AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
Exhibit
2.1
AGREEMENT AND
PLAN
Β
OF MERGER
Β
by and
among
PRIMUS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
GROUP,
INCORPORATED,
Β
PTG INVESTMENTS,
INC.
Β
and
Β
ARBINET
CORPORATION
Β
Dated November 10,
2010
Β
Β
Β
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Β
ARTICLE
IΒ The
Merger
|
2
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 1.1
|
The Merger
|
2
|
Section 1.2
|
Effective Time;
Closing
|
2
|
Section 1.3
|
Governing Documents
|
2
|
Section 1.4
|
Directors and
Officers
|
3
|
Β | Β | |
ARTICLE
IIΒ Conversion
of Company Common Stock
|
3
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 2.1
|
Equity Interests of Parent and the
Company
|
3
|
Section 2.2
|
Exchange of Shares
|
7
|
Section 2.3
|
Certain Adjustments
|
11
|
Section 2.4
|
Appraisal Rights
|
11
|
Β | Β | |
ARTICLE IIIΒ Representations and
Warranties of the Company
|
12
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 3.1
|
Organization, Good Standing and Qualification;
Subsidiaries
|
12
|
Section 3.2
|
Organizational
Documents
|
13
|
Section 3.3
|
Capitalization
|
13
|
Section 3.4
|
Authority; Due Authorization; Binding Agreement;
Approval
|
14
|
Section 3.5
|
No Violation;
Consents
|
15
|
Section 3.6
|
Compliance
|
16
|
Section 3.7
|
SEC Filings; Financial Statements; Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx;
Internal Accounting Controls; Disclosure Controls and
Procedures
|
17
|
Section 3.8
|
Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities
|
18
|
Section 3.9
|
Absence of Certain Changes or
Events
|
18
|
Section 3.10
|
Litigation
|
19
|
Section 3.11
|
Employee Benefit
Plans
|
19
|
Section 3.12
|
Information Supplied
|
23
|
Section 3.13
|
Title to Properties
|
24
|
Section 3.14
|
Taxes
|
24
|
Section 3.15
|
Environmental
Matters
|
27
|
Section 3.16
|
Company Intellectual
Property
|
27
|
Section 3.17
|
Insurance
|
29
|
Section 3.18
|
Labor Matters
|
30
|
Section 3.19
|
Transactions with Certain
Persons
|
30
|
Section 3.20
|
Regulatory Matters
|
31
|
Section 3.21
|
Material Contracts
|
32
|
Section 3.22
|
Opinion of Financial
Advisor
|
33
|
Section 3.23
|
Brokers
|
33
|
Section 3.24
|
State Takeover Laws
|
33
|
Section 3.25
|
Required Company Stockholder
Vote
|
33
|
Β | Β | |
ARTICLE IVΒ Representations and
Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub
|
33
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 4.1
|
Organization, Good Standing and Qualification;
Subsidiaries
|
34
|
Section 4.2
|
Organizational
Documents
|
34
|
Section 4.3
|
Capitalization
|
35
|
Section 4.4
|
Authority; Due Authorization; Binding Agreement;
Approval
|
36
|
Β
i
Β
Β
Section 4.5
|
No Violation;
Consents
|
37
|
Section 4.6
|
Compliance
|
37
|
Section 4.7
|
SEC Filings; Financial Statements; Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx;
Internal Accounting Controls; Disclosure Controls and
Procedures
|
38
|
Section 4.8
|
Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities
|
39
|
Section 4.9
|
Absence of Certain Changes or
Events
|
40
|
Section 4.10
|
Litigation
|
40
|
Section 4.11
|
Employee Benefit
Plans
|
40
|
Section 4.12
|
Information Supplied
|
42
|
Section 4.13
|
Title to Properties
|
42
|
Section 4.14
|
Taxes
|
42
|
Section 4.15
|
Environmental
Matters
|
44
|
Section 4.16
|
Parent Intellectual
Property
|
45
|
Section 4.17
|
Insurance
|
46
|
Section 4.18
|
Labor Matters
|
46
|
Section 4.19
|
Transactions with Certain
Persons
|
47
|
Section 4.20
|
Regulatory Matters
|
47
|
Section 4.21
|
Material Contracts
|
48
|
Section 4.22
|
Opinion of Financial
Advisor
|
49
|
Section 4.23
|
Brokers
|
49
|
Section 4.24
|
Required Parent Stockholder
Vote
|
49
|
Section 4.25
|
Ownership of Shares of Company Common
Stock
|
50
|
Β | Β | |
ARTICLE VΒ Conduct Of
Business
|
50
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 5.1
|
Company Conduct of
Business
|
50
|
Section 5.2
|
Parent Conduct of
Business
|
54
|
Section 5.3
|
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
|
55
|
Β | Β | |
ARTICLE VIΒ Additional
Agreements
|
56
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 6.1
|
Registration Statement; Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus; Stockholders Meetings
|
56
|
Section 6.2
|
Access to Information;
Confidentiality
|
58
|
Section 6.3
|
No Solicitation
|
59
|
Section 6.4
|
Directorsβ and Officersβ Indemnification and
Insurance
|
63
|
Section 6.5
|
Notification of Certain
Matters
|
64
|
Section 6.6
|
Further Action; Reasonable Best
Efforts
|
65
|
Section 6.7
|
Public Announcements
|
66
|
Section 6.8
|
Employee Matters
|
67
|
Section 6.9
|
Section 16 Matters
|
68
|
Section 6.10
|
State Takeover Laws
|
68
|
Section 6.11
|
Stockholder
Litigation
|
68
|
Section 6.12
|
Reorganization
|
69
|
Section 6.13
|
Company Cash
Statements
|
69
|
Section 6.14
|
Listing Application
|
70
|
Section 6.15
|
Comfort Letters.
|
70
|
Section 6.16
|
Parent Board
Vacancies
|
70
|
Β
ii
Β
Β
ARTICLE VIIΒ Conditions to the
Merger
|
71
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 7.1
|
Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party to
Effect the Merger
|
71
|
Section 7.2
|
Additional Conditions to the Obligation of the
Company
|
72
|
Section 7.3
|
Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Parent
and Merger Sub
|
73
|
Β | Β | |
ARTICLE VIIIΒ Termination, Amendment and
Waiver
|
74
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 8.1
|
Termination
|
74
|
Section 8.2
|
Effect of
Termination
|
75
|
Section 8.3
|
Fees and Expenses; Certain Other
Obligations
|
76
|
Section 8.4
|
Amendment
|
77
|
Section 8.5
|
Waiver
|
77
|
Β | Β | |
ARTICLE IXΒ General
Provisions
|
77
|
|
Β | Β | Β |
Section 9.1
|
Survival
|
77
|
Section 9.2
|
Scope of Representations and
Warranties
|
77
|
Section 9.3
|
Notices
|
78
|
Section 9.4
|
Certain Definitions
|
79
|
Section 9.5
|
Severability
|
83
|
Section 9.6
|
Entire Agreement;
Assignment
|
83
|
Section 9.7
|
Parties in Interest
|
84
|
Section 9.8
|
Governing Law; Jurisdiction and
Venue
|
84
|
Section 9.9
|
Waiver of Jury Trial
|
84
|
Section 9.10
|
Headings
|
84
|
Section 9.11
|
Interpretation
|
84
|
Section 9.12
|
Counterparts
|
85
|
Β
Exhibit A β Certificate of Incorporation
of Surviving Entity
Exhibit B β Bylaws of Surviving
Entity
Β
iii
Β
SCHEDULE
OF DEFINED TERMS
Β
Defined
Term
|
Β |
Location
|
Β | Β | Β |
Acceptable
Confidentiality Agreement
|
Β |
Section
6.3(e)
|
Acquisition
Agreement
|
Β |
Section
6.3(b)
|
Acquisition
Proposal
|
Β |
Section
6.3(e)
|
Action
|
Β |
Section
3.11(i)
|
Adjusted
Option
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(i)
|
Adjusted
SAR
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(v)
|
affiliate
|
Β |
Section
9.4(a)
|
Affiliate
Transaction
|
Β |
Section
3.19
|
Aggregate
Cash-Value Merger Consideration
|
Β |
Section
2.1(a)
|
Agreement
|
Β |
Preamble
|
Appraisal
Shares
|
Β |
Section
2.4
|
Balance
Sheet Date
|
Β |
Section
3.8
|
beneficial
owner
|
Β |
Section
9.4(b)
|
Book
Entry Shares
|
Β |
Section
2.1(b)
|
business
day
|
Β |
Section
9.4(c)
|
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
|
Β |
Section
9.4(d)
|
Certificate
of Merger
|
Β |
Section
1.2
|
Certificates
|
Β |
Section
2.1(b)
|
Change
of Law
|
Β |
Section
9.4(e)
|
Closing
|
Β |
Section
1.2
|
Closing
Date
|
Β |
Section
1.2
|
Code
|
Β |
Recitals
|
Common
Shares Trust
|
Β |
Section
2.2(e)(iii)
|
Company
|
Β |
Preamble
|
Company
401(k) Plan
|
Β |
Section
3.11(b)
|
Company
Authorizations
|
Β |
Section
3.20(a)
|
Company
Balance Sheet
|
Β |
Section
9.4(f)
|
Company
Board of Directors
|
Β |
Section
3.4(d)
|
Company
Common Stock
|
Β |
Recitals
|
Company
Employees
|
Β |
Section
3.18(b)
|
Company
Excluded Shares
|
Β |
Section
2.1(b)
|
Company
Financial Advisor
|
Β |
Section
3.22
|
Company
Inbound Licenses
|
Β |
Section
3.16(c)
|
Β
i
Β
Β
Defined
Term
|
Β |
Location
|
Β | Β | Β |
Company
Leased Property List
|
Β |
Section
3.13
|
Company
Material Adverse Effect
|
Β |
Section
9.4(g)
|
Company
Material Subsidiaries
|
Β |
Section
3.1
|
Company
Material Subsidiary
|
Β |
Section
3.1
|
Company
Notice
|
Β |
Section
6.3(c)
|
Company
Outbound Licenses
|
Β |
Section
3.16(c)
|
Company
Plans
|
Β |
Section
3.11(a)(iv)
|
Company
Preferred Stock
|
Β |
Section
3.3(a)
|
Company
Recommendation
|
Β |
Section
6.1(e)
|
Company
Recommendation Change
|
Β |
Section
6.3(c)
|
Company
Registered Intellectual Property
|
Β |
Section
3.16(b)
|
Company
SAR
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(v)
|
Company
SEC Reports
|
Β |
Section
3.7(a)
|
Company
Shareholder Support Agreement
|
Β |
Recitals
|
Company
Stock Awards
|
Β |
Section
3.3(b)
|
Company
Stock Option
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(i)
|
Company
Stock Plans
|
Β |
Section
3.3(a)
|
Company
Stockholder Approval
|
Β |
Section
3.25
|
Company
Stockholders
|
Β |
Section
3.4(d)
|
Company
Stockholders Meeting
|
Β |
Section
6.1(e)
|
Company
Subsidiaries
|
Β |
Section
3.1
|
Company
Subsidiary
|
Β |
Section
3.1
|
Company
Warrant
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(iii)
|
Confidentiality
Agreement
|
Β |
Section
6.2(c)
|
control
|
Β |
Section
9.4(h)
|
controlled
by
|
Β |
Section
9.4(h)
|
Controlled
Group Liability
|
Β |
Section
3.11(a)(i)
|
Converted
Warrant
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(iii)
|
DGCL
|
Β |
Section
1.1
|
Determination
Date
|
Β |
Section
6.13
|
Effective
Time
|
Β |
Section
1.2
|
Environmental
Laws
|
Β |
Section
3.15(a)
|
ERISA
|
Β |
Section
3.11(a)(ii)
|
ERISA
Affiliate
|
Β |
Section
3.11(a)(iii)
|
Β
ii
Β
Β
Defined
Term
|
Β |
Location
|
Β | Β | Β |
Excess
Shares
|
Β |
Section
2.2(e)(ii)
|
Exchange
Act
|
Β |
Section
3.5(b)
|
Exchange
Agent
|
Β |
Section
2.2(a)
|
Exchange
Fund
|
Β |
Section
2.2(a)
|
Exchange
Ratio
|
Β |
Section
2.1(a)
|
Excluded
Party
|
Β |
Section
6.3(b)
|
Expenses
|
Β |
Section
8.3(b)
|
FCC
|
Β |
Section
3.5(b)
|
GAAP
|
Β |
Section
3.7(b)
|
Go-Shop
Period
|
Β |
Section
6.3(a)
|
Governmental
Authority
|
Β |
Section
9.4(i)
|
Intellectual
Property
|
Β |
Section
3.16(a)
|
Intervening
Event
|
Β |
Section
6.3(c)
|
IP
Sale
|
Β |
Section
5.1
|
IRS
|
Β |
Section
3.11(b)
|
Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus
|
Β |
Section
3.12
|
Leases
|
Β |
Section
3.13
|
Letter
of Transmittal
|
Β |
Section
2.2(b)
|
Liens
|
Β |
Section
3.5(a)
|
Marketable
Securities
|
Β |
Section
9.4(j)
|
Merger
|
Β |
Recitals
|
Merger
Consideration
|
Β |
Section
2.1(a)
|
Merger
Sub
|
Β |
Preamble
|
Multiple
Employer Plan
|
Β |
Section
3.11(c)
|
NASDAQ
|
Β |
Section
2.2(e)(ii)
|
No-Shop
Period Start Date
|
Β |
Section
6.3(b)
|
Outside
Date
|
Β |
Section
8.1(b)(i)
|
Parent
|
Β |
Preamble
|
Parent
Authorizations
|
Β |
Section
4.20
|
Parent
Balance Sheet
|
Β |
Section
9.4(k)
|
Parent
Balance Sheet Date
|
Β |
Section
4.8
|
Parent
Board of Directors
|
Β |
Section
4.4(d)
|
Parent
Common Stock
|
Β |
Section
2.1(a)
|
Parent
Employees
|
Β |
Section
4.18(b)
|
Β
iii
Β
Β
Defined
Term
|
Β |
Location
|
Β | Β | Β |
Parent
Financial Advisor
|
Β |
Section
4.22
|
Parent
Material Adverse Effect
|
Β |
Section
9.4(l)
|
Parent
Material Contracts
|
Β |
Section
4.21(a)(viii)
|
Parent
Material Subsidiaries
|
Β |
Section
4.1
|
Parent
Material Subsidiary
|
Β |
Section
4.1
|
Parent
Plans
|
Β |
Section
3.11(a)(iv)
|
Parent
Preferred Stock
|
Β |
Section
4.3(a)
|
Parent
Recommendation
|
Β |
Section
6.1(f)
|
Parent
SEC Reports
|
Β |
Section
4.7(a)
|
Parent
Shareholder Support Agreement
|
Β |
Recitals
|
Parent
Stockholder Approval
|
Β |
Section
4.24
|
Parent
Stockholders
|
Β |
Section
4.4(d)
|
Parent
Stockholders Meeting
|
Β |
Section
6.1(f)
|
Parent
Subsidiaries
|
Β |
Section
4.1
|
Parent
Subsidiary
|
Β |
Section
4.1
|
Pentech
Warrant
|
Β |
Section
3.3(a)
|
Performance
Share Award
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(vi)
|
Performance
Share Restricted Stock Award
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(vi)
|
Permitted
Liens
|
Β |
Section
9.4(m)
|
person
|
Β |
Section
9.4(n)
|
Plans
|
Β |
Section
3.11(a)(iv)
|
Registration
Statement
|
Β |
Section
3.12
|
Representative
|
Β |
Section
6.3(a)
|
Restricted
Stock Award
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(ii)
|
Restricted
Stock Unit Award
|
Β |
Section
2.1(e)(iv)
|
Requirement
of Law
|
Β |
Section
9.4(o)
|
Returns
|
Β |
Section
3.14(a)
|
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx
Act
|
Β |
Section
3.7(c)
|
SEC
|
Β |
Section
3.7(a)
|
Securities
Act
|
Β |
Section
3.5(b)
|
Special
Committee
|
Β |
Section
9.4(p)
|
subsidiaries
|
Β |
Section
9.4(p)
|
subsidiary
|
Β |
Section
9.4(p)
|
Superior
Proposal
|
Β |
Section
6.3(e)
|
Β
iv
Β
Β
Defined
Term
|
Β |
Location
|
Β | Β | Β |
Superior
Purchaser
|
Β |
Section
8.3(c)
|
Surviving
Entity
|
Β |
Section
1.1
|
Tax
|
Β |
Section
3.14(o)
|
Taxes
|
Β |
Section
3.14(o)
|
Trading
Day
|
Β |
Section
2.1(a)
|
under
common control with
|
Β |
Section
9.4(h)
|
WARN
Act
|
Β |
Section
3.18(b)
|
Wholesale
Purchase Transaction
|
Β |
Section
8.3(c)
|
Β
v
Β
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
MERGER
Β
THIS
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, executed this 10th day of November, 2010 (this
βAgreementβ), is by and
among Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation
(βParentβ), PTG
Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary
of Parent (βMerger
Subβ), and Arbinet Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the βCompanyβ).
Β
Β
RECITALS
Β
A.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The board of directors of the
Company, having considered the recommendation of the Special Committee to
approve the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the respective boards
of directors of Parent and Merger Sub have each approved the execution and
delivery of this Agreement on behalf of such party and the performance of their
respective obligations hereunder and deem it advisable and in the best interests
of their respective companies and equity holders to consummate the merger of
Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving entity
(the βMergerβ) upon the terms and subject
to the conditions set forth herein.
Β
B.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Pursuant to the Merger, each
issued and outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the
Company (βCompany
Common Stockβ),
other than (i) the shares of Company Common Stock owned by Parent, Merger Sub or
the Company (or any of their respective direct or indirect wholly owned
subsidiaries) and (ii) any Appraisal Shares, will be converted into the right to
receive the Merger Consideration, all as more fully described and provided for
in this Agreement.
Β
C.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Contemporaneously with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, one of the Companyβs principal
stockholders will enter into a support agreement in connection with the Merger
in favor of Parent with respect to, among other things, the voting of Company
Common Stock held or to be held by such stockholder in favor of the Merger,
subject to the terms of such support agreement (the βCompany
Shareholder Support Agreementβ).
Β
D.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Contemporaneously with the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, one of Parentβs principal stockholders
will enter into a support agreement in connection with the Merger in favor of
the Company with respect to, among other things, the voting of Parent Common
Stock held or to be held by such stockholder in favor of the issuance of shares
of Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Merger, subject to the terms of such
support agreement (the βParent
Shareholder Support Agreementβ).
Β
E.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β It is intended that the
Merger, along with the other transactions effected pursuant to this Agreement,
shall qualify as a βreorganizationβ within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the βCodeβ), and this Agreement and
the documents related hereto shall constitute a βplan of reorganizationβ within
the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section
1.368-2(g).
Β
1
Β
AGREEMENT
In consideration of the
mutual promises contained herein, the benefits to be derived by each party
hereunder and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company agree as
follows:
ARTICLE
I
Β
The
Merger
Β
Section
1.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The Merger.Β Β Upon the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, including
ArticleΒ VII hereof, and in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation
Law (βDGCLβ), at the Effective Time,
Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company. As a result of the Merger,
the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall cease, and the Company
shall continue as the surviving entity of the Merger (the βSurviving
Entityβ). The
Merger shall have the effects specified herein and in the
DGCL.Β Β Parent hereby acknowledges that it intends to contribute the
Surviving Entity to Primus Telecommunications Holding, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Parent, promptly after the Effective Time.
Section
1.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Effective Time;
Closing.Β Β The closing of the Merger (the βClosingβ) shall take place on the date
determined by this Section 1.2, and the date of the Closing is
referred to herein as the βClosing
Date.βΒ As promptly as practicable
(but no later than two business days) after the satisfaction or, if permissible,
waiver in accordance with SectionΒ 8.5 of the last to be satisfied or waived
of the conditions set forth in ArticleΒ VII (other than conditions that by
their nature can be satisfied only at the Closing but subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of those conditions), the parties hereto shall
cause the
Closing to occur. On the Closing Date,
the parties
hereto shall cause the Merger to be consummated by filing a certificate of
merger (the βCertificate
of Mergerβ) with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in such form as is required by,
and executed in accordance with the relevant provisions of, the DGCL (the date
and time of such filing, or at such later time as may be agreed upon in writing
by the parties
hereto and
specified in the Certificate of Merger, being the βEffective
Timeβ).
The Closing
shall be held at
the offices of Xxxxxxx Xxxxx LLP at 0000 X Xxxxxx, XX Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxxxxxxx, XX
00000, or such other place as the parties hereto shall agree in
writing.
Section
1.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Governing
Documents.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Certificate of
Incorporation.Β Β At the Effective Time, the certificate of
incorporation of the Company in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be amended to read as set forth in Exhibit A attached
hereto, and as so amended shall be the certificate of incorporation of the
Surviving Entity, until thereafter amended as provided therein and in accordance
with applicable law but always subject to the limitation on such amendments as
set forth in this Agreement, including in Section 6.4 below.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Bylaws.Β Β At the Effective
Time, the bylaws of the Company in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time shall be amended to read as set forth in Exhibit B attached
hereto, and as so amended shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Entity, until
thereafter amended as provided therein and in accordance with applicable
law.
Β Β
2
Β
Β
Section
1.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Directors and
Officers.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Directors.Β Β The directors of
Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be the
directors of the Surviving Entity, each to hold office in accordance with the
certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Entity.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Officers.Β Β The officers of
the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue to be the
officers of the Surviving Entity, in each case until their respective successors
are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
Β
ARTICLE
II
Β
Conversion
of Company Common Stock
Β
Section
2.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Equity Interests of Parent and the
Company.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Merger
Consideration.Β Β At the Effective Time, subject to the other
provisions of this Agreement, each share of Company Common Stock issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding Company Excluded
Shares) shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, the Parent, the Merger Sub or the Company, be converted into the
right to receive the number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of common
stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Parent (βParent Common Stockβ) equal to
the Exchange Ratio (collectively, the βMerger
Considerationβ).Β Β The βExchange Ratioβ shall equal
the quotient of (x) the quotient of (A) the Aggregate Cash-Value Merger
Consideration divided
by (B) the number of shares of Company Common Stock issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time plus those shares that may become
issuable as Parent Common Stock at or after the Effective Time pursuant to
SectionΒ 2.1(e)(i), (iii), (iv), (v) or (vi) hereof, provided that such
issuable shares shall, solely for this purpose, exclude any such shares that are
subject to Company Stock Options or Company SARs as of the Effective Time and
the exercise price or base price, respectively, therefor is, with respect to
Company Common Stock, greater than the greater of (i) $6.05 and (ii) the closing
stock price of Company Common Stock on NASDAQ on the last Trading Day
immediately prior to the Closing Date, in each case on a per share basis, and
with respect to Company SARs shall include solely the net number of shares of
Company Common Stock that shall be issuable as calculated using the closing
price of the Company Common Stock on the day prior to the Closing Date divided by (y) $9.5464, and
rounding the Exchange Ratio to the nearest ten-thousandth.
For purposes of this
Agreement, the βAggregate
Cash-Value Merger Considerationβ shall equal $28,000,000,
but shall be subject to upward adjustment as expressly contemplated by the last
paragraph of Section 5.1 and after written notice to the Parent at least three
Trading Days prior to the Closing Date of such adjustment, which notice shall
include reasonable detail of the proceeds of, and all transaction costs, fees
and expenses and gross Tax liabilities attributable to, the IP
Sale.
Β
For purposes of this
Agreement, βTrading
Dayβ means any
day on which Parent Common Stock is traded on the principal securities market on
which it is then listed or quoted.
Β
3
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Cancellation of Shares of Company
Common Stock (other than Company Excluded Shares and Appraisal
Shares).Β Β As a result of the Merger and without any action on
the part of the holders thereof, at the Effective Time, all shares of Company
Common Stock (other than Company Excluded Shares) shall cease to be outstanding
and shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist, and each certificate
that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented any shares of Company
Common Stock (other than Company Excluded Shares) (the βCertificatesβ) and each
non-certificated share of Company Common Stock represented by book-entry (other
than Company Excluded Shares) (βBook Entry Sharesβ) shall
thereafter represent only the right to receive the Merger Consideration with
respect to the shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented thereby, and
any dividends or other distributions to which the holders thereof are entitled
pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(c). For purposes of this Agreement, βCompany Excluded Sharesβ shall
mean (i)Β any shares of Company Common Stock held by Parent, the Company or
any of their respective direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, in each
case except for any such shares held on behalf of third parties, and (ii) any
Appraisal Shares.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Cancellation of Company Excluded
Shares.Β Β Each Company Excluded Share at the Effective Time
shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder
thereof, cease to be outstanding and shall be canceled and retired without
payment of any consideration therefor, and no Parent Common Stock or other
consideration shall be delivered in exchange therefor, subject to the right of
the holder of any Appraisal Shares to receive the payment to which reference is
made in Section 2.4.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Conversion of Shares of Merger
Sub.Β Β Each share of common stock of Merger Sub issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into and
exchanged for one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common
stock of the Surviving Entity.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Employee Stock Options; Restricted
Stock, Etc.
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Options.Β Β The terms
of each outstanding option to purchase shares of Company Common Stock under the
Company Stock Plans (unless cancelled as of the Effective Time as expressly
contemplated by Section 2.1(a)) (a βCompany Stock Optionβ),
whether or not exercisable or vested, shall be adjusted as necessary to provide
that, at the Effective Time, each Company Stock Option outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall be converted into an option (each, an βAdjusted Optionβ) to acquire,
on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Company Stock
Option immediately prior to the Effective Time, the number of shares of Parent
Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Company Common
Stock subject to such Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective
Time multiplied by (ii)
the Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share.Β Β The
exercise price per share of Parent Common Stock subject to any such Adjusted
Option shall be an amount (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to the
quotient of (A) the exercise price per share of Company Common Stock subject to
such Company Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by (B) the Exchange
Ratio, with any fractional cents rounded up to the nearest whole
cent.Β Β In addition, all adjustments to the Company Stock Options shall
be made in compliance with Section 409A of the Code; provided, further, that in
the case of any Company Stock Option to which Section 422 of the Code applies,
the exercise price per share, the number of shares subject to such Company Stock
Option and the terms and conditions of exercise of such Company Stock Option
shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing, subject to such
adjustments as are necessary in order to satisfy the requirements of Section
424(a) of the Code.
Β
4
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Restricted
Stock.Β Β Each restricted stock award outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time under the Company Stock Plans and relating to
Company Common Stock (each, a βRestricted Stock Awardβ) shall
be converted at the Effective Time as set forth above in SectionΒ 2.1(a)
with respect to shares of Company Common Stock.Β Β Each converted
Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to the same terms, conditions and
restrictions as were applicable under such Restricted Stock Award immediately
prior to the Effective Time.
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Warrants.Β Β At the
Effective Time, each warrant to purchase shares of Company Common Stock (each, a
βCompany Warrantβ) that
is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to represent
a right to acquire shares of Company Common Stock and shall be converted, at the
Effective Time, into a right to acquire shares of Parent Common Stock (a βConverted Warrantβ), on the
same contractual terms and conditions as were in effect immediately prior to the
Effective Time under the terms of the Company Warrant or other related agreement
or award pursuant to which such Company Warrant was granted.Β Β The
number of shares of Parent Common Stock subject to each such Converted Warrant
shall be equal to the product of (a) the number of shares of Company Common
Stock subject to each such Company Warrant immediately prior to the Effective
Time multiplied by (b)
the Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share, and such Converted
Warrant shall have an exercise price per share (rounded up to the nearest whole
cent) equal to the quotient of (i) the exercise price per share of Company
Common Stock subject to such Converted Warrant immediately prior to the
Effective Time divided
by (ii) the Exchange Ratio, with any fractional cents rounded up to the
nearest whole cent.
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Restricted Stock
Units.Β Β Β Each restricted stock unit award outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time under the Company Stock Plans and
relating to Company Common Stock (each, a βRestricted Stock Unit Awardβ)
shall be adjusted as necessary to provide that, at the Effective Time, such
Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be converted into a restricted stock unit
award relating to the number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the
product of (i) the number of shares of Company Common Stock relating to such
Restricted Stock Unit Award immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by (ii) the
Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share.Β Β Each
converted Restricted Stock Unit Award shall be subject to the same terms,
conditions and restrictions as were applicable under such Restricted Stock Unit
Award immediately prior to the Effective Time.
Β
5
Β
(v)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Stock Appreciation
Rights.Β Β The terms of each outstanding stock appreciation right
under the Company Stock Plans and relating to Company Common Stock (unless
cancelled as of the Effective Time as expressly contemplated by Section 2.1(a))
(a βCompany SARβ),
whether or not exercisable or vested, shall be adjusted as necessary to provide
that, at the Effective Time, each Company SAR outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time shall be converted into a stock appreciation right (each, an
βAdjusted SARβ) to
acquire, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Company
SAR immediately prior to the Effective Time, the number of shares of Parent
Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Company Common
Stock subject to such Company SAR immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by (ii) the
Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share.Β Β The exercise
price per share of Parent Common Stock subject to any such Adjusted SAR shall be
an amount (rounded up to the nearest whole cent) equal to the quotient of (A)
the exercise price per share of Company Common Stock subject to such Company SAR
immediately prior to the Effective Time divided by (B) the Exchange
Ratio, rounded up to the nearest whole cent.Β Β In addition, all
adjustments made to the Company SARs shall be made in compliance with Section
409A of the Code.
Β
(vi)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Performance
Shares.Β Β Immediately prior to the Effective Time, the
performance goals under any then outstanding performance share award under the
Company Stock Plans and relating to Company Common Stock (a βPerformance Share Awardβ) for
which the measurement date has not occurred shall be deemed to have been
achieved at the target performance level, and each share of restricted stock
represented by such Performance Share Award shall be deemed to have been issued
(βPerformance Share Restricted
Stock Awardβ) and shall be adjusted as necessary to provide that, at the
Effective Time, such Performance Restricted Stock Award shall be converted into
a restricted stock award relating to the number of shares of Parent Common Stock
equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Company Stock relating to
such Restricted Stock Award immediately prior to the Effective Time multiplied by (ii) the
Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share.Β Β Each
converted Performance Share Restricted Stock Award shall be subject to the same
terms, conditions and restrictions as were applicable under such Performance
Share Restricted Stock Award immediately prior to the Effective
Time.Β Β Immediately prior to the Effective Time, each Performance Share
Award for which the measurement date has occurred and which the Company shall
not have issued the Performance Share Restricted Stock Awards shall be adjusted
as necessary to provide that, at the Effective Time, such Performance Share
Award shall be converted into a performance share award relating to the number
of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the product of (x) the number of
shares of Company Stock relating to such Performance Share Award immediately
prior to the Effective Time multiplied by (y) the
Exchange Ratio, rounded down to the nearest whole share.Β Β Each such
converted performance share award shall be subject to the same terms, conditions
and restrictions as were applicable under such Performance Share Award
immediately prior to the Effective Time.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Prior
to the Effective Time, the Company shall, with respect to any compensation plans
or arrangements of the Company, take any actions to give effect to all of the
transactions contemplated by Section 2.1(e) and the Parent shall take all action
to assume the Company Stock Awards and the terms of the Company Stock Plans with
respect thereto.
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
shall reserve for issuance a sufficient number of shares of Parent Common Stock
for issuance in compliance with Section 2.1(e) based on the information that is
set forth on Schedule
3.3 (such Schedule to be amended by the Company at or prior to Closing
solely for this purpose and to reflect (i) the cancellation of Company Stock
Options and Company SARs as of the Effective Time and (ii) the issuance of any
shares of Company Common Stock under the Company Stock Plans, whether by
exercise of Company Stock Options or otherwise, after the date hereof and prior
to Closing in accordance with the Company Stock Plans and this
Agreement).Β Β No later than the Closing Date, Parent shall file a
registration statement on Form S-8 (or any successor form) with respect to the
shares of Parent Common Stock reserved pursuant to this Section 2.1 (held by
persons who become employees, directors or consultants of the Parent or the
Surviving Entity) and shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain the
effectiveness of such registration statement or registration statements (and
maintain the current status of the prospectus or prospectuses contained therein)
for so long as any such Company Stock Awards existing immediately after the
Effective Time remain outstanding.
Β
6
Β
Section
2.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Exchange of
Shares.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Exchange Fund.Β Β As
of the Effective Time, Parent shall appoint a commercial bank, trust company or
the transfer agent for Parent Common Stock, or such other party as is reasonably
satisfactory to the Company as evidenced in writing, to act as exchange agent
hereunder for the purpose of exchanging Certificates and Book Entry Shares for
the Merger Consideration (the βExchange Agentβ). Parent shall
bear and pay all charges and expenses, including those of Exchange Agent,
incurred in connection with the exchange of shares and the Exchange
Fund.Β Β Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall deposit with the
Exchange Agent, in trust for the benefit of holders of shares of Company Common
Stock, the number of shares of Parent Common Stock that are issuable pursuant to
SectionΒ 2.1(a). Parent shall deposit such shares of Parent Common Stock
with the Exchange Agent by delivering to the Exchange Agent certificates
representing, or providing to the Exchange Agent an uncertificated book-entry
for, such shares. In addition, Parent shall make available to the Exchange Agent
from time to time as needed cash sufficient to pay any dividends and other
distributions pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(c). Any shares of Parent Common Stock
deposited by Parent with the Exchange Agent (including the amount of any
dividends or other distributions payable with respect thereto pursuant to
Section 2.2(c) and cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to
be paid pursuant to Section 2.2(e)) shall hereinafter be referred to as the
βExchange
Fund.β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Exchange
Rules.Β Β Promptly after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause
the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of one or more shares of
Company Common Stock as of the Effective Time: (i)Β a letter of transmittal
(the βLetter of
Transmittalβ), which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and
risk of loss and title to the shares of Company Common Stock shall pass, only
upon delivery of the corresponding Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu
thereof) to the Exchange Agent or receipt by the Exchange Agent of an βagentβs
messageβ with respect to Book Entry Shares, which letter shall be in customary
form, and (ii)Β instructions for effecting the surrender of such
Certificates (or affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or Book Entry Shares in
exchange for the Merger Consideration. Each holder of shares of Company Common
Stock (other than Company Excluded Shares), upon surrender of a Certificate (or
affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or Book Entry Shares to the Exchange Agent
together with such Letter of Transmittal, duly executed and completed in
accordance with the instructions thereto, and such other documents as may
reasonably be required by the Exchange Agent, shall be entitled to receive in
exchange therefor (i)Β one or more shares of Parent Common Stock that shall
be in uncertificated book-entry form unless a physical certificate is requested
and that shall represent, in the aggregate, the whole number of shares that such
holder has the right to receive pursuant to SectionΒ 2.1(a) (after taking
into account all shares of Company Common Stock then held by such holder) and
(ii)Β a check for immediate payment in the amount equal to any cash that
such holder has the right to receive pursuant to this ArticleΒ II,
consisting of cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Parent Common Stock
pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(e) and any dividends and other distributions
pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(c). No interest shall be paid or shall accrue on
any cash payable pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(c) or SectionΒ 2.2(e). In the
event of a transfer of ownership of Company Common Stock that is not registered
in the transfer records of the Company, one or more shares of Parent Common
Stock evidencing, in the aggregate, the proper number of shares of Parent Common
Stock and a check in the proper amount of any cash in lieu of any fractional
shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(e) and any dividends
or other distributions to which such holder is entitled pursuant to
SectionΒ 2.2(c) may be issued with respect to such Company Common Stock, as
the case may be, to such a transferee if the Certificate representing such
shares of Company Common Stock is presented to the Exchange Agent, accompanied
by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence
that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid.
Β
7
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Distributions with Respect to
Unexchanged Shares.Β Β All shares of Parent Common Stock to be
issued pursuant to the Merger shall be deemed issued and outstanding as of the
Effective Time. No dividends or other distributions declared or made in respect
of Parent Common Stock shall be paid to the holder of any shares of Company
Common Stock until the holder of such shares shall surrender such shares in
accordance with this ArticleΒ II. Subject to applicable law, following
surrender of any such shares of Company Common Stock, there shall be issued
and/or paid to the holder of whole shares of Parent Common Stock issued in
exchange therefor, without interest, (i)Β at the time of such surrender, the
dividends or other distributions payable in respect of such shares of Parent
Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time and a payment date on
or prior to the date of such surrender and not previously paid and (ii)Β at
the appropriate payment date, the dividends or other distributions payable with
respect to such shares of Parent Common Stock with a record date after the
Effective Time but on or prior to the date of such surrender and with a payment
date subsequent to such surrender.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Further Ownership Rights in
Company Common Stock.Β Β All shares of Parent Common Stock issued
and cash paid upon conversion of shares of Company Common Stock in accordance
with the terms of this ArticleΒ II (including any cash paid pursuant to
SectionΒ 2.2(c) or SectionΒ 2.2(e)) shall be deemed to have been issued
or paid in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to the shares of Company
Common Stock previously represented by such Certificates and/or Book Entry
Shares.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Fractional Shares of Parent
Common Stock.
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be issued in the Merger and any
fractional share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote or to have
any rights of a stockholder of Parent.
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, each holder of shares of Company Common
Stock exchanged pursuant to the Merger who would otherwise have been entitled to
receive a fractional share of Parent Common Stock (after taking into account all
Certificates and/or Book Entry Shares held by such holder) shall receive, in
lieu thereof, cash (without interest) representing such holderβs proportionate
interest, if any, in the proceeds from the sale by the Exchange Agent in one or
more transactions of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the excess of (A)
the aggregate number of shares of Parent Common Stock to be delivered to the
Exchange Agent by Parent pursuant to Section 2.2(a) over (B) the aggregate
number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock to be distributed to the holders
of shares of Company Common Stock pursuant to Section 2.2(b) (such excess, the
βExcess
Sharesβ).Β Β As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the
Exchange Agent, as agent for the holders of shares of Company Common Stock that
would otherwise receive fractional shares of Parent Common Stock, shall sell the
Excess Shares at then prevailing prices on the NASDAQ Stock Market (βNASDAQβ) or OTC Bulletin
Board, as applicable, in the manner provided in the following
paragraph.
Β
8
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
sale of the Excess Shares by the Exchange Agent, as agent for the holders of
shares of Company Common Stock that would otherwise receive fractional shares of
Parent Common Stock, shall be executed on the NASDAQ or OTC Bulletin Board, as
applicable, and shall be executed in round lots to the extent practicable. Until
the proceeds of such sale or sales have been distributed to the holders of
shares of Company Common Stock, the Exchange Agent shall hold such proceeds in
trust for the holders of shares of Company Common Stock that would otherwise
receive fractional shares of Parent Common Stock (the βCommon Shares
Trustβ).Β Β The Exchange Agent shall determine the portion of the
Common Shares Trust to which each holder of shares of Company Common Stock shall
be entitled, if any, by multiplying the amount of the aggregate proceeds
comprising the Common Shares Trust by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
amount of the fractional share interest to which such holder of shares of
Company Common Stock would otherwise be entitled and the denominator of which is
the aggregate amount of fractional share interests to which all holders of
Shares would otherwise be entitled.
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β As
soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be
paid to holders of shares of Company Common Stock in lieu of any fractional
shares of Parent Common Stock, the Exchange Agent shall pay such amounts to such
holders of shares of Parent Common Stock without interest, subject to and in
accordance with Section 2.2.
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Termination of Exchange
Fund.Β Β Any portion of the Exchange Fund that remains
undistributed to the holders of Certificates and/or Book Entry Shares as of the
date six months (or such later time as may be determined by Parent in its sole
discretion) after the Effective Time shall be delivered to Parent or otherwise
on the instruction of Parent, and any holders of the Certificates and/or Book
Entry Shares who have not theretofore complied with this ArticleΒ II shall
thereafter look only to Parent for the Merger Consideration with respect to the
shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented thereby to which such
holders are entitled pursuant to SectionΒ 2.1, cash in lieu of fractional
shares of Parent Common Stock to which such holders are entitled pursuant to
SectionΒ 2.2(e) and any dividends or distributions with respect to shares of
Parent Common Stock to which such holders are entitled pursuant to
SectionΒ 2.2(c). Any such portion of the Exchange Fund remaining unclaimed
by holders of shares of Company Common Stock five years after the Effective Time
(or such earlier date immediately prior to such time as such amounts would
otherwise escheat to or become property of any Governmental Authority) shall, to
the extent permitted by applicable law, become the property of Parent free and
clear of any claims or interest of any person previously entitled
thereto.
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Liability.Β Β None
of Parent, Merger Sub, the Company, the Surviving Entity, any affiliate of any
of the foregoing or the Exchange Agent shall be liable to any person in respect
of any Merger Consideration from the Exchange Fund delivered to a public
official or Governmental Authority pursuant to any applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar law.
Β
9
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Investment of the Exchange
Fund.Β Β The Exchange Agent shall invest any cash included in the
Exchange Fund as directed by Parent on a daily basis; provided that no such gain
or loss thereon shall affect the amounts payable to the holders of Company
Common Stock pursuant to this ArticleΒ II and that if at any time prior to
the termination of the Exchange Fund pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(f), the amount
of cash included in the Exchange Fund is reduced below the amount necessary to
pay any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock payable
pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(e) and dividends and distributions payable pursuant
to SectionΒ 2.2(c), Parent shall promptly deposit additional cash into the
Exchange Fund sufficient to rectify this deficiency. Any interest and other
income resulting from such investments shall be paid promptly to Parent,
provided that such payment will not create a deficiency in funds payable to the
holders of Company Common Stock hereunder.
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Lost
Certificates.Β Β If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen
or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if reasonably
required by Parent, the posting by such person of a bond in such reasonable
amount as Parent may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made
against it with respect to such Certificate, the Exchange Agent shall deliver in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the applicable Merger
Consideration, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to
which the holder is entitled pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(e) and any dividends
and distributions with respect to shares of Parent Common Stock to which the
holder is entitled pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(c), in each case with respect to
the shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented by such lost, stolen or
destroyed Certificate.
Β
(j)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Withholding
Rights.Β Β Each of the Exchange Agent, Parent and the Surviving
Entity shall be entitled, without duplication, to deduct and withhold from the
consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement as Merger
Consideration such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect
to the making of such payment under the Code, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, or any provision of applicable law and shall further be
entitled to sell Parent Common Stock otherwise payable pursuant to this
Agreement as Merger Consideration to satisfy any such withholding requirement
(which Parent Common Stock shall be valued with respect to such withholding at
the average of the high and low trading prices of Parent Common Stock on the
NASDAQ or OTC Bulletin Board, as applicable, on the day of such sale). To the
extent that amounts are so withheld by the Exchange Agent, Parent or Surviving
Entity, as the case may be, and paid over to the applicable Governmental
Authority, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this
Agreement as having been paid to the holder of shares in respect of which such
deduction and withholding was made.Β Β This provision shall not affect
the terms of any withholding provisions set forth in the Company Stock Plans
that would otherwise be applicable with respect to the issuance of Parent Common
Stock in the Merger with respect to the securities issued under such Company
Stock Plans.
(k)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Further
Assurances.Β Β After the Effective Time, the officers and
directors of the Surviving Entity shall be authorized to execute and deliver, in
the name and on behalf of the Company, any deeds, bills of sale, assignments or
assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of the Company, any
other actions and things to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in
the Surviving Entity any and all right, title and interest in, to and under any
of the rights, properties or assets acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving
Entity as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger.
Β
10
Β
(l)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Stock Transfer
Books.Β Β The stock transfer books of the Company shall be closed
immediately upon the Effective Time and there shall be no further registration
of transfers of shares of Company Common Stock thereafter on the records of the
Company. At or after the Effective Time, subject to Section 2.4 below, any
Certificates or Book Entry Shares presented to the Exchange Agent or Parent for
any reason shall represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration with
respect to the shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented thereby
(including any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Parent Common Stock to which
the holders thereof are entitled pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(e) and any
dividends or other distributions to which the holders thereof are entitled
pursuant to SectionΒ 2.2(c)).
Β
Section
2.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Certain
Adjustments.Β Β If, subsequent
to the date of this Agreement but prior to the Effective Time, the outstanding
Parent Common Stock or Company Common Stock shall have been changed by reason of
any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, split-up, combination or
exchange of shares, or a stock dividend or dividend payable in any other
securities shall be declared with a record date within such period, or any
similar event shall have occurred, the Merger Consideration shall be
appropriately adjusted to provide to the holders of Company Common Stock
consideration having the same economic effect as was contemplated by this
Agreement prior to such event.
Section
2.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Appraisal Rights.Β Β Notwithstanding
anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shares of Company Common Stock
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time that are held by
any record holder who is entitled to demand and properly demands appraisal of
such shares pursuant to, and who complies in all respects with, the provisions
of Section 262 of the DGCL (the βAppraisal
Sharesβ) shall
not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration payable
pursuant to Section 2.1, but instead at the Effective Time shall become the
right to payment of the fair value of such shares in accordance with the
provisions of Section 262 of the DGCL and at the Effective Time, all Appraisal
Shares shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and
cease to exist. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any such holder shall fail to
perfect or otherwise shall waive, withdraw or lose the right to appraisal under
Section 262 of the DGCL (including by reason of the fact that Parent Common
Stock is listed on NASDAQ) or a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine
that such holder is not entitled to the relief provided by Section 262 of the
DGCL, then (i) such shares of Company Common Stock shall thereupon cease to
constitute Appraisal Shares and (ii) the right of such holder to be paid the
fair value of such holderβs Appraisal Shares under Section 262 of the DGCL shall
be forfeited and cease and if such forfeiture shall occur following the
Effective Time, each such Appraisal Share shall thereafter be deemed to have
been converted into and to have become, as of the Effective Time, the right to
receive, without interest thereon, the Merger Consideration. The Company shall
deliver prompt notice to Parent of any demands for appraisal of any shares of
Company Common Stock and the Company shall provide Parent with the opportunity
to participate in all negotiations and proceedings with respect to demands for
appraisal under the DGCL. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall not,
without the prior written consent of Parent, make any payment with respect to,
or settle or offer to settle, any such demands, or agree to do any of the
foregoing.
Β
11
Β
ARTICLE
III
Β
Representations
and Warranties of the Company
Β
The Company hereby represents
and warrants to Parent that (i) except as otherwise set forth in the Companyβs
Schedules to this Agreement (it being agreed that disclosure of any item in any
section of the Companyβs Schedules shall also be deemed to be disclosed with
respect to any other section of this Agreement to which the relevance of such
item is reasonably apparent) or (ii) other than with respect to Sections 3.1,
3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.7(a), 3.7(b) or 3.9(a), except as and to the extent disclosed
in the Company SEC Reports filed with the SEC on or after January 1, 2010 and
prior to the date that is two business days prior to the date of this Agreement
(excluding any disclosures set forth in any section of a Company SEC Report
entitled βRisk
Factorβ or
βForward-Looking
Statementsβ or
any other disclosures included in such filings to the extent that they are
cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature):
Β
Section
3.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Organization, Good Standing and
Qualification; Subsidiaries.Β Β The Company has
been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Delaware.Β Β The Company has the requisite corporate
power and authority necessary to own, lease and operate its properties and to
carry on its business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to
have such power and authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
a Company Material Adverse Effect.Β Β Each subsidiary of the Company
(each, a βCompany
Subsidiary,β and
collectively, the βCompany
Subsidiariesβ)
has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has the requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to be so
organized, existing or in good standing or to have such power and authority
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse
Effect. The Company and each Company Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed as
a foreign corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership to do
business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where the character of
the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of its business
makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such failures to be
so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. A true and complete list
of all the Company Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement, together with
the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation of each Company Subsidiary and
the percentage of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interest of each
Company Subsidiary owned by the Company and each other Company Subsidiary as of
such date, is set forth in Schedule
3.1. Except as
set forth in Schedule
3.1, as of the
date of this Agreement, the Company does not directly or indirectly own any
equity or similar interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for, any equity or similar interest in, any corporation,
partnership, joint venture or other business association or entity. The term
βCompany
Material Subsidiariesβ means those subsidiaries
indicated as material on Schedule
3.1 (each, a
βCompany
Material Subsidiaryβ). No Company Subsidiary,
except for the Company Material Subsidiaries, would constitute a βsignificant
subsidiaryβ of the Company under Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the SEC, has any
material assets or liabilities or, in the good faith judgment of the Company, is
material to the business, operations or financial condition of the
Company.
Β
12
Β
Section
3.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Organizational
Documents.Β Β The Company has
heretofore furnished to Parent a complete and correct copy of the charter and
the bylaws or equivalent organizational documents, each as amended to date, of
the Company and each Company Material Subsidiary. Such charter and bylaws or
equivalent organizational documents are in full force and effect. Neither the
Company nor any Company Material Subsidiary is in violation of any provision of
its charter, bylaws or equivalent organizational documents.
Β
Section
3.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Capitalization.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 15,000,000 shares of Company
Common Stock and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share
(βCompany Preferred
Stockβ).Β Β As of November 9, 2010, (i) 5,507,876 shares of
Company Common Stock were issued and outstanding, all of which were validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable, (ii) 1,198,059 shares of Company Common
Stock were held in treasury, (iii)Β 385,102 shares of Company Common Stock
were reserved for future issuance pursuant to the Companyβs 2004 Stock Incentive
Plan, as amended, and 531,723 shares of Company Common Stock were reserved for
future issuance pursuant to the Companyβs Amended and Restated 1997 Stock
Incentive Plan (together, the βCompany Stock Plansβ),
respectively, and (iv)Β 359 shares were reserved for future issuance
pursuant to that certain warrant to purchase Company Common Stock held by
Pentech Financial Services, Inc. and dated as of April 16, 2002 (the βPentech
Warrantβ).Β Β As of the date hereof, no shares of Company
Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding. Since November 9, 2010 to the date
of this Agreement, the Company has not issued any shares of capital stock or
granted any options covering shares of capital stock, except in connection with
the exercise of Company Stock Options or Company SARs or the vesting of Company
Stock Awards in each case issued and outstanding on November 9,
2010.Β Β All shares subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon issuance on
the terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to which they are
issuable, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
and will not be subject to any preemptive rights.Β Β All of the
outstanding capital stock of, or other ownership interests in, each Company
Subsidiary is owned by the Company, directly or indirectly, free and clear of
all security interests, liens, claims, pledges, options, rights of first
refusal, agreements, limitations on the Companyβs or such other Company
Subsidiaryβs voting rights, charges and other encumbrances of any nature
whatsoever.Β Β Subject to the foregoing, the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not effect or result in any
change in the ownership of the Company or of any Company Subsidiary except as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement.
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as set forth in subsection (a) above or as permitted by Section 5.1 after the
date of this Agreement, (i) the Company does not have any shares of its capital
stock issued or outstanding other than shares of Company Common Stock that have
become outstanding after November 9, 2010 upon (X) the exercise of Company Stock
Options or Company SARs or (Y) the vesting of Company Stock Awards, in each
case, outstanding as of November 9, 2010 and disclosed in Section 3.3(a), (ii)
other than Company Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Unit
Awards, Company SARs, and Performance Share Awards (collectively, βCompany Stock Awardsβ), there
are no outstanding awards or restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock
appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights or performance share awards or
similar securities or rights that are derivative of, or provide economic
benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any capital
stock of or other voting securities of or other ownership interests in the
Company, granted under any plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries and (iii)
except for the Company Stock Awards listed on Schedule 3.3 and the
Pentech Warrant, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants,
calls, convertible securities or other similar rights, agreements or commitments
relating to the issuance of capital stock or other equity interests to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party obligating the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries to (A) issue, transfer or sell any shares of capital stock or
other equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for such shares or equity interests, (B) grant,
extend or enter into any such subscription, option, warrant, call, convertible
securities or other similar right, agreement or arrangement, (C) redeem or
otherwise acquire any such shares of capital stock or other equity interests
(including securities or obligations convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for any shares of capital stock) or (D) provide a material amount of
funds to, or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital
contribution or otherwise) in, any Subsidiary.
Β
13
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding bonds, debentures, notes
or other obligations, the holders of which, in their capacity as such, have the
right to vote (or which are convertible into or exercisable for securities
having the right to vote other than Company Stock Awards) with the stockholders
of the Company on any matter.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for the Company Shareholder Support Agreement, there are no stockholder
agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or of which the Company is
otherwise aware with respect to the voting of the capital stock or other equity
interest of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No
holder of securities in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any right to
have such securities registered by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as
the case may be.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.3 sets
forth a complete and correct list of all outstanding Company Stock Awards
granted under the Company Stock Plans as of the date of this Agreement, or
otherwise, the number of shares of Company Common Stock issuable thereunder or
with respect thereto, and the exercise prices (if any) thereof.Β Β Each
grant of a Company Stock Option was duly authorized no later than the date on
which the grant of such Company Stock Option was by its terms to be effective by
all necessary corporate action.Β Β The per share exercise price of each
Company Stock Option was equal to or greater than the fair market value of a
share of Company Common Stock on the applicable grant date.
Β
Section
3.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Authority; Due Authorization;
Binding Agreement; Approval.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement, subject, with
respect to the Merger, to the Company Stockholder Approval under the
DGCL.Β Β The Company Stockholder Approval is the only vote of the
holders of any of the Companyβs capital stock necessary in connection with the
consummation of the Merger.
Β
14
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
execution and delivery of, and the performance of the Companyβs obligations
under, this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby (including the Merger) have been duly and validly authorized by all
requisite corporate action on the part of the Company (other than, with respect
to the Merger, the Company Stockholder Approval and the filing and recordation
of appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL).
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the
due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Parent and Merger Sub,
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject, however, to the
effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other similar
laws affecting creditorsβ rights generally and to general principles of equity
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in
equity or at law).
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
board of directors of the Company (the βCompany Board of Directorsβ),
having considered the recommendation of the Special Committee to approve the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and consulted with the financial and
legal advisors of the Company, at a meeting duly called and held, has (i)
determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
(including the Merger) are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of the
stockholders of the Company, (ii) approved and adopted this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger), (iii) resolved (subject
to Section 6.3(b)) to recommend the adoption of this Agreement (including the
Merger) by the stockholders of the Company (the βCompany Stockholdersβ), and
(iv) directed that the Merger be submitted to Company Stockholders for approval,
all of which determinations, approvals and resolutions have not been rescinded,
modified or withdrawn as of the date hereof.
Section
3.5Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Violation;
Consents.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Provided
that all authorizations, consents, approvals, exemptions and other actions
described in Schedule
3.5 have been obtained or taken prior to the Effective Time, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will not, (i) violate or conflict with any
provision of the organizational documents of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, (ii) assuming the governmental filings, approvals, consents and
authorizations referred to in Section 3.5(b) are duly and timely made or
obtained and that the Company Stockholder Approval in accordance with the DGCL
is duly obtained, violate or conflict with any applicable law, ordinance, rule
or regulation of any Governmental Authority or any applicable order, writ,
judgment or decree of any court or other competent authority, or (iii) result in
a breach of any provision of, constitute a default (or an event which, with
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, result in
the termination of, accelerate the performance required by, result in a right of
termination or acceleration under, require any offer to purchase or any
prepayment of any debt or result in the creation of any liens, pledges, security
interests, claims or encumbrances (βLiensβ) upon any of the
properties, or assets of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries under
any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any contract or agreement or any
bank loan, indenture or credit agreement, in each case to which the Company or
any Company Subsidiary is a party, except, in the case of (ii) and (iii) above,
for such violations, defaults, breaches, accelerations, or other occurrences
that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material
Adverse Effect.
Β
15
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for (i) the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as required
by the DGCL or applicable law of other states in which the Company is qualified
to do business, (ii) the applicable requirements of (A) the Securities Act of
1933 (including the rules and regulations thereunder, the βSecurities Actβ), the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including the rules and regulations thereunder,
the βExchange Actβ) and
any other applicable U.S. state or federal securities laws, and (B) the NASDAQ,
(iii) filings, notices, and approvals required by any Governmental Authority,
including the U.S. Federal Communications Commission or any successor agency
thereto (the βFCCβ)
pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications
Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151. et. seq., as set forth on
Schedule 3.5
and by the state public utility commissions or foreign regulatory authorities as
set forth on Schedule
3.5, and (iv) such other authorizations, consents, approvals or filings
the failure of which to obtain or make would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay
consummation of the Merger, or otherwise prevent the Company from performing its
obligations under this Agreement, no authorization, consent or approval of or
filing with any Governmental Authority is required to be obtained or made by the
Company or any Company Subsidiary for the execution and delivery by the Company
of this Agreement or the consummation by the Company of the Merger. No
authorization, consent or approval of any nongovernmental third party is
required to be obtained by the Company or any Company Subsidiary for the
execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the consummation by
the Company of the Merger, except where failure to obtain such authorizations,
consents or approvals would not prevent or materially delay the consummation of
the Merger, or otherwise prevent the Company from performing its obligations
under this Agreement, and would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section
3.6Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Compliance.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as set forth in Schedule 3.6(a),
neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary is in conflict with, or in
default or violation of any applicable law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or
decree of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it, except for any
such conflicts, defaults or violations that do not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.Β Β For the avoidance
of doubt, this Section 3.6(a) does not apply to employee benefit matters, Tax
matters and Environmental Laws, which are addressed in Sections 3.11, 3.14 and
3.15, respectively.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β None
of the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has since January 1, 2008, and, to the
knowledge of the Company, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have not
otherwise, and no director, officer, agent or employee acting on behalf of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary has: (i) used any corporate funds for any
unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or anything of value relating to
political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any
employee, agent, officer or representative of a Governmental Authority or
political party, or official or candidate thereof, or any immediate family
member of any of the foregoing; or (iii) made any bribe, unlawful rebate,
payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment in connection with
the conduct of the Companyβs or any of the Company Subsidiariesβ
businesses.Β Β None of the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has since
JanuaryΒ 1, 2008, and, to the knowledge of the Company, the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries have not otherwise, and no director, officer, agent or
employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary has, received any bribes,
kickbacks or other unlawful payments from vendors, suppliers or other persons in
connection with the Company or any Company Subsidiary. The Company has no
knowledge that any payment made by the Company or any Company Subsidiary to a
person has been unlawfully offered, given or provided to any foreign official,
political party or official thereof, or to any candidate for public office.
There are no existing or, to the knowledge of the Company threatened,
investigations, inquiries or proceedings by any Governmental Authority,
including the U.S. Department of Justice and similar state and foreign law
enforcement authorities, concerning any matter described in this Section
3.6(b).
Β
16
Β
Section
3.7Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SEC Filings; Financial Statements;
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx; Internal Accounting Controls; Disclosure Controls and
Procedures.
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company has filed all forms, reports, documents, schedules, prospectuses, and
registration, proxy and other statements required to be filed by it with the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (βSECβ) since January 1, 2008
(collectively, including amendments thereto, and together with all documents
incorporated by reference therein, but excluding the exhibits filed therewith,
the βCompany SEC
Reportsβ).Β Β As of their respective effective dates (in the case
of Company SEC Reports that are registration statements filed pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Act) and as of their respective filing dates (in
the case of all other Company SEC Reports) or, if later amended or superseded,
then on the date of such later filing, the Company SEC Reports complied as to
form in all material respects in accordance with the requirements of the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and none of the Company
SEC Reports, as of such respective dates, contained any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, except for such statements, if any, as
have been corrected by subsequent filings with the SEC prior to the date that is
two business days prior to the date of this Agreement.Β Β No Company
Subsidiary is currently required to file any form, report or other document with
the SEC under Section 12 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
historical consolidated financial statements (including any notes thereto)
contained in the Company SEC Reports, each as amended prior to the date of this
Agreement, (i) at the time filed complied as to form in all material respects
with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations
of the SEC with respect thereto, (ii) were prepared in accordance with United
States generally accepted accounting principles (βGAAPβ) applied on a consistent
basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be indicated in the notes
thereto and except that financial statements included with quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q do not contain all GAAP notes to such financial statements), and (iii)
each fairly presented, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position, results of operations, and changes in stockholdersβ equity and cash
flows of the Company and the consolidated Company Subsidiaries as at the
indicated dates thereof and for the respective periods indicated therein
(subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and recurring year-end
adjustments).
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β With
respect to each annual report on Form 10-K and each quarterly report on Form
10-Q included in the Company SEC Reports, the chief executive officer and chief
financial officer of the Company have made all certifications required by the
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002 (the βXxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Actβ) and any
related rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, and the statements
contained in any such certifications are complete and correct.
Β
17
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company has established and maintains a system of internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the
Exchange Act) designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of the Companyβs financial reporting and the preparation of the Companyβs
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, and which
system (i) pertains to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of
the Company, (ii) provides reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded
as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with
GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company, and
(iii) provides reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Companyβs assets that could
have a material effect on the Companyβs financial statements.
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company has established and maintains βdisclosure controls and proceduresβ (as
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) designed to ensure
that all material information (both financial and non-financial) required to be
disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time
periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such
information is accumulated and communicated to the management of the Company as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make
the certifications of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of
the Company required under the Exchange Act with respect to such
reports.
Β
Section
3.8Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities.Β Β Neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations
(whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of any nature, except (a)
liabilities, obligations or contingencies (i) that are accrued or reserved
against in the Companyβs consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2010
(the βBalance
Sheet Dateβ) (or
reflected in the notes thereto) included in the Companyβs Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 11, 2010, (ii) incurred pursuant to this
Agreement or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
or (iii) that were incurred after the Balance Sheet Date in the ordinary course
of business, (b) liabilities, obligations or contingencies that (i) would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, or
(ii) have been discharged or paid in full prior to the date hereof, and (c)
liabilities, obligations and contingencies that are of a nature not required to
be reflected in the consolidated financial statements (including the notes
thereto) of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
Β
Section
3.9Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Absence of Certain Changes or
Events.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Since
December 31, 2009, there has not been any event, occurrence, development or
state of circumstances or facts that has had or would, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
18
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, from December 31, 2009 until the
date of this Agreement, the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have conducted
their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary course and
there has not been any (i) change by the Company in its accounting methods,
principles or practices materially affecting the consolidated assets,
liabilities or results of operations of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries, except insofar as may have been required by GAAP, or (ii)
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or distribution in respect
of any capital stock of the Company or any redemption, purchase or other
acquisition of any of its securities, except in connection with the cashless
exercise of outstanding Company Stock Options or warrants in accordance with the
terms thereof, or in connection with payment in cash in lieu of fractional
shares.
Β
Section
3.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Litigation.Β Β There is no (i)
Action, administrative proceeding, audit, lawsuit or governmental inquiry
directed against the Company or any Company Subsidiary pending and publicly
filed, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, except for such matters
as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse
Effect, (ii) Action, administrative proceeding, lawsuit or governmental inquiry
pending and publicly filed or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
against the Company or any Company Subsidiary that is reasonably likely to
materially hinder or impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, (iii) judgment or settlement obligation outstanding that is directed
specifically against the Company or the Company Subsidiaries that would have the
effect referred to in clause (ii), or (iv) judgment, decree, injunction, award
or order of any Governmental Authority outstanding against the Company or any
Company Subsidiary.Β Β For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 3.10
does not apply to employee benefit matters, Tax matters and Environmental Laws,
which are addressed in Sections 3.11, 3.14 and 3.15,
respectively.
Section
3.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Employee Benefit
Plans.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β For
purposes of Section 3.11 and Section 4.11, the following terms have the
definitions given below:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βControlled Group Liabilityβ
means any and all liabilities (a) under Title IV of ERISA (as defined below),
(b) under Section 302 of ERISA, (c) under Sections 412 and 4971 of the Code, (d)
resulting from a violation of the continuation coverage requirements of Section
601 et. seq., of ERISA
and Section 4980B of the Code or the group health plan requirements of Sections
9801 et. seq., of the
Code and Section 701 et.
seq., of ERISA, and (e) under corresponding or similar provisions of
foreign laws or regulations.
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βERISAβ means the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, together with the rules and
regulations issued thereunder.
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βERISA Affiliateβ means, with
respect to any entity, trade or business, any other entity, trade or business
that is a member of the same βcontrolled group of corporationsβ under βcommon
controlβ or a member of the same βaffiliated service group,β within the meaning
of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code and the regulations issued
thereunder.
Β
19
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βPlansβ means all βemployee
benefit plansβ (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA), programs and all
other benefit arrangements (whether or not subject to ERISA) or payroll
practices, including, without limitation, any defined benefit or defined
contribution pension plan, profit sharing plan, stock ownership plan, deferred
compensation agreement or arrangement, vacation pay, sickness, disability or
death benefit plan (whether provided through insurance, on a funded or unfunded
basis or otherwise), employee stock option or stock purchase plan, bonus or
incentive plan or program, long-term incentive programs in the form of
restricted stock grants and stock option grants, severance pay plan, agreement,
practice, arrangement or policy, employment agreement, retention pay, consulting
or other compensation agreements, medical insurance including medical, dental,
vision, and prescription coverage, life and accidental death and dismemberment
insurance, tuition aid reimbursement, relocation assistance, expatriate
benefits, retiree medical and life insurance maintained. The term βCompany Plansβ means all Plans
that the Company, the Company Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates
sponsors, maintains, contributes to, or to which the Company, the Company
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate has or may have any liability
thereunder.Β Β The term βParent Plansβ means all Plans
that the Parent, the Parent Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates
sponsors, maintains, contributes to, or to which the Parent, the Parent
Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates has or may have any liability
thereunder.
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.11(b)
lists all material Company Plans. With respect to each material Company Plan,
the Company has made available to Parent a true, correct and complete copy in
all material respects of the following (where applicable):Β Β (i) each
writing constituting a part of such Company Plan, including, without limitation,
all plan documents (including amendments), benefit schedules, trust agreements,
and insurance contracts and other funding vehicles; (ii) the three most recent
Annual Reports (Form 5500 Series) and all accompanying schedules, if any; (iii)
the current summary plan description, and any summary of material modifications
thereto, if any; (iv) the most recent annual financial report, if any; (v) the
two most recent actuarial valuations for any defined benefit pension plans, if
any; (vi) any material notices to or other material communications with any
Governmental Authority relative to any Company Plan in the past five years; and
(vii) the most recent opinion and determination letters from the Internal
Revenue Service (βIRSβ),
if any, with respect to any tax qualified Company Plan and/or trust or other
funding instrument.Β Β Except as specifically provided in the foregoing
documents provided to Parent or as set forth on Schedule 3.11(b),
there are no amendments to any Company Plan that have been adopted or approved,
and none of the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries nor their ERISA
Affiliates have any intent or commitment to amend or create any new, Company
Plan.Β Β The Company contributes to only one βemployee pension benefit
plan,β as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, which is a defined contribution plan
intended to be qualified pursuant to Section 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code, and
to be a cash or deferred arrangement within the meaning of Section 401(k) of the
Code (the βCompany 401(k)
Planβ).Β Β The Company 401(k) Plan is maintained on a
nonstandardized prototype plan document, the underlying form of which has
received a favorable opinion letter from the IRS.Β Β The Company 401(k)
Plan has been timely amended as required to reflect changes in applicable
law.Β Β To the knowledge of the Company as of the date hereof, nothing
has occurred with respect to the operation of the Company 401(k) Plan that would
cause the loss of such tax qualification or exemption or the imposition of any
material liability, penalty or tax on the Company, a Company Subsidiary or any
ERISA Affiliate under ERISA or the Code.Β Β No stock or other security
issued by the Company or any Company Subsidiary forms or has formed a material
part of the assets of any Company Plan that is subject to
ERISA.
Β
20
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates
maintains or contributes to any plan that is (i) covered by Title IV of ERISA,
(ii) subject to the minimum funding requirements of Section 412 of the Code,
(iii) a βMultiemployer
Planβ as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, (iv) a plan that has two or
more contributing sponsors at least two of whom are not under common control
(within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA) (a βMultiple Employer Planβ), or
subject to Section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA, or (v) funded by a voluntary
employeesβ beneficiary association within the meaning of Code Section 501(c)(9)
or subject to Code Section 419 or 419A, nor has the Company or any of the
Company Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates, at any time
within six years before the date of this Agreement, contributed to or been
obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan.
There does not now exist, and there are no existing circumstances that could
reasonably be expected to result in, any material Controlled Group Liability
that would be a liability of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or
any of their respective ERISA Affiliates following the Closing. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates has engaged in any transaction described
in Section 4069 or that constitutes a withdrawal under Section 4201 et. seq., of
ERISA.
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β All
material contributions required to be made by the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates to any Company Plan by applicable laws or
by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all premiums required
to be paid under applicable law or contract with respect to insurance policies
funding any Company Plan, for any period through the date hereof have been
timely made or paid in full and through the Closing Date will be timely made or
paid in full.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company and the Company Subsidiaries and their respective ERISA Affiliates have
complied, and are now in compliance, in all material respects, with all
provisions of ERISA, the Code and all laws and regulations applicable to the
Company Plans. Each Company Plan has been operated in compliance with its terms
and has been maintained, in all material respects, in compliance with all
provisions of ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws, except to the extent
any noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to result in any material
liability to the Company, a Company Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate. Except
as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, there is not now, and there
are no existing circumstances that could reasonably be expected to give rise to,
any requirement for the posting of security with respect to a Company Plan or
the imposition of any pledge, lien, security interest or encumbrance on the
assets of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or any of their
respective ERISA Affiliates under ERISA or the Code, or similar applicable laws
of foreign jurisdictions. Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse
Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries or their
respective ERISA Affiliates, nor any βparty in interestβ or βdisqualified
personβ with respect to any Company Plan, has engaged in any nonexempt
βprohibited transactionβ within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or
Section 406 of ERISA.
Β
Β
21
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.11(f) sets
forth a list of each Company Plan that has assets (or provides benefits) that
include securities issued by the Company, any of the Company Subsidiaries or any
of their respective ERISA Affiliates.
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for health continuation coverage as required by Section 4980B of the Code or
Part 6 of Title I of ERISA or other similar law, neither the Company nor any of
the Company Subsidiaries nor their ERISA Affiliates has any liability for life,
health, medical or other welfare benefits to former employees or beneficiaries
or dependents thereof. To the knowledge of the Company, there has been no
communication to employees of the Company or the Company Subsidiaries nor their
ERISA Affiliates that could reasonably be expected or interpreted to promise or
guarantee such employees retiree health or life insurance benefits or other
retiree death benefits on a permanent basis. Except for any health flexible
spending account, no Company Plan providing medical benefits is
self-funded.
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
this Agreement nor the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will result
in any forgiveness of indebtedness or obligation to fund benefits with respect
to any employee, director, independent contractor, consultant or officer of the
Company or any Company Subsidiary nor their ERISA Affiliates, or result in any
restriction on the right to merge, amend or terminate any Company Plan, or
result in any new or increased contribution required to be made to any of the
Company Plans.
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened suit, claim,
action, proceeding, hearing, notice of violation, demand letter or investigation
(an βActionβ) (other
than claims for benefits in the ordinary course) that have been asserted or
instituted against any Company Plan, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to
their duties to any Company Plan or the assets of any of the trusts under any
Company Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in any material
liability of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or their ERISA
Affiliates to any person, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the United
States Department of Treasury, the United States Department of Labor or any
Multiemployer Plan, or to comparable entities or Company Plans under applicable
laws of jurisdictions outside the United States.
Β
(j)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.11(j) sets
forth the names of all directors and Section 16 officers of the Company, the
total salary and bonus each will be eligible to receive in the current Company
fiscal year, and any changes to the foregoing that will occur as a matter of
entitlement subsequent to such fiscal year end. Schedule 3.11(j) also
sets forth the liability of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries for
deferred compensation under any deferred compensation plan, excess plan or
similar arrangement (other than pursuant to Company Plans) to each such
director, officer and employee and to all other employees as a group, together
with the value, as of the date specified thereon, of the assets (if any) set
aside in any grantor trust(s) to fund such liabilities. There are no other
material forms of compensation paid to any such director, officer or employee of
the Company other than pursuant to the Company Stock Awards.
Β
(k)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No
Company Plan is subject to the laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United
States.
Β
22
Β
(l)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.11(l), no
disallowance of a deduction under Section 162(m) of the Code for employee
reimbursement of any amount paid or payable by the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur, except as would
not have a Company Material Adverse Effect. All Company Plans that are subject
to Section 409A of the Code are in material compliance with the requirements of
such Code Section and regulations thereunder.
Β
(m)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β None
of the Company nor any Company Subsidiary nor any ERISA Affiliate of each is in
default in performing any of its contractual obligations under any of the
Company Plans or any related trust agreement or insurance contract where such
default could reasonably be expected to result in any material liability of the
Company or any Company Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates.
Β
(n)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no material outstanding liabilities under or with respect to any Company
Plan other than liabilities for benefits to be paid to participants in any
Company Plan and their beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of such
Company Plan.
(o)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will result in, cause the
accelerated vesting or delivery of, or increase the amount or value of, any
payment or benefit to any employee, officer, director or consultant of the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates
(either alone or in conjunction with any other event). Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, no amount paid or payable by the Company or any
Company Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, either solely as a result thereof
or as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in conjunction
with any other events, will be a βparachute paymentβ within the meaning of
Section 280G of the Code, and neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA Affiliates is a party to any contract that
will have continuing effect after the Closing Date that under certain
circumstances could require any payment (or be deemed to give rise to any
payment) that would be a βparachute paymentβ.Β Β Neither the Company nor
any of the Company Subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA Affiliates is a party to,
or otherwise obligated under, any contract, plan or arrangement that provides
for the gross-up of Taxes imposed by Section 4999 of the Code.
Β
Section
3.12Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Information
Supplied.Β Β The information
to be supplied in writing by the Company for inclusion or incorporation by
reference in the registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to which shares of
Parent Common Stock issued in the Merger will be registered under the Securities
Act (the βRegistration
Statementβ) will
not, at the time the Registration Statement is filed with the SEC, at any time
it is amended or supplemented or at the time it is declared effective by the
SEC, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading. The information supplied in writing by the Company for inclusion
or incorporation by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus to be sent to
the Company Stockholders relating to the Company Stockholders Meeting and the
proxy statement to be sent to the Parent Stockholders relating to the Parent
Stockholders Meeting (such proxy statements together, in each case as amended or
supplemented from time to time, the βJoint
Proxy Statement/Prospectusβ) will not, at the time the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is first published, sent or given to Company
Stockholders and Parent Stockholders, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading and will not, at the time of the
Company Stockholders Meeting or at the time of the Parent Stockholders Meeting,
omit to state any material fact necessary to correct any statement in any
earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of proxies for the
Company Stockholders Meeting or the Parent Stockholders Meeting that shall have
become false or misleading in any material respect. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this Section 3.12, no representation or warranty is made
by the Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement or the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus based on
information supplied by or on behalf of Parent and Parent Subsidiaries for
inclusion or incorporation by reference therein or based on information that is
not made in or incorporated by reference in such documents but which should have
been disclosed pursuant to Section 4.12.
Β
23
Β
Section
3.13Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Title to
Properties. The Company and the Company
Subsidiaries have good title to all material properties owned by them, in each
case, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens. Neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries owns any real
property.Β Β Set forth on Schedule
3.13 is a true,
complete and in all material respects accurate list (the βCompany
Leased Property Listβ) of all existing leases,
subleases, licenses or other occupancy agreements and all amendments,
modifications, extensions and supplements thereto (collectively, the
βLeasesβ) to which the Company or
any Company Subsidiary is a party or by which the Company or any Company
Subsidiary is bound, setting forth (a) the date thereof, (b) the names of the
parties thereto, (c) the identification of each rentable space that comprises
the aggregate space demised under the Lease by address, city, country and by
floor/suite number or other similar identification, (d) the commencement date
and expiration date thereof, (e) the minimum or fixed monthly rent payable
thereunder, and (f) the square footage covered thereby.Β Β Except as set
forth on the Company Leased Property List, neither the Company nor any Company
Subsidiary is a party to, or bound by, any Lease.Β Β True, complete and
correct copies of all Leases set forth on the Company Leased Property List have
heretofore been made available to Parent.Β Β Each of the Leases set
forth on the Company Leased Property List constitutes the entire agreement
between the respective parties thereto and each Lease is valid and subsisting
and in full force and effect.Β Β There is not, under any such leases,
any existing default or event of default or event that with notice or lapse of
time, or both, would constitute a default or event of default by the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries that has had or would reasonably be expected to
have a Company Material Adverse Effect.Β Β To the knowledge of the
Company, no landlord, sublessor, licensor or any other party under a Lease
(other than Company or any Company Subsidiary) is in material default in respect
of its obligations thereunder.
Β
Section
3.14Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Taxes.Β Β Except as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Company
Material Adverse Effect:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of the Company, the Company Subsidiaries and any affiliated, combined or unitary
group of which any such entity is or was a member has timely (taking into
account any extensions) filed all federal, state, local and foreign returns,
declarations, reports, estimates, information returns and statements (βReturnsβ) required to be filed
in respect of any Taxes (as defined below), and has timely paid all Taxes shown
by such Returns to be due and payable, except where the failure to timely file
such Returns or pay such Taxes would not have a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
24
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has established reserves that are
adequate in the aggregate for the payment of all Taxes not yet due and payable
through the date hereof, and complied in all material respects with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the payment and withholding
of Taxes.
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.14(c) sets
forth the last taxable period through which the federal income tax Returns of
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries have been examined by the IRS or
otherwise closed. Except to the extent being contested in good faith, all
deficiencies asserted as a result of such examinations and any examination by
any applicable state or local taxing authority have been paid, fully settled or
adequately provided for in the Companyβs most recent audited financial
statements. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14(c), no
audits or other administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently
pending with regard to any Taxes for which the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries would be liable, and no deficiency that has not yet been paid for
any such Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed against the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries with respect to any period.
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as set forth on Schedule 3.14(d),
neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has executed or entered
into with the IRS or any taxing authority (i) any agreement or other document
extending or having the effect of extending the period for assessment or
collection of any Tax for which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries
would be liable, or (ii) a closing agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the
Code or any similar provision of state or local income tax law that relates to
the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to, is bound by or
has any obligation under any Tax sharing agreement or similar agreement or
arrangement.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has been a βcontrolled
corporationβ or a βdistributing corporationβ in any distribution that was
purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the Code (or any similar
provision of state, local or foreign law) (i) occurring during the two-year
period ending on the date hereof, or (ii) that otherwise constitutes part of a
βplanβ or βseries of related transactionsβ (within the meaning of Section 355(e)
of the Code) that includes the Merger.
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any
action, or knows of any fact or circumstance, that would prevent the Merger from
qualifying as a βreorganizationβ within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code.
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has been a beneficiary or has
otherwise participated in any βreportable transactionβ within the meaning of
Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4(b)(1) that was, is, or to the knowledge of
the Company will ever be required to be disclosed under Treasury Regulation
Section 1.6011-4. No Tax Return filed by or on behalf of the Company or any of
the Company Subsidiaries has contained a disclosure statement under Section 6662
of the Code (or any similar legal requirement).
Β
25
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received written
notification from a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where the Company
or the Company Subsidiaries do not file Tax Returns that any of them are or may
be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. Neither the Company nor any of the
Company Subsidiaries has commenced activities in any jurisdiction that would
reasonably be expected to require the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries
to make an initial filing of any Tax Return with respect to Taxes imposed by a
Governmental Authority that it had not previously been required to file in the
immediately preceding taxable period.
(j)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries will be required to include any
item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any
taxable period ending after the Closing Date as a result of any:Β Β (i)
adjustment pursuant to Section 481 of the Code associated with a change of
accounting method that is effective on or before the date of this Agreement;
(ii) closing agreement or other agreement with any Governmental Authority
executed on or before the date of this Agreement; (iii) transaction entered into
on or before the date of this Agreement and treated under the installment
method, long-term contract method, cash method, or open transaction method of
accounting; or (iv) election under Section 108(i) of the Code to defer debt
discharge income.
Β
(k)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no Liens for Taxes upon the Companyβs assets or any of the Company
Subsidiariesβ assets, other than for current Taxes not yet due and
payable.
Β
(l)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has ever been a member of any
affiliated, consolidated, combined, or unitary group (other than the group of
which the Company is the common parent) or participated in any other arrangement
whereby any income, revenues, receipts, gains, credits, expenses, or losses were
determined or taken into account for Tax purposes with reference to or in
conjunction with any income, revenues, receipts, gains, credits, expenses, or
losses of any other Person.
Β
(m)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β None
of the assets of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries:Β Β (i)
is property required to be treated as owned by another Person pursuant to former
Section 168(f)(8) of the Code; (ii) is βtax-exempt use propertyβ within the
meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code; or (iii) directly or indirectly secures
any debt the interest on which is excludable from gross income under Section
103(a) of the Code.
Β
(n)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company was not a United States real property holding corporation within the
meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified
in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.
Β
(o)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β For
purposes of this Agreement, βTaxβ and βTaxesβ shall mean (i) any
federal, state, county, local, foreign, or other ad valorem, alternative or
add-on minimum, capital stock, communications, custom, disability, duty,
employment, environmental, escheat, estimated, excise, franchise, gross income,
gross receipts, license, net income, occupation, payroll, premium, profits,
property, registration, sales, severance, social security, stamp, transfer,
unclaimed property, unemployment, use, utility, value-added, wage, windfall
profits, withholding, and other taxes, government fees, or other assessments of
any kind whatsoever, (ii) any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or
additional amount imposed by any taxing authority with respect thereto, whether
disputed or not, and (iii) any amount described in clauses (i) or (ii) for which
a Person is liable by reason of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6, as a
transferee or successor, or by contract, indemnity, or
otherwise.
Β
26
Β
Section
3.15Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Environmental
Matters.
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and their respective properties is
in compliance with all applicable foreign, federal, state, regional, county,
municipal and local laws (including common law), ordinances, rules and
regulations of any nature relating to the environment (collectively, the βEnvironmental Lawsβ), except
for such instances of noncompliance that, individually or in the aggregate,
would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has obtained all permits, licenses,
franchise authorities, consents and approvals, made all filings and maintained
all data, documentation and records necessary for owning and operating its
assets and business as it is presently conducted under all applicable
Environmental Laws, and all such permits, licenses, franchises, authorities,
consents, approvals and filings remain in full force and effect, except for such
matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Company
Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened claims, demands,
actions, administrative proceedings, lawsuits or investigations against the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or affecting any of their respective
properties under any Environmental Laws that, individually or in the aggregate,
would have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no past or present facts, conditions or circumstances that materially
interfere with the conduct of the business and operations of the Company and its
Subsidiaries in the manner now conducted or that materially interfere with
continued compliance with any Environmental Laws.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement, the Company
makes no representation in this Agreement regarding any compliance or failure to
comply with, or any actual or contingent liability under, or claims, demands,
actions, proceedings, lawsuits or investigations with respect to any
Environmental Laws, except as set forth in this Section 3.15.
Β
Section
3.16Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Company Intellectual
Property.Β Β Except as would
not have a Company Material Adverse Effect:Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company and the Company Subsidiaries own, or are licensed or sublicensed or have
other valid rights to use, all U.S. and foreign patents, patent rights
(including patent applications and licenses), know-how, trade secrets,
proprietary information, trademarks (including trademark applications),
trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, service marks, service xxxx
rights, copyrights, domain name rights and registrations, databases, customer
lists, data collections and rights therein throughout the world and other
proprietary intellectual property rights (collectively, βIntellectual Propertyβ)
necessary to conduct the business of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries,
as it is currently conducted, except where the failure to hold such Intellectual
Property would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect.Β Β To the
knowledge of the Company, no material Intellectual Property, owned by or
licensed or sub-licensed to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries, is
subject to any outstanding order, judgment, decree, stipulation, agreement or
encumbrance that materially conflicts with the use or distribution thereof by or
for the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries in its business, as currently
conducted.
Β
27
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.16(b) sets
forth a true and complete list of all registrations and applications for
registration with any Governmental Authority of any Intellectual Property owned
by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (the βCompany Registered Intellectual
Propertyβ), including, to the extent applicable, the jurisdictions in
which each such Registered Intellectual Property right has been issued or
registered or in which any application for such Company issuance and
registration has been filed.Β Β Except for Permitted Liens, and subject
to the Company Outbound Licenses, the Company and each of the Company
Subsidiaries solely and exclusively own all right, title and interest in and to
their respective Intellectual Property identified on Schedule 3.16(b) free
and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens and Liens set forth in Schedule
3.13.Β Β In addition, (i) neither the Company nor any Company
Subsidiary has received any notice or claim challenging or otherwise questioning
the validity, enforceability, or rights of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries in any material Company Registered Intellectual Property, and (ii)
there is no such claim pending against the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.16(c) sets
forth a true and complete list of all material (i) licenses, sublicenses and
other agreements to which the Company or any Company Subsidiary is a party and
pursuant to which any person is authorized to use or has an option to obtain the
right to use any material Intellectual Property other than non-exclusive
licenses granted to customers in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with past practice (βCompany
Outbound Licensesβ), and (ii) licenses, sublicenses and other agreements
as to which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party and
pursuant to which the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is authorized
to use any Intellectual Property of any third party (other than standard-form
end user license agreements for commercial off-the-shelf software) (βCompany Inbound
Licensesβ).Β Β To the knowledge of the Company, neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is in material violation or breach
of any Company Outbound License or Company Inbound License.Β Β The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the consummation by
the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby will not alter, encumber,
impair or extinguish any material Intellectual Property right of the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries or impair the right to develop, use, sell,
license or dispose of, or to bring any action for the infringement of any
material Intellectual Property.Β Β The Company has furnished to the
Parent prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement true and complete
copies of the current standard form agreements used by the Company and each
Company Subsidiary relating to the license or sale of material products and
services of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
the knowledge of the Company, the products, services and operations of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries and the use of Intellectual Property by the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries does not infringe on or otherwise violate
the rights of any third party, and is in accordance in all material respects
with each applicable license or sub-license pursuant to which the Company or the
Company Subsidiaries may have acquired the right to use such Intellectual
Property, if applicable.
Β
28
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
the knowledge of the Company, there is no current unauthorized use, disclosure,
infringement or misappropriation by any third party of any material Intellectual
Property rights of the Company, including any employee or former employee of the
Company or the Company Subsidiaries.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to any suit, action
or proceeding that involves a claim of infringement by the Company or any of the
Company Subsidiaries of any Intellectual Property of any third party, nor to the
Companyβs knowledge has any such suit, action or proceeding been threatened
against the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries.Β Β To the
knowledge of the Company, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has
infringed or misappropriated any Intellectual Property of any third party in any
material respect, nor to the knowledge of the Company is there any reasonable
basis for any such claim. Neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary has
received written notice from any third party suggesting that the Company or any
Company Subsidiary may be infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise using
without authorization any Intellectual Property of any third party.
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company and the Company Subsidiaries have, in the ordinary course of business,
taken commercially reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of all trade
secrets included in the Intellectual Property.Β Β Except as would not
result in or would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, each employee, consultant and
independent contractor of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries has executed
a proprietary information and confidentiality agreement substantially in the
Companyβs standard form, the current form of which has been made available to
Parent.Β Β Subject to the preceding sentence, no trade secret included
in the Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries has been disclosed other than to employees, representatives and
agents of the Company or any Company Subsidiary who are bound by written
confidentiality agreements.
Β
Section
3.17Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Insurance.Β Β Each of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries maintain insurance with financially
responsible insurers in such amounts with such deductibles and covering such
risks and losses as are in accordance with normal industry practice for
companies engaged in similar businesses. Copies of all insurance policies
maintained by or on behalf of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries and all
financial agreements between insurance companies, on the one hand, and the
Company and any of the Company Subsidiaries, on the other hand, have been made
available to Parent and are listed on Schedule
3.17. Except as
would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, all such insurance policies
are in full force and effect, all premiums due and payable thereunder have been
paid and none of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries is in default
thereunder. Except as would not have a Company Material Adverse Effect, neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has received any written or, to
the knowledge of the Company, oral notice of cancellation or termination with
respect to any such insurance policy of the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries. To the knowledge of the Company, there are no material claims
pending under any such policy as to which coverage has been denied or
disputed.
Β
29
Β
Section
3.18Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Labor Matters.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for such matters that would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect, neither the Company nor any of the Company
Subsidiaries has received written notice during the past two years of the intent
of any Governmental Authority responsible for the enforcement of labor,
employment, occupational health and safety or workplace safety and
insurance/workers compensation laws to conduct an investigation of the Company
or any of the Company Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, no such
investigation is in progress.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for such matters that would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) there currently are no pending (and there
have not been during the two year period preceding the date hereof) strikes or
lockouts with respect to any employees of the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries (the βCompany
Employeesβ), (ii) to the knowledge of the Company, there currently is no
(and there has not been during the two year period preceding the date hereof)
union organizing effort pending or threatened against the Company or any of the
Company Subsidiaries, (iii) there is no (and there has not been during the two
year period preceding the date hereof) unfair labor practice, labor dispute
(other than routine individual grievances) or labor arbitration proceeding
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or
any of the Company Subsidiaries, (iv) there is no (and there has not been during
the two year period preceding the date hereof) slowdown or work stoppage in
effect or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened with respect to Company
Employees, and (v) the Company and the Company Subsidiaries are in compliance
with all applicable laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms
and conditions of employment and wages and hours and unfair labor
practices.Β Β Neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries
has any liabilities under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act and the
regulations promulgated thereunder (the βWARN Actβ) or any similar
state or local law as a result of any action taken by the Company (without
regard to any actions taken by the Parent after the Closing) that would have
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to any collective
bargaining agreement.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse
Effect, all individuals that have been or that are classified by the Company as
independent contractors have been and are correctly so classified.
Β
Section
3.19Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Transactions with Certain
Persons.Β Β Neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to any contract,
agreement or arrangement (other than ordinary course directorsβ or officersβ
compensation and indemnification arrangements or pursuant to any Company Stock
Plan or Company Plan) with any director or officer of the Company, the value of
which exceeds $120,000 (each, an βAffiliate
Transactionβ).
Β
30
Β
Section
3.20Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Regulatory
Matters.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 3.20
contains all material authorizations, approvals, permits, licenses,
certifications, orders, franchises or other required grants of authority
required by any Governmental Authority, including the FCC and state and foreign
regulatory authorities, held by the Company or the Company Subsidiaries (βCompany
Authorizationsβ).Β Β Except as set forth on Schedule 3.20 and
except as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material
Adverse Effect, each such Company Authorization is valid and in full force and
effect in accordance with its terms, and there is no outstanding written notice
of cancellation, termination, or notice of apparent liability or any written
threatened cancellation or termination in connection therewith nor are any of
such Company Authorizations subject to any restrictions or conditions that limit
the operations of the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (other than
restrictions or conditions generally applicable to Company Authorizations of
that type).
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company and the Company Subsidiaries have taken all steps reasonably necessary
to maintain and preserve the effectiveness of the Company
Authorizations.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no existing or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened proceedings
before any Governmental Authority, including the FCC and similar state and
foreign regulatory authorities, regarding the Company Authorizations or the
operations of the Company of any of the Company Subsidiaries (excepting
proceedings of general applicability to the industry and not specific to the
Company or the Company Subsidiaries), that could reasonably be expected to
result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, or the revocation, cancellation,
suspension, nonrenewal, placement of material restrictions on, or material
adverse modification of any of the Company Authorizations that could reasonably
be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No
event has occurred that results in, or after notice or lapse of time, or both,
could reasonably be expected to result in a Company Material Adverse Effect, or
the revocation, cancellation, suspension, nonrenewal, placement of restrictions
on, or material adverse modification of any of the Company
Authorizations.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company Subsidiaries are not in violation of any statute, law, ordinance,
regulation, rule or order of any Governmental Authority, including the FCC or
any state or foreign regulatory authority, except where any such
non-conformities individually or in the aggregate would not result in a Company
Material Adverse Effect.Β Β The Company and the Company Subsidiaries
have all Company Authorizations from, have made all required filings with, and
have made all required payments due to, all Governmental Authorities, including
any state or foreign regulatory authority, the FCC and the Universal Service
Administrative Company (in connection with any federal Universal Service Fund
assessments and contributions), required to conduct its businesses as the same
are now being conducted, excepting such Company Authorizations or filings that
individually or in the aggregate would not result in a Company Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
31
Β
Section
3.21Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Material
Contracts.
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β As
of the date of this Agreement, except for (i) this Agreement, (ii) Company
Plans, (iii) contracts filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in
any Company SEC Report filed prior to the second business day prior to the date
hereof, (iv) contracts terminable with up to 30 days prior notice without
material fee or penalty, or (v) as otherwise set forth on Schedule 3.21,
neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries is a party to or bound
by any contract (whether written or oral) that is:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
βmaterial contractβ (as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation
S-K of the SEC);
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
loan, guarantee of indebtedness or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage,
indenture or other binding commitment (other than those between the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries) relating to indebtedness in an amount in excess of
$500,000 individually;
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
contract, lease or license (a) pursuant to which the Company or any of the
Company Subsidiaries paid amounts in excess of $1,000,000 individually within
the 12-month period prior to the date of this Agreement or (b) that is material
to the Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole;
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β a contract that limits the right of the Company or any of its
affiliates to engage or compete in any line of business or to compete with any
person or operate in any location or that, after the Effective Time, will limit
or restrict Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, from engaging or competing in any
line of business;
Β
(v)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β a contract that involves a guaranty by the Company or any of the
Company Subsidiaries for the benefit of another person (which is not the Company
or any wholly owned Company Subsidiary);
Β
(vi)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β a contract that creates a partnership or joint venture with respect to any
portion of the business of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries;
Β
(vii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
contract providing employment or severance with any director, officer or other
employee of the Company and any Company Subsidiary, other than contracts that by
their terms are cancellable by the Company with notice of not more than thirty
(30) days and without payment, penalty or liability in excess of $25,000
individually; or
Β
(viii)Β Β Β Β Β
Β a settlement or similar agreement with any Governmental Authority or order
or consent of a Governmental Authority involving future performance by the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries (excluding, for the avoidance of
doubt, customary licenses, permits or authorizations).
Β
All contracts of the type
described in this Section 3.21(a)(i)-(viii) are referred to herein as the
βCompany Material Contracts.β
Β
32
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Other
than as a result of the expiration or termination of any Company Material
Contract in accordance with its terms and except as would not have, either
individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) each
Company Material Contract is valid and binding on the Company and any of the
Company Subsidiaries that is a party thereto, as applicable, and, to the
knowledge of the Company, is valid and binding on the other party or parties
thereto, and in full force and effect, (ii) the Company and each of the Company
Subsidiaries, as applicable, has in all material respects performed all
obligations required to be performed by it to date under each Company Material
Contract, and (iii) neither the Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries has
knowledge of, or has received written notice of, the existence of any event or
condition which constitutes, or, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute, a material default, breach or violation on the part of the Company
or of any of the Company Subsidiaries or of any other party under any such
Company Material Contract.
Β
Section
3.22Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Opinion of Financial
Advisor.Β Β Bank Street
Group LLC (the βCompany
Financial Advisorβ) has delivered to the
Company Board of Directors its written opinion dated the date of the meeting at
which the Company Board of Directors approved this Agreement to the effect that,
as of the date thereof and based upon and subject to the assumptions,
qualifications, limitations and other matters set forth therein, the Merger
Consideration to be received by Company Stockholders pursuant to the Merger is
fair to such stockholders from a financial point of view. A true and correct
copy of the opinion has been or will promptly be made available to Parent for
informational purposes only and not for reliance thereon.
Section
3.23Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Brokers.Β Β No broker,
finder or investment banker (other than the Company Financial Advisor) is
entitled to any brokerage, finderβs or other fee or commission in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or
with the authority of the Company.
Section
3.24Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β State Takeover
Laws.Β Β This Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby do not require any action pursuant to
Section 203 of the DGCL not heretofore taken.
Section
3.25Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Required Company Stockholder
Vote.Β Β The affirmative
vote of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Company Common Stock,
voting as a single class, is the only vote of any class or series of Company
capital stock that is required by applicable law to adopt and approve this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger (such
vote, the βCompany
Stockholder Approvalβ).
ARTICLE
IV
Β
Representations
and Warranties of Parent and Merger Sub
Β
Parent and Merger Sub hereby
represent and warrant to the Company that (i)Β except as otherwise set forth
in Parentβs Schedules to this Agreement (it being agreed that disclosure of any
item in any section of Parentβs Schedules shall also be deemed to be disclosed
with respect to any other section of this Agreement to which the relevance of
such item is reasonably apparent) or (ii)Β other than with respect to
SectionsΒ 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.7(a), 4.7(b) or 4.9(a), except as and to the
extent disclosed in the Parent SEC Reports filed with the SEC on or after
JanuaryΒ 1, 2010 and prior to the date that is two business days prior to
the date of this Agreement (excluding any disclosures set forth in any section
of a Parent SEC Report entitled βRisk Factorβ or βForward-Looking Statementsβ or
any other disclosures included in such filings to the extent that they are
cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in
nature):
Β
33
Β
Section
4.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Organization, Good Standing and
Qualification; Subsidiaries.Β Β Parent has been
duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
the State of Delaware.Β Β Parent has the requisite corporate power and
authority necessary to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to have such
power and authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.Β Β Each subsidiary of Parent (including Merger
Sub) (each, a βParent
Subsidiary,β and
collectively, the βParent
Subsidiariesβ)
has been duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has the requisite corporate
power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted, except where the failure to be so
organized, existing or in good standing or to have such power and authority
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.Β Β The Parent and each Parent Subsidiary is duly qualified or
licensed as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or limited
partnership to do business, and is in good standing, in each jurisdiction where
the character of the properties owned, leased or operated by it or the nature of
its business makes such qualification or licensing necessary, except for such
failures to be so qualified or licensed and in good standing that would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse Effect. A true
and complete list of all the Parent Subsidiaries as of the date of this
Agreement, together with the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation of each
Parent Subsidiary and the percentage of the outstanding capital stock or other
equity interest of each Parent Subsidiary owned by Parent and each other Parent
Subsidiary as of such date, is set forth in ScheduleΒ 4.1. Except as set forth in
ScheduleΒ 4.1, as of the date of this
Agreement, Parent does not directly or indirectly own any equity or similar
interest in, or any interest convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for, any equity or similar interest in, any corporation, partnership, joint
venture or other business association or entity. The term βParent
Material Subsidiariesβ means those subsidiaries
indicated as material on ScheduleΒ 4.1 (each, a βParent
Material Subsidiaryβ). No Parent Subsidiary,
except for the Parent Material Subsidiaries, would constitute a βsignificant
subsidiaryβ of Parent under Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X of the SEC, has any
material assets or liabilities or, in the good faith judgment of the Parent, is
material to the business, operations or financial condition of
Parent.
Section
4.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Organizational
Documents.Β Β Parent has
heretofore furnished to the Company a complete and correct copy of the charter
and the bylaws or equivalent organizational documents, each as amended to date,
of Parent, Merger Sub and each Parent Material Subsidiary. Such charter and
bylaws or equivalent organizational documents are in full force and effect.
Neither Parent, Merger Sub nor any Parent Material Subsidiary is in violation of
any provision of its charter, bylaws or equivalent organizational
documents.
Β
34
Β
Section
4.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Capitalization.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
authorized capital stock of Parent consists of 80,000,000Β shares of Parent
Common Stock and 20,000,000Β shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per
share (βParent Preferred
Stockβ).Β Β As of November 9, 2010,
(i)Β 9,743,157Β shares of Parent Common Stock were issued and
outstanding, all of which were validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable,
(ii)Β no shares of Parent Common Stock were held in treasury, (iii)
938,299Β shares of Parent Common Stock were reserved for issuance in
connection with outstanding stock awards, and (iv)Β 61,701 shares of Parent
Common Stock were reserved for future issuance of stock awards granted pursuant
to Parentβs Management Compensation Plan. As of the date hereof, no shares of
Parent Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding.Β Β Since November 9,
2010 to the date of this Agreement, Parent has not issued any shares of capital
stock or granted any options covering shares of capital stock, except in
connection with the exercise of options covering shares of Parent Common Stock
issued and outstanding on November 9, 2010.Β Β As of the date of this
Agreement, except as set forth in this Section 4.3, there are no options,
warrants or other rights, agreements, arrangements or commitments of any
character obligating the Parent or any Parent Subsidiary to issue or sell any
shares of capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Parent or any
Parent Subsidiary.Β Β All shares subject to issuance as aforesaid, upon
issuance on the terms and conditions specified in the instruments pursuant to
which they are issuable, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and will not be subject to any preemptive rights.Β Β As of
the date of this Agreement, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of
Parent or any Parent Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any
shares of capital stock of Parent or any Parent Subsidiary except in connection
with the repurchase rights, redemption rights or otherwise rights to acquire
shares underlying options issued and outstanding on November 9, 2010, or to
provide funds to, or make any investment (in the form of a loan, capital
contribution or otherwise) in, in each case in an amount of more than $1,000,000
and in a manner not consistent with past practices, any Parent Subsidiary or any
other person.Β Β Except as set forth on Schedule 4.3, all of
the outstanding capital stock of, or other ownership interests in, each Parent
Subsidiary is owned by Parent, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all
security interests, liens, claims, pledges, options, rights of first refusal,
agreements, limitations on Parentβs or such other Parent Subsidiaryβs voting
rights, charges and other encumbrances of any nature
whatsoever.Β Β Subject to the foregoing, the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not effect or result in any
change in the ownership of Parent or of any Parent Subsidiary except as
expressly contemplated by this Agreement.
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or
other obligations, the holders of which, in their capacity as such, have the
right to vote (or which are convertible into or exercisable for securities
having the right to vote) with the stockholders of Parent on any
matter.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for the Parent Shareholder Support Agreement, there are no stockholder
agreements, voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to which Parent
or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or of which Parent is otherwise aware with
respect to the voting of the capital stock or other equity interest of Parent or
any of its Subsidiaries.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
has sufficient authorized and unissued shares of Parent Common Stock to
consummate the Merger.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 1,000 shares of common stock,
par value $0.01 per share, all of which are validly issued and
outstanding.Β Β All of the issued and outstanding capital stock of
Merger Sub is, and at the Effective Time will be, owned directly by
Parent.Β Β Merger Sub has not conducted any business other than incident
to its formation and pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated thereby.
Β
35
Β
Section
4.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Authority; Due Authorization;
Binding Agreement; Approval.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to
enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this
Agreement.Β Β The Parent Stockholder Approval is the only vote of the
holders of any of the Parentβs capital stock necessary in connection with the
consummation of the Merger.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
execution and delivery of, and the performance of Parentβs obligations under,
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
(including the Merger) have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite
corporate action on the part of Parent and Merger Sub (other than, with respect
to the Merger, the Parent Stockholder Approval and the filing and recordation of
appropriate merger documents as required by the DGCL).
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of Parent and Merger Sub
and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the
Company, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and
Merger Sub enforceable against each of Parent and Merger Sub in accordance with
its terms, subject, however, to the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditorsβ rights
generally and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
board of directors of Parent (the βParent Board of Directorsβ),
at a meeting duly called and held, has (i)Β determined that this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) are advisable,
(ii)Β approved and adopted this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby (including the Merger), (iii)Β resolved (subject to
SectionΒ 6.1(f)) to recommend that the stockholders of Parent (the βParent Stockholdersβ) approve
the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in the Merger, and (iv) directed
that the issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock in the Merger be submitted to
Parent Stockholders, all of which determinations, approvals and resolutions have
not been rescinded, modified or withdrawn as of the date hereof.Β Β The
board of directors of Merger Sub has (i) determined that this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger) are advisable, fair to,
and in the best interests of the stockholder of the Merger Sub, and
(ii)Β approved and adopted this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby (including the Merger).Β Β Parent, in its capacity as the sole
stockholder of Merger Sub, has approved and adopted this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby (including the Merger).
Β
36
Β
Section
4.5Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Violation;
Consents.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Provided
that all authorizations, consents, approvals, exemptions and other actions
described in ScheduleΒ 4.5
have been obtained or taken prior to the Effective Time, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement do not, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby will not, (i) violate or conflict with any provision of the
organizational documents of the Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, (ii) assuming
the governmental filings, approvals, consents and authorizations referred to in
SectionΒ 4.5(b) are duly and timely made or obtained and that the Parent
Stockholder Approval in accordance with the DGCL is duly obtained, violate or
conflict with any applicable law, ordinance, rule or regulation of any
Governmental Authority or any applicable order, writ, judgment or decree of any
court or other competent authority, or (iii) result in a breach of any provision
of, constitute a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or
both, would constitute a default) under, result in the termination of,
accelerate the performance required by, result in a right of termination or
acceleration under, require any offer to purchase or any prepayment of any debt
or result in the creation of any Liens upon any of the properties, or assets of
the Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries under any of the terms, conditions
or provisions of any contract or agreement or any bank loan, indenture or credit
agreement, in each case to which the Parent or any Parent Subsidiary is a party,
except, in the case of (ii) and (iii)Β above, for such violations, defaults,
breaches, accelerations, or other occurrences that would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for (i)Β the filing and recordation of appropriate merger documents as
required by the DGCL or applicable law of other states in which Parent or Merger
Sub is qualified to do business, (ii)Β the applicable requirements of
(A)Β the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and any other applicable
U.S.Β state or federal securities laws, and (B)Β the NASDAQ (in
connection with the proposed listing as contemplated by Section 6.14), (iii)
filings, notices, and approvals required by any Governmental Authority,
including the FCC pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the
Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151. et. seq., as set forth on
Schedule 4.5
and by the state public utility commissions or foreign regulatory authorities as
set forth on Schedule
4.5, and (iv)Β such other authorizations, consents, approvals or
filings the failure of which to obtain or make would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse Effect or prevent or materially delay
consummation of the Merger, or otherwise prevent Parent or Merger Sub from
performing its obligations under this Agreement, no authorization, consent or
approval of or filing with any Governmental Authority is required to be obtained
or made by Parent or any Parent Subsidiary for the execution and delivery by
Parent or Merger Sub of this Agreement or the consummation by Parent or Merger
Sub of the Merger.Β Β No authorization, consent or approval of any
nongovernmental third party is required to be obtained by Parent or any Parent
Subsidiary for the execution and delivery by Parent or Merger Sub of this
Agreement or the consummation by Parent or Merger Sub of the Merger, except
where failure to obtain such authorizations, consents or approvals would not
prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Merger, or otherwise prevent
Parent or Merger Sub from performing its obligations under this Agreement, and
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
Section
4.6Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Compliance.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as set forth in ScheduleΒ 4.6(a),
neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary is in conflict with, or in default or
violation of any applicable law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree of
any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it, except for any such
conflicts, defaults or violations that do not, individually or in the aggregate,
have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.Β Β For the avoidance of doubt,
this Section 4.6 does not apply to employee benefit matters, Tax matters and
Environmental Laws, which are addressed in Sections 4.11, 4.14 and 4.15,
respectively.
Β
37
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β None
of the Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary has since January 1, 2008, and, to the
knowledge of Parent and Merger Sub, the Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries have
not otherwise, and no director, officer, agent or employee acting on behalf of
the Parent or any Parent Subsidiary has: (i) used any corporate funds for any
unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or anything of value relating to
political activity; (ii) made any direct or indirect unlawful payment to any
employee, agent, officer or representative of a Governmental Authority or
political party, or official or candidate thereof, or any immediate family
member of any of the foregoing; or (iii)Β made any bribe, unlawful rebate,
payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment in connection with
the conduct of the Parentβs or any of the Parent Subsidiariesβ
businesses.Β Β None of the Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary has since
January 1, 2008, and, to the knowledge of the Parent and Merger Sub, the Parent
and the Parent Subsidiaries have not otherwise, and no director, officer, agent
or employee of the Parent or any Parent Subsidiary has, received any bribes,
kickbacks or other unlawful payments from vendors, suppliers or other persons in
connection with Parent or any Parent Subsidiary.Β Β The Parent has no
knowledge that any payment made by the Parent or any Parent Subsidiary to a
person has been unlawfully offered, given or provided to any foreign official,
political party or official thereof, or to any candidate for public
office.Β Β There are no existing or, to the knowledge of the Parent,
threatened, investigations, inquiries or proceedings by any Governmental
Authority, including the U.S. Department of Justice and similar state and
foreign law enforcement authorities, concerning any matter described in this
Section 4.6(b).
Β
Section
4.7Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SEC Filings; Financial Statements;
Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx; Internal Accounting Controls; Disclosure Controls and
Procedures.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
has filed all forms, reports, documents, schedules, prospectuses, and
registration, proxy and other statements required to be filed by it with the SEC
since July 1, 2009 (collectively, including amendments thereto, and together
with all documents incorporated by reference therein, but excluding the exhibits
filed therewith, the βParent
SEC Reportsβ).Β Β As of their respective effective dates (in the
case of Parent SEC Reports that are registration statements filed pursuant to
the requirements of the Securities Act) and as of their respective filing dates
(in the case of all other Parent SEC Reports) or, if later amended or
superseded, then on the date of such later filing, the Parent SEC Reports
complied as to form in all material respects in accordance with the requirements
of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be, and none of the
Parent SEC Reports, as of such respective dates, contained any untrue statement
of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except for such
statements, if any, as have been corrected by subsequent filings with the SEC
prior to the date that is two business days prior to the date of this Agreement.
No Parent Subsidiary is currently required to file any form, report or other
document with the SEC under SectionΒ 12 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
historical consolidated financial statements (including any notes thereto)
contained in the Parent SEC Reports, each as amended prior to the date of this
Agreement, (i) at the time filed complied as to form in all material respects
with applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations
of the SEC with respect thereto, (ii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP
applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods indicated (except as may be
indicated in the notes thereto and except that financial statements included
with quarterly reports on FormΒ 10-Q do not contain all GAAP notes to such
financial statements) and (iii) each fairly presented, in all material respects,
the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and changes in
stockholdersβ equity and cash flows of Parent and the consolidated Parent
Subsidiaries as at the indicated dates thereof and for the respective periods
indicated therein (subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal and
recurring year-end adjustments).
Β
38
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β With
respect to each annual report on FormΒ 10-K and each quarterly report on
FormΒ 10-Q included in the Parent SEC Reports, the chief executive officer
and chief financial officer of Parent have made all certifications required by
the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act and any related rules and regulations promulgated by the
SEC, and the statements contained in any such certifications are complete and
correct.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Parent has established and maintains a system of internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in RulesΒ 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange
Act) designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
Parentβs financial reporting and the preparation of Parentβs financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, and which system (i)
pertains to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Parent, (ii)
provides reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that
receipts and expenditures of Parent are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of Parent, and (iii) provides
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of Parentβs assets that could have a material
effect on the Parentβs financial statements.
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Parent has established and maintains βdisclosure controls and proceduresβ (as
defined in RulesΒ 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) designed to
ensure that all material information (both financial and non-financial) required
to be disclosed by Parent in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time
periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that all such
information is accumulated and communicated to the management of Parent as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and to make
the certifications of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of
Parent required under the Exchange Act with respect to such
reports.
Β
Section
4.8Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Absence of Undisclosed
Liabilities.Β Β Neither the
Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations
(whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of any nature, except
(a)Β liabilities, obligations or contingencies (i)Β that are accrued or
reserved against in the Parentβs consolidated financial statements as of June
30, 2010 (the βParentΒ Balance
Sheet Dateβ) (or
reflected in the notes thereto) included in the Parentβs Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 16, 2010, (ii) incurred pursuant to this
Agreement or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
or (iii)Β that were incurred after the Parent Balance Sheet Date in the
ordinary course of business, (b)Β liabilities, obligations or contingencies
that (i)Β would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect, or (ii)Β have been discharged or paid in full prior
to the date hereof, and (c)Β liabilities, obligations and contingencies that
are of a nature not required to be reflected in the consolidated financial
statements (including the notes thereto) of the Parent and the Parent
Subsidiaries.
Β
39
Β
Section
4.9Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Absence of Certain Changes or
Events.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Since
December 31, 2009, there has not been any event, occurrence, development or
state of circumstances or facts that has had or would, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, from DecemberΒ 31, 2009 until
the date of this Agreement, the Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries have
conducted their respective businesses in all material respects in the ordinary
course and there has not been any (i)Β change by the Parent in its
accounting methods, principles or practices materially affecting the
consolidated assets, liabilities or results of operations of the Parent and the
Parent Subsidiaries, except insofar as may have been required by GAAP, or
(ii)Β declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or distribution
in respect of any capital stock of the Parent or any redemption, purchase or
other acquisition of any of its securities, except in connection with the
cashless exercise of outstanding options or warrants in accordance with the
terms thereof or in connection with payment in cash in lieu of fractional
shares.
Β
Section
4.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Litigation.Β Β There is no (i)
Action, administrative proceeding, audit, lawsuit or governmental inquiry
directed against Parent or any Parent Subsidiary pending and publicly filed, or,
to the knowledge of Parent or Merger Sub, threatened, except for such matters as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect, (ii) Action, administrative proceeding, lawsuit or governmental inquiry
pending and publicly filed or, to the knowledge of Parent or Merger Sub,
threatened against Parent or any Parent Subsidiary that is reasonably likely to
materially hinder or impede the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, (iii) judgment or settlement obligation outstanding that is directed
specifically against Parent or the Parent Subsidiaries that would have the
effect referred to in clause (i), or (iv) judgment, decree, injunction, award or
order of any Governmental Authority outstanding against Parent or any Parent
Subsidiary.Β Β For the avoidance of doubt this Section 4.10 does not
apply to employee benefit matters, Tax matters and Environmental Laws, which are
addressed in Sections 4.11, 4.14 and 4.15, respectively.
Section
4.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Employee Benefit
Plans.Β Β (a) Neither the Parent nor any
of the Parent Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates maintains or contributes to
any plan that is (i)Β covered by TitleΒ IV of ERISA, (ii)Β subject
to the minimum funding requirements of SectionΒ 412 of the Code,
(iii)Β a βMultiemployer Planβ as defined in SectionΒ 3(37) of ERISA,
(iv)Β a Multiple Employer Plan, or subject to SectionΒ 4063 or 4064 of
ERISA, or (v)Β funded by a voluntary employeesβ beneficiary association
within the meaning of Code SectionΒ 501(c)(9) or subject to Code Section 419
or 419A, nor has the Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries or any of their
respective ERISA Affiliates, at any time within six years before the date of
this Agreement, contributed to or been obligated to contribute to any
Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan. There does not now exist, and
there are no existing circumstances that could reasonably be expected to result
in, any material Controlled Group Liability that would be a liability of the
Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA
Affiliates following the Closing. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, neither the Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries or their ERISA
Affiliates has engaged in any transaction described in SectionΒ 4069 or that
constitutes a withdrawal under SectionΒ 4201 et.
seq., of
ERISA.
Β
40
Β
Β (b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β All
material contributions required to be made by the Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates to any Parent Plan by applicable laws or
by any plan document or other contractual undertaking, and all material premiums
required to be paid under applicable law or contract with respect to insurance
policies funding any Parent Plan, for any period through the date hereof have
been timely made or paid in full and through the Closing Date will be timely
made or paid in full.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries and their respective ERISA Affiliates have
complied, and are now in compliance, in all material respects, with all
provisions of ERISA, the Code and all laws and regulations applicable to the
Parent Plans. Each Parent Plan has been operated in compliance with its terms
and has been maintained, in all material respects, in compliance with all
provisions of ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws, except to the extent
any noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to result in any material
liability to the Parent, a Parent Subsidiary, or any ERISA Affiliate. Except as
would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, there is not now, and there are
no existing circumstances that could reasonably be expected to give rise to, any
requirement for the posting of security with respect to a Parent Plan or the
imposition of any pledge, lien, security interest or encumbrance on the assets
of the Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA
Affiliates under ERISA or the Code, or similar applicable laws of foreign
jurisdictions. Except as would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect,
neither the Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries or their respective ERISA
Affiliates, nor any βparty in interestβ or βdisqualified personβ with respect to
any Parent Plan, has engaged in any nonexempt βprohibited transactionβ within
the meaning of SectionΒ 4975 of the Code or SectionΒ 406 of
ERISA.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β ScheduleΒ 4.11(d)
sets forth a list of each Parent Plan that has assets (or provides benefits)
that include securities issued by the Parent, any of the Parent Subsidiaries or
any of their respective ERISA Affiliates.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Parent, threatened Actions (other than
claims for benefits in the ordinary course) that have been asserted or
instituted against any Parent Plan, any fiduciaries thereof with respect to
their duties to any Parent Plan or the assets of any of the trusts under any
Parent Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in any material
liability of the Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries or their ERISA
Affiliates to any person, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the United
States Department of Treasury, the United States Department of Labor or any
Multiemployer Plan, or to comparable entities or Parent Plans under applicable
laws of jurisdictions outside the United States.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as set forth on Schedule 4.11(f), no
disallowance of a deduction under Section 162(m) of the Code for employee
reimbursement of any amount paid or payable by the Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur, except as would
not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.Β Β All Parent Plans that are
subject to SectionΒ 409A of the Code are in material compliance with the
requirements of such Code Section and the regulations thereunder.
Β
41
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β None
of the Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary nor any ERISA Affiliate of each is in
default in performing any of its contractual obligations under any of the Parent
Plans or any related trust agreement or insurance contract where such default
could reasonably be expected to result in any material liability of the Parent
or any Parent Subsidiaries or their ERISA Affiliates.
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no material outstanding liabilities under or with respect to any Parent Plan
other than liabilities for benefits to be paid to participants in any Parent
Plan and their beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of such Parent
Plan.
Β
Section
4.12Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Information
Supplied.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Registration Statement filed with the SEC, at any time it is amended or
supplemented or at the time it is declared effective will not, at the time the
Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.Β Β The
information supplied in writing by Parent for inclusion or incorporation by
reference in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will not, at the time the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is first published, sent or given to Company
Stockholders and Parent Stockholders, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading and will not, at the time of the
Company Stockholders Meeting or at the time of the Parent Stockholders Meeting,
omit to state any material fact necessary to correct any statement in any
earlier communication with respect to the solicitation of proxies for the
Company Stockholders Meeting or the Parent Stockholders Meeting that shall have
become false or misleading in any material respect.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
the provisions of SectionΒ 4.12(a), no representation or warranty is made by
Parent or Merger Sub with respect to statements made or incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement or the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
based on information supplied by or on behalf of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein or based on
information that is not made in or incorporated by reference in such documents
but which should have been disclosed pursuant to SectionΒ 3.12.
Β
Section
4.13Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Title to
Properties.Β Β The Parent and
the Parent Subsidiaries have good title to all material properties owned by
them, in each case, free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted
Liens.Β Β All leases, subleases or other agreements pursuant to which
the Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries lease or otherwise acquire or
obtain operating rights affecting any real or personal property are valid and in
full force and effect; and there is not, under any such leases, any existing
default or event of default or event that with notice or lapse of time, or both,
would constitute a default or event of default by the Parent or any of the
Parent Subsidiaries that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a
Parent Material Adverse Effect.Β Β Neither the Parent nor any of the Parent
Subsidiaries owns any real property.
Section
4.14Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Taxes.Β Β Except as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect:
Β
42
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent, the Parent Subsidiaries and any affiliated, combined or unitary group
of which any such entity is or was a member has timely (taking into account any
extensions) filed all Returns required to be filed in respect of any Taxes, and
has timely paid all Taxes shown by such Returns to be due and payable, except
where the failure to timely file such Returns or pay such Taxes would not have a
Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries has established reserves that are adequate
in the aggregate for the payment of all Taxes not yet due and payable through
the date hereof, and complied in all material respects with all applicable laws,
rules and regulations relating to the payment and withholding of
Taxes.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 4.14(c) sets
forth the last taxable period through which the federal income tax Returns of
Parent and the domestic Parent Subsidiaries have been examined by the IRS or
otherwise closed. Except to the extent being contested in good faith, all
deficiencies asserted as a result of such examinations and any examination by
any applicable state or local taxing authority have been paid, fully settled or
adequately provided for in Parentβs most recent audited financial statements.
Except as set forth in Schedule 4.14(c), no
audits or other administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently
pending with regard to any Taxes for which Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries would be liable, and no deficiency that has not yet been paid for
any such Taxes has been proposed, asserted or assessed against Parent or any of
the Parent Subsidiaries with respect to any period.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has executed or entered into with the
IRS or any taxing authority (i) any agreement or other document extending or
having the effect of extending the period for assessment or collection of any
Tax for which Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries would be liable, or (ii)
a closing agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code or any similar
provision of state or local income tax law that relates to Parent or any of the
Parent Subsidiaries.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries is a party to, is bound by or has any
obligation under any Tax sharing agreement or similar agreement or
arrangement.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Neither Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries
has been a βcontrolled corporationβ or a βdistributing corporationβ in any
distribution that was purported or intended to be governed by Section 355 of the
Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law) (i) occurring
during the two-year period ending on the date hereof, or (ii) that otherwise
constitutes part of a βplanβ or βseries of related transactionsβ (within the
meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code) that includes the Merger.
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any
action, or knows of any fact or circumstance, that would prevent the Merger from
qualifying as a βreorganizationβ within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the
Code.
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has ever been a member of any
affiliated, consolidated, combined, or unitary group (other than the group of
which the Parent is the common parent) or participated in any other arrangement
whereby any income, revenues, receipts, gains, credits, expenses, or losses were
determined or taken into account for Tax purposes with reference to or in
conjunction with any income, revenues, receipts, gains, credits, expenses, or
losses of any other Person.
Β
43
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Neither Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries will be required
to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable
income for any taxable period ending after the Closing Date as a result of
any:Β Β (i) adjustment pursuant to Section 481 of the Code associated
with a change of accounting method that is effective on or before the date of
this Agreement, (ii) closing agreement or other agreement with any Governmental
Authority executed on or before the date of this Agreement, (iii) transaction
entered into on or before the date of this Agreement and treated under the
installment method, long-term contract method, cash method, or open transaction
method of accounting, or (iv) election under Section 108(i) of the Code to defer
debt discharge income.
Β
(j)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β There are no Liens for Taxes upon Parentβs assets or any
of the Parent Subsidiariesβ assets, other than for current Taxes not yet due and
payable.
Β
(k)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β None
of the assets of Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries:Β Β (i) is
property required to be treated as owned by another Person pursuant to former
Section 168(f)(8) of the Code, (ii) is βtax-exempt use propertyβ within the
meaning of Section 168(h) of the Code, or (iii) directly or indirectly secures
any debt the interest on which is excludable from gross income under Section
103(a) of the Code.
Β
(l)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Neither Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has
been a beneficiary or has otherwise participated in any βreportable transactionβ
within the meaning of Treasury RegulationΒ SectionΒ 1.6011-4(b)(1) that
was, is, or to Parentβs knowledge will ever be required to be disclosed under
Treasury RegulationΒ SectionΒ 1.6011-4. No Tax Return filed by or on
behalf of Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries has contained a disclosure
statement under SectionΒ 6662 of the Code (or any similar legal
requirement).
Β
(m)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has received written notification from
a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where Parent or the Parent
Subsidiaries does not file Tax Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation
by that jurisdiction. Neither Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has
commenced activities in any jurisdiction that would reasonably be expected to
require Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries to make an initial filing of
any Tax Return with respect to Taxes imposed by a Governmental Authority that it
had not previously been required to file in the immediately preceding taxable
period.
Β
(n)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Parent was not a United States real property holding corporation within the
meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified
in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.
Β
Section
4.15Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Environmental
Matters.Β Β
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries and their respective properties is in
compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, except for such instances of
noncompliance that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.
Β
44
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries has obtained all permits, licenses,
franchise authorities, consents and approvals, made all filings and maintained
all data, documentation and records necessary for owning and operating its
assets and business as it is presently conducted under all applicable
Environmental Laws, and all such permits, licenses, franchises, authorities,
consents, approvals and filings remain in full force and effect, except for such
matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Parent Material
Adverse Effect.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no pending or, to the knowledge of Parent or Merger Sub, threatened claims,
demands, actions, administrative proceedings, lawsuits or investigations against
Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries or affecting any of their respective
properties under any Environmental Laws that, individually or in the aggregate,
would have a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no past or present facts, conditions or circumstances that materially
interfere with the conduct of the business and operations of Parent and its
SubsidiariesΒ in the manner now conducted or that materially interfere with
continued compliance with any Environmental Laws.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement, Parent makes no
representation in this Agreement regarding any compliance or failure to comply
with, or any actual or contingent liability under, or claims, demands, actions,
proceedings, lawsuits or investigations with respect to any Environmental Laws,
except as set forth in this SectionΒ 4.15.
Β
Section
4.16Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent Intellectual
Property.Β Β Except as would
not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries own, or are licensed or sublicensed or have
other valid rights to use, all Intellectual PropertyΒ necessary to conduct the
business of the Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries, as it is currently
conducted, except where the failure to hold such Intellectual Property would not
have a Company Material Adverse Effect.Β Β To the knowledge of the
Parent, no material Intellectual Property, owned by or licensed or sub-licensed
to Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries, is subject to any outstanding
order, judgment, decree, stipulation, agreement or encumbrance that materially
conflicts with the use or distribution thereof by or for the Parent or any of
the Parent Subsidiaries in its business, as currently conducted.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
the knowledge of the Parent, the products, services and operations of the Parent
and the Parent Subsidiaries and the use of Intellectual Property by the Parent
and the Parent Subsidiaries does not infringe on or otherwise violate the rights
of any third party, and is in accordance in all material respects with each
applicable license or sub-license pursuant to which the Parent or the Parent
Subsidiaries may have acquired the right to use such Intellectual Property, if
applicable.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
the knowledge of the Parent, there is no current unauthorized use, disclosure,
infringement or misappropriation by any third party of any material Intellectual
Property rights of the Parent, including any employee or former employee of the
Parent or the Parent Subsidiaries.
Β
45
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries is a party to any suit, action or
proceeding that involves a claim of infringement by the Parent or any of the
Parent Subsidiaries of any Intellectual Property of any third party, nor to the
Parentβs knowledge has any such suit, action or proceeding been threatened
against the Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries.Β Β To the
knowledge of the Parent, neither the Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary has
infringed or misappropriated any Intellectual Property of any third party in any
material respect, nor to the knowledge of the Parent is there any reasonable
basis for any such claim. Neither the Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary has
received written notice from any third party suggesting that the Parent or any
Parent Subsidiary may be infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise using
without authorization any Intellectual Property of any third party.
Β
Section
4.17Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Insurance.Β Β Each of Parent
and the Parent Material Subsidiaries maintain insurance with financially
responsible insurers in such amounts with such deductibles and covering such
risks and losses as are in accordance with normal industry practice for
companies engaged in similar businesses. Copies of all insurance policies
maintained by or on behalf of the Parent and the Parent Material Subsidiaries
and all financial agreements between insurance companies, on the one hand, and
Parent and any of the Parent Material Subsidiaries, on the other hand, have been
made available to the Company and are listed on Schedule
4.17. Except as
would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, all such insurance policies are
in full force and effect, all premiums due and payable thereunder have been paid
and none of Parent or any of the Parent Material Subsidiaries is in default
thereunder. Except as would not have a Parent Material Adverse Effect, neither
Parent nor any of the Parent Material Subsidiaries has received any written or,
to the knowledge of Parent and Merger Sub, oral notice of cancellation or
termination with respect to any such insurance policy of Parent or any of the
Parent Material Subsidiaries. To the knowledge of Parent and Merger Sub, there
are no material claims pending under any such policy as to which coverage has
been denied or disputed.
Section
4.18Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Labor Matters.Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for such matters that would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent
Material Adverse Effect, neither the Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries
has received written notice during the past two years of the intent of any
Governmental Authority responsible for the enforcement of labor, employment,
occupational health and safety or workplace safety and insurance/workers
compensation laws to conduct an investigation of the Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Parent, no such investigation is in
progress.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
for such matters that would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent
Material Adverse Effect, (i)Β there currently are no pending (and there have
not been during the two year period preceding the date hereof) strikes or
lockouts with respect to any employees of the Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries (the βParent Employeesβ), (ii)Β to the
knowledge of the Parent, there currently is no (and there has not been during
the two year period preceding the date hereof) union organizing effort pending
or threatened against the Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries,
(iii)Β there is no (and there has not been during the two year period
preceding the date hereof) unfair labor practice, labor dispute (other than
routine individual grievances) or labor arbitration proceeding pending or, to
the knowledge of the Parent, threatened against the Parent or any of the Parent
Subsidiaries, (iv)Β there is no (and there has not been during the two year
period preceding the date hereof) slowdown or work stoppage in effect or, to the
knowledge of the Parent, threatened with respect to Parent Employees, and
(v)Β the Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries are in compliance with all
applicable laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and
conditions of employment and wages and hours and unfair labor
practices.Β Β Neither the Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries has
any liabilities under the WARN Act or any similar state or local law as a result
of any action taken by the Parent (without regard to any actions taken by the
Parent after the Closing) that would have individually or in the aggregate, a
Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Β
46
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries is a party to any collective
bargaining agreement.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse
Effect, all individuals that have been or that are classified by the Parent as
independent contractors have been and are correctly so classified.
Β
Section
4.19Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Transactions with Certain
Persons.Β Β Neither Parent
nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries is a party to any contract, agreement or
arrangement (other than ordinary course directorsβ or officersβ compensation and
indemnification arrangements or pursuant to any Parent Plan) with any director
or officer of Parent, the value of which exceeds $120,000.
Section
4.20Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Regulatory
Matters.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Schedule 4.20
contains all material authorizations, approvals, permits, licenses,
certifications, orders, franchises or other required grants of authority
required by any Governmental Authority, including the FCC and state and foreign
regulatory authorities, held by Parent or the Parent Subsidiaries (βParent
Authorizationsβ).Β Β Except as set forth on Schedule 4.20 and
except as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material
Adverse Effect, each such Parent Authorization is valid and in full force and
effect in accordance with its terms, and there is no outstanding written notice
of cancellation, termination, or notice of apparent liability or any written
threatened cancellation or termination in connection therewith nor are any of
such Parent Authorizations subject to any restrictions or conditions that limit
the operations of Parent or any of the Parent Subsidiaries (other than
restrictions or conditions generally applicable to Parent Authorizations of that
type).
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries have taken all steps reasonably necessary to
maintain and preserve the effectiveness of the Parent
Authorizations.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β There
are no existing or, to the knowledge of Parent or Merger Sub, threatened
proceedings before any Governmental Authority, including the FCC and similar
state and foreign regulatory authorities, regarding the Parent Authorizations or
the operations of the Parent of any of the Parent Subsidiaries (excepting
proceedings of general applicability to the industry and not specific to the
Parent or the Parent Subsidiaries), that could reasonably be expected to result
in a Parent Material Adverse Effect, or the revocation, cancellation,
suspension, nonrenewal, placement of material restrictions on, or material
adverse modification of any of the Parent Authorizations that
couldΒ Β reasonably be expected to result in a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
47
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No
event has occurred that results in, or after notice or lapse of time, or both,
could reasonably be expected to result in a Parent Material Adverse Effect, or
the revocation, cancellation, suspension, nonrenewal, placement of restrictions
on, or material adverse modification of any of the Parent
Authorizations.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
and the Parent Subsidiaries are not in violation of any statute, law, ordinance,
regulation, rule or order of any Governmental Authority, including the FCC or
any state or foreign regulatory authority, except where any such
non-conformities individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.Β Β Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries have all
Parent Authorizations from, have made all required filings with, and have made
all required payments due to, all Governmental Authorities, including any state
or foreign regulatory authority and the FCC, required to conduct its businesses
as the same are now being conducted, excepting such Parent Authorizations or
filings that individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Parent
Material Adverse Effect.
Β
Section
4.21Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Material
Contracts.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β As
of the date of this Agreement, except for (i)Β this Agreement,
(ii)Β Parent Plans, (iii)Β contracts filed as an exhibit to or
incorporated by reference in any Parent SEC Report filed prior to the second
business day prior to the date hereof, (iv) contracts terminable with up to 30
days prior notice without material fee or penalty, or (v)Β as otherwise set
forth on ScheduleΒ 4.21,
neither Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any
contract (whether written or oral) that is:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β a βmaterial contractβ (as such term is defined in
ItemΒ 601(b)(10) of RegulationΒ S-K of the SEC);
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
loan, guarantee of indebtedness or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage,
indenture or other binding commitment (other than those between Parent and the
Parent Subsidiaries) relating to indebtedness in an amount in excess of $500,000
individually;
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
contract, lease or license (a)Β pursuant to which Parent or any of the
Parent Subsidiaries paid amounts in excess of $5,000,000 individually within the
12-month period prior to the date of this Agreement or (b)Β that is material
to Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries taken as a whole;
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
contract that limits the right of the Parent or any of its affiliates to engage
or compete in any line of business or to compete with any person or operate in
any location;
Β
(v)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β a contract that involves a guaranty by the Parent or any of
the Parent Subsidiaries for the benefit of another person (which is not the
Parent or any wholly owned Parent Subsidiary);
Β
48
Β
(vi)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
contract that creates a partnership or joint venture with respect to any portion
of the business of the Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries;
Β
(vii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
contract providing employment or severance with any director, officer or other
employee of the Parent and any Parent Subsidiary, other than contracts that by
their terms are cancellable by the Parent with notice of not more than thirty
days and without payment, penalty or liability in excess of $25,000
individually; or
Β
(viii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
settlement or similar agreement with any Governmental Authority or order or
consent of a Governmental Authority involving future performance by the Parent
or any of the Parent Subsidiaries (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt,
customary licenses, permits or authorizations).
Β
All contracts of the type
described in this SectionΒ 4.21(a)(i)-(viii), are referred to herein as the
βParent
Material Contracts.β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Other
than as a result of the expiration or termination of any Parent Material
Contract in accordance with its terms and except as would not have, either
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect,
(i)Β each Parent Material Contract is valid and binding on the Parent and
any of the Parent Subsidiaries that is a party thereto, as applicable, and, to
the knowledge of the Parent, is valid and binding on the other party or parties
thereto, and in full force and effect, (ii)Β the Parent and each of the
Parent Subsidiaries, as applicable, has in all material respects performed all
obligations required to be performed by it to date under each Parent Material
Contract, and (iii)Β neither the Parent nor any of the Parent Subsidiaries
has knowledge of, or has received written notice of, the existence of any event
or condition which constitutes, or, after notice or lapse of time or both, would
constitute, a material default, breach or violation on the part of the Parent or
of any of the Parent Subsidiaries or of any other party under any such Parent
Material Contract.
Β
Section
4.22Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Opinion of Financial
Advisor.Β Β Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Capital, Inc. (the βParent
Financial Advisorβ) has delivered to the
Parent Board of Directors its opinion (to be confirmed in a written opinion
dated the date of the meeting at which the Parent Board of Directors approved
this Agreement) to the effect that, as of the date thereof and based upon and
subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and other matters set
forth therein, the Exchange Ratio in the Merger pursuant to this Agreement is
fair, from a financial point of view, to Parent. A true and correct copy of the
opinion will promptly be made available to the Company for informational
purposes only and not for reliance thereon.
Section
4.23Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Brokers.Β Β No broker,
finder or investment banker (other than the Parent Financial Advisor) is
entitled to any brokerage, finderβs or other fee or commission in connection
with the transactions contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or
with the authority of Parent or Merger Sub.
Section
4.24Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Required Parent Stockholder
Vote.Β Β No approval of
the Parent Stockholders is required in connection with the Merger other than the
affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast as required by the NASDAQ
listing rules in connection with the listing of the shares of Parent Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger (such vote, the βParent
Stockholder Approvalβ).
Β
49
Β
Section
4.25Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Ownership of Shares of Company
Common Stock.Β Β Neither Parent
nor any other Parent Subsidiary beneficially owns any shares of Company Common
Stock or any other security of the Company.
ARTICLE
V
Β
Conduct
Of Business
Β
Section
5.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Company Conduct of
Business.Β Β The Company
covenants and agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the earlier of
the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement, except (x) as
otherwise expressly permitted or required under this Agreement (including the
schedules hereto, including Schedule
5.1), (y) for
transactions between or among the Company and wholly owned Company Subsidiaries,
and (z) as otherwise agreed to by Parent (which agreement, if sought by the
Company, shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the
businesses of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall be conducted only
in, and the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall not take any action
except in, the ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice, in
each case in all material respects, except that the Company shall have the right
to enter into new business lines within the communications services business and
markets consistent with its business strategy, provided that in entering into
such new business lines or markets the Company and the Company Subsidiaries
shall not make, or commit to make, payments to third parties of more than
$2,000,000 in the aggregate, and the Company shall use its commercially
reasonable efforts to (i) maintain the material assets of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries, (ii) preserve substantially intact the business
organization and goodwill of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, (iii)
keep available the services of the current officers, key employees and key
consultants of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries, (iv) preserve the
current relationships of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries with its
material customers, suppliers, contractors, distributors, licensors, licensees
and other persons with which the Company or any Company Subsidiary has material
business relations, (v) comply in all material respects with all material laws
associated with the operation of the businesses of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries and (vi) make all material filings and pay all material fees
required by any Governmental Authority; provided,
however, that
nothing in this Section 5.1 shall be construed as an unauthorized transfer of
control of the Company to Parent prior to the receipt of any consent or approval
of any Governmental Authority required under this Agreement and the Closing; and
provided
further that to
the extent that any Governmental Authority asserts or claims that any covenant
set forth in this Section 5.1 constitutes an unauthorized transfer of control,
such covenant shall be deemed modified to the extent so required with respect to
the actions governed by such Governmental Authority and the remaining covenants
set forth in this Section 5.1 shall remain in full force and
effect.Β Β Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, and for purposes of
clarity, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict the Company from
selling, or agreeing to sell, after the date of this Agreement and until the
earlier of Closing and the termination of this Agreement, assets outside of the
ordinary course of business if such assets, other than in connection with an IP
Sale, generate trading revenues and individually contributed less than $5
million in consolidated trading revenues of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2009, so long as all such asset
sales are not comprised of assets that contributed in the aggregate more than $5
million in consolidated trading revenues of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2009.Β Β Except as
contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or as set forth in ScheduleΒ 5.1, or to the extent that
Parent shall otherwise consent in writing, which consent may not be unreasonably
withheld, conditioned or delayed, neither the Company nor any Company Subsidiary
shall, between the date of this Agreement and the earlier of the Effective Time
and the termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly do, or propose to
do, any of the following:
Β
50
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β amend
or otherwise change, or waive any provision of, its certificate of incorporation
or bylaws or equivalent organizational documents;
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β issue,
sell, register for sale, pledge, dispose of, grant, encumber or authorize the
issuance, sale, registration, pledge, disposition, grant or encumbrance
ofΒ any shares of capital stock of any class of the Company or any Company
Subsidiary, or any options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights of
any kind to acquire any shares of such capital stock, or any other ownership
interest (including, without limitation, any phantom interest), of the Company
or any Company Subsidiary (except for the issuance of Company Common Stock
issuable pursuant to Company Stock Awards and warrants to purchase Company
Common Stock, in each case, outstanding on the date of this
Agreement);
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β declare,
set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash,
stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock, make any
other actual, constructive or deemed distribution in respect of its capital
stock or otherwise make any payments to stockholders in their capacity as such
(except for such declarations, set-asides, dividends and other distributions
made to or from any Company Subsidiary to the Company);
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β reclassify,
combine, split or subdivide, or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly
or indirectly, any of its capital stock or other equity interests, except in
connection with (i)Β the exercise of Company Stock Options or Company SARs
or (ii)Β the withholding of shares upon the vesting of any Company Stock
Awards to satisfy income tax withholding requirements;
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β acquire
or agree to acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation or
acquisition of stock or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business
organization or any division thereof, (ii)Β incur any indebtedness for
borrowed money or issue any debt securities or assume, guarantee or endorse, or
otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for, the obligations of any
person (other than obligations of the Company or of any of the Company
Subsidiaries and other than with respect to trade accounts in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice), or make any loans or
advances, exceptΒ in the ordinary course of business and in a manner
consistent with past practice, or (iii)Β enter into or amend any contract,
agreement, commitment or arrangement with respect to any matter set forth in
this paragraph (e);
Β
51
Β
(f)Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β except as required by
applicable law, increase the compensation payable or to become payable to, or
grant any severance or termination pay to, any officer or employee, except
pursuant to contractual arrangements existing on the date hereof,
(ii)Β enter into or amend any employment or severance agreement with any
director, officer or other employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary,
except (A)Β as required pursuant to existing contractual arrangements; or
(B)Β as required by applicable law, or (iii)Β establish, adopt, enter
into or amend any collective bargaining, bonus, profit sharing, thrift,
compensation, stock option, restricted stock, pension, retirement, deferred
compensation, employment, termination, severance or other plan, agreement,
trust, fund, policy or arrangement for the benefit of any director, officer or
employee, except (A)Β as required pursuant to existing contractual
arrangements or as provided for in this Agreement or (B)Β as required by
applicable law or (C) as set forth in Schedule
5.1;
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β pay,
discharge, settle or satisfy any material litigation, arbitration, proceeding,
claim, liability or obligation (absolute or accrued, asserted or unasserted,
contingent or otherwise), other than the settlement, payment, discharge or
satisfaction thereof (i) as required by law, and (ii) in the ordinary course of
business and not exceeding the amount reserved against in the financial
statements contained in the Company SEC Reports, where the amounts paid or to be
paid are fully covered by insurance maintained by the Company or in an amount
less than $250,000 in the aggregate;
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β enter
into any partnership or joint venture agreement;
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β enter into any agreement, arrangement or
commitment that limits or otherwise restricts the Company and any Company
Subsidiary, or that will, after the Effective Time, limit or restrict Parent or
any Parent Subsidiary, from engaging or competing in any line of
business;
Β
(j)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β make any capital expenditures in any fiscal quarter exceeding
its capital expenditure budget (a copy of which is attached as Schedule 5.1(j)) for
such fiscal quarter by an aggregate of more than 15%;
Β
(k)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β purchase,
sell, transfer, assign, mortgage, encumber or otherwise dispose of any
properties or assets having a value in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate
other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice;
Β
(l)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β (i) enter into, renew, extend, materially amend (other than a
renewal or extension on substantially similar terms) or terminate any Company
Material Contract (other than this Agreement as provided in Section 8.1) other
than for breach by the other party thereto, or waive, release or assign any
material rights, claim or benefits of the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries under any Company Material Contract (other than between the Company
and its wholly owned Subsidiaries), or (ii)Β enter into any contract or
agreement that would have been a Company Material Contract had it been entered
into prior to the date of this Agreement other than in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice;
Β
(m)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β change
its methods of accounting (other than Tax accounting, which shall be governed by
clauseΒ (n) below), except in accordance with applicable law or regulation,
valid order, rule or decree of a Governmental Authority or changes in GAAP as
concurred in by the Companyβs independent auditors;
Β
(n)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β enter
into any closing agreement with respect to material Taxes, settle or compromise
any material liability for Taxes, make, revoke or change any material Tax
election except as required by applicable law, agree to any adjustment of any
material Tax attribute, file or surrender any claim for a material refund of
Taxes, execute or consent to any waiver extending the statutory period of
limitations with respect to the collection or assessment of material Taxes, file
any material amended Tax Return or obtain any material Tax
ruling;Β
Β
52
Β
(o)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β enter
into any new, or amend or otherwise alter any Affiliate Transaction or
transaction that would be an Affiliate Transaction if such transaction occurred
prior to the date hereof; or
Β
(p)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β agree
to take, in writing or otherwise, any of the actions described in paragraphs
(a)Β through (o)Β of this SectionΒ 5.1 (other than as contemplated
by this Agreement).
Β
Notwithstanding any of the
foregoing provisions of this Section 5.1, prior to the Closing, the Company
may, at its sole
option or not at all, either spin-off to its
stockholders, or sell to a third party for cash, the Companyβs patents, listed
under items 3, 4
and 5 ofΒ Schedule
3.16(b), and any rights arising from
such patents (any sale to a third party for cash is referred to herein as the
βIP
Saleβ),
provided, that (x) any spin-off or the IP Sale shall not result in any
residual liability to the Company or any Company Subsidiary (other than costs, fees,
expenses and Taxes taken into account as set forth in the following clause (y)),
(y) all transaction costs, fees and expenses and the gross Tax liabilities
attributable to any such spin-off or IP Sale shall not exceed $350,000 in the
aggregate and (z) in connection with any such spin-off, the Company shall have
obtained an appraisal, from an independent third party appraiser, of the value
of such patents and rights subject to such spin-off, and such valuation shall be
used for all related Tax reporting purposes.Β Β For the
avoidance of doubt, the only assets of the Company and any Company Subsidiary
that may be spun-off or sold pursuant to this paragraph of Section 5.1 are the
Companyβs patents listed under items 3, 4 and 5
ofΒ Schedule
3.16(b) and the rights arising from
such patents.Β Β The amount of the proceeds from the IP Sale, after
deduction for all related transaction costs,
fees and
expenses and
gross Tax liabilitiesΒ attributable to the IP Sale, will either, at
the Companyβs sole discretion, be (i) distributed to the Companyβs stockholders
prior to the Closing or (ii) added, dollar for dollar, to the Aggregate
Cash-Value Merger Consideration, provided that the Company shall have
first granted to Parent (for its benefit, and the benefit of its affiliates and
assignees of the rights under such license) a royalty-free, worldwide,
assignable (on a non-exclusive basis) and perpetual license and right to use any
and all such patents and associated rights, provided
further, that in
the course of the negotiation, drafting and creation of such license agreement
and the documents that will effectuate the spin-off or the IP Sale, the Company
shall keep Parent apprised of the status of such negotiation, drafting and
creation of such documents, and, among other things, shall promptly provide all
drafts of such documents and take into consideration, in good faith, any
comments received from Parent with respect to such documents.Β Β As part
of such license agreement, to the extent legally
possible, the
Parent and its affiliates and assignees of the rights under such license shall
be deemed to have had the right to use such patents and associated rights since
the creation of each of such patents and its associated
rights.
Β
53
Β
Section
5.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent Conduct of
Business.Β Β The Parent
covenants and agrees that, between the date of this Agreement and the earlier of
the Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement, except (x) as
otherwise expressly permitted or required under this Agreement (including the
schedules hereto, including Schedule
5.2), (y) for
transactions between or among the Parent and wholly owned Parent Subsidiaries,
and (z) as otherwise agreed to by the Company (which agreement, if sought by
Parent, shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the
businesses of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries shall be conducted only in, and
Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries shall not take any action except in, the
ordinary course and in a manner consistent with past practice, in each case in
all material respects, except that Parent shall have the right to enter into new
immaterial business lines and markets consistent with its business strategy
existing as of the date of this Agreement and previously provided in writing to
the Company, and Parent shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i)
maintain the material assets of Parent and Parent Subsidiaries, (ii) preserve
substantially intact the business organization and goodwill of Parent and the
Parent Subsidiaries, (iii) keep available the services of the current officers,
key employees and key consultants of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries, (iv)
preserve the current relationships of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries with
its material customers, suppliers, contractors, distributors, licensors,
licensees and other persons with which Parent or any Parent Subsidiary has
material business relations, (v) comply in all material respects with all
material laws associated with the operation of the businesses of Parent and the
Parent Subsidiaries, and (vi) make all material filings and pay all material
fees required by any Governmental Authority; provided,
however, that
nothing in this Section 5.2 shall be construed as an unauthorized transfer of
control of Parent to the Company prior to the receipt of any consent or approval
of any Governmental Authority required under this Agreement and the Closing; and
provided
further that to
the extent that any Governmental Authority determines that any covenant set
forth in this Section 5.2 constitutes an unauthorized transfer of control, such
covenant shall be deemed modified to the extent so required with respect to the
actions governed by such Governmental Authority and the remaining covenants set
forth in this Section 5.2 shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding
any of the foregoing, and for purposes of clarity, nothing in this Agreement
shall be deemed to restrict Parent from selling, or agreeing to sell, after the
date of this Agreement and until the earlier of Closing and the termination of
this Agreement, assets outside of the ordinary course of business (a) if such
assets individually contributed less than $30 million in consolidated revenues
of Parent and Parent Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2009, so long
as all such asset sales are not comprised of assets that contributed in the
aggregate more than $100 million in consolidated revenues of Parent and Parent
Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2009 or (b) if the Parent Board of
Directors otherwise determines that such sale is in the best interests of
Parent.Β Β Except as contemplated or permitted by this Agreement or as
set forth in Schedule
5.2, or to the
extent that Parent shall otherwise consent in writing, which consent may not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, neither Parent nor any Parent
Subsidiary shall, between the date of this Agreement and the earlier of the
Effective Time and the termination of this Agreement, directly or indirectly do,
or propose to do, any of the following:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β amend
or otherwise change, or waive any provision of, its certificate of incorporation
or bylaws or equivalent organizational documents if such amendment, change or
waiver would prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement;
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β declare,
set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution, payable in cash,
stock, property or otherwise, with respect to any of its capital stock, make any
other actual, constructive or deemed distribution in respect of its capital
stock or otherwise make any payments to stockholders in their capacity as such
(except for such declarations, set-asides, dividends and other distributions
made to or from any Parent Subsidiary to Parent);
Β
54
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β reclassify,
combine, split or subdivide, or redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly
or indirectly, any of its capital stock or other equity interests, except in
connection with (i) the exercise of stock options of Parent or (ii) the
withholding of shares upon the vesting of restricted stock to satisfy income tax
withholding requirements;
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β acquire
or agree to acquire (including, without limitation, by merger, consolidation or
acquisition of stock or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business
organization or any division thereof or any assets, if such transaction would
prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement; or
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β agree
to take, in writing or otherwise, any of the actions described in paragraphs (a)
through (d) of this Section 5.2 (other than as contemplated by this
Agreement).
Β
Section
5.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Cash and Cash
Equivalents.Β Without limiting the
Companyβs obligations in Section 5.1(a), and for all purposes applicable to
Section 6.13 and the definition of Company Material Adverse Effect under Section
9.4, the Company shall, and shall cause each of the Company Subsidiaries to,
continue to manage and treat working capital (as contemplated by GAAP) in a
manner that is consistent with the past practice of each of the Company or the
Company Subsidiaries, as appropriate, during the time period from January 1,
2010 through September 30, 2010, including the
timing for the payment of all payables (except to the extent
of
any unpaid
portion
that is being
contested in good faith), the provision of any
discounts and the efforts to collect all net receivables.Β Β Any
breach of this Section 5.3 shall result in an automatic deduction of the amount
of dollars involved from the amount of Cash and Cash Equivalents otherwise
obtained as contemplated by Section 6.13 and the definition of Company Material
Adverse Effect under Section 9.4.Β Β Notwithstanding the Companyβs
obligations in Section 5.1(a), and for all purposes applicable to Section 6.13
and the definition of Company Material Adverse Effect under Section
9.4, except with
respect to any proceeds from the sale of Marketable Securities, to the extent the Company
or any of the Company Subsidiaries obtains proceeds after the date of this
Agreement from the sale of assets outside the ordinary course of business
(including an IP Sale pursuant to Section 5.1, but in recognition of an
increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents, only if the Aggregate Cash-Value
Merger Consideration is adjusted upward as contemplated by Section 2.1(a)), the
amount of proceeds of such transactions shall be deducted (as an adjustment
thereto) from the calculation of Cash and Cash Equivalents for the Company and
the Company Subsidiaries.
Β
55
Β
ARTICLE
VI
Β
Additional
Agreements
Β
Section
6.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Registration Statement; Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus; Stockholders Meetings.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
and the Company shall cooperate and promptly prepare the Registration Statement
and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and shall file the Registration
Statement in which the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus will be included as a
prospectus with the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after the date
hereof.Β Β Parent and the Company shall cooperate to respond promptly to
any comments made by the SEC and otherwise use reasonable best efforts to cause
the Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act as
promptly as practicable after filing. Subject to applicable laws, Parent and the
Company each shall, upon request by the other, furnish the other with all
information concerning itself, its subsidiaries, directors, officers and
stockholders and such other matters as may be reasonably necessary or advisable
in connection with the preparation and filing of the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the Registration Statement as provided for hereunder.
Each of Parent and the Company agree to promptly correct any information
provided by it for use in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the
Registration Statement that shall have become false or misleading in any
material respect. Each of Parent and the Company shall cause the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus to be mailed to its respective stockholders at the earliest
practicable time after the Registration Statement is declared effective by the
SEC. If at any time prior to the Effective Time any event occurs or fact or
information is discovered that is required to be set forth in an amendment or
supplement to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the Registration
Statement, Parent or the Company, as applicable, shall inform the other promptly
of such occurrence, fact or information and cooperate in filing such amendment
or supplement with the SEC, use reasonable best efforts to cause such amendment
to become effective as promptly as possible and, if required, mail that
amendment or supplement to stockholders of Parent and/or the
Company.Β Β Parent shall use reasonable best efforts, and the Company
shall cooperate with Parent, to obtain any and all state securities laws or
βblue skyβ permits, approvals and registrations necessary in connection with the
issuance of Parent Common Stock pursuant to the Merger.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
shall cause the Registration Statement (and Parent and the Company shall cause
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, each to the extent that it provides
information to be contained therein) to comply as to form in all material
respects with the applicable provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act
and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.Β Β Parent shall
advise the Company, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when
the Registration Statement has become effective under the Securities Act, the
issuance of any stop order with respect to the Registration Statement, the
suspension of the qualification of the Parent Common Stock issuable in
connection with the Merger for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of any
request by the SEC for amendment of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or the
Registration Statement or comments thereon and responses thereto, or any comment
or request for additional information by the SEC.Β Β Parent shall
promptly (A) notify the Company upon the receipt of any such comments or
requests and (B) provide the Company with copies of all correspondence between
the Parent and its Representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC and its staff,
on the other hand.Β Β Prior to responding to any such comments or
requests or the filing or mailing of the Registration Statement or the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Parent (x) shall provide the Company with a
reasonable opportunity to review and comment on any drafts of the Registration
Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and related correspondence
and filings, (y) shall reasonably consider for inclusion in such drafts,
correspondence and filings all comments reasonably proposed by the Company, and
(z) to the extent practicable, Parent and its outside counsel shall permit the
Company and its outside counsel to participate in all communications with the
SEC and its staff (including all meetings and telephone conferences) relating to
the Registration Statement, the Joint Proxy Statement, this Agreement or any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, it being understood, however,
that this clause (z) shall not apply with respect to any aspect of any Parent
SEC Reports.
Β
56
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent and the Company shall ensure that the information provided by it for
inclusion in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and each amendment or
supplement thereto, at the time of mailing thereof and at the time of the
respective meetings of stockholders of Parent and the Company or, in the case of
information provided by it for inclusion in the Registration Statement or any
amendment or supplement thereto, at the time it becomes effective, will not
include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Neither
the Registration Statement nor the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus nor any
amendment or supplement (including by incorporation by reference) thereto shall
be filed or disseminated to the stockholders of the Company or Parent without
the written approval of both Parent and the Company (which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), but with respect to documents filed by a
party hereto that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, this right of approval shall apply only with
respect to information relating to the other party or its business, financial
condition or results of operations; and, further, the Company, in connection
with a Company Recommendation Change, may amend or supplement the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus (including by incorporation by reference) to effect such a
Company Recommendation Change, and in such event, this right of approval shall
apply only with respect to information relating to Parent or its business,
financial condition or results of operations.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company, acting through the Company Board of Directors, shall, in accordance
with applicable law and the Companyβs certificate of incorporation and bylaws
and the rules of NASDAQ, duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a special
meeting of its stockholders (the βCompany Stockholders Meetingβ)
as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Registration Statement is
declared effective under the Securities Act for the purpose of obtaining the
Company Stockholder Approval. The Company Board of Directors shall, subject to
SectionΒ 6.3(b), recommend the adoption and approval of this Agreement and
the consummation of the Merger at the Company Stockholders Meeting (the βCompany Recommendationβ),
include such recommendation in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, unless this
Agreement is terminated in accordance with SectionΒ 8.1 and in compliance
with SectionΒ 6.3, the Company, regardless of whether the Company Board of
Directors has approved, endorsed or recommended an Acquisition Proposal for the
Company or has withdrawn, modified or amended the Company Recommendation, shall
submit this Agreement for approval by Company Stockholders at the Company
Stockholders Meeting.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent,
acting through the Parent Board of Directors, shall, in accordance with
applicable law and Parentβs certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the
rules of NASDAQ or other applicable securities exchange or market, duly call,
give notice of, convene and hold a special meeting of its stockholders (the
βParent Stockholders
Meetingβ) as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Registration
Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act for the purpose of
obtaining the Parent Stockholder Approval. The Parent Board of Directors shall
recommend the approval of the issuance of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this
Agreement at the Parent Stockholders Meeting (the βParent Recommendationβ),
include such recommendation in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and use its
reasonable best efforts to obtain the Parent Stockholder Approval. Neither the
Parent Board of Directors nor any committee thereof may directly or indirectly
withdraw (or amend or modify in a manner adverse to the Company), or propose
publicly to withdraw (or amend or modify in a manner adverse to the Company),
the approval, recommendation or declaration of advisability by the Parent Board
of Directors or any such committee thereof of the issuance of Parent Common
Stock pursuant to this Agreement.Β Β Each of Parent and Merger Sub shall
vote all shares of Company Common Stock beneficially owned by it or any of its
respective Subsidiaries as of the applicable record date in favor of the
adoption of this Agreement in accordance with the DGCL at the Company
Stockholders Meeting or otherwise.
Β
57
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Parent or the Company,
after consultation with the other party hereto, may adjourn or postpone the
Parent Stockholders Meeting or the Company Stockholders Meeting, as applicable,
to the extent it believes in good faith is necessary to ensure that any required
supplement or amendment to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is provided to
its stockholders or, if as of the time for which the Parent Stockholders Meeting
or the Company Stockholders Meeting is originally scheduled (as set forth in the
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus) there are insufficient shares of Parent Common
Stock or Company Common Stock, as applicable, represented (either in person or
by proxy) to constitute a quorum necessary to conduct business at such meeting
or to obtain approval of the matters to be considered thereat, provided, that
any adjournment or postponement due to the absence of a quorum shall last only
until such future date as is reasonably acceptable to the other
party.
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of the Company and Parent shall use reasonable best efforts to hold the Company
Stockholders Meeting and the Parent Stockholders Meeting, respectively, on the
same date as the other party and as soon as reasonably practicable after the
date of this Agreement.
Β
Section
6.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Access to Information;
Confidentiality.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
the extent not restricted by third-party agreement or applicable law, each of
Parent and the Company shall afford the other and the otherβs employees,
representatives, consultants, attorneys, investment bankers, agents, lenders and
other advisors reasonable access during normal business hours to all of its
facilities, properties, personnel, books and records. Any such investigation
shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes any interference with the
operations of Parent and the Company, as the case may be. Each of Parent and the
Company may, at their own expense, photocopy information it reviews, subject to
applicable third-party approvals. Each of Parent and the Company agrees to
indemnify and hold the other party harmless from any and all claims and
liabilities, including costs and expenses for loss, injury to or death of any
representative of Parent or the Company, as the case may be, and any loss,
damage to or destruction of any property owned by Parent or the Company or any
other person or entity (including claims or liabilities for loss of use of any
property) resulting directly or indirectly from the action or inaction of any of
their respective representatives during any visit to the otherβs business or
property sites prior to the Effective Time, whether pursuant to this
SectionΒ 6.2 or otherwise.Β Β Neither Parent nor the Company, nor
any of their respective employees, representatives, consultants, attorneys,
investment bankers, agents, lenders or other advisors, shall conduct any
environmental investigation (including onsite Phase I work), testing or sampling
on any of the business or property sites of the other party prior to the
Effective Time without the prior written consent of the other party, not to be
unreasonably withheld.
Β
58
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β To
the extent permitted by applicable law, in order to facilitate the continuing
operation of the Company by Parent without disruption and to assist in the
achievement of an orderly transition in the ownership and management of the
Company, until the Effective Time, the Company and Parent shall cooperate
reasonably with each other to effect an orderly transition including, without
limitation, with respect to communications with employees.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Any
information obtained by either party hereto or its employees, representatives,
consultants, attorneys, investment bankers, agents, lenders and other advisors
under this SectionΒ 6.2 shall be subject to the confidentiality and use
restrictions contained in the Non-Disclosure Agreement dated June 8, 2010
between the Company and the Parent (the βConfidentiality
Agreementβ).
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Nothing
in this SectionΒ 6.2 shall require Parent or the Company to provide any
information that it reasonably believes it may not provide to the other by
reason of applicable law, rules or regulations, that constitutes information
protected by attorney/client privilege, or that Parent or the Company (or any of
their respective subsidiaries) is required to keep confidential by reason of
contract, agreement or understanding with third parties in effect on the date
hereof; provided,
however, each of the Parent and the Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to (A) implement such techniques if the parties determine that doing so
would reasonably permit the disclosure of such information without violating
applicable law or the attorney/client privilege or (B) obtain the required
consent of such third party to provide such information.
Β
Section
6.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Solicitation.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, during the period
beginning on the date of this Agreement and continuing until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern
time) on the 45th calendar day after the date of this Agreement (the βGo-Shop Periodβ), the Company
and the Company Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors,
employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors,
agents and other representatives (any of the foregoing, a βRepresentativeβ) shall have
the right to: (i) initiate, solicit and encourage any inquiry or the making of
any proposals or offers that constitute Acquisition Proposals, including by way
of providing access to non-public information to any Person pursuant to an
Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement; provided thatΒ the Company shall
promptly (and in any event within 24 hours) disclose or make available to Parent
all information concerning the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries that
the Company provides to any Person given such access that was not previously
made available to Parent, and (ii) engage or enter into, continue or otherwise
participate in any discussions or negotiations with any Persons or groups of
Persons with respect to any Acquisition Proposals or otherwise cooperate with or
assist or participate in, or facilitate any such inquiries, proposals,
discussions or negotiations or any effort or attempt to make any Acquisition
Proposals.
Β
59
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as expressly permitted by this Section 6.3 and except as may relate to any
Person, group of Persons or group that includes any Person or group of Persons
from whom the Company has received during the Go-Shop Period a written
Acquisition Proposal that the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee
thereof determines in good faith (after considering the recommendation of the
Special Committee and consulting with the Companyβs financial advisors and
outside legal counsel) constitutes or could reasonably be expected to result in
a Superior Proposal (any such Person or group of Persons, an βExcluded Partyβ), neither the
Company nor any of the Company Subsidiaries may, and the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries shall direct and cause their respective Representatives, not to, at
12:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on the 46th calendar day after the date of this
Agreement (the βNo-Shop Period
Start Dateβ) and thereafter until the earlier of the Effective Time and
the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article VIII, (i) continue
any discussions or negotiations with any Persons that may be ongoing with
respect to an Acquisition Proposal and (ii) directly or indirectly initiate,
solicit, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate (including by way of
furnishing non-public information) any inquiry or the making or submission of
any proposal that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to lead to, an
Acquisition Proposal for the Company, (iii)Β participate or engage in
discussions or negotiations with, or disclose any non-public information or data
relating to the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries or afford access to
the properties, books or records of the Company or any of the Company
Subsidiaries to any person that has made an Acquisition Proposal for the Company
or to any person in contemplation of an Acquisition Proposal for the Company, or
(iv)Β accept an Acquisition Proposal for the Company or enter into any
agreement, including any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding,
agreement in principle, merger agreement, acquisition agreement, option
agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement or other similar
agreement, arrangement or understanding constituting or related to, or that is
intended to or could reasonably be expected to lead to, any Acquisition Proposal
for the Company (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement permitted
pursuant to this SectionΒ 6.3) (any agreement, arrangement or understanding
referred to in this clause (iv) (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality
Agreement), an βAcquisition
Agreementβ). Any violation of any of the foregoing restrictions by any
Company Subsidiary or by any Representative shall constitute a breach of this
Agreement by the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, the Company and the Company Board of Directors may take any action
described in clauseΒ (iii) or (iv)Β of this SectionΒ 6.3(a) with
respect to a third party if at any time after the execution of this Agreement
and prior to obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval (w)Β the Company
receives a written Acquisition Proposal for the Company from that third party
(and an Acquisition Proposal for the Company from that third party was not
during that time period initiated, solicited, knowingly encouraged or knowingly
facilitated in violation of this SectionΒ 6.3 by the Company, by any Company
Subsidiary or any Representative), and (x)Β the Company Board of Directors
determines in good faith (after considering the recommendation of the Special
Committee and consulting with the Companyβs financial advisors and outside legal
counsel) that such proposal constitutes or could reasonably be expected to
result in a Superior Proposal, but the Company may not deliver any information
to that third party without entering into an Acceptable Confidentiality
Agreement, and (y)Β the Company has previously disclosed or promptly (and in
any event within 24 hours) discloses or makes available the same information, if
any, to Parent as the Company makes available to that third
party.Β Β Nothing contained in this SectionΒ 6.3 shall prohibit the
Company or the Company Board of Directors from disclosing to Company
Stockholders a position contemplated by Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2(a) or Item 1012(a)
of Regulation M-A promulgated under the Exchange Act if the Company shall have,
to the extent reasonably practicable, provided Parent with a reasonable
opportunity in advance to review and comment on any such disclosure and, in the
case of any such disclosure, the Company Board of Directors determines in good
faith, after consulting with outside legal counsel, that either (A) failure to
make such disclosure would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties to the
Company Stockholders or (B) such disclosure is required by applicable law or by
the rules of any applicable national securities exchange; provided, however, that any
disclosure of a position contemplated by RuleΒ 14e-2(a) or RuleΒ 14d-9
or Item 1012(a) of Regulation M-A promulgated under the Exchange Act other than
a βstop, look and listenβ or similar communication of the type contemplated by
RuleΒ 14d-9(f) under the Exchange Act, that is not coupled with an express
rejection of any applicable Acquisition Proposal for the Company or an express
reaffirmation of its recommendation to its stockholders in favor of the Merger
shall be deemed to be a Company Recommendation Change.
Β
60
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as otherwise expressly provided for herein, (i)Β neither the Company Board
of Directors nor any committee thereof may directly or indirectly (A) withdraw
(or amend or modify in a manner adverse to Parent), or propose publicly to
withdraw (or amend or modify in a manner adverse to Parent), the approval,
recommendation or declaration of advisability by the Company Board of Directors
or any such committee thereof of this Agreement, the Merger or the other
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or (B)Β recommend, adopt or
approve, or propose publicly to recommend, adopt or approve, any Acquisition
Proposal for the Company (any action described in this Section 6.3(b)(i)-(ii)
being referred to as a βCompany
Recommendation Changeβ) or (ii) neither the Company nor any of the
Company Subsidiaries may execute or enter into an Acquisition
Agreement.Β Β Notwithstanding the foregoing or SectionΒ 6.3(e), at
any time prior to obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval, and subject to the
Companyβs compliance at all times with the provisions of this SectionΒ 6.3
and SectionΒ 6.6, the Company Board of Directors may (v)Β in response to
a Superior Proposal, make a Company Recommendation Change and enter into an
Acquisition Agreement but only so long as the Company terminates this Agreement
pursuant to, and concurrently complies with all the provisions of,
SectionsΒ 8.1(d)(ii) and 8.3 and (w)Β make a Company Recommendation
Change in response to an Intervening Event if the Company Board of Directors
concludes in good faith (after considering the recommendation of the Special
Committee and consulting with the Companyβs outside legal counsel) that the
failure to take such action would breach its fiduciary duties under applicable
law.Β Β The term βIntervening Eventβ means, with
respect to the Company, a material event or circumstance that was not known or
reasonably foreseeable to the board of directors of the Company on the date of
this Agreement (or if known, the consequences of which are not known to or
reasonably foreseeable by such board of directors as of the date hereof), which
event or circumstance, or any material consequences thereof, becomes known to
the board of directors of the Company prior to the time at which the Company
receives the Company Stockholder Approval; provided, however, that in no
event shall the receipt, existence or terms of an Acquisition Proposal for the
Company, or any consequence thereto, constitute, by itself, an Intervening
Event.Β Β However, the Company Board of Directors shall not be entitled
to exercise its right to make a Company Recommendation Change unless the Company
provides written notice to Parent (a βCompany Noticeβ), at least
four business days before taking such action, of its intention to do so and the
Company otherwise complies with this SectionΒ 6.3(b). A Company Notice shall
(i)Β if the Company Board of Directors intends to make a Company
Recommendation Change in response to an Acquisition Proposal for the Company
that constitutes a Superior Proposal, specify the material terms and conditions
of that Superior Proposal and identify the person or group making that Superior
Proposal, or (ii)Β if the Company Board of Directors intends to make a
Company Recommendation Change in response to an Intervening Event, include a
description of the Intervening Event.Β Β The Company Board of Directors
shall not be entitled to exercise its right to make a Company Recommendation
Change under clauseΒ (v) above and enter into an Acquisition Agreement in
response to a Superior Proposal (x)Β until four business days after the
Company provides a Company Notice to Parent and (y)Β if during that four
business day period, Parent proposes any alternative transaction (including any
modifications to the terms of this Agreement), unless the Company Board of
Directors determines in good faith (after considering the recommendation of the
Special Committee and consulting with the financial advisors and outside legal
counsel for the Company Board of Directors, and taking into account all
financial, legal, and regulatory terms and conditions of that alternative
transaction proposal) that such alternative transaction proposal is not at least
as favorable to the Company Stockholders as the Superior Proposal (it being
understood that any change in the financial or other material terms of a
Superior Proposal in response to any alternative transaction proposal (including
any modifications to the terms of this Agreement) by Parent shall require a new
Company Notice and a new four business day period under this
SectionΒ 6.3(b)). If requested by Parent, the Company shall engage in good
faith negotiations with Parent, during the four business day period after
Parentβs receipt of a Company Notice specifying that the Company Board of
Directors intends to make a Company Recommendation Change in response to an
Intervening Event or a Superior Proposal, to amend this Agreement in such a
manner such that the failure by the Company Board of Directors to make a Company
Recommendation Change would no longer cause such board to be inconsistent with
its fiduciary duties under applicable law.
Β
61
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β In
addition to the obligations of the Company set forth in paragraphs (a),
(b)Β and (c)Β of this SectionΒ 6.3, as promptly as practicable after
receipt thereof, the Company shall advise Parent in writing of any Acquisition
Proposal for the Company received from any person and the terms and conditions
of such Acquisition Proposal for the Company, and the Company shall promptly
provide to Parent copies of any written materials received by the Company from
such person in connection with any of the foregoing, and the identity of the
person or group of persons making any such Acquisition Proposal for the
Company.Β Β The Company shall keep Parent fully informed of the status
of any Acquisition Proposal for the Company (including the identity of the
parties and price involved and any changes to any material terms and conditions
thereof). The Company shall not release any third party from, or waive any
provision of, any confidentiality or standstill agreement to which it is a
party.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β For
purposes of this Agreement βAcquisition Proposal,β with
respect to any entity, means any proposal, whether or not in writing, for the
(i)Β direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of a business or assets that
constitute 20% or more of the net revenues, net income or the assets (based on
the fair market value thereof) of such entity and its subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, (ii)Β direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of 20% or more of
any class of equity securities or capital stock of such entity or any of its
subsidiaries whose business constitutes 20% or more of the net revenues, net
income or assets of such entity and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or
(iii)Β merger, consolidation, restructuring, transfer of assets or other
business combination, sale of shares of capital stock, tender offer, exchange
offer, recapitalization, stock repurchase program or other similar transaction
that if consummated would result in any person beneficially owning 20% or more
of any class of equity securities of such entity or any of its subsidiaries
whose business constitutes 20% or more of the net revenues, net income or assets
of such entity and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The term βSuperior Proposalβ means any
bona fide written Acquisition Proposal with respect to the Company made by a
third party to acquire, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a tender offer,
exchange offer, merger, share exchange, consolidation or other business
combination, (A)Β 50% or more of the assets of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (B)Β 50% or more of the then outstanding
equity securities of the Company, in each case on terms that a majority of the
board of directors of the Company determines in good faith (after considering
the recommendation of the Special Committee, consulting with the Companyβs
financial advisors and outside legal counsel, and taking into account all
financial, legal and regulatory terms and conditions of the Acquisition Proposal
and this Agreement, including any alternative transaction (including any
modification to the terms of this Agreement) proposed by any other party in
response to that Superior Proposal, including any conditions to and expected
timing of consummation, and any risks of non-consummation, of such Acquisition
Proposal) to be more favorable to the Company Stockholders (in their capacity as
stockholders) than the transactions contemplated hereby and any alternative
transaction (including any modification to the terms of this Agreement) proposed
by Parent pursuant to this SectionΒ 6.3. For purposes of this Agreement the
term βAcceptable
Confidentiality Agreementβ means a confidentiality agreement executed by
the Company and the applicable counterparty having confidentiality provisions
that are at least as favorable to the Company as those of the Confidentiality
Agreement.
Β
62
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Immediately
after the No-Shop Period Start Date, the Company shall, and shall cause the
Company Subsidiaries to, and the Company and the Company Subsidiaries shall use
their reasonable best efforts to cause their respective officers, directors,
employees, investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and other agents to,
terminate, other than with respect to Excluded Parties, any activities,
discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted heretofore with respect
to any possible Acquisition Proposal for the Company. The Company shall
(i)Β take the necessary steps to inform promptly its officers, directors,
investments bankers, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, agents or other
representatives involved in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement of
the obligations undertaken in this SectionΒ 6.3 and (ii)Β request each
person, except for any Person that is an Excluded Party and who has heretofore
executed a confidentiality agreement in connection with that personβs
consideration of acquiring the Company or any material portion thereof to return
or destroy all confidential information heretofore furnished to that person by
or on its behalf to the extent such request is permitted or contemplated by that
confidentiality agreement.
Β
Section
6.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Directorsβ and Officersβ
Indemnification and Insurance.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β From
and after the Effective Time, Parent shall cause the Surviving Entity, subject
to applicable law, to comply with the obligations of the Surviving Entity under
all indemnification obligations of the Company in effect as of the date of this
Agreement and described in Schedule 6.4 in favor
of the respective directors and officers of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries.Β Β The certificate of incorporation of the Surviving
Entity and each of its subsidiaries that before the Merger were Company
Subsidiaries shall contain provisions no less favorable with respect to
indemnification and advancement of expenses than are set forth in the
certificate of incorporation of the Company or such Company Subsidiary as of the
date of this Agreement, which provisions shall not be amended, repealed or
otherwise modified for a period of six years from the Effective Time in any
manner that would adversely affect the rights thereunder of individuals who at
any time from and after the date of this Agreement and to and including the
Effective Time were directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents of the
Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries in respect of actions or omissions
occurring at or prior to the Effective Time (including, without limitation, the
matters contemplated by this Agreement).
Β
63
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
and/or the Surviving Entity shall negotiate and purchase directors and officersβ
liability, fiduciary liability and similar insurance βtailβ coverage from the
Companyβs existing insurers, or from other insurers, that provides for a period
of six years that is no less favorable in both amount and terms and conditions
of coverage than the Companyβs existing directors and officers liability,
fiduciary liability and similar insurance program, or if substantially
equivalent insurance coverage is not available, the best available coverage;
provided however that
the aggregate cost for the purchase of such tail coverage (for the entire six
year tail coverage period) shall not exceed more than 250% of the aggregate
premium paid by the Company for the existing directors and officers liability
insurance, fiduciary liability and similar insurance policies, provided, further, that
should the cost of the insurance exceed the 250% cap, Parent and/or the
Surviving Entity shall instead purchase the best available coverage for 250% of
the aggregate premium paid by the Company for the existing directors and
officers liability, fiduciary liability and similar insurance
programs.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β If
Parent or the Surviving Entity or any of their successors or assigns shall
(i)Β consolidate with or merge into any other person and shall not be the
continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger,
or (ii)Β transfer all or substantially all of its properties and assets to
any person, then, and in each case, proper provisions shall be made so that the
successors and assigns of the Surviving Entity shall assume all of the
obligations of Parent and/or the Surviving Entity set forth in this
SectionΒ 6.4.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Surviving Entity shall pay all reasonable expenses, including reasonable
attorneysβ fees, that may be incurred by any indemnified party in enforcing the
indemnity and other obligations provided in this SectionΒ 6.4.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
rights of each indemnified party hereunder shall be in addition to any other
rights such indemnified party may have under the certificate of incorporation,
bylaws or other governing documents of the Company or its Subsidiaries, any
other indemnification agreement or arrangement, the DGCL or
otherwise.
Β
Section
6.5Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notification of Certain
Matters.Β Β The Company
shall give prompt notice to Parent, and Parent shall give prompt notice to the
Company, of (i)Β the occurrence, or nonoccurrence, of any event the
occurrence, or nonoccurrence, of which causes any of its respective
representations or warranties contained in this Agreement to be materially
untrue or inaccurate and (ii)Β any failure of the Company or Parent, as the
case may be, to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any of its
respective covenants, conditions or agreements required to be complied with or
satisfied by it hereunder; provided,
however, that
the delivery of any notice pursuant to this SectionΒ 6.5 shall not limit or
otherwise affect the remedies available hereunder to the party receiving such
notice and this SectionΒ 6.5 will not constitute a covenant, obligation or
agreement for purposes of ArticleΒ VIII hereof.
Β
64
Β
Section
6.6Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Further Action; Reasonable Best
Efforts.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Upon
the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, and subject, in the
case of both parties, to SectionΒ 6.1, and in the case of the Company, to
SectionΒ 6.3 hereof, each of the parties hereto shall cooperate and use its
reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or
cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable law
to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby,
including (i)Β preparing and filing as promptly as practicable with any
Governmental Authority, including the FCC, state public utility commissions,
foreign regulatory authorities or other third party all documentation to effect
all necessary filings, notices, petitions, statements, registrations,
submissions of information, applications and other documents,
(ii)Β obtaining and maintaining all approvals, consents, registrations,
permits, authorizations and other confirmations required to be obtained from any
Governmental Authority or other third party that are necessary, proper or
advisable to consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby, and (iii)Β vigorously defending or contesting any litigation or
administrative proceeding, and seeking to have vacated, lifted, reversed or
overturned any order, decree, injunction or ruling (whether temporary,
preliminary or permanent) that is in effect, and that seeks to or would
prohibit, prevent, enjoin or materially restrain or delay the consummation of
the Merger or any of the other transactions contemplated
hereby.Β Β Without limiting the foregoing, and for purposes of clarity,
the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to effect the cancellation of
Company Stock Awards as contemplated by Section 7.3(h).
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Without
limiting Section 6.6(a) above, each of the Company and Parent
shall:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β provide on a timely basis to each other all
information reasonably necessary for the preparation of all required filings,
notices, petitions, statements, registrations, submissions of information,
applications and other documents with and/or for any Governmental
Authority.Β Β The Company and Parent shall also promptly furnish to the
applicable Governmental Authority on a timely basis any requested document,
materials or other information in order to obtain necessary consents of the
Governmental Authority;
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β promptly
make the required filings for FCC and foreign regulatory authorities approval of
the Merger and for related state public utility commission or foreign regulatory
authority approval, and the parties shall thereafter prosecute each application
with commercially reasonable diligence and otherwise use their commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain the grants of the applications as expeditiously as
practicable;
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β promptly
provide to the other parties a copy of any pleading, order or other document
served on it relating to such applications (but no party shall have any
obligation to take any steps to satisfy complainants, if any, which steps would
substantially impair or diminish rights under the Parent Authorizations and
Company Authorizations or otherwise impose an unreasonable burden on a
party);
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β shall
oppose any petitions to deny or other objections filed with respect to the
applications for the FCC and foreign regulatory authorities approval of the
Merger and for state public utility commission approval associated with the
Merger and any requests for reconsideration or review of any FCC, foreign
regulatory authorities or state public utility commission approval or consent;
and
Β
65
Β
(v)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β if
this Agreement is terminated, the parties shall have an affirmative obligation
to notify the FCC and applicable foreign regulatory authorities and state public
utility commissions of such termination and to submit whatever applications or
other notifications are required to return the parties to their respective
positions status quo
ante.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of the Company and the Parent shall make any filings reasonably necessary to
keep any licenses that are material to its business in good standing and to
conduct its business in compliance with applicable FCC, foreign regulatory
authorities and state public utility commission rules and
regulations.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of the Company and Parent shall (i)Β promptly notify the other of any
communication concerning this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions
contemplated hereby to that party or its affiliates from any Governmental
Authority and permit the other to review in advance any proposed communication
concerning this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated
hereby to any Governmental Authority; (ii)Β not participate or agree to
participate in any meeting or discussion with any Governmental Authority in
respect of any filing, investigation or other inquiry concerning this Agreement,
the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby unless it consults with
the other in advance and, to the extent permitted by such Governmental
Authority, gives the other party the opportunity to attend and participate in
such meeting or discussion; and (iii)Β furnish the other party with copies
of all correspondence, filings and communications (and memoranda setting forth
the substance thereof) between it and its affiliates and representatives on the
one hand, and any Governmental Authority or members of any such authorityβs
staff on the other hand, with respect to this Agreement, the Merger or the other
transactions contemplated hereby.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
party agrees that, from and after the date hereof and prior to the Effective
Time, and except as may be agreed in writing by the other party or as may be
expressly permitted pursuant to this Agreement, it shall not, and shall not
permit any of its subsidiaries to agree, in writing or otherwise, to take any
action which could reasonably be expected to delay the consummation of the
Merger or result in the failure to satisfy any condition to consummation of the
Merger.
Β
Section
6.7Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Public
Announcements.Β The Company and
Parent shall consult with each other before issuing any press release, making
any other public statement or scheduling any press conference or conference call
with investors or analysts with respect to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and, except for any public statement or press
release as may be required by applicable law, order of a court of competent
jurisdiction or any listing agreement with or rule of any national securities
exchange or association, shall not issue any such press release, make any such
other public statement or schedule any such press conference or conference call
before such consultation and providing each other the opportunity to review and
comment upon any such press release or public statement.Β Β The initial
press release of the parties announcing the execution of this Agreement shall be
a joint press release of Parent and the Company in a form that is mutually
agreed.
Β
66
Β
Section
6.8Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Employee Matters.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Surviving Entity shall employ, immediately after the Effective Time, all persons
who were employees of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time, but
except as required by law, the Surviving Entity shall have no obligation to
continue employing any such employee for any length of time thereafter except
pursuant to any agreement that is specifically disclosed on any Schedule
referenced in SectionΒ 3.11.Β Β All employees and former employees
whom the Surviving Entity has decided to continue to employ shall be provided as
of the Effective Time with employee benefits that are comparable to other
similarly situated employees of Parent. The Surviving Entity shall treat the
period of employment with the Company (and with predecessor employers with
respect to which the Company has granted service credit) as employment and
service with Parent and the Surviving Entity for benefit plan eligibility and
vesting purposes (but not for purposes of benefit accruals or benefit
computations, other than for purposes of vacation, sick pay or other paid time
off) for all of the Surviving Entityβs employee benefit plans, programs,
policies or arrangements to the extent service with Parent or the Surviving
Entity is recognized under any such plan, program, policy or arrangement, except
to the extent such treatment would result in duplicative benefits for the same
period of service, to the extent such service is prior to a specific date before
which service would not have been credited for employees of Parent. For the
calendar year in which the Effective Time occurs, Parent agrees to credit each
employee of the Company or any Company Subsidiary with an amount of vacation and
sick leave equal to the employeeβs unused vacation and sick leave under the
Companyβs vacation and sick leave policy immediately prior to the Effective Time
based on the policy as in effect immediately prior to the Effective
Time.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Under
any medical or dental plan covering any employee or former employee of the
Company, there shall be waived, and the Surviving Entity shall use its
commercially reasonable efforts to cause the relevant insurance carriers and
other third parties to waive, restrictions and limitations for any medical
condition existing as of the Effective Time of any such employee and his or her
eligible dependents for the purpose of any such plan, so long as those persons
had the requisite βcreditableβ service prior to the Effective Time, provided, however, that such
treatment shall not apply to a preexisting condition of any employee or former
employee of the Company who was, as of the Effective Time, excluded from
participation in a Company Plan by virtue of such preexisting condition, and
provided, further, that
any employee or former employee of the Company whose credited service with the
Company would still subject him or her to an exclusion or waiting period if such
service were treated as service with Parent or the Surviving Entity shall be
subject to the exclusion or waiting period until he or she has sufficient
aggregate service with the Surviving Entity and the Company. Further, the
Surviving Entity shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to offer to each
Company employee coverage under a group health plan that credits that employee
toward the deductibles, co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses imposed under the
group medical and dental plan of the Surviving Entity, for the year during which
the Effective Time occurs, with any deductible, co-payments and out-of-pocket
expenses already incurred during that year under the relevant Company
Plan.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Prior
to the Effective Time, if requested by Parent and if reasonably practicable
under the terms of the Companyβs 401(k) Plan and all applicable agreements
ancillary thereto, the Company shall take such action as is necessary to
terminate the Companyβs participation in the Company 401(k) Plan effective at
least one day prior to the Effective Time and shall take all necessary action to
ensure that each Company employee is fully vested in his or her account balance
under the Company 401(k) Plan.
Β
67
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Surviving Entity shall, upon termination of any flexible spending account or
reimbursement programs of the Company, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, transfer any flexible spending account or reimbursement plan balances to
Parent who shall credit such amounts to the applicable Parent Plan of a similar
nature and make the same available under such Parent Plan for the remainder of
the plan year in which the Closing occurs.
Β
Section
6.9Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SectionΒ 16
Matters.Β Β Prior to the
Effective Time, the Company and Parent shall take steps reasonably necessary to
cause dispositions of shares of Company Common Stock (including derivative
securities) and acquisitions of Parent Common Stock (including derivative
securities) pursuant to the Merger by each individual who is subject to
SectionΒ 16 of the Exchange Act, or will become subject to such reporting
requirements with respect to Parent, to be exempt under RuleΒ 16b-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Section
6.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β State Takeover
Laws.Β Β If any βfair
price,β βmoratorium,β βbusiness combination,β or βcontrol share acquisitionβ
statute or other similar statute or regulation is or shall become applicable to
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Company and the Company
Board of Directors shall grant such approvals and take such actions as are
necessary so that the transactions contemplated hereby may be consummated as
promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and shall otherwise act
to minimize the effects of any such statute or regulation on the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section
6.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Stockholder
Litigation.Β Β The Company
shall give Parent, at Parentβs sole cost and expense, the opportunity to
participate in the defense or settlement of any stockholder litigation against
the Company and/or its directors or officers relating to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. The Company agrees that it shall not settle or
offer to settle any litigation commenced on or after the date hereof against the
Company or any of its directors or officers by any stockholder of the Company
relating to this Agreement, the Merger, any other transaction contemplated by
this Agreement or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Parent (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
delayed).
Β
68
Β
Section
6.12Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Reorganization.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent, the Company, Merger Sub and each of its respective subsidiaries shall
use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify as a
βreorganizationβ within the meaning of SectionΒ 368(a) of the Code. Parent
and the Company, Merger Sub and each of its respective subsidiaries shall file
all Tax Returns consistent with the treatment of the Merger as a
βreorganizationβ within the meaning of SectionΒ 368(a) of the Code and in
particular as a transaction described in SectionΒ 368(a)(1)(A) and Section
368(a)(2)(E) of the Code. This Agreement (as well as any other agreements
entered into pursuant to this Agreement) is intended to constitute a βplan of
reorganizationβ within the meaning of Treasury RegulationΒ Section
1.368-2(g).
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
and Merger Sub shall deliver to Xxxxxxx Xxxxx LLP and Mintz, Levin, Cohn,
Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C. a βTax Representation Letter,β dated as of the
Closing Date and signed by an officer of Parent, containing representations of
Parent and Merger Sub, and the Company shall deliver to Xxxxxxx Xxxxx LLP and
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C. a βTax Representation
Letter,β dated as of the Closing Date and signed by an officer of the Company,
containing representations of the Company, in each case as shall be reasonably
necessary or appropriate to enable Xxxxxxx Xxxxx LLP and Mintz, Levin, Cohn,
Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C. to render the opinions described in Section
7.2(d) and Section 7.3(d). Each of Parent and the Company shall use its
reasonable best efforts not to take or cause to be taken any action that would
cause to be untrue (or fail to take or cause not to be taken any action that
would cause to be untrue) any of the certifications and representations included
in the tax representation letters described in this Section 6.12.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β None
of Parent, the Company or Merger Sub shall, nor shall they permit their
subsidiaries to, take any action, and Parent, the Company and Merger Sub shall
not, and shall ensure that their subsidiaries do not, fail to take any action,
which action or failure to act would prevent or impede the Merger, along with
the other transactions effected pursuant to this Agreement, from qualifying (or
reasonably would be expected to cause the Merger, along with the other
transactions effected pursuant to the Agreement, to fail to qualify) as a
βreorganizationβ within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
Β
Section
6.13Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Company Cash
Statements.Β Β The Company
shall provide to Parent each Wednesday a statement setting forth (i) the
calculation of the sum of the Cash and Cash Equivalents of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of the prior week,
and (ii) the calculation of the outstanding indebtedness of the Company and the
Company Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of the prior week,
provided such statements may instead be copies of reports customarily used by
the Companyβs management if such reports otherwise comply with this Section
6.13.Β Β The Company shall also provide
to Parent on the third Trading Day prior to the Closing Date a statement,
executed by an executive officer of the Company, setting forth (y) the
calculation of the sum of the Cash and Cash Equivalents of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and the Marketable
Securities,
calculated as of the date determined in the
immediately succeeding sentence, and subject to adjustment
pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.3, and (z) the calculation of the
outstanding indebtedness of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis, calculated as of the date determined in the
immediately succeeding sentence; such statement shall
itemize the cash proceeds, if any, generated by the Company as a result of an IP
Sale, after deduction for all related transaction costs,
fees and
expenses and
gross Tax liabilities attributable to such IP Sale.Β Β If (a) the third
Trading Day prior to the Closing Date falls on or between the 1st and the 15th
day of the month, then the calculations set forth in clauses (y) and (z) in the
immediately preceding sentence shall be as of the last business day of the
immediately preceding calendar month and (b) the third Trading Day prior to the
Closing Date falls on or between the 16th day and the last day of the month,
then the calculations set forth in clauses (y) and (z) in the immediately
preceding sentence shall be as of the 14th day of the then current calendar
month (and the βas ofβ day of such calculation is herein referred to as the
βDetermination
Dateβ).
Β
69
Β
Section
6.14Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Listing
Application.Β Β Parent shall use
its reasonable best efforts to obtain the approval of the NASDAQ for the listing
of existing shares of Parent Common Stock and to cause the shares of Parent
Common Stock to be issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on the NASDAQ
prior to the Effective Time, subject to official notice of
issuance.Β Β To that end, Parent shall promptly prepare and submit to
the NASDAQ a listing application covering existing shares of Parent Common Stock
and shares of Parent Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger.
Section
6.15Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Comfort Letters.
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β In
connection with the information regarding the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries or the Merger provided by the Company specifically for inclusion
in, or incorporation by reference into, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and
the Registration Statement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to
cause to be delivered to Parent a letter of Xxxxxxxx LLP, dated the date on
which the Registration Statement becomes effective and addressed to Parent, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent and customary in scope and
substance for letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection
with registration statements similar to the Registration Statement on
FormΒ S-4.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β In
connection with the information regarding Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries or
the Merger provided by Parent specifically for inclusion in, or incorporation by
reference into, the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the Registration
Statement, Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be delivered
to the Company a letter of Deloitte & Touche LLP, dated the date on which
the Registration Statement becomes effective and addressed to the Company, in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company and customary in scope
and substance for letters delivered by independent public accountants in
connection with registration statements similar to the Registration Statement on
FormΒ S-4.
Β
Section
6.16Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent Board
Vacancies.Β Β Between the date
of this Agreement and the Effective Time, when considering potential director
nominees to appoint or elect to the Parent Board of Directors, the Parent Board
of Directors shall consider, among other qualified candidates, the current
independent directors of the Company; provided,
however, that
the Parent Board of Directors shall have no obligation to appoint or elect any
of the current directors of the Company to the Parent Board of Directors and
provided that in no event shall any member of the Company Board of Directors
become a director of Parent prior to the Effective Time.
Β
70
Β
ARTICLE
VII
Β
Conditions
to the Merger
Β
Section
7.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Conditions to the Obligations of
Each Party to Effect the Merger.Β Β The respective
obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the
satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following
conditions:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Stockholder
Approval.Β Β Each of the Company Stockholder Approval and the
Parent Stockholder Approval shall have been obtained.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β No Order.Β Β No
foreign, United States or state Governmental Authority or court of competent
jurisdiction shall have promulgated, enacted or issued any statute, rule,
regulation, order, decree, injunction or ruling (whether temporary, preliminary
or permanent) that remains in effect and prohibits, prevents or otherwise
enjoins the consummation of the Merger.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Effectiveness of Registration
Statement.Β Β The Registration Statement shall have become
effective under the Securities Act and neither the Registration Statement nor
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall be the subject of any stop order or
proceeding seeking a stop order, and no proceedings for that purpose shall have
been initiated or threatened in writing by the SEC.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Consents and
Approvals.Β Β All consents and approvals of (or filings or
registrations with) any Governmental Authority required in connection with the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement shall have been obtained
or made, except for (i) filings to be made after the Effective Time and (ii) and
such consent, approval, filing or registration the failure of which to obtain or
make would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
a Company Material Adverse Effect or a Parent Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Specific Provisions for FCC and
Other Regulatory Approvals. The authorization required to be obtained
from the FCC and the consents required to be obtained from state regulatory
authorities and foreign Governmental Authorities with primary jurisdiction over
the regulation of communications services, and with jurisdiction over this
Merger or the parties hereto, as set forth in Schedule 7.1(e) in
connection with the consummation of the Merger shall have been obtained;
provided that in the event that at the time of the receipt of any authorization
required to be obtained from the FCC and prior to the Closing Date, with respect
to such FCC authorization if (i) any request for a stay or any similar request
is pending, any stay is in effect, the action or decision has been vacated,
reversed, set aside, annulled or suspended and any deadline for filing such a
request that may be designated by statute or regulation has not passed, (ii) any
petition for rehearing or reconsideration or application for review is pending
and the time for the filings of any such petition or application has not passed,
(iii) any Governmental Authority has undertaken to reconsider the action on its
own motion and the deadline within which it may effect such reconsideration has
not passed or (iv) any appeal is pending (including other administrative or
judicial review) or in effect and any deadline for filing any such appeal that
may be specified by statute or rule has not passed, then such FCC authorization
shall not be deemed to have been obtained for purposes of this Section 7.1(e),
but only for so long as any of the events set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii)
or (iv) above exist or, upon the agreement of both Parent and the Company,
earlier.
Β
71
Β
Section
7.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Additional Conditions to the
Obligation of the Company.Β Β Unless waived by
the Company in accordance with SectionΒ 8.5, the obligation of the Company
to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the
Closing Date of the following additional conditions:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
of Parent and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material respects all
obligations required to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to
the Closing Date;
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β the
representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in the first,
second and third sentences of SectionΒ 4.1 (Corporate Organization) and in
SectionsΒ 4.2 (Organizational Documents), 4.3 (Capitalization) and 4.4(a)
(Authority) shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for
representations and warranties in any such sections qualified as to materiality
or Parent Material Adverse Effect, which shall be true and correct in all
respects) at and as of the Closing Date as though made on or as of the Closing
Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case
as of such earlier date) and (ii)Β the representations and warranties of
Parent and Merger Sub in ArticleΒ IV of this Agreement other than those
specified in the preceding clauseΒ (i) shall be true and correct (without
giving effect to any qualification as to materiality or Parent Material Adverse
Effect) at and as of the Closing Date as though made on or as of the Closing
Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case
as of such earlier date), except, with respect to the representations and
warranties referred to in this clause (ii), where the failure of any such
representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect
to any qualification as to materiality or Parent Material Adverse Effect) would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Parent Material Adverse
Effect;
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of Parent by an
executive officer of Parent to the effect that the conditions in
clausesΒ (a) and (b)Β of this SectionΒ 7.2 above have been
satisfied;
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company shall have received an opinion (reasonably acceptable in form and
substance to the Company) from Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo
P.C., dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that for federal income tax
purposes (i) the Merger will be treated as a reorganization within the meaning
of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) each of Parent, Merger Sub and the
Company will be a party to such reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(b) of the Code, and that opinion shall not have been withdrawn, revoked or
modified; that opinion will be based upon representations of the parties
contained in this Agreement and in the tax representation letters described in
Section 6.12; provided, however, that the condition set forth in this paragraph
(d) shall not be applicable, and shall be deemed stricken, if there has been an
IP Sale or spin-off of patents as contemplated by the last paragraph of Section
5.1 and, as a result of such IP Sale or spin-off, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris,
Glovsky and Popeo P.C. is unable to deliver such opinion; and
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β From
the date of this Agreement through the Closing, there shall not have occurred
any change in the condition (financial or otherwise), operations, business or
properties of Parent and the Parent Subsidiaries that constitutes or is
reasonably likely to constitute a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Β
72
Β
Section
7.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Additional Conditions to the
Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub.Β Β Unless waived by
Parent in accordance with SectionΒ 8.5, the obligation of Parent and Merger
Sub to effect the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment at or prior to the
Closing Date of the following additional conditions:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company shall have performed in all material respects all obligations required
to be performed by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing
Date;
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β the
representations and warranties of the Company contained in the first, second,
third, fourth and sixth sentences of SectionΒ 3.1 (Organization and
Qualification; Subsidiaries) and in SectionsΒ 3.2 (Organizational
Documents), 3.3 (Capitalization), 3.4(a) (Authority), and 3.24 (State Takeover
Laws) shall be true and correct in all material respects (except for
representations and warranties in any such sections qualified as to materiality
or a Company Material Adverse Effect, which shall be true and correct in all
respects) at and as of the Closing Date as though made on or as of the Closing
Date (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case
as of such earlier date) and (ii)Β the representations and warranties of the
Company in ArticleΒ III of this Agreement other than those specified in the
preceding clauseΒ (i) shall be true and correct (without giving effect to
any qualification as to materiality or a Company Material Adverse Effect) at and
as of the Closing Date as though made on or as of the Closing Date (except to
the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case as of such
earlier date), except, with respect to the representations and warranties
referred to in this clause (ii), where the failure of any such representations
and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any
qualification as to materiality or a Company Material Adverse Effect) would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse
Effect;
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
shall have received a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by an
executive officer of the Company to the effect that the conditions in
clausesΒ (a) and (b)Β of this SectionΒ 7.3 above have been
satisfied;
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parent
shall have received an opinion (reasonably acceptable in form and substance to
Parent) from Xxxxxxx Xxxxx LLP, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that
for federal income tax purposes (i)Β the Merger will be treated as a
reorganization within the meaning of SectionΒ 368(a) of the Code and
(ii)Β each of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company will be a party to such
reorganization within the meaning of SectionΒ 368(b) of the Code, and that
opinion shall not have been withdrawn, revoked or modified; that opinion will be
based upon representations of the parties contained in this Agreement and in the
tax representation letters described in SectionΒ 6.12; provided, however,
that the condition set forth in this paragraph (d) shall not be applicable, and
shall be deemed stricken, if there has been an IP Sale or spin-off of patents as
contemplated by the last paragraph of Section 5.1 and, as a result of such IP
Sale or spin-off, Xxxxxxx Xxxxx LLP is unable to deliver such
opinion;Β
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β From
the date of this Agreement through the Closing, there shall not have occurred
any change in the condition (financial or otherwise), operations, business or
properties of the Company and the Company Subsidiaries that constitutes or is
reasonably likely to constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect;
Β
73
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Parent shall have received the statement required to be
delivered by the last sentence of Section 6.13;
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
number of Appraisal Shares for which demands for appraisal have been made and
not been withdrawn shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding shares of Company
Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time; and
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
Company shall have taken all actions necessary under the Companyβs 2004 Stock
Incentive Plan, as amended, to cancel as of the Effective Time, in accordance
with such Stock Incentive Plan and applicable law, and without payment of any
consideration, all Company Stock Options and Company SARs issued under such
Stock Incentive Plan that as of the Effective Time have an exercise price or
base price, respectively, for Company Common Stock in excess of the greater of
(i) $6.05 and (ii) the closing stock price of Company Common Stock on NASDAQ on
the last Trading Day immediately prior to the Closing Date, in each case on a
per share basis.
Β
ARTICLE
VIII
Β
Termination,
Amendment and Waiver
Β
Section
8.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Termination.Β Β This Agreement
may be terminated and the Merger may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time, whether before or after receipt of the Company Stockholder
Approval and the Parent Stockholder Approval:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β by
mutual written agreement of Parent and the Company;Β or
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β by
Parent or the Company, if:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
Merger shall not have been consummated on or before May 31, 2011 (the βOutside Dateβ); provided, however, that
neither Parent, on the one hand, nor the Company, on the other hand, shall be
entitled to terminate this Agreement under this clause (b)(i) if such partyβs
breach of any provision of this Agreement has contributed to, or otherwise
resulted in, the failure of the Merger to occur on or before the Outside
Date;Β orΒ Β
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Authority shall have
issued a final, non-appealable order, decree or ruling permanently restraining,
enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger; provided, that the party
seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause (b)(ii) shall have
complied in all material respects with its obligations in Section
6.6;Β or
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β this
Agreement shall not have been adopted by the Companyβs stockholders by reason of
the failure to obtain the requisite Company Stockholder Approval at the Company
Stockholders Meeting; provided, however, that the
right to terminate this Agreement under this SectionΒ 8.1(b)(iii) shall not
be available to the Company where there has been a material breach of Section
6.3;Β or
Β
74
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β the
issuance of shares of Parent Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement shall not
have been approved by reason of the failure to obtain the requisite Parent
Stockholder Approval at the Parent Stockholders Meeting;Β or
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β by
Parent, if:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β the Company shall have breached any of its
representations or warranties in this Agreement or failed to perform any of its
covenants in this Agreement or if any of its representations or warranties in
this Agreement shall have become untrue, in each case, such that the conditions
set forth in SectionΒ 7.3(a) or 7.3(b) are not capable of being satisfied,
and such breach, failure to perform or failure to be true has not been cured or
waived prior to the earlier of (A)Β 30Β days following notice of such
breach or failure to the Company and (B)Β the Outside Date; provided, that
Parent shall have no right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
clauseΒ (c) if Parent is then in breach of any of its representations or
warranties in this Agreement or has failed to perform in any respect any of its
covenants in this Agreement, in each case, such that the conditions set forth in
Section 7.2(a) or 7.2(b) are not capable of being
satisfied;Β or
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
Company Recommendation Change has occurred; or
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β by
the Company, if:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Parent shall have breached any of its representations or
warranties in this Agreement or failed to perform any of its covenants in this
Agreement or if any of its representations or warranties in this Agreement shall
have become untrue, in each case, such that the conditions set forth in
SectionΒ 7.2(a) and 7.2(b) are not capable of being satisfied, and such
breach, failure to perform or failure to be true has not been cured or waived
prior to the earlier of (A)Β 30Β days following notice of such breach or
failure to Parent and (B)Β the Outside Date; provided, that the Company
shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this clause
(d)(i) if the Company is then in breach of any of its representations or
warranties in this Agreement or has failed to perform in any respect any of its
covenants in this Agreement, in each case, such that the conditions set forth in
Section 7.3(a) or 7.3(b) are not capable of being satisfied; or
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β prior to obtaining the Company Stockholder Approval, the Company Board of
Directors shall have effected a Company Recommendation Change and authorized the
Company to enter into, and the Company concurrently enters into, a binding
definitive agreement in respect of a Superior Proposal; provided, however, that such
termination under this clause (d)(ii) shall not be effective until the Company
has made payment to Parent of the fee described in Section
8.3(a)(i).
Β
Section
8.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Effect of
Termination.Β Β In the event
that the Effective Time does not occur as a result of any party hereto
exercising its rights to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this
ArticleΒ VIII, then this Agreement shall be null and void and, except as
provided in SectionsΒ 8.3 and 9.1 or as otherwise expressly provided herein,
no party shall have any rights or obligations under this Agreement, except that
no such termination shall relieve any party from liability for damages for any
willful and material breach of any representation, warranty, agreement or
covenant contained herein. In the event the termination of this Agreement
results from the willful and material breach of any representation, warranty,
agreement or covenant herein, then the other party shall be entitled to all
remedies available at law or in equity and shall be entitled to recover court
costs and reasonable attorneysβ fees in addition to any other relief to which
such party may be entitled.
Β
75
Β
Section
8.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Fees and Expenses; Certain Other
Obligations.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)
If this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to
SectionΒ 8.1(d)(ii) or by Parent pursuant to Section 8.1(c)(ii), the Company
shall pay Parent a fee of $1,250,000. The Company shall pay that amount in cash
by wire transfer (to an account designated in writing by Parent) in immediately
available funds simultaneously with the termination of this Agreement by the
Company or within two business days of termination of this Agreement by
Parent.
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, if (x) this Agreement is terminated (i)
by Parent or the Company pursuant to Section 8.1(b)(iii), or (ii) by Parent
pursuant to Section 8.1(c)(i) and (y) within 18 months after such termination,
the Company enters into a definitive agreement in respect of any Acquisition
Proposal or a transaction pursuant to which any Acquisition Proposal is
consummated, then prior to or contemporaneously with the occurrence of such
event the Company shall pay to Parent a fee of $1,250,000, provided that, for
purposes of clause (y) of this Section 8.3(ii), the references to β20%β in the
definition of Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to be references to
β50%β.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Each
party hereto is responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by it in
connection with this Agreement and the Merger, whether or not the Merger is
consummated, and except that (x) on a termination of this Agreement pursuant to
Section 8.1(b)(iii) or Section 8.1(c)(i), the Company shall reimburse Parent for
its Expenses and (y) on a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section
8.1(d)(i), Parent shall reimburse the Company for its Expenses.Β Β Any
payment of Expenses shall be made in cash by wire transfer of immediately
available funds not later than two business days after delivery to the relevant
party of an itemization prepared in good faith setting forth in reasonable
detail all such Expenses, which itemization must be delivered within 10 business
days following termination (and may be supplemented and updated from time to
time until the 60thΒ day after termination, upon which event the party
obligated to make such reimbursement payment shall make an additional
reimbursement to the other party). Any amount payable under this Section 8.3(b)
by the Company shall be credited against any payment made by the Company
pursuant to Section 8.3(a)(ii) above.Β Β As used herein, βExpensesβ means all reasonable
out-of-pocket documented fees and expenses (including all reasonable fees and
expenses of counsel, accountants, consultants, financial advisors and investment
bankers of the relevant party to the Agreement and its affiliates), with respect
to Parent, up to $750,000 in the aggregate incurred by Parent and its affiliates
or on their behalf in connection with or related to the authorization,
preparation, negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and all
other matters related to the Merger, and with respect to the Company, up to
$750,000 in the aggregate incurred by the Company and its affiliates or on their
behalf in connection with or related to the authorization, preparation,
negotiation, execution and performance of this Agreement and all other matters
related to the Merger.
Β
76
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)
If this Agreement is terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(ii)
and (ii) an Acquisition Agreement is executed between the Company and a third
party (the βSuperior
Purchaserβ), the Company shall, upon written request of Parent within 30
days of such termination, take commercially reasonable efforts to attempt to
effect the acquisition of Parentβs wholesale communications business by such
Superior Purchaser on terms mutually acceptable to Parent and such Superior
Purchaser (which Parent anticipates would include relative price terms that
would include consideration for synergies associated with the Merger) (the
βWholesale Purchase
Transactionβ).Β Β If the Wholesale Purchase Transaction is
consummated, then Parent hereby waives and will not be entitled to the fee
contemplated by Section 8.3(a), and if such payment was made, Parent will refund
such payment to the Superior Purchaser upon the closing of the Wholesale
Purchase Transaction.
Β
Section
8.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Amendment.Β Β This Agreement
may be amended by the parties hereto by action taken by or on behalf of their
respective Boards of Directors at any time prior to the Effective Time whether
before or after Company Stockholder Approval and Parent Stockholder Approval is
obtained; provided,
however, that
after Company Stockholder Approval is obtained, no amendment may be made that,
by law, requires further approval by stockholders of the Company unless such
further approval is first obtained and after Parent Stockholder Approval is
obtained, no amendment may be made that, by law, requires further approval by
the stockholders of Parent unless such further approval is first obtained. This
Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the
parties hereto.
Section
8.5Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Waiver.Β Β At any time
prior to the Effective Time, any party hereto may (a)Β extend the time for
the performance of any obligation or other act of any other party hereto,
(b)Β waive any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties contained
herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and (c)Β waive
compliance with any agreement or condition contained herein. Any such extension
or waiver shall be valid if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by the
party or parties to be bound thereby.
ARTICLE
IX
Β
General
Provisions
Β
Section
9.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Survival.Β Β The agreements
in ArticlesΒ I and VIII and SectionsΒ 6.4 and 6.8 of this Agreement
shall survive the Effective Time indefinitely. The agreements made by the
parties in this ArticleΒ IX and in SectionsΒ 6.2(c), 8.2 and 8.3 of this
Agreement shall survive termination indefinitely. The remainder of the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement or in
any schedule, exhibit, instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this
Agreement shall terminate at the Effective Time or upon termination of this
Agreement pursuant to SectionΒ 8.1.
Section
9.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Scope of Representations and
Warranties.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as and to the extent expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Company is not
making, and disclaims, any, representations or warranties whatsoever, whether
express or implied. The Company disclaims all liability or responsibility for
any other statement or information made or communicated (orally or in writing)
to Parent, its affiliates or any stockholder, officer, director, employee,
representative, consultant, attorney, agent, lender or other advisor Parent or
its affiliates (including, but not limited to, any opinion, information or
advice which may have been provided to any such person by any Representative or
any other person or contained in the files or records of the Company), wherever
and however made, including any documents, projections, forecasts, estimates or
other material made available to Parent or any affiliate, officer, director,
employee, representative, consultant, attorney, agent, lender or other advisor
of Parent in any offering memorandum, βdata roomβ or management
presentation.
Β
77
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Except
as and to the extent expressly set forth in this Agreement, each of Parent and
Merger Sub is not making, and disclaims, any representations or warranties
whatsoever, whether express or implied. Each of Parent and Merger Sub disclaims
all liability and responsibility for any other statement or information made or
communicated (orally or in writing) to the Company, its affiliates or any
stockholder, officer, director, employee, representative, consultant, attorney,
agent, lender or other advisor of the Company or its affiliates (including, but
not limited to, any opinion, information or advice which may have been provided
to any such person by any representative of Parent, Merger Sub or any other
person), wherever and however made, including any documents, projections,
forecasts, estimates or other material made available to the Company, any
Company Subsidiary or any affiliate, officer, director, employee,
representative, consultant, attorney, agent, lender or other advisor of Company
or any Company Subsidiary in any offering memorandum, βdata roomβ or management
presentation.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Any
representation βto the knowledgeβ of a party or phrases of similar wording shall
be limited to matters within the actual conscious awareness of the executive
officers of such party and any manager or managers of such party who have
primary responsibility for the substantive area or operations in question and
who report directly to such executive officers.
Β
Section
9.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notices.Β Β All notices,
requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be given (and shall be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by
delivery in person, by facsimile or by registered or certified mail (postage
prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a
notice given in accordance with this SectionΒ 9.3):
if
to Parent or Merger Sub:
Β
Primus Telecommunications
Group, Incorporated
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx,
Xxxxx 000
XxXxxx,
XxxxxxxxΒ Β 00000
Attention:Β Β General
Counsel
Telephone:
(703)Β 000-Β 0000
Fax:
(000)Β 000-0000
E-mail:Β Β xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Β
78
Β
with a copy, which shall not
constitute notice, to:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
LLP
000 Xxxxxx,
XxxxxΒ 0000
Xxxxxxx,
XXΒ Β 00000
Attention:Β Β W.
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Telephone:
(000)Β 000-0000
Fax:Β Β (000)
000-0000
E-mail:Β Β Β xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
if
to the Company:
Β
Arbinet
Corporation
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx
000
Xxxxxxx,
XxxxxxxxΒ Β 00000
Attention: General
Counsel
Telephone:Β Β (000)Β 000-0000
Fax: (000)
000-0000
E-mail:
xxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx
with a copy, which shall not
constitute notice, to:
Β
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris,
Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
000 Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxx., XX,
Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX
00000
Attention: Kemal
Hawa
Telephone: (000)
000-0000
Fax: (000)
000-0000
E-mail:
XXxxx@xxxxx.xxx
Section
9.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Certain
Definitions.Β Β For purposes of
this Agreement:
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βaffiliateβ of a specified
person means a person who directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such
specified person.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β a
person shall be the βbeneficial
ownerβ of shares of Company Common Stock (i)Β which such person or
any of its affiliates or associates (as such term is defined in RuleΒ 12b-2
promulgated under the Exchange Act) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly,
(ii)Β which such person or any of its affiliates or associates has, directly
or indirectly, whether or not of record, (A)Β the right to acquire (whether
such right is exercisable immediately or subject only to the passage of time),
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of
conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, or
(B)Β the right to vote pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or
understanding or (iii)Β which are beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by any other persons with whom such person or any of its affiliates
or associates or person with whom such person or any of its affiliates or
associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of
acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of Company Common
Stock.
Β
79
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βbusiness dayβ means any day on
which the principal offices of the SEC in Washington,Β D.C. are open to
accept filings, or, in the case of determining a date when any payment is due,
any weekday other than Saturday or Sunday on which banking institutions in New
York, New York are required to be open.
Β
(d)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βCash and Cash Equivalentsβ
means currency, coins, checks received but not yet deposited, checking account
balances, xxxxx cash, savings account balances, money market account balances
and short-term, and highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or
less at the time of purchase (such as U.S. treasury bills and commercial paper),
less checks written but not yet presented for payment, all as consistently
carried on the Company Balance Sheet as such, provided that no such amounts
shall be included to the extent they constitute restricted cash under any
Company Material Contract.
Β
(e)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βChange of Lawβ shall mean the
adoption, implementation, promulgation, repeal, modification, reinterpretation
or proposal of any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, order, protocol, practice
or measure or any other Requirement of Law of or by any foreign, federal, state,
county or local government, governmental agency, court, commission or department
or any other entity which occurs subsequent to the date hereof.
Β
(f)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βCompany Balance Sheetβ means
the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of June 30,
2010 and the footnotes therein set forth in the Companyβs quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010.
Β
80
Β
(g)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βCompany Material Adverse
Effectβ means any fact, circumstance, occurrence, event, development,
change or condition that is materially adverse to the business, assets, results
of operations, financial condition or prospects of the Company and the Company
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or that would be reasonably likely to prevent or
materially delay or materially impair the ability of the Company to perform its
obligations hereunder or to consummate the Merger or the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except for any of the following or any such
change, event or effect resulting or arising therefrom: (i)Β general
economic or political conditions, any outbreak of hostilities or war, acts of
terrorism, natural disasters or other force majeure events, in each case in the
United States or elsewhere; (ii)Β changes in, or events or conditions
affecting, the telecommunications industry generally; (iii)Β any Change of
Law or changes to GAAP or interpretations thereof; (iv) conditions (or changes
after the date of this Agreement in such conditions) in the securities markets,
credit markets, currency markets or other financial markets in the U.S. or any
other country in the world; (v) the taking of any action required by this
Agreement, or the failure to take any action to which Parent has approved or
consented in writing; (vi) the failure to take any action specifically
prohibited by Section 5.1 with respect to which the Parent refused, following
the Companyβs request to provide a waiver; (vii) changes in the Companyβs stock
price or the trading volume of the Companyβs stock (but not, in each case, the
underlying cause of any such changes unless such underlying cause would
otherwise be excepted from this definition); (viii) any failure by the Company
to meet any analystsβ estimates or projections of the Companyβs revenue,
earnings or other financial performance or results of operations, or any failure
by the Company to meet any internal budgets, plans or forecasts of its revenues,
earnings or other financial performance or results of operations (but not, in
each case, the underlying cause of such failures unless such underlying cause
would otherwise be excepted from this definition); (ix) any Actions made or
brought by any of the current or former stockholders of the Company (on their
own behalf or on behalf of the Company, but in any event only in their
capacities as current or former stockholders) against the Company or any of its
directors or officers arising out of this Agreement or the Merger; or (x) the
announcement or pendency of this Agreement, any actions taken in compliance with
this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger, except that clausesΒ (i),
(ii)Β or (iv) shall not prevent a determination that there has been a
Company Material Adverse Effect if the change or event referred to therein
affects the Company and the Company Subsidiaries taken as a whole
disproportionately relative to other industry participants (provided that such
change or event may be considered only to the extent of such disproportionate
impact).Β Β Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, it shall constitute a
Company Material Adverse Effect if the sum of the Cash and Cash Equivalents of
the Company and the Company Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and the
Marketable Securities, as of the Determination Date, as contemplated by Section
6.13, less (x) all indebtedness then outstanding and (y) all unpaid transaction
costs, fees and expenses and gross Tax liabilities attributable to any IP Sale
or any spin-off of the Companyβs patents as contemplated by the last paragraph
of Section 5.1, and after taking into account the provisions of Section 5.3
(including the adjustments contemplated therein), is less than $9,500,000
(provided that such $9,500,000 shall be reduced by the actual transaction costs,
fees and expenses and gross Tax liabilities attributable to any IP Sale or any
spin-off of the Companyβs patents as contemplated by the last paragraph of
Section 5.1 that have been incurred and actually paid, provided in no event
shall more than $350,000 be subtracted from such $9,500,000), excluding all
costs incurred by the Company in connection with the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including legal fees, banker fees, accounting
fees, and other professional services fees.
Β
(h)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βcontrolβ (including the terms
βcontrolled byβ and
βunder common control
withβ) means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee or
executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as
trustee or executor, by contract or credit arrangement or
otherwise.
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βGovernmental Authorityβ means
any: (a)Β nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other
jurisdiction of any nature; (b)Β federal, state, local, municipal, foreign,
or other government; (c) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any
nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or
entity and any court or other tribunal), including the Federal Communications
Commission, any foreign regulatory authority with primary jurisdiction over the
regulation of communications services in its jurisdiction, and state public
utility commissions or comparable regulatory authorities of a different name;
(d)Β multinational organization or body; or (e)Β body exercising, or
entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative,
police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.
Β
(j)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βMarketable Securitiesβ means
the face value of all marketable securities with maturities of less than one
year that are owned by the Company or any of the Company Subsidiaries and
included in βmarketable securitiesβ of the consolidated balance sheet of the
Company and the Company Subsidiaries as consistently maintained by the
Company.
Β
81
(k)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βParent Balance Sheetβ means
the unaudited consolidated condensed balance sheet of Parent as of June 30, 2010
and the footnotes therein set forth in Parentβs quarterly report on Form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010.
Β
(l)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βParent Material Adverse
Effectβ means any fact, circumstance, occurrence, event, development,
change or condition that is materially adverse to the business, assets, results
of operations, financial condition or prospects of Parent and the Parent
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or that would be reasonably likely to prevent or
materially delay or materially impair the ability of Parent to perform its
obligations hereunder or to consummate the Merger or the other transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except for any of the following or any such
change, event or effect resulting or arising therefrom: (i)Β general
economic or political conditions, any outbreak of hostilities or war, acts of
terrorism, natural disasters or other force majeure events, in each case in the
United States or elsewhere; (ii)Β changes in, or events or conditions
affecting, the telecommunications industry generally; (iii)Β any Change of
Law or changes to GAAP or interpretations thereof; (iv)Β conditions (or
changes after the date of this Agreement in such conditions) in the securities
markets, credit markets, currency markets or other financial markets in the U.S.
or any other country in the world; (v) the taking of any action required by this
Agreement, or the failure to take any action to which Parent has approved or
consented in writing; (vi) the failure to take any action specifically
prohibited by Section 5.2 with respect to which the Company refused, following
Parentβs request, to provide a waiver; (vii) changes in Parentβs stock price or
the trading volume of Parentβs stock (but not, in each case, the underlying
cause of any such changes unless such underlying cause would otherwise be
excepted from this definition); (viii) any failure by Parent to meet any
analystsβ estimates or projections of Parentβs revenue, earnings or other
financial performance or results of operations, or any failure by Parent to meet
any internal budgets, plans or forecasts of its revenues, earnings or other
financial performance or results of operations (but not, in each case, the
underlying cause of such failures unless such underlying cause would otherwise
be excepted from this definition); (ix) any Actions made or brought by any of
the current or former stockholders of Parent (on their own behalf or on behalf
of Parent, but in any event only in their capacities as current or former
stockholders) against Parent or any of its directors or officers arising out of
this Agreement or the Merger; or (x) the announcement or pendency of this
Agreement, any actions taken in compliance with this Agreement or the
consummation of the Merger, except that clausesΒ (i), (ii)Β or (iv)
shall not prevent a determination that there has been a Parent Material Adverse
Effect if the change or event referred to therein affects Parent and the Parent
Subsidiaries taken as a whole disproportionately relative to other industry
participants (provided that such change or event may be considered only to the
extent of such disproportionate impact).
Β
(m)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βPermitted Liensβ
means:
Β
(i)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β inchoate mechanicsβ and materialmensβ liens for
amounts not yet delinquent and liens for Taxes or assessments that are not yet
delinquent or, in all instances, if delinquent, that are being contested in good
faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have
been established by the party responsible for payment thereof;
Β
82
Β
(ii)Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β liens in favor of vendors, carriers,
warehousemen, repairmen, mechanics, xxxxxxx, materialmen, construction or
similar liens or other encumbrances arising by operation of applicable
law;
Β
(iii)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β liens
reflected on the Parent Balance Sheet or the Company Balance Sheet, as
applicable; and
Β
(iv)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β all
other liens, charges, encumbrances, defects and irregularities that are not such
as to materially interfere with the operation, value or use of the property or
asset affected.
Β
(n)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βpersonβ means an individual,
corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership,
syndicate, person (including, without limitation, a βpersonβ as defined in
SectionΒ 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), trust, association or entity or
Governmental Authority, political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of a
government.
Β
(o)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βRequirement of Lawβ means any
foreign, federal, state, county or local laws, statutes, regulations, rules,
codes or ordinances enacted, adopted, issued or promulgated by any Governmental
Authority.
Β
(p)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βSpecial Committeeβ means a
committee of independent members of the Company Board of Directors formed for
the purpose of evaluating, and making a recommendation to the full Company Board
of Directors with respect to, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby, including the Merger.
Β
(q)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β βsubsidiaryβ or βsubsidiariesβ means, with
respect to any person, any entity of which securities or other ownership
interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of
directors or other persons performing similar functions are at any time directly
or indirectly owned by such person.
Β
Section
9.5Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Severability.Β Β If any term or
other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being
enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and
provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect
so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated
hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such
determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable
of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify
this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions
contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest
extent possible.
Β
Section
9.6Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Entire Agreement;
Assignment.Β Β This Agreement,
including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto, constitutes the entire agreement
among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties, or
any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof, except that the
Confidentiality Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Neither this
Agreement nor any of any partyβs rights or obligations hereunder shall be
assigned by operation of law or otherwise.
Β
83
Β
Section
9.7Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Parties in
Interest.Β Β This Agreement
shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and
nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer
upon any other person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever
under or by reason of this Agreement, other than SectionsΒ 2.1 (from and
after the Effective Time), 6.4 and 6.9 (which are intended to be for the benefit
of the persons covered thereby and may be enforced by such persons) and except
for the rights of holders of Company Common Stock to enforce their rights to
receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with ArticleΒ II upon
consummation of the Merger in the event the Merger is
consummated.
Section
9.8Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Governing Law; Jurisdiction and
Venue.Β Β This Agreement
shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
Delaware applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that state.
All actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall
be heard and determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery or a federal district
court located in Delaware. Each of the Parent, Merger Sub and the Company hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally consents to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction
of the Delaware Court of Chancery or a federal district court located in
Delaware for any litigation arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby (and agrees not to commence any litigation
relating thereto except in such court), waives any objection to the laying of
venue of any such litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery or a federal
district court located in Delaware, agrees not to plead or claim that such
litigation brought therein has been brought in any inconvenient forum and
consent to service of process in such action being given in accordance with the
notice provisions hereof.
Section
9.9Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Waiver of Jury
Trial.Β Β EACH OF PARENT,
MERGER SUB AND THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT
PERMITTED BY LAW, ALL RIGHTS OF TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, OR
COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE MERGER OR ANY OF THE OTHER TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section
9.10Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Headings.Β Β The descriptive
headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference
only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement.
Section
9.11Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Interpretation.
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β When
a reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, Exhibits or
Schedules, such reference shall be to an Article or Section of or Exhibit or
Schedule to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated. Whenever the words
βinclude,β βincludesβ or βincludingβ are used in this Agreement, they shall be
deemed to be followed by the words βwithout limitation.β The words βhereby,β
βherein,β βhereofβ or βhereunder,β and similar terms are to be deemed to refer
to this Agreement as a whole and not to any specific section. The inclusion of
any information in the Companyβs Schedules or Parentβs Schedules to this
Agreement (shall not be deemed an admission or acknowledgment, solely by virtue
of the inclusion of such information therein, that such information is required
to be included therein or material to the Company or any Company Subsidiary or
to Parent or any Parent Subsidiary, as applicable. The disclosure of information
in the Companyβs Schedules or Parentβs Schedules to this Agreement as an
exception to, or for purposes of, a representation, warranty or covenant in this
Agreement shall be deemed adequately disclosed as an exception to, or for
purposes of, all other representations, warranties and covenants herein with
respect to which the relevance of that disclosure is reasonably apparent. The
specification of any dollar amount in the representations and warranties or
otherwise in this Agreement or in the Companyβs Schedules or Parentβs Schedules
to this Agreement is not intended to be, and shall not be deemed to be, an
admission or acknowledgment of the materiality of such amounts or items, nor
shall the same be used in any dispute or controversy between the parties to
determine whether any obligation, item or matter (whether or not described
herein or included in any schedule) is or is not material for purposes of this
Agreement.Β Β The Recitals to this Agreement are an integral part hereof
and are incorporated herein by reference as a substantive part of this
Agreement.
Β
84
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The
parties have participated jointly in negotiating and drafting this Agreement. In
the event that an ambiguity or a question of intent or interpretation arises,
this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties, and no
presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by
virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.
Β
Section
9.12Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Counterparts.Β Β This Agreement
may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto
in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an
original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
agreement.
Β
85
Β
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent,
Merger Sub and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the
date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized.
PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
GROUP,
|
|
INCORPORATED
|
|
Β | Β |
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
Name:Β Β
|
Β Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
Title:
|
Β Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and
|
Β |
Β President
|
Β | Β |
PTG INVESTMENTS,
INC.
|
|
Β | Β |
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
Name:
|
Β Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
Title:
|
Β President
|
Β | Β |
ARBINET
CORPORATION
|
|
Β | Β |
By:
|
/s/ Xxxxx X.
XβXxxxxxx
|
Β Xxxxx X.
XβXxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
|
Β Chief Executive Officer and
President
|
Β
Β
86
Β
Β
EXHIBIT A
Β
AMENDED
AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
Β OF
ARBINET
CORPORATION
Β
FIRST:
The name of the Corporation is Arbinet Corporation.
Β
SECOND:
The address of the Corporationβs registered office in the State of Delaware is
Corporation Trust Center, 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, xx xxx Xxxx xx Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx
of New Castle.Β Β The name of its registered agent at such address is
The Corporation Trust Company.
Β
THIRD:
The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the
Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations
may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
Β
FOURTH:
The aggregate number of shares of all classes which the corporation shall have
authority to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $0.01
per share.
Β
FIFTH: In
furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the laws of
the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt,
amend, alter or repeal the Corporationβs By-laws, without any action on the part
of the stockholders, except as may otherwise be provided by applicable law or
the bylaws of the Corporation.
Β
SIXTH:
Except to the extent that the General Corporation Law of Delaware prohibits the
elimination or limitation of liability of directors for breaches of fiduciary
duty, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the
Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary
duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such
liability.Β Β No amendment to or repeal of this provision shall apply to
or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the
Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director
occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
Β
SEVENTH:
The Corporation shall provide indemnification as follows:
Β
1.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Actions, Suits and
Proceedings Other than by or in the Right of the
Corporation.Β Β The Corporation shall indemnify each person who
was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by
reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, a director
or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at
the request of the Corporation, as a director, officer, partner, employee or
trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including any employee benefit plan)
(all such persons being referred to hereafter as an βIndemniteeβ), or by reason
of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against
all expenses (including attorneysβ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if
Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably
believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation,
and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause
to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.Β Β The termination of any
action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a
plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a
presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which
Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests
of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had
reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Β
2.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Actions or Suits by or in
the Right of the Corporation.Β Β The Corporation shall indemnify
any Indemnitee who was or is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that
Indemnitee is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer of the
Corporation, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at the request of the
Corporation, as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a
similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise (including any employee benefit plan), or by reason of any
action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all
expenses (including attorneysβ fees) and, to the extent permitted by law,
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of
Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal
therefrom, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the
Corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made under this Section 2
in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been
adjudged to be liable to the Corporation, unless, and only to the extent, that
the Court of Chancery of Delaware shall determine upon application that, despite
the adjudication of such liability but in view of all the circumstances of the
case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such
expenses (including attorneysβ fees) which the Court of Chancery of Delaware
shall deem proper.
Β
3.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Indemnification for Expenses
of Successful Party.Β Β Notwithstanding any other provisions of
this Article, to the extent that an Indemnitee has been successful, on the
merits or otherwise, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in
Sections 1 and 2 of this Article SEVENTH, or in defense of any claim, issue or
matter therein, or on appeal from any such action, suit or proceeding,
Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all expenses (including attorneysβ fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection
therewith.Β Β Without limiting the foregoing, if any action, suit or
proceeding is disposed of, on the merits or otherwise (including a disposition
without prejudice), without (i) the disposition being adverse to Indemnitee,
(ii) an adjudication that Indemnitee was liable to the Corporation, (iii) a plea
of guilty or nolo contendere by Indemnitee, (iv) an adjudication that Indemnitee
did not act in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and (v) with respect to any
criminal proceeding, an adjudication that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful, Indemnitee shall be considered for the
purposes hereof to have been wholly successful with respect
thereto.
Β
Β
-2-
Β
4.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notification and Defense of
Claim.Β Β As a condition precedent to an Indemniteeβs right to be
indemnified, such Indemnitee must notify the Corporation in writing as soon as
practicable of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation involving such
Indemnitee for which indemnity will or could be sought.Β Β With respect
to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation of which the Corporation is so
notified, the Corporation will be entitled to participate therein at its own
expense and/or to assume the defense thereof at its own expense, with legal
counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee.Β Β After notice from the
Corporation to Indemnitee of its election so to assume such defense, the
Corporation shall not be liable to Indemnitee for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit,
proceeding or investigation, other than as provided below in this Section
4.Β Β Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his or her own counsel
in connection with such action, suit, proceeding or investigation, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Corporation of its
assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee unless
(i) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been authorized by the
Corporation, (ii) counsel to Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that
there may be a conflict of interest or position on any significant issue between
the Corporation and Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such action,
suit, proceeding or investigation or (iii) the Corporation shall not in fact
have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action, suit, proceeding or
investigation, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel for
Indemnitee shall be at the expense of the Corporation, except as otherwise
expressly provided by this Article.Β Β The Corporation shall not be
entitled, without the consent of Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any claim
brought by or in the right of the Corporation or as to which counsel for
Indemnitee shall have reasonably made the conclusion provided for in clause (ii)
above.Β Β The Corporation shall not be required to indemnify Indemnitee
under this Article SEVENTH for any amounts paid in settlement of any action,
suit, proceeding or investigation effected without its written
consent.Β Β The Corporation shall not settle any action, suit,
proceeding or investigation in any manner which would impose any penalty or
limitation on Indemnitee without Indemniteeβs written
consent.Β Β Neither the Corporation nor Indemnitee will unreasonably
withhold or delay its consent to any proposed settlement.
Β
5.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Advance of
Expenses.Β Β Subject to the provisions of Section 6 of this
Article SEVENTH, in the event that the Corporation does not assume the defense
pursuant to Section 4 of this Article SEVENTH of any action, suit, proceeding or
investigation of which the Corporation receives notice under this Article, any
expenses (including attorneysβ fees) incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in
defending an action, suit, proceeding or investigation or any appeal therefrom
shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such
matter; provided, however, that the payment of such expenses incurred by or on
behalf of Indemnitee in advance of the final disposition of such matter shall be
made only upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay
all amounts so advanced in the event that it shall ultimately be determined that
Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in
this Article; and further provided that no such advancement of expenses shall be
made under this Article SEVENTH if it is determined (in the manner described in
Section 6) that (i) Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the
Corporation, or (ii) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was
unlawful.Β Β Such undertaking shall be accepted without reference to the
financial ability of Indemnitee to make such repayment.
Β
Β
-3-
Β
6.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Procedure for
Indemnification.Β Β In order to obtain indemnification or
advancement of expenses pursuant to Section 1, 2, 3 or 5 of this Article
SEVENTH, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Corporation a written
request.Β Β Any such advancement of expenses shall be made promptly, and
in any event within 30 days after receipt by the Corporation of the written
request of Indemnitee, unless the Corporation determines within such 30-day
period that Indemnitee did not meet the applicable standard of conduct set forth
in Section 1, 2 or 5 of this Article SEVENTH, as the case may be.Β Β Any
such indemnification, unless ordered by a court, shall be made with respect to
requests under Section 1 or 2 only as authorized in the specific case upon a
determination by the Corporation that the indemnification of Indemnitee is
proper because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth
in Section 1 or 2, as the case may be.Β Β Such determination shall be
made in each instance (a) by a majority vote of the directors of the Corporation
consisting of persons who are not at that time parties to the action, suit or
proceeding in question (βdisinterested directorsβ), whether or not a quorum, (b)
by a committee of disinterested directors designated by majority vote of
disinterested directors, whether or not a quorum, (c) if there are no
disinterested directors, or if the disinterested directors so direct, by
independent legal counsel (who may, to the extent permitted by law, be regular
legal counsel to the Corporation) in a written opinion, or (d) by the
stockholders of the Corporation.
Β
7.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Remedies.Β Β The
right to indemnification or advancement of expenses as granted by this Article
shall be enforceable by Indemnitee in any court of competent
jurisdiction.Β Β Neither the failure of the Corporation to have made a
determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification is
proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard
of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Corporation pursuant to Section 6
of this Article SEVENTH that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of
conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that
Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of
conduct.Β Β Indemniteeβs expenses (including attorneysβ fees) reasonably
incurred in connection with successfully establishing Indemniteeβs right to
indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such proceeding shall also be
indemnified by the Corporation.
Β
Β
-4-
Β
8.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Limitations.Β Β Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Article, except as set forth in Section 7 of
this Article SEVENTH, the Corporation shall not indemnify an Indemnitee pursuant
to this Article SEVENTH in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof)
initiated by such Indemnitee unless the initiation thereof was approved by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation.Β Β Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this Article, the Corporation shall not indemnify an Indemnitee
to the extent such Indemnitee is reimbursed from the proceeds of insurance, and
in the event the Corporation makes any indemnification payments to an Indemnitee
and such Indemnitee is subsequently reimbursed from the proceeds of insurance,
such Indemnitee shall promptly refund indemnification payments to the
Corporation to the extent of such insurance reimbursement; provided, however,
that nothing contained in this Section 8 shall be construed to require any
Indemnitee to seek reimbursement under any insurance policy.
Β
9.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Subsequent
Amendment.Β Β No amendment, termination or repeal of this Article
or of the relevant provisions of the General Corporation Law of Delaware or any
other applicable laws shall affect or diminish in any way the rights of any
Indemnitee to indemnification under the provisions hereof with respect to any
action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or relating to any
actions, transactions or facts occurring prior to the final adoption of such
amendment, termination or repeal.
Β
10.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Other
Rights.Β Β The indemnification and advancement of expenses
provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to
which an Indemnitee seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be
entitled under any law (common or statutory), agreement or vote of stockholders
or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in Indemniteeβs
official capacity and as to action in any other capacity while holding office
for the Corporation, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be
a director or officer, and shall inure to the benefit of the estate, heirs,
executors and administrators of Indemnitee.Β Β Nothing contained in this
Article shall be deemed to prohibit, and the Corporation is specifically
authorized to enter into, agreements with officers and directors providing
indemnification rights and procedures different from those set forth in this
Article.Β Β In addition, the Corporation may, to the extent authorized
from time to time by its Board of Directors, grant indemnification rights to
other employees or agents of the Corporation or other persons serving the
Corporation and such rights may be equivalent to, or greater or less than, those
set forth in this Article.
Β
Β
-5-
Β
11.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Partial
Indemnification.Β Β If an Indemnitee is entitled under any
provision of this Article to indemnification by the Corporation for some or a
portion of the expenses (including attorneysβ fees), judgments, fines or amounts
paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of
Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit, proceeding or investigation and
any appeal therefrom but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the
Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of such
expenses (including attorneysβ fees), judgments, fines or amounts paid in
settlement to which Indemnitee is entitled.
Β
12.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Insurance.Β Β The
Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect
itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
(including any employee benefit plan) against any expense, liability or loss
incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person
against such expense, liability or loss under the General Corporation Law of
Delaware.
Β
13.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Savings
Clause.Β Β If this Article or any portion hereof shall be
invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the
Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each Indemnitee as to any expenses
(including attorneysβ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in
connection with any action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil,
criminal or administrative, including an action by or in the right of the
Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this
Article that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law.
Β
14.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Definitions.Β Β Terms
used herein and defined in Section 145(h) and Section 145(i) of the General
Corporation Law of Delaware shall have the respective meanings assigned to such
terms in such Section 145(h) and Section 145(i).
Β
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being an authorized officer of the
Corporation, does hereby execute this Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation this ______ day of ______________, 20___.
Β
Β
Β |
ARBINET
CORPORATION
|
||
Β | Β | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β | Β |
Β |
By:
|
Β | Β |
Β |
Name:
|
Β | |
Β |
Title:
|
Β |
Β
Β
-6-
Β
Β
EXHIBIT B
Β
ARBINET
CORPORATION
Β
BYLAWS
Β
ARTICLE
I.
OFFICES
Β
SECTION 1. Registered
Office.Β Β The registered office of Arbinet Corporation (the
βCompanyβ) in the State of Delaware is located at 000 X. XxXxxx Xxxxxxx xx xxx
Xxxx xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx of Kent.
Β
SECTION 2. Principal
Office.Β Β The principal office of the Company will be in McLean,
Virginia, or at such other place as the board of directors may from time to time
determine.
Β
SECTION 3. Other Offices.Β Β The
Company may also have offices at such other places as the board of directors may
from time to time determine or the business of the Company may
require.
Β
ARTICLE
II.
MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
Β
SECTION 1. Place of
Meetings.Β Β All meetings of stockholders will be held at the
principal office of the Company, or at such other place as will be determined by
the board of directors and specified in the notice of the meeting.
Β
SECTION 2. Annual Meeting.Β Β The
annual meeting of stockholders will be held at such date and time as will be
designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice
of the meeting, at which meeting the stockholders entitled to vote thereat will
elect by written ballot a board of directors and transact such other business as
may properly be brought before the meeting of stockholders.
Β
SECTION 3. Notice of Annual
Meeting.Β Β Written or printed notice of the annual meeting
stating the place, day, and hour thereof, will be served upon or mailed to each
stockholder entitled to vote thereat at such address as appears on the books of
the Company, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the
date of the meeting.
Β
SECTION 4. Special
Meeting.Β Β Special meetings of stockholders will be called by
the president or the board of directors, and will be called by the president or
secretary at the request in writing of the stockholders owning one-third of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company.Β Β Such request will
state the purpose(s) of the proposed meeting, and any purpose so stated will be
conclusively deemed to be a "proper" purpose.
Β
SECTION 5. Notice of Special
Meeting.Β Β Written or printed notice of a special meeting
stating the place, day, hour and purpose(s) thereof, will be served upon or
mailed to each stockholder entitled to vote thereat at such address as appears
on the books of the Company, not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60)
days before the date of the meeting.
Β
SECTION 6. Business at Special
Meeting.Β Β Business transacted at all special meetings of
stockholders will be confined to the purpose or purposes stated in the
notice.
Β
SECTION 7. Stockholder
List.Β Β At least ten (10) days before each meeting of
stockholders, a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at each such
meeting or in any adjournment thereof, arranged in alphabetical order, with the
address of and the number of shares held by each, will be prepared by the
secretary.Β Β Such list will be open to the examination of any
stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business
hours for such ten (10) day period either at a place within the city where the
meeting is to be held, or, if not so specified, the place where the meeting is
to be held.Β Β Such list will also be produced and kept open at the time
and place of the meeting.
Β
SECTION 8. Quorum.Β Β The holders
of a majority of the shares of capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled
to vote thereat, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum at
all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business.Β Β The
stockholders present may adjourn the meeting despite the absence of a
quorum.Β Β When a meeting is adjourned for less than thirty (30) days in
any one adjournment, it will not be necessary to give any notice of the
adjourned meeting if the time and place to which the meeting is adjourned are
announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, and at the adjourned
meeting any business may be transacted which might have been transacted on the
original date of the meeting.Β Β When a meeting is adjourned for thirty
(30) days or more, notices of the adjourned meeting will be given as in the case
of an original meeting.
Β
SECTION 9. Proxies.Β Β At any
meetings of the stockholders, every stockholder having the right to vote will be
entitled to vote in person or by proxy appointed by an instrument in writing
subscribed by such stockholder or by his duly authorized attorney-in-fact and
bearing a date not more than eleven (11) months prior to said
meeting.
Β
SECTION 10. Voting.Β Β Unless
otherwise provided by statute, each stockholder having the right to vote will be
entitled to vote each share of stock having voting power registered in his name
on the books of the Company.Β Β Cumulative voting for directors is
prohibited.
Β
SECTION 11. Consent of Stockholders in Lieu of
Meeting.Β Β Any action which may be taken at a special or annual
meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior
notice, and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so
taken, will be signed by all of the holders of outstanding stock having the
right to vote and representing not less than the minimum number of votes which
would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all
shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.Β Β Prompt notice
of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous
written consent will be given to those stockholders who have not consented in
writing.
Β
ARTICLE
III.
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Β
SECTION 1. Number of
directors.Β Β The number of directors comprising the full board
of directors will be one (1), but the number of directors may be increased or
decreased (provided such decrease does not shorten the term of any incumbent
director), from time to time by the amendment to these bylaws by the board of
directors.
Β
Β
2
Β
SECTION 2. Election and
Term.Β Β Except as provided in Section 3 of this Article,
directors will be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders, and each
director will be elected to serve until the next annual meeting or until his
successor will have been elected and will qualify.Β Β directors need not
be stockholders.
Β
SECTION 3. Vacancies and Newly Created
directorships.Β Β Vacancies and newly created directorships
resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled
by a majority of the directors then holding office, although less than a quorum,
except where the vacancies have been created by removal of directors by the
owners of a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock.Β Β In
the event of such removal, the resulting vacancies will be filled by the owners
of the majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock.
Β
SECTION 4. Resignation;
Removal.Β Β Any director may resign at any time by giving written
notice thereof to the board of directors.Β Β Any such resignation will
take effect as of its date unless some other date is specified therein, in which
event it will be effective as of that date.Β Β The acceptance of such
resignation will not be necessary to make it effective.Β Β The board of
directors may, by majority vote of the directors then in office, remove a
director for cause.Β Β The owners of a majority of the outstanding
shares of capital stock may remove any director or the entire board of
directors, with or without cause, either by a vote at a special meeting or
annual meeting, or by written consent.
Β
ARTICLE
IV.
MEETINGS
OF THE BOARD
Β
SECTION 1. Regular
Meetings.Β Β Upon the adjournment of the annual meeting of
stockholders, the board of directors will meet as soon as practicable to appoint
the members of such committees of the board of directors as the board may deem
necessary or advisable (if any), to elect officers for the ensuing year, and to
transact such other business as may properly come before the board of directors
at such meeting.Β Β No notice of such meeting will be necessary to the
newly elected directors in order legally to constitute the meeting provided a
quorum will be present.Β Β Regular meetings may be held at such other
times as shall be designated by the board of directors without notice to the
directors.
Β
SECTION 2. Special
Meetings.Β Β Special meetings of the board of directors will be
held whenever called by the chairman of the board, president, chairman of the
executive committee or by two or more directors.Β Β Notice of each
meeting will be given at least three (3) days prior to the date of the meeting
either personally, or by telephone, to each director, and will state the
purpose, place, day and hour of the meeting.
Β
SECTION 3. Quorum and
Voting.Β Β At all meetings of the board of directors (except in
the case of a meeting convened for the purpose specified in Article III, Section
3 of these bylaws) a majority of the directors will be necessary and sufficient
to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority
of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum will be the
act of the board of directors.Β Β If a quorum will not be present at any
such meeting of directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting
from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until
a quorum will be present.
Β
Β
3
Β
SECTION 4. Telephone
Meetings.Β Β At any meeting of the board of directors, a member
may attend by telephone, videoconference, or similar means of communication
which permits him to participate in the meeting, and a director so attending
will be deemed present at the meeting for all purposes including the
determination of whether a quorum is present.
Β
SECTION 5. Action by Written
Consent.Β Β Any action required or permitted to be taken by the
board of directors may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing,
setting forth the action so taken, is signed by all of the members of the
board.
Β
SECTION 6. Attendance
Fees.Β Β directors will not receive any stated salary, as such,
for their services, but by resolution of the board of directors a fixed sum and
expenses of attendance may be allowed for attendance at each regular or special
meeting of the board; however, this provision will not preclude any director
from serving the Company in any other capacity and receiving compensation
therefor.
Β
ARTICLE
V.
COMMITTEES
Β
SECTION 1. Executive
Committee.Β Β The board of directors, by resolution may designate
one or more directors to constitute an Executive Committee, which committee, to
the extent provided in such resolution, will have and may exercise all of the
powers and authority of the board of directors in the management of the business
and affairs of the Company, except where action of the board of directors is
required by statute.
Β
SECTION 2. Other
Committees.Β Β The board of directors may by resolution create
other committees for such terms and with such powers and duties as the board
shall deem appropriate.
Β
SECTION 3. Organization of
Committees.Β Β The chairman of each committee of the board of
directors will be chosen by the members thereof.Β Β Each committee will
elect a secretary, who will be either a member of the committee or the secretary
of the Company. The chairman of each committee will preside at all meetings of
such committee.
Β
SECTION 4. Meetings.Β Β Regular
meetings of each committee may be held without the giving of notice if a day of
the week, a time, and a place will have been established by the committee for
such meetings.Β Β Special meetings (and, if the requirements of the
preceding sentence have not been met, regular meetings) will be called as
provided in Article IV, Section 2 with respect to notices of special meetings of
the board of directors.
Β
SECTION 5. Quorum and Manner of
Acting.Β Β A majority of the members of each committee must be
present either in person or by telephone, videoconference, or similar means of
communication, at each meeting of such committee in order to constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.Β Β The act of a majority of the members
so present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be the act of such
committee.Β Β The members of each committee will act only as a
committee, and will have no power or authority, as such, by virtue of their
membership on the committee.
Β
Β
4
Β
SECTION 6. Action by Written
Consent.Β Β Any action required or permitted to be taken by any
committee may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth
the action so taken, is signed by a majority of the members of the
committee.
Β
SECTION 7. Record of Committee Action;
Reports.Β Β Each committee will maintain a record, which need not
be in the form of complete minutes, of the action taken by it at each meeting,
which record will include the date, time, and place of the meeting, the names of
the members present and absent, the action considered, and the number of votes
cast for and against the adoption of the action considered.Β Β All
action by each committee will be reported to the board of directors at its
meeting next succeeding such action, such report to be in sufficient detail as
to enable the board to be informed of the conduct of the Company's business and
affairs since the last meeting of the board.
Β
SECTION 8. Removal.Β Β Any member
of any committee may be removed from such committee, either with or without
cause, at any time, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole board of
directors at any meeting of the board.
Β
SECTION 9. Vacancies.Β Β Any
vacancy in any committee will be filled by the board of directors in the manner
prescribed by these bylaws for the original appointment of the members of such
committee.
Β
ARTICLE
VI.
OFFICERS
Β
SECTION 1. Appointment and Term of
Office.Β Β The officers of the Company will consist of a
president, a secretary, and a treasurer, and there may be one or more vice
presidents, one or more assistant secretaries, one or more assistant treasurers,
and such other officers as may be appointed by the board.Β Β One of the
directors may also be chosen chairman of the board.Β Β Each of such
officers (except as may be appointed pursuant to Section 5(g) of this Article),
will be chosen annually by the board of directors at its regular meeting
immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders and, subject to any
earlier resignation or removal, will hold office until the next annual meeting
of stockholders or until his successor is elected and qualified.Β Β Two
or more offices may be held by the same person.
Β
SECTION 2. Removal.Β Β Any
officer or agent elected or appointed by the board of directors may be removed
by the board of directors whenever in its judgment the best interests of the
Company will be served thereby, but such removal will be without prejudice to
the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.Β Β Election or
appointment of an officer or agent will not of itself create contract
rights.
Β
SECTION 3. Vacancies.Β Β A
vacancy in the office of any officer may be filled by vote of a majority of the
directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
Β
SECTION 4. Salaries.Β Β The
salaries of all officers of the Company will be fixed by the board of directors
except as otherwise directed by the board.
Β
Β
5
Β
SECTION 5. Powers and
Duties.Β Β The powers and duties of the officers will be those
usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject to the general direction
and supervision of the board of directors.Β Β Such powers and duties
will include the following:
Β
a.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Chairman of the
Board.Β Β The board of directors may select from among its
members a chairman of the board who shall preside when present at all meetings
of the stockholders and at all meetings of the board of directors and approve
the minutes of all proceedings thereat, and he shall be available to consult
with and advise the officers of the Company with respect to the conduct of the
business and affairs of the Company and shall have such other powers and duties
as designated in accordance with these Bylaws and as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the board of directors.
Β
b.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β President.Β Β The
president shall be the chief executive officer of the Company unless the board
of directors designates the chairman of the board as chief executive
officer.Β Β Subject to the control of the board of directors, the
president shall have general executive charge, management and control of the
affairs, properties and operations of the Company in the ordinary course of its
business, with all such duties, powers and authority with respect to such
affairs, properties and operations as may be reasonably incident to such
responsibilities; he may appoint or employ and discharge employees and agents of
the Company and fix their compensation; he may make, execute, acknowledge and
deliver any and all contracts, leases, deeds, conveyances, assignments, bills of
sale, transfers, releases and receipts, any and all mortgages, deeds of trust,
indentures, pledges, chattel mortgages, liens and hypothecations, and any and
all bonds, debentures, notes, other evidences of indebtedness and any and all
other obligations and encumbrances and any and all other instruments, documents
and papers of any kind or character for and on behalf of and in the name of the
Company, and, with the secretary or an assistant secretary, he may sign all
certificates for shares of the capital stock of the Company; he shall do and
perform such other duties and have such additional authority and powers as from
time to time may be assigned to or conferred upon him by the board of
directors.
Β
c.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Chief Operating
Officer.Β Β In the absence of the chairman of the board and the
president or in the event of their death, inability, or refusal to act, the
Company may designate a Chief Operating Officer to perform the duties of
chairman of the board, and when so acting, to have all the powers of and be
subject to all the restrictions upon the chairman of the board.Β Β The
Chief Operating Officer shall perform such other duties as from time to time may
be assigned to him by the president, by the chairman of the board, or by the
board of directors.
Β
d.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β The Vice
Presidents.Β Β Each vice president shall generally assist the
president and shall have such powers and perform such duties and services as
shall from time to time be prescribed or delegated to him by the president or
the board of directors.Β Β In the absence of the president or in the
event of his death, inability, or refusal to act, the vice president (or in the
event there is more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order
designated at the time of their election, or in the absence of any designation,
then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president,
and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the
restrictions upon the president.Β Β Any vice president may sign, with
the secretary or an assistant secretary, certificates for shares of the Company;
and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him
by the president, or by the board of directors.
Β
Β
6
Β
e.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Secretary.Β Β It shall
be the duty of the secretary to give notice to and attend all meetings of the
stockholders and board of directors and record correctly all votes, actions and
the minutes of all proceedings had at such meetings in a book suitable for that
purpose.Β Β It shall also be the duty of the secretary to attest, with
his signature, all stock certificates issued by the Company and to keep a stock
ledger in which shall be correctly recorded all transactions pertaining to the
capital stock of the Company.Β Β He shall also attest, with his
signature, all deeds, conveyances, or other instruments requiring the seal of
the Company.Β Β The person holding the office of secretary shall also
perform, under the direction and subject to the control of the president and the
board of directors, such other duties as may be assigned to him.Β Β The
duties of the secretary may also be performed by any assistant
secretary.Β Β In the absence of the appointment of a treasurer for the
Company, the secretary shall perform the duties of the treasurer.
Β
f.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Treasurer.Β Β The
treasurer shall be the chief accounting and financial officer of the Company and
shall have active control of and shall be responsible for all matters pertaining
to the accounts and finances of the Company.Β Β If required by the board
of directors, the treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his
duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the board of directors
may determine.Β Β He shall keep such monies and securities of the
Company as may be entrusted to his keeping and account for the
same.Β Β He shall be prepared at all times to give information as to the
condition of the Company and shall make a detailed annual report of the entire
business and financial condition of the Company.Β Β The person holding
the office of treasurer shall also perform, under the direction and subject to
the control of the president and the board of directors, such other duties as
may be assigned to him.Β Β The duties of the treasurer may also be
performed by any assistant treasurer.
Β
g.Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Other Officers.Β Β The
board of directors may appoint such other officers, agents, or employees as it
may deem necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company.Β Β In
addition, the board may authorize the president or some other officers to
appoint such agents or employees as they deem necessary for the conduct of the
business of the Company.
Β
SECTION 6. Resignations.Β Β Any
officer may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the board of
directors.Β Β Any such resignation will take effect as of its date
unless some other date is specified therein, in which event it will be effective
as of that date.Β Β The acceptance of such resignation will not be
necessary to make it effective.
Β
SECTION 7. Delegation of
Authority.Β Β In the case of any absence of any officer of the
Company, or for any other reason that the Board may deem sufficient, the
president or the board of directors may delegate some or all the powers or
duties of such officer to any other officer or to any director, employee,
stockholder, or agent for whatever period of time seems desirable.
Β
ARTICLE
VII.
SHARES
OF STOCK AND THEIR TRANSFER; BOOKS
Β
SECTION 1. Forms of
Certificates.Β Β Shares of the capital stock of the Company will
be represented by certificates in such form, not inconsistent with law or with
the certificate of incorporation
of the Company (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time,
the βCertificate of
Incorporationβ), as will be approved by the
board of directors, and will be signed by the chairman of the board or president
or a vice president and the secretary or an assistant secretary or the treasurer
or an assistant treasurer.Β Β Where any such certificate is
countersigned by a transfer agent or by a registrar, the signature of such
chairman of the board, president, vice president, secretary, assistant
secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer upon such certificate may be
facsimiles, engraved or printed.
Β
Β
7
Β
SECTION 2. Transfer of
Shares.Β Β Shares of stock of the Company will be transferred
only on the stock books of the Company by the holder of record thereof in
person, or by his duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of the certificate
therefor.
Β
SECTION 3. Stockholders of
Record.Β Β Stockholders of record entitled to vote at any meeting
of stockholders or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or to any
allotment of rights or to exercise the rights in respect of any change or
conversion or exchange of capital stock will be determined according to the
Company's record of stockholders and, if so determined by the board of directors
in the manner provided by statute, will be such stockholders of record (a) at
the date fixed for closing the stock transfer books, or (b) as of the date of
record.
Β
SECTION 4. Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed
Certificates.Β Β The board of directors may direct the issuance
of new or duplicate stock certificates in place of lost, stolen, or destroyed
certificates, upon being furnished with evidence satisfactory to it of the loss,
theft, or destruction and upon being furnished with indemnity satisfactory to
it.Β Β The board of directors may delegate to any officer authority to
administer the provisions of this Section.
Β
SECTION 5. Closing of Transfer
Books.Β Β The board of directors will have power to close the
stock transfer books of the Company for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days
nor less than ten days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders, or the
date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights,
or the date when change or conversion or exchange of capital stock will go into
effect, or for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10)
days in connection with obtaining the consent of stockholders having the right
to vote for any purpose; or the board may, in its discretion, fix a date, not
more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before any stockholders'
meeting, or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the
allotment of rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of
capital stock will go into effect as a record date for the determination of the
stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting and at any
adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any such dividend, or to
any such allotment of rights, or to exercise the rights in respect of such
change, conversion, or exchange of capital stock, or to give such consent, and
in such case such stockholders and only such stockholders as will be
stockholders of record on the date so fixed will be entitled to notice of and to
vote at such meeting and at any adjournment thereof, or to receive payment of
such dividend, or to exercise rights, or to give such consent as the case may
be, notwithstanding any transfer of any stock on the books of the Company after
such record date fixed as aforesaid.
Β
SECTION 6. Regulations.Β Β The
board of directors may make such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient
concerning the issuance, transfer, and registration of certificates of
stock.Β Β The board of directors may appoint one or more transfer agents
or registrars, or both, and may require all certificates of stock to bear the
signature of either or both.
Β
SECTION 7. Examination of Books by
Stockholders.Β Β The original or duplicate stock ledger of the
Company containing the names and addresses of the stockholders and the number of
shares held by them and the other books and records of the Company will, at all
times during the usual hours of business, be available for inspection at its
principal office, and any stockholder, upon compliance with the conditions set
forth in and to the extent authorized by Section 220 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, will have the right to inspect such books and
records.
Β
Β
8
Β
ARTICLE
VIII.
EXECUTION
OF INSTRUMENTS
Β
SECTION 1. Contracts, etc.Β Β The
board of directors or any committee thereunto duly authorized may authorize any
officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or to execute
and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Company any contract or other
instruments, except certificates representing shares of stock of the Company,
and such authority may be general or may be confined to specific
instances.
Β
SECTION 2. Checks, Drafts,
etc.Β Β All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of
money, notes, acceptances or other evidence of indebtedness issued by or in the
name of the Company will be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents
of the Company and in such manner as will be determined from time to time by
resolution of the board of directors.Β Β Unless otherwise provided by
resolution of the board, endorsements for deposits to the credit of the Company
in any of its duly authorized depositories may be made by a hand-stamped legend
in the name of the Company or by written endorsement of an officer with
countersignature.
Β
SECTION 3. Loans.Β Β No loans
will be contracted on behalf of the Company unless authorized by the board of
directors, but when so authorized, unless a particular officer or agent is
directed to negotiate the same, may be negotiated, up to the amount so
authorized, by the chairman of the board or the president or a vice-president or
the treasurer; and such officers are hereby severally authorized to execute and
deliver in the name and on behalf of the Company, notes or other evidences of
indebtedness countersigned by the chairman of the board or the president or a
vice-president for the amount of such loans and to give security for the payment
of any and all loans, advances, and indebtedness by hypothecating, pledging or
transferring any part or all of the property of the Company, real or personal,
at any time owned by the Company.
Β
SECTION 4. Sale or Transfer of Securities Held
by the Company.Β Β Stock certificates, bonds or other securities
at any time owned by the Company may be held on behalf of the Company or sold,
transferred, or otherwise disposed of pursuant to authorization by the board of
directors, or of any committee thereunto duly authorized, and, when so
authorized to be sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, may be transferred
from the name of the Company by the signature of the chairman of the board or
the president or a vice president.
Β
ARTICLE
IX.
MISCELLANEOUS
Β
SECTION 1. Fiscal Year.Β Β Until
otherwise determined by the board of directors, the fiscal year of the Company
will be the calendar year.
Β
SECTION 2. Methods of
Notice.Β Β Whenever any notice is required to be given in writing
to any stockholder or director pursuant to any statute, the Certificate of
Incorporation, or these bylaws, it will not be construed to require personal or
actual notice, and such notice will be deemed for all purposes to have been
sufficiently given at the time the same is deposited in the United States mail
with postage thereon prepaid, addressed to the stockholder or director at such
address as appears on the books of the Company.Β Β Whenever any notice
may be or is required to be given by telegram to any director, it will be deemed
for all purposes to have been sufficiently given at the time the same is filed
with the telegraph or cable office, properly addressed.
Β
Β
9
Β
SECTION 3. Waiver of
Notice.Β Β The giving of any notice of the time, place, or
purpose of holding any meeting of stockholders or directors and any requirement
as to publication thereof, whether statutory or otherwise, will be waived by the
attendance at such meeting by any person entitled to receive such notice and may
be waived by such person by an instrument in writing executed and filed with the
records of the meeting, either before or after the holding thereof.
Β
Β
Β | Β |
Β |
Secretary
|
Β
10
Β