Synagro Technologies, Inc. [ ] Shares Common Stock UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT dated May [ ], 2005 Banc of America Securities LLC Lehman Brothers Inc. CIBC World Markets Corp.
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Synagro Technologies,Β Inc.
[Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ]Β Shares
Common Stock
dated MayΒ [Β Β Β Β ], 2005
Banc of America SecuritiesΒ LLC
Xxxxxx BrothersΒ Inc.
CIBC World Markets Corp.
MayΒ [Β Β Β Β ], 2005
BANC
OF AMERICA SECURITIESΒ LLC
XXXXXX BROTHERSΒ INC.
CIBC WORLD MARKETS CORP.
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIESΒ LLC
0 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Introductory.Β Β Β Β Synagro Technologies,Β Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes to issue and sell to the several underwriters named in ScheduleΒ A (the "Underwriters") an aggregate of [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] Β shares of its Common Stock, par value $0.002 per share (the "Common Stock"); and the stockholders of the Company named in ScheduleΒ B (collectively, the "Selling Stockholders") severally propose to sell to the Underwriters an aggregate of [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ]Β shares of Common Stock. The [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ]Β shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company and the [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ]Β shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Selling Stockholders are collectively called the "Firm Shares." In addition, the Selling Stockholders have severally granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ]Β shares of Common Stock, each Selling Stockholder selling up to the amount set forth opposite such Selling Stockholder's name in ScheduleΒ B, all as provided in SectionΒ 2. The additional [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ]Β shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders pursuant to such option are collectively called the "Optional Shares." The Firm Shares and, if and to the extent such option is exercised, the Optional Shares are collectively called the "Shares." Banc of America SecuritiesΒ LLC ("BAS"), Xxxxxx BrothersΒ Inc. ("Xxxxxx Brothers") and CIBC World Markets Corp. have agreed to act as representatives of the several Underwriters (in such capacity, the "Representatives") in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Prior to the First Closing Date (as defined herein) all of the Company's outstanding shares of preferred stock will be converted into shares of Common Stock. Concurrently with the offering of the Shares, the Company will enter into a new senior secured credit facility (the "New Credit Facility") as described in the Prospectus under "Use of Proceeds" and "Description of Certain Indebtedness." In addition, the Company has entered into a dealer manager agreement (the "Dealer Manager Agreement") with BAS and Xxxxxx Brothers and will consummate the tender offer and consent solicitation for the Company's 91/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (the "Notes") concurrently with the offering of the Shares.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The Company and each of the Selling Stockholders hereby confirm their respective agreements with the Underwriters as follows:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 1.Β A.Β Representations and Warranties of the Company.Β Β Β Β The Company represents, warrants and covenants to each Underwriter as follows:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (a)Β Β Β Registration Statement and Prospectus.Β Β Β Β The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement on FormΒ S-1 (File No.Β 333-122351), which contains a form of prospectus to be used in connection with the public offering and sale of the Shares. Such registration statement, as amended, including the financial statements, exhibits and schedules thereto, in the form in which it was declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the "Securities Act"), including any information deemed to be a part thereof at the time of effectiveness pursuant to RuleΒ 430A under the Securities Act, is called the "Registration Statement." Any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to RuleΒ 462(b) under the Securities Act is called the "RuleΒ 462(b) Registration Statement," and from and after the date and time of filing of the RuleΒ 462(b) Registration Statement the term "Registration Statement" shall include the RuleΒ 462(b) Registration Statement. Any preliminary
prospectus included in the Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to RuleΒ 424(a) under the Securities Act is called a "Preliminary Prospectus." The prospectus, in the form first used by the Underwriters to confirm sales of the Shares, is called the "Prospectus." All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the RuleΒ 462(b) Registration Statement, a Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing, shall include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System ("XXXXX").
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (b)Β Β Β Compliance with Registration Requirements.Β Β Β Β The Registration Statement and any RuleΒ 462(b) Registration Statement have been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act. The Company has complied to the Commission's satisfaction with all requests of the Commission for additional or supplemental information. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any RuleΒ 462(b) Registration Statement is in effect and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the Commission.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus when filed complied in all material respects with the Securities Act and, if filed by electronic transmission pursuant to XXXXX (except as may be permitted by RegulationΒ S-T under the Securities Act), was identical to the copy thereof delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares. Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective and at all subsequent times during the Prospectus Delivery Period (as defined below), complied and will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and did not and will not contain any 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 not misleading. The Preliminary Prospectus, as of its date, and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as of its date and at all subsequent times during the Prospectus Delivery Period, did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The representations and warranties set forth in the two immediately preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement, or any post-effective amendment thereto, or the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by the Representatives expressly for use therein. There are no contracts or other documents required to be described in the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement which have not been described or filed as required.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (c)Β Β Β Offering Materials Furnished to Underwriters.Β Β Β Β The Company has delivered or will deliver to counsel for each Representative one complete manually signed copy of the Registration Statement and of each consent and certificate of experts filed as a part thereof, and conformed copies of the Registration Statement (without exhibits) and Preliminary Prospectuses and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, in such quantities and at such places as the Representatives have reasonably requested for each of the Underwriters.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (d)Β Β Β Distribution of Offering Material By the Company.Β Β Β Β The Company has not distributed and will not distribute, prior to the later of the Subsequent Closing Date (as defined below) and the completion of the Underwriters' distribution of the Shares, any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares other than a Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus or the Registration Statement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (e)Β Β Β The Underwriting Agreement.Β Β Β Β This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (f)Β Β Β Β The Dealer Manager Agreement.Β Β Β Β The Dealer Manager Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (g)Β Β Β Authorization of the Shares.Β Β Β Β The Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company have been duly authorized for issuance and sale pursuant to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to this Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth herein, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (h)Β Β Β No Applicable Registration or Other Similar Rights.Β Β Β Β There are no persons with registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt securities registered for sale under the Registration Statement or included in the offering contemplated by this Agreement, other than the Selling Stockholders with respect to the Shares included in the Registration Statement, except for such rights as have been duly waived.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β No Material Adverse Change.Β Β Β Β Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus: (i)Β there has been no material adverse change, or any development that could reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business, operations or prospects, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity (any such change is called a "Material Adverse Change"); (ii)Β the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity, have not incurred any material liability or obligation, indirect, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction or agreement; and (iii)Β there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company or, except for dividends paid to the Company or other subsidiaries, any of its subsidiaries on any class of capital stock or repurchase or redemption by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any class of capital stock.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (j)Β Β Β Β Independent Accountants.Β Β Β Β PricewaterhouseCoopersΒ LLP, who have expressed their opinion with respect to the financial statements (which term as used in this Agreement includes the related notes thereto) filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in the Prospectus, are independent public or certified public accountants as required by the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the "Exchange Act").
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (k)Β Β Β Preparation of the Financial Statements.Β Β Β Β The financial statements filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in the Prospectus present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of and at the dates indicated and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods specified. Such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as may be expressly stated in the related notes thereto. No other financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement. The historical financial data set forth in the Prospectus under the captions "Prospectus SummaryβSummary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data," "Selected Financial Data" and "Capitalization" fairly present the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements contained in the Registration Statement. The Company and its subsidiaries have no material contingent obligations that are not disclosed in the Company's financial statements in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The pro forma financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and the related notes thereto and other pro forma financial data included under the caption "Prospectus SummaryβSummary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data," "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data," and elsewhere in the Prospectus and in the Registration Statement present fairly the information contained therein, have been prepared in accordance with the Commission's rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial statements and have been properly presented on the basis
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described therein, and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein (in the case of pro forma financial data).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (l)Β Β Β Β Incorporation and Good Standing of the Company and its Subsidiaries.Β Β Β Β Each of the Company and its significant subsidiaries (as defined in RegulationΒ S-X of the Securities Act) has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation or other legal entity in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has power (corporate or otherwise) and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and, in the case of the Company, to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Dealer Manager Agreement and the New Credit Facility. Each of the Company and its significant subsidiaries is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except for such jurisdictions where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change. Except as described in the Prospectus with respect to the restrictions set forth in the Credit Agreement (as defined below), all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each of the Company's significant subsidiaries has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and nonassessable and is owned by the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or claim. The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity other than the subsidiaries listed in ExhibitΒ 21 of the Registration Statement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (m)Β Β Capitalization and Other Capital Stock Matters.Β Β Β Β The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus under the caption "Capitalization" (other than for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to employee benefit plans described in the Prospectus or upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants described in the Prospectus). The Common Stock (including the Shares) conforms in all material respects to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock (including the shares of Common Stock owned by Selling Stockholders) have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with federal and state securities laws. The conversion of all of the Company's shares of preferred stock into shares of Common Stock has occurred in accordance with the provisions governing the preferred stock. None of the outstanding shares of Common Stock were issued in violation of any preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities of the Company. There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or other rights to purchase, or equity or debt securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for, any capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than those accurately described in the Prospectus. The description of the Company's stock option, stock bonus and other stock plans or arrangements, and the options or other rights granted thereunder, set forth in the Prospectus accurately and fairly presents, in all material respects, the information required to be shown with respect to such plans, arrangements, options and rights.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (n)Β Β Β The Transactions.Β Β Β Β All necessary corporate action has been duly and validly taken by the Company to authorize the consummation of the tender offer and consent solicitation for the Notes as described in the Prospectus under "SummaryβThe Transactions."
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (o)Β Β Β Listing.Β Β Β Β The Shares have been approved for listing on the [Nasdaq National Market] [American Stock Exchange ("Amex")] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange, Incorporated ("TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange")].
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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (p)Β Β Β Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments; No Further Authorizations or Approvals Required.Β Β Β Β Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of (i)Β its charter or by-laws or is in default (or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, would be in default) ("Default") under any indenture, mortgage, loan or credit agreement, note, contract, franchise, lease or other instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound (including, without limitation, the Notes or the related indenture (the "Indenture"), dated as of AprilΒ 17, 2002, by and among the Company, certain Guarantors of the Company and Xxxxx Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee, and the revolving loans and letters of credit under the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), dated as of AprilΒ 8, 2002, by and among the Company, Bank of America, N.A. and various financial institutions), or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject (each, an "Existing Instrument") (assuming with respect to the Credit Agreement that it is refinanced as described in the Prospectus), except for such Defaults with respect to Existing Instruments as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or (ii)Β any law, rule or regulation, or any order of any court or of any other governmental agency or instrumentality having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any of its or their respective properties or assets. The Company's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Dealer Manager Agreement, the New Credit Facility and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, thereby and by the Prospectus (including, without limitation, the conversion of all of the Company's shares of preferred stock into shares of Common Stock and the consummation of the tender offer and consent solicitation for the Notes) (i)Β have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or by-laws of the Company or any subsidiary, (ii)Β will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or Default or a Debt Repayment Triggering Event (as defined below) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to, or require the consent of any other party to, any Existing Instrument (assuming with respect to the Credit Agreement that it is refinanced as described in the Prospectus) and (iii)Β will not result in any violation of any law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree applicable to the Company or any subsidiary except with respect to clauseΒ (ii) and (iii)Β as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing with, any court or other governmental or regulatory authority or agency, is required for the Company's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Dealer Manager Agreement, the New Credit Facility and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, thereby and by the Prospectus (including, without limitation, the conversion of all of the Company's shares of preferred stock into shares of Common Stock and the consummation of the tender offer and consent solicitation for the Notes), except such as have been obtained or made by the Company and are in full force and effect under the Securities Act, applicable state securities or blue sky laws and from the NASD,Β Inc. (the "NASD"). As used herein, a "Debt Repayment Triggering Event" means any event or condition which gives, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time would give, the holder of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any person acting on such holder's behalf) the right to require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such indebtedness by the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (q)Β Β Β No Material Actions or Proceedings.Β Β Β Β Except as otherwise disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, threatened (i)Β against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (ii)Β which has as the subject thereof any officer or director of, or property owned or leased by, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (iii)Β relating to environmental or discrimination matters, where in any such case (A)Β there is a reasonable possibility that such action, suit or proceeding
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might be determined adversely to the Company or such subsidiary and (B)Β any such action, suit or proceeding, if so determined adversely, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change or adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, with the employees of any principal supplier of the Company, exists or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, is threatened or imminent.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (r)Β Β Β Intellectual Property Rights.Β Β Β Β The Company and its subsidiaries own or have rights to use sufficient trademarks, trade names, patent rights, copyrights, domain names, licenses, approvals, trade secrets and other similar rights (collectively, "Intellectual Property Rights") reasonably necessary to conduct the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as now conducted; and the expected expiration of any of such Intellectual Property Rights would not result in a Material Adverse Change. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of infringement or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others, which infringement or conflict, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, would result in a Material Adverse Change. The Company is not a party to or bound by any options, licenses or agreements with respect to the Intellectual Property Rights of any other person or entity that are required to be set forth in the Prospectus and are not described in all material respects. None of the technology employed by the Company has been obtained or is being used by the Company in violation of any contractual obligation binding on the Company or, to the Company's knowledge, any of its officers, directors or employees or otherwise in violation of the rights of any persons.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (s)Β Β Β All Necessary Permits, etc.Β Β Β Β The Company and each subsidiary possess such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits issued by the appropriate state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies necessary to conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, could result in a Material Adverse Change.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (t)Β Β Β Β Title to Properties.Β Β Β Β The Company and each of its subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all the real property and good title to all other properties and assets reflected as owned in the financial statements referred to in SectionΒ 1(A)(i)Β above, in each case free and clear of any security interests, mortgages, liens, encumbrances, equities, claims and other defects, except such as do not materially and adversely affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such property by the Company or such subsidiary. The real property, improvements, equipment and personal property held under lease by the Company or any subsidiary are held under valid and enforceable leases, with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such real property, improvements, equipment or personal property by the Company or such subsidiary.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (u)Β Β Β Tax Law Compliance.Β Β Β Β The Company and its subsidiaries have filed all necessary federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns or have received timely extensions thereof and have paid all taxes required to be paid by any of them and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty levied against any of them (except in the case where failure to file or pay would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change). The Company has made adequate charges, accruals and reserves in the applicable financial statements referred to in SectionΒ 1(A)(k) above in respect of all federal, state and foreign income and franchise taxes for all periods as to which the tax liability of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has not been finally determined.
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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (v)Β Β Β Additional Tax Law Requirements.Β Β Β Β There are no transfer taxes or other similar fees or charges under federal law or the laws of any state, or any political subdivision thereof, required to be paid in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the issuance by the Company or sale by the Company of the Shares. There are no tax audits or investigations pending, which if adversely determined would have individually or in the aggregate a Material Adverse Change, nor are there any material proposed additional tax assessments against the Company or any of its subsidiaries which would have individually or in the aggregate a Material Adverse Change.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (w)Β Β Company Not an "Investment Company."Β Β Β Β The Company has been advised of the rules and requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). The Company is not, and after receipt of payment for the Shares, consummation of the transactions as described in the Prospectus under "SummaryβThe Transactions" and application of the proceeds as described in the Prospectus under "Use of Proceeds" will not be, an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act and will conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become subject to the Investment Company Act.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (x)Β Β Β Insurance.Β Β Β Β Each of the Company and its subsidiaries are insured by recognized, financially sound and reputable institutions with policies in such amounts and with such deductibles and covering such risks as are adequate and customary for their businesses including, but not limited to, policies covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Company and its subsidiaries against theft, damage, destruction, acts of vandalism and earthquakes. The Company has no reason to believe that it or any subsidiary will not be able (i)Β to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii)Β to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not result in a Material Adverse Change. Neither of the Company nor any subsidiary has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for which it has applied, except for any denials that would not result in a Material Adverse Change.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (y)Β Β Β No Price Stabilization or Manipulation.Β Β Β Β The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might be reasonably expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares. [The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters may engage in passive market making transactions in the Shares on the [Nasdaq National Market] [or TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange], as the case may be, in accordance with RegulationΒ M under the Exchange Act.] [N/A on the Amex]
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (z)Β Β Β Related Party Transactions.Β Β Β Β No business or commercial relationship or transaction, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company or any of its affiliates on the one hand, and the directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers of the Company or any of its affiliates on the other hand which is required to be described in the Prospectus, which is not so described pursuant to RegulationΒ S-K of the Commission.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (aa)Β Internal Controls and Procedures.Β Β Β Β The Company maintains (i)Β effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in RuleΒ 13a-15 under the Exchange Act and (ii)Β a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (A)Β transactions are executed in accordance with management's general or specific authorizations; (B)Β transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability; (C)Β access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization; and (D)Β the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.
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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (bb)Β No Material Weakness in Internal Controls.Β Β Β Β Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, since the end of the Company's most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (i)Β no material weakness in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (ii)Β no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (cc)Β No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments.Β Β Β Β Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the best of the Company's knowledge, any employee or agent of the Company or any subsidiary, has made any contribution or other payment to any official of, or candidate for, any federal, state or foreign office in violation of any law or of the character required to be disclosed in the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (dd)Β No Conflict with Money Laundering Laws.Β Β Β Β The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the "Money Laundering Laws") and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ee)Β No Conflict with OFAC Laws.Β Β Β Β Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department ("OFAC"); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds, to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ff)Β Β Compliance with Environmental Laws.Β Β Β Β Except as otherwise disclosed in the Prospectus or as would not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change (i)Β neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state, local or foreign law or regulation relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the use and disposal of sewage sludge or biosolids, emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous, dangerous, toxic, biohazardous or infectious substances, materials, constituents or wastes or toxins, viruses, infectious disease agents, or pathogens, petroleum and petroleum products and their breakdown constituents, or any other substance exhibiting a hazardous waste characteristic including without limitation corrosivity, ignitability, toxicity, or reactivity, whether solid, gaseous or liquid in nature (collectively, "Materials of Environmental Concern"), or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Materials of Environment Concern (collectively, "Environmental Laws"), which violation includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with any permits, licenses, registrations or other governmental authorizations (collectively, "Environmental Permits") required for the operation of the business of the Company or its subsidiaries under applicable Environmental Laws, or noncompliance with the terms and conditions thereof, nor has the Company or any of its subsidiaries received any written communication, whether from a governmental authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise, that alleges that the Company or any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any Environmental Law; (ii)Β there is no claim, action or cause of action filed with a court or governmental authority, no
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investigation with respect to which the Company has received written notice, and no written notice by any person or entity alleging potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental responses costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, attorneys' fees or penalties arising out of, based on or resulting from the presence, or release into the environment, of any Material of Environmental Concern at any location owned, leased or operated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, now or in the past (collectively, "Environmental Claims"), pending or, to the best of the Company's knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company or any of its subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law; (iii)Β there are currently no, and are no foreseeable, material expenditures payable by the Company or by any of its subsidiaries, in order to maintain any Environmental Permit, comply with Environmental Laws or remediate, clean up, xxxxx or remove any Material of Environmental Concern on any real property currently or formerly owned, operated or leased by any of them; and (iv)Β to the best of the Company's knowledge, there are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents, including, without limitation, the release, emission, discharge, presence or disposal of any Material of Environmental Concern, that reasonably could result in a violation of any Environmental Law or form the basis of a potential Environmental Claim against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company or any of its subsidiaries has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (gg)Β ERISA Compliance.Β Β Β Β Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, the Company and its subsidiaries and any "employee benefit plan" (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (collectively, "ERISA")) established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or, solely in the case of an employee benefit plan subject to Title IV of ERISA, their "ERISA Affiliates" (as defined below) are in compliance with ERISA. "ERISA Affiliate" means, with respect to the Company or a subsidiary, any member of any group of organizations described in SectionsΒ 414(b), (c), (m)Β or (o)Β of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the "Code") of which the Company or such subsidiary is a member. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, no "reportable event" (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any "employee benefit plan" established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, neither the Company, its subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA Affiliates has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any liability under (i)Β Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any "employee benefit plan" or (ii)Β SectionsΒ 412, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, each "employee benefit plan" established or maintained by the Company or its subsidiaries that is intended to be qualified under SectionΒ 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service and, to the Company's best knowledge, nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would reasonably be expected to cause the loss of such qualification.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (hh)Β New Credit Facility.Β Β Β Β The Company has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility has been duly and validly authorized by the Company and when executed and delivered by the Company (assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties thereto other than the Company), will constitute valid and legally binding agreement of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors
9
generally, and subject to general principles of equity. The New Credit Facility conforms in all material respects to the description thereof in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ii)Β Β Β Brokers.Β Β Β Β There is no broker, finder or other party that is entitled to receive from the Company any brokerage or finder's fee or other fee or commission as a result of any transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (jj)Β Β Β NASD.Β Β Β Β To the Company's knowledge, there are no affiliations or associations between any member of the NASD and any of the Company's officers, directors or 5% or greater security holders, except as set forth in the Registration Statement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (kk)Β Industry Data.Β Β Β Β The market-related and customer-related data and estimates and other industry-related data included in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources which the Company believes to be reliable and accurate.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ll)Β Β Β No Termination of Contracts.Β Β Β Β Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has sent or received any notice indicating the termination of or intention to terminate any of the contracts or agreements referred to or described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and no such termination has been threatened by the Company, any subsidiary or any other party to any such contract or agreement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (mm)Β No Sale or Issuance of Common Stock.Β Β Β Β Except as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, the Company has not sold or issued any shares of Common Stock during the six-month period preceding the date of the Prospectus, including any sales pursuant to RegulationΒ D or RegulationΒ S of the Securities Act.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (nn)Β Forward-Looking Information.Β Β Β Β The information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus regarding the Company's expectations, plans and intentions, and any other information that constitutes "forward-looking" information within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act were made by the Company on a reasonable basis and reflect the Company's good faith belief and/or estimate of the matters described therein.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (oo)Β Dividend Policy and Restrictions.Β Β Β Β The statements (including the assumptions described therein) included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus under the caption "Dividend Policy and Restrictions" (i)Β are within the coverage of RuleΒ 175(b) under the Securities Act to the extent such data constitute forward-looking statements as defined in RuleΒ 175(c), (ii)Β were made by the Company with a reasonable basis and reflect the Company's good faith estimate of the matters described therein and (iii)Β are based upon the Company's assessment and analysis of all material factors it deems relevant and the application of assumptions which it deems reasonable after due and proper consideration of relevant facts.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (pp)Β Backlog.Β Β Β Β The information contained under the caption "BusinessβBacklog" in the Prospectus is true and correct.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (qq)Β No Insolvency.Β Β Β Β Immediately after the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Dealer Manager Agreement and the New Credit Facility, the fair value and present fair saleable value of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole will exceed its stated liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities); and the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole is not, nor will it be, after giving effect to the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Dealer Manager Agreement and the New Credit Facility and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, left with unreasonably small capital with which to carry on its business as it is proposed to be conducted, unable to pay its debts (contingent or otherwise) as they mature, or otherwise insolvent.
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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (rr)Β Β Criminal or Bankruptcy Proceedings.Β Β Β Β To the knowledge of the Company, after due inquiry, none of the directors or officers or shareholders of the Company listed under "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Prospectus is or has ever been subject to prior criminal or bankruptcy proceedings in the United States or elsewhere.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ss)Β Β Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act Compliance.Β Β Β Β The Company is and, on the First Closing Date and the Subsequent Closing Date, if any, will be, in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 that are effective and is actively taking steps to ensure that it will be in compliance with other applicable provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 upon the effectiveness of such provisions.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (tt)Β Β Description of Laws and Documents.Β Β Β Β The statements in the Prospectus under the captions "BusinessβFederal, State and Local Government Regulation," "BusinessβPermitting Process," "BusinessβPatents and Proprietary Rights," "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions," "Description of Certain Indebtedness," "Description of Capital Stock," "Shares Eligible for Future Sale," "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations" and "Underwriting," insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws and documents referred to therein, are accurate in all material respects.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (uu)Β Registration and Quotation of Common Stock.Β Β Β Β The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act or listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, [Nasdaq National Market] [Amex] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange], except as described in the Prospectus with respect to the application to list the Common Stock on the [Nasdaq National Market] [Amex] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange], nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission, the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, or the [Nasdaq National Market] [Amex] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange] is contemplating terminating such registration or quotation.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Any certificate signed by an officer of the Company and delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters set forth therein.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered pursuant to SectionΒ 5 hereof, counsel to the Company and counsel to the Underwriters, will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of the foregoing representations and hereby consents to such reliance.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β B.Β Β Β Β Representations and Warranties of the Selling Stockholders.Β Β Β Β Each Selling Stockholder represents, warrants and covenants to each Underwriter as follows:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (a)Β Β Β The Underwriting Agreement.Β Β Β Β This Agreement has been duly authorized (if applicable), executed and delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (b)Β Β Β The Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney.Β Β Β Β Each of the (i)Β Custody Agreement signed by such Selling Stockholder and [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ], as custodian (the "Custodian"), relating to the deposit of the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder (the "Custody Agreement") and (ii)Β Power of Attorney appointing certain individuals named therein as such Selling Stockholder's attorneys-in-fact (each, an "Attorney-in-Fact") to the extent set forth therein relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Prospectus (the "Power of Attorney"), of such Selling Stockholder has been duly authorized (if applicable), executed and delivered by such Selling Stockholder.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (c)Β Β Β Title to Shares to be Sold; All Authorizations Obtained.Β Β Β Β Such Selling Stockholder has, and on the First Closing Date and the Subsequent Closing Date (as defined below) will have, valid title to, or a valid "security entitlement" within the meaning of SectionΒ 8-102(a)(17) of the New York
11
Uniform Commercial Code (the "UCC") in respect of, the Shares which may be sold by such Selling Stockholder (free and clear of all security interests, adverse claims and liens) pursuant to this Agreement on such date and the legal right and power, and all authorizations and approvals required by law and under other organizational documents to enter into this Agreement and its Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney, to sell, transfer and deliver all of the Shares which may be sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement and to comply with its other obligations hereunder and thereunder. Upon payment for the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement, delivery of such Shares, as directed by the Underwriters, to CedeΒ & Co. ("Cede") or such other nominee as may be designated by The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), registration of such Shares in the name of Cede or such other nominee and the crediting of such Shares on the books of DTC to securities accounts of the Underwriters (assuming that neither DTC nor any such Underwriter has notice of any adverse claim (within the meaning of SectionΒ 8-105 of the UCC) to such Shares), (A)Β DTC shall be a "protected purchaser" of such Shares within the meaning of SectionΒ 8-303 of the UCC, (B)Β under SectionΒ 8-501 of the UCC, the Underwriters will acquire a valid security entitlement in respect of such Shares and (C)Β no action based on any "adverse claim," within the meaning of SectionΒ 8-102(a)(1) of the UCC, to such Shares may be asserted against the Underwriters with respect to such Shares.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (d)Β Β Β Non-Contravention; No Further Authorizations or Approvals Required.Β Β Β Β The execution and delivery by such Selling Stockholder of, and the performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under, this Agreement, the Custody Agreement and the Power of Attorney will not contravene or conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a Default under, or require the consent of any other party to, the charter or by-laws, or other organizational documents of such Selling Stockholder (if applicable) or any other agreement or instrument to which such Selling Stockholder is a party or by which it is bound or under which it is entitled to any right or benefit, any provision of applicable law or any judgment, order, decree or regulation applicable to such Selling Stockholder of any court, regulatory body, administrative agency, governmental body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder. No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing with, any court or other governmental authority or agency, is required for the consummation by such Selling Stockholder of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect under the Securities Act, applicable state securities or blue sky laws and from the NASD.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (e)Β Β Β No Registration or Other Similar Rights.Β Β Β Β Such Selling Stockholder does not have any registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt securities registered for sale by the Company under the Registration Statement or included in the offering contemplated by this Agreement, except for such rights as have been exercised or waived in writing or are described in the Prospectus under "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (f)Β Β Β Β No Further Consents, etc.Β Β Β Β Except for the (i)Β exercise by such Selling Stockholder of certain registration rights described in the Prospectus (which registration rights have been duly exercised pursuant thereto), (ii)Β consent of such Selling Stockholder to the respective number of Shares to be sold by all of the Selling Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement and (iii)Β waiver by certain other holders of Common Stock of certain registration rights pursuant to such registration rights, no consent, approval or waiver is required under any instrument or agreement to which such Selling Stockholder is a party or by which it is bound or under which it is entitled to any right or benefit, in connection with the offering, sale or purchase by the Underwriters of any of the Shares which may be sold by such Selling Stockholder under this Agreement or the consummation by such Selling Stockholder of any of the other transactions contemplated hereby.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (g)Β Β Β Disclosure Made by Such Selling Stockholder in the Prospectus.Β Β Β Β All information furnished by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder in writing expressly for use in the Registration Statement and Prospectus is, and on the First Closing Date and the Subsequent Closing Date will
12
be, true, correct, and complete in all material respects, and does not, and on the First Closing Date and the Subsequent Closing Date will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading. Such Selling Stockholder confirms as accurate the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite such Selling Stockholder's name in the Prospectus under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" (both prior to and after giving effect to the sale of the Shares).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (h)Β Β Β No Price Stabilization or Manipulation.Β Β Β Β Such Selling Stockholder has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might be reasonably expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Common Stock to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β Confirmation of Completeness of Disclosure.Β Β Β Β Such Selling Stockholder is not prompted to sell shares of Common Stock by any information concerning the Company which is not set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (j)Β Β Β Β Compliance with Registration Requirements.Β Β Β Β Such Selling Stockholder has carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus and nothing has come to its attention which would lead it to believe that either the Registration Statement or any amendments thereto, at the time the Registration Statement or such amendments became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or that the Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, as of its date or at the First Closing Date or any Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that no representation is made as to any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Any certificate signed by or on behalf of any Selling Stockholder and delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by such Selling Stockholder to each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Such Selling Stockholder acknowledges that the Underwriters and, for purposes of the opinion to be delivered pursuant to SectionΒ 5 hereof, counsel to the Company and counsel to the Underwriters, will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of the foregoing representations and hereby consents to such reliance.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 2.Β Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Shares.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (a)Β Β Β The Firm Shares.Β Β Β Β Upon the terms herein set forth, (i)Β the Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters an aggregate of [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] Firm Shares and (ii)Β each of the Selling Stockholders severally agrees to sell to the several Underwriters an aggregate of [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] Firm Shares, each Selling Stockholder selling the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite such Selling Stockholder's name on ScheduleΒ B. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company and the Selling Stockholders the respective number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their names on ScheduleΒ A. The purchase price per Firm Share to be paid by the several Underwriters to the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall be $[Β Β Β Β Β Β ] per share.
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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (b)Β Β Β The First Closing Date.Β Β Β Β Delivery of certificates for the Firm Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and payment therefor shall be made at the offices of BAS, 0 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, XX or DebevoiseΒ & XxxxxxxxΒ LLP, 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxx Xxxx, XX (or such other place as may be agreed to by the Company and the Representatives) at 9:00Β a.m. New York time, on [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ], 2005 or such other time and date not later than 1:30Β p.m. New York time, ten business days following the original contemplated First Closing Date as the Representatives shall designate by notice to the Company (the time and date of such closing are called the "First Closing Date").
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (c)Β Β Β The Optional Shares; the Subsequent Closing Date.Β Β Β Β In addition, on the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Selling Stockholders hereby grant an option to the several Underwriters to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to an aggregate of [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] Optional Shares from the Selling Stockholders at the purchase price per share to be paid by the Underwriters for the Firm Shares. The option granted hereunder may be exercised from time to time upon notice by the Representatives to the Company and the Selling Stockholders, which notice may be given at any time within 30Β days from the date of this Agreement. Such notice shall set forth (i)Β the aggregate number of Optional Shares as to which the Underwriters are exercising the option, (ii)Β the names and denominations in which the certificates for the Optional Shares are to be registered and (iii)Β the time, date and place at which such certificates will be delivered (which time and date may be simultaneous with, but not earlier than, the First Closing Date; and in such case the term "First Closing Date" shall refer to the time and date of delivery of certificates for the Firm Shares and the Optional Shares). Such time and date of delivery, if subsequent to the First Closing Date, is called a "Subsequent Closing Date" and shall be determined by the Representatives and shall not be earlier than three nor later than five full business days after delivery of such notice of exercise. If any Optional Shares are to be purchased, (a)Β each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Optional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Optional Shares to be purchased as the number of Firm Shares set forth on ScheduleΒ A opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares and (b)Β each Selling Stockholder agrees, severally and not jointly, to sell the number of Optional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as the Representatives may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Optional Shares to be sold as the number of Optional Shares set forth in ScheduleΒ B opposite the name of such Selling Stockholder bears to the total number of Optional Shares. The Representatives may cancel the option at any time prior to its expiration by giving written notice of such cancellation to the Company and the Selling Stockholders.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (d)Β Β Β Public Offering of the Shares.Β Β Β Β The Representatives hereby advise the Company and the Selling Stockholders that the Underwriters intend to offer for sale to the public, as described in the Prospectus, their respective portions of the Shares as soon after this Agreement has been executed and the Registration Statement has been declared effective as the Representatives, in their sole judgment, have determined is advisable and practicable.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (e)Β Β Β Payment for the Shares.Β Β Β Β Payment for the Shares to be sold by the Company shall be made at the First Closing Date (and, if applicable, at any Subsequent Closing Date) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the Company. Payment for the Shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders shall be made at the First Closing Date (and, if applicable, at any Subsequent Closing Date) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the Custodian.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β It is understood that the Representatives have been authorized, for their own account and the accounts of the several Underwriters, to accept delivery of and receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Firm Shares and any Optional Shares the Underwriters have agreed to purchase. BAS, Xxxxxx Brothers and CIBC World Markets Corp., individually and not as the Representatives of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment for any Shares
14
to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds shall not have been received by the Representatives by the First Closing Date or the Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, for the account of such Underwriter, but any such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from any of its obligations under this Agreement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each Selling Stockholder hereby agrees that (i)Β it will pay all stock transfer taxes, stamp duties and other similar taxes, if any, payable upon the sale or delivery of the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder to the several Underwriters, or otherwise in connection with the performance of such Selling Stockholder's obligations hereunder and (ii)Β the Custodian is authorized to deduct for such payment any such amounts from the proceeds to such Selling Stockholder hereunder and to hold such amounts for the account of such Selling Stockholder with the Custodian under the Custody Agreement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (f)Β Β Β Β Delivery of the Shares.Β Β Β Β Delivery of the Firm Shares and the Optional Shares shall be made through the facilities of DTC unless the Representatives shall otherwise instruct. Time shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and place specified in this Agreement is a further condition to the obligations of the Underwriters.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (g)Β Β Β Delivery of Prospectus to the Underwriters.Β Β Β Β Not later than 12:00Β p.m. on the second business day following the date the Shares are first released by the Underwriters for sale to the public, the Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered, copies of the Prospectus in such quantities and at such places as the Representatives shall request.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 3.Β Additional Covenants.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β A.Β Covenants of the Company.Β Β Β Β The Company further covenants and agrees with each Underwriter as follows:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (a)Β Β Β Representatives' Review of Proposed Amendments and Supplements.Β Β Β Β During such period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the First Closing Date or such date, as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, the Prospectus is no longer required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer (the "Prospectus Delivery Period"), prior to amending or supplementing the Registration Statement (including any registration statement filed under RuleΒ 462(b) under the Securities Act) or the Prospectus (including any amendment or supplement through incorporation by reference of any report filed under the Exchange Act), the Company shall furnish to the Representatives for review a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representatives reasonably object.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (b)Β Β Β Securities Act Compliance.Β Β Β Β After the date of this Agreement, the Company shall promptly advise the Representatives in writing (i)Β of the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission, (ii)Β of the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, (iii)Β of the time and date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective and (iv)Β of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any proceedings to remove, suspend or terminate from listing or quotation the Common Stock from any securities exchange upon which it is listed for trading or included or designated for quotation, or of the threatening or initiation of any proceedings for any of such purposes. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order at any time, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the lifting of such order at the earliest possible moment. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with the provisions of RulesΒ 424(b) and 430A, as applicable, under the Securities Act and will use its reasonable
15
efforts to confirm that any filings made by the Company under such RuleΒ 424(b) were received in a timely manner by the Commission.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (c)Β Β Β Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus and Other Securities Act Matters.Β Β Β Β If, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if in the reasonable opinion of the Representatives or counsel for the Underwriters it is otherwise necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, the Company agrees to promptly prepare (subject to SectionΒ 3(A)(a) hereof), file with the Commission and furnish at its own expense to the Underwriters and to dealers, amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law. The Underwriters shall use their reasonable best efforts to cease delivering the Prospectus upon receiving written notice from the Company that an amendment or supplement is required under this section.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (d)Β Β Β Copies of any Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus.Β Β Β Β The Company agrees to furnish the Representatives, without charge, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, as many copies of the Prospectus and any amendments and supplements thereto as the Representatives may reasonably request.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (e)Β Β Β Blue Sky Compliance.Β Β Β Β The Company shall cooperate with the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters to qualify or register the Shares for sale under (or obtain exemptions from the application of) the state securities or blue sky laws or Canadian provincial Securities laws or other foreign laws of those jurisdictions designated by the Representatives, shall comply with such laws and shall continue such qualifications, registrations and exemptions in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Shares. The Company shall not be required to qualify to do business as a foreign corporation or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not presently qualified or where it would be subject to taxation as a foreign corporation. The Company will advise the Representatives promptly of the suspension of the qualification or registration of (or any such exemption relating to) the Shares for offering, sale or trading in any jurisdiction or any initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, and in the event of the issuance of any order suspending such qualification, registration or exemption, the Company shall use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal thereof at the earliest possible moment.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (f)Β Β Β Β Use of Proceeds.Β Β Β Β The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares sold by it in the manner described under the caption "Use of Proceeds" in the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (g)Β Β Β Transfer Agent.Β Β Β Β The Company shall maintain, at its expense, a registrar and transfer agent for the Common Stock.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (h)Β Β Β Earnings Statement.Β Β Β Β As soon as practicable, the Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the Representatives an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering the twelve-month period after the effective date of the Registration Statement that satisfies the provisions of SectionΒ 11(a) of the Securities Act.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β Periodic Reporting Obligations.Β Β Β Β During the Prospectus Delivery Period the Company shall file, on a timely basis, with the Commission all reports and documents required to be filed under the Exchange Act. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Shares as may be required under RuleΒ 463 under the Securities Act.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (j)Β Β Β Β Company to Provide Interim Financial Statements.Β Β Β Β Prior to the First Closing Date, the Company will furnish the Underwriters, as soon as they have been prepared by or are available to
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the Company, a copy of any unaudited interim financial statements of the Company for any period subsequent to the period covered by the most recent financial statements appearing in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (k)Β Β Β Agreement Not to Offer or Sell Additional Securities.Β Β Β Β During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the 90th day following the date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of BAS and Xxxxxx Brothers (which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of BAS and Xxxxxx Brothers), directly or indirectly, sell, offer, contract or grant any option to sell, pledge, transfer or establish an open "put equivalent position" within the meaning of RuleΒ 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act, or otherwise dispose of or transfer, or announce the offering of, or file any registration statement under the Securities Act in respect of, any shares of Common Stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of the Common Stock or securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock (other than as contemplated by this Agreement with respect to the Shares); provided, however, that the Company may issue shares of its Common Stock or options to purchase its Common Stock, or Common Stock upon exercise of options, pursuant to any stock option, stock bonus or other stock plan or arrangement described in the Prospectus. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (x)Β during the last 17Β days of the 90-day restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or (y)Β prior to the expiration of the 90-day restricted period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 90-day period, the restrictions imposed in this clause shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (l)Β Β Β Β Future Reports to the Representatives.Β Β Β Β During the period of two years hereafter the Company will furnish to the Representatives at their respective addresses set forth in SectionΒ 13: (i)Β as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, copies of the Annual Report of the Company containing the balance sheet of the Company as of the close of such fiscal year and statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the opinion thereon of the Company's independent public or certified public accountants; (ii)Β as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, copies of each proxy statement, Annual Report on FormΒ 10-K, Quarterly Report on FormΒ 10-Q, Current Report on FormΒ 8-K or other report filed by the Company with the Commission, the NASD or any securities exchange; and (iii)Β as soon as available, copies of any report or communication of the Company mailed generally to holders of its capital stock.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (m)Β Β Investment Limitation.Β Β Β Β The Company shall not invest, or otherwise use the proceeds received by the Company from its sale of the Shares in such a manner as would require the Company or any of its subsidiaries to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (n)Β Β Β No Manipulation of Price.Β Β Β Β The Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or that has constituted or might reasonably be expected to constitute, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (o)Β Β Β Existing Lock-Up Agreement.Β Β Β Β The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to enforce all agreements between the Company and any of its security holders that prohibit the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or hypothecation of any of the Company's securities in connection with the Company's offering. In addition, the Company will direct the transfer agent to place stop transfer restrictions upon any such securities of the Company that are bound by such existing "lock-up" agreements for the duration of the periods contemplated in such agreements.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (p)Β Β Β Press Release.Β Β Β Β Prior to the First Closing Date, the Company will issue no press release or other communications directly or indirectly and hold no press conference with respect to the
17
Company or any of its subsidiaries, the condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of any of them, or the offering of the Shares, without the prior written consent of the Representatives, unless in the judgment of the Company and its counsel, and after notification to the Representatives, such press release or communication is required by law.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (q)Β Β Β Company to Perform its Obligations.Β Β Β Β The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to do and perform all things required to be done and performed by it under this Agreement, the New Credit Facility, the Dealer Manager Agreement, the tender offer and consent solicitation for the Notes and any other related agreements prior to or after the First Closing Date and the Subsequent Closing Date, if any, and to satisfy all conditions precedent on its part to the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and accept delivery of the Shares.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (r)Β Β Β Listing.Β Β Β Β The Shares have been approved for listing on the [Nasdaq National Market] [Amex] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange].
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (s)Β Β Β Compliance with Securities Law.Β Β Β Β The Company will comply with all applicable securities and other laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, and use its best efforts to cause the Company's directors and officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with such laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β B.Β Β Β Β Covenants of the Selling Stockholders.Β Β Β Β Each Selling Stockholder further covenants and agrees with each Underwriter:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (a)Β Β Β Agreement Not to Offer or Sell Additional Securities.Β Β Β Β Such Selling Stockholder will not, without the prior written consent of BAS and Xxxxxx Brothers (which consent may be withheld in their sole discretion), directly or indirectly, sell, offer, contract or grant any option to sell (including without limitation any short sale), pledge, transfer, establish an open "put equivalent position" within the meaning of RuleΒ 16a-1(h) under the Exchange Act, or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock, or securities exchangeable or exercisable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock currently or hereafter owned either of record or beneficially (as defined in RuleΒ 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by such Selling Stockholder, or publicly announce such Selling Stockholder's intention to do any of the foregoing, for a period commencing on the date hereof and continuing through the close of trading on the date 90Β days after the date of the Prospectus. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (x)Β during the last 17Β days of the 90-day restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs, or (y)Β prior to the expiration of the 90-day restricted period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 90-day period, the restrictions imposed in this clause shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (b)Β Β Β Delivery of FormsΒ W-8 and W-9.Β Β Β Β To deliver to the Representatives prior to the First Closing Date a properly completed and executed United States Treasury Department FormΒ W-8 (if the Selling Stockholder is a non-United States person) or FormΒ W-9 (if the Selling Stockholder is a United States Person).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The Representatives, on behalf of the several Underwriters, may, in their sole discretion, waive in writing the performance by the Company or any Selling Stockholder of any one or more of the foregoing covenants or extend the time for their performance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each of the Representatives agrees not to consent to any action proposed to be taken by the Company, any Selling Stockholder or any other holder of the Company's securities that would otherwise be prohibited
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by, or to waive compliance by the Company, any Selling Stockholder or any such other security holder with the provisions of, SectionΒ 3(A)(k) or 3(B)(a) above or any lock-up agreement delivered pursuant to SectionΒ 5(l) below without giving each of the other Representatives at least 17Β days prior notice (or such shorter notice as each of the other Representatives may deem acceptable to permit compliance with applicable provisions of NASD Conduct RuleΒ 2711(f) restricting publication and distribution of research and public appearances by research analysts before and after the expiration, waiver or termination of a lock-up agreement).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 4.Β Payment of Expenses.Β Β Β Β The Company agrees to pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their obligations hereunder and in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation (i)Β all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the Shares (including all printing and engraving costs), (ii)Β all fees and expenses of the registrar and transfer agent of the Common Stock, (iii)Β all necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares to the Underwriters, (iv)Β all fees and expenses of the Company's counsel, independent public or certified public accountants and other advisors, (v)Β all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, shipping and distribution of the Registration Statement (including financial statements, exhibits, schedules, consents and certificates of experts), each Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and this Agreement, (vi)Β all filing fees, attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by the Company or the Underwriters in connection with qualifying or registering (or obtaining exemptions from the qualification or registration of) all or any part of the Shares for offer and sale under the state securities or blue sky laws or the provincial securities laws of Canada, and, if requested by the Representatives, preparing and printing a "Blue Sky Survey" or memorandum, and any supplements thereto, advising the Underwriters of such qualifications, registrations and exemptions, (vii)Β the filing fees incident to, and the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with, the NASD's review and approval of the Underwriters' participation in the offering and distribution of the Shares, (viii)Β the fees and expenses associated with including the Shares on the [Nasdaq National Market] [Amex] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange], as applicable, and (ix)Β all other fees, costs and expenses referred to in ItemΒ 13 of PartΒ II of the Registration Statement. Except as provided in this SectionΒ 4, SectionΒ 6, SectionΒ 8 and SectionΒ 9 hereof, the Underwriters shall pay their own expenses, including the fees and disbursements of their counsel and their share of road show expenses (excluding the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The Selling Stockholders further agree with each Underwriter to pay (directly or by reimbursement) all fees and expenses incident to the performance of their obligations under this Agreement which are not otherwise specifically provided for herein, including but not limited to (i)Β fees and expenses of counsel and other advisors for such Selling Stockholders, (ii)Β fees and expenses of the Custodian and (iii)Β expenses and taxes incident to the sale and delivery of the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholders to the Underwriters hereunder (which taxes, if any, may be deducted by the Custodian under the provisions of SectionΒ 2 of this Agreement).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β This SectionΒ 4 shall not affect or modify any separate, valid agreement relating to the allocation of payment of expenses between the Company, on the one hand, and the Selling Stockholders, on the other hand.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 5.Β Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters.Β Β Β Β The obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares as provided herein on the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional Shares, any Subsequent Closing Date, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company and the Selling Stockholders set forth in SectionsΒ 1(A) and 1(B) hereof as of the date hereof and as of the First Closing Date as though then made and, with respect to the Optional Shares, as of the Subsequent Closing Date as though then
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made, to the timely performance by the Company and the Selling Stockholders of their respective covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional conditions:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (a)Β Β Β Accountants' Comfort Letter.Β Β Β Β On the date hereof, the Representatives shall have received from PricewaterhouseCoopersΒ LLP, independent public or certified public accountants for the Company, a letter dated the date hereof addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountant's "comfort letters" to underwriters, delivered according to Statement of Auditing Standards No.Β 72 (or any successor bulletin), with respect to the audited and unaudited financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (and the Representatives shall have received an additional ten conformed copies of such accountants' letter for each of the several Underwriters).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (b)Β Β Β Compliance with Registration Requirements; No Stop Order; No Objection from NASD.Β Β Β Β For the period from and after effectiveness of this Agreement and prior to the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional Shares, the Subsequent Closing Date:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β the Company shall have filed the Prospectus with the Commission (including the information required by RuleΒ 430A under the Securities Act) in the manner and within the time period required by RuleΒ 424(b) under the Securities Act; or the Company shall have filed a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement containing the information required by such RuleΒ 430A, and such post-effective amendment shall have become effective;
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ii)Β Β Β no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, any RuleΒ 462(b) Registration Statement, or any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, shall be in effect and no proceedings for such purpose shall have been instituted or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened by the Commission; and
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (iii)Β Β the NASD shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (c)Β Β Β No Material Adverse Change or Ratings Agency Change.Β Β Β Β For the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional Shares, the Subsequent Closing Date:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β in the judgment of the Representatives there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Change;
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ii)Β Β Β there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of any intended or potential downgrading or of any review for a possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible change, in the rating accorded any securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" as such term is defined for purposes of RuleΒ 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act; and
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (iii)Β Β there shall not have been any change or decrease specified in the letter or letters referred to in paragraphΒ (a) of this SectionΒ 5 which is, in the sole judgment of the Representatives, so material and adverse as to make it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of the Shares as contemplated by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (d)Β Β Β Opinion of Counsel for the Company.Β Β Β Β On each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion of XxxxxxxxΒ & XxxxxΒ LLP, counsel for the Company, dated as of such Closing Date, the form of which is attached as ExhibitΒ A (and the Representatives shall have received an additional ten conformed copies of such counsel's legal opinion for each of the several Underwriters).
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Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (e)Β Β Β Opinion of Counsel for the Underwriters.Β Β Β Β On each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion of DebevoiseΒ & XxxxxxxxΒ LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, dated as of such Closing Date, with respect to the validity of the Shares and other related matters as the Representatives reasonably may request, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they request to enable them to pass upon such matters (and the Representatives shall have received an additional ten conformed copies of such counsel's legal opinion for each of the several Underwriters).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (f)Β Β Β Β Officers' Certificate.Β Β Β Β On each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date the Representatives shall have received a written certificate executed by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President of the Company and the Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, dated as of such Closing Date, to the effect set forth in subsectionsΒ (b)(ii) and (c)(ii) of this SectionΒ 5, and further to the effect that:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β for the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to such Closing Date, there has not occurred any Material Adverse Change;
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ii)Β Β Β the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company set forth in SectionΒ 1(A) of this Agreement are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made on and as of such Closing Date;
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (iii)Β Β the Company has complied with all the agreements hereunder and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to such Closing Date;
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (iv)Β Β all filings required to have been made pursuant to RuleΒ 424 or 430A under the Securities Act have been made; and
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (v)Β Β Β they have carefully examined the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and, in their opinion, as of the effective date of the Registration Statement and as of the date of such certificate, the statements contained in the Registration Statement were true and correct, and such Registration Statement and Prospectus did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, and since the effective date of the Registration Statement, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement to or an amendment of the Prospectus which has not been so set forth in such supplement or amendment.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (g)Β Β Β Bring-down Comfort Letter.Β Β Β Β On each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date the Representatives shall have received from PricewaterhouseCoopersΒ LLP, independent public or certified public accountants for the Company, a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished by them pursuant to subsection (a)Β of this SectionΒ 5, except that the specified date referred to therein for the carrying out of procedures shall be no more than three business days prior to the First Closing Date or any Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be (and the Representatives shall have received an additional ten conformed copies of such accountants' letter for each of the several Underwriters).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (h)Β Β Β Opinion of Counsel for the Selling Stockholders.Β Β Β Β On each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion of XxxxxxxxΒ & XxxxxΒ LLP, counsel for the Selling Stockholders, dated as of such Closing Date, the form of which is attached as ExhibitΒ B (and the Representatives shall have received an additional ten conformed copies of such counsel's legal opinion for each of the several Underwriters).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β Opinion of General Counsel of the Company.Β Β Β Β On each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion of the General Counsel of the Company, dated as of such Closing Date, the form of which is attached as
21
ExhibitΒ C (and the Representatives shall have received an additional ten conformed copies of such General Counsel's legal opinion for each of the several Underwriters).
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (j)Β Β Β Β Selling Stockholders' Certificate.Β Β Β Β On each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date the Representatives shall receive a written certificate executed by the Attorney-in-Fact of each Selling Stockholder, dated as of such Closing Date, to the effect that:
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β Β Β Β the representations, warranties and covenants of such Selling Stockholder set forth in SectionΒ 1(B) and SectionΒ 3(B) of this Agreement are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made by such Selling Stockholder on and as of such Closing Date; and
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (ii)Β Β Β such Selling Stockholder has complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to such Closing Date.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (k)Β Β Β Selling Stockholders' Documents.Β Β Β Β On the date hereof, the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall have furnished for review by the Representatives copies of the Powers of Attorney and Custody Agreements executed by each of the Selling Stockholders and such further information, certificates and documents as the Representatives may reasonably request.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (l)Β Β Β Β Lock-Up Agreements.Β Β Β Β On or prior to the date hereof, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives an agreement in the form of ExhibitΒ D hereto from each director, officer and each other beneficial owner of Common Stock listed on ScheduleΒ C hereto, and such agreement shall be in full force and effect on each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (m)Β Β New Credit Facility.Β Β Β Β The closing of the New Credit Facility shall have occurred concurrently with the offering of the Shares.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (n)Β Β Β Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation; Supplemental Indenture.Β Β Β Β The tender offer and consent solicitation for the Notes shall have been consummated (except with respect to the payment of consideration to holders of Notes) concurrently with the offering of the Shares and the supplemental indenture relating thereto shall have been duly executed.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (o)Β Β Β Listing.Β Β Β Β The Shares have been approved for listing on the [Nasdaq National Market] [Amex] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange].
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (p)Β Β Β Additional Documents.Β Β Β Β On or before each of the First Closing Date and any Subsequent Closing Date, the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β If any condition specified in this SectionΒ 5 is not satisfied when and as required to be satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives by notice to the Company and the Selling Stockholders at any time on or prior to the First Closing Date and, with respect to the Optional Shares, at any time prior to the Subsequent Closing Date, which termination shall be without liability on the part of any party to any other party, except that SectionΒ 4, SectionΒ 6, SectionΒ 8 and SectionΒ 9 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 6.Β Reimbursement of Underwriters' Expenses.Β Β Β Β If this Agreement is terminated by the Representatives pursuant to SectionΒ 5, SectionΒ 7, SectionΒ 10, SectionΒ 11 or SectionΒ 17, or if the sale to the Underwriters of the Shares on the First Closing Date is not consummated because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company or the Selling Stockholders to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision hereof, the Company agrees to reimburse the Representatives
22
and the other Underwriters (or such Underwriters as have terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves), severally, upon demand for all out-of-pocket expenses that shall have been reasonably incurred by the Representatives and the Underwriters in connection with the proposed purchase and the offering and sale of the Shares, including but not limited to fees and disbursements of counsel, printing expenses, travel expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone charges.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 7.Β Effectiveness of this Agreement.Β Β Β Β This Agreement shall not become effective until the later of (i)Β the execution of this Agreement by the parties hereto and (ii)Β notification by the Commission to the Company of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Prior to such effectiveness, this Agreement, to the extent it has been executed by the parties thereto, may be terminated by any party by notice to each of the other parties hereto, and any such termination shall be without liability on the part of (a)Β the Company or the Selling Stockholders to any Underwriter, except that the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representatives and the Underwriters pursuant to SectionsΒ 4 and 6 hereof, (b)Β of any Underwriter to the Company or the Selling Stockholders, or (c)Β of any party hereto to any other party except that the provisions of SectionΒ 8 and SectionΒ 9 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 8.Β Indemnification.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (a)Β Β Β Indemnification of the Underwriters.Β Β Β Β The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which such Underwriter or such controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based (i)Β upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment thereto, including any information deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to RuleΒ 430A under the Securities Act, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (ii)Β upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any marketing materials and anything used on the roadshow, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and to reimburse each Underwriter and each such controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by BAS) as such expenses are reasonably incurred by such Underwriter or such controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement set forth in this paragraph shall not apply to any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto); provided, further, that the Company will not be liable to any Underwriter with respect to any Prospectus to the extent that the Company shall sustain the burden of proving that any such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense resulted from the fact that such Underwriter, in contravention of a requirement of this Agreement or applicable law, sold Shares to a person to whom such Underwriter failed to send or give, at or prior to the Closing Date, a copy of the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented if (i)Β the Company has previously furnished copies
23
thereof (sufficiently in advance of the Closing Date to allow for distribution by the Closing Date) to the Underwriter and the loss, liability, claim, damage or expense of such Underwriter resulted from an untrue statement or omission of a material fact contained in or omitted from the Preliminary Prospectus which was corrected in the Prospectus as, if applicable, amended or supplemented prior to the Closing Date and such Prospectus was required by law to be delivered at or prior to the written confirmation of sale to such person and (ii)Β such failure to give or send such Prospectus by the Closing Date to the party or parties asserting such loss, liability, claim, damage or expense would have constituted the sole defense to the claim asserted by such person. The indemnity agreement set forth in this paragraph shall be in addition to any liabilities that the Company may otherwise have.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each of the Selling Stockholders, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which such Underwriter or such controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Selling Stockholders), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based (i)Β upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment thereto, including any information deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to RuleΒ 430A under the Securities Act, or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (ii)Β upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and to reimburse each Underwriter and each such controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by BAS) as such expenses are reasonably incurred by such Underwriter or such controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however, that the indemnity agreement set forth in this paragraph shall apply only with reference to information furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto). The indemnity agreement set forth in this paragraph shall be in addition to any liabilities that the Selling Stockholders may otherwise have. [The liability of each Selling Stockholder under the indemnity agreement set forth in this paragraph shall be limited to the total net proceeds from the offering of the Common Shares pursuant to this Agreement received by such Selling Stockholder.]
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (b)Β Β Β Indemnification of the Company, its Directors and Officers and the Selling Stockholders.Β Β Β Β Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who signed the Registration Statement, the Selling Stockholders and each person, if any, who controls the Company or any Selling Stockholder within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which the Company, or any such director, officer, Selling Stockholder or controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of such Underwriter), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or arises out of or is based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only
24
to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company and the Selling Stockholders by the Representatives on behalf of such Underwriter expressly for use therein; and to reimburse the Company, or any such director, officer, Selling Stockholder or controlling person for any legal and other expense reasonably incurred by the Company, or any such director, officer, Selling Stockholder or controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action. Each of the Company and the Selling Stockholders hereby acknowledges that the only information that the Representatives have furnished to the Company expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) are the statements [to come]; and the Underwriters confirm that such statements are correct. The indemnity agreement set forth in this SectionΒ 8(b) shall be in addition to any liabilities that each Underwriter may otherwise have.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (c)Β Β Β Notifications and Other Indemnification Procedures.Β Β Β Β Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this SectionΒ 8 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this SectionΒ 8, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof, but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i)Β will not relieve it from liability under paragraphΒ (a) or (b)Β above unless and to the extent it did not otherwise learn of such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses and (ii)Β will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any liability which it may have for contribution or any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraphΒ (a) or (b)Β above. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party and such indemnified party seeks or intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall elect, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however, if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of such indemnifying party's election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this SectionΒ 8 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof unless (i)Β the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel), approved by the indemnifying party (BAS in the case of SectionΒ 8(b) and SectionΒ 9), representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such action) or (ii)Β the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (d)Β Β Β Settlements.Β Β Β Β The indemnifying party under this SectionΒ 8 shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if
25
there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by SectionΒ 8(c) hereof, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i)Β such settlement is entered into more than 30Β days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii)Β such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement, compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity was or could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such action, suit or proceeding.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 9.Β Contribution.Β Β Β Β If the indemnification provided for in SectionΒ 8 is for any reason held to be unavailable to or otherwise insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount paid or payable by such indemnified party, as incurred, as a result of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein (i)Β in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, from the offering of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement or (ii)Β if the allocation provided by clauseΒ (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clauseΒ (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions or inaccuracies in the representations and warranties herein which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the Selling Stockholders, and the total underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth on the front cover page of the Prospectus bear to the aggregate offering price of the Shares as set forth on such cover. The relative fault of the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact or any such inaccurate or alleged inaccurate representation or warranty relates to information supplied by the Company or the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, or the Underwriters, on the other hand, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in SectionΒ 8(c), any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim. The provisions set forth in SectionΒ 8(c) with respect to notice of commencement of any action shall apply if a claim for contribution is to be made under this SectionΒ 9; provided, however, that no additional notice shall be required with respect to any action for which notice has been given under SectionΒ 8(c) for purposes of indemnification.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The Company, the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this SectionΒ 9 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the
26
Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this SectionΒ 9.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding the provisions of this SectionΒ 9, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting commissions received by such Underwriter in connection with the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of SectionΒ 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to contribute pursuant to this SectionΒ 9 are several, and not joint, in proportion to their respective underwriting commitments as set forth opposite their names in ScheduleΒ A. For purposes of this SectionΒ 9, each officer and employee of an Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company with the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 10.Β Default of One or More of the Several Underwriters.Β Β Β Β If, on the First Closing Date or the Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the several Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase does not exceed 10% of the aggregate number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated, severally, in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names on ScheduleΒ A bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as may be specified by the Representatives with the consent of the non-defaulting Underwriters, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date. If, on the First Closing Date or the Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares and the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which such default occurs exceeds 10% of the aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives and the Company for the purchase of such Shares are not made within 48Β hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of SectionΒ 4, SectionΒ 6, SectionΒ 8 and SectionΒ 9 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination. In any such case either the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the First Closing Date or the Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, but in no event for longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements may be effected.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β As used in this Agreement, the term "Underwriter" shall be deemed to include any person substituted for a defaulting Underwriter under this SectionΒ 10. Any action taken under this SectionΒ 10 shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 11.Β Termination of this Agreement.Β Β Β Β Prior to the First Closing Date this Agreement may be terminated by the Representatives by notice given to the Company and the Selling Stockholders if at any time (i)Β trading or quotation in any of the Company's securities shall have been suspended or limited by the Commission, by the Nasdaq SmallCap Market or by the [Nasdaq National Market] [Amex] [TierΒ I of the Pacific Exchange], or trading in securities generally on either the Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock Exchange shall have been suspended or limited, or minimum or maximum prices shall have been generally established on any of such stock exchanges by the Commission or the NASD; (ii)Β a general banking moratorium shall have been declared by any of federal, New York or Delaware authorities; (iii)Β there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of
27
national or international hostilities or any crisis or calamity, or any change in the United States or international financial markets, or any substantial change or development involving a prospective substantial change in United States' or international political, financial or economic conditions, as in the judgment of the Representatives is material and adverse and makes it impracticable to market the Shares in the manner and on the terms described in the Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the sale of securities; or (iv)Β the Company shall have sustained a loss by strike, fire, flood, earthquake, accident or other calamity of such character as in the judgment of the Representatives may interfere materially with the conduct of the business and operations of the Company regardless of whether or not such loss shall have been insured. Any termination pursuant to this SectionΒ 11 shall be without liability on the part of (a)Β the Company or the Selling Stockholders to any Underwriter, except that the Company and the Selling Stockholders shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Representatives and the Underwriters pursuant to SectionsΒ 4 and 6 hereof, or (b)Β any Underwriter to the Company or the Selling Stockholders.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 12.Β Representations and Indemnities to Survive Delivery.Β Β Β Β The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, of its officers, of the Selling Stockholders and of the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company or any of its or their partners, officers or directors or any controlling person, or the Selling Stockholders, as the case may be, and will survive delivery of and payment for the Shares sold hereunder and any termination of this Agreement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 13.Β Notices.Β Β Β Β All communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, hand delivered or telecopied and confirmed to the parties hereto as follows:
If to the Representatives:
Banc
of America SecuritiesΒ LLC
0 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: XxxxxxΒ X. Xxxxxxxx
and
Xxxxxx
BrothersΒ Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: Liability Management Group
and
CIBC
World Markets Corp.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: Legal Department
with a copy to each of:
Banc
of America SecuritiesΒ LLC
0 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: XxxxxxxΒ X. Xx,Β Esq.
28
and
DebevoiseΒ &
XxxxxxxxΒ LLP
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: XxxxxxΒ X. Xxxxxxx,Β Esq.
If to the Company:
Synagro
Technologies,Β Inc.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
XxxxxΒ 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: XxxxxΒ X. Xxxxxx,Β XX,Β Esq.
with a copy to:
XxxxxxxxΒ &
XxxxxΒ LLP
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: XxxxxxΒ X. Xxxxx,Β Esq.
If to the Selling Stockholders:
Synagro
Technologies,Β Inc.
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx
XxxxxΒ 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile: (000)Β 000-0000
Attention: XxxxxΒ X. Xxxxxx,Β XX,Β Esq.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Any party hereto may change the address for receipt of communications by giving written notice to the others.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 14.Β Successors.Β Β Β Β This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, including any substitute Underwriters pursuant to SectionΒ 10 hereof, and to the benefit of the employees, officers and directors and controlling persons referred to in SectionΒ 8 and SectionΒ 9, and in each case their respective successors, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder. The term "successors" shall not include any purchaser of the Shares as such from any of the Underwriters merely by reason of such purchase.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 15.Β Partial Unenforceability.Β Β Β Β The invalidity or unenforceability of any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other Section, paragraph or provision hereof. If any Section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 16.Β Governing Law Provisions.Β Β Β Β THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 17.Β Β Β Β Failure of One or More of the Selling Stockholders to Sell and Deliver Shares.Β Β Β Β If one or more of the Selling Stockholders shall fail to sell and deliver to the Underwriters the Shares to be sold and delivered by such Selling Stockholders at the First Closing Date pursuant to this Agreement, then
29
the Underwriters may at their option, by written notice from the Representatives to the Company and the Selling Stockholders, either (i)Β terminate this Agreement without any liability on the part of any Underwriter or, except as provided in SectionsΒ 4, 6, 8 and 9 hereof, the Company or the Selling Stockholders, or (ii)Β purchase the shares which the Company and other Selling Stockholders have agreed to sell and deliver in accordance with the terms hereof. If one or more of the Selling Stockholders shall fail to sell and deliver to the Underwriters the Shares to be sold and delivered by such Selling Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement at the First Closing Date or the Subsequent Closing Date, then the Underwriters shall have the right, by written notice from the Representatives to the Company and the Selling Stockholders, to postpone the First Closing Date or any Subsequent Closing Date, as the case may be, but in no event for longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements may be effected.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 18.Β General Provisions.Β Β Β Β This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. This Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the parties hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless waived in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit. The Section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that it is a sophisticated business person who was adequately represented by counsel during negotiations regarding the provisions hereof, including, without limitation, the indemnification provisions of SectionΒ 8 and the contribution provisions of SectionΒ 9, and is fully informed regarding said provisions. Each of the parties hereto further acknowledges that the provisions of SectionsΒ 8 and 9 hereto fairly allocate the risks in light of the ability of the parties to investigate the Company, its affairs and its business in order to assure that adequate disclosure has been made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus (and any amendments and supplements thereto), as required by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
30
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to the Company and the Custodian the enclosed copies hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts hereof, shall become a binding agreement in accordance with its terms.
Β | Very truly yours, | ||||
Β |
SYNAGRO TECHNOLOGIES,Β INC. |
||||
Β |
By: |
Β |
Β |
||
Β | Β | Β | Name: | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β | Title: | Β | Β |
Β |
[SELLING STOCKHOLDERS] |
||||
Β |
By: |
Β |
Β |
||
Β | Attorney-in-fact |
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The foregoing Underwriting Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted by the Representatives as of the date first above written.
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIESΒ LLC XXXXXX BROTHERSΒ INC. CIBC WORLD MARKETS CORP. |
|||||
Β | Β | Acting as Representatives of the several Underwriters named in the attached ScheduleΒ A. | Β | ||
By: |
Β |
Banc of America SecuritiesΒ LLC |
Β |
||
Β |
Β |
By: |
Β |
Β Managing Director |
Β |
31
Underwriters |
Β | NumberΒ of FirmΒ Shares toΒ beΒ Purchased |
Β | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Banc of America SecuritiesΒ LLC | Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Xxxxxx BrothersΒ Inc. | Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
CIBC World Markets Corp. | Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Xxxxxxx XxxxxΒ & Associates,Β Inc. | Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Inc | Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
[Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] | Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Β | Total |
Β |
[Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β |
] |
Schedule A-1
Selling Stockholder |
Β | NumberΒ of FirmΒ Shares toΒ beΒ Sold |
Β | MaximumΒ NumberΒ of OptionalΒ Shares toΒ beΒ Sold |
Β | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Selling Stockholder No.Β 1 Β Β Β Β [Address] Β Β Β Β Attention: [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] |
Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Selling Stockholder No.Β 2 Β Β Β Β [Address] Β Β Β Β Attention: [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] |
Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Selling Stockholder No.Β 3 Β Β Β Β [Address] Β Β Β Β Attention: [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] |
Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Selling Stockholder No.Β 4 Β Β Β Β [Address] Β Β Β Β Attention: [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ] |
Β | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | [Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β | ] | |
Β | Total |
Β |
[Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β |
] |
[Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β |
] |
Schedule B-1
Lock-Up Signatories
Schedule C-1
Opinion of counsel for the Company to be delivered pursuant to SectionΒ 5(d) of the Underwriting Agreement.
Exhibit A-1
Opinion of counsel for the Selling Stockholders to be delivered pursuant to SectionΒ 5(h) of the Underwriting Agreement.
Exhibit B-1
Opinion of General Counsel of the Company to be delivered pursuant to SectionΒ 5(i) of the Underwriting Agreement.
Exhibit C-1
Exhibit D-1