liability under Section
4069, 4201 or 4212(c) of ERISA.
(b) "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of any specified
Person and any committees thereof.
(c) "Business Day" means any day on which banks are not required or
authorized to close in The City of New York.
(d) "knowledge" when used with respect to any party means the knowledge
of any senior executive officer of such party after reasonable inquiry.
(e) "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to any Person, any
change, circumstance or effect that would reasonably be expected to result
in a materially adverse effect on the business, financial condition or
results of operations of such Person and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole,
other than any change,
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circumstance or effect relating (i) to reductions in consumer demand or
reductions in supply sources solely as a result of unusual climatic
conditions in the watersheds or in the areas serviced by Aquarion or any of
its Subsidiaries or (ii) to actions or omissions by either Parent or
Aquarion, or any of their Subsidiaries, as the case may be, taken with the
written permission of the other party in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(f) "the other party" means, with respect to Aquarion, Parent and means,
with respect to Parent, Aquarion.
(g) "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization, other entity
or group (as defined in the Exchange Act).
(h) "Subsidiary" when used with respect to any party means any
corporation or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated,
(i) of which such party or any other Subsidiary of such party is a general
partner (excluding partnerships, the general partnership interests of which
held by such party or any Subsidiary of such party do not have a majority
of the voting interests in such partnership) or (ii) at least a majority of
the securities or other interests of which 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 is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such party or
by any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such party and one or more of
its Subsidiaries.
(i) "Superior Proposal" means an unsolicited bona fide written
Acquisition Proposal that the Board of Directors of Aquarion concludes in
good faith (after consultation with its financial advisors) would, if
consummated, provide greater aggregate value to Aquarion's stockholders (in
their capacities as stockholders), from a financial point of view, than the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement and for which any required
financing is committed or which, in the good faith judgment of the Board of
Directors of Aquarion (after consultation with its financial advisors), is
reasonably capable of being financed by the Person making such Acquisition
Proposal (provided that for purposes of this definition the term
Acquisition Proposal shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 5.4 except that (x) the reference to "10% or more of the shares" in
the definition of "Acquisition Proposal" shall be deemed to be a reference
to "sale of 50% or more of the shares" and (y) "Acquisition Proposal" shall
only be deemed to refer to a transaction involving Aquarion, or with
respect to assets (including the shares of any Subsidiary of Aquarion) of
Aquarion and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and not any of its
Subsidiaries alone.
8.12 Other Agreements. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that, except
as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the rights and obligations
of Aquarion and Parent under any other agreement between the parties shall not
be affected by any provision of this Agreement.
---------------------------------------
[Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent, Aquarion and Merger Sub have caused this
Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized,
all as of the day and year first above written.
Yorkshire Water plc
By:/s/ Xxxxx Xxxx
----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxx Xxxx
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Xxxxxxxx Acquisition Corp.
By:/s/ Xxxxx Xxxx
----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxx Xxxx
Title: President
Aquarion Company
By:/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title: President/Chief Executive
Officer
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