<PAGE>
REGISTRATION NO. 33-64799
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 6, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
MARYLAND 4931 APPLIED FOR
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (IRS EMPLOYER ID NO.)
OF INCORPORATION OR CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 1475
LIBERTY AND LEXINGTON STREETS
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21203
(410) 234-5685
ATTENTION:
CHARLES W. SHIVERY
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
DAVID A. BRUNE, ESQ.
P.O. Box 1475
Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, Maryland 21203
(410) 234-5685
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
------------------------
COPY TO:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
STEPHEN R. RUSMISEL, ESQ. DOUGLAS W. HAWES, ESQ.
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
One Battery Park Plaza 125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10004 New York, New York 10019
(212) 858-1000 (212) 424-8000
</TABLE>
------------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF SECURITIES TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and
all other conditions to the merger (the "Merger") of Baltimore Gas and Electric
Company ("BGE") and Potomac Electric Power Company ("PEPCO") with and into the
Registrant pursuant to the Merger Agreement described in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contained herein have been satisfied or waived.
------------------------
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM S-4 - ITEM NO. AND CAPTION
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<C> <C> <S> <C>
A. Information about the Transaction
1. Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside Front
Cover Page of Prospectus........................... Outside Front Cover Page; Cross Reference Sheet;
Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus Cover Page
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus......................................... Available Information; Incorporation by
Reference; Table of Contents
3. Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
Other Information.................................. Summary of Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus;
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data
4. Terms of the Transaction............................ Summary of Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus; The
Merger; Regulatory Matters; The Merger
Agreement; The Stock Option Agreements;
Description of Company Capital Stock; Comparison
of Shareholder Rights; Exhibit A; Exhibit D1;
Exhibit D2
5. Pro Forma Financial Information..................... Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Information; Constellation Energy Corporation
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed
Financial Statements
6. Material Contacts with the Company Being Acquired... Summary of Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus; The
Merger; The Merger Agreement; The Stock Option
Agreements; Selected Information Concerning BGE
and PEPCO
7. Additional Information Required for Reoffering by
Persons and Parties Deemed to be Underwriters...... *
8. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.............. Legal Matters
9. Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification
for Securities Act Liabilities..................... *
B. Information about the Registrant
10. Information with Respect to S-3 Registrants......... *
11. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference... *
12. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Registrants........................................ *
13. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference... *
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM S-4 - ITEM NO. AND CAPTION
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14. Information with Respect to Registrants Other Than
S-3 or S-2 Registrants............................. Summary of Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus; The
Merger; Selected Historical and Pro Forma
Financial Data; Selected Information Concerning
BGE and PEPCO; The Company Following the Merger
<C> <C> <S> <C>
C. Information about the Company Being
Acquired
15. Information with Respect to S-3 Companies........... Incorporation by Reference
16. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3 Companies.... *
17. Information with Respect to Companies Other than S-3
and S-2 Companies.................................. *
D. Voting and Management Information
18. Information if Proxies, Consents or Authorizations
are to be Solicited................................ Incorporation by Reference; Summary of Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus; Meetings, Voting and
Proxies; The Merger; The Merger Agreement;
Selected Information Concerning BGE and PEPCO;
The Company Following the Merger, Exhibit C1;
Exhibit C2; Exhibit C3; Exhibit C4
19. Information if Proxies, Consents or Authorizations
are not to be Solicited, or in an Exchange Offer... *
</TABLE>
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* Not Applicable
<PAGE>
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[LOGO]
[LOGO]
[LOGO]
Date February , 1996
Dear Shareholder:
A special meeting of the shareholders of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
(BGE) will be held on March 29, 1996, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at BGE's corporate
headquarters, 39 W. Lexington Street in downtown Baltimore.
At this meeting you will be asked to approve an agreement and plan of merger
allowing BGE and Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) to merge and form a new
company, Constellation Energy Corporation. The merger plan is also being
submitted to a number of regulatory agencies for their approvals, which are
expected to be obtained later this year and in 1997.
BGE's Board of Directors believes this strategic business combination will
bring added value to both companies' shareholders. Both BGE and PEPCO are
well-respected, financially sound, low-cost utilities. Our combined service
territory, the Baltimore-Washington corridor, is the fourth largest metropolitan
area in the nation. We expect to achieve substantial savings over the next
decade by eliminating duplicate functions, centralizing our purchasing
processes, and reducing corporate expenses. The new company will have an
improved generation mix as well as a good balance of industrial, commercial,
government, and residential customers. These factors will enable the new company
to keep prices lower than either BGE and PEPCO could as a stand-alone company,
offering a key advantage in a competitive industry.
The enclosed Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus explains the terms of the
agreement and plan of merger. It also contains information on the new company's
common stock that will be issued in exchange for BGE's and PEPCO's common stock,
as well as information on other matters to be discussed at the meeting.
We've enclosed a proxy card listing the matters that require your vote.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY FORM PROMPTLY. This
will allow your shares to be voted whether or not you attend the meeting. If you
plan to attend the meeting, check the box on the proxy card. Please DO NOT SEND
IN YOUR STOCK CERTIFICATES with your proxy cards.
[LOGO]
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
[LETTERHEAD]
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a special Meeting of Shareholders of
Potomac Electric Power Company ("PEPCO") which will be held on March 29, 1996 at
the Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. The
meeting will start at 10:00 a.m., local time.
At this important meeting, the holders of PEPCO common and preferred stock
will be asked to approve a merger agreement whereby Baltimore Gas and Electric
Company and PEPCO will merge with and into Constellation Energy Corporation, a
newly formed Maryland and Virginia corporation (the "Company"). Upon the
completion of the merger, you will receive 0.997 of a share of Company common
stock for each share of PEPCO common stock you own and one share of Company
Class B Preferred Stock for each share of PEPCO preferred stock you own.
Provisions will be made for common shareholders to obtain round lots if they so
desire. The accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus discusses the proposed
merger in detail. Shareholders are urged to read the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
The Board of Directors believes that this strategic business combination
will benefit the shareholders because (i) it will create a larger, stronger
company well positioned to grow, prosper and take advantage of future strategic
opportunities in an increasingly competitive environment, (ii) it will create
added shareholder value through increased efficiency and reduced or avoided
costs, resulting in a financially stronger company and (iii) the Company will
have a more diverse and growing base of industrial, commercial, governmental and
residential customers.
Approval of the Merger Agreement by shareholders of PEPCO and BGE entitled
to vote thereon is a condition to the consummation of the Merger. If the Merger
Agreement is approved by the shareholders of PEPCO and BGE, the Merger will be
consummated only after certain regulatory approvals are received and other
conditions are satisfied or waived. It is anticipated that this will occur in
early 1997.
For the Merger to be approved, the Merger Agreement must be approved by (i)
the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of PEPCO common stock voting
as a single class and (ii) the holders of a majority of the PEPCO preferred
stock voting as a single class. Your vote is important no matter how many shares
you hold.
Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to mark, sign and date
the enclosed proxy and return it promptly. You have the option to revoke it at
any time, or to vote your shares personally on request if you attend the
meeting.
Sincerely,
[SIGNATURE]
EDWARD F. MITCHELL
CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
, 1996
<PAGE>
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[LOGO]
[LOGO]
[LOGO]
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
February , 1996
To the Holders of Common Stock,
Preferred Stock and Preference
Stock of Baltimore Gas and Electric
Company ("BGE"):
A Special Meeting of the Shareholders of BGE (the "Meeting") will be held at
the Gas and Electric Building at Charles Center, second floor, Lexington and
Liberty Streets, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 on March 29, 1996 at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, for the purpose of acting on the following matters:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") among BGE, Potomac Electric Power
Company, a Virginia and District of Columbia corporation ("PEPCO") and
Constellation Energy Corporation (formerly named "RH Acquisition Corp."), a
Maryland and Virginia corporation (the "Company"), which provides for the
merger (the "Merger") of BGE and PEPCO with and into the Company described
in the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and whereby the shares
of BGE Common Stock and PEPCO Common Stock will be converted into the right
to receive shares of the Company's Common Stock, shares of BGE Preferred
Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock will be converted into the right to receive
shares of the Company's Preferred Stock, and shares of BGE Preference Stock
will be converted into the right to receive shares of the Company's
Preference Stock. Certain series of BGE Preference Stock that are not listed
on a national securities exchange are entitled to dissenters' rights
(receipt of cash equal to the "fair value" of their shares) under Maryland
law if certain procedures are followed as described in the accompanying
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Company
Long-Term Incentive Plan.
3. To transact such other business incident to the conduct of the
Meeting as may properly be brought before such Meeting.
The holders of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference
Stock at the close of business on February 12, 1996 will be entitled to vote on
Item 1 above. The holders of BGE Common Stock at the close of business on
February 12, 1996 also will be entitled to vote on Items 2 and 3 above. Please
sign, date and return the accompanying proxy in the enclosed addressed
postage-paid envelope.
By order of the Board of Directors
Charles W. Shivery
SECRETARY
<PAGE>
[PEPCO LOGO]
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
1900 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20068
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF COMMON AND PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS
, 1996
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting (the "Meeting") of the Common
and Preferred Shareholders of Potomac Electric Power Company ("PEPCO") will be
held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on March 29, 1996 at the Four Seasons Hotel,
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve an Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") by and among PEPCO, Baltimore Gas
and Electric Company, a Maryland corporation ("BGE") and Constellation
Energy Corporation, a Maryland and Virginia corporation (the "Company"),
which provides for the merger (the "Merger") of PEPCO and BGE with and into
the Company, as described in the accompanying Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, and whereby the shares of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE
Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive shares of the
Company's Common Stock, shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock and BGE Preferred
Stock will be converted into the right to receive shares of the Company's
Preferred Stock, and shares of BGE Preference Stock will be converted into
the right to receive shares of the Company's Preference Stock.
2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Company
Long-Term Incentive Plan.
The holders of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock at the close of
business on February 8, 1996 will be entitled to vote on Item 1 above. The
holders of PEPCO Common Stock will also be entitled to vote on Item 2 above. The
holders of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock have dissenters' rights
under District of Columbia law, and the holders of all series of PEPCO Preferred
Stock (except for the $3.37 Series of 1987, the $3.89 Series of 1991 and the
$2.44 Convertible Series of 1966) have dissenters' rights under Virginia law.
By order of the Board of Directors,
WILLIAM T. TORGERSON
SECRETARY
------------------------
IMPORTANT
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON.
EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO BE PRESENT, YOU ARE URGED TO SIGN, DATE AND MAIL THE
ENCLOSED PROXY PROMPTLY.
IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE EITHER IN PERSON OR BY YOUR PROXY.
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 6, 1996
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
OF
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
AND
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
------------------
PROSPECTUS
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
284,127,415 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE,
591,849 SHARES OF CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK, $100 PAR VALUE,
5,376,465 SHARES OF CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK, $50 PAR VALUE, AND
5,520,000 SHARES OF PREFERENCE STOCK, $100 PAR VALUE
------------------------
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF BALTIMORE GAS AND
ELECTRIC COMPANY TO BE HELD ON MARCH 29, 1996
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF POTOMAC ELECTRIC
POWER COMPANY TO BE HELD ON MARCH 29, 1996
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is first being mailed to the
shareholders of BGE and PEPCO on or about February , 1996.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates to the proposed merger and
certain related transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of September 22, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Baltimore
Gas and Electric Company, a Maryland corporation ("BGE"), Potomac Electric Power
Company, a District of Columbia and Virginia corporation ("PEPCO"), and
Constellation Energy Corporation (formerly named "RH Acquisition Corp."), a
Maryland and Virginia corporation (the "Company").
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of BGE and PEPCO with and into
the Company (the "Merger"), pursuant to which (i) each outstanding share of
Common Stock, no par value, of BGE (the "BGE Common Stock") will be converted
into the right to receive one share of Common Stock, no par value, of the
Company (the "Company Common Stock"); (ii) each outstanding share of Common
Stock, $1 par value, of PEPCO (the "PEPCO Common Stock") will be converted into
the right to receive 0.997 of a share of Company Common Stock; (iii) each
outstanding share of each series of BGE Preferred Stock, $100 par value (the
"BGE Preferred Stock"), will be converted into the right to receive one share of
the corresponding series of preferred stock, $100 par value, of the Company (the
"Company Class A Preferred Stock"), with equal stated value and dividends and
like redemption provisions and other terms and conditions; (iv) each outstanding
share of each series of BGE Preference Stock, $100 par value (the "BGE
Preference Stock"), will be converted into the right to receive one share of the
corresponding series of preference stock, $100 par value, of the Company (the
"Company Preference Stock"), with equal stated value and dividends and like
redemption and other terms and conditions; and (v) each outstanding share of
PEPCO Preferred Stock, $50 par value (the "PEPCO Preferred Stock"), will be
converted into the right to receive one share of the corresponding series of
preferred stock, $50 par value, of the Company (the "Company Class B Preferred
Stock" and, together with the Company Class A Preferred Stock, the "Company
Preferred Stock"), with equal stated value and dividends and like redemption
provisions and other terms and conditions, except as otherwise described herein
regarding current restrictions on PEPCO's issuance of unsecured debt.
The date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is February , 1996.
<PAGE>
(See "Comparison of Shareholder Rights -- Comparison of BGE, PEPCO and Company
Articles and By-laws.") Cash will be issued in lieu of fractional shares. A copy
of the Merger Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
THE HOLDERS OF BGE PREFERENCE STOCK, OF SERIES NOT LISTED ON A NATIONAL
SECURITIES EXCHANGE (7.80% 1989 SERIES, 8.25% 1989 SERIES, 8.625% 1990 SERIES,
7.85% 1991 SERIES, 7.125% 1993 SERIES, 6.97% 1993 SERIES, 6.70% 1993 SERIES AND
6.99% 1995 SERIES), ARE ENTITLED TO DISSENT FROM THE TRANSACTION. THE PROCEDURES
TO BE FOLLOWED TO EXERCISE DISSENTERS' RIGHTS ARE FULLY EXPLAINED AT PAGES 54
AND 55 OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS.
THE HOLDERS OF PEPCO COMMON STOCK AND PEPCO PREFERRED STOCK ARE ENTITLED TO
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS UNDER DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA LAW, AND THE HOLDERS OF ALL SERIES
OF PEPCO PREFERRED STOCK (EXCEPT FOR THE $3.37 SERIES OF 1987, THE $3.89 SERIES
OF 1991 AND THE $2.44 CONVERTIBLE SERIES OF 1966) ARE ENTITLED TO DISSENTERS'
RIGHTS UNDER VIRGINIA LAW. THE PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED TO EXERCISE DISSENTERS'
RIGHTS ARE MORE FULLY EXPLAINED AT PAGES 55 THROUGH 57 OF THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS.
Based upon the capitalization of BGE and PEPCO on January 17, 1996, (i)
holders of BGE Common Stock would have held approximately 55.5% of the aggregate
number of shares of Company Common Stock that would have been outstanding if the
Merger had been consummated as of such date and (ii) holders of PEPCO Common
Stock would have held approximately 44.5% of the aggregate number of shares of
Company Common Stock that would have been outstanding if the Merger had been
consummated as of such date.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes a prospectus of the
Company filed as part of the Registration Statement (as defined below) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to (i)
up to 284,127,415 shares of Company Common Stock, 5,968,314 shares of Company
Preferred Stock and 5,520,000 shares of Company Preference Stock to be issued
pursuant to or as contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (ii) up to 39,770
shares of Company Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the shares of
Company Class B Preferred Stock, $2.44 Convertible Series of 1966.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the holders of
BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of BGE (the "BGE
Board") for use at the special meeting (the "BGE Meeting") to be held at 10
a.m., local time, on March 29, 1996, at the Gas and Electric Building at Charles
Center, second floor, Lexington and Liberty Streets, Baltimore, Maryland 21201,
and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. The BGE Meeting is being held to
consider and vote upon (i) a proposal to approve the Merger among BGE, PEPCO and
the Company and (ii) a proposal to approve the Constellation Energy Corporation
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Company LTIP," a copy of which is attached hereto
as Exhibit H). Only the holders of BGE Common Stock shall be entitled to vote on
the Company LTIP at the BGE Meeting.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to the holders
of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of PEPCO (the "PEPCO Board")
for use at the special meeting of the holders of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO
Preferred Stock (the "PEPCO Meeting") to be held at , a.m., local time, on
March 29, 1996, at the Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C., and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. The PEPCO
Meeting is being held to consider and vote upon a (i) proposal to approve the
Merger Agreement among BGE, PEPCO and the Company
ii
<PAGE>
and (ii) a proposal to approve the Company LTIP. Only the holders of PEPCO
Common Stock shall be entitled to vote on the Company LTIP at the PEPCO Meeting.
All information herein with respect to BGE has been furnished by BGE. All
information herein with respect to PEPCO has been furnished by PEPCO. All
information herein with respect to the Company has been furnished by the
Company.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and, if given or made, such information or
representation should not be relied upon as having been authorized. This Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a
solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities offered by this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction, to or
from any person to whom or from whom it is unlawful to make such offer,
solicitation of an offer or proxy solicitation in such jurisdiction. Neither the
delivery of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus nor any distribution of
securities pursuant to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall, under any
circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the
affairs of BGE or PEPCO or in the information set forth herein since the date of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not cover any resale of the
securities to be received by the shareholders of BGE and PEPCO upon consummation
of the Merger, and no person is authorized to make any use of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus in connection with such resale.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Each of BGE and PEPCO is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and
accordingly files reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.
Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed with the SEC are
available for inspection and copying at the public reference facilities
maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the SEC's Regional Offices located at Citicorp
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois, 60661-2511 and
at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such
documents may also be obtained from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. In addition, any such material and other information concerning BGE and
PEPCO can also be inspected at the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Such material and additional information
concerning BGE can be inspected at the Chicago Stock Exchange, 440 South
LaSalle, Chicago, Illinois 60605 and the Pacific Stock Exchange, 301 Pine
Street, San Francisco, California 94104, on which exchanges the BGE Common Stock
is listed, and at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, 1900 Market Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, on which exchange certain series of BGE
Preferred and BGE Preference Stock are listed.
The Company has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (together with
all amendments, schedules and exhibits thereto, the "Registration Statement")
with the SEC under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of Company
Common Stock, Company Preferred Stock and Company Preference Stock issuable in
the Merger. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are
omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
Registration Statement is available for inspection and copying as set forth
above. Statements contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus or in any
document incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as
to the contents of any contract or other document referred to herein or therein
are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made to the
copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or such other document, each such statement being qualified in all
respects by such reference.
iii
<PAGE>
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FROM, IN THE CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO BGE, CHARLES
W. SHIVERY, VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY, BALTIMORE GAS
AND ELECTRIC COMPANY, P.O. BOX 1475, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21203, TELEPHONE NUMBER
(410) 783-5920 AND, IN THE CASE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO PEPCO, ELLEN SHERIFF
ROGERS, ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL, ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT TREASURER,
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, 1900 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W., WASHINGTON, D.C.
20068, TELEPHONE NUMBER (202) 872-2900. TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY, SUCH REQUESTS
SHOULD BE MADE BY MARCH 8, 1996.
BGE and PEPCO hereby undertake to provide without charge to each person,
including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus has been delivered, upon the written or oral request of
such person, a copy (without exhibits, except those specifically incorporated by
reference) of any and all of the documents referred to below which have been or
may be incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Requests for such documents should be directed to the persons indicated above.
The following documents, previously filed with the SEC pursuant to the
Exchange Act, are hereby incorporated by reference:
1. BGE Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994
(File No. 1-1910).
2. BGE Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
June 30 and September 30, 1995 (File No. 1-1910).
3. BGE Amendments to Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q/A for the quarters
ended March 31 and June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-1910).
4. BGE Current Reports on Form 8-K filed September 27, 1995 and
February 6, 1996 (File No. 1-1910).
5. PEPCO Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994 (File No. 1-1072).
6. PEPCO Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
31, June 30 and September 30, 1995 (File No. 1-1072).
7. PEPCO Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 27, May 19,
September 26, 1995 and February 6, 1996 (File No. 1-1072).
The information relating to BGE and PEPCO contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus should be read together with the information in the
documents incorporated by reference herein.
All documents filed by BGE and PEPCO pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and prior to the date of the BGE
Meeting on March 29, 1996, and any adjournment thereof, or the PEPCO Meeting on
March 29, 1996, and any adjournment thereof, shall be deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is, or is deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
iv
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CURRENT EVENTS
Both BGE and PEPCO have filed Current Reports on Form 8-K which contain
their respective audited consolidated financial statements together with the
notes to the financial statements and the Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31,
1995. Both Current Reports on Form 8-K are hereby incorporated by reference. As
reflected in BGE's Current Report on Form 8-K, its 1995 earnings applicable to
common stock were $297.429 million, up 4.8% over 1994 ($283.695 million). As
reflected in PEPCO's Current Report on Form 8-K and as previously reported in
PEPCO's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the second and third quarters of
1995, which are also incorporated herein by reference, PEPCO took a $110 million
non-cash after-tax charge against second-quarter earnings related to its plan to
end its subsidiary's investment in the aircraft equipment leasing business. This
charge, and subsequent accounting treatment of subsidiary operations, resulted
in PEPCO's earnings for 1995 dropping 58% over 1994 ($94.4 million in 1995,
compared to $227.16 million in 1994.)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION..................................................... iii
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE................................................ iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................... vi
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS.................................................... ix
SUMMARY OF JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS............................... 1
The Parties............................................................. 1
The Meetings............................................................ 2
Required Vote........................................................... 2
The Merger.............................................................. 3
Exchange of Stock Certificates; Treatment of Fractional Shares.......... 4
Dissenters' Rights...................................................... 4
Company LTIP............................................................ 4
Stock Option Agreements................................................. 5
Background.............................................................. 6
Reasons for the Merger.................................................. 6
Recommendations of the Boards of Directors.............................. 7
Opinions of Financial Advisors.......................................... 7
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.............................. 7
Directorships......................................................... 7
Employment Agreements for Management of the Company................... 8
BGE Severance Agreements and Employee Plans........................... 8
PEPCO Severance Agreements and Employee Plans......................... 8
PEPCO Employment Agreements........................................... 9
Indemnification....................................................... 9
Conditions to the Merger................................................ 10
Rights to Terminate, Amend or Waive Conditions.......................... 10
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger................... 10
Operations After the Merger............................................. 11
Regulatory Matters...................................................... 11
Accounting Treatment.................................................... 11
Company Articles........................................................ 11
Dividends............................................................... 12
BGE and PEPCO Dividends............................................... 12
Company Dividends..................................................... 12
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS........................................ 13
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA.......................... 14
Selected Historical Financial Data...................................... 15
Selected Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data............................. 18
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS................................... 20
MEETINGS, VOTING AND PROXIES.............................................. 21
BGE Meeting............................................................. 21
PEPCO Meeting........................................................... 22
THE MERGER................................................................ 25
Background of the Merger................................................ 25
Reasons for the Merger.................................................. 32
Recommendations of the BGE Board of Directors........................... 34
Recommendations of the PEPCO Board of Directors......................... 35
Opinions of Financial Advisors.......................................... 36
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger.............................. 47
Company Employment Agreements........................................... 48
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BGE Severance Agreements and Employee Plans............................. 49
PEPCO Severance Agreements and Employee Plans........................... 50
PEPCO Employment Agreements............................................. 51
Dividend Reinvestment Plans............................................. 53
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger................... 53
Accounting Treatment.................................................... 54
Stock Exchange Listing of Company Capital Stock......................... 54
Federal Securities Law Consequences..................................... 54
Dissenters' Rights...................................................... 55
Company Long-Term Incentive Plan........................................ 58
Actions with Respect to Existing Plans.................................. 58
REGULATORY MATTERS........................................................ 59
State Approvals and Related Matters..................................... 59
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.............................. 59
Federal Power Act....................................................... 59
Antitrust Considerations................................................ 60
Atomic Energy Act....................................................... 60
THE MERGER AGREEMENT...................................................... 61
The Merger.............................................................. 61
Representations and Warranties.......................................... 63
Certain Covenants....................................................... 64
No Solicitation of Transactions......................................... 66
Company Board of Directors.............................................. 66
Management of the Company............................................... 67
Corporate Offices....................................................... 67
Indemnification......................................................... 67
Conditions to the Merger................................................ 67
Termination; Termination Fees and Expenses.............................. 68
Expenses................................................................ 69
Amendment and Waiver.................................................... 69
THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS............................................... 69
General................................................................. 69
Repurchases........................................................... 70
Purchase with Option Holder's Shares; Call............................ 70
Voting................................................................ 71
Restrictions on Transfer.............................................. 71
DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK...................................... 71
Company Common Stock.................................................... 71
Company Preferred Stock................................................. 72
Company Preference Stock................................................ 75
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS.......................................... 76
Comparison of BGE, PEPCO and Company Articles and By-laws............... 77
Comparison of District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Law........... 81
APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.......................... 86
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.............. 91
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................... 102
SELECTED INFORMATION CONCERNING BGE AND PEPCO............................. 103
Business of BGE......................................................... 103
Business of PEPCO....................................................... 103
Prior Relationships Between BGE and PEPCO............................... 104
THE COMPANY FOLLOWING THE MERGER.......................................... 104
Management of the Company............................................... 104
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Current Directors and Executive Officers of the Company................. 105
Persons Who Will Become Directors and Executive Officers of The Company
After the Effective Time............................................... 105
Operations of the Company............................................... 106
EXPERTS................................................................... 107
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................. 108
</TABLE>
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Exhibit A Agreement and Plan of Merger
Exhibit B1 BGE Stock Option Agreement
Exhibit B2 PEPCO Stock Option Agreement
Exhibit C1 Employment Agreement of Edward F. Mitchell
Exhibit C2 Employment Agreement of Christian H. Poindexter
Exhibit C3 Employment Agreement of Edward A. Crooke
Exhibit C4 Employment Agreement of John M. Derrick, Jr.
Exhibit D1 Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Exhibit D2 Opinion of Barr Devlin & Co. Incorporated
Exhibit E Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of
Constellation Energy Corporation
Exhibit F Form of By-laws of Constellation Energy Corporation
Exhibit G1 Sections 3-202 to 3-213 of the Maryland General Corporation Law
Exhibit G2 Sections 13.1-729 to 13.1-741 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act
Exhibit G3 Section 29-373 of the District of Columbia Business Corporation Act
Exhibit H Constellation Energy Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan
</TABLE>
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INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
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Adjusted Forecast......................................................... 43
Aircraft Appraisals....................................................... 35
Announcement Date......................................................... 56
Antitrust Division........................................................ 59
Articles of Merger........................................................ 3
Atomic Energy Act......................................................... 11
Barr Devlin............................................................... 7
BGE....................................................................... i
BGE Articles.............................................................. 2
BGE Board................................................................. ii
BGE By-laws............................................................... 75
BGE Common Stock.......................................................... i
BGE Comparable Companies.................................................. 43
BGE Conversion Ratio...................................................... 3
BGE DRP................................................................... 22
BGE Executive Benefit Plan................................................ 48
BGE LTIP.................................................................. 4
BGE Material Adverse Effect............................................... 10
BGE Meeting............................................................... ii
BGE Option................................................................ 4
BGE Preference Stock...................................................... i
BGE Preferred Stock....................................................... i
BGE Pre-1995 LTIP......................................................... 57
BGE Record Date........................................................... 2
BGE Severance Agreements.................................................. 8
BGE Shareholders' Approval................................................ 2
BGE Shares................................................................ 2
Business Combination...................................................... 5
Calvert Cliffs ........................................................... 1
Capitalization Ratio...................................................... 70
Certificates.............................................................. 62
Change in Control......................................................... 87
Closing Date.............................................................. 3
Code...................................................................... 10
Committee................................................................. 85
Common Stock Dividend..................................................... 70
Company................................................................... i
Company Articles.......................................................... 11
Company Board............................................................. 4
Company By-laws........................................................... 75
Company Class A Preferred Stock........................................... i
Company Class B Preferred Stock........................................... i
Company Common Stock...................................................... i
Company Employment Agreements............................................. 8
Company LTIP.............................................................. ii
Company Preference Stock.................................................. i
Company Preferred Stock................................................... i
Company Restricted Stock.................................................. 86
Company Shares............................................................ 4
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Comparable Companies...................................................... 43
Comparable Transactions................................................... 42
Constituent Certificates.................................................. 4
Converted Shares.......................................................... 62
D.C. Commission........................................................... 11
DCBCA..................................................................... 3
DCF....................................................................... 43
Deloitte & Touche......................................................... 27
Director.................................................................. II-1
EBIT...................................................................... 42
EBITDA.................................................................... 42
Effective Time............................................................ 4
Engagement Letter......................................................... 39
Excess Shares............................................................. 62
Exchange Act.............................................................. iii
Exchange Agent............................................................ 4
Expiration Date........................................................... 70
Fair Market Value......................................................... 5
FERC...................................................................... 11
Fiscal 1995............................................................... 43
FTC....................................................................... 59
GAAP...................................................................... 36
Georgeson................................................................. 22
Goldman Sachs............................................................. 7
HGP....................................................................... 27
HPS....................................................................... 104
HSR Act................................................................... 11
HVAC...................................................................... 104
IBES...................................................................... 36
Indemnified Liabilities................................................... 9
ISOs...................................................................... 57
LeBoeuf, Lamb............................................................. 26
LTM Period................................................................ 44
Market/Offer Price........................................................ 5
Maryland Commission....................................................... 11
Merger.................................................................... i
Merger Agreement.......................................................... i
MES....................................................................... 104
MGCL...................................................................... 2
Notice.................................................................... 56
Notice Date............................................................... 5
1935 Act.................................................................. 25
1992 Act.................................................................. 25
Nonqualified Options...................................................... 86
NRC....................................................................... 1
NYSE...................................................................... iii
Offer Price............................................................... 5
Option Shares............................................................. 70
Options................................................................... 5
</TABLE>
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PCI....................................................................... 1
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Pennsylvania Commission................................................... 11
PEPCO..................................................................... i
PEPCO Articles............................................................ 3
PEPCO Board............................................................... ii
PEPCO By-laws............................................................. 75
PEPCO Common Stock........................................................ i
PEPCO Comparable Companies................................................ 43
PEPCO Conversion Ratio.................................................... 3
PEPCO Directors Stock Plan................................................ 58
PEPCO Director and Executive Deferred Compensation Plan................... 50
PEPCO DRP................................................................. 21
PEPCO Employment Agreements............................................... 9
PEPCO Executive Incentive Compensation Plan............................... 50
PEPCO Executive Performance Supplemental Retirement Plan.................. 50
PEPCO Executive Split Dollar Insurance Plan............................... 50
PEPCO General Retirement Plan............................................. 51
PEPCO LTIP................................................................ 4
PEPCO Material Adverse Effect............................................. 10
PEPCO Meeting............................................................. ii
PEPCO Option.............................................................. 5
PEPCO Preferred Stock..................................................... i
PEPCO Record Date......................................................... 2
PEPCO Restricted Stock.................................................... 58
PEPCO Savings Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees.......................... 63
PEPCO Savings Plan for Exempt Employees................................... 63
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PEPCO Savings Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit, Non-Exempt Employees.......... 63
PEPCO Severance Agreements................................................ 8
PEPCO Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan.............................. 52
PEPCO Shareholders' Approval.............................................. 3
PEPCO Stock Compensation Plan for the Board of Directors.................. 63
PEPCO Supplemental Benefit Plan........................................... 51
PEPCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.............................. 50
PJM....................................................................... 26
Power Act................................................................. 11
Proceeding................................................................ II-1
Projection Period......................................................... 43
Regional Comparable Companies............................................. 43
Registration Statement.................................................... iii
Rule 16b-3................................................................ 85
SARs...................................................................... 57
SEC....................................................................... ii
Securities Act............................................................ ii
Selected Transactions..................................................... 38
Selected Utility Companies................................................ 37
Stock Option Agreements................................................... 5
Synergies................................................................. 35
Takeover Proposal......................................................... 65
Target Party.............................................................. 5
Task Force................................................................ 64
Trigger Event............................................................. 69
Virginia Commission....................................................... 11
VSCA...................................................................... 3
WSPR...................................................................... 27
</TABLE>
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SUMMARY OF JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE
MERGER AND RELATED INFORMATION. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION
APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE EXHIBITS AND
THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THE EXHIBITS IN THEIR ENTIRETY.
THE PARTIES
COMPANY. The Company is a Maryland and Virginia corporation organized in
1995 for the purpose of consummating the Merger. BGE and PEPCO each owns 50% of
the capital stock of the Company, and no other person or entity, including
Company officers and directors and persons who will become Company officers and
directors after the Effective Time, owns capital stock of the Company. At the
Effective Time, BGE and PEPCO will be merged with and into the Company, the
separate corporate existences of BGE and PEPCO will cease and the Company will
be the surviving corporation. The Company will succeed to the businesses of BGE
and PEPCO. The temporary principal executive offices of the Company are located
at One Battery Park Plaza, New York, New York, 10004, telephone number (212)
858-1000. As soon as reasonably possible after the Effective Time, the corporate
headquarters and principal executive offices of the Company will be located in
the Annapolis, Maryland area.
BGE. BGE is a Maryland corporation, primarily engaged in the business of
producing, purchasing and selling electricity, and purchasing, transporting and
selling natural gas within the State of Maryland. BGE primarily furnishes
electric and gas retail services in the City of Baltimore and in all or part of
10 counties in central Maryland. This electric service territory includes an
area of approximately 2,300 square miles with an estimated population of
2,625,000. The gas retail territory includes an area of approximately 627 square
miles with an estimated population of 1,980,000. BGE is also qualified to do
business in the District of Columbia and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
where it is participating in the ownership and operation of two electric
generating plants. BGE's principal electric generating facilities are its two
nuclear units at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant ("Calvert Cliffs"). BGE
owns both units and also holds their respective Nuclear Regulatory Commission
("NRC") operating licenses. BGE also owns two-thirds of the outstanding capital
stock, including one-half of the voting securities, of Safe Harbor Water Power
Corporation, a hydroelectric producer on the Susquehanna River at Safe Harbor,
Pennsylvania. BGE is also engaged in diversified businesses primarily through
three wholly owned subsidiaries: Constellation Holdings, Inc. and its
subsidiaries; BGE Home Products & Services, Inc. and its subsidiary Maryland
Environmental Systems, Inc.; and BGE Energy Projects & Services, Inc. The
principal executive offices of BGE are located at 39 W. Lexington Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21201, telephone number (410) 783-5920. See "Selected
Information Concerning BGE and PEPCO -- Business of BGE."
PEPCO. PEPCO is a District of Columbia and Virginia corporation, engaged in
the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy in the
Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including the District of Columbia and major
portions of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland. This retail
service territory covers approximately 640 square miles and has a population of
approximately 1.9 million. PEPCO also supplies, at wholesale, electric energy to
the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc., which distributes electricity
in Calvert, Charles, Prince George's and St. Mary's Counties in southern
Maryland. Potomac Capital Investment Corporation ("PCI"), a wholly owned,
nonutility subsidiary of PEPCO, has assets consisting of a portfolio of
securities and equipment leases and to a lesser extent real estate and other
investments. The executive offices of PEPCO are located at 1900 Pennsylvania
Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20068, telephone number (202) 872-2000. See
"Selected Information Concerning BGE and PEPCO -- Business of PEPCO."
1
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THE MEETINGS
BGE. At the BGE Meeting, the holders of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred
Stock and BGE Preference Stock will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve the Merger and the holders of BGE Common Stock will also be
asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Company LTIP, approval
of which has been recommended by the BGE Board and the Company Board. See
"Meetings, Voting and Proxies -- BGE Meeting." Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things, approval by
the shareholders of BGE of the Merger.
The BGE Meeting is scheduled to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on March
29, 1996 at the Gas and Electric Building at Charles Center, second floor,
Lexington and Liberty Streets, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. The BGE Board has
fixed the close of business on February 12, 1996, as the record date (the "BGE
Record Date") for the determination of holders of BGE Common Stock, BGE
Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at
the BGE Meeting.
THE BGE BOARD, BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER
AGREEMENT, BELIEVES THAT THE TERMS OF THE MERGER ARE ADVISABLE AND ARE FAIR TO
BGE'S SHAREHOLDERS, AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF BGE VOTE FOR
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
PEPCO. At the PEPCO Meeting, the holders of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO
Preferred Stock will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve
the Merger Agreement and the holders of PEPCO Common Stock will also be asked to
consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Company LTIP, approval of which
has been recommended by the PEPCO Board and the Company Board. See "Meetings,
Voting and Proxies -- PEPCO Meeting." Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things, approval by
the shareholders of PEPCO of the Merger Agreement.
The PEPCO Meeting is scheduled to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on
March 29, 1996 at the Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. The PEPCO Board has fixed the close of business on February 8,
1996, as the record date (the "PEPCO Record Date") for the determination of
holders of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock entitled to notice of
and to vote at the PEPCO Meeting.
THE PEPCO BOARD, BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER
AGREEMENT, BELIEVES THAT THE TERMS OF THE MERGER ARE ADVISABLE AND ARE FAIR TO
PEPCO'S SHAREHOLDERS, AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF PEPCO VOTE FOR
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
REQUIRED VOTE
BGE. Under Article 6 of the BGE Articles of Incorporation (the "BGE
Articles") and Sections 3-105(d) and 2-506(b) of the Maryland General
Corporation Law ("MGCL"), the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of
the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of outstanding shares of (i) BGE
Common Stock, voting as a single class, (ii) BGE Preferred Stock, voting as a
single class, (iii) BGE Preference Stock, voting as a single class (collectively
the BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock are the "BGE
Shares") and (iv) the BGE Shares, voting together as a single class
(collectively, "BGE Shareholders' Approval"), is required for approval of the
Merger and the transactions contemplated thereby. The holders of BGE Preferred
Stock will have 24 votes for each share of BGE Preferred Stock. The holders of
BGE Common Stock and BGE Preference Stock have one vote per share.
The affirmative vote by a majority of the outstanding shares of BGE Common
Stock represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at the BGE Meeting
is required to approve the Company LTIP.
On the BGE Record Date, there were (i) shares of BGE Common Stock,
(ii) 591,849 shares of BGE Preferred Stock (consisting of Series B 4 1/2%,
Series C 4% and Series D 5.40%), and
2
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(iii) 4,780,000 shares of BGE Preference Stock (consisting of 7.50% 1986 Series,
6.75% 1987 Series, 7.80% 1989 Series, 8.25% 1989 Series, 8.625% 1990 Series,
7.85% 1991 Series, 7.78% 1973 Series, 7.125% 1993 Series, 6.97% 1993 Series,
6.70% 1993 Series and 6.99% 1995 Series), outstanding and entitled to vote. As
of the BGE Record Date, directors, executive officers and affiliates of BGE
owned less than 1% (0.34%) of the issued and outstanding shares of BGE capital
stock. See "Meeting, Voting and Proxies -- BGE Meeting."
PEPCO. Under Article V of the PEPCO Articles of Incorporation (the "PEPCO
Articles") and under Section 29-367 of the District of Columbia Business
Corporation Act (the "DCBCA") and Section 13.1-718 of the Virginia Stock
Corporation Act (the "VSCA") the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds
of the outstanding shares of PEPCO Common Stock and the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock, each
voting separately as a class (together, the "PEPCO Shareholders' Approval"), is
required for approval of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby.
The affirmative vote by a majority of the outstanding shares of PEPCO Common
Stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the
PEPCO Meeting is required to approve the Company LTIP.
On the PEPCO Record Date, there were (i) shares of PEPCO Common Stock
outstanding and entitled to vote and (ii) shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock
(consisting of $2.44 Series of 1957, $2.46 Series of 1958, $2.28 Series of 1965,
$2.44 Convertible Series of 1966, $3.82 Series of 1969, $3.37 Series of 1987,
$3.89 Series of 1991, $3.40 Series of 1992 and Auction Series A), outstanding
and entitled to vote. No shares of PEPCO Preference Stock were outstanding. As
of the PEPCO Record Date, directors, executive officers and affiliates of PEPCO
owned less than 1% (.29%) of the issued and outstanding shares of PEPCO capital
stock. See "Meetings, Voting and Proxies -- PEPCO Meeting."
THE MERGER
The Merger Agreement provides that: (i) each outstanding share of BGE Common
Stock will be converted into the right to receive one share of Company Common
Stock (the "BGE Conversion Ratio"); (ii) each outstanding share of PEPCO Common
Stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.997 of a share of Company
Common Stock (the "PEPCO Conversion Ratio"); (iii) each outstanding share of
each series of BGE Preferred Stock will be converted into the right to receive
one share of the corresponding series of Company Class A Preferred Stock, with
equal stated value and dividends and like redemption provisions and other terms
and conditions; (iv) each outstanding share of each series of BGE Preference
Stock will be converted into the right to receive one share of the corresponding
series of Company Preference Stock, with equal stated value and dividends and
like redemption and other terms and conditions; and (v) each outstanding share
of PEPCO Preferred Stock will be converted into the right to receive one share
of the corresponding series of Company Class B Preferred Stock with equal stated
value and dividends and like redemption provisions and other terms and
conditions, except as otherwise described herein regarding current restrictions
on PEPCO's issuance of unsecured debt (see "Comparison of Shareholder Rights --
Comparison of BGE, PEPCO and Company Articles and By-laws"). However, any (i)
shares of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock owned
by BGE or any subsidiary of BGE or by PEPCO or any subsidiary of PEPCO; (ii)
shares of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock owned by PEPCO or any
subsidiary of PEPCO or by BGE or any subsidiary of BGE and (iii) shares of
Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Merger,
will be canceled. Cash will be issued in lieu of fractional shares. See "The
Merger Agreement -- The Merger."
If the Merger Agreement is approved by the shareholders of BGE and PEPCO,
the Merger will be consummated only after certain regulatory approvals are
received and other conditions are satisfied or waived. It is anticipated that
this will occur before the end of the first quarter of 1997.
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Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on the date of the closing of the Merger
(the "Closing Date"), articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") complying
with the requirements of the DCBCA, MGCL and VSCA will be executed by BGE, PEPCO
and the Company and will be filed with the Office of the Mayor of the District
of Columbia, the Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland
and the State Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Merger
will become effective at such time as such Articles of Merger have been so filed
(the "Effective Time"). See "The Merger Agreement -- The Merger."
EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES; TREATMENT OF FRACTIONAL SHARES
As soon as possible after the Effective Time, a bank, trust company or other
agent selected by BGE and PEPCO (the "Exchange Agent") will mail transmittal
instructions to each holder of record of shares of BGE Common Stock, BGE
Preferred Stock, BGE Preference Stock, PEPCO Common Stock or PEPCO Preferred
Stock advising such holder of the procedure for surrendering certificates
(collectively, "Constituent Certificates") representing such shares in exchange
for certificates representing shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred
Stock or Company Preference Stock, as the case may be (collectively, "Company
Shares"). Holders of Constituent Certificates will not be entitled to receive
any payment of dividends or other distributions on or payment for any fractional
share with respect to shares represented by their Constituent Certificates until
such certificates have been surrendered for certificates representing Company
Shares. See "The Merger Agreement -- The Merger."
Cash will be issued in lieu of fractional shares. See "The Merger --
Consummation of the Merger."
PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN BGE OR PEPCO STOCK CERTIFICATES UNTIL INSTRUCTIONS ARE
SENT TO YOU BY AN EXCHANGE AGENT.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
Under Section 3-202 of the MGCL, holders of record of certain series of BGE
Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock (those series not listed on a national
securities exchange) as of the BGE Record Date have the right to dissent from
consummation of the Merger and, upon compliance with the procedural requirements
of the MGCL, to receive the "fair value" (as defined in the MGCL) of their
shares if the Merger is effected. Any such holders electing to exercise their
right to dissent must deliver to BGE before the vote is taken a written demand
for payment of the "fair value" of such holder's shares if the Merger is
effected, and not vote to approve the Merger. See "The Merger -- Dissenters'
Rights" and "Comparison of Shareholder Rights" and Exhibits G1, G2 and G3.
Under Section 29-373 of the DCBCA, the holders of record of PEPCO Common
Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock and, under Section 13.1-730 of the VSCA, certain
record and beneficial holders of PEPCO Preferred Stock at the close of business
on the PEPCO Record Date have the right to dissent, and, upon compliance with
the procedural requirements of the DCBCA or VSCA, as applicable, to receive the
"fair value" (as defined in the DCBCA or VSCA) of their shares if the Merger is
effected. Any such holders electing to exercise their rights to dissent must
deliver to PEPCO before the vote is taken a written notice of objection to the
Merger and of their intent to demand payment of the "fair value" of their shares
if the Merger is consummated, and must not vote to approve the Merger Agreement.
See "The Merger -- Dissenters' Rights" and Exhibits G1, G2 and G3.
COMPANY LTIP
Subsequent to the execution of the Merger Agreement, BGE and PEPCO, as the
shareholders of the Company, determined that it would be in the best interests
of the Company for the Company to adopt the Company LTIP. The Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Company Board") approved the Company LTIP as of September
22, 1995, which by its terms is subject to the approval of the shareholders of
BGE and PEPCO. The Company LTIP, which will replace the BGE 1995 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (the "BGE LTIP") and the PEPCO Long-Term Incentive Plan (the
"PEPCO LTIP"), is a comprehensive stock compensation plan providing for the
grant of restricted stock, stock options,
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stock appreciation rights, performance units and dividend equivalents. Approval
of the Company LTIP has been recommended by the BGE Board, the PEPCO Board and
the Company Board. For a description of the Company LTIP, see "The Merger --
Company Long-Term Incentive Plan" and "Approval of the Company Long-Term
Incentive Plan."
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
Concurrently with entering into the Merger Agreement, BGE and PEPCO entered
into reciprocal stock option agreements (together, the "Stock Option
Agreements"), pursuant to which (i) PEPCO granted BGE an irrevocable option (the
"PEPCO Option") to purchase, under circumstances that could entitle BGE to a
termination payment under certain provisions of the Merger Agreement (see "The
Merger Agreement -- Termination; Termination Fees and Expenses"), up to
23,579,900 shares of PEPCO Common Stock (subject to adjustment for changes in
capitalization) representing 19.9% of the number of shares of PEPCO Common Stock
outstanding on August 31, 1995, at an exercise price of $21.225 per share, which
is equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a share of PEPCO Common
Stock as of September 22, 1995, the date as of which the Stock Option Agreements
were executed, and (ii) BGE granted PEPCO an irrevocable option (the "BGE
Option" and, together with the PEPCO Option, the "Options") to purchase, under
circumstances that could entitle PEPCO to a termination payment under certain
provisions of the Merger Agreement, up to 29,357,896 shares of BGE Common Stock
(subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization) representing 19.9% of the
number of shares of BGE Common Stock outstanding on August 31, 1995, at an
exercise price of $25.925 per share, which is equal to the Fair Market Value of
a share of BGE Common Stock as of September 22, 1995. The exercise of each Stock
Option is subject to certain conditions described in the applicable Stock Option
Agreement.
After the option granted thereunder becomes exercisable, each Stock Option
Agreement entitles the holder of the Option granted thereunder to require the
issuer thereof to repurchase from the holder all or any portion of the Option
(or, if the Option is exercised, to repurchase from the holder all or any
portion of the acquired shares) at a price equal to (i) the difference between
(a) the Market/ Offer Price for shares of such issuer's common stock as of the
date (the "Notice Date") such holder gives notice of its intent to exercise its
rights to have such Option repurchased and (b) the exercise price for the
Option, multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of such common stock purchasable
pursuant to such Option (or portion thereof with respect to which such holder is
exercising such rights). The amount that the issuer of an Option will pay to the
holder thereof to repurchase shares issued upon exercises of such Option is (i)
the exercise price paid by such holder for such shares plus the difference
between the Market/Offer Price and the exercise price paid by such holder for
such shares, multiplied by (ii) the number of such shares to be repurchased.
"Market/Offer Price" is defined as the higher of (x) the price per share offered
as of the Notice Date pursuant to any tender or exchange offer or other offer
with respect to a business combination involving the issuer of such Option as
the target party that was made prior to such date and (y) the Fair Market Value
of such issuer's common stock as of such date. "Offer Price" is defined as the
highest price per share offered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer or other
written offer or proposal with respect to a merger, sale of a material portion
of its assets or other business combination (each, a "Business Combination")
offer involving the issuer of such Option as the subject of the tender or
exchange offer or proposal with respect to a Business Combination ("Target
Party") during the period in which such Option is exercisable. The "Fair Market
Value" of any share is calculated as the average of the daily closing sales
price for that share on the NYSE during the ten NYSE trading days prior to the
fifth NYSE trading day preceding the date Fair Market Value is to be determined.
In the event that the repurchase price discussed above would require shareholder
approval for the party making the repurchase, the party to receive such
repurchase payment may reduce the repurchase price to an amount which would not
require shareholder approval.
Each Stock Option Agreement entitles the holder of the Option granted
thereunder to purchase shares covered by the Option with shares of the Option
holder's own common stock and, thereafter, at any time or from time to time
prior to March 31, 1997 (extendible under certain circumstances to
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March 31, 1998), to require the grantor of the Option to sell its shares of
common stock back to it. The value attributed to shares of an Option holder's
common stock used to purchase shares upon exercise of such Option is the Fair
Market Value of such shares as of the date immediately preceding the date on
which notice of such exercise is delivered to the issuer of the Option. The
price at which the issuer of an Option may be required to sell back to the
holder of such Option shares of such holder's stock used to purchase shares on
exercise of the Option is the value attributed to such shares for such purchase
plus interest at the rate of 8.75% per annum (from the date of the delivery of
such shares through the date of such repurchase) less any dividends paid or
declared and payable thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount payable
by BGE and its affiliates pursuant to the provisions described above, when added
to the amount payable thereby upon a repurchase of the BGE Option and shares
issued upon exercise of such Option, may not exceed $125 million in the
aggregate, and the amount payable by PEPCO and its affiliates pursuant to the
provisions described above, when added to the amount payable thereby upon a
repurchase of the PEPCO Option and shares issued upon exercise of such Option,
may not exceed $125 million in the aggregate. See "The Stock Option Agreements
- -- General" and "The Merger Agreement -- Termination; Termination Fees and
Expenses."
BACKGROUND
For a description of the background of the Merger, see "The Merger --
Background of the Merger."
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
BGE and PEPCO believe that the Merger will provide opportunities to achieve
benefits for their respective shareholders, customers, employees and communities
that would not be available if they were to remain separate companies.
Specifically, BGE and PEPCO believe that the Merger offers the following
significant strategic and financial benefits:
- SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS IN OPERATING COSTS - The combination of the core
utility businesses of BGE and PEPCO is expected to result in substantial
savings, estimated at approximately $1.3 billion, net of costs to achieve,
over a 10-year period.
- IMPROVED COMPETITIVE AND STRATEGIC POSITION WITHIN INDUSTRY - BGE and
PEPCO believe that the following factors affecting competitive position
should be enhanced as a result of the Merger:
-MAINTENANCE OF COMPETITIVE RATES
-MORE BALANCED CUSTOMER BASE
-INCREASED SIZE AND STABILITY
-MAINTAINING A STRONG CREDIT QUALITY
- GENERATION MIX - From BGE's perspective, the Merger reduces the percentage
of nuclear generation while increasing the percentage of coal generation
and thus lessens the financial risks associated with owning and operating
a nuclear power plant. PEPCO, on the other hand, will gain the benefit of
additional fuel diversity.
- FLEXIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN AIR ACT - Depending on the final
requirement of NOx reductions, there is the potential to save capital
expenditures associated with compliance with the Clean Air Act.
- BEST PRACTICES - The combination will allow for the sharing and
implementation of best practices from each of the areas in BGE and PEPCO.
These savings are expected to be allocated among shareholders and customers.
This allocation will depend upon the results of regulatory proceedings in the
various jurisdictions in which BGE and PEPCO operate their utility businesses.
The analyses employed in order to develop estimates of potential savings as a
result of the Merger were necessarily based upon various assumptions which
involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future national and
regional economic and
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competitive conditions, inflation rates, regulatory treatment, weather
conditions, financial market conditions, interest rates, future business
decisions and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to predict and
many of which are beyond the control of BGE and PEPCO. Accordingly, while BGE
and PEPCO believe that such assumptions are reasonable for purposes of the
development of estimates of potential savings, there can be no assurance that
such assumptions will approximate actual experience or that all such savings
will be realized. See "The Merger -- Reasons for the Merger" and "The Merger --
Regulatory Matters."
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
BGE. The BGE Board, by unanimous vote, has approved and adopted the Merger
Agreement, believes that the terms of the Merger are advisable and are fair to
BGE's shareholders, and recommends that the shareholders of BGE vote FOR
approval of the Merger. The BGE Board approved and adopted the Merger Agreement
after consideration of a number of factors described under the heading "The
Merger -- Reasons for the Merger" and "-- Recommendations of the BGE Board of
Directors."
PEPCO. The PEPCO Board, by unanimous vote, has approved and adopted the
Merger Agreement, believes that the terms of the Merger are advisable and are
fair to PEPCO's shareholders, and recommends that the shareholders of PEPCO vote
FOR approval of the Merger Agreement. The PEPCO Board approved and adopted the
Merger Agreement after consideration of a number of factors described under the
heading "The Merger -- Reasons for the Merger" and "-- Recommendations of the
PEPCO Board of Directors."
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
BGE. Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs") has delivered to the BGE Board
its oral opinion of September 22, 1995 and its written opinion dated the date
hereof, each to the effect that, as of the date of such opinions, and in light
of the PEPCO Conversion Ratio, the BGE Conversion Ratio is fair to the holders
of BGE Common Stock. The opinions of Goldman Sachs do not consider the relative
merits of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement as compared to
any other business plan or opportunity that might be available to BGE or the
effect of any other arrangement in which BGE might engage. The written opinion
of Goldman Sachs, dated the date hereof, which sets forth the assumptions made,
matters considered and the limits of the review undertaken in connection with
the opinions, is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Exhibit D1
and should be read in its entirety. See "The Merger -- Opinions of Financial
Advisors -- BGE's Financial Advisors" and Exhibit D1.
PEPCO. Barr Devlin & Co. Incorporated ("Barr Devlin") has delivered to the
PEPCO Board its written opinions dated September 22, 1995 and the date hereof,
to the effect that, as of the date of such opinions and based upon the
procedures and subject to the assumptions described in such opinions, the PEPCO
Conversion Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of
PEPCO Common Stock. The written opinion of Barr Devlin dated the date hereof is
attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Exhibit D2 and should be
read in its entirety. For a description of the matters considered and the
assumptions made by Barr Devlin in reaching its opinion and the fees received
and to be received by Barr Devlin, see "The Merger -- Opinions of Financial
Advisors -- PEPCO's Financial Advisors" and Exhibit D2.
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
DIRECTORSHIPS. The Merger Agreement provides that the Company Board will,
upon consummation of the Merger, consist of 16 persons, with nine persons
designated by BGE, including Christian H. Poindexter, Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of BGE, and Edward A. Crooke, President and Chief
Operating Officer of BGE, and seven persons designated by PEPCO, including
Edward F. Mitchell, Chairman of Board and Chief Executive Officer of PEPCO and
John M. Derrick, Jr., President of PEPCO. If, prior to the Effective Time, any
of such designees decline or are unable to serve as directors, the party that
designated such person will designate another person to serve in such person's
stead in the role of director. A current provision of District of Columbia
public utility law
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states that any utility serving the District of Columbia may have no more than
15 directors. The parties to the proposed Merger are seeking to have this law
amended prior to the Effective Time so as to permit the Company to have 16
directors. Should such relief not be obtained, the parties will reconsider and
determine alternatives. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the
Merger" and "The Company Following the Merger."
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY. Each of Messrs.
Mitchell, Poindexter, Crooke and Derrick entered into an employment agreement
dated as of September 22, 1995 with the Company to become effective upon
consummation of the Merger (the "Company Employment Agreements"). Pursuant to
the Merger Agreement and the Company Employment Agreements: (i) Mr. Mitchell
will serve as Chairman of the Board from and after the Effective Time until the
last day of the twelfth full month following the Effective Time; (ii) Mr.
Poindexter will serve as Chief Executive Officer from and after the Effective
Time until Mr. Mitchell ceases to be Chairman, and thereafter will serve as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer until the last day of the sixtieth full
month following the Effective Time; (iii) Mr. Crooke will serve as Vice Chairman
from and after the Effective Time until the last day of the sixtieth full month
following the Effective Time; and (iv) Mr. Derrick will serve as President and
Chief Operating Officer from and after the Effective Time until the last day of
the sixtieth full month following the Effective Time. The Company Employment
Agreements of Messrs. Poindexter, Crooke and Derrick will automatically extend
on a year to year basis unless the Company provides notice otherwise. See "The
Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" and "-- Company Employment
Agreements" and "The Merger Agreement -- Management of the Company."
BGE SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE PLANS. Effective as of December 6,
1995, and December 31, 1995 BGE entered into severance agreements with 15 key
employees (the "BGE Severance Agreements") which, upon the Effective Time, will
be binding upon the Company. The BGE Severance Agreements will expire on the
last day of the 24th calendar month following the Effective Time. Each of the
BGE Severance Agreements provides for the payment of severance benefits to the
executive under certain circumstances including, but not limited to, the
following: (i) upon termination of employment (other than for cause, death,
disability or the executive's voluntary termination of employment without "good
reason") within the two year period following the Effective Time or (ii)
termination of the executive's employment without cause on or after December 6,
1995 (or, if applicable, December 31, 1995), but prior to the Effective Time (or
the occurrence of certain events on or after December 6, 1995 (or, if
applicable, December 31, 1995), but prior to the Effective Time, that constitute
"good reason" followed by the executive's voluntary termination after the
Effective Time).
If the employment of all executives with BGE Severance Agreements had been
terminated as of December 31, 1995, under circumstances giving rise to an
entitlement to benefits thereunder, the aggregate value of such benefits would
have been approximately $9,105,478.
Certain BGE employee benefit plans contain provisions which accelerate the
vesting, exercise and/or payment of benefits in the event of termination of the
participant's employment under certain circumstances following a change in
control of BGE. For purposes of such plans, the Merger will not constitute a
change in control of BGE. Accordingly the Merger will not result in the
acceleration of vesting, exercise or payment of benefits under the change in
control provisions of such plans. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger" and "-- BGE Severance Agreements and Employee Plans."
PEPCO SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE PLANS. Effective as of August 1,
1995, and November 1, 1995, PEPCO entered into severance agreements with four
key employees and nine key employees, respectively (the "PEPCO Severance
Agreements"), which, upon the Effective Time, will be binding upon the Company.
Each agreement has an initial three-year term, and automatically extends for
successive three-year periods thereafter, unless the Chief Executive Officer of
PEPCO (or a successor company) has given notice that it shall not be so
extended. Each of the PEPCO Severance
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Agreements provides for the payment of severance benefits to the executive under
certain circumstances including, but not limited to, the following: (i) upon
termination of employment (other than for cause, death, disability or voluntary
normal retirement) within the two-year period following a change in control of
PEPCO or (ii) termination of the executive's employment without cause "in
contemplation of," but prior to, a change in control (or the occurrence of
certain events "in contemplation of," but prior to, a change in control that
constitute "good reason" followed by the executive's voluntary termination of
employment within two years after a change in control). For purposes of the
PEPCO Severance Agreements, (i) approval of the Merger Agreement by the PEPCO
Board constitutes an act "in contemplation of" a change in control and (ii) the
Merger would constitute a change in control. If the employment of all executives
with PEPCO Severance Agreements had been terminated as of December 31, 1995,
under circumstances giving rise to an entitlement to benefits thereunder, the
aggregate value of such benefits would have been approximately $4,814,080.
Under the PEPCO LTIP, the PEPCO Executive Performance Supplemental
Retirement Plan, PEPCO Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and PEPCO
Executive Split Dollar Plan, certain executive officers and other employees of
PEPCO will be entitled to accelerated vesting of restricted stock, the
accelerated payment of certain retirement benefits or the continuation of
certain payments in the event the participant's employment with PEPCO is
terminated under certain circumstances following a change in control. If the
employment of such executive officers and other employees had been terminated on
December 31, 1995, under such circumstances giving rise to an entitlement to
such benefits, the estimated aggregate value of such benefits would have been
approximately $1,498,628. For purposes of the foregoing plans, the Merger will
constitute a change in control. See "The Merger -- Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger" and "-- PEPCO Severance Agreements and Employee Plans."
PEPCO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. Effective August 1, 1995, PEPCO entered into
employment agreements with Dennis R. Wraase and William T. Torgerson (the "PEPCO
Employment Agreements") which will become binding upon the Company at the
Effective Time. Each of the PEPCO Employment Agreements provides for employment
of the individual through August 1, 2000 and, unless PEPCO (or a successor
company) or the executive has given notice that it shall not be so extended, for
successive five-year terms thereafter. The PEPCO Employment Agreements also
provide for certain payments and benefits in the event the executive is
terminated under certain circumstances prior to such time. At the same time, Mr.
Derrick entered into a similar agreement with PEPCO which will be superseded by
his Company Employment Agreement. Effective April 26, 1995, Mr. Mitchell entered
into an employment agreement with PEPCO which will be superseded by his Company
Employment Agreement. Effective August 1, 1995 PEPCO entered into an agreement
with H. Lowell Davis, Vice Chairman of PEPCO, which will be binding upon the
Company and provides for the payment of certain benefits during his employment
and upon his retirement at any time on or before May 1, 1997. See "The Merger --
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger" and "-- PEPCO Employment
Agreements."
INDEMNIFICATION. The Merger Agreement provides that, to the extent, if any,
not provided by an existing right of indemnification or other agreement or
policy, from and after the Effective Time, the Company will, to the fullest
extent not prohibited by applicable law, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
present and former directors, officers and employees of the parties to the
Merger Agreement and their respective subsidiaries against all losses, expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), claims, damages, costs,
liabilities, judgments or amounts that are paid in settlement of or in
connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation
(collectively, "Indemnified Liabilities") (i) based in whole or in part on or
arising in whole or in part out of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer or employee of such party or any subsidiary thereof and (ii)
pertaining to any matter existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective
Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, and
all Indemnified Liabilities based in whole or in
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part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to the Merger
Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby. See "The Merger -- Interests
of Certain Persons in the Merger" and "The Merger Agreement -- Indemnification."
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
The obligations of PEPCO, on the one hand, and BGE, on the other hand, to
consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions,
including the approval of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of each of
BGE and PEPCO, the receipt of all material governmental approvals, the absence
of any injunction that prevents the consummation of the Merger, the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, approval of the listing on the NYSE
of the shares of Company Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the terms of the
Merger Agreement, the qualification of the Merger as a pooling of interests
transaction for accounting purposes, the absence of an event, which in the
aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or results of
operations of BGE and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by the Merger (a "BGE Material Adverse Effect")
or an event, which in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise),
prospects or results of operations of PEPCO and its subsidiaries taken as a
whole or on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger (a
"PEPCO Material Adverse Effect"), the performance in all material respects by
each party of its obligations under the Merger Agreement, the receipt of certain
certificates from affiliates of BGE and PEPCO, the receipt of tax opinions and
the receipt of certain third-party consents. See "The Merger Agreement --
Conditions to the Merger."
RIGHTS TO TERMINATE, AMEND OR WAIVE CONDITIONS
The Merger Agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances. Where
indicated, termination results in the payment of expenses and termination fees
in the amounts set forth below as liquidated damages, provided that the amount
so payable by BGE and its affiliates, when added to the amount payable thereby
upon a repurchase of the BGE Option, may not exceed $125 million in the
aggregate, and the amount so payable by PEPCO and its affiliates, when added to
the amount payable thereby upon a repurchase of the PEPCO Option, may not exceed
$125 million in the aggregate. See "The Merger Agreement -- Termination;
Termination Fees and Expenses" and "The Stock Option Agreements."
The Merger Agreement may be amended by the Boards of Directors of BGE and
PEPCO at any time before or after its approval by their shareholders and prior
to the Effective Time, but after any such approval no amendment may be made
which alters or changes (i) the amount or kind of shares to be received or
exchanged for or on conversion of any class or series of capital stock of either
corporation, (ii) the terms or conditions of the Merger Agreement if such
alteration or change, alone or in the aggregate, would materially adversely
affect the rights of the holders of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock, BGE
Preference Stock, PEPCO Common Stock or PEPCO Preferred Stock or (iii) any term
of the Company Articles, except for alterations or changes that could otherwise
be adopted by the Company Board, without the further approval of such
shareholders. See "The Merger Agreement -- Amendment and Waiver."
At any time prior to the Effective Time, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, BGE and PEPCO may (i) extend the time for performance of any
obligations or other acts by the other party and (ii) waive inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement or any document
delivered pursuant thereto or conditions to the other party's obligation to
consummate the Merger. See "The Merger Agreement -- Amendment and Waiver."
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
The Merger is intended to qualify, for federal income tax purposes, as a
tax-free "reorganization" under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"). A condition to the obligation of BGE to effect
the Merger is the receipt by it of an opinion of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam &
Roberts to the effect that, among other things, no gain or loss will be
recognized in the
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Merger by BGE or its shareholders. A condition to the obligation of PEPCO to
effect the Merger is the receipt by it of an opinion of counsel to the effect
that, among other things, no gain or loss will be recognized in the Merger by
PEPCO or its shareholders who exchange their PEPCO shares for Company shares
(except with respect to cash received by holders of PEPCO Common Stock in lieu
of fractional shares in Company Common Stock). See "The Merger -- Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger."
Each holder of capital stock of BGE or PEPCO is urged to consult his or her
own tax advisor to determine the specific tax consequences of the Merger to such
holder.
OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER
As soon as reasonably possible after the Effective Time, the corporate
headquarters and principal executive offices of the Company will be located in
the Annapolis, Maryland area. The Company will also maintain significant
operations in the District of Columbia and Baltimore, Maryland. The Company's
utility business will be operated on a fully integrated basis to achieve maximum
efficiency in serving approximately 1.8 million electric customers and over
530,000 natural gas customers. The Company will continue to play a strong role
in the economic development efforts of the communities which PEPCO and BGE now
serve. See "The Company Following the Merger."
REGULATORY MATTERS
The approval of the NRC under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (the
"Atomic Energy Act"), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") under
the Federal Power Act (the "Power Act"), as well as the approval of the District
of Columbia Public Service Commission (the "D.C. Commission"), the Public
Service Commission of Maryland (the "Maryland Commission"), the State
Corporation Commission of Virginia (the "Virginia Commission") and the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (the "Pennsylvania Commission") and the
filing of the requisite notification with the Federal Trade Commission and the
Department of Justice under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), and the expiration or termination of the
applicable waiting period, are required in order to consummate the Merger. See
"Regulatory Matters."
Under the Merger Agreement, BGE and PEPCO have agreed to use commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain all governmental authorization necessary or
advisable to consummate the Merger. Various parties may seek to intervene in
these proceedings to oppose the Merger or to have conditions imposed upon the
receipt of necessary approvals. While BGE and PEPCO believe that they will
receive the requisite regulatory approvals for the Merger, there can be no
assurance as to the timing of receipt of such approvals or the ability of such
parties to obtain such approvals on satisfactory terms or otherwise. It is a
condition to the consummation of the Merger that final orders approving the
Merger be obtained from the various federal and state governmental entities
described above on terms and conditions which would not have, or would not be
reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the business,
operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or
results of operations of the Company. There can be no assurance that any such
approvals will not contain terms or conditions that cause such approvals to fail
to satisfy such condition to the consummation of the Merger. See "Regulatory
Matters."
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
BGE and PEPCO believe that the Merger will be treated as a pooling of
interests for accounting purposes. See "The Merger -- Accounting Treatment." The
receipt by each of BGE and PEPCO of a letter from their respective independent
public accountants, stating that the transaction will qualify as a pooling of
interests, is a condition to the consummation of the Merger. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Conditions to the Merger."
COMPANY ARTICLES
The Company's Articles of Incorporation (the "Company Articles") replicate
the current rights of the holders of BGE Preferred Stock, BGE Preference Stock
and PEPCO Preferred Stock, respectively,
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<PAGE>
except that the Company Articles will not contain restrictions on the issuance
of unsecured debt similar to those specified in the PEPCO Articles. In addition,
the Company Articles will differ from the BGE Articles and the PEPCO Articles in
certain other respects, including the establishment of a staggered Board of
Directors (which is not present in the BGE Articles). See "Comparison of
Shareholder Rights -- Comparison of BGE, PEPCO and Company Articles and
By-Laws."
DIVIDENDS
BGE AND PEPCO DIVIDENDS. The Merger Agreement places certain restrictions
on BGE and PEPCO's ability to declare or pay dividends, split, combine or
reclassify their capital stock or redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any
shares of their capital stock. The Merger Agreement does not restrict BGE and
PEPCO's ability to declare or pay stated dividends on their respective series of
BGE Preferred Stock, BGE Preference Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock, or to
declare and pay regular quarterly dividends on PEPCO Common Stock with usual
record and payment dates not, during any calendar year, in excess of dividends
consistent with prior practice or increases that do not result in a dividend
rate in excess of $1.67, the projected annual dividend rate agreed to by BGE and
PEPCO for the Company following the Effective Time.
COMPANY DIVIDENDS. It is anticipated that, following the Merger, the
Company will adopt BGE's dividend policy. The annual dividend, at the Effective
Time, is expected to be $1.67 per share of Company Common Stock. However, the
dividend policy of the Company is and will be subject to evaluation from time to
time by the Company Board based on the Company's results of operations,
financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant considerations,
including regulatory considerations. See "The Company Following the Merger" and
"Description of Company Capital Stock -- Company Common Stock."
12
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
------------------------
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement of Constellation Energy Corporation (the "Company") on
Form S-4 pursuant to the proposed merger of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
and Potomac Electric Power Company by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
September 22, 1995 (the "Registration Statement") of our report, dated January
19, 1996, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Baltimore
Gas and Electric Company and Subsidiaries ("BGE"), as of December 31, 1995 and
1994 and for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, which report and
financial statements are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
from BGE's report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 1996.
We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement.
COOPERS & LYBRAND, L.L.P.
Baltimore, Maryland
February 5, 1996
13
<PAGE>
CURRENT EVENTS
Both BGE and PEPCO have filed Current Reports on Form 8-K which contain
their respective audited consolidated financial statements together with the
notes to the financial statements and the Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31,
1995. Both Current Reports on Form 8-K are incorporated by reference herein. As
announced by BGE on January 19, 1996 and as reflected in BGE's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed February 6, 1996, its 1995 earnings on common stock were $2.02,
up 4.7 percent over 1994 ($1.93). On January 25, 1996, PEPCO announced its
results for the 12 months ended December 31, 1995. Earnings from utility
operations were $1.70 per share, compared with $1.63 earned in the corresponding
period in 1994, an increase of 4.3 percent. Consolidated earnings for the 12
months ended December 31, 1995, which reflected non-recurring charges of $1.04
relating to ending subsidiary investment in the aircraft leasing business, were
65 cents per share, a decrease of 58 percent, compared with $1.79 per share for
the year 1994.
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The summary below sets forth selected historical financial data and selected
unaudited pro forma financial data. This financial data should be read in
conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and related
notes thereto of BGE and PEPCO, which are incorporated by reference herein, and
in conjunction with the unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Information and related notes thereto of the Company included elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical financial data of BGE and PEPCO for the five years
ended December 31, 1995, set forth below, have been derived from audited
financial statements.
14
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income Statement Data
Total Revenue............................................... $ 2,935 $ 2,783 $ 2,741 $ 2,559 $ 2,515
Operating Expenses.......................................... 2,239 2,148 2,125 2,024 2,027
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from Operations...................................... 696 635 616 535 488
Income before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes....... 338 324 310 264 234
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes (a)................. -- -- -- -- 20
Preferred and Preference Stock Dividends.................... 41 40 42 42 43
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock......................... $ 297 $ 284 $ 268 $ 222 $ 211
Earnings per Share before Effect of Accounting Changes...... $ 2.02 $ 1.93 $ 1.85 $ 1.63 $ 1.51
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes (a)................. -- -- -- -- 0.16
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings per Share after Effect of Accounting Changes....... $ 2.02 $ 1.93 $ 1.85 $ 1.63 $ 1.67
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock................ $ 1.55 $ 1.51 $ 1.47 $ 1.43 $ 1.40
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (b)...................... 3.21 3.14 3.00 2.65 2.27
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred and
Preference Stock Dividends Combined (b).................... 2.52 2.47 2.34 2.08 1.82
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data
Total Assets................................................ $ 8,317 $ 7,994 $ 7,830 $ 7,209 $ 6,964
Capitalization
Long-Term Debt............................................ $ 2,598 $ 2,585 $ 2,823 $ 2,377 $ 2,390
Preferred Stock........................................... 59 59 59 59 59
Redeemable Preference Stock............................... 242 279 342 395 399
Preference Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption...... 210 150 150 110 110
Common Shareholders' Equity................................. 2,813 2,718 2,621 2,535 2,153
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Capitalization.......................................... $ 5,922 $ 5,791 $ 5,995 $ 5,476 $ 5,111
Book Value Per Share of Common Stock.......................... $ 19.07 $ 18.42 $ 17.94 $ 17.63 $ 17.00
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data
15
<PAGE>
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income Statement Data (c)
Total Revenue............................................. $ 2,010 $ 1,970 $ 1,865 $ 1,763 $ 1,764
Operating Expenses........................................ 1,654 1,445 1,372 1,291 1,288
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from Operations (d)................................ 356 525 493 472 476
Income before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change...... 94 227 241 200 210
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change (a)................ -- -- -- 16 --
Preferred Stock Dividends................................. 16 16 16 14 12
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock (d)................... $ 78 $ 211 $ 225 $ 202 $ 198
Earnings per Share before Effect of Accounting Change..... $ .65 $ 1.79 $ 1.95 $ 1.66 $ 1.87
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change (a)................ -- -- -- 0.14 --
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings per Share after Effect of Accounting Changes
(d)...................................................... $ .65 $ 1.79 $ 1.95 $ 1.80 $ 1.87
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock.............. $ 1.66 $ 1.66 $ 1.64 $ 1.60 $ 1.56
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (b).................... 1.52 2.37 2.31 2.19 2.23
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock
Dividends Combined (b)................................... 1.39 2.15 2.12 2.02 2.08
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data (c)
Total Assets.............................................. $ 7,054 $ 6,934 $ 6,630 $ 6,104 $ 5,812
Capitalization
Long-Term Debt.......................................... $ 2,627 $ 2,589 $ 2,443 $ 2,221 $ 2,208
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption..... 125 125 125 125 126
Redeemable Preferred Stock.............................. 144 144 147 149 100
Common Shareholders' Equity............................. 1,871 1,955 1,955 1,823 1,716
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Capitalization........................................ $ 4,767 $ 4,813 $ 4,670 $ 4,318 $ 4,150
Book Value Per Share of Common Stock........................ $ 15.79 $ 16.54 $ 16.60 $ 15.95 $ 15.45
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data
16
<PAGE>
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected unaudited pro forma financial data combines the
historical consolidated balance sheets and statements of income of BGE and
PEPCO, including their respective subsidiaries, after giving effect to the
Merger, assuming the Merger had been effective for all periods presented. These
data are prepared on the basis of accounting for the Merger as a pooling of
interests and are based on the assumptions set forth in the notes thereto. The
following information is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or
operating results that would have occurred had the Merger been consummated on
the date as of which, or at the beginning of the periods for which, the Merger
is being given effect, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating
results or financial position. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed
Financial Information."
17
<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
SELECTED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL DATA
PRO FORMA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income Statement Data (c)
Total Revenue........................................ $ 4,945 $ 4,753 $ 4,606 $ 4,322 $ 4,279
Operating Expenses................................... 3,894 3,593 3,497 3,315 3,315
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from Operations (d)........................... 1,051 1,160 1,109 1,007 964
Income before Cumulative Effect of Accounting
Changes............................................. 432 551 551 464 444
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes (a).......... -- -- -- 16 20
Preferred and Preference Stock Dividends............. 57 56 58 56 55
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock (d).............. $ 375 $ 495 $ 493 $ 424 $ 409
Earnings per Share before Effect of Accounting
Changes............................................. $ 1.41 $ 1.87 $ 1.89 $ 1.65 $ 1.67
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes (a).......... -- -- -- 0.06 0.09
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings per Share after Effect of Accounting Changes
(d)(e).............................................. $ 1.41 $ 1.87 $ 1.89 $ 1.71 $ 1.76
Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock
(e)(c).............................................. $ 1.60 $ 1.58 $ 1.55 $ 1.51 $ 1.47
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (b)............... 2.29 2.74 2.64 2.41 2.25
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred and
Preference Stock Dividends Combined (b)............. 1.95 2.32 2.24 2.05 1.94
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data (c)
Total Assets......................................... $ 15,370 $ 14,928 $ 14,460 $ 13,313 $ 12,776
Capitalization
Long-Term Debt..................................... $ 5,225 $ 5,174 $ 5,266 $ 4,598 $ 4,598
Preferred Stock.................................... 184 184 184 184 185
Redeemable Preferred/Preference Stock.............. 386 423 489 544 499
Preference Stock Not Subject to Mandatory
Redemption........................................ 210 150 150 110 110
Common Shareholders' Equity........................ 4,684 4,673 4,576 4,358 3,869
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Capitalization................................. $ 10,689 $ 10,604 $ 10,665 $ 9,794 $ 9,261
Book Value Per Share of Common Stock (e)............... $ 17.64 $ 17.61 $ 17.37 $ 16.91 $ 16.29
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data
18
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
(a) The 1992 amount of $16,022,000 ($.14 per share) represents PEPCO's
cumulative effect of a change in accounting to provide for the accrual of
revenue for service rendered but unbilled. The 1991 amount of $19,745,000
($.16 per share) represents BGE's cumulative effect of a change in the
method of accounting for income taxes.
(b) For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" consist of income before the cumulative effect of accounting
changes, income taxes and fixed charges other than capitalized interest.
"Fixed charges" consist of interest charges, including capitalized interest
and the estimated interest component of rentals. Preferred and preference
stock dividend requirements consist of an amount equal to the pre-tax
earnings which would be required to meet dividend requirements on preferred
stock and preference stock.
(c) The revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of PEPCO's nonregulated
subsidiaries have been reclassified to conform with the presentation
utilized by BGE. The effects of accounting policy differences are immaterial
and have not been adjusted in the selected unaudited pro forma financial
data.
(d) Income/earnings for PEPCO for the 12 months ended December 31, 1995 include
a $110 million ($.93 per share) one-time non-cash, after-tax charge to
earnings recorded in the second quarter of 1995 in connection with the plan
to sell 13 aircraft owned by its subsidiary, Potomac Capital Investment
Corporation, as a part of the adoption of a plan to end investment in the
aircraft equipment leasing business. Income for the 12 months ended December
31, 1995, also included a nonrecurring charge of $12 million ($0.11 per
share) relating to valuation of two aircraft under a master lease agreement
which expired in September 1995.
(e) Pro forma per common share amounts give effect to the conversion of each
share of BGE and PEPCO Common Stock into 1 share and 0.997 of a share of
Company Common Stock, respectively. See "The Merger Agreement." Based on the
BGE Conversion Ratio, the per share data on an equivalent pro forma basis is
the same as on a pro forma basis. Based on the PEPCO Conversion Ratio, the
per share data on an equivalent pro forma basis is the same as on a pro
forma basis after giving effect to rounding.
19
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE MARKET PRICES AND DIVIDENDS
The BGE Common Stock and the PEPCO Common Stock are traded on the NYSE. The
BGE Common Stock is also traded on the Chicago Stock Exchange and on the Pacific
Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
high and low sales prices of BGE Common Stock and PEPCO Common Stock as reported
on the NYSE Composite Tape and dividends declared.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BGE PEPCO
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1992
First Quarter........................................ $ 23 1/8 $ 19 3/4 $ 0.35 $ 25 1/8 $ 22 3/4 $ 0.40
Second Quarter....................................... 22 5/8 19 7/8 0.36 26 23 0.40
Third Quarter........................................ 24 3/8 21 1/2 0.36 27 1/2 25 1/8 0.40
Fourth Quarter....................................... 24 1/8 21 3/4 0.36 26 3/4 22 5/8 0.40
1993
First Quarter........................................ 26 3/8 22 3/8 0.36 26 1/2 23 7/8 0.41
Second Quarter....................................... 26 5/8 23 7/8 0.37 27 3/8 25 5/8 0.41
Third Quarter........................................ 27 1/2 25 1/8 0.37 28 7/8 27 1/8 0.41
Fourth Quarter....................................... 26 7/8 23 1/2 0.37 28 3/4 24 5/8 0.41
1994
First Quarter........................................ 25 1/2 22 3/8 0.37 26 5/8 21 3/4 0.415
Second Quarter....................................... 24 3/8 20 1/2 0.38 23 1/2 18 1/2 0.415
Third Quarter........................................ 23 3/4 20 3/4 0.38 21 1/2 18 3/8 0.415
Fourth Quarter....................................... 23 5/8 21 1/4 0.38 19 3/4 18 1/4 0.415
1995
First Quarter........................................ 25 22 0.38 20 1/8 18 3/8 0.415
Second Quarter....................................... 26 1/2 23 1/8 0.39 22 1/2 18 1/2 0.415
Third Quarter........................................ 26 5/8 24 3/8 0.39 24 5/8 20 1/2 0.415
Fourth Quarter....................................... 29 25 1/2 0.39 26 1/4 24 0.415
1996
First Quarter (through January 22, 1996). 29 3/8 28 27 1/8 25 7/8
</TABLE>
On September 22, 1995, the last full trading day before the public
announcement of the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement, the high,
low and closing sales prices per share of (i) BGE Common Stock on the NYSE
Composite Tape were $26 3/8, $26 1/8 and $26 1/8, respectively and (ii) PEPCO
Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape were $21 5/8, $21 1/4 and $21 1/2,
respectively.
On January 22, 1996, the most recent date for which it was practicable to
obtain market price data prior to the printing of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the closing sales price of the BGE Common Stock was
$28 3/4 and the closing sales price of the PEPCO Common Stock was $27.
On September 22, 1995, the closing sales price of the BGE 4 1/2% Preferred
Stock, Series B, was $62, and the closing sales price of the BGE 5.40% Preferred
Stock, Series D, was $74. No other shares of BGE Preferred Stock or BGE
Preference Stock were traded on such date. On September 22, 1995, there were no
reported trades in any securities of PEPCO other than the PEPCO Common Stock. On
September 21, 1995, the closing sales price of the PEPCO 7% Convertible
Debentures due 2018 was 99 and the closing sales price of the PEPCO 5%
Convertible Debentures due 2002 was 89 1/2.
The market prices of BGE Common Stock and PEPCO Common Stock are subject to
fluctuation. BGE shareholders and PEPCO shareholders are urged to obtain current
market quotations for BGE Common Stock and PEPCO Common Stock.
20
<PAGE>
MEETINGS, VOTING AND PROXIES
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to (i) the holders
of BGE Common Stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the BGE
Board from such shareholders for use at the BGE Meeting to consider and vote on
proposals to approve the Merger and to adopt the Company LTIP and (ii) the
holders of PEPCO Common Stock in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
the PEPCO Board from such shareholders for use at the PEPCO Meeting, to consider
and vote on proposals to adopt and approve the Merger Agreement and the Company
LTIP.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to (i) the
holders of BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the BGE Board from such shareholders for use at the
BGE Meeting to consider and vote on a proposal to approve the Merger and (ii)
the holders of PEPCO Preferred Stock in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the PEPCO Board from such shareholders for use at the PEPCO Meeting,
to consider and vote on a proposal to adopt and approve the Merger Agreement.
BGE MEETING
PURPOSE OF BGE MEETING. The purpose of the BGE Meeting is to vote upon the
proposal to approve the Merger, which provides for the merger of BGE and PEPCO
with and into the Company, and to vote upon the Company LTIP, which will replace
the BGE LTIP and the PEPCO LTIP. The enclosed proxy card, upon due execution,
authorizes the voting of shares represented by the proxy on any other matter
incident to the meeting that may properly come before the BGE Meeting, and any
adjournment or postponement thereof, and it is the intention of the proxy
holders to take such action in connection therewith as is in accordance with
their best judgment. No other business will be considered at the BGE Meeting.
It is a condition of the obligation of BGE to hold the BGE Meeting that the
opinion of Goldman Sachs annexed to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus shall not
have been withdrawn.
The BGE Board, by unanimous vote, has approved and adopted the Merger
Agreement, believes that the terms of the Merger are advisable and are fair to
BGE's shareholders, and recommends that the shareholders of BGE vote FOR
approval of the Merger. The BGE Board approved and adopted the Merger Agreement
after consideration of a number of factors described under the heading "The
Merger -- Reasons for the Merger" and "-- Recommendations of the BGE Board of
Directors."
The Company has adopted the Company LTIP and the BGE and Company Boards
recommend that the shareholders of BGE approve the Company LTIP.
DATE, PLACE AND TIME; RECORD DATE. The BGE Meeting is scheduled to be held
on March 29, 1996, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Gas and Electric Building
at Charles Center, second floor, Lexington and Liberty Streets, Baltimore,
Maryland 21201. Holders of record of shares of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred
Stock and BGE Preference Stock at the close of business on the BGE Record Date
will be entitled to vote at the BGE Meeting on the proposal to approve the
Merger. At the close of business on the BGE Record Date, there were (i)
shares of BGE Common Stock, (ii) 591,849 shares of BGE Preferred Stock
(consisting of the Series B 4 1/2%, Series C 4% and Series D 5.40%) and (iii)
4,780,000 shares of BGE Preference Stock (consisting of the 7.50% 1986 Series,
6.75% 1987 Series, 7.80% 1989 Series, 8.25% 1989 Series, 8.625% 1990 Series,
7.85% 1991 Series, 7.78% 1973 Series, 7.125% 1993 Series, 6.97% 1993 Series,
6.70% 1993 Series and 6.99% 1995 Series), issued and outstanding and entitled to
vote. Holders of record of shares of BGE Common Stock at the close of business
on the BGE Record Date will also be entitled to vote at the BGE Meeting on the
proposal to adopt and approve the Company LTIP.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each share of BGE Common Stock entitles its holder to one
vote with respect to the proposed Merger and the Company LTIP. Each share of BGE
Preferred Stock entitles its holder to 24 votes for each share of BGE Preferred
Stock with respect to the proposed Merger. Each share of BGE Preference Stock
entitles its holder to one vote with respect to the proposed Merger.
21
<PAGE>
A majority of the voting power of the shares issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business at the BGE Meeting. Broker nonvotes, abstentions and
withhold authority votes all count for the purpose of establishing a quorum.
The affirmative votes of the holders of two-thirds of the votes entitled to
be voted by all holders of outstanding shares of (i) BGE Common Stock, voting as
a single class, (ii) BGE Preferred Stock, voting as a single class, (iii) BGE
Preference Stock, voting as a single class and (iv) BGE Common Stock, BGE
Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock, voting together as a class, are
required to approve the Merger. The affirmative vote of a majority of the
holders BGE Common Stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote is
needed to approve the Company LTIP. Abstentions and broker nonvotes will have
the same effect as a vote against approval of the proposed Merger; abstentions
and broker nonvotes are not counted in determining approval of the Company LTIP.
The directors and executive officers of BGE, together with their affiliates,
collectively beneficially own less than 1% (0.34%) of the outstanding shares of
BGE capital stock.
PROXIES. Holders of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE
Preference Stock may vote either in person or by properly executed proxy. By
completing and returning the form of proxy, the BGE shareholder authorizes the
persons named therein to vote all the BGE shareholder's shares on his, her or
its behalf. Issued and outstanding shares of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred
Stock and BGE Preference Stock, the holders of which are entitled to vote at the
BGE Meeting, and which are represented by properly executed proxies will, unless
such proxies have been revoked, be voted in accordance with the directions
indicated in the proxies. If no contrary directions are indicated, such shares
will be voted FOR approval of the Merger and FOR the Company LTIP. A BGE
shareholder may revoke a proxy at any time prior to the BGE Meeting by
delivering to the Secretary of BGE a notice of revocation or a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date, or by attending such meeting and voting in person.
BGE will bear the cost of soliciting proxies for the BGE Meeting, except
that BGE and PEPCO will share equally expenses incurred in connection with
printing and filing this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Expenses." BGE will solicit proxies from registered holders by mail
and has retained Georgeson & Co. Inc. ("Georgeson"), a proxy solicitation firm,
to aid in the solicitation of proxies by mail from beneficial holders. BGE's
agreement with Georgeson provides that it will solicit proxies from brokers,
banks and other institutional holders, and non-objecting beneficial owners and
individual holders of record. Furthermore, officers and employees of BGE and
Georgeson may solicit by telephone, by telecopy, by telegram or in person, BGE's
beneficial and registered holders. BGE officers and employees will not receive
any additional compensation for their solicitation efforts. The fee for
Georgeson's services is expected to be $32,500 plus reimbursement for
out-of-pocket expenses. BGE has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless Georgeson
from any losses or claims arising out of the services it performs (except as may
result from Georgeson's negligence or misconduct).
If a BGE shareholder is a participant in the BGE Common Stock Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "BGE DRP"), the proxy card received by
such participant will include the shares held for the account of the participant
under the BGE DRP, and such shares will be voted, along with the other shares
represented by the proxy card, in accordance with the instructions given. If no
instructions are indicated on a properly signed and returned proxy, such shares
will be vote FOR approval of the Merger and FOR the Company LTIP. If a
participant in the BGE DRP does not return a duly executed proxy, the
participant's shares will not be voted.
The BGE Meeting may be adjourned to another date and/or place for any proper
purpose (including, without limitation, for the purpose of soliciting additional
proxies).
PEPCO MEETING
PURPOSE OF PEPCO MEETING. The purpose of the PEPCO Meeting is to vote upon
the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement, which provides for the merger of
BGE and PEPCO with and into the
22
<PAGE>
Company, and to vote upon the Company LTIP, which will replace the BGE LTIP and
the PEPCO LTIP. The enclosed proxy card, upon due execution, authorizes the
voting of shares represented by the proxy on any other matter incident to the
meeting that may properly come before the PEPCO Meeting, and any adjournment or
postponement thereof, and it is the intention of the proxy holders to take such
action in connection therewith as is in accordance with their best judgment. No
other business will be considered at the PEPCO meeting.
The PEPCO Board, by unanimous vote, has approved and adopted the Merger
Agreement, believes that the terms of the Merger are advisable and are fair to
PEPCO's shareholders, and recommends that the shareholders of PEPCO vote FOR
approval of the Merger Agreement. The PEPCO Board approved and adopted the
Merger Agreement after consideration of a number of factors described under the
heading "The Merger -- Reasons for the Merger" and "-- Recommendations of the
PEPCO Board of Directors."
The Company has adopted the Company LTIP and the PEPCO and Company Boards
recommend that the shareholders of PEPCO approve the Company LTIP.
DATE, PLACE AND TIME; RECORD DATE. The PEPCO Meeting is scheduled to be
held on March 29, 1996, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Four Seasons Hotel,
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. Holders of record of shares of
PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock at the close of business on the
PEPCO Record Date will be entitled to vote at the PEPCO Meeting. At the close of
business on the PEPCO Record Date, there were (i) shares of PEPCO Common
Stock and (ii) shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock (consisting of $2.44
Series of 1957, $2.46 Series of 1958, $2.28 Series of 1965, the $2.44
Convertible Series of 1966, $3.82 Series of 1969, $3.37 Series of 1987, $3.89
Series of 1991, $3.40 Series of 1992 and Auction Series A) issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote. No shares of PEPCO Preference Stock were
outstanding.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each share of PEPCO Common Stock and each share of PEPCO
Preferred Stock entitles its holder to one vote.
A majority of the shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote,
present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at the PEPCO Meeting. Abstentions are counted as present
and broker nonvotes are not counted as present for purposes of establishing a
quorum.
The affirmative votes of (i) the holders of more than two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of PEPCO Common Stock voting as a class and (ii) the holders
of a majority of all the outstanding shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock voting as a
single class (without regard to series), are required to approve the Merger
Agreement. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the PEPCO Common
Stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote is needed
to approve the Company LTIP. Under applicable District of Columbia and Virginia
law, in determining whether the Merger Agreement has received the requisite
number of affirmative votes, abstentions and broker nonvotes will have the same
effect as a vote against approval of the Merger Agreement and in determining
whether the Company LTIP has been approved, abstentions will have the same
effect as a no vote and broker nonvotes will not be counted as shares entitled
to vote.
As of the PEPCO Record Date, the directors and executive officers of PEPCO,
together with their affiliates, collectively beneficially own less than 1%
(.29%) of the outstanding shares of PEPCO capital stock.
PROXIES. Holders of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock may vote
either in person or by properly executed proxy. By completing and returning the
proxy card, the PEPCO shareholder authorizes the persons named therein to vote
all the PEPCO shareholder's shares in accordance with the directions indicated
in the proxy. If no contrary directions are indicated, such shares will be voted
FOR approval of the Merger Agreement and FOR approval of the Company LTIP.
Properly executed proxies received prior to closing of the polls during the
PEPCO Meeting will be voted in the manner set forth on the proxy unless
specifically otherwise directed by the shareholder, in
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which case they will be voted as directed. If the proxy is executed and
returned, it may nevertheless be revoked at any time by delivering notice of
revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date to the Secretary of the
PEPCO before the proxy is voted, and shareholders who are present at the PEPCO
Meeting may revoke their proxies and vote in person. Attendance at the PEPCO
Meeting will not in itself constitute a revocation of a proxy.
If a PEPCO shareholder is a participant in the PEPCO Shareholder Dividend
Reinvestment Plan (the "PEPCO DRP"), the proxy card received by such participant
will include the shares held for the account of the participant under the PEPCO
DRP, and such shares will be voted, along with the other shares represented by
the proxy card, in accordance with the instructions given. If no instructions
are indicated on a properly signed and returned proxy, such shares will be voted
FOR the Merger and FOR the approval of the Company LTIP. If a participant in the
PEPCO DRP does not return a duly executed proxy card, the participant's shares
will not be voted.
PEPCO will bear the cost of soliciting proxies for the PEPCO Meeting, except
that BGE and PEPCO will share equally expenses incurred in connection with
printing and filing this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. See "The Merger
Agreement -- Expenses." PEPCO will solicit proxies by mail and has retained
Georgeson to aid in the solicitation of proxies from banks, brokers, other
institutional holders and beneficial owners. In addition, officers and employees
of PEPCO and Georgeson may solicit by telephone, by telecopy, by telegram or in
person, PEPCO's beneficial and registered holders. PEPCO officers and employees
will not receive any additional compensation for their solicitation efforts. The
fee for Georgeson's services is expected to be approximately $20,000 plus
reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. PEPCO has agreed to indemnify and hold
harmless Georgeson from any losses or claims arising out of the services it
performs (except as may result from Georgeson's negligence or misconduct).
The PEPCO Meeting may be adjourned to another date and/or place for any
proper purpose (including, without limitation, for the purpose of soliciting
additional proxies).
A representative of Price Waterhouse LLP, PEPCO's independent public
accountants, is expected to attend the PEPCO Meeting and will be given the
opportunity to make a statement and to respond to appropriate questions.
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THE MERGER
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
In this section, there are references to the following groups (which are
comprised of the persons listed):
BGE BOARD: Christian H. Poindexter, Edward A. Crooke, H. Furlong Baldwin,
Beverly B. Byron, J. Owen Cole, Dan A. Colussy, James R. Curtiss, Jerome W.
Geckle, Martin L. Grass, Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, Nancy Lampton, George
V. McGowan, George L. Russell and Michael D. Sullivan.
BGE LONG RANGE STRATEGY COMMITTEE: H. Furlong Baldwin, Jerome W. Geckle,
Martin L. Grass, Nancy Lampton and Michael D. Sullivan.
PEPCO BOARD: Edward F. Mitchell, Roger R. Blunt, Sr., A. James Clark, H.
Lowell Davis, John M. Derrick, Jr., Richard E. Marriott, David O. Maxwell,
Floretta D. McKenzie, Ann D. McLaughin, Peter F. O'Malley, Louis A. Simpson,
A. Thomas Young (after April 26, 1995), W. Reid Thompson (director until
April 26, 1995 and thereafter advisory director), John J. Byrne (advisory
director), Vincent C. Burke, Jr. and Edwin K. Hoffman (advisory directors
until April 26, 1995) and Charls E. Walker (advisory director until July 27,
1995). William T. Torgerson, Senior Vice President -- Law and Government
Relations, General Counsel and Secretary, and Dennis R. Wraase, Senior Vice
President -- Finance and Accounting, attended all PEPCO Board meetings
described herein. Paul Dragoumis, Executive Vice President (retired April 1,
1995) attended all PEPCO Board meetings described herein that occurred prior
to his retirement.
PEPCO CHAIRMAN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE: A. James Clark, Peter F. O'Malley,
Louis A. Simpson, W. Reid Thompson and A. Thomas Young.
BGE CORE NEGOTIATING TEAM: Charles W. Shivery, Vice President -- Finance &
Accounting, Chief Financial Officer, and Corporate Secretary; David A.
Brune, General Counsel; Thomas E. Ruszin, Jr., Treasurer and Manager --
Finance; and Susan Wolf, Associate General Counsel -- Corporate.
PEPCO CORE NEGOTIATING TEAM: Dennis R. Wraase, Senior Vice President --
Finance and Accounting; and William T. Torgerson, Senior Vice President --
Law and Government Relations, General Counsel and Secretary.
BGE ANALYSIS TEAM: Charles W. Shivery, Vice President -- Finance &
Accounting, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary; Mark C. Bell,
Financial Analyst; W. Todd Eudy, Director of Southwest Customer Operations;
and Wayne D. Seifert, Plant Manager.
PEPCO ANALYSIS TEAM: Dennis R. Wraase, Senior Vice President -- Finance and
Accounting; Robert C. Grantley, Vice President -- Customers & Community
Relations; William J. Sim, Vice President -- Power Supply & Delivery.
BGE and PEPCO are neighboring utilities which have had a variety of working
relationships on a wide range of issues over many years. In recent years both
companies turned their strategic attention to developments in federal regulatory
policy which are designed to increase competition in the wholesale market for
bulk power and expand competition in the market for generation.
Many of these developments were prompted by the Energy Policy Act of 1992
(the "1992 Act"), which granted the FERC the authority to order electric
utilities to provide transmission service to other utilities and to other buyers
and sellers of electricity in the wholesale market. The 1992 Act also created a
new class of power producers, exempt wholesale generators, which are exempt from
regulation under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (the
"1935 Act"). This exemption has increased the number of entrants into the
wholesale electric generation market and so increased competition in the
wholesale segment of the electric utility industry. Pursuant to its authority
under the 1992 Act, the FERC issued a number of orders in specific cases
commencing in
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December 1993 directing utilities to provide transmission services. The FERC's
actions have increased the availability of transmission services, thus creating
significant competition in the wholesale power market. Other developments
resulted from policies at the SEC, which has liberalized its interpretation and
administration of the 1935 Act in ways that have made mergers between utility
companies less burdensome, thereby facilitating the creation of larger industry
competitors. Moreover, state regulatory bodies in certain states had initiated
proceedings to review the basic structure of the industry.
Against this background, each company independently reached the conclusion
that key factors contributing to success in this more competitive environment
will be maintaining low-cost production and achieving a size that will enable it
to continue to provide high quality customer service, enhancing its competitive
position and attaining a greater level of financial strength. The accelerating
pace of electric utility mergers attests to the appropriateness of business
combinations between electric utility companies to address such needs. During
1993, one electric utility company merger was announced. In 1994, the number was
increased to two, and during 1995, including those following the announcement of
the Merger on September 25, 1995, six such transactions were announced.
Each company's management has considered various strategies designed to
enhance its ability to respond to the changing conditions in the industry. In
1993 and early 1994, both companies increased their strategic planning
activities. In April 1993 the BGE Board formed the Long Range Strategy Committee
to provide an oversight role in the development of BGE's long range strategic
goals and to consider significant strategic initiatives which management wished
to present to the BGE Board for approval. BGE retained the investment banking
firm Goldman Sachs in early 1994 to advise it generally about such matters. In
November 1993 PEPCO retained a law firm, LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
("LeBoeuf, Lamb"), to provide general strategic and specific legal advice on
strategic options. In June 1994 PEPCO held a Board of Directors retreat during
which PEPCO executives, assisted by outside consultants and counsel, briefed the
PEPCO Board on developments in other regulated industries which had undergone
deregulatory changes, on strategic options considered to be available in light
of changes facing the electric utility industry and on the fiduciary
responsibilities of directors when dealing with such matters. Included among the
options discussed were mergers, acquisitions and strategic business
combinations. The PEPCO Board reviewed management presentations describing
various potential strategic combinations involving other utilities with service
territories proximate to PEPCO's service territory. At the conclusion of the
retreat the PEPCO Board encouraged the company's executives to continue to
pursue the various strategic possibilities discussed during the retreat and move
forward with a plan to engage a financial advisor to assist in such activities.
In August 1994 PEPCO engaged the investment banking firm Barr Devlin as a
financial advisor. PEPCO executives and representatives of Barr Devlin and
LeBoeuf, Lamb continued to study alternative transactions. Based on this study,
it was concluded that BGE was the most attractive merger candidate due to its
comparable size, the existence of contiguous service territories and the
potential synergies. No discussions were held with any utilities other than BGE.
BGE and PEPCO's working relationship includes membership in the
Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (the "PJM") and joint minority
participation in the ownership and operation of the Conemaugh electric
generating plant. In working together on such joint matters, the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of BGE, Mr. Poindexter, and the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of PEPCO, Mr. Mitchell, in late 1994 informally discussed the
potential benefits of a strategic business combination. As a result they agreed
to convene small groups from the two companies to analyze whether any "fatal
flaw" would prevent a merger of the companies and to consider what operational
synergies could be anticipated to result from such a merger. On December 5, 1994
the BGE Analysis Team and the PEPCO Analysis Team met with the two CEOs and
commenced their review.
The two Analysis Teams pursued their joint review during December 1994 and
January and February 1995. During this time, Mr. Poindexter and Mr. Mitchell
discussed key financial issues (establishment of a mutually agreeable exchange
ratio and an appropriate initial dividend level for the
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combined company, savings based on full integration of operations), governance
issues (Board of Directors representation, Board Committee representation,
management structure, headquarters location, location of operations and
corporate name) and corporate structure (holding company versus integrated
utility) that would need to be addressed in any merger consideration; BGE
retained the law firm Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts ("WSPR") to advise it
concerning a possible strategic combination with PEPCO; and PEPCO, through
LeBoeuf, Lamb, engaged the services of Hawks, Giffels & Pullin Inc. ("HGP") to
assist it in a review of BGE's Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant.
On January 26, 1995, at the PEPCO Board's regularly scheduled meeting, Mr.
Mitchell advised the PEPCO Board of the discussions with Mr. Poindexter as
described above, and of the establishment of the Analysis Teams.
On February 15, 1995, the companies executed a confidentiality agreement
related to their respective due diligence activities. The results of the initial
synergies analysis were presented by the Analysis Teams to Messrs. Poindexter
and Mitchell on February 16, 1995. They reported that no fatal flaw had been
discovered and that there appeared to be operational benefits and cost savings
which could be obtained through a merger. After concluding there was no fatal
flaw the Analysis Teams continued to work on identifying the benefits, including
the savings, associated with a combination of BGE and PEPCO. They were directed
to explore these synergies in more detail through the retention of a consultant
expert in such matters. The companies jointly retained Deloitte & Touche
Consulting Group ("Deloitte & Touche") in March 1995 to assist management in the
conduct of a detailed study of possible synergies from a strategic business
combination. BGE discussed the initial synergies analysis in detail with the
Long Range Strategy Committee and more generally with its entire Board of
Directors at meetings held February 17, 1995. Representatives of Goldman Sachs
attended both meetings and reviewed the key economic, financial and governance
terms of other utility mergers, the methodology that Goldman Sachs would likely
use to analyze from a financial point of view any transaction presented to the
Board of Directors and the time frame for negotiations and for closing in other
utility mergers.
During February, March, April and May 1995, numerous activities took place
in relation to the possible merger. The Core Negotiating Teams, together with
representatives of Goldman Sachs, Barr Devlin, WSPR, LeBoeuf, Lamb and Covington
& Burling (which has been outside corporate counsel to PEPCO for many years),
met to identify and resolve legal, tax, accounting, capital structure,
regulatory and other issues. Expanded teams from both companies (comprised of
additional in-house attorneys, human resource executives, tax accountants,
government relations personnel and in-house and independent accountants)
undertook various "due diligence" activities and Messrs. Poindexter and Mitchell
engaged in several conversations to review the activities of the teams, provide
information on significant ongoing business developments and discuss key
financial issues (exchange ratio and initial dividend level), governance issues
(Board of Directors composition, management structure, headquarters location and
workforce consolidation), operational issues (including nuclear operations and
the fact that BGE's workforce is not represented by a labor union while PEPCO's
labor force is so represented), regulatory approval requirements, corporate
structure of the combined company and the negotiation process. In addition to
the February 17, 1995 meeting, Messrs. Poindexter, Crooke and Shivery also
briefed the BGE Board at regularly scheduled meetings held on March 17, 1995 and
April 18, 1995 and Messrs. Poindexter, Crooke, Shivery, and Ruszin briefed the
Long Range Strategy Committee at meetings held on March 17, 1995 and April 18,
1995.
On March 23, 1995, at its regularly scheduled meeting, the PEPCO Board was
briefed on the legal issues related to the potential merger, corporate structure
and tax issues, and the legal responsibilities of directors and officers in the
merger process. At this meeting, representatives of Barr Devlin discussed recent
strategic developments in the electric and gas utility industry with an emphasis
on recent consolidation activity and the economic and competitive forces
contributing to consolidation. Representatives of Barr Devlin also described the
important features of utility merger transactions and the potential strategic
benefits of a BGE-PEPCO merger. The potential benefits noted were substantial
merger savings and economies of scale, the financial strength of the resulting
company
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(which would enable it to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment and
position itself to address future developments in the industry), the acquisition
of gas purchasing expertise and the proximity of the two companies' service
territories. The PEPCO Board voted to establish the Chairman's Advisory
Committee to advise Mr. Mitchell as needed on merger issues. The Chairman's
Advisory Committee met later the same day, during which meeting it discussed
with representatives of LeBoeuf, Lamb the proposed terms of an engagement
agreement with Barr Devlin and representatives of HGP briefed the Committee on
the status of their nuclear due diligence activities.
At the PEPCO Board's regularly scheduled meeting on April 26, 1995, Mr.
Mitchell advised the PEPCO Board that his discussions with Mr. Poindexter were
continuing, that the joint synergies analysis would be presented to Messrs.
Poindexter and Mitchell the following month, and that he had agreed with Mr.
Poindexter that each would attend the other's Board meeting on May 18 and 19. At
a Chairman's Advisory Committee Meeting on May 3, 1995, Mr. Mitchell briefed the
Committee on his discussions with Mr. Poindexter concerning executive succession
and discussed with Committee members the key elements of the public announcement
process.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche presented the results of the joint
synergies analysis to Messrs. Mitchell and Poindexter on May 15, 1995, to a
special meeting of the PEPCO Board of Directors on May 18, 1995, and a regular
meeting of the BGE Board on May 19, 1995. Mr. Poindexter attended a portion of
the May 18 PEPCO Board meeting and Mr. Mitchell attended a portion of the May 19
BGE Board of Directors meeting.
At the May 18, 1995 PEPCO Board meeting, in addition to Deloitte & Touche,
representatives of Covington & Burling, LeBoeuf, Lamb, Barr Devlin and HGP were
also in attendance. Representatives of HGP briefed the PEPCO Board on matters
relating to nuclear power, explaining the types of commercial nuclear power
plants, the major differences between fossil and nuclear management and
generation, the corporate governance implications of becoming a nuclear company
and the future of the commercial nuclear industry, and reported its due
diligence results with respect to the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, based
upon a continuing review of all pertinent documents, two visits to the site and
interviews with BGE personnel. In their report to the PEPCO Board, the
representatives of HGP concluded that Calvert Cliffs was, and had the potential
to remain, a well-run and cost-competitive facility. Representatives of Barr
Devlin discussed the methodologies that they would use in the preparation of a
valuation analysis for transactions such as the proposed merger and offered
preliminary views as to how those methodologies might be applied to such a
merger. The representatives of Barr Devlin also summarized BGE's and PEPCO's
stand-alone financial forecasts and provided preliminary valuation analysis.
At the May 15, 1995 meeting between Messrs. Poindexter and Mitchell, the May
18, 1995 PEPCO Board meeting, and the May 19, 1995 BGE Board meeting, which was
attended by the BGE Core Negotiating Team, representatives of Deloitte & Touche
reviewed the firm's methodology for collecting operational and financial data,
analyzing labor, non-labor and production/supply components and identifying
synergies; discussed their major assumptions; and presented their synergy
results broken out by pre-merger initiatives, costs to achieve and net merger
savings (which indicated estimated savings of approximately $1.3 billion net of
costs to achieve over ten years, as is more fully described in "Reasons for the
Merger" below). Also at the May 19 BGE Board meeting, representatives of WSPR
reviewed with the BGE Board its fiduciary duties in analyzing specific
transactions and representatives of Goldman Sachs described various financial
considerations to be evaluated in analyzing specific transactions. Also on May
19, 1995, Messrs. Poindexter, Crooke, Shivery and Ruszin and representatives of
Goldman Sachs updated the Long Range Strategy Committee on recent merger and
acquisition activity in the utility industry and on recent discussions with
PEPCO.
During May and early June due diligence activities continued. The Core
Negotiating Teams continued negotiations about the corporate structure and the
substantive provisions of transaction documents that would be entered into
should a transaction be agreed upon. Messrs. Mitchell and
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Poindexter continued to meet to discuss management structure, the location of
the combined company's headquarters, maintenance of a continuing presence in
Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the composition of the combined company's Board
of Directors, transition issues, and dividend policy. Representatives of Goldman
Sachs and Barr Devlin met independently to discuss financial matters and
reviewed with the respective companies financial frameworks involving ranges of
exchange ratios and dividend levels. Messrs. Poindexter and Crooke, the BGE Core
Negotiating Team and representatives of Goldman Sachs and WSPR briefed the BGE
Board on the status of negotiations at a June 9, 1995 meeting. Goldman Sachs
reviewed with the BGE Board exchange ratios ranging from .89 to .922 of a share
of Company Common Stock for each share of PEPCO Common Stock with a dividend
level of $1.80 for the Company at closing. Under this scenario, Mr. Mitchell
would serve as Chairman until January 1, 1999 at which time Mr. Poindexter would
become Chairman. In addition, Mr. Mitchell would also serve as CEO for one year
after closing at which time Mr. Poindexter would become CEO. Mr. Poindexter
would serve as Vice Chairman until he succeeded Mr. Mitchell as Chairman, and
the Company Board would be split 60% BGE and 40% PEPCO. Goldman Sachs indicated
to the BGE Board that Barr Devlin was suggesting exchange ratios in the range of
.97 of a share to one share of Company Common Stock for each share of PEPCO
Common Stock with an indicated dividend level of $1.66 for the holders of PEPCO
Common Stock. Goldman Sachs indicated that under the Barr Devlin scenario, Mr.
Mitchell would serve as Chairman until January 1, 2000 at which time Mr.
Poindexter would become Chairman. Also, Goldman Sachs indicated that under the
Barr Devlin scenario Mr. Mitchell would also serve as CEO for one year at which
time Mr. Poindexter would become CEO. Mr. Poindexter would serve as Vice
Chairman until he succeeded Mr. Mitchell as Chairman, and the Company Board
would be split 50/50. In both scenarios the exchange ratio for BGE was one share
of BGE Common Stock for one share of Company Common Stock. The BGE Board decided
that Mr. Poindexter should call Mr. Mitchell following the meeting to extend an
offer that could serve as a framework for a merger between the two companies.
On June 9, 1995 PEPCO's Chairman's Advisory Committee met with Messrs.
Mitchell, Derrick, Davis, and the PEPCO Core Negotiating Team, as well as
representatives of Barr Devlin and LeBoeuf, Lamb. During the PEPCO committee's
meeting, Mr. Poindexter called Mr. Mitchell to propose a framework for a
possible transaction. The framework involved an exchange ratio whereby each
share of PEPCO Common Stock would be converted into .89 shares of Company Common
Stock and each share of BGE Common Stock would be converted into one share of
Company Common Stock, an initial dividend level of $1.64 per share and a
management structure for the Company. The management structure was as follows:
Board of Directors split 10 directors from BGE and 6 directors from PEPCO,
designees of each company chairing three board committees, Mr. Mitchell as
Chairman for two years and CEO for one year, Mr. Poindexter as Vice Chairman
until he succeeded Mr. Mitchell as Chairman and CEO, and Mr. Crooke as President
and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Mitchell, after consulting with the PEPCO
Chairman's Advisory Committee, concluded that the proposal was unacceptable
regarding the financial terms and the management structure below the CEO level
(in that both positions were filled by BGE executives). Accordingly, he
telephoned Mr. Poindexter and advised him that in light of the unacceptable
nature of the BGE proposal he saw no reason to discuss the matter further. Mr.
Mitchell and Mr. Poindexter had a further telephone conversation on June 14 in
which they agreed that no further merger discussions would take place but that
each would permit representatives of Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin to confer to
see if the gap between the companies' positions on financial issues (exchange
ratio and initial dividend level) could be narrowed sufficiently to justify
further discussions. Although representatives of Barr Devlin and Goldman Sachs
continued to discuss financial issues, there were no further merger negotiations
between the Core Negotiating Teams or CEOs from mid-June until mid-August. At
that time, Mr. Poindexter and Mr. Mitchell discussed a suggestion made by the
representatives of Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin that they meet with the two
CEOs in September if further progress could be made by the representatives of
Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin on financial issues in the meantime.
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Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin initiated a meeting on September 5, 1995 with
PEPCO (Messrs. Wraase and Davis and Dan Worsham (Manager, Financial
Forecasting)), PEPCO's subsidiary, Potomac Capital Investment Corporation
(Messrs. Paul F. Naughton (President) and John P. Finneran, Jr. (Vice President
and Treasurer)), and BGE (Messrs. Shivery, Ruszin, Kevin J. Miller (Director,
Financial Planning), Edward J. Stoltz (Director, Tax), Bruce M. Ambler
(President of BGE's subsidiary, Constellation Holdings, Inc. ("CHI")), Dan R.
Skowronski (General Counsel of CHI), Roger Waesche (Vice President - Finance of
BGE's subsidiary Constellation Real Estate Group, Inc.) and Charles E. Garman,
Jr. (Treasurer of CHI)) and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin to
exchange financial information and discuss recent developments within each
company. At the suggestion of Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin, meetings were held
on September 11 and 12, 1995, attended by BGE (Messrs. Shivery and Ruszin) and
PEPCO (Messrs. Wraase and Worsham), along with representatives from Goldman
Sachs and Barr Devlin, to continue discussions on the companies' financial
plans. As a result of discussions at these meetings, the representatives of the
companies and of Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin concluded that the differences
between the companies could be narrowed sufficiently to justify recommending to
the two CEOs that they conduct further meetings. Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin
recommended that the CEOs consider exchange ratios ranging from .95 of a share
to one share of Company Common Stock for each share of PEPCO Common Stock and
one share of Company Common stock for each share of BGE Common stock. Corporate
governance issues were open to negotiation. This led to a meeting on September
14, 1995 among Mr. Poindexter, Mr. Mitchell and the representatives of Goldman
Sachs and Barr Devlin to discuss key financial issues (exchange ratio, initial
dividend level), and several of the key governance issues (Board of Directors
representation, Board Committee representation, management structure,
headquarters location, name of combined company and key employee severance
agreements). While Barr Devlin and Mr. Mitchell were firm on establishing an
exchange ratio of close to one share of Company Common Stock for each share of
PEPCO Common Stock with an initial dividend level that would result in a
dividend to PEPCO's shareholders of $1.66 for each share of PEPCO Common Stock
(which was PEPCO's current dividend rate), there was a willingness to negotiate
governance issues in light of the premium of approximately 20% being requested
for the holders of PEPCO Common Stock. Prior to this meeting, neither CEO had
discussed specifics regarding the transaction since the June 9, 1995 offer.
Mr. Poindexter updated the BGE Board on these developments at the regular
meeting held September 15. Messrs. Shivery, Brune and Ruszin also attended this
meeting. At this meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs gave the BGE Board
its assessments of the attractiveness of a business combination with selected
investor-owned utilities in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Summary financial and
operating statistics were presented for each company. The relative merits of a
combination with each company was evaluated against several factors including,
without limitation, service territory, lines of business, growth potential,
competitive risk, operational compatibility, synergy potential, regulatory
climate, potential liabilities, potential impact on BGE earnings, potential
impact on BGE market valuation, and likely receptiveness to merger overtures.
The evaluation concluded that for BGE, a combination with PEPCO compared
favorably with other combination alternatives and continued to be the most
attractive combination in the region. Based on this evaluation and the other
factors described in the section titled "Recommendations of the BGE Board of
Directors" on pages 33 and 34, the BGE Board concluded it was in BGE's best
interest that the BGE Core Negotiating Team work with Messrs. Crooke and
Poindexter, and representatives of Goldman Sachs, to continue negotiating a
possible transaction. Mr. Poindexter, Mr. Mitchell and representatives of
Goldman Sachs and Barr Devlin met again to negotiate and to discuss remaining
issues on September 18. The issues discussed were the exchange ratio, management
structure, Board of Directors representation, Board Committee representation,
the name of the combined company and the proposed stock option agreements.
The PEPCO Chairman's Advisory Committee met on September 19 with members of
PEPCO's management (Messrs. Mitchell, Derrick, Davis, Wraase and Torgerson) and
representatives of Barr Devlin, LeBoeuf, Lamb and Covington & Burling to discuss
the principal remaining open economic and governance issues relating to the
exchange ratio and the duties of the senior officers of the
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combined company to be named in the merger agreement, respectively. Barr Devlin
summarized both companies' financial forecasts, discussed its updated valuation
analysis, provided an update on recent electric utility consolidation and
reviewed PEPCO's strategic alternatives. In a telephone conversation on that day
Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Poindexter agreed that the Core Negotiating Teams should
negotiate transaction documents while the CEOs continued to attempt to come to
agreement on the key financial issues (exchange ratio and initial dividend
level) and the key governance issues (Board of Directors representation, Board
Committee representation, management structure, headquarters location, location
of operations and company name).
In meetings on September 20 at WSPR's offices in New York and by telephone
on September 21, attorneys and executives representing the companies negotiated
transaction documents and conducted final due diligence activities. On September
21, Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Poindexter reached agreement on a transaction framework
that each would recommend to his Board at meetings to be held the next day. The
framework for the transaction was: One share of Company Common Stock for each
share of BGE Common Stock, .997 of a share of Company Common Stock for each
share of PEPCO Common Stock, an initial dividend level of $1.67, a Company Board
split of nine members from BGE and seven members fom PEPCO, Mr. Mitchell serving
as Chairman for one year after closing, Mr. Poindexter serving as CEO from the
outset and succeeding Mr. Mitchell as Chairman, Mr. Crooke serving as Vice
Chairman as well as Chairman of the Company's non-utility subsidiaries from the
outset, Mr. Derrick serving as President and Chief Operating Officer from the
outset and headquarters in the Annapolis area with significant operations in
Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
On September 22, both the BGE Board and the PEPCO Board met to consider
recommendations from their respective managements that they approve the
execution of a definitive agreement to merge. The BGE Core Negotiating Team and
representatives of Goldman Sachs and WSPR attended the BGE Board meeting. At
BGE's meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs made a presentation regarding
the financial terms of the transaction and provided an oral opinion that the BGE
Conversion Ratio, in light of the PEPCO Conversion Ratio, is fair to BGE
shareholders. Mr. Shivery reviewed the strategic benefits of the combination.
WSPR reviewed the transaction documents with the Board. WSPR and Mr. Brune and
Miss Wolf reviewed legal matters with the Board. The BGE Board unanimously
approved the Merger, the related transactions and the transaction documents.
At PEPCO's meeting on the same day, representatives of Barr Devlin reviewed
various financial and other information and rendered to the Board its opinion
that the proposed exchange ratio was fair from a financial point of view to the
holders of PEPCO Common Stock. Counsel to PEPCO reviewed in detail the
transaction terms. Following the rendering of the Barr Devlin opinion, the PEPCO
Board discussed with Barr Devlin and with counsel the information and advice it
had received at this and previous meetings and the significant potential
strategic and economic benefits to PEPCO shareholders and customers that would
result from the proposed transaction. The potential strategic benefits discussed
by the PEPCO Board were the prospects that the combined company would be able to
provide service at lower cost than PEPCO could achieve on a stand-alone basis,
thereby enhancing its ability to succeed in an increasingly competitive
environment, and that the larger combined company would be better positioned to
withstand changes and take advantage of opportunities occurring in the industry.
The potential economic benefits discussed by the PEPCO Board were that, from the
standpoint of PEPCO's shareholders, the exchange ratio reflected approximately a
20% premium over the average PEPCO Common Stock trading price during the week
before the announcement of the Merger, and that the creation of a financially
stronger company offered better prospects for future earnings per share and
dividend growth. After such discussions, the PEPCO Board unanimously approved
the proposed transaction and authorized the execution of the transaction
documents.
Following the meetings on September 22, 1995, the Merger Agreement and the
reciprocal Stock Option Agreements were executed by BGE and PEPCO.
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BGE and PEPCO executives and employees met over the weekend to develop the
press release, communications plans and employee communications packages. On
Monday morning, September 25, 1995, the Merger was publicly announced.
Other than the comparative analyses described above, BGE did not consider
any alternatives to merging with PEPCO. At no time did BGE engage in
transactional negotiations with any company other than PEPCO.
REASONS FOR THE MERGER
BGE and PEPCO believe that the Merger will provide opportunities to achieve
benefits for their respective shareholders, customers, employees and communities
that would not be available if they were to remain separate companies. The
Company, as a result of the combination of BGE's and PEPCO's equity, management,
employees and technical expertise, will have increased financial stability and
strength and will be better able to take advantage of opportunities in both the
core utility and diversified businesses. The significant strategic and financial
benefits from the Merger discussed below were identified in the synergies
analysis performed with Deloitte & Touche. As discussed in "Background of the
Merger," BGE and PEPCO jointly hired Deloitte & Touche to assist in the
performance of a more detailed analysis and quantification of the Merger's
synergies than the initial study performed by the companies. BGE and PEPCO
worked closely with Deloitte & Touche to develop an analysis of the expected
synergies resulting from a merger. Data was supplied in response to requests
from Deloitte & Touche. BGE and PEPCO met frequently with Deloitte & Touche.
Initially, discussions focused on the data supplied and details of the actual
operations of the two companies. As Deloitte & Touche began to develop the
synergies attainable from the Merger, the combined groups evaluated the
reasonableness of the assumptions and conclusions and worked collectively to
refine and improve the analysis. The following strategic and financial benefits
represent the results of this analysis:
- SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS IN OPERATING COSTS -- The combination of the core
utility businesses of BGE and PEPCO is expected to result in substantial
savings, estimated at approximately $1.3 billion, net of costs to achieve,
over a 10-year period. These savings come primarily from three areas:
LABOR: The Company anticipates that it will be able to downsize the
combined workforce by approximately 10%:
DISTRIBUTION: The Company should be able to provide service to
customers in the combined service territory with fewer facilities
than the two stand-alone companies have at the present time,
enabling greater economies of scale to be realized in the support
areas. Areas expected to be the most affected include engineering
and technical support, customer service and marketing and sales.
CORPORATE SUPPORT: Savings are expected in human resources,
accounting and finance, corporate affairs and communications,
information systems and legal. Reductions will occur primarily as
the result of eliminating duplicative functions.
GENERATION: Due to the compact nature of the Company's service
territory, one central generation support organization should be
able to support the entire service territory. Expected areas to be
the most affected by reductions include engineering and technical
services, administrative support and mobile maintenance.
NONFUEL PURCHASING: Economies of scale are expected to be achieved
through reduced reliance on contractors and overall inventory reductions.
CORPORATE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS: Savings are expected to be
achieved by consolidating vehicles, insurance, benefits administration,
shareholder services, information services and general and administrative
services. Fees for outside consultants, auditors, attorneys and
regulatory experts are also expected to decline as duplication is
eliminated.
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- IMPROVED COMPETITIVE AND STRATEGIC POSITION WITHIN INDUSTRY -- It is
expected that the Company's competitive position will be stronger than
that of either BGE or PEPCO alone. More specifically, BGE and PEPCO
believe that the following factors affecting competitive position should
be enhanced as a result of the Merger:
MAINTENANCE OF COMPETITIVE RATES: BGE and PEPCO anticipate that
operating efficiencies resulting from the combination of two low-cost
energy producers will help the Company keep the cost of providing
electric service lower than either BGE or PEPCO could have achieved
alone. The contiguous nature of the two companies' service territories
provides a unique opportunity to achieve meaningful reductions in
operating costs that are not possible on a stand-alone basis. As
indicated above, the combination is expected to result in estimated
savings of approximately $1.3 billion, net of costs to achieve, over a
10-year period. Absent the Merger, neither company could expect to
achieve these cost savings. To the extent these savings are realized, it
will not be necessary for the Company to seek future rate increases for
electric service which may have been necessary for BGE and PEPCO absent a
merger. BGE and PEPCO believe that, from the standpoint of attracting new
customers and keeping customers satisfied, being a low-cost producer of
electricity is very important.
MORE BALANCED CUSTOMER BASE: Industrial and wholesale customers are
considered most at-risk due to the increased competition in the industry.
The combination will create a larger company with reduced reliance on
industrial customers, from BGE's perspective and government customers,
from PEPCO's perspective, as a percent of total sales. Industrial
customers account for approximately 16% of BGE's electric sales and
government customers account for approximately 19% of PEPCO's electric
sales. For the Company, industrial and government customers would
comprise approximately 8% and 9% of electric sales, respectively, on a
PRO FORMA basis.
INCREASED SIZE AND STABILITY: As competition intensifies in the
industry, BGE and PEPCO believe size will be one parameter that will
contribute to overall business success. If the Merger were completed
today, it would create one of the nation's 10 largest utilities. As a
consequence, BGE and PEPCO believe the Company will be better positioned
to pursue future strategic opportunities within and outside its service
territory as the demands of a competitive market intensify. Strategic
opportunities may include the marketing of electric power in wholesale
and retail markets from existing generating plants and from plants
constructed to meet specific growth opportunities. Also, more assets will
be available to the Company's diversified businesses and the size of
these businesses combined are anticipated to enhance opportunities.
Bigger size also should reduce the impact on the Company of changes in
economic conditions on any given segment of its businesses.
CREDIT QUALITY: BGE and PEPCO believe the synergies achieved by the
Company may allow it to maintain a strong credit quality. This is
relevant in the utility industry since the cost of capital is one of the
primary components of a utility's cost structure.
- GENERATION MIX -- If BGE and PEPCO had been combined during 1994, BGE's
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant would have accounted for 22% of the
total megawatt hours generated by the Company and would have represented
12% of the Company's generating capacity. Based on actual 1994 statistics,
Calvert Cliffs represented 39% of electricity produced by BGE and 25% of
BGE's generating capacity. Therefore, from BGE's perspective, the Merger
reduces the percentage of nuclear generation while increasing the
percentage of coal generation and thus lessens the financial risks
associated with owning and operating a nuclear power plant. PEPCO, on the
other hand, will gain the benefit of additional fuel diversity.
- FLEXIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN AIR ACT -- Depending on the final
requirement of NOx reductions, there is the potential to save capital
expenditures associated with compliance.
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- BEST PRACTICES -- The combination will allow for the sharing and
implementation of best practices from each of the areas in BGE and PEPCO.
Examples of such practices include cross training of operations and
maintenance personnel and predictive maintenance programs.
- COORDINATION OF DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAMS -- BGE and PEPCO each have
significant and complementary nonregulated subsidiary businesses.
Synergies from combining these businesses were not analyzed and are not
included in the $1.3 billion of estimated savings. The Company should be
able to manage and pursue the diversified businesses more effectively as
duplication is eliminated.
Preliminary estimates by the managements of PEPCO and BGE indicate that the
synergies resulting from the combination of their utility operations could
generate net cost savings of up to $1.3 billion over a period of 10 years
following the Merger. These estimates indicate that about two-thirds of the
savings will come from reduced labor costs, with the remaining savings split
between nonfuel purchasing and corporate and administrative programs. These
savings are expected to be allocated among shareholders and customers. This
allocation will depend upon the results of regulatory proceedings in the various
jurisdictions in which BGE and PEPCO operate their utility businesses. See
"Regulatory Matters."
The analyses employed in order to develop estimates of potential savings as
a result of the Merger were necessarily based upon various assumptions which
involve judgments with respect to, among other things, future national and
regional economic and competitive conditions, inflation rates, regulatory
treatment, weather conditions, financial market conditions, interest rates,
future business decisions and other uncertainties, all of which are difficult to
predict and many of which are beyond the control of BGE and PEPCO. Accordingly,
while BGE and PEPCO believe that such assumptions are reasonable for purposes of
the development of estimates of potential savings, there can be no assurance
that such assumptions will approximate actual experience or that all such
savings will be realized.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The BGE Board believes that the terms of the Merger are advisable and are
fair to BGE's shareholders. Accordingly, the BGE Board, by unanimous vote, has
approved the Merger Agreement and recommends its approval and adoption by BGE's
shareholders.
The BGE Board believes that the Merger presents a unique opportunity for BGE
and PEPCO to combine; that BGE's shareholders will benefit by participation in
the combined economic growth of the BGE and PEPCO service territories and from
the inherent increase in scale economies, market diversification and the
resulting increased financial stability and strength; that the Merger will
result in cost savings from a reduction in operational and maintenance expense
and other factors discussed above; and that the combined enterprise can
participate in the increasingly competitive market for the generation of power.
All of these factors offer a financially stronger company.
In its deliberations concerning the Merger, the BGE Board considered the
following factors, all of which had a favorable impact on its recommendations to
go forward with the Merger: (i) BGE's and PEPCO's respective businesses,
operations, assets, management, geographic location and prospects, particularly
the relative quality, capacity and mix of electric generating facilities and the
geographic proximity of the BGE and PEPCO service territories; (ii) the
financial condition and results of operations of BGE and PEPCO, both on a
historical and on a prospective basis; (iii) the historical prices and trading
information with respect to BGE Common Stock and PEPCO Common Stock,
particularly the movement of the two stocks in relation to each other over time;
(iv) the presentations of BGE's management, including potential operating and
financial synergies anticipated from the Merger and discussed above under "--
Reasons for the Merger"; (v) the proposed treatment of the Merger as a pooling
of interests for accounting purposes, which avoids the reduction in earnings
that would be associated with amortization of goodwill; (vi) the fact that the
Merger will be tax-free (except
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with respect to cash payments to dissenters and in lieu of fractional shares) to
BGE and its shareholders; (vii) the opinion of BGE's financial advisor, Goldman
Sachs that, as of September 22, 1995, and in light of the PEPCO Conversion
Ratio, the BGE Conversion Ratio is fair to the holders of shares of BGE Common
Stock; (viii) the synergies analysis which was prepared with the assistance of
Deloitte & Touche, which indicated estimated savings of approximately $1.3
billion, net of costs to achieve, over a 10-year period, and which supported the
decision to combine with PEPCO; (ix) the management succession and composition
of the Company Board as outlined in the Merger Agreement; (x) the plan for the
transition of BGE and PEPCO into the Company as specified in the Merger
Agreement; (xi) potential synergies for combining diversified business; and
(xii) the terms of the Merger Agreement, which provide for substantially
reciprocal representations and warranties, conditions to closing and rights
relating to termination and other issues such as management and operations of
the Company. In determining that the Merger is advisable and is fair to its
shareholders, the BGE Board considered the above favorable factors as a whole
and did not assign specific or relative weights to them.
THE BGE BOARD, BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER AGREEMENT,
BELIEVES THAT THE TERMS OF THE MERGER ARE ADVISABLE AND ARE FAIR TO BGE'S
SHAREHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF BGE VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF
THE MERGER.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PEPCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The PEPCO Board has determined that the terms of the proposed Merger are
fair to and in the best interests of the PEPCO shareholders, and offer the PEPCO
shareholders better prospects for the future than would be available if PEPCO
were to remain a stand-alone entity. Accordingly, the PEPCO Board, by a
unanimous vote, has approved the Merger Agreement and recommends its approval
and adoption by PEPCO's shareholders.
In its deliberations concerning the Merger Agreement, the PEPCO Board
considered PEPCO's and BGE's respective businesses, operations, assets,
management, geographic location and prospects. The PEPCO Board also considered
the financial condition and results of operations of PEPCO and BGE on a
historical and prospective basis. In its assessment of a potential business
combination with BGE, the PEPCO Board considered that BGE, but not PEPCO,
generates a portion of its electricity by means of nuclear power. In view of its
lack of operating experience with nuclear generation facilities, PEPCO retained
a consultant, HGP, and relied upon outside counsel to furnish assistance to the
PEPCO Board and management in performing the due diligence required to assess
questions relating to nuclear generation generally and BGE's two nuclear units
at Calvert Cliffs in particular. Through such efforts the PEPCO Board and
management achieved a sufficient level of comfort with the technical, economic,
performance, regulatory, legal and governance issues involved, both on a general
level and with respect to Calvert Cliffs, such that the combination of PEPCO
with a utility having significant nuclear generating capacity was not considered
an impediment to the Merger.
The other factors considered by the PEPCO Board were: (i) the importance of
size and economies of scale in the increasingly competitive energy sector, (ii)
the market diversification resulting from the combination of PEPCO's and BGE's
existing customer base, generation capacity, fuel mix requirements, natural gas
operations and nonutility businesses; (iii) the historical market prices and
trading information with respect to PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock,
particularly the movement of the two stocks in relation to each other over time
and the PEPCO Conversion Ratio which represents a premium of approximately 20%
over the average trading price of PEPCO Common Stock in the period immediately
prior to the announcement of the Merger; (iv) the Company, at the indicated
Company Common Stock dividend rate and assuming maintenance of historical
earnings following the Merger, would have a significantly lower dividend payout
ratio as compared to PEPCO's current payout ratio; (v) the presentations of
PEPCO's management, including the synergies analysis that was prepared with the
assistance of Deloitte & Touche which indicated estimated savings of
approximately $1.3 billion, net of costs to achieve, over a 10-year period, and
which supported the decision to
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combine with BGE; (vi) the proposed treatment of the Merger as a pooling of
interests for accounting purposes, which avoids the creation of any goodwill on
the balance sheet of the Company and thereby avoids the reductions in earnings
that would be associated with the amortization of goodwill under purchase
accounting; (vii) the fact that the Merger will be tax-free (except with respect
to cash payments made to dissenters and holders of fractional shares) to PEPCO
and its shareholders; (viii) the opinion of PEPCO's financial advisor, Barr
Devlin, to the effect that the PEPCO Conversion Ratio is fair, from a financial
point of view, to the holders of PEPCO Common Stock; (ix) the management
succession plan and composition of the Company Board specified in the Merger
Agreement and the Company Employment Agreements (as described under "-- Company
Employment Agreements" and "The Company Following the Merger -- Management of
the Company") which provides for a prudent plan for managing the integration of
and transition in management; (x) the impact of regulation under various state
and federal laws (as described under "Regulatory Matters"); and (xi) the terms
of the Merger Agreement which provide for substantially reciprocal
representations and warranties, conditions to closing and rights relating to
termination. The PEPCO Board considered the above factors as a whole and did not
assign a specific or relative weight to any such factor.
THE PEPCO BOARD, BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, HAS APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE MERGER
AGREEMENT, BELIEVES THAT THE TERMS OF THE MERGER ARE ADVISABLE AND ARE FAIR TO
PEPCO'S SHAREHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS OF PEPCO VOTE FOR
APPROVAL OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISORS
BGE'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR. On September 22, 1995, Goldman Sachs delivered its
oral opinion to the BGE Board that, as of the date of such opinion, and in light
of the PEPCO Conversion Ratio, the BGE Conversion Ratio is fair to the holders
of shares of BGE Common Stock. Goldman Sachs has delivered its written opinion
to the BGE Board that, as of the date hereof, in light of the PEPCO Conversion
Ratio, the BGE Conversion Ratio is fair to holders of BGE Common Stock.
THE FULL TEXT OF THE WRITTEN OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS DATED AS OF THE DATE
OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS, WHICH SETS FORTH ASSUMPTIONS MADE,
MATTERS CONSIDERED AND THE LIMITS OF THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH
THE OPINION, IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT D1 AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY
REFERENCE. HOLDERS OF SHARES OF BGE COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO, AND SHOULD, READ
SUCH OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS IS DIRECTED ONLY TO
THE FAIRNESS OF THE BGE CONVERSION RATIO, IN LIGHT OF THE PEPCO CONVERSION
RATIO, TO HOLDERS OF SHARES OF BGE COMMON STOCK AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A
RECOMMENDATION TO ANY HOLDER OF BGE COMMON STOCK AS TO HOW TO VOTE AT THE BGE
MEETING. THE SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL ASPECTS OF THE OPINION OF GOLDMAN SACHS SET
FORTH HEREIN IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE FULL TEXT OF THE
OPINION ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT D1 HERETO.
In connection with their opinion, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other
things, the Merger Agreement; the Registration Statement, including this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the BGE Meeting and the PEPCO Meeting;
Annual Reports to shareholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of BGE and PEPCO
for the five years ended December 31, 1994; certain interim reports to
shareholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of BGE and PEPCO; FERC Forms 1
of BGE and PEPCO; certain other communications from BGE and PEPCO to their
respective shareholders; certain aircraft appraisals conducted by Avitas, Inc.
dated May 16, 1995 and by Air Cargo Management Group dated May 12, 1995 (the
"Aircraft Appraisals"); and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts
for BGE and PEPCO prepared by their respective managements, including analyses
and forecasts of certain operating efficiencies and financial synergies (the
"Synergies") expected to be achieved as a result of the Merger, which were
prepared jointly by the managements of BGE and PEPCO, with the assistance of
Deloitte & Touche, a third-party consultant. Goldman Sachs also held discussions
with members of the senior management of BGE and PEPCO regarding the past and
current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of their
respective companies and their analyses of the strategic benefits of the Merger,
including, without limitation, the amount and timing of realization of the
Synergies. In addition, Goldman Sachs reviewed the reported price
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and trading activity for BGE Common Stock and PEPCO Common Stock, compared
certain financial and stock market information for BGE and PEPCO with similar
information for certain other companies the securities of which are publicly
traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in
the electric utility industry and performed such other studies and analyses as
Goldman Sachs considered appropriate.
Goldman Sachs relied, without independent verification, upon the accuracy
and completeness of all of the financial and other information reviewed by them
for purposes of their opinion. In that regard, Goldman Sachs assumed that the
Synergies have been reasonably determined on a basis reflecting the best
currently available judgments and estimates of BGE and PEPCO and that such
Synergies will be realized in the amounts and at the times contemplated thereby.
In addition, Goldman Sachs has not made an independent evaluation or appraisal
of the assets and liabilities of BGE or PEPCO or any of their subsidiaries and
Goldman Sachs has not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal other
than the Aircraft Appraisals. Goldman Sachs has assumed that the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be accounted for as a
pooling of interests under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").
Goldman Sachs also has assumed that the holders of shares of BGE Common Stock
will not recognize gain or loss for tax purposes in connection with the Merger.
Goldman Sachs further assumed that obtaining any necessary regulatory or
third-party approvals for the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement
and any possible divestitures which may be required in connection therewith will
not have an adverse effect on the Company, BGE or PEPCO. Goldman Sachs is not
expressing any opinion as to the prices at which Company Common Stock may trade
when the transaction is consummated.
The opinions of Goldman Sachs do not consider the relative merits of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement as compared to any other
business plan or opportunity that might be available to BGE or the effect of any
other arrangement in which BGE might engage.
In connection with their opinions, Goldman Sachs performed certain financial
analyses, which were reviewed with the BGE Board on September 22, 1995. The
following is a summary of these analyses.
HISTORICAL EXCHANGE RATIO ANALYSIS. Goldman Sachs reviewed the ratio of
daily trading prices of PEPCO Common Stock to the daily trading prices of BGE
Common Stock from September 21, 1990 through September 8, 1995. This review
indicated that for the one-, two-, three-, four- and five-year periods ending
September 8, 1995, the average ratio of the trading price of PEPCO Common Stock
to the trading price of BGE Common Stock was .83, .90, .96, 1.00 and 1.02,
respectively.
CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS. Goldman Sachs analyzed and compared the prospective
respective contribution of each of BGE and PEPCO to the Company based on a
comparison of certain actual and estimated stock market and financial
information for each company as a separate entity on a stand-alone basis. This
analysis did not take into account any Synergies realizable as a result of, or
any other effects from, the Merger. This analysis indicated that BGE would
contribute to the Company approximately (i) 60.4% of aggregate market
capitalization based on their respective market prices as of September 21, 1995,
(ii) 58.8% of aggregate 1994 net income, (iii) 63.5% of aggregate estimated 1995
net income (based on the internal forecasts of managements of each of BGE and
PEPCO), (iv) 60.8% of aggregate estimated 1995 net income (based upon the median
of the earnings estimates of various securities research analysts as reported by
the Institutional Brokers' Estimates Services ("IBES")), (v) 59.0% of aggregate
1995 cash flow based on forecasts by managements of each of BGE and PEPCO, (vi)
59.9% of book value as of June 30, 1995, (vii) 54.1% of aggregate total assets
as of June 30, 1995 and (viii) 60.6% of aggregate revenues for 1994. Based on
the number of shares of BGE and PEPCO outstanding as of the date of the Merger
Agreement, the Ratios would result in holders of BGE Common Stock owning
approximately 55.5% of the Company Common Stock immediately after consummation
of the Merger on a pro forma basis which represented a participation by BGE
shareholders in the Company which was within the range of contribution by BGE to
the Company based on the eight factors discussed above.
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SELECTED COMPANIES ANALYSIS. Goldman Sachs reviewed and compared certain
actual and estimated financial and stock market information of BGE and PEPCO
with that of a group of public utility companies comprised of Allegheny Power
System, Inc., Atlantic Energy, Inc., Delmarva Power & Light Company, Dominion
Resources, Inc., General Public Utilities Corporation, PECO Energy Company, PP&L
Resources, Inc. and Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (the "Selected
Utility Companies"). This analysis indicated that (i) return on equity for the
latest 12 months was approximately 9.9% and 9.5% for PEPCO and BGE,
respectively, as compared to a mean of 10.0% and a median of 10.1% for the
Selected Utility Companies (with a range of 7.1% to 12.5%); (ii) the ratio of
market value per share of common stock to book value per share was approximately
1.41 and 1.44 for PEPCO and BGE, respectively, as compared to a mean of 1.34 and
a median of 1.35 for the Selected Utility Companies (with a range of 1.25 to
1.47); (iii) price earnings multiples, based on IBES estimates of 1995 earnings,
were approximately 12.4 and 12.9 for PEPCO and BGE, respectively, as compared to
a mean of 11.4 and a median of 11.4 for the Selected Utility Companies (with a
range of 10.2 to 12.5); (iv) price earnings multiples, based on IBES estimates
of 1996 earnings, were approximately 12.0 and 12.2 for PEPCO and BGE,
respectively, as compared to a mean of 10.9 and a median of 10.9 for the
Selected Utility Companies (with a range of 9.8 to 12.2); (v) dividend yield was
approximately 7.7% and 5.9% for PEPCO and BGE, respectively, as compared to a
mean of 7.1% and a median of 7.1% for the Selected Utility Companies (with a
range of 5.9% to 8.2%); and (vi) the ratio of estimated dividends to be paid in
1995 to IBES median estimates of 1995 earnings was approximately 94.9% and 76.1%
for PEPCO and BGE, respectively, as compared to a mean of 81.2% and a median of
85.3% for the Selected Utility Companies (with a range of 62.1% to 93.3%).
DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS. Based on projections prepared by the
managements of PEPCO and BGE, Goldman Sachs estimated the net present value of
PEPCO's and BGE's future cash flows (after deducting estimated capital
expenditures). In conducting this analysis, Goldman Sachs assumed discount rates
ranging from 11% to 13% and terminal value multiples of 11, 12 and 13 times
earnings to common. This analysis indicated a net present value per share of
PEPCO Common Stock of $25.61 to $30.79 (which amounts included a Synergy
retention value of $5.55 to $6.39 per share based upon an assumed retention of
50% of after-tax annual Synergies) and a net present value per share of BGE
Common Stock ranging from $22.78 to $27.82 per share (which amounts included no
Synergy retention value). The price ranges indicated by this analysis implied a
PEPCO Conversion Ratio ranging from 0.98 to 1.27, assuming a BGE Conversion
Ratio of 1.0. Goldman Sachs also compared the estimated net present value of
future cash flows of the Company against the estimated net present value of
future cash flows of BGE on a stand-alone basis. In conducting this analysis,
Goldman Sachs assumed a 12% discount rate and terminal value multiples of 11, 12
and 13 times earnings attributable to common stock. This analysis indicated net
present values, at terminal value multiples of 11, 12 and 13, of $22.45, $23.88
and $25.30 per share, respectively, for the Company, assuming no synergies and
of $24.03, $25.56 and $27.10 per share, respectively, for the Company, assuming
50% of pretax synergies flow to shareholders, compared with net present values
of $23.68, $25.21 and $26.73 per share for BGE on a stand-alone basis.
DIVIDEND DISCOUNT ANALYSIS. Goldman Sachs calculated the present value of
the estimated hypothetical future dividends payable on PEPCO Common Stock and on
BGE Common Stock. In conducting this analysis, Goldman Sachs applied discount
rates of 8%, 9% and 10% and considered potential annual growth rates of 1.0%,
1.5% and 2.0% on a dividend of $1.93 per share of PEPCO Common Stock
(representing PEPCO's current dividend of $1.66 per share plus an additional
dividend of $0.27 representing 50% retention of after-tax Synergies at a 70%
payout ratio) and annual growth rates of 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% on the current
dividend of $1.56 per share of BGE Common Stock. This analysis implied per share
values ranging from $21.49 to $32.24 per share of PEPCO Common Stock and from
$19.50 to $31.20 per share of BGE Common Stock. Assuming a BGE Conversion Ratio
of 1.0, these values implied a PEPCO Conversion Ratio of between .89 and 1.24.
SELECTED TRANSACTIONS ANALYSIS. Goldman Sachs reviewed and analyzed
selected financial, operating and stock market information relating to seven
business combinations involving electric utility
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companies. These transactions were the combination of Southwestern Public
Service Company and Public Service Company of Colorado, the combination of
CIPSCO Incorporated and Union Electric Company, the combination of Sierra
Pacific Resources and The Washington Water Power Company, the combination of PSI
Energy, Inc. and The Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company, the combination of Iowa
Southern Utilities Company and IE Industries Inc., the combination of Iowa
Resources, Inc. and Midwest Energy Company and the combination of Utah Power &
Light Company and PacifiCorp. (together, the "Selected Transactions"). This
analysis indicated that the consideration received by shareholders of the
smaller company (as determined by market capitalization) in each of the Selected
Transactions represented (i) a multiple of latest 12 months earnings per share
ranging from 12.2 to 16.3, with a mean of 14.0 and, given a BGE Conversion Ratio
of 1.0, implying a PEPCO Conversion Ratio of 0.87 based on this mean; (ii) a
multiple of gross cash flow ranging from 5.6 to 7.6, with a mean of 6.7 and,
given a BGE Conversion Ratio of 1.0, implying a PEPCO Conversion Ratio of 0.92
based on this mean; (iii) a dividend pickup ranging from 1.0% to 59.4%, with a
mean of 23.5% and, assuming a BGE Conversion Ratio of 1.0, implying a PEPCO
Conversion Ratio of 1.31, based on such mean; (iv) a multiple of book value
ranging from 1.3 to 2.5, with a mean of 1.8 and, given a BGE Conversion Ratio of
1.0, implying a PEPCO Conversion Ratio of 1.04 based on this mean; and (v) a
premium to market value per common share ranging from 1.9% to 56.0%, with a mean
of 25.9% and, given a BGE Conversion Ratio of 1.0, implying a PEPCO Conversion
Ratio of 1.05 based on this mean.
PRO FORMA COMBINATION ANALYSIS. Goldman Sachs analyzed the pro forma impact
of the Merger, assuming a BGE Conversion Ratio of 1.0 and a PEPCO Conversion
Ratio of 0.997, on the earnings per share of common stock of each of BGE and
PEPCO shareholders for 1997, 1998 and 1999. The analysis assumed that the Merger
was consummated in 1995 and that anticipated Synergies began to accrue at that
time. The analysis was based on earnings estimates for these years for BGE and
PEPCO prepared by their respective managements and assumes that 50% of the
pre-tax Synergies expected to result from the Merger will flow to the
shareholders of the Company. Based on these forecasts and estimates and assuming
the Merger will be accounted for as a pooling of interests, the Ratios would be
modestly dilutive to BGE shareholders in 1997 and modestly accretive to BGE
shareholders thereafter.
In connection with its opinion dated as of the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, Goldman Sachs reviewed the analyses used to render their
September 22, 1995 oral opinion to the BGE Board by performing procedures to
update certain such analyses and by reviewing the assumptions upon which such
analyses were based and the factors considered in connection therewith.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting
portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering
the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes
underlying Goldman Sachs' opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination,
Goldman Sachs considered the results of all such analyses and did not assign
relative weights to any of the analyses.
The analyses were prepared solely for the purpose of Goldman Sachs providing
their opinion to the BGE Board as to the fairness of the BGE Conversion Ratio,
in light of the PEPCO Conversion Ratio, to holders of BGE Common Stock and do
not purport to be appraisals or necessarily reflect the prices at which
businesses or securities actually may be sold, which are inherently subject to
uncertainty. Any estimates incorporated in the analyses performed by Goldman
Sachs are not necessarily indicative of actual past or future values or results,
which may be significantly more or less favorable than any such estimates. No
public company utilized as a comparison is identical to BGE, PEPCO or the
business segment for which a comparison is being made, and none of the
comparable acquisition transactions or other business combinations utilized as a
comparison is identical to the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement. Accordingly, an analysis of publicly traded comparable companies and
comparable business combinations resulting from the transactions is not
mathematical; rather it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning
differences in financial and operating characteristics of the comparable
companies and other factors that could affect the public
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trading value of the comparable companies or company to which they are being
compared. In connection with the analyses, Goldman Sachs made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and economic
conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of BGE and
PEPCO. Similarly, analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not
necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more
or less favorable than suggested by such analyses. Because such analyses are
inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events
beyond the control of BGE and PEPCO or their respective advisors, there can be
no assurance that future results or actual values will not be materially
different from these forecasts or assumptions. The foregoing summary does not
purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs
and is qualified by reference to the written opinion of Goldman Sachs set forth
in Exhibit D1 to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
As described above, the opinion and presentation of Goldman Sachs to the BGE
Board was only one of many factors taken into consideration by the BGE Board in
making its determination to approve the Merger Agreement. In addition, the terms
of the Merger were determined through negotiations between BGE and PEPCO and
were approved by the BGE Board. Although Goldman Sachs provided advice to BGE
during the course of these negotiations, the decision to enter into the Merger
Agreement and to accept the Ratios was solely that of the BGE Board.
Goldman Sachs, as part of its investment banking business, is continually
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements
and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. Goldman Sachs is
familiar with BGE, having provided certain investment banking services to BGE
from time to time, including acting as managing underwriter of certain
securities offerings of BGE, as one of the agents under BGE's medium-term note
program and as the remarketing agent under one of BGE's tax-exempt commercial
paper programs, and having acted as its financial advisor in connection with,
and having participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the Merger
Agreement. Goldman Sachs provides certain investment banking services to PEPCO
from time to time, including acting as managing underwriter of certain
securities offerings of PEPCO, as one of the agents under PEPCO's medium-term
note program, and as a dealer in its commercial paper program. Goldman Sachs may
provide investment banking services to the Company in the future. BGE selected
Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because Goldman Sachs is an
internationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial
experience in transactions similar to the Merger and has familiarity with BGE
and the industry in which it operates.
Goldman Sachs provides a full range of financial, advisory and brokerage
services and in the course of their normal trading activities may from time to
time effect transactions and hold positions in the debt and equity securities of
BGE and PEPCO for their own account and for the account of customers;
consequently Goldman Sachs may, at any time, hold a long or short position in
such securities.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated February 17, 1995 (the "Engagement
Letter"), BGE engaged Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor with respect
to a possible transaction with PEPCO. Pursuant to the terms of the Engagement
Letter, BGE has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs (i) monthly fees of $100,000 over a
period commencing March 1, 1995 through the execution of a merger agreement with
PEPCO but not to exceed five months, (ii) $1,000,000 upon execution of the
Merger Agreement, (iii) $1,500,000 upon approval of the Merger Agreement by
holders of BGE Common Stock and (iv) $6,000,000 upon consummation of the Merger.
The Engagement Letter also provides for the payment by BGE to Goldman Sachs of
10% of any payment BGE might receive from PEPCO or a third-party if the Merger
is not consummated, not to exceed $4,000,000 and not including payments received
by BGE as reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, BGE has agreed
to reimburse Goldman Sachs for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,
including the fees and disbursements of their attorneys, plus any sales, use or
similar taxes arising in connection with
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Goldman Sachs' engagement and to indemnify Goldman Sachs and certain related
persons against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the
federal securities laws, arising out of its engagement.
Goldman Sachs has rendered from time to time various investment banking and
other financial advisory services to BGE. Since January 1, 1994, Goldman Sachs
has earned approximately $600,000 in compensation from BGE in connection with
routine securities transactions.
PEPCO'S FINANCIAL ADVISOR. On February 15, 1995, PEPCO entered into an
engagement letter with Barr Devlin pursuant to which Barr Devlin was retained to
act as PEPCO's financial advisor in connection with a potential business
combination with BGE. Barr Devlin has delivered its written opinions to the
PEPCO Board, dated September 22, 1995, and the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus, to the effect that, on and as of the dates of such
opinions, and based upon assumptions made, matters considered, and limits of the
review, as set forth in the opinions, the PEPCO Conversion Ratio was and is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of PEPCO Common Stock.
A COPY OF THE OPINION OF BARR DEVLIN DATED THE DATE HEREOF IS ATTACHED TO
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS AS EXHIBIT D2 AND IS INCORPORATED HEREIN
BY REFERENCE. THE SEPTEMBER 22, 1995 OPINION IS SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL TO THE
OPINION ATTACHED HERETO. PEPCO SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE
OPINION DATED THE DATE HEREOF IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS
CONSIDERED AND THE LIMITS OF THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY BARR DEVLIN. THE SUMMARY
OF THE MATERIAL ASPECTS OF BARR DEVLIN'S OPINION SET FORTH IN THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE ATTACHED
OPINION.
In connection with rendering its opinion dated the date hereof, Barr Devlin
(i) reviewed the Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and the related financial
information for the three-year period ended December 31, 1994 and the Forms 10-Q
and the related unaudited financial information for the quarterly periods ended
March 31, 1995, June 30, 1995 and September 30, 1995, for PEPCO; (ii) reviewed
the Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and the related financial information for the
three-year period ended December 31, 1994; and the Forms 10-Q and the related
unaudited financial information for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 1995,
June 30, 1995 and September 30, 1995, for BGE; (iii) reviewed certain other
filings with the SEC and other regulatory authorities made by PEPCO and BGE
during the last three years, including proxy statements, FERC Forms 1, Forms 8-K
and registration statements; (iv) reviewed certain internal information,
including financial forecasts, relating to the business, earnings, capital
expenditures, cash flow, assets and prospects of PEPCO and BGE furnished to Barr
Devlin by PEPCO and BGE; (v) conducted discussions with members of senior
management of PEPCO and BGE concerning their respective businesses, regulatory
environments, prospects, strategic objectives and possible operating,
administrative and capital synergies which might be realized for the benefit of
the Company following the Merger; (vi) reviewed the historical market prices and
trading activity for shares of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock and
compared them with those of certain publicly traded companies deemed by Barr
Devlin to be relevant; (vii) compared the results of operations of PEPCO and BGE
with those of certain companies deemed by Barr Devlin to be relevant; (viii)
compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger with the financial terms of
certain utility industry business combinations deemed by Barr Devlin to be
relevant; (ix) analyzed the respective contributions of earnings, cash flow,
assets and shareholders equity by PEPCO and BGE to the Company; (x) analyzed the
valuation of shares of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock using various
valuation methodologies deemed by Barr Devlin to be appropriate; (xi) considered
the pro forma capitalization, earnings and cash flow of the Company; (xii)
compared the pro forma capitalization ratios, earnings per share, dividends per
share, book value per share, cash flow per share, return on equity and payout
ratio of the Company with each of the corresponding current and projected values
for PEPCO and BGE on a stand-alone basis; (xiii) reviewed the Merger Agreement;
(xiv) reviewed the Registration Statement, including this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus; and (xv) reviewed such other studies, conducted such other
analyses, considered such other financial, economic and market criteria,
performed such other investigations and considered such other matters as Barr
Devlin deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of its opinion. The
financial forecasts referred to in part (iv) of this paragraph and elsewhere
under the
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caption "PEPCO's Financial Advisor" consist of income statements, cash flow
statements and balance sheets and the financial and operating assumptions
underlying them for the years 1995 through 1999 (defined below, under the
subcaption "Discounted Flow Analysis," as the "Projection Period") for each of
PEPCO and BGE, prepared by the respective managements of PEPCO and BGE, and
exchanged pursuant to executed confidentiality agreements.
In preparing its opinions, Barr Devlin relied, without independent
verification, on the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other
information publicly available or otherwise furnished or made available to it by
PEPCO and BGE, including the representations and warranties contained in the
Merger Agreement, and have further assumed that the conditions to consummation
of the Merger Agreement will be satisfied in all material respects. Barr Devlin
further relied upon the assurances of management of PEPCO and BGE that they were
not aware of any facts that would make such information inaccurate or
misleading. With respect to the financial projections of PEPCO and BGE
(including, without limitation, projected cost savings and operating synergies),
Barr Devlin relied upon assurances of management of PEPCO and BGE that such
projections were reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the managements of PEPCO and BGE as to the future
financial performance of PEPCO and BGE, as the case may be and as to the
projected outcomes of legal, regulatory and other contingencies. Barr Devlin was
not provided with and did not undertake an independent evaluation or appraisal
of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of PEPCO or BGE, nor did
Barr Devlin make any physical inspection of the properties or assets of PEPCO or
BGE. In addition, Barr Devlin was not requested to, and did not, solicit any
indications of interest from third parties with respect to the purchase of all
or a part of PEPCO.
In arriving at its opinions, Barr Devlin assumed that the Merger will be a
reorganization as described in Section 368(a) of the Code and the regulations
thereunder, and that PEPCO, BGE and holders of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common
Stock who exchange their shares solely for Company Common Stock will recognize
no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the consummation
of the Merger. In addition, Barr Devlin has assumed that the Merger will qualify
as a pooling of interests for financial accounting purposes. Barr Devlin's
opinions are based upon general financial, stock market and other conditions and
circumstances as they existed and could be evaluated, and the information made
available to it, as of the respective dates of its opinions. Barr Devlin's
opinions are directed only to the PEPCO Board of Directors and to the fairness
of the PEPCO Conversion Ratio from a financial point of view, do not address any
other aspect of the Merger and do not constitute a recommendation to any PEPCO
shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote at the PEPCO Meeting.
Although Barr Devlin evaluated the fairness of the PEPCO Conversion Ratio from a
financial point of view to the holders of PEPCO Common Stock, the specific PEPCO
Conversion Ratio was determined by PEPCO and BGE through arm's length
negotiations. PEPCO did not place any limitations upon Barr Devlin with respect
to the procedures followed or factors considered by Barr Devlin in rendering its
opinions.
Barr Devlin has advised PEPCO that, in its view, the preparation of a
fairness opinion involves various determinations as to the most appropriate and
relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to
the particular circumstances, and, therefore, such an opinion is not readily
susceptible to summary description. Furthermore, in arriving at its fairness
opinions, Barr Devlin did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or
factor considered by it, nor did Barr Devlin ascribe a specific range of fair
values to PEPCO; rather, Barr Devlin made its determination as to the fairness
of the PEPCO Conversion Ratio on the basis of qualitative judgments as to the
significance and relevance of each of the financial and comparative analyses and
factors described below. Accordingly, notwithstanding the separate factors
summarized below, Barr Devlin believes that its analyses must be considered as a
whole and that considering any portions of these analyses and factors, without
considering all analyses and factors, could create a misleading or incomplete
view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion. In its analysis, Barr
Devlin made many assumptions with respect to industry performance, general
business and economic conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond
PEPCO's and BGE's control. Any estimates in these analyses do not
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necessarily indicate actual values or predict future results or values, which
may be significantly more or less favorable than as set forth therein. In
addition, analyses relating to the value of businesses do not purport to be
appraisals or to reflect the prices at which businesses actually may be sold.
In connection with rendering its opinions dated September 22, 1995, and the
date hereof, and preparing its various written and oral presentations to the
PEPCO Board, Barr Devlin performed a variety of financial and comparative
analyses and considered a variety of factors of which the material analyses and
factors are summarized below. This summary does not purport to be a complete
description of the analyses performed or factors considered by Barr Devlin. The
results of the analyses described in this summary were discussed with the PEPCO
Board at its meeting on September 22, 1995. Barr Devlin derived implied exchange
ratios for PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock based upon what these
analyses, when considered in light of the judgment and experience of Barr
Devlin, suggested about the relative values of their respective Common Stocks.
Barr Devlin's opinions are based upon its consideration of the collective
results of all such analyses, together with the other factors referred to in its
opinions. Because each share of BGE Common Stock is being converted into one
share of Company Common Stock, these implied exchange ratios can be compared to
the 0.997 shares of Company Common Stock that each share of PEPCO Common Stock
will be converted into pursuant to the Merger. In concluding that the PEPCO
Conversion Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of
PEPCO Common Stock and in its discussions with the PEPCO Board, Barr Devlin
noted that 0.997 was within each range of implied exchange ratios set forth
below, which were derived from the analyses performed by it. In connection with
its opinion dated the date hereof, Barr Devlin performed certain procedures to
update its analyses made for its September 22, 1995 opinion and reviewed with
the managements of PEPCO and BGE the assumptions upon which such analyses were
based. The results of such analyses were substantially the same as those for the
September 22, 1995 opinion of Barr Devlin.
COMPARABLE TRANSACTION ANALYSIS. To determine an implied exchange ratio
based upon a comparable transaction analysis, Barr Devlin reviewed certain
transactions involving mergers between regulated electric or electric and gas
utilities or holding companies for regulated electric or electric and gas
utilities (the "Comparable Transactions"). The Comparable Transactions were
selected because they were strategic combinations of electric, or electric and
gas, utility companies (or their holding companies) which resulted in the
creation of newly formed, newly named, publicly traded corporations with
meaningful senior executive officer representation from each of the merged
companies, and with boards of directors consisting of representatives from the
boards of directors of each of the merging companies prior to the transaction.
Barr Devlin calculated the implied equity consideration for each of the
Comparable Transactions as a multiple of each participating company's net income
and cash flow for the latest 12-month period preceding the announcement of such
transaction and book value of common equity for the most recently available
fiscal quarter preceding the transaction. In addition, Barr Devlin calculated
the "implied total consideration" (defined as the sum of the implied equity
consideration plus the liquidation value of preferred stock, the principal
amount of debt, capitalized lease obligations and minority interests minus cash
and option proceeds, if any) for each of the Comparable Transactions as a
multiple of each company's respective latest 12-month earnings before interest,
taxes ("EBIT") and earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation ("EBITDA").
The Comparable Transactions included in this analysis consisted of Public
Service Co. of Colorado/Southwestern Public Service, Union Electric
Company/CIPSCO Incorporated, Wisconsin Energy Corporation/Northern States Power
Company, Midwest Resources, Inc./Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric Company/PSI
Resources and Midwest Energy Company/Iowa Resources. This analysis produced
reference values of $20.26 to $27.22 per share in the case of PEPCO and $20.67
to $27.11 per share in the case of BGE. The implied range of exchange ratios
resulting from these reference values was 0.75 to 1.32, with a midpoint value of
1.03.
Because the reasons for and circumstances surrounding each of the Comparable
Transactions analyzed were diverse and because of the inherent differences
between the operations of PEPCO, BGE and the companies in the selected
transactions, Barr Devlin believed that a purely quantitative comparable
transaction analysis would not be particularly meaningful in the context of the
Merger.
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Barr Devlin believed that an appropriate use of a comparable transaction
analysis in this instance would involve qualitative judgments concerning
differences between the characteristics of these transactions and the Merger
which would affect the relative values of the merged companies, PEPCO and BGE.
DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS. To determine an implied exchange ratio based
upon a discounted cash flow ("DCF") analysis, Barr Devlin prepared and reviewed
the results of unleveraged DCF analyses for both PEPCO and BGE for the fiscal
year period 1995 through 1999 (the "Projection Period"). After receiving and
reviewing the five-year financial projections by the managements of PEPCO and
BGE, Barr Devlin made certain revisions to the projected earnings of BGE's
nonutility subsidiaries. These revisions produced an adjusted forecast (the
"Adjusted Forecast") with a lower rate of annual earnings growth than had been
assumed in BGE's financial forecast. Barr Devlin subsequently used the Adjusted
Forecast in all such analyses incorporating the financial forecasts.
The purpose of the DCF analysis was to determine the present value or worth
of the common shares of each of PEPCO and BGE. To calculate the present value of
a business using a DCF analysis, the projected unleveraged free cash flows for
each year, together with the estimated value of the business in the final year
of the Projection Period, are discounted to the present. Barr Devlin estimated
terminal values for PEPCO and BGE by applying multiples (described below) to (i)
the projected book value of PEPCO's and BGE's common equity as of fiscal
year-end 1999 and (ii) the projected net income of PEPCO and BGE for fiscal year
1999. The multiples applied were based on analyses of the corresponding
multiples of certain public companies comparable to PEPCO and BGE. For the
purposes of these analyses, the terminal multiple ranges used were 1.50x - 1.75x
and 1.45x - 1.70x for PEPCO and BGE, respectively, with respect to book value
and 12.5x - 14.0x and 12.5 - 13.5x for PEPCO and BGE, respectively, with respect
to net income. The cash flow streams and terminal values were then discounted to
present value using discount rates that ranged from 7.75% to 8.75% for PEPCO and
8.50% to 9.50% for BGE. This analysis produced reference values of $20.91 to
$28.06 per share in the case of PEPCO and $22.29 to $28.41 per share in the case
of BGE. The implied range of exchange ratios resulting from these reference
values was 0.74 to 1.26, with a midpoint value of 1.00.
STOCK TRADING HISTORY. Barr Devlin reviewed the performance of the per
share market prices and trading volumes of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common
Stock and compared such per share market price movements to movements in (i) the
Dow Jones Utility Index and (ii) the Standard and Poor's 500 Composite Index to
provide perspective on the current and historical stock price performance of
PEPCO and BGE relative to the Comparable Companies (as defined below) and
selected market indices. Barr Devlin also calculated the ratio of the per share
weekly closing market price of PEPCO to the per share weekly closing market
price of BGE for the periods September 18, 1992 to September 18, 1995. This
analysis showed that over this three-year period PEPCO Common Stock traded at a
price as high as 1.20 times, as low as 0.78 times and at an average of 0.99
times the then-current per share market price of BGE Common Stock. For the
one-month and 12-month periods ending September 15, 1995, PEPCO Common Stock
traded at an average of 0.82 and 0.83 times, respectively, the then-current per
share market price of BGE Common Stock. This analysis was utilized to provide
historical background for the manner in which the public trading market had
valued PEPCO and BGE in absolute terms and relative to each other.
PUBLICLY TRADED COMPARABLE COMPANY ANALYSIS. Using publicly available
information, Barr Devlin compared selected financial information and ratios
(described below) for PEPCO and BGE with the corresponding financial information
and ratios for a group of electric or electric and gas utilities (or their
holding companies) situated in the mid-Atlantic region (the "Regional Comparable
Companies") and two groups of other selected electric or electric and gas
utilities (or their holding companies) deemed by Barr Devlin to be comparable to
PEPCO (the "PEPCO Comparable Companies") and BGE (the "BGE Comparable
Companies") (collectively, the "Comparable Companies"). The Regional Comparable
Companies were selected because they possessed general business, operating and
financial characteristics representative of companies in industries in which
PEPCO and BGE operate and whose principal geographic areas of operation are
located either: (i) in states in which PEPCO or BGE has electric or gas utility
operations or (ii) in states contiguous to those in which
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PEPCO or BGE has electric or gas utility operations. The Regional Comparable
Companies consisted of Allegheny Power System, Inc., American Electric Power Co.
Inc., Atlantic Energy, Inc., Delmarva Power & Light Co., Dominion Resources
Inc., DQE, Inc., General Public Utilities Corp., PECO Energy Co., PP&L
Resources, Inc. and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. The PEPCO Comparable
Companies and BGE Comparable Companies possessed general business, operating and
financial characteristics representative of companies in industries in which
PEPCO and BGE operate and whose principal geographic areas of operation are not
necessarily located in states or contiguous states in which PEPCO or BGE,
respectively, have electric or gas utility operations. The PEPCO Comparable
Companies consisted of Allegheny Power System, Inc., CINergy Corp., DPL Inc.,
IPALCO Enterprises, Inc., KU Energy Corp., LG&E Energy Corp., NIPSCO Industries,
Inc. and Public Service Co. of Colorado. The BGE Comparable Companies consisted
of CMS Energy Corp., Illinova Corporation, Northern States Power Co., PECO
Energy Co., San Diego Gas & Electric Co., Scana Corp., Union Electric Co. and
Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
In evaluating the current market values of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common
Stock, Barr Devlin determined ranges of multiples for selected financial ratios
for the Comparable Companies, including: (i) the market value of outstanding
common stock as a multiple of (a) net income available to common stock for the
12-month period ending June 30, 1995 (the "LTM Period"), (b) projected net
income available to common stock for the 12-month period ending December 31,
1995 ("fiscal 1995"), (c) book value of common equity for the most recently
available fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1995 and (d) after-tax cash flow from
operations for the LTM Period and (ii) the "aggregate market value" (defined as
the sum of the market value of common stock, plus the liquidation value of
preferred stock, the principal amount of debt, capitalized lease obligations and
minority interests, minus cash and cash equivalents) as a multiple of (a) EBIT
for the LTM Period, (b) EBITDA for the LTM Period, (c) EBIT for fiscal 1995 and
(d) EBITDA for fiscal 1995. This analysis produced reference values of $19.41 to
$23.84 per share in the case of PEPCO and $21.35 to $26.61 per share in the case
of BGE. The implied range of exchange ratios resulting from these reference
values was 0.73 to 1.12, with a midpoint value of 0.92.
Barr Devlin also evaluated the projected fiscal year-end 1995 and 1996
market values of shares of outstanding PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock,
based on the operating and financial projections provided by PEPCO and the
Adjusted Forecast for BGE for the Projection Period. The projected year-end 1995
market values were based on selected ranges of multiples for the Comparable
Companies and (i) projected 1995 and 1996 net income available to common stock,
(ii) projected 1995 cash flow, (iii) projected book value of common stock as of
year-end 1995 and (iv) projected dividend yields as of year-end 1995. The
projected year-end 1996 market values were based on selected ranges of multiples
for the Comparable Companies and (i) projected 1996 and 1997 income available to
common stock, (ii) projected 1996 cash flow, (iii) projected book value of
common stock as of year-end 1996 and (iv) projected dividend yields as of
year-end 1996. For fiscal 1995, this analysis produced reference values of
$22.67 to $26.34 per share in the case of PEPCO and $24.45 to $28.76 per share
in the case of BGE. The implied range of exchange ratios resulting from the 1995
reference values was 0.79 to 1.08 with a midpoint value of 0.93. For fiscal
1996, this analysis produced reference values of $23.38 to $27.19 per share in
the case of PEPCO and $25.65 to $30.21 per share in the case of BGE. The implied
range of exchange ratios resulting from the 1996 reference values was 0.77 to
1.06, with a midpoint value of 0.92.
CONTRIBUTION ANALYSIS. Barr Devlin calculated the relative contribution of
PEPCO and BGE to the pro forma combined Company with respect to (i) net income,
(ii) cash flow, (iii) book value of common equity and (iv) EBIT, in each case
for fiscal 1994 and for fiscal 1995 through fiscal 1998. Although Barr Devlin
considered each of the above-mentioned contribution measures, it attributed
relatively greater weight to three of these measures (net income, book value of
common equity and EBIT) because of its judgment that they are more appropriate
indicators of relative contribution to shareholder value. These contribution
indices yielded implied exchange ratios during the Projection Period ranging
from 0.81 to 1.04, with a midpoint value of 0.92.
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DISCOUNTED DIVIDEND ANALYSIS. Barr Devlin prepared and reviewed the results
of discounted dividend analyses of PEPCO and BGE based on certain financial
assumptions relating to projected dividends per share for each year in the
Projection Period prepared by PEPCO's and BGE's managements. To calculate the
value of a stock using discounted dividend analysis, the projected dividend per
share for each fiscal year together with the estimated share price as of fiscal
year-end 1999 are discounted to the present at an estimated cost of equity
capital rate. Barr Devlin estimated the fiscal year-end 1999 share price by
dividing (x) the estimated annualized fiscal year-end dividend in 1999 by (y)
the estimated cost of equity capital rate less the estimated sustainable rate of
growth in the equity capital rates ranging from 8.25% to 10.75% and sustainable
dividend growth rates ranging from 1.75% to 3.25% for PEPCO and market-derived
cost of equity capital rates ranging from 8.25% to 10.50% and sustainable
dividend growth rates ranging from 2.75% to 3.50% for BGE. This analysis
produced reference values of $17.65 to $29.58 per share in the case of PEPCO and
$20.03 to $31.46 per share in the case of BGE. The implied range of exchange
ratios resulting from these reference values was 0.56 to 1.48, with a midpoint
value of 1.02.
PRO FORMA MERGER ANALYSIS. Barr Devlin analyzed certain pro forma effects
to the shareholders of PEPCO resulting from the Merger, based on the PEPCO
Conversion Ratio, for each year in the Projection Period. This analysis, based
on the financial forecast of PEPCO and BGE's Adjusted Forecast and assuming
retention of a significant portion of the synergies forecasted, showed
substantial accretion to holders of PEPCO Common Stock in earnings per share and
modest accretion in dividends per share.
Barr Devlin was selected as PEPCO's financial advisor because Barr Devlin
and principals of Barr Devlin have a long history of association in the
investment banking and electric and gas utility industries. Barr Devlin is a
privately held investment banking firm specializing in financial, strategic and
merger advisory services to the electric and gas utility industries, the energy
industry and selected other industries. In this capacity, Barr Devlin and
principals of Barr Devlin have been involved as advisors in numerous
transactions and advisory assignments in the electric, gas and energy industries
and are constantly engaged in the valuation of businesses and securities in
those industries.
Pursuant to the terms of Barr Devlin's engagement, PEPCO has agreed to pay
Barr Devlin for its services in connection with the Merger (i) a financial
advisory retainer fee of $50,000 per quarter (which is the same retainer fee
required by a 1994 letter agreement between PEPCO and Barr Devlin for ongoing
financial services), (ii) financial advisory progress payments of $500,000 per
quarter, commencing on execution of the Merger Agreement; and (iii) a
transaction fee based on the aggregate consideration to be received by PEPCO and
holders of PEPCO Common Stock in connection with the Merger on the Closing Date,
ranging from 0.41% of such aggregate consideration (for a transaction with an
aggregate consideration of $2,000,000,000) to 0.35% of such aggregate
consideration (for a transaction with an aggregate consideration of
$4,000,000,000). All retainer fees payable during the term of the engagement,
all financial advisory progress fees and an additional $100,000 would be
credited against any transaction fee payable to Barr Devlin. PEPCO has agreed to
reimburse Barr Devlin for its out-of-pocket expenses, including fees and
expenses of legal counsel and other advisors engaged with the consent of PEPCO
and to indemnify Barr Devlin against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the federal securities laws, relating to or arising out of its engagement.
Barr Devlin has rendered from time to time various investment banking and
other financial advisory services to PEPCO. Since January 1, 1994, pursuant to
the arrangements referred to in clause (i) of the preceding paragraph, Barr
Devlin has earned compensation from PEPCO with respect to such services of
approximately $100,000 (excluding compensation with respect to its services
related to the Merger).
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INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
In considering the recommendations of the Boards of Directors of BGE and
PEPCO with respect to the Merger, shareholders should be aware that certain
members of the Boards of Directors and management of BGE and PEPCO have certain
interests in the Merger that are not shared by the shareholders of BGE and PEPCO
generally. The Boards of Directors of BGE and PEPCO were aware of these
respective interests when they approved the Merger Agreement.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS. As provided in the Merger Agreement, it is intended
that, at the Effective Time, the Company Board will consist of 16 directors,
composed of nine persons designated by BGE, including Christian H. Poindexter
and Edward A. Crooke and seven persons designated by PEPCO, including Edward F.
Mitchell and John M. Derrick, Jr. See "The Company Following the Merger --
Management of the Company". To date, neither BGE nor PEPCO has determined the
other individuals who will be designated to serve as directors of the Company at
the Effective Time.
COMPANY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of
Messrs. Mitchell, Poindexter, Crooke and Derrick have entered into Company
Employment Agreements attached hereto as Exhibits C1, C2, C3 and C4,
respectively, pursuant to which they will serve as directors and officers of the
Company following the Effective Time. See "The Merger -- Company Employment
Agreements."
BGE SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE PLANS. Following the execution of the
Merger Agreement, BGE entered into severance agreements with 15 key employees.
Neither the execution of the Merger Agreement, nor the consummation of the
Merger, will cause the acceleration, vesting or payment of any benefits under
the employee benefit plans or agreements of BGE. See "The Merger -- BGE
Severance Agreements and Employee Plans."
PEPCO SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE PLANS. PEPCO has entered into
severance arrangements with 13 key employees. Under certain benefit plans
maintained by PEPCO, certain executive officers and other employees of PEPCO are
entitled to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock, to the accelerated
payment of certain retirement benefits or to the continuation of certain
payments in the event the participant's employment with PEPCO is terminated
under certain circumstances following a change in control. For purposes of these
PEPCO plans, the Merger will constitute a change in control. See "The Merger --
PEPCO Severance Agreements and Employee Plans."
PEPCO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS. Messrs. Wraase and Torgerson of PEPCO have
employment agreements with PEPCO, effective August 1, 1995, which will become
obligations of the Company at the Effective Time. Also, PEPCO and H. Lowell
Davis entered into an agreement effective August 1, 1995 that will be binding on
the Company and provides for the payment of certain benefits during his
employment and upon his retirement at any time on or before May 1, 1997. See
"The Merger -- PEPCO Employment Agreements."
INDEMNIFICATION. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, to the extent, if any,
not provided by an existing right of indemnification or other agreement or
policy, from and after the Effective Time, the Company is required, to the
fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless any person who was a director, officer or employee of BGE and PEPCO or
any of their respective subsidiaries against (i) all losses, expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), claims, damages, costs, liabilities,
judgments or amounts that are paid in settlement of or in connection with any
claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (collectively, "Indemnified
Liabilities") (a) based in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part
out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of
BGE or PEPCO or any subsidiary thereof and (b) pertaining to any matter existing
or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed
prior to, at or after the Effective Time and (ii) all Indemnified Liabilities
based in whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or
pertaining to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby. See
"The Merger Agreement -- Indemnification."
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COMPANY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company Employment Agreements of Messrs. Mitchell, Poindexter, Crooke
and Derrick are attached hereto as Exhibits C1, C2, C3 and C4, respectively. The
Company Employment Agreements will become effective only at the Effective Time.
The provisions of the Company Employment Agreements that relate to the executive
continuing to serve as a director on the Company Board assume that the executive
is elected to the Company Board at future annual meetings of the Company's
shareholders. The following summary of the material terms of the Company
Employment Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company
Employment Agreements.
From the Effective Time until the last day of the twelfth full month
following the Effective Time, Mr. Mitchell will serve as Chairman of the
Company. Mr. Mitchell's Company Employment Agreement expires on the last day of
the twelfth full month following the Effective Time. Mr. Poindexter will serve
as Chief Executive Officer from the Effective Time until Mr. Mitchell ceases to
serve as Chairman and thereafter will serve as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Poindexter's Company Employment Agreement expires on the last day
of the sixtieth full month following the Effective Time. From and after the
Effective Time, Mr. Crooke will serve as Vice Chairman. Mr. Crooke's Company
Employment Agreement expires on the last day of the sixtieth full month
following the Effective Time. From and after the Effective Time, Mr. Derrick
will serve as President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Derrick's Company
Employment Agreement expires on the last day of the sixtieth full month
following the Effective Time.
The Company Employment Agreements for each of Messrs. Poindexter, Crooke and
Derrick will be extended for successive one-year periods beginning on the fifth
anniversary of the Effective Time, unless the Company provides written notice to
the executive that it shall not be so extended.
Each Company Employment Agreement provides that the executive will receive
an annual base salary no less than that which is in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time and both short-term and long-term incentive compensation. The
executive will also be entitled to participate in all retirement, supplemental
retirement and welfare benefit plans of the Company on the same basis as other
senior executives of the Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Mr. Mitchell will have
the option to waive participation in such Company plans and instead participate
in the benefit plans he participated in immediately prior to the Merger (or
equivalent plans), if such group of plans are more favorable than the benefit
plans provided by the Company. Each executive is also entitled to receive fringe
benefits available to other senior executives of the Company.
If the Company terminates the employment of the executive without cause or
the executive terminates his employment for "good reason" (defined as (i) the
assignment of duties inconsistent with the executive's stated duties or
diminishment of stated duties, (ii) the Company's failure to provide the
compensation and benefits provided for under the Company Employment Agreement,
(iii) termination of the executive's employment other than in accordance with
the Company Employment Agreement, (iv) the failure or refusal by a successor
company to assume the Company Employment Agreement or (v) a material, unremedied
breach of the Company Employment Agreement by the Company), the Company will
continue to be obligated to provide for the compensation and benefits (excluding
fringe benefits) called for by the Company Employment Agreement through the end
of the term of the Company Employment Agreement (with incentive compensation
based on the maximum potential awards) and all unvested stock compensation will
vest immediately. In addition, the executive will be deemed to retire with full
retiree welfare benefits.
If the executive's employment is terminated by the Company for cause or by
the executive without good reason, the executive will receive his annual base
salary earned, but unpaid, plus any deferred compensation through his
termination date. If the executive dies or becomes disabled during the term of
the Company Employment Agreement, the Company will pay to the executive or his
beneficiaries or estate any portion of compensation earned but unpaid through
the date of death or disability (including previously deferred compensation and
pro-rata incentive compensation based upon the maximum potential awards and
accrued but unused vacation pay).
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In the event that any payments to the executive under the Company Employment
Agreement are subject to the excise tax on excess parachute payments, the
Company will pay an additional amount to the executive, such that after payment
of all income and excise taxes on the additional amount, the executive will
retain a sufficient amount to pay the excise tax.
Mr. Mitchell's Company Employment Agreement provides that, in the event of
the termination of his employment for any reason, benefits identical to the
retirement, death and continuing health benefits provided in and on the same
terms as set forth in his current employment agreement with PEPCO, will be
provided to Mr. Mitchell, his surviving spouse, or other beneficiary, as
applicable.
BGE SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE PLANS
Effective as of December 6, 1995, BGE entered into BGE Severance Agreements
with 14 key employees: Bruce M. Ambler, Thomas F. Brady, David A. Brune, Herbert
D. Coss, Jr., George C. Creel, Robert E. Denton, Carserlo Doyle, Jon M. Files,
Sharon S. Hostetter, Ronald W. Lowman, G. Dowell Schwartz, Jr., Charles W.
Shivery, Joseph A. Tiernan and Stephen F. Wood. In addition, as a result of his
promotion to an officer, BGE entered into a BGE Severance Agreement with Charles
H. Cruse effective as of December 31, 1995. At the Effective Time, the BGE
Severance Agreements will become binding obligations of the Company. The BGE
Severance Agreements expire on the last day of the 24th calendar month following
the Effective Time.
Each of the BGE Severance Agreements provides for the payment of severance
benefits to the executive if, within 24 calendar months following the Effective
Time, any of the following events occur: (i) termination of the employment of
the executive by BGE or a successor company, other than for cause, death,
disability or the executive's voluntary termination of employment without "good
reason," defined as the assignment of duties materially inconsistent with the
executive's duties prior to the Effective Time or a material reduction or
alteration of his duties, a reduction in the executive's salary or a relocation
of the executive by more than 50 miles; (ii) termination of employment by the
executive for "good reason;" (iii) the failure or refusal by a successor company
to assume BGE's obligations under the BGE Severance Agreement; or (iv) a
material breach of the BGE Severance Agreement by BGE (or a successor company).
In addition, the executive is entitled to severance benefits upon (i) the
termination of the executive's employment without cause after December 6, 1995
(or, if applicable, December 31, 1995), but prior to the Effective Time or (ii)
the occurrence of an event, after December 6, 1995 (or, if applicable, December
31, 1995), but prior to the Effective Time, that constitutes "good reason,"
followed by the executive's voluntary termination of employment within 24 months
after the Effective Time.
The severance benefit provided under the BGE Severance Agreement depends on
the executive's age and years of service with BGE or a successor company at the
time he is entitled to severance benefits. For an executive who has not attained
either age 55 with 20 years of service or age 60 with one year of service, the
severance benefit consists of: (i) an amount in cash equal to 2.25 times the
executive's annual base salary and average annual incentive award (average of
the two highest annual incentive awards paid in the last five years) paid in 24
equal monthly installments, (ii) medical and dental benefits for a 36 month
period, as if the executive remained an employee of BGE or a successor company
and (iii) the event giving rise to an entitlement to severance benefits will not
constitute a termination of the executive's Split Dollar Agreement with BGE (or
a successor split dollar agreement) and the executive shall be deemed to have
retired upon such termination of employment for purposes of the Split Dollar
Agreement.
For an executive who has attained either age 55 with 20 years of service or
age 60 with one year of service, the severance benefit consists of: (i) an
amount in cash equal to two times the executive's annual base salary and average
annual incentive award (average of the two highest annual incentive awards paid
in the last five years), paid in 24 equal monthly installments, (ii) unreduced
supplemental retirement benefits under the BGE Executive Benefits Plan (or a
successor plan), (iii) medical and dental benefits on the same basis and on the
same terms as any retiree who has attained age 65 with
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the greater of 20 years or actual years of service and (iv) the executive will
be treated as having retired at the request of BGE (or a successor company) for
purposes of all of the BGE benefit plans (or successor benefit plans).
If the foregoing benefits, when taken together with any other payments to
the executive, result in the imposition of the excise tax on parachute payments
and the loss of a tax deduction to BGE (or a successor company), and the net
after-tax benefits to the executive attributable to the severance payment would
not exceed by $10,000 or more the net after-tax benefits accruing to the
executive if he was paid the maximum amount that would not trigger the excise
tax, then the severance benefits and benefits payable under other plans will be
reduced to the maximum amount that would not trigger the excise tax.
If the employment of all executives with BGE Severance Agreements had been
terminated as of December 31, 1995 under circumstances giving rise to an
entitlement to benefits thereunder, the aggregate value of such benefits would
have been approximately $9,105,478 for BGE executives, including the following
approximate amounts for the participating executive officers of BGE: Bruce M.
Ambler -- $993,909; Thomas F. Brady -- $555,108; David A. Brune -- $693,527;
Herbert D. Coss, Jr. -- $584,808; George C. Creel -- $632,000; Charles H. Cruse
- -- $369,895; Robert E. Denton -- $633,838; Carserlo Doyle -- $483,866; Jon M.
Files -- $633,981; Sharon S. Hostetter -- $445,101; Ronald W. Lowman --
$503,034; G. Dowell Schwartz, Jr. -- $674,605; Charles W. Shivery -- $616,292;
Joseph A. Tiernan -- $829,899; and Stephen F. Wood -- $455,615.
Certain BGE employee benefit plans contain provisions which accelerate the
vesting, exercise and/or payment of benefits in the event of termination of the
participant's employment under certain circumstances following a change in
control of BGE. For purposes of such plans, the Merger will not constitute a
change in control of BGE. Accordingly the Merger will not result in the
acceleration of vesting, exercise or payment of benefits under the change in
control provisions of such plans.
PEPCO SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS AND EMPLOYEE PLANS
Effective as of either August 1, 1995 or November 1, 1995, PEPCO entered
into PEPCO Severance Agreements with 13 key employees: Iraline G. Barnes, Earl
K. Chism, Kirk J. Emge, Susann D. Felton, William R. Gee, Jr., Robert C.
Grantley, Anthony J. Kamerick, Anthony S. Macerollo, Eddie R. Mayberry, John D.
McCallum, James S. Potts, William J. Sim and Andrew W. Williams. At the
Effective Time, the PEPCO Severance Agreements will become binding obligations
of the Company. Each agreement has an initial three-year term, and automatically
extends for successive three-year periods thereafter, unless the Chief Executive
Officer of PEPCO (or a successor company) has given notice that it shall not be
so extended.
Each of the PEPCO Severance Agreements provides for the payment of severance
benefits to the executive if, within two years following a change in control of
PEPCO, any of the following events occur: (i) termination of the employment of
the executive by PEPCO (or a successor company), other than for cause, death,
disability or voluntary normal retirement; (ii) termination of employment by the
executive for "good reason," defined as the assignment of duties materially
inconsistent with the executive's duties prior to a change in control or a
material reduction or alteration of his duties, a reduction in the executive's
salary or relocation of the executive by more than 50 miles; (iii) the failure
or refusal by a successor company to assume PEPCO's obligations under the
agreement; or (iv) a material breach of the agreement by PEPCO (or a successor
company). In addition, the executive is entitled to severance benefits upon (i)
the termination of the executive's employment without cause "in contemplation
of," but prior to, a change in control or (ii) the occurrence of an event, "in
contemplation of," but prior to a change in control, constituting "good reason"
followed by the executive's voluntary termination of employment within two years
after a change in control. For purposes of the PEPCO Severance Agreements, (i)
the approval of the Merger Agreement by the PEPCO Board constitutes an act "in
contemplation of" a change in control and (ii) the Merger would constitute a
change in control.
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The severance benefits consist of: (i) an amount in cash equal to two times
the executive's annual base salary (in effect at the time of termination) and
annual bonus (average of annual target bonuses during the three years prior to
termination) paid in 24 equal monthly installments and (ii) certain welfare
benefits for a three year period after the date of termination. If the foregoing
benefits, when taken together with any other payments to the executive, result
in the imposition of the excise tax on excess parachute payments and the loss of
a tax deduction to PEPCO (or a successor company), and the net after-tax
benefits to the executive attributable to the severance payment would not exceed
by $10,000 or more the net after-tax benefits accruing to the executive if he
was paid the maximum amount that would not trigger the excise tax, then the
severance benefits and benefits payable under other plans will be reduced to the
maximum amount that would not trigger the excise tax.
If the employment of all executives with PEPCO Severance Agreements had been
terminated as of December 31, 1995 under circumstances giving rise to an
entitlement to benefits thereunder, the aggregate value of such benefits would
have been approximately $4,814,080 for PEPCO executives, including the following
approximate amounts for the participating executive officers of PEPCO: Iraline
G. Barnes -- $392,145; Earl K. Chism -- $358,623; Kirk J. Emge -- $386,753;
Susann D. Felton -- $309,284; William R. Gee, Jr. -- $334,943; Robert C.
Grantley -- $378,250; Anthony J. Kamerick --$346,625; Anthony S. Macerollo --
$403,753; Eddie R. Mayberry -- $334,794; John D. McCallum -- $384,528; James S.
Potts -- $323,361; William J. Sim -- $427,168; and Andrew W. Williams --
$433,848.
Under various employee benefit plans of PEPCO, the Merger will constitute a
change of control, which will entitle participating employees to the vesting of
certain benefits if their employment is terminated following the Merger. Under
the PEPCO LTIP certain executive officers and other executives will be entitled
to the accelerated vesting of shares of restricted stock. Under the PEPCO
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and the PEPCO Executive Performance
Supplemental Retirement Plan certain executive officers will be entitled to the
accelerated payment of certain retirement benefits. Under the PEPCO Executive
Split Dollar Program certain executive officers and other employees will be
entitled to the continuation of premium payments. If the employment of such
executive officers and other employees of PEPCO who are entitled to benefits
under such plans had been terminated on December 31, 1995, under circumstances
giving rise to an entitlement to benefits thereunder, the estimated aggregate
value of such benefits would have been approximately $1,498,628, including the
following approximate amounts that would be payable to the participating PEPCO
executive officers: Iraline G. Barnes -- $64,946; Earl K. Chism -- $55,633; Kirk
J. Emge -- $82,697; Susann D. Felton -- $72,586; William R. Gee, Jr. --
$101,135; Robert C. Grantley -- $108,337; Anthony J. Kamerick -- $90,457;
Anthony S. Macerollo -- $169,505; Eddie R. Mayberry -- $55,288; John D. McCallum
- -- $86,133; James S. Potts -- $76,184; William J. Sim -- $211,741; and Andrew W.
Williams -- $205,823. In addition, (i) the Merger will trigger the funding of a
trust established for the payment of benefits that are payable under the PEPCO
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, the PEPCO Director and Executive
Deferred Compensation Plan and (ii) a payment default following the Merger will
trigger the funding of a second trust established for the payment of benefits
payable under the PEPCO Supplemental Retirement Program, the PEPCO Executive
Performance Supplemental Retirement Plan and the PEPCO Executive Split Dollar
Insurance Program.
PEPCO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Effective August 1, 1995, PEPCO entered into PEPCO Employment Agreements
with Messrs. Wraase and Torgerson, which upon the Effective Time will be binding
upon the Company. Each of the agreements provides for the employment of the
individuals through August 1, 2000, and automatically extends for successive
periods of five years thereafter unless PEPCO (or a successor company) or the
executive has given one year's prior notice that it shall not be so extended. At
the same time, Mr. Derrick entered into a similar agreement which would be
superseded by his Company Employment Agreement.
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Each of the PEPCO Employment Agreements provides that the executive will
receive an annual base salary in an amount not less than his salary in effect as
of August 1, 1995, and incentive compensation as determined by PEPCO's Board. In
addition, the executive will participate in retirement and welfare plans and
receive fringe benefits, on the same basis as other senior executives. The PEPCO
Employment Agreements provide also for certain payments and benefits to the
executive if the executive's employment is terminated prior to the expiration of
the agreement: (i) by PEPCO other than for cause, death or disability or (ii) by
the executive if his salary is reduced, the executive is not in good faith
considered for incentive awards, PEPCO fails to provide the executive with
retirement, welfare and fringe benefits provided to other similarly situated
executives, the executive is required to relocate by more than 50 miles from
Washington, D.C., or he is demoted from a senior management position.
If the executive's employment is terminated under circumstances described in
either (i) or (ii) above, the executive is entitled to receive a lump sum
payment equal to the greater of: (i) the present value of the executive's annual
base salary and annual cash incentive awards through the remainder of the
Agreement (not to exceed three years) or (ii) two times the executive's annual
salary and target annual incentive award as in effect at the time of
termination. Annual base salary will be calculated at the highest level in
effect, and annual cash incentive awards will be calculated at the highest
annual incentive target award in effect, during the three-year period preceding
termination. The lump sum payment will also include (i) any earned, but unpaid
annual cash incentive awards for the year prior to his termination of employment
and (ii) a pro-rated portion of any unearned, annual cash incentive award for
the year in which his employment terminates, based on the highest annual target
award in effect during the three-year period preceding termination, except as
otherwise determined by the PEPCO Board. The executive also will receive the
greater of (i) the supplemental retirement benefits provided under the PEPCO
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, PEPCO Executive Performance Supplemental
Retirement Plan and PEPCO Supplemental Benefit Plan and (ii) the difference
between (a) the amount the executive would have been entitled to receive under
the PEPCO General Retirement Plan and the PEPCO Supplemental Benefit Plan
determined as if the executive had attained 55 years of age and completed 30
years of service immediately prior to termination and (b) the actual benefit
accrued under the PEPCO General Retirement Plan and the PEPCO Supplemental
Benefit Plan immediately prior to termination. PEPCO will also continue to pay
premiums under the executive's split dollar life insurance policy for the lesser
of 10 years from the termination date or until the executive's roll-out
qualification date and the executive will be entitled to welfare benefits
available to other employees of PEPCO who retire at age 55 with at least 30
years of service.
H. Lowell Davis, the Vice Chairman of PEPCO, entered into an agreement
effective August 1, 1995, pursuant to which he will continue to be employed
through April 30, 1997, in his current capacity until April 30, 1996 and
thereafter as a consultant to PEPCO and as a member of the PEPCO Board. The
agreement provides for certain benefits to be paid during his employment and
upon his retirement at any time on or before May 1, 1997. This agreement will
become binding on the Company at the Effective Time.
The agreement with Mr. Davis provides for an annual base salary no less than
that in effect on August 1, 1995. The agreement provides that Mr. Davis'
employment may be terminated prior to May 1, 1997 only (i) for cause or (ii)
upon a determination by the employer that he has become totally and permanently
disabled. In the event Mr. Davis retires on or before May 1, 1997, Mr. Davis is
entitled to receive retirement benefits determined by PEPCO pursuant to the
PEPCO General Retirement Plan, PEPCO Supplemental Benefit Plan, PEPCO Executive
Performance Supplemental Retirement Plan and the PEPCO Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plans based on amounts payable or paid to Mr. Davis without reduction
for deferrals under any deferred compensation arrangement and incentive awards
based on the greater of (i) the actual incentive award amounts payable to Mr.
Davis or (ii) the incentive award amounts which would be payable resulting from
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application of the target annual award levels specified in the PEPCO Executive
Incentive Compensation Plan guidelines for the position of Vice Chairman. In
addition, payments to Mr. Davis under the PEPCO Director and Executive Deferred
Compensation Plan shall commence the month following his 65th birthday and the
rollout under the PEPCO Executive Split Dollar Insurance Plan will occur upon
Mr. Davis' attainment of age 65, notwithstanding his termination or retirement
prior to age 65.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLANS
At the Effective Time, outstanding shares of BGE Common Stock held by the
BGE DRP and outstanding shares of PEPCO Common Stock held by the PEPCO
Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan will be converted to shares of Company
Common Stock at the BGE Conversion Ratio and the PEPCO Conversion Ratio,
respectively. After the Effective Time, the Company expects to adopt a Dividend
Reinvestment Plan for its shareholders.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER
The Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section
368(a) of the Code. A condition precedent to the obligation of BGE to effect the
Merger is the receipt from WSPR of an opinion of counsel, which opinion may be
based on appropriate representations of BGE, PEPCO and the Company, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to such counsel, to the effect that the Merger
will be a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code. A condition
precedent to the obligation of PEPCO to effect the Merger is the receipt from
LeBoeuf, Lamb of an opinion of counsel, which opinion may be based on
appropriate representations of BGE, PEPCO and the Company, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to such counsel, to the effect that the Merger will be a
tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code. Accordingly, under
current law, assuming that the Merger and related transactions will take place
as described herein and in the Merger Agreement:
(i) BGE, PEPCO and the Company will each be a party to a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by BGE, PEPCO or the Company in
the Merger;
(iii) no gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of BGE or
PEPCO upon their receipt of (a) Company Common Stock in exchange for BGE
Common Stock or PEPCO Common Stock, (b) Company Preferred Stock in exchange
for BGE Preferred Stock or PEPCO Preferred Stock or (c) Company Preference
Stock in exchange for BGE Preference Stock, except that a holder of PEPCO
Common Stock who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of Company
Common Stock will be treated as having exchanged such fractional share for
cash and, therefore, will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount of cash received and the tax basis allocated to such
fractional share (which gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if such
share is held as a capital asset at the Effective Time);
(iv) the tax basis of the shares of capital stock of the Company received
by the shareholders of BGE or PEPCO will be the same as the tax basis of
their shares of capital stock of BGE or PEPCO exchanged therefor (reduced by
any basis allocable to a fractional share of Company Common Stock for which
cash is received); and
(v) the holding period of the shares of capital stock of the Company in
the hands of the shareholders of BGE or PEPCO will include the holding
period of their shares of BGE or PEPCO capital stock exchanged therefor,
provided such shares of BGE or PEPCO capital stock are held as capital
assets at the Effective Time.
THE DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. IT
DOES NOT ADDRESS THE STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX ASPECTS OF THE MERGER. THE
DISCUSSION IS BASED ON CURRENTLY EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE CODE, EXISTING AND
PROPOSED TREASURY REGULATIONS THEREUNDER AND CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE RULINGS AND
COURT DECISIONS, ALL OF WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, WHICH CHANGE
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COULD AFFECT THE CONTINUING VALIDITY OF THIS DISCUSSION. THE OPINIONS OF COUNSEL
DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE NOT BINDING UPON THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE AND NO RULINGS
OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE WILL BE SOUGHT OR OBTAINED. THERE IS NO
ASSURANCE THAT THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE WILL AGREE WITH THE OPINIONS
DESCRIBED ABOVE. THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT APPLY TO BGE OR PEPCO SHAREHOLDERS WHO
EXERCISE DISSENTERS' RIGHTS. SUCH SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT RECEIPT OF
CASH IN EXCHANGE FOR SHARES OF BGE OR PEPCO CAPITAL STOCK IS A TAXABLE EXCHANGE
THAT MAY RESULT IN RECOGNITION OF GAIN OR LOSS. EACH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT
HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM
OR HER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND
FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Merger is designed to qualify as a pooling of interests for accounting
and financial reporting purposes. Under this method of accounting, the recorded
assets and liabilities of BGE, PEPCO and their respective subsidiaries will be
carried forward to the consolidated financial statements of the Company at their
recorded amounts; income of the Company will include consolidated income of BGE
and PEPCO for the entire fiscal year in which the Merger occurs; and the
reported income of the separate corporations for prior periods will be combined
and restated as income of the Company. Both parties have agreed not to take, or
permit any of their respective subsidiaries to take, any actions that would, or
would be reasonably likely to, prevent the Company from accounting for the
Merger as a pooling of interests in accordance with GAAP and applicable SEC
regulations. If any impediments to accounting for the business combination as a
pooling of interests are discovered at any time, the parties have agreed to
eliminate such impediments. The receipt by PEPCO of a letter from Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent public accountants for PEPCO and by BGE of a letter
from Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent public accountants for BGE, in each
case stating that the Merger will qualify as a pooling of interests transaction
under GAAP and applicable SEC regulations, is a condition precedent to
consummation of the Merger. Representatives of Price Waterhouse LLP are expected
to be present at the PEPCO Meeting and representatives of Coopers & Lybrand,
L.L.P. are expected to be present at the BGE Meeting, will be available to
respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make a
statement if they desire to do so. See "The Merger Agreement -- Conditions to
the Merger" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information."
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING OF COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK
The Company will apply for the listing of Company Common Stock on the NYSE,
the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange. The Company will also
apply to list the Class A Preferred Stock, Series B 4 1/2%, Cumulative, $100 par
value, the Class B Preferred Stock $3.37 Series of 1987, $50 par value and the
Class B Preferred Stock $3.89 Series of 1991, $50 par value on the NYSE. The
Company will apply to list the Class A Preferred Stock, $100 par value, Series C
4% and Series D 5.40% and the Preference Stock, $100 par value, 7.78%, 1973
Series, 7.50%, 1986 Series, 6.75%, 1987 Series, on the Philadelphia Stock
Exchange. Approval of the listing on the NYSE of the shares of Company Common
Stock, issuable in the Merger, upon official notice of issuance, is a condition
precedent to the consummation of the Merger. So long as BGE and PEPCO continue
to meet the requirements of the NYSE, PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock,
respectively, will continue to be listed on the NYSE until the Effective Time.
FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW CONSEQUENCES
All shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred Stock and Company
Preference Stock received by BGE and PEPCO shareholders in the Merger will be
freely transferable, except that shares of Company capital stock received by
persons who are deemed to be "affiliates" (as such term is defined under the
Securities Act) of PEPCO or BGE prior to the Merger may be resold by them only
in transactions permitted by the resale provisions of Rule 145 promulgated under
the Securities Act (or Rule 144 in the case of such persons who become
affiliates of the Company upon consummation of the Merger) or as otherwise may
be permitted under the Securities Act. The Merger Agreement requires
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each of BGE and PEPCO to use its best efforts to cause each of its affiliates to
execute a written agreement to the effect that such affiliate will not offer or
sell or otherwise dispose of any of the shares of Company Common Stock issued to
such affiliate in the Merger in violation of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not cover any resales of the
securities to be received by persons who are affiliates of BGE and PEPCO prior
to the consummation of the Merger or affiliates of the Company after
consummation of the Merger.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
Maryland law entitles holders of certain series of BGE Preferred and
Preference Stock (those not listed on a national securities exchange) and
District of Columbia and Virginia law entitle holders of PEPCO Common Stock and
PEPCO Preferred Stock, who object to the Merger and who follow the procedures
prescribed by the applicable statute, to receive cash equal to the "fair value"
of such shareholder's shares in lieu of receiving the consideration provided for
in the Merger Agreement. Set forth below is a summary of the procedures relating
to the exercise of such dissenters' rights. This summary does not purport to be
a complete statement of dissenters' rights and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to Sections 3-202 to 3-213 of the MGCL, 13.1-729 to 13.1-741 of the
VSCA and 29-373 of the DCBCA, which are reproduced in full as Exhibits G1, G2
and G3, respectively, attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and to
any amendments to such provisions as may be adopted after the date of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
ANY BGE OR PEPCO SHAREHOLDER CONTEMPLATING THE POSSIBILITY OF DISSENTING
FROM THE MERGER SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE TEXT OF EXHIBIT G1, IN THE CASE OF
BGE SHAREHOLDERS AND G2 AND G3, IN THE CASE OF PEPCO SHAREHOLDERS (PARTICULARLY
THE SPECIFIED PROCEDURAL STEPS REQUIRED TO PERFECT DISSENTERS' RIGHTS, WHICH ARE
COMPLEX) AND SHOULD ALSO CONSULT SUCH SHAREHOLDER'S LEGAL COUNSEL. SUCH RIGHTS
WILL BE LOST IF THE PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPLICABLE STATUTE OR
STATUTES ARE NOT FULLY AND PRECISELY SATISFIED.
BGE SHAREHOLDERS. Sections 3-202 to 3-213 of the MGCL provide dissenters'
rights for holders of certain series of BGE Preference Stock (those not listed
on a national stock exchange) who object to the Merger and meet the requisite
statutory requirements contained therein.
The following series of BGE Preference Stock are entitled to dissenters'
rights because they are not listed on a national securities exchange:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
7.80% 1989 Series
8.25% 1989 Series
8.625% 1990 Series
7.85% 1991 Series
7.125% 1993 Series
6.97% 1993 Series
6.70% 1993 Series
6.99% 1995 Series
</TABLE>
Maryland law does not provide dissenters' rights to holders of BGE Common
Stock or BGE Preferred Stock and holders of those series of BGE Preference Stock
not listed above because all such stock is listed on a national securities
exchange.
Under the MGCL, any holder of BGE Preference Stock of a series not listed on
a national securities exchange who (i) files with the corporation a written
objection to the Merger, at or before the shareholders' meeting at which the
transaction will be considered, (ii) does not vote in favor of the transaction
and (iii) within 20 days after the Maryland Department of State accepts the
Articles of Merger for record, makes a written demand on the Company for payment
for his stock, stating the
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number and class of shares for which he demands payment, is entitled, if the
Merger is approved and effected, to receive a cash payment of the fair value of
such shares. A shareholder who fails to follow each of such procedures cannot
assert dissenters' rights.
Any written notice by a holder of BGE Preferred Stock of a series not listed
on a national securities exchange of intent to demand payment for such
shareholder's shares must be filed with BGE at the BGE Meeting or at Gas and
Electric Building, Charles Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, attention: Charles
W. Shivery, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary,
prior to the vote on the Merger at the BGE Meeting. A shareholder who does not
satisfy each of the requirements of Sections 3-202 to 3-213 of the MGCL is not
entitled to payment for such shareholder's shares of BGE Preferred Stock under
the dissenters' rights provisions of the MGCL and will be bound by the terms of
the Merger Agreement. A vote against the transaction without compliance with the
specific notice requirements under Section 3-203 of the MGCL will not satisfy
the requirements under the dissenters' rights statute.
Under MGCL Section 3-207, the Company will promptly notify each objecting
shareholder in writing of the date the Articles of Merger are accepted for
record by the Maryland Department of State. The Company also may send a written
offer to pay the objecting shareholder what it considers to be the fair value of
his stock. Each offer shall be accompanied by: a balance sheet as of a date not
more than six months before the date of the offer; a profit and loss statement
for the 12 months ending on the date of the balance sheet; and any other
information the Company considers pertinent.
The Company is obligated to deliver the notice and offer to each objecting
shareholder personally or mail the notice and offer to him by registered mail to
the address the objecting shareholder gives the Company in writing, or, if none,
at his address as it appears on the records of the corporation which issued the
stock.
Under MGCL Section 3-208, within 50 days after the Maryland Department of
State accepts the articles for record, the objecting shareholder who has not
received payment for his stock may petition a court in equity in Anne Arundel
County, the county where the principal office of the Company is located, for an
appraisal to determine the fair value of the stock.
PEPCO SHAREHOLDERS. Dissenters' rights are available to holders of PEPCO
Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock under applicable District of Columbia and
Virginia law, as set forth below. Where applicable, PEPCO will recognize
dissenters' rights that are perfected under either District of Columbia or
Virginia law.
VIRGINIA. The VSCA provides dissenters' rights to holders of shares of all
series of PEPCO Preferred Stock, except the $3.37 Series of 1987, the $3.89
Series of 1991 and the $2.44 Convertible Series of 1966, who object to the
Merger and follow the procedures required to perfect such rights set forth in
Article 15 of the VSCA, which governs dissenters' rights. A beneficial holder of
such PEPCO Preferred Stock as of the PEPCO Record Date may assert dissenters'
rights with respect to shares held on his or her behalf only if he or she
submits to PEPCO the recordholder's written consent to the dissent not later
than the time the beneficial holder asserts such rights. A recordholder of PEPCO
Preferred Stock as of the PEPCO Record Date may assert dissenters' rights with
respect to fewer than all shares registered in its name if it notifies PEPCO in
writing of the name and address of each beneficial owner of shares on whose
behalf it is asserting dissenters' rights and asserts such rights with respect
to all shares beneficially owned by such person.
In order to assert dissenters' rights, a shareholder must (i) deliver to
PEPCO prior to the vote on the Merger written notice of his intent to demand
payment for his shares if the Merger is effectuated and (ii) not vote in favor
of the Merger. Such notice of intent should be delivered to PEPCO at 1900
Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20068, attention: Corporate
Secretary. A shareholder who votes for the Merger or who does not satisfy each
of these requirements is not entitled to
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payment for his shares under the dissenters' rights provisions of the VSCA. The
failure to vote against the Merger will not constitute a waiver of dissenters'
rights and a vote against the Merger will not satisfy the notice requirement.
Within 10 days after the consummation of the Merger, the Company is required
to deliver to each shareholder who has asserted dissenters' rights a notice (the
"Notice") that (i) states where such shareholder's demand for payment should be
sent and where certificates for shares should be deposited, (ii) supplies a form
for demanding payment that includes the date of the first announcement to the
news media of the terms of the Merger (the "Announcement Date") and requires the
shareholder to certify whether he acquired beneficial ownership of the shares
before or after such date and (iii) sets a date by which the Company must
receive the demand for payment, which may not be more than 60 nor fewer than 30
days after the date of delivery of the Notice.
Upon receipt of the Notice, a shareholder must demand payment, certify that
he acquired his shares before or after the Announcement Date, and deposit his
shares in accordance with the terms of the Notice. A shareholder who does not
satisfy each of these requirements is not be entitled to payment for his shares
under the dissenters' rights provisions of the VSCA.
Section 13.1-737 of the VSCA provides that, except in the case of shares
acquired after the Announcement Date ("after-acquired shares"), within 30 days
after the receipt of a valid payment demand, the Company is obligated to pay the
dissenter the amount the Company estimates to be the fair value of his shares,
plus accrued interest from the Effective Time to the date of payment. "Fair
value" means the value of a dissenter's shares immediately before the
effectuation of the Merger, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
anticipation of the Merger unless such exclusion would be inequitable. Interest
is calculated generally at the average rate then currently paid by the Company
on its principal bank loans. This payment obligation may be enforced (i) by the
circuit court in the city or county where the Company's registered office is
located or (ii) at the election of any dissenter residing or having its
principal office in Virginia, by the circuit court in the city or county where
the dissenter resides or has its principal office.
The Company may elect to withhold payment on after-acquired shares. To the
extent that the Company elects to so withhold payment, after consummating the
Merger, it is required to estimate the fair value of the shares, plus accrued
interest, and offer to pay this amount to each dissenter who agrees to accept it
in full satisfaction of his demand.
Section 13.1-738 of the VSCA provides that a dissenter may notify the
Company in writing of his own estimate of the fair value of his shares and
amount of interest due, and demand payment of his estimate less any payment made
by the Company under Section 13.1-737 or reject the Company's offer under
Section 13.1-738 and demand payment of the fair value of his shares and interest
due, if the dissenter believes that the amount paid under Section 13.1-737 or
offered under Section 13.1-738 is less than the fair value of his shares or that
the interest due is incorrectly calculated. A dissenter waives his right to
demand payment under Section 13.1-739 unless he notifies the Company of his
demand in writing within 30 days after the Company made or offered payment for
his shares. If any such demand for payment remains unsettled, the Company is
required to commence a proceeding within 60 days after receiving the payment
demand in the circuit court to determine the fair value of the shares and
accrued interest. If the Company does not commence the proceeding within the
60-day period, it is required to pay each dissenter whose demand remains
unsettled the amount demanded. In such proceeding, the dissenter is entitled to
judgment for (i) the amount, if any, by which the court finds that the fair
value of his shares plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the Company under
Section 13.1-737 or (ii) the fair value, plus accrued interest, of his
after-acquired shares for which the Company elected to withhold payment under
Section 13.1-738.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Section 29-373 of the DCBCA provides dissenters'
rights for the holders of PEPCO Common Stock and PEPCO Preferred Stock who
object to the Merger and meet the statutory requirements contained therein. To
perfect such right, a record shareholder must (i) deliver to PEPCO written
objection to the Merger prior to or at the PEPCO meeting before the vote is
taken,
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(ii) not vote in favor of the Merger and (iii) within 20 days after the
Effective Time, make a written demand on the Company for payment of the fair
value of his or her shares as of the day prior to the date on which the vote was
taken approving the Merger. The failure to vote against the Merger will not
constitute a waiver of dissenters' rights and a vote against the Merger will not
satisfy the notice requirement. Any shareholder failing to make demand within
the 20-day period will be bound by the terms of the Merger.
If within 30 days after the Effective Time the value of the shares is agreed
upon between the dissenting shareholder and the Company, payment therefor shall
be made upon surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the
shares. If within the 30-day period the dissenting shareholder and the Company
do not so agree, the dissenting shareholder may, within 60 days after the
expiration of the 30-day period, file a petition in any court of competent
jurisdiction within the District of Columbia, asking for a finding and
determination of the fair value of the shares. The dissenting shareholder shall
be entitled to judgment against the Company for the amount of the fair value as
of the day prior to the date on which the vote was taken approving the Merger,
together with interest thereon at the rate of 5% per annum to the date of the
judgment. Unless the dissenting shareholder shall file the petition within the
requisite period, the shareholder shall be bound by the terms of the Merger.
COMPANY LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Subsequent to the execution of the Merger Agreement, BGE and PEPCO, as the
shareholders of the Company, determined that it would be in the best interests
of the Company for the Company to adopt the Company LTIP described below,
subject to shareholder approval thereof at the BGE Meeting and the PEPCO
Meeting. The Company LTIP will become effective as of the Effective Time.
COMPANY LTIP. This plan is a comprehensive stock compensation plan designed
to provide the Company with the ability to provide incentives directly linked to
the profitability of its businesses and increases in shareholder value. Like the
BGE LTIP and the PEPCO LTIP, the Company LTIP provides for the grant of
restricted stock, stock options, including incentive stock options ("ISOs") and
nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), dividend
equivalents and performance units. The maximum number of shares of Company
common stock available for issuance under the plan is 5,500,000. The Committee
on Management of the Company Board will administer the plan and make awards
thereunder, and will have broad authority to fix the terms and conditions of
individual agreements with participants. This plan is being submitted to
shareholders of BGE and PEPCO for approval, and is described in greater detail
under "Approval of the Company Long-Term Incentive Plan" elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus; a copy of the plan is attached as Exhibit H.
Following implementation of the Company LTIP, no further awards will be made
under the BGE LTIP or the PEPCO LTIP. Currently, no further awards can be made
under the BGE Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "BGE Pre-1995 LTIP").
ACTIONS WITH RESPECT TO EXISTING PLANS
BGE and PEPCO agreed subsequent to the execution of the Merger Agreement
that no additional awards will be made under the BGE LTIP and the PEPCO LTIP on
or after the Effective Time.
At the Effective Time, all shares of restricted stock outstanding under the
BGE LTIP and BGE Pre-1995 LTIP will be converted into shares of Company Common
Stock at the BGE Conversion Ratio. No other types of awards are outstanding
under the BGE LTIP or the BGE Pre-1995 LTIP, other than dividend equivalents on
certain restricted shares, nor does BGE have any intention to issue any type of
awards other than restricted stock and/or dividend equivalents prior to the
Effective Time. The Company will assume the obligation to honor any outstanding
awards of BGE restricted stock and the terms and conditions of such outstanding
awards will otherwise remain the same; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if an outstanding
restricted stock award is subject to performance based restrictions and the
performance cycle with respect to such award extends beyond the Effective Time,
the performance criteria be will be modified to take into consideration the
performance of the Company.
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The PEPCO LTIP will expire on June 30, 1996. PEPCO currently does not
contemplate the adoption of a replacement stock incentive plan prior to the
Merger. Under the PEPCO LTIP, all outstanding awards relate to shares of
restricted stock ("PEPCO Restricted Stock") and consist of (i) issued shares of
PEPCO Restricted Stock that vest on the basis of the continued employment of the
recipient or (ii) awards that entitle the participant to receive shares of PEPCO
Restricted Stock based on the achievement of preestablished performance criteria
over a three-year performance cycle (which shares upon receipt will vest over a
period of two years based on the continued employment of the recipient). In the
Merger, all outstanding shares of PEPCO Restricted Stock will convert into
shares of Company Common Stock having the same transfer restrictions, except
that, in accordance with the terms of the agreements evidencing such shares of
PEPCO Restricted Stock, if the employment of the recipient is terminated for any
reason such shares will become immediately vested. Under the Merger Agreement,
the Company will assume the obligations of PEPCO with respect to all awards that
entitle a participant to receive shares of PEPCO Restricted Stock following the
conclusion of a performance cycle that extends beyond the Effective Time, with
such modifications to the performance criteria as may be necessary to take into
account the Merger.
PEPCO maintains the PEPCO Directors Stock Compensation Plan for the Board of
Directors (the "PEPCO Directors Stock Plan") pursuant to which directors of
PEPCO may elect to receive all or a portion of the annual PEPCO Board retainer
fees in the form of either restricted or unrestricted shares of PEPCO Common
Stock. Restricted PEPCO Common Stock is subject to a three-year vesting period.
At the Effective Time, outstanding restricted PEPCO Common Stock under the PEPCO
Directors Stock Plan will be converted into shares of restricted Company Common
Stock at the PEPCO Conversion Ratio. The Company will assume all obligations
with respect to such restricted stock and the terms and conditions of such
restricted stock will otherwise remain the same.
REGULATORY MATTERS
As indicated below, consummation of the Merger is subject to numerous
regulatory approvals, which are currently anticipated to be received by the
first quarter of 1997. Set forth below is a summary of the material regulatory
requirements affecting the Merger.
STATE APPROVALS AND RELATED MATTERS
BGE is currently subject to the jurisdiction of the Maryland Commission and
the Pennsylvania Commission.
PEPCO is subject to the jurisdiction of the DC Commission, the Maryland
Commission, the Virginia Commission and the Pennsylvania Commission.
Applications for approval of the Merger and related transactions, including
in the case of certain commissions, the issuance of the securities in connection
therewith, will be filed in the first quarter of 1996 in Maryland, the District
of Columbia, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Assuming that the requisite regulatory approvals are obtained, the Company's
utility operations will remain subject to regulation in Maryland, the District
of Columbia, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 1935
BGE is currently exempt from the registration and other requirements of the
1935 Act pursuant to an order dated January 16, 1956 issued by the SEC, file
number 31-631, exempting BGE from the provisions of the 1935 Act applicable to
BGE as a holding company. PEPCO is not a holding company and therefore is not
subject to the registration and other requirements of the 1935 Act. The Company
will be exempt from the registration and other requirements of the 1935 Act
pursuant to Section 3(a)(2) and Rule 15 of the 1935 Act.
FEDERAL POWER ACT
Section 203 of the Federal Power Act provides that no public utility shall
sell or otherwise dispose of its jurisdictional facilities or directly or
indirectly merge or consolidate such facilities with those of
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any other person or acquire any security of any other public utility without
first having obtained authorization from the FERC. The approval of the FERC is
required in order to consummate the Merger. Under Section 203 of the Federal
Power Act, the FERC will approve a merger if it finds the merger to be
"consistent with the public interest." In undertaking its review of a utility
merger transaction, the FERC normally focuses upon the competitive effects of
the merger and the benefits thereof. As promptly as practicable, the Company,
BGE and PEPCO will file a combined application with the FERC requesting that the
FERC approve the Merger under Section 203 of the Federal Power Act.
ANTITRUST CONSIDERATIONS
The HSR Act and the rules and regulations thereunder provide that certain
transactions (including the Merger) may not be consummated until certain
information has been submitted to the Antitrust Division of the Department of
Justice (the "Antitrust Division") and the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC")
and specified HSR Act waiting period requirements have been satisfied. The
expiration or termination of the HSR Act waiting period would not preclude the
Antitrust Division or the FTC from challenging the Merger on antitrust grounds.
BGE, PEPCO and the Company anticipate providing such information to the
Antitrust Division and the FTC shortly after the conclusion of the BGE and PEPCO
Meetings. No information has been provided to the Antitrust Division or the FTC
to date. Neither BGE nor PEPCO believes that the Merger will violate federal
antitrust laws. If the Merger is not consummated within 12 months after the
expiration or termination of the HSR Act waiting period, BGE and PEPCO would be
required to submit new premerger notifications to the Antitrust Division and the
FTC and a new HSR Act waiting period would have to expire or be terminated
before the Merger could be consummated.
ATOMIC ENERGY ACT
BGE owns two nuclear generating units at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power
Plant. As an owner, BGE has operating licenses from the NRC for the units. The
operating license for Unit One expires on July 31, 2014. The operating license
for Unit Two expires on November 30, 2016. The Atomic Energy Act provides that
such licenses or any rights thereunder may not be transferred or in any manner
disposed of, directly or indirectly, to any person through the transfer of
control unless the NRC finds that such transfer is in accordance with the Atomic
Energy Act and consents to the transfer. The Merger may constitute a transfer of
control of BGE's ownership interest in the operating licenses, which would
require approval by the NRC as an amendment to the facility operating licenses.
Pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act, BGE will seek approval for the Company from
the NRC to the full extent required for such a transfer.
Under the Merger Agreement, BGE, PEPCO and the Company have agreed to use
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary permits, consents,
approvals and governmental authorizations necessary or advisable to consummate
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Various parties may seek
intervention in these proceedings to oppose the Merger or to have conditions
imposed upon the receipt of necessary approvals. While BGE and PEPCO believe
that they will receive the requisite regulatory approvals for the Merger, there
can be no assurance as to the timing of such approvals or the ability of such
parties to obtain such approvals on satisfactory terms or otherwise. It is a
condition to the consummation of the Merger that final orders approving the
Merger be obtained from the various federal and state governmental entities
described above on terms and conditions which would not have, or would not be
reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the business,
operations, properties, assets, conditions (financial or otherwise), prospects
or results of operations of the Company. There can be no assurance that any such
approvals will not contain terms or conditions that cause such approvals to fail
to satisfy this condition to the consummation of the Merger.
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THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following is a brief summary of the material provisions of the Merger
Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A and is incorporated herein
by reference. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
Merger Agreement.
THE MERGER
The Merger Agreement provides that, following the approval of the Merger
Agreement by the shareholders of BGE and PEPCO and the satisfaction or waiver of
the other conditions to the Merger, including obtaining the requisite statutory
approvals, BGE and PEPCO will be merged with and into the Company.
If the Merger Agreement is approved by the shareholders of BGE and PEPCO,
and the other conditions to the Merger are satisfied or waived, the closing of
the Merger will take place on the second business day immediately following the
date on which the last of the conditions referred to below under "The Merger
Agreement -- Conditions to the Merger" is fulfilled or waived (or, if such
second business day immediately falls on a record date for the payment of
dividends on the BGE Common Stock or PEPCO Common Stock, on the first business
day thereafter that is not a record date), or at such other time and date and
place as BGE and PEPCO shall mutually agree.
Articles of Merger complying with the requirements of the DCBCA, MGCL and
VSCA shall be executed by BGE, PEPCO and the Company and filed with the Office
of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Department of Assessments and
Taxation of the State of Maryland and the State Corporation Commission of the
Commonwealth of Virginia on the date on which the Merger is closed. The Merger
shall become effective at such time as such Articles of Merger have all been so
filed.
CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER. At the Effective Time, pursuant to the Merger
Agreement:
- Each issued and outstanding share of BGE Common Stock (except shares owned
by BGE or PEPCO or any of their respective subsidiaries, which will be
canceled and cease to exist) will be converted into the right to receive
one duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of
Company Common Stock.
- Each issued and outstanding share of PEPCO Common Stock (except shares
owned by BGE or PEPCO or any of their respective subsidiaries, which will
be canceled and cease to exist, and shares of dissenting holders) will be
converted into the right to receive 0.997 of a duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Company Common Stock.
- Each issued and outstanding share of each series of BGE Preferred Stock
(other than shares owned by BGE or PEPCO or any of their respective
subsidiaries, which will be canceled and cease to exist, and shares of
dissenting holders) will be converted into the right to receive one duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Company
Class A Preferred Stock, of the respective series specified below, with
equal stated value and dividends and like redemption provisions and other
terms and conditions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BGE COMPANY CLASS A
PREFERRED STOCK PREFERRED STOCK
-------------------- --------------------
<S> <C>
Series B 4 1/2% Series B 4 1/2%
Series C 4% Series C 4%
Series D 5.40% Series D 5.40%
</TABLE>
- Each issued and outstanding share of each series of BGE Preference Stock
(other than shares owned by BGE or PEPCO or any of their respective
subsidiaries, which will be canceled and cease to exist, and shares of
dissenting holders) will be converted into the right to receive one
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<PAGE>
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of
Company Preference Stock, of the respective series specified below, with
equal stated value and dividends and like redemption provisions and other
terms and conditions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BGE COMPANY CLASS A
PREFERENCE STOCK PREFERENCE STOCK
----------------------------------- ------------------------------
<S> <C>
7.50% 1986 Series 7.50% 1986 Series
6.75% 1987 Series 6.75% 1987 Series
7.80% 1989 Series 7.80% 1989 Series
8.25% 1989 Series 8.25% 1989 Series
8.625% 1990 Series 8.625% 1990 Series
7.85% 1991 Series 7.85% 1991 Series
7.78% 1973 Series 7.78% 1973 Series
7.125% 1993 Series 7.125% 1993 Series
6.97% 1993 Series 6.97% 1993 Series
6.70% 1993 Series 6.70% 1993 Series
6.99% 1995 Series 6.99% 1995 Series
</TABLE>
- Each issued and outstanding share of each series of PEPCO Preferred Stock
(other than shares owned by BGE or PEPCO or any of their respective
subsidiaries, which will be canceled and cease to exist, and shares of
dissenting holders) will be converted into the right to receive one duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Company
Class B Preferred Stock, of the respective series specified below, with
equal stated value and dividends, and like redemption provisions and other
terms and conditions, except as otherwise described herein regarding
current restrictions on the issuance of unsecured debt (see "Comparison of
Shareholder Rights -- Comparison of BGE, PEPCO and Company Articles and
By-Laws"):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO COMPANY CLASS B
PREFERRED STOCK PREFERRED STOCK
----------------------------------- ------------------------------
<S> <C>
$2.44 Series of 1957 $2.44 Series of 1957
$2.46 Series of 1958 $2.46 Series of 1958
$2.28 Series of 1965 $2.28 Series of 1965
$2.44 Convertible Series of 1966 $2.44 Convertible Series of
1966
$3.82 Series of 1969 $3.82 Series of 1969
$3.37 Series of 1987 $3.37 Series of 1987
$3.89 Series of 1991 $3.89 Series of 1991
$3.40 Series of 1992 $3.40 Series of 1992
Auction Series A Auction Series A
</TABLE>
Each share of the capital stock of the Company issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be canceled and cease to exist, and
no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor.
Based on the capitalization of BGE and PEPCO on September 22, 1995, the BGE
Conversion Ratio and the PEPCO Conversion Ratio, holders of PEPCO Common Stock,
as a group, would have held approximately 44.5%, and holders of BGE Common
Stock, as a group, would have held approximately 55.5%, of the aggregate number
of shares of Company Common Stock that would have been outstanding if the Merger
had been consummated as of such date.
No certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Company Common
Stock will be issued upon the delivery for exchange of certificates of PEPCO
Common Stock, and such fractional shares will not entitle the owner thereof to
vote or to any rights of a holder of Company Common Stock. As promptly as
practicable following the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent will determine the
excess of (x) the number of full shares of Company Common Stock delivered to the
Exchange Agent by the Company based on the PEPCO Conversion Ratio over (y) the
aggregate number of full shares of
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Company Common Stock to be distributed to holders of PEPCO Common Stock (the
"Excess Shares"). As soon after the Effective Time as practicable, the Exchange
Agent, as agent for the holders of PEPCO Common Stock, will sell the Excess
Shares at then prevailing prices on the NYSE through one or more member firms of
the NYSE in round lots to the extent practicable. The Company will pay all
commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs, including
the expenses and compensation of the Exchange Agent, incurred in connection with
such sale of the Excess Shares. The Exchange Agent will determine the portion of
such net proceeds to which each holder of PEPCO Common Stock is entitled, if
any.
As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the Exchange Agent will
mail to each holder of record of a certificate or certificates that, immediately
prior to the Effective Time, represented outstanding shares of BGE Common Stock,
BGE Preferred Stock, BGE Preference Stock, PEPCO Common Stock or PEPCO Preferred
Stock (collectively, the "Certificates") that were converted (collectively, the
"Converted Shares") into the right to receive shares of Company Common Stock,
Company Preferred Stock or Company Preference Stock as described above, a form
of letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected,
and risk of loss and title to any Certificate shall pass, only upon actual
delivery of such Certificate to the Exchange Agent) including instructions for
effecting the surrender of Certificates in exchange for certificates
representing Company Shares.
SHAREHOLDERS OF BGE AND PEPCO SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY
RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT.
Upon surrender of a Certificate to the Exchange Agent (or to such other
agent or agents as may be appointed by agreement of BGE and PEPCO), together
with a duly executed letter of transmittal and such other documents as the
Exchange Agent shall require, the holder of such Certificate shall be entitled
to receive in exchange therefor a certificate representing the number of whole
Company Shares that such holder has the right to receive under the Merger
Agreement. Until surrendered, each Certificate shall be deemed at any time after
the Effective Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender a
certificate representing Company Shares and cash in lieu of any fractional
shares of Company Common Stock.
No dividends or other distributions declared or made after the Effective
Time with respect to shares of Company Common Stock with a record date after the
Effective Time will be paid to the holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with
respect to the Company Shares represented thereby, and no cash payment in lieu
of fractional shares shall be made to any such holder, until such Certificate
shall be surrendered. After such surrender, subject to applicable law, there
will be paid to such holder, without interest, the unpaid dividends and
distributions, and any cash payment in lieu of a fractional share, to which such
holder is entitled.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by
each of BGE and PEPCO relating to (i) their respective organization and
qualification, the organization and qualification of their respective
subsidiaries and similar corporate matters; (ii) the businesses of their
respective subsidiaries and joint ventures, including the capital structure of
such subsidiaries; (iii) their respective capital structures; (iv)
authorization, execution, delivery, performance and enforceability of the Merger
Agreement and related matters; (v) required regulatory and statutory approvals;
(vi) compliance with applicable laws and agreements; (vii) their reports and
financial statements filed with governmental authorities and the accuracy of
information contained therein; (viii) the absence of material adverse changes
and undisclosed liabilities; (ix) the absence of any litigation matters, pending
or threatened, likely to have a BGE Material Adverse Effect or PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect, as the case may be; (x) the accuracy of information supplied
thereby for use in the Registration Statement, of which this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus forms a part, filed by the Company in connection with the
issuance of Company Shares; (xi) the filing of all material Tax Returns (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) and the absence of any claims, assessments,
audits or proceedings for any alleged
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deficiency in Tax; (xii) employee matters relating to the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; (xiii) compliance with applicable
environmental, health and safety laws, the absence of which is likely to have a
BGE Material Adverse Effect or PEPCO Material Adverse Effect, as the case may
be; (xiv) the utility regulatory status of BGE and PEPCO and their respective
subsidiaries; (xv) the votes of the shareholders thereof required to approve the
Merger Agreement; (xvi) the qualification of the Merger as a pooling of
interests transaction for accounting purposes; (xvii) the applicability of
certain provisions of Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia, law relating
to changes in control; (xviii) fairness opinions of Goldman Sachs and Barr
Devlin; (xix) maintaining material insurance policies that are valid and
enforceable; (xx) ownership thereby of the other's common stock; and (xxi) with
respect only to BGE, the absence of any NRC Action (as defined in the Merger
Agreement) under the Atomic Energy Act which is likely to have a BGE Material
Adverse Effect.
CERTAIN COVENANTS
BGE and PEPCO have each agreed that, except as permitted under the Merger
Agreement or as otherwise consented to in writing by the other, it will (and
will cause each of its subsidiaries to): (i) conduct its business in the
ordinary course substantially as previously conducted and use commercially
reasonable efforts to preserve specified arrangements and, subject to prudent
management of workforce needs and ongoing programs currently in force, keep
available the services of their present officers and employees; (ii) not declare
or pay any dividends on or make other distributions in respect of any of their
capital stock other than (a) to it or its subsidiaries, (b) stated dividends on
BGE Preferred Stock, BGE Preference Stock or PEPCO Preferred Stock and (c)
regular quarterly dividends on PEPCO Common Stock with usual record and payment
dates not, during any calendar year, in excess of dividends consistent with
prior practice subject to increases that do not result in a dividend rate in
excess of the indicated annual dividend rate agreed to by BGE and PEPCO for the
Company following the Effective Time; (iii) not effect certain changes in its
capital stock; (iv) not redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of
their capital stock, other than (a) as required by the respective terms of any
series of PEPCO Preferred Stock, BGE Preferred Stock or BGE Preference Stock,
(b) in connection with a refunding of PEPCO Preferred Stock, BGE Preferred Stock
or BGE Preference Stock with lower-cost funds, (c) intercompany acquisitions or
(d) in connection with employee benefit and dividend reinvestment plans as in
effect on the date of the Merger Agreement in the ordinary course; (v) not issue
any shares of capital stock or any securities convertible or exchangeable for,
or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any such shares or convertible or
exchangeable securities, except for (a) issuances of capital stock upon the
conversion of convertible securities outstanding on the date of the Merger
Agreement or permitted under the Merger Agreement, (b) the issuances of common
stock or other securities by BGE pursuant to the BGE Dividend Reinvestment and
Stock Purchase Plan and the BGE Continuous Offering Program for Common Stock or
by PEPCO pursuant to the PEPCO Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan, the PEPCO
Savings Plan for Exempt Employees, the PEPCO Savings Plan for Bargaining Unit
Employees, the PEPCO Savings Plan for Non-Bargaining Unit, Non-Exempt Employees,
the PEPCO LTIP and the PEPCO Stock Compensation Plan for the Board of Directors,
in each case in the ordinary course in accordance with their present terms or
(c) issuances by a wholly owned subsidiary of its capital stock to a parent;
(vi) not amend its Articles of Incorporation or By-laws in any way adverse to
the other parties, except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement; (vii) not
acquire or agree to acquire any assets, in each case that are material, in the
aggregate, to it and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except for acquisitions
by PEPCO and its subsidiaries on the one hand, and BGE and its subsidiaries on
the other, within existing lines of business, of less than $30 million in the
aggregate; (viii) not make any capital expenditures, except (a) as required by
law, (b) to repair or replace facilities destroyed or damaged due to casualty or
accident and (c) additional capital expenditures that in the aggregate do not
exceed $75 million; (ix) not incur or guarantee any indebtedness, other than (a)
short-term indebtedness in the ordinary course consistent with past practice,
(b) long-term indebtedness to refinance at maturity or with lower-cost funds and
(c) long-term indebtedness aggregating not more
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<PAGE>
than $75 million for such party and its subsidiaries; (x) dispose of material
assets except for dispositions (a) not exceeding $10 million in the aggregate,
which dispositions do not have a BGE Material Adverse Effect or a PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect, as the case may be, (b) as may be required by law to consummate
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or (c) in the ordinary
course consistent with past practice; (xi) except as required by law, not enter
into, adopt or amend or increase the amount of or accelerate the payment or
vesting of any benefit or amount payable under, any employee benefit plan or
other contract, agreement, commitment, arrangement, plan or policy maintained
by, contributed to or entered into by such party or any of its subsidiaries, or
increase, or enter into any contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to
increase in any manner, the compensation or fringe benefits, or otherwise to
extend, expand or enhance the engagement, employment or any related rights, of
any director, officer or other employee of such party or any of its
subsidiaries, except for normal increases in the ordinary course consistent with
past practice that, in the aggregate, do not result in a material increase in
benefits or compensation expense to such party or any of its subsidiaries; (xii)
not enter into or amend any employment, severance or special pay arrangements
with respect to termination of employment or similar arrangements with any
director, officer or other employee, other than in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice; (xiii) not engage in any activities that
would cause a change in its status under the 1935 Act, or in any activities
that, in the case of PEPCO, would cause PEPCO to become a "holding company"
under the 1935 Act, in the case of BGE, cause BGE to lose its exemption from
registration as a "holding company" under the 1935 Act, or, in the case of
either party, would require the approval of the SEC under Section 9(a)(2) of the
1935 Act for any transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement; (xiv) not
make any changes in its accounting methods other than required by law or in
accordance with GAAP; (o) not take any action to prevent the Company from
accounting for the Merger as a pooling of interests under GAAP and applicable
SEC regulations; (xv) not take any action that would adversely affect the status
of the Merger as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code; (xvi)
maintain with financially responsible insurance companies insurance (or through
self-insurance not inconsistent with past practices) in such amounts and against
such risks and losses as are customary for companies engaged in the electric and
gas utility industry and other businesses of it and its subsidiaries; (xvii)
confer with representatives of the other party, promptly notify the other party
of significant changes in its business, advise the other party of any change or
event that has had or, to the knowledge of such party, would reasonably likely
have a BGE Material Adverse Effect or a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect, and
consult prior to making any governmental filings in connection with the Merger
Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and promptly after each
such filing provide the other with a copy thereof; (xviii) not make any filing
to change its or any of its utility subsidiaries' rates on file with any
governmental authority that could have a material adverse effect on the benefits
associated with the Merger; (xix) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain
certain third-party consents to the Merger; (xx) use commercially reasonable
efforts to maintain in effect all existing permits pursuant to which such party
operates; (xxi) not use any non-public information obtained from the other in
connection with any solicitation, inquiry, proposal, arrangement, understanding
or agreement with any person relating to the provisions of electric or gas
utility service by such party to commercial and industrial customers in the
other party's service territory; and (xxii) not take any action which could
likely jeopardize the qualification of outstanding revenue bonds issued for the
benefit of BGE or PEPCO, as the case may be, as "exempt facility bonds" or as
tax-exempt industrial development bonds under Section 103(b)(4) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, as amended prior to the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
The Merger Agreement provides for the creation by BGE and PEPCO of a special
transition management task force (the "Task Force") comprised of representatives
from each of the primary business functions of each company and headed by Mr.
Edward A. Crooke (or an individual designated by him) and Mr. John M. Derrick,
Jr. (or an individual designated by him). The functions of the Task Force will
include serving as a conduit for the flow of information between the companies
pending the Merger, developing regulatory plans and proposals, corporate
organizational management plans,
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<PAGE>
workforce combination proposals and such other matters as they deem appropriate
and evaluating and recommending the manner in which best to organize and manage
the business of the Company after the Merger.
The Merger Agreement provides that the co-heads of the Task Force will
together recommend to Messrs. Poindexter and Mitchell organizational matters and
candidates to serve as the officers of the Company who are not otherwise
designated by the Merger Agreement. All such organizational matters and
appointment of officers will be subject to final approval by a majority of the
members of the Company Board, upon the recommendation of Mr. Poindexter.
NO SOLICITATION OF TRANSACTIONS
The Merger Agreement provides that neither BGE nor PEPCO, directly or
indirectly will initiate, solicit or encourage, or take any action to facilitate
the making of, any offer or proposal that constitutes or is reasonably likely to
lead to any Takeover Proposal (as defined below), or, in the event of any
unsolicited Takeover Proposal, engage in negotiations or provide any
confidential information or data to any person relating to any Takeover
Proposal. Under the Merger Agreement, BGE and PEPCO must notify the other orally
and in writing of any such inquiries, offers or proposals within 24 hours of the
receipt thereof and shall give the other 10 days advance notice of any agreement
to be entered into with or any information to be supplied to any person making
such inquiry, offer or proposal.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the approval of the Merger Agreement
by the BGE shareholders and the PEPCO shareholders will have been obtained, BGE
or PEPCO may, to the extent its Board of Directors determines in good faith with
the written advice of outside counsel that a failure to do so could reasonably
be expected to result in a breach of its fiduciary duties under applicable law,
participate in discussions or negotiations with, furnish information to, and
afford access to the properties, books and records of such party and its
subsidiaries to any person in connection with a possible Takeover Proposal with
respect to such party by such person.
As used above, "Takeover Proposal" means any tender or exchange offer,
proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving
BGE, PEPCO or any of their respective material subsidiaries, or any proposal or
offer to acquire in any manner a substantial equity interest in, or a
substantial portion of the assets of, BGE, PEPCO or any of their respective
material subsidiaries, other than pursuant to the transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement.
COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Merger Agreement provides that the BGE Board and the PEPCO Board will
take such action as may be necessary to cause the number of directors comprising
the full Company Board at the Effective Time to be 16 persons, consisting of Mr.
Edward F. Mitchell, Mr. Christian H. Poindexter, Mr. Edward A. Crooke, Mr. John
M. Derrick, Jr., seven persons designated by BGE prior to the Effective Time and
five persons designated by PEPCO prior to the Effective Time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that if, prior to the Effective Time, any of such designees shall decline or be
unable to serve, the party that designated such person shall designate another
person to serve in such person's stead.
The initial designation of directors among the three classes of the Company
Board will be allocated among BGE and PEPCO designees as follows: Class I
(initial one-year term), three BGE designees and two PEPCO designees; Class II
(initial two-year term), three BGE designees, Mr. Mitchell and one additional
PEPCO designee; Class III (three-year term), Messrs. Poindexter and Crooke and
one additional BGE designee, Mr. Derrick and two additional PEPCO designees.
The initial Company Board committees and committee memberships will be
determined by the Company Board; PROVIDED that (i) there shall be six
committees, (ii) three committees will be chaired by a designee of the PEPCO
Board, (iii) three committees will be chaired by a designee of the BGE Board,
(iv) there shall be a Committee on Management (responsible for nominating,
compensation and major organizational changes) which will be chaired by a
designee of the BGE Board and (v) there will be an Executive Committee
(responsible for certain financing matters) which will be chaired by Mr.
Mitchell.
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MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
The Merger Agreement and the Company Employment Agreements provide for
certain senior management positions in the Company to be filled at the Effective
Time by designated current officers of BGE and PEPCO. See "The Merger -- Company
Employment Agreements" and "-- Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
CORPORATE OFFICES
As soon as reasonably possible after the Effective Time, the corporate
headquarters and principal executive offices of the Company will be located in
the Annapolis, Maryland area, and the Company shall maintain significant
operations in the District of Columbia and in Baltimore, Maryland.
INDEMNIFICATION
The Merger Agreement provides that, to the extent, if any, not provided by
an existing right of indemnification or other agreement or policy, from and
after the Effective Time, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not
prohibited by applicable law, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the present
and former directors, officers and employees of the parties to the Merger
Agreement and their respective subsidiaries against (i) all losses, expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), claims, damages, costs,
liabilities, judgments or amounts that are paid in settlement of or in
connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation (a) based
in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part out of the fact that such
person is or was a director, officer or employee of such party or any subsidiary
thereof and (b) pertaining to any matter existing or occurring at or prior to
the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the
Effective Time and (ii) all Indemnified Liabilities based in whole or in part
on, or arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to the Merger Agreement
or the transactions contemplated thereby; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the case of
the provisions described in clauses (i) and (ii), the Company shall not be
liable for any settlement effected without its written consent (which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld).
In addition, the Merger Agreement requires that for a period of six years
after the Effective Time, the Company shall cause to be maintained in effect the
policies of directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by BGE and
PEPCO; PROVIDED that the Company may substitute therefor policies of at least
the same coverage containing terms that are no less advantageous with respect to
matters occurring prior to the Effective Time to the extent such liability
insurance can be maintained annually at a cost to the Company not greater than
200% of the current aggregate annual premiums for the policies currently
maintained by BGE and PEPCO for their directors' and officers' liability
insurance; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that if such insurance cannot be so maintained or
obtained at such cost, the Company shall maintain or obtain as much of such
insurance for each of BGE and PEPCO as can be so maintained or obtained at a
cost equal to 200% of the respective current annual premiums of each of BGE and
PEPCO for their directors' and officers' liability insurance. Also, the Merger
Agreement provides that to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, from and
after the Effective Time, all rights to indemnification existing in favor of the
employees, agents, directors and officers of BGE, PEPCO and their respective
subsidiaries with respect to their activities as such prior to the Effective
Time, as provided in their respective Articles of Incorporation and By-laws in
effect on the date of the Merger or otherwise in effect as of the date of the
Merger, shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and effect for
a period of not less than six years from the Effective Time.
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
The respective obligations of BGE and PEPCO to effect the Merger are subject
to the following conditions: (i) the approval of the Merger Agreement by the
shareholders of BGE and the shareholders of PEPCO shall have been obtained; (ii)
no temporary restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other
order shall be in effect that prevents the consummation of the Merger, and the
Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall not have
been prohibited under any applicable federal or state law or regulation; (iii)
the Registration Statement shall have become effective and shall not be the
subject of a stop order suspending such effectiveness; (iv) the shares of
Company Common Stock issuable in connection with the Merger shall have been
approved
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for listing on the NYSE, upon official notice of issuance; (v) the receipt by
each of BGE and PEPCO of a letter of their respective independent public
accountants stating that the Merger will qualify as a pooling of interests
transaction under GAAP and applicable SEC regulations; (vi) all required
material governmental approvals shall have been received and such approvals
shall not impose terms or conditions that would have, or would be reasonably
likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, operations,
properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or results of
operations of the Company; (vii) the Company shall have been incorporated under
the laws of Virginia (in addition to Maryland); (viii) the agreements and
covenants required to be performed by BGE and PEPCO, respectively, under the
Merger Agreement shall have been performed in all material respects; (ix) BGE or
PEPCO, as the case may be, shall have received officers' certificates from the
other stating that the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement to the
obligations of BGE or PEPCO, as the case may be, to consummate the Merger have,
to such officers' knowledge, been satisfied; (x) no BGE Material Adverse Effect
or PEPCO Material Adverse Effect, as the case may be, shall have occurred and
there shall exist no fact or circumstance that would have, or would be
reasonably likely to have, a BGE Material Adverse Effect or PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect, as the case may be; (xi) each of BGE and PEPCO shall have
received from their respective special tax counsel opinions to the effect that
the Merger will be a tax-free reorganization under Internal Revenue Code Section
368(a) and that (in the case of BGE) BGE and its shareholders who exchange their
shares solely for stock of the Company and (in the case of PEPCO) PEPCO and its
shareholders who exchange their shares solely for stock of the Company will
recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the
consummation of the Merger; (xii) the other party shall have received certain
material third-party consents; and (xiii) the Company shall have received
certain certificates from each affiliate of BGE or PEPCO, as the case may be.
TERMINATION; TERMINATION FEES AND EXPENSES
The Merger Agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances, listed
below. Where indicated, termination results in the payment of expenses and
termination fees in the amounts listed below as liquidated damages; PROVIDED
that the amount payable by BGE and its affiliates pursuant to the provisions
described below, when added to the amount payable thereby upon a repurchase of
the BGE Option and shares issued upon exercise of such Option, may not exceed
$125 million in the aggregate, and the amount payable by PEPCO and its
affiliates pursuant to the provisions described below, when added to the amount
payable thereby upon a repurchase of the PEPCO Option and shares issued upon
exercise of such Option, may not exceed $125 million in the aggregate. Such
circumstances include (i) by mutual consent of the parties (no payment); (ii) by
either BGE or PEPCO if the Merger is not consummated by March 31, 1997 PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that such termination date shall be extended to March 31, 1998 if all
conditions to closing the Merger, other than the receipt of certain statutory
approvals by any of the parties, can be satisfied by March 31, 1997 (no
payment); (iii) by either BGE or PEPCO if the requisite approval of the Merger
Agreement by either party's shareholders shall not have been obtained at a duly
held meeting of shareholders ($85 million payment by the target if the vote
follows a third-party offer of the type described below in clause (vii) that has
not been rejected by such target and its Board and withdrawn by the third-party;
otherwise no payment); (iv) by either BGE or PEPCO if any state or federal law
or court order prohibits the Merger (no payment); (v) by either BGE or PEPCO if
there exists a material breach of any material representation or warranty
contained in the Merger Agreement, or any material breach of any covenant or
agreement by BGE or PEPCO, as the case may be, and such breach is not cured
within 20 days after notice ($10 million payment by the breaching party); (vi)
by either BGE or PEPCO if the Board of Directors of BGE or PEPCO, as the case
may be, shall withdraw or adversely modify its approval or recommendation of the
Merger ($85 million payment by the party withdrawing or adversely modifying its
approval); or (vii) by either party, under certain circumstances, as a result of
a third-party tender offer or business combination proposal which such party's
Board of Directors determines in good faith that their fiduciary duties requires
be accepted, after the other party has first been given an opportunity to make
adjustments in the terms of the Merger Agreement so as to enable the Merger to
proceed ($85 million payment by the party accepting such proposal).
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EXPENSES
Except as set forth above, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with
the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by
the party incurring such expenses, except that those expenses incurred in
connection with printing this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as the
filing relating thereto, will be shared equally by BGE and PEPCO.
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
The Merger Agreement may be amended by the Boards of Directors of BGE and
PEPCO at any time before or after its approval by their shareholders and prior
to the Effective Time, but after any such approval no amendment may be made
which alters or changes (i) the amount or kind of shares, to be received or
exchanged for or on conversion of any class or series of capital stock of either
corporation in the Merger as provided in the Merger Agreement, (ii) any of the
terms or conditions of the Merger Agreement if such alteration or change, alone
or in the aggregate, would materially adversely affect the rights of the holders
of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock, BGE Preference Stock, PEPCO Common
Stock or PEPCO Preferred Stock or (iii) any term of the Company Articles, except
for alterations or changes that could otherwise be adopted by the Company Board,
without the further approval of such shareholders.
At any time prior to the Effective Time, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, a party may (i) extend the time for performance of any
obligations or other acts by the other party and (ii) waive inaccuracies in the
representations and warranties contained in the Merger Agreement or any document
delivered pursuant thereto or conditions to the other party's obligation to
consummate the Merger.
THE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENTS
The following is a brief summary of the material terms of the Stock Option
Agreements, copies of which are attached as Exhibits B1 and B2 and which are
incorporated herein by reference. This summary is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Stock Option Agreements.
The Stock Option Agreements are intended to increase the likelihood that the
Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.
Consequently, certain aspects of the Stock Option Agreements may have the effect
of discouraging persons who might now or prior to the Effective Time be
interested in acquiring all of or a significant interest in, or otherwise
effecting a business combination with, BGE or PEPCO, or from considering or
proposing such a transaction, even if such persons were prepared to offer to pay
consideration to shareholders of BGE or PEPCO, as the case may be, which had a
higher value than the shares of Company Common Stock to be received per share of
BGE Common Stock or PEPCO Common Stock, as the case may be, pursuant to the
Merger Agreement.
GENERAL
Concurrently with entering into the Merger Agreement, BGE and PEPCO entered
into reciprocal Stock Option Agreements pursuant to which (i) PEPCO granted BGE
an irrevocable option to purchase up to 23,579,900 shares of PEPCO Common Stock
(subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization) representing 19.9% of the
number of shares of PEPCO Common Stock outstanding on August 31, 1995, at an
exercise price of $21.225 per share, which is equal to the Fair Market Value of
a share of PEPCO Common Stock as of September 22, 1995, the date as of which the
Stock Option Agreements were executed, and (ii) BGE granted PEPCO an irrevocable
option to purchase, under circumstances that could entitle PEPCO to a
termination payment under certain provisions of the Merger Agreement, up to
29,357,896 shares of BGE Common Stock (subject to adjustment for changes in
capitalization) representing 19.9% of the number of shares of BGE Common Stock
outstanding on August 31, 1995, at an exercise price of $25.925 per share, which
is equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of BGE Common Stock as of September
22, 1995. The respective Options become exercisable only if the holder thereof
could be entitled to a termination payment under the Merger Agreement (see "The
Merger Agreement -- Termination; Termination Fees and Expenses") but without
regard to
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whether the Merger Agreement is actually terminated or whether a business
combination is actually closed with a third party (a "Trigger Event"). In no
event, however, will the issuer of an Option be required to issue shares upon
exercise of such Option unless all required regulatory approvals for the
issuance of such shares are obtained, all waiting periods under the HSR Act
applicable to such issuance are approved or have been terminated and such shares
(and any shares issued by the holder of such Option in payment of the exercise
price thereof) have been approved for listing on the NYSE upon official notice
of issuance.
Each Option will terminate upon the earliest to occur of (i) the Effective
Time, (ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement other than due to a Trigger
Event and (iii) 180 days following any termination of the Merger Agreement upon
or during the continuance of a Trigger Event (of if, at the expiration of such
180 day period, such Option cannot be exercised by reason of any applicable
judgment, decree, order, law or regulation, ten business days after such
impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall have become final and
not subject to appeal, but in no event later than March 31, 1998).
REPURCHASES. At any time during which the Option is exercisable, each Stock
Option Agreement entitles the holder of the Option to require the issuer thereof
to repurchase from the holder all or any portion of the Option (or if the Option
has been exercised, to repurchase from the holder all or any portion of the
acquired shares). The amount that the issuer of an Option will pay to the holder
of such Option to repurchase such Option is (i) the difference between (a) the
Market/Offer Price for shares of such issuer's common stock as of the date such
holder gives notice of its intent to exercise its rights to have such Option
repurchased and (b) the exercise price for the Option multiplied by (ii) the
number of shares of such common stock purchasable pursuant to such Option (or
portion thereof with respect to which such holder is exercising such rights).
The amount that the issuer of an Option will pay to the holder thereof to
repurchase shares issued upon exercises of such Option is (i) the exercise price
paid by such holder for such shares plus the difference between the Market/Offer
Price and the exercise price paid by such holder for such shares, multiplied by
(ii) the number of such shares to be repurchased. In the event that the
repurchase price discussed above would require shareholder approval for the
party making the repurchase, the party to receive such repurchase payment may
reduce the repurchase price to an amount which would not require shareholder
approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount payable by BGE and its
affiliates pursuant to the provisions described above under "-- Termination;
Termination Fees and Expenses," when added to the amount payable thereby upon a
repurchase of the BGE Option and shares issued upon exercise of such Option, may
not exceed $125 million in the aggregate, and the amount payable by PEPCO and
its affiliates pursuant to the provisions described below, when added to the
amount payable thereby upon a repurchase of the PEPCO Option and shares issued
upon exercise of such Option, may not exceed $125 million in the aggregate.
PURCHASE WITH OPTION HOLDER'S SHARES; CALL. Each Stock Option Agreement
entitles the holder of the Option granted thereunder to purchase shares covered
by the Option with shares of the Option holder's own common stock and
thereafter, at any time or from time to time prior to March 31, 1997 (extendible
under certain circumstances to March 31, 1998), to require the issuer of the
Option to sell such shares of common stock back to it. The value attributed to
shares of an Option holder's common stock used to purchase shares upon exercise
of such Option is the Fair Market Value of such shares as of the date
immediately preceding the date on which notice of such exercise is delivered to
the issuer of the Option. The price at which the issuer of an Option may be
required to sell back to the holder of such Option shares of such holder's stock
used to purchase shares on exercise of the Option is the value attributed to
such shares for such purchase plus interest at the rate of 8.75% per annum (from
the date of the delivery of such shares through the date of such repurchase)
less any dividends paid or declared and payable thereon.
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VOTING. Each party to the Stock Option Agreements has agreed to vote, prior
to the fifth anniversary of the entry into the Stock Option Agreements (the
"Expiration Date"), any shares of capital stock of the other party acquired by
such party pursuant to the exercise of the Options or otherwise beneficially
owned by such party, on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of such
other party, for and against such matter in the same proportion as the vote of
all other shareholders of such other party is voted for and against such matter.
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER. The Stock Option Agreements also provide that,
prior to the Expiration Date, neither BGE nor PEPCO will, directly or
indirectly, sell, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of or transfer any of the
shares that it acquires pursuant to the exercise of the Options (the "Option
Shares"), except as otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreements. In
addition to the repurchase rights described above, subsequent to the termination
of the Merger Agreement, a holder of Option Shares has the right to require the
issuer of such shares to register the Option Shares under the Securities Act for
sale in a public offering, unless the issuer of such shares elects to repurchase
them at their then market value. The Stock Option Agreements also provide that,
following the termination of the Merger Agreement, a holder of Option Shares may
sell such shares pursuant to a tender or exchange offer approved or recommended,
or otherwise determined to be fair and in the best interests of the
shareholders, by a majority of the Board of Directors of the issuer.
DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company's Articles of Incorporation
and By-laws will be amended and restated in the form attached hereto as Exhibits
E and F, respectively. The authorized capital stock of the Company as of the
Effective Time will consist of 374,400,000 shares of Company Common Stock,
12,126,222 shares of Company Preferred Stock, and 6,500,000 shares of Company
Preference Stock. The description of the Company's capital stock set forth
herein does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Company Articles and By-laws, respectively, as well as
applicable statutory or other law.
COMPANY COMMON STOCK
VOTING RIGHTS. For all purposes, each registered holder of Company Common
Stock will, at each meeting of shareholders, be entitled to one vote for each
share of Company Common Stock held, either in person or by proxy duly authorized
in writing. Except to the extent required by law or as permitted by the Company
Articles, as amended from time to time, the registered holders of the shares of
Company Common Stock shall have unlimited and exclusive voting rights.
The holders of Company Common Stock will not be entitled to cumulative votes
for the election of directors.
DIVIDENDS. Subject to the rights of the holders of Company Preferred Stock
and Company Preference Stock, the Company may pay dividends on Company Common
Stock and make distributions on, and purchase or otherwise acquire for value,
shares of Company Common Stock (each such payment, distribution, purchase and/or
acquisition being herein referred to as a "Common Stock Dividend"), EXCEPT THAT,
so long as any shares of Class B Preferred Stock are outstanding, (i) no Common
Stock Dividend shall be declared or paid in an amount which, together with all
other Common Stock Dividends declared in the year ending on (and including) the
date of the declaration of such Common Stock Dividends, would in the aggregate
exceed 50% of the net earnings of the Company for the period consisting of the
12 consecutive calendar months ending on the last day of the calendar month next
preceding the declaration of such Common Stock Dividend, after deducting from
such net earnings dividends accruing on any stock other than Company Common
Stock during such period, if at the end of such period, the ratio (herein
referred to as the "Capitalization Ratio") of the sum of (a) the capital
represented by the Company Common Stock (including premiums on Company Common
Stock) and (b) the surplus accounts of the Company, to the sum of (c) the total
capital and (d) the surplus accounts of the Company (after adjustment in each
case of the surplus accounts to reflect payment of such Common Stock Dividends)
would be less than 20%; (ii) if such Capitalization
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Ratio, determined as aforesaid, shall be 20% or more, but less than 25%, no
Common Stock Dividend shall be declared or paid in an amount which, together
with all other Common Stock Dividends declared in the year ending on (and
including) the date of the declaration of such Common Stock Dividend, would in
the aggregate exceed 75% of the net earnings of the Company for the period
consisting of the 12 consecutive calendar months ending on the last day of the
calendar month next preceding the declaration of such Common Stock Dividend
after deducting from such net earnings dividends accruing on any stock other
than the Company Common Stock during such period; and (iii) if such
Capitalization Ratio, determined as aforesaid, shall be in excess of 25%, no
Common Stock Dividend shall be declared or paid which would reduce such
Capitalization Ratio to less than 25% except to the extent permitted by the next
preceding clause (i) and (ii).
LIQUIDATION. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the affairs of the Company, the holders of Company Common Stock will be entitled
to share ratably in any assets remaining after payment in full of all
liabilities of the Company and the aggregate liquidation preference of any
Company Preferred Stock and Company Preference Stock then outstanding.
PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS. The holders of Company Common Stock will have no
preemptive rights to acquire or subscribe to any shares, or securities
convertible into shares, of Company Common Stock. The holders of Company Common
Stock will have no redemption or conversion rights.
It is a condition to the consummation of the Merger that the Company Common
Stock be approved for listing on the NYSE subject to official notification of
issuance.
COMPANY PREFERRED STOCK
The Company Preferred Stock will be issued in different series. The Company
Articles authorize several series as described below.
The Company Board also will be authorized, subject to any limitations
prescribed by law and the provisions of Article Eleventh of the Company
Articles, to provide for the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of
Company Class A Preferred Stock and Company Class B Preferred Stock, in
additional series, and by filing a certificate pursuant to applicable Maryland
and Virginia law, to establish from time to time the number of shares of Company
Class A Preferred Stock or Company Class B Preferred Stock to be included in
each such series, and to fix such designations, powers, preferences and rights
of the shares of Company Class A Preferred Stock or Company Class B Preferred
Stock of each such series and any qualifications, limitations, or restrictions
thereof as provided in the Company Articles.
The ability of the Company Board to issue classes and series of Company
Preferred Stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
future takeover or change in control of the Company, and could prevent
shareholders from tendering their shares in transactions which they might favor
by decreasing the likelihood that such offers would be made in the first
instance.
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DESIGNATION. There will be designated in the Company Articles the following
series of Company Preferred Stock, aggregating 5,968,071 shares as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERIES NUMBER
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
COMPANY CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK
Series B 4 1/2%........................................................ 222,921
Series C 4%............................................................ 68,928
Series D 5.40%......................................................... 300,000
COMPANY CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK
$2.44 Series of 1957................................................... 300,000
$2.46 Series of 1958................................................... 300,000
$2.28 Series of 1965................................................... 400,000
$2.44 Convertible Series of 1966..........................not more than 6,526
$3.82 Series of 1969................................................... 500,000
$3.37 Series of 1987................................................... 869,696
$3.89 Series of 1991................................................... 1,000,000
$3.40 Series of 1992................................................... 1,000,000
Auction Series A....................................................... 1,000,000
</TABLE>
At the Effective Time, each issued and outstanding share of each series of
BGE Preferred Stock (other than shares owned by BGE or PEPCO or any of their
respective subsidiaries, which will be canceled) will be converted into the
right to receive one duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of Company Class A Preferred Stock, of the respective series
specified above, with equal stated value and dividends and like redemption
provisions and other terms and conditions.
Each issued and outstanding share of each series of PEPCO Preferred Stock
(other than shares owned by BGE or PEPCO or any of their respective
subsidiaries, which will be canceled and each share of PEPCO Preferred Stock
held by any holder entitled to and seeking relief as a dissenting shareholder
with respect to such shares) will be converted into the right to receive one
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Company
Class B Preferred Stock, of the respective series specified above, with equal
stated value and dividends and like redemption provisions and other terms and
conditions, except as otherwise described herein regarding restrictions on
PEPCO's issuance of unsecured debt. See "Comparison of Shareholder Rights --
Comparison of BGE, PEPCO and Company Articles and By-laws."
VOTING RIGHTS. The holders of Company Class A Preferred Stock will have no
voting power, except that the holders of Company Class A Preferred Stock will
have 24 votes for each share of Company Class A Preferred Stock with respect to
certain proposed amendments (those amendments affecting the rights of the
Company Class A Preferred Stock) of the Company Articles, any proposed
consolidation with any other corporation or corporations, any proposed sale,
lease or exchange of all its property and assets as an entirety, including its
goodwill and franchises, to or with any other corporation or any proposed
dissolution of the Company, and no such amendment of the Company Articles,
consolidation, sale, lease, exchange or dissolution will be authorized,
ratified, adopted or affected without the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all
the shares of Company Class A Preferred Stock outstanding in favor of such
amendment, consolidation, sale, lease, exchange or dissolution, as the case may
be. Should the Company fail to pay full dividends on the Company Class A
Preferred Stock and should such failure continue for one year, the holders of
Company Class A Preferred Stock will have 24 votes for each share of Company
Class A Preferred Stock with respect to all matters, until and unless all such
dividends shall have been paid in full. However, the voting power of the holders
of Company Class A Preferred Stock will be reduced to four votes per share
immediately upon the retirement of the shares of Company Class A Preferred Stock
issuable in exchange for the shares of BGE's Preferred Stock outstanding as of
November 27, 1961, consisting of 222,921 shares of Series B 4 1/2% and 68,928
shares of Series C 4% Preferred Stock.
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The holders of Company Class B Preferred Stock will have no voting power,
except that whenever dividends payable on the shares of Company Class B
Preferred Stock are in default in an amount equal to four full quarter-yearly
dividends, until such default is remedied, the holders of Company Class B
Preferred Stock, voting separately, will become entitled to elect at a special
meeting 25% of the Company Board, or the smallest number of directors that
exceeds 25% of the Company Board, but in no event less than two directors. The
other shareholders then entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting
separately by class if so required by the provisions applicable to such classes,
will be entitled to elect the remaining directors of the Company. The terms of
all directors of the Company in office at the time will terminate upon the
election of directors by the holders of the Company Class B Preferred Stock.
Thereafter and during the continuance of such special right of the holders of
the Company Class B Preferred Stock, the Company Board will be divided into two
or more classes, one class consisting of the directors to be elected by the
holders of Company Class B Preferred Stock, and the other class or classes
consisting of directors to be elected by the other shareholders entitled to vote
for the election of directors. The directors of each such class elected at such
meeting and the directors of each such class elected at any subsequent annual
meeting for the election of directors, held during the continuance of such
special right, will hold office until the next succeeding annual election and
until their respective successors by classes are elected and qualified.
However, if and when all dividends then in default on Company Class B
Preferred Stock shall be paid (and such dividends must be declared and paid as
soon as reasonably practicable out of surplus or net profits, but without
diminishing the amount of capital of the Company), the holders of Company Class
B Preferred Stock will be divested of such special right, but subject always to
the same provisions for the revesting of such special right in the holders of
Company Class B Preferred Stock in the case of any similar future default or
defaults. Whenever the holders of Company Class B Preferred Stock shall be so
divested of such special right, the method of election of the Company Board by
the vote of the other shareholders entitled to vote for the election of
directors exclusively will be restored, and the election of directors will take
place at the next succeeding annual meeting for the election of directors, or at
any adjournment thereof.
So long as any shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock are outstanding, no
amendment to the Company Articles which would (i) create, change any junior
stock into, or increase the rights and preferences of, any senior or parity
stock, (ii) increase the authorized amount of the Company Class B Preferred
Stock in excess of 11,126,222 shares or the authorized amount of any senior or
parity stock or (iii) change the express terms of the outstanding shares of
Company Class B Preferred Stock in any manner substantially prejudicial to the
holders thereof, shall be made without the affirmative consent of the holders of
more than two-thirds of the aggregate number of shares of the Company Class B
Preferred Stock then outstanding; but any such amendment may be made with such
affirmative consent, together with such additional vote or consent of
shareholders as from time to time may be required by law; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that if any such amendment would change the express terms of the outstanding
shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock of any particular series in a manner
substantially prejudicial to the holders thereof without correspondingly
affecting the holders of the outstanding shares of Company Class B Preferred
Stock of all series, then, in lieu of such consent of the holders of Company
Class B Preferred Stock (or, if such consent of the holders of the outstanding
shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock is required by law, in addition
thereto), the affirmative consent of the holders of more than two-thirds of the
Company Class B Preferred Stock of the affected series at the time outstanding
will be necessary for making such amendment.
So long as any shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock are outstanding,
the Company will not, without the affirmative consent of the holders of at least
a majority of the aggregate number of shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock
then outstanding: (i) issue any shares of Class B Preferred Stock, in excess of
300,000 shares thereof at any one time outstanding, or issue any shares of
senior or parity stock (either directly or by reclassification), unless for a
period of 12 consecutive calendar months within the 15 calendar months next
preceding the date on which such shares are to be issued net earnings (after
depreciation and taxes but before deducting interest) have been at least one and
one-
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half times the annual interest charges and dividend requirements on all
indebtedness of the Company and on all shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock
and senior and parity stock which shall then be outstanding; (ii) issue any
shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock, in excess of 300,000 shares thereof
at any one time outstanding, or issue any shares of senior and parity stock
(either directly or by reclassification), unless immediately after such proposed
issue the aggregate of (a) the capital of the Company applicable to its stock
ranking junior as to assets and dividends and (b) the surplus of the Company
shall be not less than the aggregate amount payable upon involuntary liquidation
to the holders of the Company Class B Preferred Stock and of senior and parity
stock then to be outstanding, excluding from such computation all stock to be
retired through such proposed issue; or (iii) merge or consolidate with or into
any other corporation or corporations or sell or lease all or substantially all
of its assets, unless such merger, consolidation, sale or lease, or the issue
and assumption of all securities to be issued or assumed in connection with any
such merger, consolidation, sale or lease shall have been ordered, approved or
permitted by the regulatory authority or authorities having jurisdiction in the
premises.
DIVIDENDS, REDEMPTION AND LIQUIDATION. The Company Preferred Stock will
have dividend, redemption, liquidation and other rights as designated in the
Company Articles. Unless dividends on all outstanding shares of every series of
every class of Company Preferred Stock, at the annual dividend rate or rates
fixed therefor, have been paid or declared and set aside for payment for all
past dividend periods to which they are entitled, and the full dividend thereon
at said rate or rates for the dividend period current at the time have been paid
or declared and set apart for payment, but without interest on accumulated
dividends, and unless all sinking fund payments, if any, required to have been
made thereon have been made or provided for, no dividend will be declared and no
other distribution will be made on any shares of any series of any class of
Company Preferred Stock or on any parity stock or junior stock. The Company
Class A Preferred Stock and the Company Class B Preferred Stock will rank in
parity in respect of dividends and other distributions and in liquidation. If
upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, the assets available for distribution to holders of shares of Company
Preferred Stock of all classes and series shall be insufficient to pay such
holders the full preferential amount to which they are entitled, then such
assets will be distributed ratably among the shares of all classes and series of
Company Preferred Stock in accordance with the respective preferential amounts
(including unpaid cumulative dividends, if any) payable with respect thereto.
COMPANY PREFERENCE STOCK
The Company Preference Stock will be issued in different series. The Company
Articles authorize several series as described below.
The Company Board will also be authorized to approve the issuance of
authorized but unissued shares of Company Preference Stock in one or more
additional series without further authorization of its shareholders and to
determine the number of shares, rates of preferential dividends, designations,
preferences, limitations and relative rights of such series. Thus, any
additional series of Company Preference Stock may, if so determined by the
Company Board, be convertible into or exchangeable for Company Common Stock or
another security, and have such other powers, preferences and relative,
participating optional and other special rights and such qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereon, as the Company Board shall determine.
The ability of the Company Board to issue series of Company Preference Stock
may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a future takeover or
change in control of the Company, and could prevent shareholders from tendering
their shares in transactions which they might favor by decreasing the likelihood
that such offers would be made in the first instance.
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<PAGE>
DESIGNATED SERIES. There will be designated in the Company Articles 11
series of Company Preference Stock, aggregating 4,780,000 shares as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERIES NUMBER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C>
7.50% 1986 Series........................................................ 425,000
6.75% 1987 Series........................................................ 455,000
7.80% 1989 Series........................................................ 500,000
8.25% 1989 Series........................................................ 300,000
8.625% 1990 Series....................................................... 650,000
7.85% 1991 Series........................................................ 350,000
7.78% 1973 Series........................................................ 200,000
7.125% 1993 Series....................................................... 400,000
6.97% 1993 Series........................................................ 500,000
6.70% 1993 Series........................................................ 400,000
6.99% 1995 Series........................................................ 600,000
</TABLE>
VOTING RIGHTS. The Company Preference Stock will have no voting power,
except that the Company Preference Stock will have one vote for each share of
Company Preference Stock with respect to any proposed amendment of the Company
Articles which would create or authorize any shares of stock ranking prior to or
on a parity with the Company Preference Stock as to dividends or as to
distribution of assets, or which would substantially adversely affect the
contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Company Articles, of the Company
Preference Stock, and no such amendment of the Company Articles may be
authorized, ratified, accepted or effected without the affirmative vote of
two-thirds of all the shares of Company Preference Stock outstanding in favor of
such amendment.
Whenever the Company fails to pay full dividends on the Company Preference
Stock and such failure continues for one year, the holders of Company Preference
Stock will have one vote for each share of Company Preference Stock with respect
to all matters, until and unless such dividends shall have been paid in full.
DIVIDENDS. Holders of Company Preference Stock will be entitled to receive,
when and as declared, from the surplus or net profits of the Company remaining
after the preferential dividend requirements for the outstanding Company
Preferred Stock have been provided for, yearly dividends, payable at such times
and rates as provided in the Company Articles. The dividends on the Company
Preference Stock will be cumulative and payable before any dividend on the
Company Common Stock may be paid or set apart.
LIQUIDATION. In the event of any liquidation or dissolution or winding up,
whether voluntary or involuntary, of the Company, the holders of Company
Preference Stock will be entitled to be paid in full, from any assets and funds
of the Company remaining after payment to the holders of Company Preferred
Stock, both the par amount of their shares and an amount equal to the unpaid
dividends accrued thereon (whether earned or declared or not) adjusted to the
date of such payment before any amount may be paid to the holders of Company
Common Stock.
COMPARISON OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
If the Merger is consummated, the persons who were holders of BGE Preferred
Stock, BGE Preference Stock and BGE Common Stock will become holders of Company
Preferred Stock, Company Preference Stock and Company Common Stock,
respectively, whose rights as shareholders will be governed by the Company
Articles and Company By-laws (rather than the BGE Articles and BGE By-laws) and
by the MGCL and VSCA (rather than solely the MGCL). The material differences
between the rights of shareholders of the Company and shareholders of BGE are
set forth below.
If the Merger is consummated, the persons who were holders of PEPCO
Preferred Stock and PEPCO Common Stock, will become holders of Company Preferred
Stock and Company Common Stock, respectively, whose rights as shareholders will
be governed by the Company Articles and
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Company By-laws (rather than the PEPCO Articles and PEPCO By-laws) and by the
MGCL and VSCA (rather than the DCBCA and VSCA). The material differences between
the rights of shareholders of the Company and shareholders of PEPCO are also set
forth below.
The following discussion is not intended to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the Company Articles and the Company By-laws, which
are attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus as Exhibits E and F,
respectively, and to the DCBCA, MGCL and VSCA.
COMPARISON OF BGE, PEPCO AND COMPANY ARTICLES AND BY-LAWS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BGE. Under the BGE By-laws, the BGE Board consists of 14 directors. They
shall hold their offices for one year until their successors are elected and
qualified.
PEPCO. Under the PEPCO By-laws, the PEPCO Board consists of 12 directors,
divided into three classes. The directors of one of the classes are elected
annually to serve for three-year terms.
THE COMPANY. Under the Company Articles, the Company Board consists of 16
directors. Such directors are divided into three classes designated Class I,
Class II and Class III. The initial Class I directors will be elected for
one-year terms, the initial Class II directors will be elected for two-year
terms and the initial Class III directors will be elected for three-year terms.
Upon expiration of the initial terms, directors of each class will be elected
for three-year terms.
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
BGE. Under Article II, Section 3 of BGE By-laws, the shareholders, at any
meeting duly called and at which a quorum is present, may remove any director
from office by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote thereon and may also elect a successor to fill any resulting
vacancy for the unexpired term of the removed director.
PEPCO. Under Article IX of the PEPCO Articles and Article II, Section 8 of
PEPCO's By-laws, a director elected by the holders of PEPCO Common Stock may be
removed only for cause, by a majority vote of the holders of PEPCO Common Stock
at a special meeting called for such purpose. Any director elected by the
holders of PEPCO Preferred Stock may be removed only for cause by a vote of the
holders of a majority of the PEPCO Preferred Stock, at a special meeting called
for that purpose.
THE COMPANY. Under Article Sixth of the Company Articles, directors of the
Company may only be removed for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the
holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (considered for this
purpose as one class) cast at a meeting of the shareholders called for that
purpose; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no director who shall have been elected by the
holders of a separate class of stock shall be removed, except upon the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the class whose holders elected
him, if such holders are then entitled to vote for the election of directors.
AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
BGE. Under Article II of the BGE Articles, BGE may exercise all the rights,
powers and privileges extended to corporations under the MGCL. Section 2-602 of
the MGCL provides that a corporation may amend its charter provided that the
amendments are lawful and that where contract rights are altered, an objecting
shareholder has the right to receive fair value for stock substantially
adversely affected.
Article IV, Section 5 of the BGE Articles gives the BGE Board the right to
amend the BGE Articles by classifying or sub-classifying all or any of the
authorized but unissued shares of BGE Preferred Stock into one or more series of
BGE Preferred Stock, which series may differ from each other and other series
already outstanding with respect to rate and payment terms, dividend
participation, convertibility and redemption terms. Article IV, Section 19, of
the BGE Articles reserves to the BGE Board similar designation rights with
respect to shares of BGE Preference Stock.
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PEPCO. Under Article V(A)(g) of the PEPCO Articles, as long as any shares
of PEPCO Preferred Stock are outstanding, no amendments to the PEPCO Articles
may be effected which would (i) create, change junior stock into, or increase
the rights and preferences of any senior or parity stock, (ii) increase the
authorized amount of PEPCO Preferred Stock or any senior or parity stock, or
(iii) change the express terms of outstanding PEPCO Preferred Stock in a manner
substantially prejudicial to the holders thereof, without the affirmative
consent of the holders of more than two-thirds of the aggregate shares of
Preferred Stock then outstanding (or of any particular series thereof that is
disproportionately prejudiced by such amendment).
Article X of the PEPCO Articles also provides that the affirmative vote of
the holders of four-fifths of all the capital stock entitled to vote shall be
required to amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the PEPCO Articles relating
to the establishment of the classified board and removal of directors, and the
provisions of the PEPCO By-laws relating to the bringing of shareholder business
before meetings and the calling of special shareholder meetings.
THE COMPANY. The Company Articles may be amended in any manner permitted by
law, subject to certain voting requirements set forth in Article Ninth of the
Company Articles covering the rights of the holders of Company Preferred Stock
and Company Preference Stock. See "Description of Company Capital Stock."
AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
BGE. Under Article VII of the BGE By-laws, the BGE By-laws may be amended
or repealed, and new By-laws adopted, at any meeting of the BGE Board, by the
vote of a majority of the directors, or by the shareholders at any annual
meeting, or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
PEPCO. Under Article VIII of the PEPCO By-laws, the PEPCO Board may amend
or repeal the PEPCO By-laws at any meeting of the PEPCO Board, by the
affirmative vote of not less than the number of directors necessary to
constitute a quorum.
THE COMPANY. Under Article Sixth of the Company Articles, the Company
By-laws may be altered, amended or repealed by the Company Board; PROVIDED that
for a period of two years following the Effective Time, a vote of 66 2/3% of the
entire Company Board is required to (i) change the number of directors, (ii)
approve a change in the Company's name, (iii) provide for the location of the
Company's headquarters or its principal executive offices other than in the
Annapolis, Maryland area, (iv) amend the Company Employment Agreements or to
otherwise change the titles or functions of such individuals from those set
forth in the respective Company Employment Agreements; (v) to change Committees
of the Company Board, or (vi) to amend the supermajority vote provision of the
Company By-laws.
CUMULATIVE VOTING
The BGE Articles, the PEPCO Articles and the Company Articles do not provide
for cumulative voting.
VOTING
BGE. Each share of BGE Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote with
respect to the Merger. Each share of BGE Preferred Stock entitles its holder to
24 votes with respect to the Merger. However, the voting power of the BGE
Preferred Stock will be reduced to four votes per share immediately upon the
retirement of certain BGE Preferred Stock. Each share of BGE Preference Stock
entitles its holder to one vote with respect to the Merger.
A majority of the voting power of the shares issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business at the BGE Meeting.
The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the votes entitled to
be cast by all holders of outstanding shares of (i) BGE Common Stock, voting as
a single class, (ii) BGE Preferred Stock,
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voting as a single class, (iii) BGE Preference Stock, voting as a single class
and (iv) BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock, voting
together as a class, is required to approve the Merger Agreement.
PEPCO. Holders of PEPCO Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share of
PEPCO Common Stock on all matters submitted generally to a vote of the
shareholders of PEPCO.
Holders of PEPCO Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights, except
that during periods when dividends payable on PEPCO Preferred Stock are in
default in an amount equal to four full quarter-yearly dividends, the holders of
PEPCO Preferred Stock are entitled to elect separately 25% of the PEPCO Board,
or the smallest number of directors that exceeds 25%, but in no event fewer than
two directors.
In addition, without the affirmative consent of the holders of a majority of
outstanding PEPCO Preferred Stock, PEPCO may not (i) issue any shares of PEPCO
Preferred Stock in excess of 300,000 shares, or issue any shares of senior or
parity stock, unless (a) for a period of 12 consecutive calendar months within
the 15 calendar months preceding the date on which such shares are to be issued,
PEPCO's net earnings have been at least one and one-half times the annual
interest charges and dividend requirements on all indebtedness of PEPCO and all
shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock, senior stock and parity stock outstanding and
(b) the capital applicable to junior stock and surplus of PEPCO is not less than
the aggregate amount payable upon involuntary liquidation to the holders of
PEPCO Preferred Stock, senior stock and parity stock outstanding, (ii) issue
securities representing unsecured indebtedness in certain circumstances (see "--
Restrictions on Issuance of Securities Representing Unsecured Indebtedness"),
and (iii) merge or consolidate with or into another entity or sell or lease all
or substantially all of its assets.
The consent of holders of more than two-thirds of the outstanding PEPCO
Preferred Stock also is required to effect certain amendments to the PEPCO
Articles. See "-- Amendments to Articles of Incorporation."
THE COMPANY. See "Description of Company Capital Stock."
RESTRICTIONS ON ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES REPRESENTING UNSECURED INDEBTEDNESS
BGE. The BGE Articles and By-laws do not restrict the issuance of
securities representing unsecured indebtedness.
PEPCO. Article V, Section (A)(h)(3), of the PEPCO Articles provides that so
long as any shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock are outstanding, PEPCO will not,
without the consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock, issue any securities representing unsecured
indebtedness, or assume or guaranty any such unsecured securities (other than
for extension, renewal or refunding of outstanding debt securities or redemption
of outstanding shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock or senior or parity stock), if
after the issue or assumption of such securities the total principal amount of
such unsecured securities then outstanding would exceed 25% of the aggregate of
(i) the total principal amount of all securities representing secured
indebtedness of PEPCO then outstanding and (ii) the capital and surplus of PEPCO
as then stated on its books less any known excess of book value of PEPCO's
physical property devoted to public use over (a) the actual cost of such
property of PEPCO and (b) as to such property as was not acquired as the result
of arm's length negotiations, the actual cost of such property to the one first
devoting the same to public use.
THE COMPANY. Neither the Company Articles nor the Company By-laws will
restrict the issuance of securities representing unsecured indebtedness. BGE and
PEPCO believe that permitting the Company to issue unsecured debt without
restrictions comparable to those contained in the PEPCO Articles will provide
the Company with needed flexibility in an increasingly competitive environment.
Typically, unsecured short-term indebtedness is the lowest cost debt available
to companies. The growing number of unsecured debt products available in the
financial markets offer an increasingly accepted alternative to traditional
mortgage bond financings within the utility industry. The absence
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of a constraint on the issuance of unsecured debt also should facilitate the
prudent management of the Company's capital structure which may contribute to
cost savings and efficiency in the financing by the Company of its capital
requirements. In addition, a restriction on unsecured debt eventually could
place the Company at a significant competitive disadvantage.
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
BGE. Article I, Section 2, of the BGE By-laws grants to shareholders of BGE
the right to call a special meeting of shareholders by the request of the
holders of not less than 25% of all outstanding shares entitled to vote on the
matter for which the meeting is called.
PEPCO. Article I, Section 2, of the PEPCO By-laws provides that the PEPCO
Board, the Executive Committee or holders of record of not less than one-fifth
of all the outstanding shares entitled to vote at a meeting may call a special
meeting of shareholders.
THE COMPANY. Under Article II, Section 3, of the Company By-laws, special
meetings of shareholders may be called only by a majority of the Board of
Directors, the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or upon the written request
of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 25% of all votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting. No special meeting need be called upon the
request of the holders of shares entitled to cast less than a majority of all
votes entitled to be cast at such meeting, if the purpose for such meeting would
be to consider any matter that is substantially the same as a matter voted upon
at any special meeting of the shareholders held during the preceding 12 months.
NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS/NOMINATIONS
BGE. The BGE By-laws do not address the subject of shareholder proposals or
nominations.
PEPCO. Under Article I, Section 1, and Article 11, Section 1, of the PEPCO
By-laws, a shareholder proposal or nomination will be considered at an annual
meeting if the shareholder has given timely notice to the Secretary not less
than 50 days nor more than 75 days prior to the meeting; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
in the event that less than 65 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the
date of the meeting is given or made to shareholders, notice by the shareholder
to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 15th
day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was
mailed or such public disclosure was made, whichever first occurs.
THE COMPANY. Under Article II, Section 4(b), of the Company By-laws, in
order to have shareholder nominations and other business brought before an
annual meeting, such matters must be timely filed, in proper written form, with
the Secretary of the Company. To be timely, a shareholder's notice must be
delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the
Company not less than 30 days or more than 60 days prior to the annual meeting;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the event that less than 40 days' notice of the date
of the annual meeting is given or made to shareholders, notice by the
shareholder, to be timely, must be received not later than the close of business
on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the
annual meeting was mailed.
INDEMNIFICATION
BGE. Article IV of the BGE By-laws provides that with respect to BGE, each
person made or threatened to be made a party to an action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact
that such person is or was a director or officer of BGE, or, at its request, is
or was a director or officer of another corporation, shall be indemnified by BGE
(to the extent indemnification is not otherwise provided by insurance) against
the liabilities, costs and expenses of every kind actually and reasonably
incurred by him as a result of such action, suit or proceeding, or any threat
thereof or any appeal thereon, but in each case only if and to the extent
permissible under applicable common or statutory law, state or federal. The
foregoing indemnity is not exclusive of other rights to which such person may be
entitled.
PEPCO. Article II, Section 9, of the PEPCO By-laws provides that, to the
maximum extent permitted by law, PEPCO shall indemnify any officer, director or
employee of PEPCO and may indemnify any other person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any
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threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative (including an action by
or in the right of PEPCO), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of PEPCO, or is or was serving at the
request of PEPCO as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with
any such matter, except in relation to matters as to which such person shall be
finally adjudged to have knowingly violated the criminal law or be liable for
willful misconduct in the performance of his duty to PEPCO. The termination of
any action by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo
contendere or its equivalent shall not of itself create a presumption that the
person was guilty of willful misconduct. The foregoing right of indemnification
is not exclusive of any other right to which such persons may be entitled under
any agreement, vote of shareholders or otherwise.
THE COMPANY. Article Seventh of the Company Articles provides that the
Company will indemnify its directors, officers and employees, whether serving
the Company or at its request any other entity, to the fullest extent required
or permitted by applicable law, including the General Laws of the State of
Maryland and the Code of Virginia, now or hereafter in force, including, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the advance of expenses, and other
individuals and entities, including agents, to such extent as shall be
authorized by the Board of Directors or the Company By-laws and is permitted by
applicable law now or hereafter in force. The foregoing rights of
indemnification will not be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking
indemnification may be entitled.
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
BGE. Article V of the BGE Articles provides that a director or officer of
BGE will not be personally liable to BGE or its shareholders for monetary
damages except (i) to the extent that it is proved that the person actually
received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services for the
amount of the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received
or (ii) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the
person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the
person's action or failure to act was the result of active and deliberate
dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the
proceeding. The Article states that its intent is that the liability of
directors and officers will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the
MGCL.
PEPCO. Article II, Section 11, of the PEPCO By-laws provides that in any
proceeding brought by a shareholder in the right of PEPCO or on behalf of the
PEPCO shareholders, no director or officer shall be liable for any monetary
damages unless such director or officer engaged in willful misconduct or a
knowing violation of criminal law.
THE COMPANY. Article Seventh of the Company Articles provides that to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable statutory or decisional law, as amended
or interpreted, no director or officer of the Company will be personally liable
to the Company or its shareholders for money damages.
COMPARISON OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA LAW
BGE is subject to the MGCL. PEPCO is subject to the DCBCA and VSCA. The
Company will be subject to the MGCL and VSCA.
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS; REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS; VACANCIES
MGCL. Under the MGCL, the articles of incorporation may provide for the
division of directors into classes. Under the MGCL, unless the articles of
incorporation provide otherwise, directors may be removed with or without cause
upon the vote of a majority of votes entitled to be cast for the election of
directors; PROVIDED that: (i) a director elected separately by the holders of
any class or series of stock may not be removed without cause except by the
affirmative vote of a majority all of the votes of that class or series; and
(ii) if a corporation has cumulative voting for the election of directors and
less than the entire Board is to be removed, a director may not be removed
without cause if the votes cast against his removal would be sufficient to elect
him if then cumulatively voted at an election of the
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entire Board, or, if there is more than one class of directors, at an election
of the class of directors of which he is member. Under the MGCL, a corporation's
stockholders may fill any vacancy on the board which results from the removal of
a director, provided that, if the stockholders of any class or series are
entitled separately to elect a director, the stockholders of that class or
series fill a vacancy which results from the removal of a director elected by
that class or series. Unless the charter or by-laws of the corporation provide
otherwise, the majority of the remaining directors, although less than a quorum,
may fill a vacancy which results from any cause other than an increase in the
number of directors, and a majority of the entire board may fill a vacancy which
results from an increase, provided that, if the stockholders of any class or
series are entitled separately to elect a director, a majority of the remaining
directors or the sole remaining director elected by that class or series may
fill any vacancy among the directors elected by that class or series.
DCBCA. The DCBCA allows a corporation's by-laws to classify the
corporation's directors into two or three classes. The DCBCA does not address
removal of directors. Under the DCBCA, any vacancy resulting from an increase in
the number of directors may be filled by shareholders. Unless the articles of
incorporation provide otherwise, any vacancy occurring in the board any cause
other than an increase may be filled by the vote of majority of the remaining
directors although less than a quorum.
VSCA. Under the VSCA, a corporation may stagger the terms of directors into
two or three groups. Unless the articles of incorporation provide that directors
may be removed only for cause, shareholders may remove any director with or
without cause, provided that if a director is elected by a voting group of
shareholders, only the shareholders who elected him may participate in the vote
to remove him. If cumulative voting is authorized, a director may not be removed
if the number of votes sufficient to elect him under cumulative voting is voted
against his removal. If cumulative voting is not authorized, unless the articles
of incorporation require a greater vote, a director may be removed by a majority
of the votes of the voting group that elected the director. Under the VSCA,
unless the articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a vacancy on the board,
including a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number of directors (i)
may be filled by the shareholders, (ii) the board or (iii) a majority of the
directors remaining in office if less than a quorum. Unless the articles of
incorporation provide otherwise, if the vacant office was held by a director
separately elected by a voting group of shareholders, only the members of that
voting group are entitled to vote to fill the vacancy if it is filled by the
shareholders.
INTERESTED DIRECTOR TRANSACTIONS
MGCL. Under the MGCL, a contract or other transaction of a corporation in
which a director has an interest is not void or voidable solely because of the
interest if (i) the interest is disclosed or known to the board or the committee
which approves or ratifies such transactions, and the contract or transaction is
approved or ratified by a majority of disinterested directors, (ii) the interest
is disclosed or known to corporation's shareholders, and the contract or
transaction is approved or ratified by a majority of votes entitled to vote
thereon, excluding the votes of shares beneficially owned by the interested
director or (iii) such contract or transaction is fair and reasonable to the
corporation.
DCBCA. This subject is not addressed by the DCBCA.
VSCA. Under the VSCA, a transaction of a corporation in which a director
has an interest is not voidable by the corporation solely because of the such
interest if (i) the facts of the transaction and the director's interest therein
were disclosed or known to the board or committee that authorizes such
transactions and it was authorized, approved or ratified by a majority of
disinterested directors, (ii) the facts of the transaction and the director's
interest therein were disclosed to the shareholders entitled to vote thereon and
the transaction was authorized, approved or ratified by a majority of votes
entitled to vote thereon, excluding the votes of shares beneficially owned by
the interested director or (iii) the transaction was fair to the corporation.
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INDEMNIFICATION
MGCL. Pursuant to the MGCL, a corporation may indemnify against certain
liabilities and expenses any director or officer who is made a party to a
proceeding by reason of his service in such capacity, unless the director or
officer (i) acted in bad faith or with deliberate dishonesty, (ii) actually
received an improper personal benefit, (iii) in the case of a criminal
proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such act was illegal or (iv) is
found liable to a corporation in a proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation. Unless limited by its charter, a corporation must indemnify against
reasonable expenses any director or officer who has been successful in defense
of any such proceeding or if a court determines that such indemnification is
fair and reasonable. A corporation may advance expenses to a director or officer
under certain conditions.
DCBCA. Under the DCBCA, a corporation may indemnify against expenses any
directors or officers made party to a proceeding by reason of his service as
such, except in relation to matters as to which any such director or officer
shall be adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance
of duty. Such indemnification is not exclusive of any other rights to which
those indemnified may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of
shareholders or otherwise.
VSCA. The VSCA provides that a corporation may indemnify against certain
liabilities and expenses an officer or director made a party to a proceeding by
reason of his service in such capacity if the director or officer acted in good
faith and (i) he believed, in the case of conduct undertaken in his official
capacity, that such conduct was in the best interests of the corporation or, in
the case of other conduct, that the other conduct was not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation or (ii) in the case of a criminal proceeding, he
had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. However, a
corporation may not indemnify a director or officer if he was found liable to a
corporation in a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation or for
receiving improper personal benefit. Unless limited by its articles of
incorporation, a corporation must indemnify against reasonable expenses a
director or officer who prevails in defense of any proceeding. In addition, a
corporation must indemnify a director or officer if so ordered by a court. A
corporation may advance expenses to a director or officer under certain
conditions.
LIMITED LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
MGCL. Under the MGCL, a corporation's articles of incorporation may include
any provisions expanding or limiting the liability of its directors and officers
to the corporation or its shareholders, provided that such liability may not be
limited if a director or officer received an improper personal benefit or acted
with active and deliberate dishonesty.
DCBCA. This subject is not addressed by the DCBCA.
VSCA. Under the VSCA, in any proceeding brought by or in the name of a
corporation by or on behalf of shareholders, the damages assessed against an
officer or director shall not exceed the lesser of (i) the amount, including the
elimination of liability, specified in the corporation's articles of
incorporation, or if approved by the shareholders in the by-laws, as a
limitation on or elimination of the director's or officer's liability or (ii)
the greater of $100,000 or the compensation received by the director of officer
during the previous 12 months, provided that the liability of an officer or
director cannot be limited if the officer or director engaged in willful
misconduct or a knowing violation of criminal law or securities law.
AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES
MGCL. The MGCL provides that a proposed amendment must be approved by the
shareholders of a corporation by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the
votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
DCBCA. The DCBCA provides that unless the articles of incorporation provide
otherwise, an amendment must be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders
of at least two-thirds of the
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outstanding shares entitled to vote as a class in respect thereof and the total
outstanding shares entitled to vote. In no event may approval be reduced to
lower than a majority of the shares entitled to vote.
VSCA. The VSCA provides that the board of directors may condition its
submission of a proposed charter amendment to the shareholders on any basis. To
be adopted, the amendment must be approved by a two-thirds vote of each voting
group entitled to vote thereon, provided that the directors may require a
greater vote or the articles of incorporation may provide for a greater or
lesser vote, so long as the vote provided for is not less than a majority.
AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
MGCL. The MGCL provides that the power to adopt, alter and repeal by-laws
is vested in the stockholders except to the extent that the charter or by-laws
vests such power in the board of directors.
DCBCA. The DCBCA provides that the power to make, alter, amend or repeal
by-laws shall be vested in the board of directors unless reserved to the
shareholders by the articles of incorporation.
VSCA. The VSCA provides that a corporation's board of directors may amend
or repeal by-laws except to the extent that (i) such right is reserved
exclusively to the shareholders in the articles of incorporation or by statute
or (ii) the shareholders, in adopting or amending a particular bylaw, provide
expressly that the board of directors may not amend or repeal that bylaw.
Shareholders may amend or repeal by-laws even though the by-laws also may be
amended or repealed by the board of directors.
VOTE REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN REORGANIZATIONS
MGCL. Under the MGCL, any proposed consolidation, merger, share exchange or
transfer of assets (except in the ordinary course) must be approved by the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter.
DCBCA. Under the DCBCA, unless the articles of incorporation require
otherwise, a plan of merger or consolidation requires the affirmative vote of
the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class of stock of
the corporation. The required shareholder vote cannot be reduced to less than a
majority of the outstanding shares.
VSCA. Under the VSCA, a plan of merger or share exchange must be approved
by two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast thereon by each voting group,
provided that the board of directors may require a greater vote and the articles
of incorporation may provide for a greater or lesser vote, so long as the vote
provided for is not less than a majority of all votes entitled to be cast by
each voting group.
SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY CONSENT
MGCL. Under the MGCL, any action required or permitted to be taken at a
shareholders meeting may be taken without a meeting if the following are filed
with the records of shareholder meetings: (i) a unanimous written consent which
sets forth the actions and is signed by each shareholder entitled to vote
thereon and (ii) a written waiver of any right to dissent signed by each
shareholder entitled to notice of the meeting but not entitled to vote at it.
DCBCA. Under the DCBCA, any action required or permitted to be taken at a
shareholders meeting may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing
setting forth the action so taken is signed by all shareholders entitled to vote
thereon and such written consent is filed with the minutes of shareholders'
meetings.
VSCA. Under the VSCA, any action required or permitted to be taken at a
shareholders meeting may be taken without a meeting and without action by the
board of directors if the action is taken by all the shareholders entitled to
vote thereon and is evidenced by a writing describing the action taken, signed
by all the shareholders and delivered to the secretary of the corporation for
inclusion in the and minutes of shareholder meetings.
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<PAGE>
STATUTORY SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY
MGCL. Under the MGCL, a corporation's shareholders are not obligated to the
corporation or its creditors, except to the extent that the subscription price
or other agreed consideration for the stock has not been paid or liability is
imposed under any other provision of the MGCL.
DCBCA. Under the DCBCA, a corporation's shareholders are under no
obligation to the corporation or its creditors with respect to such shares,
other than the obligation to pay to the corporation the full consideration for
which the shares were issued or to be issued.
VSCA. Under the VSCA, a shareholder is not liable to the corporation or its
creditors with respect to the shares except to pay the consideration for which
the shares were authorized to be issued.
DISTRIBUTIONS
MGCL AND VSCA. The MGCL and the VSCA each provides that, subject to any
restriction in its charter, a board of directors may authorize and the
corporation may make distributions to its shareholders, unless after such
distribution the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become
due or its total assets after the distribution would be less than the sum of its
total liabilities, plus (unless the charter permits otherwise) the amount that
would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of the
distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of
shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the
distribution.
DCBCA. The DCBCA provides that, subject to restrictions in its articles of
incorporation, a corporation may pay dividends in cash, property or its own
shares provided that no dividend may be declared or paid if after such payment
the corporation would be insolvent or its net assets would be less than its
stated capital.
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
MGCL. Pursuant to the MGCL, a special meeting of shareholders may be called
by the president, the board of directors, or any other person specified in the
corporation's articles of incorporation or by-laws, or on the written request of
holders of not less than 25% of the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting.
DCBCA. The DCBCA provides that special meetings of shareholders may be
called by the president, the secretary, the board of directors, or the holders
of not less than one-fifth of all of the shares entitled to be cast at the
special meeting or by such other officers or persons as may be provided in the
corporation's articles of incorporation or by-laws.
VSCA. The VSCA allows special shareholder meetings to be called by the
chairman of the board of directors, the president, the board of directors or
anyone authorized to do so by the corporation's charter or by-laws.
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
See "The Merger -- Dissenters' Rights."
CERTAIN CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS AND BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
MGCL. Certain provisions of the MGCL may have the effect of discouraging
persons from acquiring large blocks of a Maryland corporation's stock and/or
delaying or preventing a change of control of such a corporation. Under certain
circumstances, these provisions could have the effect of, among other things:
(i) reducing or eliminating the voting power of a 20% or more shareholder (MGCL
Sections 3-703 and 3-704) and (ii) prohibiting a 10% or more shareholder from
engaging in a business combination with a Maryland corporation for five years
following the acquisition of the 10% stake (a "freezeout" provision) (MGCL
Sections 3-601 through 3-604). In both instances, a Maryland corporation may opt
out of the statutes' provisions by so providing in its articles or by-laws.
However, an amendment adopted for the purpose of avoiding the MGCL's freeze-out
provision does not become
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<PAGE>
effective until 18 months after its adoption. (MGCL Sections 3-603(e)(1)(iii)).
No such opt-out amendments have been adopted by BGE. Provisions covering unequal
two-tier tender offers and "greenmail" payments have not been codified under the
MGCL.
DCBCA. The District of Columbia has not enacted any takeover defense
provisions.
VSCA. The VSCA contains a provision which prohibits a corporation from
engaging in an "affiliated transaction" with a 10% shareholder for three years
following the acquisition of the 10% stake unless the transaction is approved by
a majority of the corporation's disinterested directors and the holders of
two-thirds of the shares not held by the 10% shareholder or the corporation has
elected not to be bound by this provision. The VSCA also contains a "control
share" provision whereby the voting rights of a shareholder are eliminated with
respect to shares, the acquisition of which causes the percentage of shares
beneficially owned by such shareholder to exceed one of several percentage
thresholds, unless a resolution granting voting power is approved by a majority
of all votes which could be cast in a directors' election, excluding certain
shares including those of the acquiring shareholder, or the corporation has
elected not to be bound by this provision. The VSCA also includes a provision
permitting a board of directors to adopt a "poison pill."
APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Subsequent to the execution of the Merger Agreement, BGE and PEPCO agreed
that the Company would adopt a stock compensation plan to replace the BGE LTIP
and the PEPCO LTIP (except with respect to obligations incurred or attributable
to employment prior to the Effective Time) subject to approval by shareholders.
Accordingly, the Company LTIP is submitted to shareholders of the common stock
of BGE and PEPCO for approval, as more fully described below. Conditioned upon
the Merger becoming effective, the Company LTIP will become effective only if
approved by shareholders as described below, in which event it will become
effective at the Effective Time and will terminate 10 years thereafter.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of BGE Common
Stock present in person or by proxy at the BGE Meeting and the affirmative vote
of a majority of the outstanding shares of PEPCO Common Stock present in person
or by proxy at the PEPCO Meeting, respectively, is required to approve the
Company LTIP. This shareholder approval will meet the requirements of Section
422 of the Code and Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act ("Rule 16b-3").
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EACH OF BGE, PEPCO AND THE COMPANY UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY LTIP.
Set forth below is a summary of certain important features of the Company
LTIP, which summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual plan
document attached as Exhibit H to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus:
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the Company LTIP is to increase shareholder value by
providing a long-term incentive to reward officers and key employees of the
Company and its subsidiaries for the profitable performance of the Company and
its subsidiaries, and to increase the ownership of Company Common Stock by such
employees.
SHARES AVAILABLE UNDER THE PLAN
The number of shares of Company Common Stock that may be granted to
participants under the proposed Company LTIP is 5,500,000. If an award lapses or
the participant's rights with respect to such award otherwise terminate, any
shares of Company Common Stock subject to such award will again be available for
future awards under the Company LTIP.
ADMINISTRATION
The Company LTIP will be administered by the Committee on Management of the
Company Board (the "Committee"), unless such Committee fails to satisfy the
disinterested administration
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<PAGE>
provisions under Rule 16b-3, in which case a committee of directors of the
Company Board who satisfy such requirements will administer the Company LTIP.
The Company LTIP gives the Committee broad authority to determine the persons to
whom, and the times at which, awards will be granted or lapse under the Company
LTIP, the types of awards to be granted, the number of shares of Company Common
Stock to be covered by each award, and all other terms and conditions for awards
granted under the Company LTIP.
PARTICIPATION
Each officer or key employee of the Company or its subsidiaries designated
by the Committee is eligible to participate in the Company LTIP. Assuming the
key employees of BGE and PEPCO are the key employees of the Company,
approximately 22 officers and 20 key employees of the Company will be eligible
to participate in the Company LTIP. Non-employee directors are not eligible to
participate.
AWARDS
Under the Company LTIP, the following types of awards may be granted from
time to time by the Committee:
RESTRICTED STOCK. The Committee may grant awards of Company Common Stock
bearing restrictions ("Company Restricted Stock") prohibiting a participant's
transfer of the Company Restricted Stock until the lapse of a restriction
period. No consideration is payable by the participant as a result of the grant.
The Committee may establish the terms and conditions of each grant, including
the restriction period (which will be not less than one and not more than 10
years), whether dividends will be paid currently or accumulated and the form of
any dividend payment, and may also condition the awards on the completion of a
specified period of service or on attainment, during a performance period
established by the Committee, of one or more performance objectives established
by the Committee. Performance objectives, which may vary from participant to
participant, are determined by the Committee and may include, but are not
limited to, the performance of the participant, the Company, one or more of its
subsidiaries, or any combination thereof. On completion of the restriction
period and attainment of any performance objectives, the restrictions will
expire with respect to one or more shares of Company Restricted Stock. If target
performance objectives are exceeded, the Committee may award additional Company
Common Stock to a participant.
OPTIONS. The Committee may grant either ISOs that are qualified under
Section 422 of the Code or options not intended to qualify under Section 422 of
the Code ("Nonqualified Options"). No consideration is payable by the
participant as a result of the grant. The Committee may establish the terms and
conditions of each grant; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that an option to purchase a share
of Company Common Stock may not be granted with an exercise price of less than
100% of the fair market value of a share of Company Common Stock on such date.
Further, the period during which the options are exercisable will not exceed 10
years from the date of grant. In the Committee's discretion, the exercise price
may be paid in cash, shares of Company Common Stock, or both.
PERFORMANCE UNITS. The Committee may make performance awards payable in
cash, Company Common Stock or both, upon attainment during a performance period
established by the Committee, of one or more performance objectives established
by the Committee. Performance objectives, which may vary from participant to
participant, are determined by the Committee and may include, but are not
limited to, the performance of the participant, the Company, one or more of its
subsidiaries, or any combination thereof.
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. The Committee may grant awards of stock
appreciation rights in conjunction with an option or as a separate award. No
consideration is payable by the participant as a result of the grant. The
Committee may establish the terms and conditions of each grant; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, the period during which the rights are exercisable will not exceed 10
years.
Stock appreciation rights provide the right to receive a payment in cash,
Company Common Stock, or both in the Committee's discretion. If a grant is in
conjunction with an option, the option must be surrendered, and the amount of
the payment will be determined, in the Committee's sole
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<PAGE>
discretion, based on (i) the excess of the fair market value of the Company
Common Stock at the date of exercise over the option price or (ii) the excess of
the book value of the Company Common Stock at the date of exercise over the book
value of the Company Common Stock at the date the underlying option was granted.
If a grant is not in conjunction with an option, the payment will be determined,
in the Committee's sole discretion, based on (i) the excess of the fair market
value of the Company Common Stock at the date of exercise over the fair market
value of the Company Common Stock at the date of grant of the stock appreciation
right or (ii) the excess of the book value of the Company Common Stock at the
date of exercise over the book value of the Company Common Stock at the date of
grant of the stock appreciation right.
DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS. The Committee may grant awards of dividend
equivalents in conjunction with an option, a separately awarded stock
appreciation right, performance units or awards of additional Company Common
Stock if performance-based Company Restricted Stock target performance
objectives are exceeded. No consideration is payable by the participant as a
result of the grant. Each dividend equivalent entitles the participant to
receive an amount, at such times and in a form and manner in the Committee's
discretion, equal to the dividend actually paid with respect to a share of
Company Common Stock on each dividend payment date from the date of grant until
the dividend equivalent lapses. Dividend equivalents will lapse at a date no
later than the date the underlying award lapses or is exercised.
ACCELERATED AWARD
If a change in control of the Company occurs, a participant with an
outstanding restricted stock or performance unit award will be entitled to an
accelerated, prorated payout, and any outstanding option or stock appreciation
right award will be immediately exercisable. If the original award provided for
payment in Company Common Stock, any required payout will be made in Company
Common Stock. For purposes of the Company LTIP, the term "change in control"
means (i) the purchase or acquisition by any person, entity or group of persons
(within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any
comparable successor provisions), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either the
outstanding shares of the Company Common Stock or the combined voting power of
the Company's then outstanding shares of voting securities entitled to a vote
generally, or (ii) the approval by the shareholders of the Company of a
reorganization, merger, or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which
persons who were shareholders of the Company immediately prior to such
reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more
than 50% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election
of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated entity's then
outstanding securities, or (iii) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or
the sale of substantially all of its assets, or (iv) a change of more than
one-half of the members of the Company Board within a 90-day period for reasons
other than the death, disability, or retirement of such members.
TAX WITHHOLDING
The Company or its subsidiaries may withhold any applicable federal, state
or local taxes upon payment under an award. Subject to any applicable law, if
payment under an award is to be made in Company Common Stock, the Committee may
in its discretion permit or require a participant to satisfy any withholding or
other taxes payable through (i) the payment of cash by the participant to the
Company or its subsidiaries, (ii) the retention by the Company or its
subsidiaries of shares of Company Common Stock or (iii) the delivery by the
participant to the Company or its subsidiaries of Company Common Stock owned by
the participant. Special rules apply to participants subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
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<PAGE>
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The federal income tax consequences of an award under the Company LTIP
depend on the type of award, as discussed below:
RESTRICTED STOCK. The grant of Company Restricted Stock does not result in
taxable income to a participant or a tax deduction for the Company. At the time
the restrictions expire, however, a participant will realize ordinary taxable
income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Company Common Stock
on the date the restrictions expire, and the Company will be entitled to a
corresponding deduction. In addition, during or after the restriction period
(depending on whether the dividends are paid to the individuals or accumulated),
a participant will be taxed on the dividends paid with respect to Company
Restricted Stock as compensation, and the Company will be entitled to a
corresponding deduction.
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. ISOs under the Plan are intended to meet the
requirements of Section 422 of the Code. The grant of an ISO does not result in
taxable income to the participant or a tax deduction for the Company. The
exercise of an ISO will not result in ordinary taxable income to the participant
(although the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of
the Company Common Stock subject to the option may result in alternative minimum
tax liability to the participant) and the Company will not be allowed a
deduction at any time in connection with such award, if the following conditions
are met: (i) at all times during the period beginning with the date of grant and
ending on the day three months before the date of exercise, the participant is
an employee of the Company or of a subsidiary; and (ii) the participant makes no
disposition of Company Common Stock within two years from the date of grant nor
within one year after the Company Common Stock is transferred to the
participant. The three-month period is extended to one year in the event of
disability and is waived in the event of death of the participant. If the
Company Common Stock is sold by the participant after meeting these conditions,
any gain realized over the exercise price ordinarily will be treated as
long-term capital gain, and any loss will be treated as long-term capital loss,
in the year of the sale.
If the participant fails to comply with the employment or holding period
requirements discussed above, the participant will recognize ordinary taxable
income in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the excess of the fair market
value of the Company Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise
price or (ii) the excess of the amount realized upon such disposition over the
exercise price. If the participant realizes ordinary taxable income on account
of such a disqualifying disposition (described above), a corresponding deduction
will be allowed to the Company for the same year.
NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS. The grant of a Nonqualified Option does not
result in taxable income to the participant or a tax deduction for the Company.
Upon exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the participant will realize
compensation taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference
between the exercise price and the fair market value of the Company Common Stock
on the date of exercise, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding
deduction for the same year. The participant's basis in such shares will be the
fair market value on the date income is realized, and when the participant
disposes of the shares he or she will recognize capital gain or loss, either
long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the shares.
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. The grant of a stock appreciation right does not
result in taxable income to the participant or a tax deduction for the Company.
Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, the participant will realize
ordinary taxable income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market
value of the Company Common Stock or cash received over any amount paid by the
participant upon exercise, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding
deduction for the same year.
PERFORMANCE UNITS. The grant of a performance unit does not result in
taxable income to the participant or a tax deduction for the Company. Upon the
expiration of the applicable award cycle and receipt of the Company Common Stock
distributed in payment of the award or an equivalent amount
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<PAGE>
of cash, the participant will realize ordinary taxable income equal to the full
fair market value of the shares delivered or the amount of cash paid. At that
time, the Company generally will be allowed a corresponding tax deduction equal
to the compensation taxable to participant.
Accounting principles require that restricted share awards be charged
against earnings on a pro rata basis over the restriction period and will be
based on the value of the stock at the date of grant. Under the terms of the
Company LTIP, the granting of ISOs or Nonqualified Options, without accompanying
stock appreciation rights, will not require a charge against earnings. The
granting of stock appreciation rights, however, will require that earnings be
charged over the specified award period for any appreciation in the value of the
underlying stock subsequent to the date of grant.
NEW PLAN BENEFITS
It cannot be determined at this time what benefits or amounts, if any, will
be received by or allocated to any person or group of persons under the Company
LTIP if the Company LTIP is adopted or what benefits or amounts would have been
received by or allocated to any person or group of persons for the last fiscal
year if the Company LTIP had been in effect. Any such determinations will be
made by the Committee in its sole discretion.
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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma condensed financial information combines
the historical consolidated balance sheets and statements of income of BGE and
PEPCO, including their respective subsidiaries, after giving effect to the
Merger. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed balance sheet at December 31,
1995, set forth below, gives effect to the Merger as if it had occurred at
December 31, 1995. The unaudited pro forma combined condensed statements of
income for each of the three years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 give
effect to the Merger as if it had occurred at January 1, 1993. These statements
are prepared on the basis of accounting for the Merger as a pooling of interests
and are based on the assumptions set forth in the notes thereto. The registrant,
Constellation Energy Corporation, was formed on September 22, 1995, and has no
assets or operations. Therefore, the registrant has no financial statements and,
in turn, there has been no audit of such statements. However, there are no
unusual or material commitments or contingencies relating to the registrant that
are not disclosed elsewhere in this document.
The PEPCO income statement for the twelve-month period ended December 31,
1995 includes a $110 million one-time, non-cash, after-tax charge to earnings
recorded in the second quarter of 1995 in connection with the plan to sell 13
aircraft owned by its subsidiary, Potomac Capital Investment Corporation, as
part of the adoption of a plan to end investment in the aircraft equipment
leasing business. Income for the 12 months ended December 31, 1995 also included
a nonrecurring charge of $12 million ($0.11 per share) relating to valuation of
two aircraft under a master lease agreement which expired in September 1995.
The following pro forma financial information has been prepared from, and
should be read in conjunction with, the historical consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto of BGE and PEPCO incorporated by reference
herein. The following information is not necessarily indicative of the financial
position or operating results that would have occurred had the Merger been
consummated on the dates, or at the beginning of the periods, for which the
Merger is being given effect, nor is it necessarily indicative of future
financial position or operating results.
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<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
(AS
BGE RECLASSIFIED) PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
(AS REPORTED) (SEE NOTE 1) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
-------------- --------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents....................... $ 23,443 $ 7,438 $ 30,881
Accounts receivable -- net...................... 400,005 260,625 660,630
Materials and supplies.......................... 145,900 133,700 279,600
Prepayments and other........................... 236,429 43,817 280,246
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total current assets.......................... 805,777 445,580 1,251,357
-------------- --------------- --------------
Investments and Other Assets
Notes receivable................................ -- 62,175 62,175
Real estate projects............................ 479,344 71,025 550,369
Power generation systems........................ 358,629 626 359,255
Financial investments........................... 128,815 -- 128,815
Marketable securities........................... 41,475 530,323 571,798
Investment in finance leases.................... 35,551 489,430 524,981
Operating lease equipment -- net................ -- 272,947 272,947
Assets held for disposal........................ -- 104,370 104,370
Other investments............................... 268,154 81,991 350,145
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total investments and other assets............ 1,311,968 1,612,887 2,924,855
-------------- --------------- --------------
Utility Plant
Plant in service
Electric...................................... 6,360,624 6,041,203 12,401,827
Gas........................................... 692,693 -- 692,693
Common........................................ 522,450 -- 522,450
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total plant in service...................... 7,575,767 6,041,203 13,616,970
-------------- --------------- --------------
Accumulated depreciation........................ (2,481,801) (1,760,063) (4,241,864)
Construction work in progress................... 247,296 93,047 340,343
Nuclear fuel -- net............................. 130,782 -- 130,782
Other plant -- net.............................. 25,552 26,124 51,676
-------------- --------------- --------------
Net utility plant........................... 5,497,596 4,400,311 9,897,907
-------------- --------------- --------------
Deferred Charges
Regulatory assets............................... 637,916 471,102 1,109,018
Other........................................... 63,406 123,663 187,069
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total deferred charges........................ 701,322 594,765 1,296,087
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total Assets...................................... $ 8,316,663 $ 7,053,543 $ 15,370,206
-------------- --------------- --------------
-------------- --------------- --------------
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Statements
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<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
(AS
BGE RECLASSIFIED) PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
(AS REPORTED) (SEE NOTE 1) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
------------- --------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
Current Liabilities
Short-term borrowings............................ $ 279,305 $ 481,815 $ 761,120
Current portion of long-term debt and preference
stock........................................... 146,968 263,979 410,947
Accounts payable................................. 177,093 225,345 402,438
Other............................................ 231,789 106,806 338,595
------------- --------------- --------------
Total current liabilities.................... 835,155 1,077,945 1,913,100
------------- --------------- --------------
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
Deferred income taxes............................ 1,311,530 995,504 2,307,034
Capital lease obligations........................ -- 165,235 165,235
Pension and post-employment benefits............. 148,594 -- 148,594
Other............................................ 99,263 47,875 147,138
------------- --------------- --------------
Total deferred credits and other
liabilities................................. 1,559,387 1,208,614 2,768,001
------------- --------------- --------------
Capitalization
Long-term debt................................... 2,598,254 2,626,862 5,225,116
Preferred stock.................................. 59,185 268,810 327,995
Preference stock................................. 452,000 -- 452,000
Common shareholders' equity...................... 2,812,682 1,871,312 4,683,994
------------- --------------- --------------
Total capitalization......................... 5,922,121 4,766,984 10,689,105
------------- --------------- --------------
Total Liabilities and Capitalization............... $ 8,316,663 $ 7,053,543 $ 15,370,206
------------- --------------- --------------
------------- --------------- --------------
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Statements
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<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
(AS
BGE RECLASSIFIED) PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
(AS REPORTED) (SEE NOTE 1) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
-------------- --------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Electric........................................ $ 2,229,774 $ 1,876,102 $ 4,105,876
Gas............................................. 400,504 -- 400,504
Diversified businesses.......................... 304,521 134,257 438,778
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total revenues.............................. 2,934,799 2,010,359 4,945,158
-------------- --------------- --------------
Operating Expenses
Electric fuel and purchased energy.............. 578,801 674,814 1,253,615
Gas purchased for resale........................ 198,069 -- 198,069
Operations...................................... 550,811 224,030 774,841
Maintenance..................................... 168,269 92,859 281,128
Diversified businesses expenses................. 220,573 84,686 305,259
Loss on assets held for disposal................ -- 170,078 170,078
Depreciation and amortization................... 317,417 205,490 522,907
Taxes other than income taxes................... 205,167 202,708 407,875
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total operating expenses.................... 2,239,107 1,654,665 3,893,772
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income From Operations............................ 695,692 355,694 1,051,386
Total Other Income................................ 8,819 13,662 22,481
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income Before Interest and Income
Taxes............................................ 704,511 369,356 1,073,867
Net Interest Expense.............................. 196,977 231,234 428,211
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income Before Income Taxes........................ 507,534 138,122 645,656
Income Taxes...................................... 169,527 43,731 213,258
-------------- --------------- --------------
Net Income........................................ 338,007 94,391 432,398
Preferred and Preference Stock
Dividends........................................ 40,578 16,851 57,429
-------------- --------------- --------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock............... $ 297,429 $ 77,540 $ 374,969
-------------- --------------- --------------
-------------- --------------- --------------
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (Note
2)............................................... 147,527 118,412 265,584
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock................ $2.02 $0.65 $1.41
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Statements
94
<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
(AS
BGE RECLASSIFIED) PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
(AS REPORTED) (SEE NOTE 1) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
-------------- --------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Electric........................................ $ 2,126,581 $ 1,823,074 $ 3,949,655
Gas............................................. 421,249 -- 421,249
Diversified businesses.......................... 235,155 146,951 382,106
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total revenues.............................. 2,782,985 1,970,025 4,753,010
-------------- --------------- --------------
Operating Expenses
Electric fuel and purchased energy.............. 542,314 693,936 1,236,250
Gas purchased for resale........................ 224,590 -- 224,590
Operations...................................... 545,413 206,106 751,519
Maintenance..................................... 164,892 92,614 257,506
Diversified businesses expenses................. 174,834 66,401 241,235
Depreciation and amortization................... 295,950 179,986 475,936
Taxes other than income taxes................... 199,733 206,080 405,813
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total operating expenses.................... 2,147,726 1,445,123 3,592,849
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income From Operations............................ 635,259 524,902 1,160,161
Total Other Income................................ 32,365 10,584 42,949
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income Before Interest and Income
Taxes............................................ 667,624 535,486 1,203,110
Net Interest Expense.............................. 190,154 214,371 404,525
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income Before Income Taxes........................ 477,470 321,115 798,585
Income Taxes...................................... 153,853 93,953 247,806
-------------- --------------- --------------
Net Income........................................ 323,617 227,162 550,779
Preferred and Preference Stock
Dividends........................................ 39,922 16,437 56,359
-------------- --------------- --------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock............... $ 283,695 $ 210,725 $ 494,420
-------------- --------------- --------------
-------------- --------------- --------------
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (Note
2)............................................... 147,100 118,006 264,752
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock................ $1.93 $1.79 $1.87
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Statements
95
<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
(AS
BGE RECLASSIFIED) PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
(AS REPORTED) (SEE NOTE 1) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
-------------- --------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Electric........................................ $ 2,112,147 $ 1,725,205 $ 3,837,352
Gas............................................. 433,163 -- 433,163
Diversified businesses.......................... 196,075 139,341 335,416
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total revenues.............................. 2,741,385 1,864,546 4,605,931
-------------- --------------- --------------
Operating Expenses
Electric fuel and purchased energy.............. 534,628 624,026 1,158,654
Gas purchased for resale........................ 242,685 -- 242,685
Operations...................................... 574,073 207,814 781,887
Maintenance..................................... 181,208 93,668 274,876
Diversified businesses expenses................. 143,654 81,457 225,111
Depreciation and amortization................... 253,913 163,607 417,520
Taxes other than income taxes................... 194,832 201,252 396,084
-------------- --------------- --------------
Total operating expenses.................... 2,124,993 1,371,824 3,496,817
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income From Operations............................ 616,392 492,722 1,109,114
Total Other Income................................ 20,310 20,510 40,820
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income Before Interest and Income
Taxes............................................ 636,702 513,232 1,149,934
Net Interest Expense.............................. 188,764 209,508 398,272
-------------- --------------- --------------
Income Before Income Taxes........................ 447,938 303,724 751,662
Income Taxes...................................... 138,072 62,145 200,217
-------------- --------------- --------------
Net Income........................................ 309,866 241,579 551,445
Preferred and Preference Stock
Dividends........................................ 41,839 16,255 58,094
-------------- --------------- --------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock............... $ 268,027 $ 225,324 $ 493,351
-------------- --------------- --------------
-------------- --------------- --------------
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (Note
2)............................................... 145,072 115,640 260,365
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock................ $1.85 $1.95 $1.89
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Financial
Statements
96
<PAGE>
PEPCO
RECLASSIFYING STATEMENT OF INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
PEPCO PEPCO (AS
(AS REPORTED) (RECLASSES) RECLASSIFIED)
------------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Electric......................................................... $ 1,876,102 $ 1,876,102
Gas.............................................................. -- -- --
Diversified businesses........................................... -- 134,257 134,257
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total........................................................ 1,876,102 134,257 2,010,359
------------- ------------ ---------------
Operating Expenses
Electric fuel and purchased energy............................... -- 674,814 674,814
Fuel............................................................. 355,453 (355,453) --
Purchased energy................................................. 193,592 (193,592) --
Capacity purchase payments....................................... 125,769 (125,769) --
Gas purchased for resale......................................... -- --
Operations....................................................... 224,030 224,030
Maintenance...................................................... 92,859 92,859
Diversified businesses expenses.................................. -- 84,686 84,686
Loss on assets held for disposal................................. -- 170,078 170,078
Depreciation and amortization.................................... 205,490 205,490
Income taxes..................................................... 128,460 (128,460) --
Taxes other than income.......................................... 202,708 202,708
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total operating expenses..................................... 1,528,361 126,304 1,654,665
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income from Operations............................................. 347,741 7,953 355,694
------------- ------------ ---------------
Other (Loss) Income
Nonutility subsidiary income..................................... 134,493 (134,493) --
Loss on assets held for disposal................................. (170,078) 170,078 --
Expenses, including interest and income taxes.................... (88,812) 88,812 --
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net loss from nonutility subsidiary............................ (124,397) 124,397 --
Allowance for other funds used during construction............... 1,548 1,548
Other, net....................................................... 8,549 3,565 12,114
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Other (Loss) Income.......................................... (114,300) 127,962 13,662
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income Before Interest and Income Taxes............................ 233,441 135,915 369,356
------------- ------------ ---------------
Interest Charges
Interest on debt................................................. 146,558 146,558
Subsidiary interest expense...................................... -- 92,184 92,184
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction............ (7,508) (7,508)
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net Interest Expense........................................... 139,050 92,184 231,234
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income Before Income Taxes..................................... 94,391 43,731 138,122
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income taxes -- Utility............................................ -- 128,460 128,460
Income taxes -- Nonoperating....................................... -- 1,884 1,884
Income taxes -- Subsidiary......................................... -- (86,613) (86,613)
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Income Taxes............................................. -- 43,731 43,731
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net Income......................................................... 94,391 -- 94,391
Preferred Dividends................................................ 16,851 16,851
------------- ---------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock................................ $ 77,540 $ 77,540
------------- ---------------
------------- ---------------
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding......................... 118,412 118,412
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock................................. $0.65 $0.65
</TABLE>
97
<PAGE>
PEPCO
RECLASSIFYING STATEMENT OF INCOME
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
PEPCO PEPCO (AS
(AS REPORTED) (RECLASSES) RECLASSIFIED)
------------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Electric......................................................... $ 1,823,074 $ 1,823,074
Gas.............................................................. -- --
Diversified businesses........................................... -- 146,951 146,951
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total........................................................ 1,823,074 146,951 1,970,025
------------- ------------ ---------------
Operating Expenses
Electric fuel and purchased energy............................... -- 693,936 693,936
Fuel............................................................. 392,730 (392,730) --
Purchased energy................................................. 173,384 (173,384) --
Capacity purchase payments....................................... 127,822 (127,822) --
Gas purchased for resale......................................... -- --
Operations....................................................... 206,106 206,106
Maintenance...................................................... 92,614 92,614
Diversified businesses expenses.................................. -- 66,401 66,401
Depreciation and amortization.................................... 179,986 179,986
Income taxes..................................................... 119,859 (119,859) --
Taxes other than income.......................................... 206,080 206,080
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Operating Expenses..................................... 1,498,581 (53,458) 1,445,123
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income from Operations............................................. 324,493 200,409 524,902
------------- ------------ ---------------
Other Income
Nonutility subsidiary income..................................... 147,006 (147,006) --
Expenses, including interest and income taxes.................... (127,918) 127,918 --
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net earnings from nonutility subsidiary........................ 19,088 (19,088) --
Allowance for other funds used during construction............... 9,123 9,123
Other, net....................................................... 4,046 (2,585) 1,461
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Other Income................................................. 32,257 (21,673) 10,584
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income Before Interest and Income Taxes............................ 356,750 178,736 535,486
------------- ------------ ---------------
Interest Charges
Interest on debt................................................. 139,210 139,210
Subsidiary interest expense...................................... -- 84,783 84,783
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction............ (9,622) (9,622)
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net Interest Expense........................................... 129,588 84,783 214,371
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income Before Income Taxes......................................... 227,162 93,953 321,115
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income taxes -- Utility............................................ -- 119,859 119,859
Income taxes -- Nonoperating....................................... -- (2,995) (2,995)
Income taxes -- Subsidiary......................................... -- (22,911) (22,911)
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Income Taxes............................................. -- 93,953 93,953
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net Income......................................................... 227,162 -- 227,162
Preferred Dividends................................................ 16,437 16,437
------------- ---------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock................................ $ 210,725 $ 210,725
------------- ---------------
------------- ---------------
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding......................... 118,006 118,006
Earnings per Share of Common Stock................................. $1.79 $1.79
</TABLE>
98
<PAGE>
PEPCO
RECLASSIFYING STATEMENT OF INCOME
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
PEPCO PEPCO (AS
(AS REPORTED) (RECLASSES) RECLASSIFIED)
------------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Electric......................................................... $ 1,725,205 $ 1,725,205
Gas.............................................................. -- --
Diversified businesses........................................... -- 139,341 139,341
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total........................................................ 1,725,205 139,341 1,864,546
------------- ------------ ---------------
Operating Expenses
Electric fuel and purchased energy............................... -- 624,026 624,026
Fuel............................................................. 354,282 (354,282) --
Purchased energy................................................. 173,456 (173,456) --
Capacity purchase payments....................................... 96,288 (96,288) --
Gas purchased for resale......................................... -- --
Operations....................................................... 207,814 207,814
Maintenance...................................................... 93,668 93,668
Diversified businesses expenses.................................. -- 81,457 81,457
Depreciation and amortization.................................... 163,607 163,607
Income taxes..................................................... 110,176 (110,176) --
Taxes other than income.......................................... 201,252 201,252
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Operating Expenses..................................... 1,400,543 (28,719) 1,371,824
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income from Operations............................................. 324,662 168,060 492,722
------------- ------------ ---------------
Other Income
Nonutility subsidiary income..................................... 139,341 (139,341) --
Expenses, including interest and income taxes.................... (114,240) 114,240 --
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net earnings from nonutility subsidiary...................... 25,101 (25,101) --
Allowance for other funds used during construction............... 13,242 13,242
Other, net....................................................... 10,221 (2,953) 7,268
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Other Income................................................. 48,564 (28,054) 20,510
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income Before Interest and Income Taxes............................ 373,226 140,006 513,232
------------- ------------ ---------------
Interest Charges
Interest on debt................................................. 141,393 141,393
Subsidiary interest expense...................................... -- 77,861 77,861
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction............ (9,746) (9,746)
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net Interest Expense......................................... 131,647 77,861 209,508
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income Before Income Taxes......................................... 241,579 62,145 303,724
------------- ------------ ---------------
Income taxes -- Utility............................................ -- 110,176 110,176
Income taxes -- Nonoperating....................................... -- (2,953) (2,953)
Income taxes -- Subsidiary......................................... -- (45,078) (45,078)
------------- ------------ ---------------
Total Income Taxes........................................... -- 62,145 62,145
------------- ------------ ---------------
Net Income......................................................... 241,579 -- 241,579
Preferred Dividends................................................ 16,255 16,255
------------- ---------------
Earnings Applicable to Common Stock................................ $ 225,324 $ 225,324
------------- ---------------
------------- ---------------
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding......................... 115,640 115,640
Earnings per Share of Common Stock................................. $1.95 $1.95
</TABLE>
99
<PAGE>
PEPCO
RECLASSIFYING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
PEPCO PEPCO (AS
(AS REPORTED) (RECLASSES) RECLASSIFIED)
------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents......................................... $ 5,844 $ 1,594 $ 7,438
Accounts Receivable -- net........................................ -- 260,625 260,625
Customer Accounts Receivable -- net............................... 137,456 (137,456) --
Other Accounts Receivable -- net.................................. 36,765 (36,765) --
Accrued Unbilled Revenue.......................................... 73,622 (73,622) --
Materials and Supplies............................................ -- 133,700 133,700
Fuel............................................................ 63,203 (63,203) --
Construction and Maintenance.................................... 70,497 (70,497) --
Prepayments and Other............................................. -- 43,817 43,817
Prepaid Taxes..................................................... 36,255 (36,255) --
Other Prepaid Expenses............................................ 7,562 (7,562) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Current Assets.......................................... 431,204 14,376 445,580
------------- ----------- ---------------
Investments and Other Assets
Notes Receivable.................................................. -- 62,175 62,175
Real Estate Projects.............................................. -- 71,025 71,025
Power Generation Systems.......................................... -- 626 626
Marketable Securities............................................. -- 530,323 530,323
Investment in Finance Leases...................................... -- 489,430 489,430
Operating Lease Equipment -- net.................................. -- 272,947 272,947
Assets Held for Disposal.......................................... -- 104,370 104,370
Other Investments................................................. -- 81,991 81,991
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Investments and Other Assets............................ -- 1,612,887 1,612,887
------------- ----------- ---------------
Utility Plant
Plant in Service
Electric........................................................ 6,041,203 6,041,203
Construction Work in Process.................................... 93,047 (93,047) --
Electric Plant Held for Future Use.............................. 4,082 (4,082) --
Nonoperating Property........................................... 22,771 (22,771) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Plant in Service........................................ 6,161,103 (119,900) 6,041,203
Accumulated Depreciation.......................................... (1,760,792) 729 (1,760,063)
Construction Work in Process...................................... -- 93,047 93,047
Other Plant -- net................................................ -- 26,124 26,124
------------- ----------- ---------------
Net Utility Plant............................................. 4,400,311 -- 4,400,311
------------- ----------- ---------------
Deferred Charges
Regulatory Assets................................................. -- 471,102 471,102
Income Taxes Recoverable Through Future Rates, net................ 244,181 (244,181) --
Conservation Costs, net........................................... 230,412 (230,412) --
Unamortized Debt Reacquisition Costs.............................. 58,360 (58,360) --
Other............................................................. 138,619 (14,956) 123,663
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Deferred Charges........................................ 671,572 (76,807) 594,765
------------- ----------- ---------------
Nonutility Subsidiary Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents......................................... 1,594 (1,594) --
Marketable Securities............................................. 530,323 (530,323) --
Investment in Finance Leases...................................... 489,430 (489,430) --
Operating Lease Equipment -- net.................................. 272,947 (272,947) --
Assets Held For Disposal.......................................... 104,370 (104,370) --
Receivables -- net................................................ 74,957 (74,957) --
Other Investments................................................. 125,783 (125,783) --
Other Assets...................................................... 15,659 (15,659) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Nonutility Subsidiary Assets.............................. 1,615,063 (1,615,063) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Assets.................................................. $ 7,118,150 $ (64,607) $ 7,053,543
------------- ----------- ---------------
------------- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
100
<PAGE>
PEPCO
RECLASSIFYING BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO
PEPCO PEPCO (AS
(AS REPORTED) (RECLASSES) RECLASSIFIED)
------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
Current Liabilities
Short-term Borrowings............................................. $ 258,465 $ 223,350 $ 481,815
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt................................. 26,280 237,699 263,979
Accounts Payable.................................................. 162,039 63,306 225,345
Capital Lease Obligations Due Within One Year..................... 20,772 (20,772) --
Other............................................................. 86,034 20,772 106,806
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Current Liabilities..................................... 553,590 524,355 1,077,945
------------- ----------- ---------------
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities
Deferred Income Taxes............................................. 892,544 102.960 995,504
Deferred Investment Tax Credits................................... 64,607 (64,607) --
Capital Lease Obligations......................................... -- 165,235 165,235
Pension and Post-Employment Benefits.............................. -- --
Other............................................................. 35,089 12,786 47,875
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities.................. 992,240 216,374 1,208,614
------------- ----------- ---------------
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Capital Lease Obligation.......................................... 165,235 (165,235) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Other Non-Current Liabilities........................... 165,235 (165,235) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Capitalization
Long-Term Debt.................................................... 1,817,077 809,785 2,626,862
Preferred Stock................................................... -- 268,810 268,810
Serial Preferred Stock............................................ 125,325 (125,325) --
Redeemable Serial Preferred Stock................................. 143,485 (143,485) --
Common Shareholders' Equity....................................... -- 1,871,312 1,871,312
Common Stock...................................................... 118,495 (118,495) --
Other Common Equity............................................... 1,752,817 (1,752,817) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Capitalization.......................................... 3,957,199 809,785 4,766,984
------------- ----------- ---------------
Nonutility Subsidiary Liabilities
Long-Term Debt.................................................... 1,047,484 (1,047,484) --
Short-Term Notes Payable.......................................... 223,350 (223,350) --
Deferred Taxes and Other.......................................... 179,052 (179,052) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
1,449,886 (1,449,886) --
------------- ----------- ---------------
Total Liabilities and Capitalization.......................... $ 7,118,150 $ (64,607) $ 7,053,543
------------- ----------- ---------------
------------- ----------- ---------------
</TABLE>
101
<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. The revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of PEPCO's nonregulated
subsidiaries have been reclassified to conform with the presentation
utilized by BGE. See PEPCO's Reclassifying Income Statements and Balance
Sheet. The effects of accounting policy differences are immaterial and have
not been adjusted in the pro forma combined condensed financial statements.
2. Pro forma per common share amounts give effect to the conversion of each
share of BGE and PEPCO Common Stock into 1 share and 0.997 of a share,
respectively of Constellation Energy Corporation Common Stock. See "The
Merger Agreement." The pro forma combined condensed financial statements are
presented as if the companies were combined during all periods included
therein.
3. The allocation between BGE and PEPCO and their customers of the estimated
cost savings resulting from the Merger, net of the costs incurred to achieve
such savings, will be subject to regulatory review and approval. Transaction
costs are currently estimated to be approximately $35 million (including
fees for financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, consultants, filings
and printing). None of these estimated cost savings, the costs to achieve
such savings or transaction costs have been reflected in the pro forma
combined condensed financial statements.
4. Intercompany transactions between BGE and PEPCO during the periods presented
were not material and, accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were made to
eliminate such transactions.
5. The PEPCO Reclassifying Financial Information (unaudited) reflects the
reclassifying entries necessary to adjust PEPCO's consolidated balance sheet
and statement of income presentation to be consistent with the presentation
expected to be used by the Company.
102
<PAGE>
SELECTED INFORMATION CONCERNING BGE AND PEPCO
BUSINESS OF BGE
BGE was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on June 20,
1906, and is primarily engaged in the business of producing, purchasing and
selling electricity and purchasing, transporting and selling natural gas within
the State of Maryland. BGE is qualified to do business in the District of
Columbia where its federal affairs office is located. BGE is qualified to do
business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania where it is participating in the
ownership and operation of two electric generating plants. BGE also owns
two-thirds of the outstanding capital stock, including one-half of the voting
securities, of Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation, a hydroelectric producer on
the Susquehanna River at Safe Harbor, Pennsylvania. BNG, Inc. is a wholly owned
subsidiary of BGE which engages in natural gas brokering. BGE is also engaged in
diversified businesses primarily through two wholly owned subsidiaries,
Constellation Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and BGE Home Products &
Services, Inc. ("HPS") and its subsidiary Maryland Environmental Systems, Inc.
("MES"). The Constellation companies business include energy projects,
investments, real estate and senior living facilities while HPS and MES's
businesses include appliance and HVAC sales and service, home improvement and
plumbing. On November 1, 1995 BGE moved its energy services business to a new
subsidiary, BGE Energy Projects & Services, Inc. The energy services business
includes customer electrical system improvements, lighting and mechanical energy
services, campus and multi-building systems, brokering and associated financial
contracts and district chilled water systems. Its customers include industrial,
institutional and government customers in commercial office building, warehouse,
educational, health care and retail facilities. While most of these customers
are located in BGE's service territory, some are outside the territory in
Maryland and other states.
BGE furnishes electric and gas retail services in the City of Baltimore and
in all or part of ten counties in Central Maryland. The electric service
territory includes an area of approximately 2,300 square miles with an estimated
population of 2,625,000. The gas service territory includes an area of
approximately 627 square miles with an estimated population of 1,980,000. There
are no municipal or cooperative bulk power markets within BGE's service
territory.
The two electric generating units at BGE's Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power
Plant are its principal generating facilities and have the lowest fuel cost in
BGE's system. An extended shutdown of either of these Units could have a
substantial adverse effect on the Company's business and financial condition.
The principal executive offices of BGE are located at 39 W. Lexington
Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.
Information regarding the names, ages, positions and business backgrounds of
the executive officers and directors of BGE, as well as additional information,
including executive compensation, security ownership of certain beneficial
owners and management and certain relationships and related transactions, is
incorporated by reference to the BGE Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1994. Subsequent to that report, Stephen F. Wood, formerly
Vice President Marketing and Sales was elected President of EPS and Sharon
Hostetter was elected as Vice President Marketing and Sales.
BUSINESS OF PEPCO
PEPCO, which was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1896 and in the
Commonwealth of Virginia in 1949, is engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution and sale of electric energy in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
area. PEPCO's retail service territory includes the District of Columbia and
major portions of Montgomery and Prince George's counties in suburban Maryland.
The area served at retail covers approximately 640 square miles and has a
population of approximately 1.9 million. PEPCO also sells electricity, at
wholesale, to Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc., which distributes
electricity in Calvert, Charles, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties in
southern Maryland. During 1994, approximately 59% of PEPCO's revenues were
derived from Maryland sales (including wholesale) and 41% from sales in the
District of Columbia. About 30% of
103
<PAGE>
PEPCO's revenues were derived from residential customers, 64% from sales to
commercial and government customers and 6% from sales at wholesale.
Approximately 14% and 3% of 1994 revenues were derived from sales to the U.S.
and D.C. governments, respectively.
PEPCO's wholly owned, nonutility subsidiary, Potomac Capital Investment
Corporation ("PCI"), was organized in late 1983 with the objective of
supplementing utility earnings and building long-term value. The principal
assets of PCI are portfolios of securities and equipment leases, and to a lesser
extent, real estate and other investments. In May 1995, PCI announced adoption
of a plan to end its investment in the aircraft equipment leasing business.
PEPCO had approximately 4,500 employees as of September 30, 1995. PEPCO's
principal executive offices are located at 1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20068 and its telephone number is (202) 872-2000.
Information regarding the names, ages, positions and business backgrounds of
the executive officers and directors of PEPCO, as well as additional
information, including executive compensation, security ownership of certain
beneficial owners and management and certain relationships and related
transactions, is incorporated by reference to the PEPCO Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994.
PRIOR RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BGE AND PEPCO
As owners of adjacent electric utility systems, BGE and PEPCO have had a
long history of close operational coordination and participation in joint
projects. The first interconnection of the two electric systems was completed in
1933. Today, the two systems are also interconnected with those of neighboring
utility systems to form PJM. Under the PJM agreement, the interconnected
facilities are subject to common dispatch and are used by the members to
complete substantial energy and capacity transactions as well as for emergency
assistance. BGE and PEPCO have also previously entered into short-term
agreements to exchange capacity from their new generating facilities (BGE's
Calvert Cliffs Generating Facility and PEPCO's Morgantown Generating Facility)
and both BGE and PEPCO, along with several other companies, are joint owners
(tenants in common) of the Conemaugh coal-fired electric generating plant
located in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Finally, BGE and PEPCO have
participated in joint construction projects from time to time, the most recent
of which was the construction of the 500 kv transmission line loop around
metropolitan Washington.
THE COMPANY FOLLOWING THE MERGER
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
BGE and PEPCO agreed in the Merger Agreement that at the Effective Time the
Company Board will consist of 16 persons, consisting of Mr. Edward F. Mitchell,
Mr. Christian H. Poindexter, Mr. Edward A. Crooke, Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr.,
seven persons designated by BGE prior to the Effective Time and five persons
designated by PEPCO prior to the Effective Time. A current provision of District
of Columbia public utility law states that any utility serving the District of
Columbia may have no more than 15 directors. The parties to the proposed Merger
are seeking to have this law amended prior to the Effective Time so as to permit
the Company to have 16 directors. Should such relief not be obtained, the
parties will reconsider and determine alternatives.
The initial designation of directors among the three classes of the Company
Board will be allocated among BGE and PEPCO designees as set forth in the Merger
Agreement.
The initial Company Board committees and committee memberships will be
determined by the Company Board, provided that (i) there will be six committees;
(ii) three committees will be chaired by a designee of the PEPCO Board; (iii)
three committees will be chaired by a designee of the BGE Board; (iv) there will
be a Committee on Management (responsible for nominating, compensation and major
organizational changes) which will be chaired by a designee of the BGE Board;
and (v) there will be an Executive Committee (responsible for certain financing
matters) which will be chaired by Mr. Mitchell.
104
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, from the Effective Time until one year
after the Closing Date, Mr. Mitchell will serve as Chairman of the Board. Mr.
Poindexter will serve as Chairman beginning at the earlier of one year from the
Closing Date or when Mr. Mitchell is not available to serve as Chairman. In
addition, Mr. Poindexter will be Chief Executive Officer from the Effective
Time. If Mr. Poindexter is not available at the Effective Time to serve as Chief
Executive Officer, the then-Chief Executive Officer of BGE will serve as Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, subject to confirmation by a majority of the
members of the Company Board.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, from the Effective Time, Mr. Derrick will
serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and Mr. Crooke
will serve as Vice Chairman. If Mr. Derrick is not available at the Effective
Time to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, the
then-President of PEPCO will serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of
the Company, subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the Company
Board. See "The Merger -- Company Employment Agreements."
CURRENT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
CHARLES W. SHIVERY, age 50, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer. Mr. Shivery has been Vice President Finance and Accounting, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary of BGE since July 1, 1993. Prior to that time,
he was Vice President Corporate Finance Group, Treasurer and Secretary of BGE.
DENNIS R. WRAASE, age 51, President and Treasurer. Mr. Wraase has been
Senior Vice President -- Finance and Accounting of PEPCO since April 22, 1992.
Prior to 1992, he was Senior Vice President and Comptroller of PEPCO.
DAVID A. BRUNE, age 55, Secretary. Mr. Brune has been General Counsel of BGE
since 1984.
PERSONS WHO WILL BECOME DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY AFTER
THE EFFECTIVE TIME
EDWARD F. MITCHELL, age 64, pursuant to the Merger Agreement and his Company
Employment Agreement, will serve as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Mitchell has been
a director of PEPCO since 1980 and has been Chairman of the Board of PEPCO since
December 21, 1992. He has been Chief Executive Officer of PEPCO since September
1, 1989.
CHRISTIAN H. POINDEXTER, age 57, pursuant to the Merger Agreement and his
Company Employment Agreement, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and director from the Effective Time until Mr. Mitchell ceases to serve
as Chairman, at which time Mr. Poindexter will serve as Chairman of the Company
Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Poindexter has served as Chairman of the
BGE Board and Chief Executive Officer of BGE since 1993. In addition, Mr.
Poindexter serves as a director of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation.
EDWARD A. CROOKE, age 57, pursuant to the Merger Agreement and his Company
Employment Agreement, will serve as Vice Chairman of the Company, director, and
Chairman of the Board of all subsidiaries and divisions of the Company engaged
in non-core services and the unregulated energy services businesses from the
Effective Time. Mr. Crooke has been President of BGE since 1988 and its Chief
Operating Officer since 1992. Mr. Crooke serves as a director of First Maryland
Bancorp.
JOHN M. DERRICK, JR., age 55, pursuant to the Merger Agreement and his
Company Employment Agreement, will serve as President, Chief Operating Officer
and Director. Mr. Derrick has been President of PEPCO since December 21, 1992.
He was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PEPCO on
July 27, 1989. Mr. Derrick was elected a director of PEPCO in 1994.
105
<PAGE>
THOMAS F. BRADY, age 46, will serve as Group Vice President Distribution.
Mr. Brady has been Vice President Customer Service and Distribution of BGE since
July 1, 1993. Prior to that time, he was Vice President Customer Service and
Accounting of BGE.
HERBERT D. COSS, JR., age 61, will serve as Group Vice President, Gas. Mr.
Coss has been Vice President Gas of BGE since October 1, 1994. Prior to that
time, he was Vice President Marketing and Gas Operations of BGE.
CHARLES H. CRUSE, age 51, will serve as Vice President Nuclear. Mr. Coss has
been Vice President Nuclear of BGE since January 1, 1996. Prior to that time, he
was BGE Manager Nuclear Operations.
ROBERT E. DENTON, age 52, will serve as Senior Vice President Generation.
Mr. Denton has been Senior Vice President, Generation, of BGE since January 1,
1996. From September 1, 1992 until January 1, 1996, Mr. Denton was Vice
President Nuclear of BGE. Prior to that time, he was BGE Manager, Calvert Cliffs
Nuclear Power Plant.
CARSERLO DOYLE, age 51, will serve as Vice President General Services. Mr.
Doyle has been Vice President Electric Interconnection and Transmission of BGE
since January 1, 1994. Prior to that time, he was BGE Manager,
Telecommunications.
ROBERT C. GRANTLEY, age 47, will serve as Group Vice President-District of
Columbia. Mr. Grantley has been Vice President-Customers and Community Relations
of PEPCO since July 27, 1989.
SHARON S. HOSTETTER, age 51, will serve as Vice President Marketing. Ms.
Hostetter has been Vice President Marketing since November 1, 1995. Prior to
that time, she was Division Manager, Resource Application and Customer
Development Group for Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation.
RONALD W. LOWMAN, age 51, will serve as Vice President Fossil. Mr. Lowman
has been Vice President Fossil Energy of BGE since January 1, 1993. Prior to
that time, he was BGE Manager Fossil Engineering.
ANTHONY S. MACEROLLO, age 54, will serve as Vice President-Human Resources.
Mr. Macerollo has been Vice President-Corporate Administration and Services of
PEPCO since July 27, 1989.
CHARLES W. SHIVERY will serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer.
WILLIAM J. SIM, age 51, will serve as Vice President-Generation Support. Mr.
Sim has been Vice President-Power Supply and Delivery of PEPCO since April 24,
1991. Prior to that time he was President of the American Energy division of
PEPCO's nonutility subsidiary, Potomac Capital Investment Corporation, since
1988.
WILLIAM T. TORGERSON, age 51, will serve as Senior Vice President-External
Affairs. Mr. Torgerson has been Senior Vice President and General Counsel of
PEPCO since April 27, 1994. He has been Secretary of PEPCO since August 22,
1994. Prior to 1994, he held the position of Vice President and General Counsel
of PEPCO.
ANDREW W. WILLIAMS, age 46, will serve as Group Vice President-Transmission.
Mr. Williams has been Vice President-Energy and Market Policy and Development of
PEPCO since July 27, 1989.
DENNIS R. WRAASE will serve as Senior Vice President.
None of the above persons has a "family relationship" with any other officer
listed or with any director. It is anticipated that each of the above persons
will be elected to the position indicated at the Effective Time of the Merger.
OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
The Merger Agreement provides that, as soon as reasonably possible after the
Effective Time, the corporate headquarters and principal executive offices of
the Company will be located in the Annapolis, Maryland area. It also provides
that the Company will maintain significant operations in both the District of
Columbia and Baltimore, Maryland.
106
<PAGE>
From the Effective Time until two years after the Closing Date, a vote of
66 2/3% of the members of the Company Board will be required to approve a change
in the Company's name or the location of its headquarters or principal executive
offices, to amend the employment contracts of Messrs. Mitchell, Poindexter,
Crooke and Derrick, or otherwise change their respective titles or functions set
forth in such employment contracts at the Effective Time to change the number of
directors to be other than 16, to change any of the committee matters mentioned
under "Management of the Company" or to amend any by-law provisions
corresponding to the foregoing matters.
The Company will adopt BGE's dividend policy. The annual dividend at the
expected 1997 closing date is expected to be $1.67 per share of Company Common
Stock. However, no assurance can be given that such dividend rate will be in
effect or will remain unchanged, and the Company reserves the right to increase
or decrease the dividend on Company Common Stock as may be required by law or
contract or as may be determined by the Company Board, in its discretion, to be
advisable.
On or as soon after the Effective Time as possible, the utility businesses
of BGE and PEPCO will be integrated and operated as one business. BGE and PEPCO
also intend to combine their nonregulated operations at some time after the
Effective Time, although no plans for such combination have been developed at
this time.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and the related schedules of BGE
included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994
have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent auditors, as stated
in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference and has been so
incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule
of PEPCO incorporated in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference to
the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PEPCO for the year ended December 31, 1994,
have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
With respect to the unaudited consolidated financial information of PEPCO
for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1995 and 1994, the six-month periods
ended June 30, 1995 and 1994 and the nine-month periods ended September 30, 1995
and 1994 incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
Price Waterhouse LLP reported that they have applied limited procedures in
accordance with professional standards for a review of such information.
However, their separate reports dated May 1, 1995, July 28, 1995 and October 30,
1995 incorporated by reference herein, state that they did not audit and they do
not express opinions on that unaudited consolidated financial information. Price
Waterhouse LLP has not carried out any significant or additional audit tests
beyond those which would have been necessary if such reports had not been
incorporated by reference. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their reports
on such information should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the
review procedures applied. Price Waterhouse LLP is not subject to the liability
provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their reports on the
unaudited consolidated financial information because each such report is not a
"report" or a "part" of the registration statement prepared or certified by
Price Waterhouse LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities
Act.
107
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
David A. Brune, Esq., General Counsel of BGE, will pass upon the legality of
the shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred Stock and Company
Preference Stock issued in connection with the Merger. Mr. Brune will rely upon
the opinion of Piper & Marbury as to matters of Virginia law.
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts has for many years regularly provided
legal services to BGE and has served as counsel to the underwriters in
connection with securities offerings by PEPCO. With the consent of PEPCO,
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts is representing BGE in connection with the
Merger.
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., a limited liability partnership
including professional corporations, and Covington & Burling are representing
PEPCO in connection with the Merger.
108
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN
OF MERGER
BY AND AMONG
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY,
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY,
AND
RH ACQUISITION CORP.
DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 1995
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---------
<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE I.
THE MERGER
Section 1.1 The Merger............................................................................... A-2
Section 1.2 Effective Time of the Merger............................................................. A-2
Section 1.3 Articles of Incorporation................................................................ A-2
Section 1.4 Bylaws................................................................................... A-2
Section 1.5 Effects of Merger........................................................................ A-2
ARTICLE II.
CONVERSION OF SHARES
Section 2.1 Effect of Merger on Capital Stock........................................................ A-2
Section 2.2 Dissenting Shares........................................................................ A-6
Section 2.3 Exchange of Certificates................................................................. A-6
ARTICLE III.
THE CLOSING
Section 3.1 Closing.................................................................................. A-9
ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PEPCO
Section 4.1 Organization and Qualification........................................................... A-9
Section 4.2 Subsidiaries............................................................................. A-10
Section 4.3 Capitalization........................................................................... A-11
Section 4.4 Authority; Non-Contravention; Statutory Approvals; Compliance............................ A-11
Section 4.5 Reports and Financial Statements......................................................... A-13
Section 4.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities................. A-14
Section 4.7 Litigation............................................................................... A-15
Section 4.8 Registration Statement and Proxy Statement............................................... A-15
Section 4.9 Tax Matters.............................................................................. A-16
Section 4.10 Employee Matters; ERISA.................................................................. A-17
Section 4.11 Environmental Protection................................................................. A-23
Section 4.12 Regulation as a Utility.................................................................. A-26
Section 4.13 Vote Required............................................................................ A-26
Section 4.14 Accounting Matters....................................................................... A-26
Section 4.15 Applicability of Certain Virginia Law.................................................... A-26
Section 4.16 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................................................. A-27
Section 4.17 Insurance................................................................................ A-27
Section 4.18 Ownership of BGE Common Stock............................................................ A-27
ARTICLE V.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BGE
Section 5.1 Organization and Qualification........................................................... A-27
Section 5.2 Subsidiaries............................................................................. A-28
Section 5.3 Capitalization........................................................................... A-28
Section 5.4 Authority; Non-Contravention; Statutory Approvals; Compliance............................ A-29
</TABLE>
A-i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---------
<S> <C> <C>
Section 5.5 Reports and Financial Statements......................................................... A-31
Section 5.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events; Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities................. A-31
Section 5.7 Litigation............................................................................... A-32
Section 5.8 Registration Statement and Proxy Statement............................................... A-32
Section 5.9 Tax Matters.............................................................................. A-33
Section 5.10 Employee Matters; ERISA.................................................................. A-33
Section 5.11 Environmental Protection................................................................. A-39
Section 5.12 Regulation as a Utility.................................................................. A-41
Section 5.13 Vote Required............................................................................ A-41
Section 5.14 Accounting Matters....................................................................... A-41
Section 5.15 Applicability of Certain Maryland Law.................................................... A-41
Section 5.16 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................................................. A-41
Section 5.17 Insurance................................................................................ A-42
Section 5.18 Ownership of PEPCO Common Stock.......................................................... A-42
Section 5.19 NRC Actions.............................................................................. A-42
ARTICLE VI.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
Section 6.1 Ordinary Course of Business.............................................................. A-43
Section 6.2 Dividends................................................................................ A-43
Section 6.3 Issuance of Securities................................................................... A-44
Section 6.4 Charter Documents........................................................................ A-44
Section 6.5 No Acquisitions.......................................................................... A-44
Section 6.6 Capital Expenditures..................................................................... A-44
Section 6.7 No Dispositions.......................................................................... A-45
Section 6.8 Indebtedness............................................................................. A-45
Section 6.9 Compensation, Benefits................................................................... A-45
Section 6.10 1935 Act................................................................................. A-46
Section 6.11 Accounting............................................................................... A-46
Section 6.12 Pooling.................................................................................. A-46
Section 6.13 Tax-Free Status.......................................................................... A-46
Section 6.14 Insurance................................................................................ A-47
Section 6.15 Cooperation, Notification................................................................ A-47
Section 6.16 Rate Matters............................................................................. A-47
Section 6.17 Third-Party Consents..................................................................... A-47
Section 6.18 Tax-Exempt Status........................................................................ A-47
Section 6.19 Permits.................................................................................. A-48
Section 6.20 Certain Information Relating to Customers................................................ A-48
ARTICLE VII.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 7.1 Access to Information.................................................................... A-48
Section 7.2 Joint Proxy Statement and Registration Statement......................................... A-49
Section 7.3 Regulatory Matters....................................................................... A-50
Section 7.4 Shareholder Approvals.................................................................... A-51
Section 7.5 Directors' and Officers' Indemnification................................................. A-52
Section 7.6 Disclosure Schedules..................................................................... A-54
Section 7.7 Public Announcements..................................................................... A-55
Section 7.8 Rule 145 Affiliates...................................................................... A-55
Section 7.9 Assumption of PEPCO and BGE Agreements and Arrangements.................................. A-55
</TABLE>
A-ii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---------
<S> <C> <C>
Section 7.10 Incentive, Stock and Other Plans......................................................... A-55
Section 7.11 No Solicitations......................................................................... A-56
Section 7.12 Company Board of Directors............................................................... A-57
Section 7.13 Company Officers......................................................................... A-58
Section 7.14 Employment Contracts..................................................................... A-58
Section 7.15 Corporate Offices and Name............................................................... A-59
Section 7.16 Transition Management.................................................................... A-59
Section 7.17 Expenses................................................................................. A-60
Section 7.18 Covenant to Satisfy Conditions........................................................... A-60
ARTICLE VIII.
CONDITIONS
Section 8.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger............................... A-61
Section 8.2 Conditions to Obligation of PEPCO to Effect the Merger................................... A-62
Section 8.3 Conditions to Obligation of BGE to Effect the Merger..................................... A-63
ARTICLE IX.
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.1 Termination.............................................................................. A-64
Section 9.2 Effect of Termination.................................................................... A-66
Section 9.3 Termination Damages...................................................................... A-66
Section 9.4 Amendment................................................................................ A-68
Section 9.5 Waiver................................................................................... A-68
ARTICLE X.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 10.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and Agreements.................... A-69
Section 10.2 Brokers.................................................................................. A-69
Section 10.3 Notices.................................................................................. A-69
Section 10.4 Miscellaneous............................................................................ A-71
Section 10.5 Interpretation........................................................................... A-72
Section 10.6 Counterparts; Effect..................................................................... A-72
Section 10.8 Specific Performance..................................................................... A-72
Section 10.9 Further Assurances....................................................................... A-72
</TABLE>
A-iii
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of September 22, 1995 (this
"AGREEMENT"), by and among Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, a corporation
formed under the laws of the State of Maryland ("BGE"), Potomac Electric Power
Company, a corporation formed under the laws of the District of Columbia and the
Commonwealth of Virginia ("PEPCO"), and RH Acquisition Corp., a corporation
formed under the laws of the State of Maryland, 50% of whose outstanding capital
stock is owned by BGE and 50% of whose outstanding capital stock is owned by
PEPCO (the "COMPANY").
WHEREAS, BGE and PEPCO have determined to engage in a strategic business
combination and, accordingly, have formed the Company to participate in such
business combination;
WHEREAS, in furtherance thereof, the respective Boards of Directors of BGE,
PEPCO and the Company have approved the merger of BGE and PEPCO with and into
the Company, all pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement and, in connection therewith, have approved the execution and delivery
of the PEPCO Stock Option Agreement dated as of the date hereof between PEPCO
and BGE (the "PEPCO OPTION") and the BGE Stock Option Agreement dated as of the
date hereof between BGE and PEPCO (the "BGE OPTION");
WHEREAS, for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that such merger
will be a reorganization described in Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "CODE"), and the regulations thereunder, and that
BGE, PEPCO, the Company and the shareholders of each of BGE and PEPCO who
exchange their shares solely for stock of the Company will recognize no gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the consummation of the
merger; and
WHEREAS, for accounting purposes, it is intended that the merger will be
accounted for as a pooling of interests in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principals ("GAAP") and applicable regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto,
intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
THE MERGER
Section 1.1 THE MERGER. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of
this Agreement, at the Effective Time, each of BGE and PEPCO shall be merged
with and into the Company (the "MERGER") in accordance with the laws of the
State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia.
The Company shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger and shall continue
its existence under the laws of the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of
Virginia.
Section 1.2 EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER. On the Closing Date (as defined
in Section 3.1), articles of merger shall be executed and filed by the Company
with the Secretary of State of the State of Maryland pursuant to the Maryland
General Corporation Act ("MGCA"), the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Virginia pursuant to the Virginia Stock Corporation Act ("VSCA") and the Mayor
of the District of Columbia pursuant to the District of Columbia Business
Corporation Act ("DCBCA"). The Merger shall become effective at such time as
such articles of merger have all been so filed, such time being herein called
the "EFFECTIVE TIME".
Section 1.3 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. The Articles of Incorporation shall
be amended prior to closing to provide for those matters set forth on Exhibit
1.3, and such other matters generally covered in such Articles of Incorporation
and, as so amended, shall be the Articles of Incorporation of the Company after
the Effective Time until duly amended.
A-1
<PAGE>
Section 1.4 BYLAWS. The Bylaws shall be amended prior to closing to
provide, for a period of two years after Closing, for those matters set forth on
Exhibit 1.4, and such other matters as are generally covered in such By-laws
and, as so amended, shall be the Bylaws of the Company after the Effective Time
until duly amended.
Section 1.5 EFFECTS OF MERGER. The Merger shall have the effects set forth
in Section 3-113 of the MGCA, Section 13.1-721 of the VSCA and Section 29-370 of
the DCBCA.
ARTICLE II.
CONVERSION OF SHARES
Section 2.1 EFFECT OF MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK. At the Effective Time, by
virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any holder of any
capital stock of BGE, PEPCO or the Company:
(a) CANCELLATION OF COMPANY CAPITAL STOCK. Each share of the capital stock
of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be canceled and cease to exist, and no consideration shall be delivered in
exchange therefor.
(b) CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN COMMON STOCK. Each share of Common Stock, no
par value, of BGE (the "BGE COMMON STOCK") that is owned by BGE or any of its
subsidiaries (as defined in SECTION 4.1) or by PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries
shall be canceled and cease to exist. Each share of Common Stock, $1.00 par
value, of PEPCO (the "PEPCO COMMON STOCK") that is owned by PEPCO or any of its
subsidiaries or by BGE or any of its subsidiaries shall be canceled and cease to
exist.
(c) CONVERSION OF CERTAIN COMMON STOCK. Each issued and outstanding share
of BGE Common Stock (other than shares canceled pursuant to SECTION 2.1(b))
shall be converted into the right to receive one (the "BGE RATIO") duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock,
no par value, of the Company (the "COMPANY COMMON STOCK"), and each issued and
outstanding share of PEPCO Common Stock (other than shares canceled pursuant to
SECTION 2.1(b) and PEPCO Dissenting Common Shares (as defined in SECTION
2.2(b))) shall be converted into the right to receive .997 (the "PEPCO RATIO")
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Company
Common Stock. Upon such conversions, all such shares of BGE Common Stock and
PEPCO Common Stock shall be canceled and cease to exist, and each holder of a
certificate representing any such shares shall cease to have any rights with
respect thereto, except the right to receive the number of whole shares of
Company Common Stock to be issued in consideration therefor and any cash in lieu
of fractional shares of Company Common Stock upon the surrender of such
certificate in accordance with SECTION 2.3.
(d) CANCELLATION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED STOCK AND PREFERENCE STOCK. Each
share of BGE Preferred Stock, $100.00 par value ("BGE PREFERRED STOCK"), each
share of BGE Preference Stock, $100.00 par value ("BGE PREFERENCE STOCK"), and
each share of PEPCO Preferred Stock, $50.00 par value ("PEPCO PREFERRED STOCK"),
that is owned by BGE or any of its subsidiaries or by PEPCO or any of its
subsidiaries shall be canceled and cease to exist.
(e) CONVERSION OF BGE PREFERRED STOCK. Each issued and outstanding share
of each series of BGE Preferred Stock (other than shares canceled pursuant to
SECTION 2.1(d) and BGE Dissenting Preferred Shares (as defined in SECTION
2.2(a))) shall be converted into and become one duly authorized, validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable share of preferred stock, $100 par value, of the
Company ("COMPANY CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK"), of the respective series specified
below, with equal stated value and dividends and like redemption provisions and
other terms and conditions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BGE COMPANY CLASS A
PREFERRED STOCK PREFERRED STOCK
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C>
Series B 4 1/2% Series B 4 1/2%
Series C 4% Series C 4%
Series D 5.40% Series D 5.40%
</TABLE>
A-2
<PAGE>
Upon such conversion, all such shares of BGE Preferred Stock shall be canceled
and cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate representing any such
shares shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to
receive the shares of Company Class A Preferred Stock to be issued in
consideration therefor upon surrender of such certificate in accordance with
SECTION 2.3.
(f) CONVERSION OF BGE PREFERENCE STOCK. (i) Each issued and outstanding
share of each series of BGE Preference Stock, other than shares canceled
pursuant to SECTION 2.1(d) and BGE Dissenting Preference Shares (as defined in
SECTION 2.2(a)) shall be converted into the right to receive one duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of preference
stock, $100 par value, of the Company ("COMPANY PREFERENCE STOCK"), of the
respective series specified below, with equal stated value and dividends and
like redemption provisions and other terms and conditions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BGE COMPANY
PREFERENCE STOCK PREFERENCE STOCK
- ----------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C>
7.50% 1986 Series 7.50% 1986 Series
6.75% 1987 Series 6.75% 1987 Series
6.95% 1987 Series 6.95% 1987 Series
7.80% 1989 Series 7.80% 1989 Series
8.25% 1989 Series 8.25% 1989 Series
8.625% 1990 Series 8.625% 1990 Series
7.85% 1991 Series 7.85% 1991 Series
7.78% 1973 Series 7.78% 1973 Series
7.125% 1993 Series 7.125% 1993 Series
6.97% 1993 Series 6.97% 1993 Series
6.70% 1993 Series 6.70% 1993 Series
6.99% 1995 Series 6.99% 1995 Series
</TABLE>
(ii) Each share of a series of BGE Preference Stock (other than shares
canceled pursuant to SECTION 2.1(d) and BGE Dissenting Preference Shares (as
defined in SECTION 2.2(a))) that is issued in the period after the date of
this Agreement and before the Closing Date shall be converted into the right
to receive and become one duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of an analogous series of Company Preference Stock with
equal stated value and dividends and like redemption provisions and other
terms and conditions.
(iii) Upon such conversion, all such shares of BGE Preference Stock shall
be canceled and cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate
representing any such shares shall cease to have any rights with respect
thereto, except the right to receive the shares of Company Preference Stock
to be issued in consideration therefor upon surrender of such certificate in
accordance with SECTION 2.3.
(g) CONVERSION OF PEPCO PREFERRED STOCK. (i) Each issued and outstanding
share of each series of PEPCO Preferred Stock, (other than shares canceled
pursuant to SECTION 2.1(d) and PEPCO Dissenting Preferred Shares (as defined in
SECTION 2.2(b))), shall be converted into and become one duly authorized,
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of preferred stock, $50 par
value, of the Company ("COMPANY CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK") (Company Class A
Preferred Stock and Company
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Class B Preferred Stock being hereinafter referred to collectively as "COMPANY
PREFERRED STOCK"), of the respective series specified below with equal stated
value and dividends and like redemption provisions and other terms and
conditions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PEPCO COMPANY CLASS B
PREFERRED STOCK PREFERENCE STOCK
- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C>
$2.44 Series of 1957 $2.44 Series of 1957
$2.46 Series of 1958 $2.46 Series of 1958
$2.28 Series of 1965 $2.28 Series of 1965
$2.44 Convertible Series of 1966 $2.44 Convertible Series of 1966
$3.82 Series of 1969 $3.82 Series of 1969
$3.37 Series of 1987 $3.37 Series of 1987
Auction Series A Auction Series A
$3.89 Series of 1991 $3.89 Series of 1991
$3.40 Series of 1992 $3.40 Series of 1992
</TABLE>
(ii) Each share of a series of PEPCO Preferred Stock (other than shares
canceled pursuant to SECTION 2.1(d) and PEPCO Dissenting Preferred Shares
(as defined in SECTION 2.2(b))), that is issued in the period after the date
of this Agreement and before the Closing Date shall be converted into and
become the right to receive one duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable share of an analogous series of Company Preferred Stock
with equal stated value and dividends and like redemption provisions and
other terms and conditions as the canceled share of PEPCO Preferred Stock.
(iii) Upon such conversion, all shares of PEPCO Preferred Stock shall be
canceled and cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate representing
any such shares shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except
the right to receive the shares of Company Class B Preferred Stock to be
issued in consideration therefor upon surrender of such certificate in
accordance with SECTION 2.3.
Section 2.2 DISSENTING SHARES.
(a) BGE DISSENTING SHARES. All of the rights otherwise accruing from
shares of BGE Preferred Stock or shares of BGE Preference Stock held by any
holder entitled to and seeking relief as a dissenting shareholder with respect
to such shares (the "BGE DISSENTING PREFERRED SHARES" and the "BGE DISSENTING
PREFERENCE SHARES", respectively) including voting, dividend and distribution
rights, shall continue until the Merger shall have been consummated, at which
time all such rights shall be canceled and the BGE Dissenting Preferred Shares
and BGE Dissenting Preference Shares shall entitle the holder only to the right
to receive such consideration as may be due pursuant to the MGCA. If such right
to consideration is terminated other than by the purchase of such shares by the
Company, then such shares shall cease to be BGE Dissenting Preferred Shares or
BGE Dissenting Preference Shares, as the case may be, and shall be converted
into and represent the right to receive Company Class A Preferred Stock as
provided in SECTION 2.1(e), or Company Preference Stock as provided in SECTION
2.1(f), as the case may be.
(b) PEPCO DISSENTING SHARES. (i) Shares of PEPCO Common Stock held by any
holder entitled to and seeking relief as a dissenting shareholder under either
Section 13.1-730 of the VSCA or Section 29-373 of the DCBCA (the "PEPCO
DISSENTING COMMON SHARES") shall not be converted into the right to receive
Company Common Stock but shall be converted into such consideration as may be
due with respect to such shares pursuant to the applicable provisions of the
VSCA and the DCBCA, unless and until the right of such holder to receive payment
of fair value for such PEPCO Dissenting Common Shares terminates in accordance
with Section 13.1-730 of the VSCA and Section 29-373 of the DCBCA. If such right
is terminated other than by the purchase of such shares by the Company, then
such shares shall cease to be PEPCO Dissenting Common Shares and shall be
converted into and represent the right to receive Company Common Stock as
provided in SECTION 2.1(c).
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(ii) All of the rights otherwise accruing from shares of PEPCO Preferred
Stock held by any holder entitled to and seeking relief as a dissenting
shareholder with respect to such shares (the "PEPCO DISSENTING PREFERRED
SHARES"), including voting, dividend and distribution rights, shall continue
until the Merger shall have been consummated, at which time all such rights
shall be canceled and the PEPCO Dissenting Preferred Shares shall entitle
the holder only to the right to receive such consideration as may be due
pursuant to the VSCA and the DCBCA. If such right to consideration is
terminated other than by the purchase of such shares by the Company, then
such shares shall cease to be PEPCO Dissenting Preferred Shares and shall be
converted into and represent the right to receive Company Class B Preferred
Stock as provided in SECTION 2.1(g).
Section 2.3 EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES.
(a) DEPOSIT WITH EXCHANGE AGENT. As soon as practicable after the
Effective Time, the Company shall deposit with a bank or trust company mutually
agreeable to BGE and PEPCO (the "EXCHANGE AGENT") certificates representing
shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred Stock and Company Preference
Stock required to effect the exchanges referred to in SECTION 2.1, and shares
that would be issued to the holders of PEPCO Common Stock but for the provisions
of SECTION 2.3(d).
(b) EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. As soon as practicable after the Effective Time,
the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a certificate or
certificates that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented
outstanding shares of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock, BGE Preference
Stock, PEPCO Common Stock or PEPCO Preferred Stock (collectively, the
"CERTIFICATES") that were converted (collectively, the "CONVERTED SHARES") into
the right to receive shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred Stock or
Company Preference Stock (collectively, the "COMPANY SHARES") pursuant to
SECTION 2.1, (i) a form of letter of transmittal (which shall specify that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to any Certificate shall
pass, only upon actual delivery of such Certificate to the Exchange Agent) and
(ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of Certificates in exchange
for certificates representing Company Shares. Upon surrender of a Certificate to
the Exchange Agent (or to such other agent or agents as may be appointed by
agreement of BGE and PEPCO), together with a duly executed letter of transmittal
and such other documents as the Exchange Agent shall require, the holder of such
Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate
representing the number of whole Company Shares that such holder has the right
to receive pursuant to the provisions of this Article II. In the event of a
transfer of ownership of Converted Shares that is not registered in the transfer
records of BGE or PEPCO, as the case may be, a certificate representing the
proper number of Company Shares may be issued to the transferee if the
Certificate representing such Converted Shares is presented to the Exchange
Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such
transfer and by evidence satisfactory to the Exchange Agent that any applicable
stock transfer taxes have been paid. If any Certificate shall have been lost,
stolen, mislaid or destroyed, then upon receipt of (x) an affidavit of that fact
from the holder claiming such Certificate to be lost, mislaid, stolen or
destroyed, (y) such bond, security or indemnity as the Company or the Exchange
Agent may reasonably require, and (z) any other documentation necessary to
evidence and effect the bona fide exchange thereof, the Exchange Agent shall
issue to such holder a certificate representing the number of Company Shares
into which the shares represented by such lost, stolen, mislaid or destroyed
Certificate shall have been converted. Until surrendered as contemplated by this
SECTION 2.3, each Certificate shall be deemed at any time after the Effective
Time to represent only the right to receive upon such surrender a certificate
representing Company Shares and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Company
Common Stock as contemplated by this SECTION 2.3.
(c) DISTRIBUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO UNEXCHANGED SHARES. No dividends or
other distributions declared or made after the Effective Time with respect to
Company Shares with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid to the
holder of any unsurrendered Certificate with respect to the Company Shares
represented thereby, and no cash payment in lieu of fractional shares shall be
made to any such holder pursuant to SECTION 2.3(d), until the holder of record
of such Certificate shall
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surrender such Certificate as contemplated by SECTION 2.3(b). Subject to the
effect of unclaimed property, escheat and other applicable laws, following
surrender of any such Certificate there shall be paid to the holder of the
certificates representing whole Company Shares issued in exchange therefor,
without interest, (i) at the time of such surrender or as soon thereafter as may
be practicable, the amount of any cash payable in lieu of a fractional Company
Share to which such holder is entitled pursuant to SECTION 2.3(d) and the amount
of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time
theretofore paid with respect to such whole Company Shares and (ii) at the
appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a
record date after the Effective Time but prior to surrender and a payment date
subsequent to surrender payable with respect to such whole Company Shares.
(d) NO FRACTIONAL SECURITIES. (i) No certificates or scrip representing
fractional Company Shares shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates, and such fractional share interests will not entitle the owner
thereof to vote or to any rights of a stockholder of Company Shares.
(ii) As promptly as practicable following the Effective Time, the
Exchange Agent shall determine the excess of (x) the number of full shares
of Company Common Stock delivered to the Exchange Agent by the Company
pursuant to SECTION 2.3(a) over (y) the aggregate number of whole shares of
Company Common Stock to be issued pursuant to SECTION 2.1, such excess being
herein called the "EXCESS SHARES." As soon after the Effective Time as
practicable, the Exchange Agent, as agent for the holders of PEPCO Common
Stock, shall sell the Excess Shares at then prevailing prices on the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE"), all in the manner provided in paragraph
(iii) of this SECTION 2.3(d).
(iii) The sale of the Excess Shares by the Exchange Agent shall be
executed on the NYSE through one or more member firms of the NYSE and shall
be executed in round lots to the extent practicable. Until the net proceeds
of such sale or sales have been distributed to the holders of PEPCO Common
Stock, the Exchange Agent shall hold such proceeds in trust for the holders
of PEPCO Common Stock (the "COMMON SHARES TRUST"). The Company shall pay all
commissions, transfer taxes and other out-of-pocket transaction costs,
including the expenses and compensation, of the Exchange Agent incurred in
connection with such sale of the Excess Shares. The Exchange Agent shall
determine the portion of the Common Shares Trust to which each holder of
PEPCO Common Stock is entitled.
(iv) As soon as practicable after the determination of the amount of
cash, if any, to be paid to holders of PEPCO Common Stock in lieu of any
fractional share interests, the Exchange Agent shall distribute such amounts
to such holders of PEPCO Common Stock in accordance with this SECTION 2.3.
(e) CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS. From and after the Effective Time, the
stock transfer books of BGE and PEPCO shall be closed and no transfer of any
capital stock of BGE or PEPCO shall thereafter be made. If after the Effective
Time Certificates are presented to the Company for registration of transfer,
they shall be canceled and exchanged for certificates representing the number of
whole Company Shares and the cash amount, if any, determined in accordance with
this ARTICLE II.
(f) TERMINATION OF DUTIES OF EXCHANGE AGENT. Any certificates representing
Company Shares deposited with the Exchange Agent pursuant to SECTION 2.3(a) and
not exchanged within one year after the Effective Time pursuant to this SECTION
2.3 shall be returned by the Exchange Agent to the Company, which shall
thereafter act as Exchange Agent. All funds held by the Exchange Agent for
payment to the holders of unsurrendered Certificates and unclaimed at the end of
one year from the Effective Time shall be returned to the Company, whereupon any
holder of unsurrendered Certificates shall look as a general unsecured creditor
only to the Company for payment of any funds to which such holder may be
entitled, subject to applicable law. The Company shall not be liable to any
person for such shares or funds delivered to a public official pursuant to any
applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
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ARTICLE III.
THE CLOSING
Section 3.1 CLOSING. The closing of the Merger (the "CLOSING") shall take
place at the offices of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts, One Battery Park
Plaza, New York, New York, 10004-1490 at 10:00 A.M., local time, on the second
business day immediately following the date on which the last of the conditions
set forth in ARTICLE VIII is fulfilled or waived (or, if such second business
day immediately falls on a record date for the payment of dividends on the PEPCO
or BGE Common Stock, on the first business day thereafter that is not such a
record date), or at such other time and date and place as PEPCO and BGE shall
mutually agree (the "CLOSING DATE").
ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PEPCO
PEPCO represents and warrants to BGE as follows:
Section 4.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.1 or 4.2 of the PEPCO Disclosure
Schedule (as defined in SECTION 7.6(a)(i)), (i) PEPCO is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdictions of incorporation and (ii) each of PEPCO's subsidiaries is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws
of its jurisdiction of incorporation and each of PEPCO and its subsidiaries has
all requisite corporate power and authority, and is duly authorized by all
necessary regulatory approvals and orders, to own, lease and operate its assets
and properties and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, and is
duly qualified and in good standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which
the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its assets and
properties makes such qualification necessary, other than, in the case of clause
(ii), such failures which, when taken together with all other such failures,
will not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties,
assets, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or results of operations
of PEPCO and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or on the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (any such material adverse effect
being hereinafter referred to as a "PEPCO MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT").
(b) As used in this Agreement the term "SUBSIDIARY" with respect to any
person shall mean any corporation or other entity (including partnerships and
other business associations) in which such person directly or indirectly owns at
least a majority of the outstanding voting securities or other equity interests
having the power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect a majority of the
directors, or otherwise to direct the management and policies, of such
corporation or other entity.
Section 4.2 SUBSIDIARIES.
(a) Section 4.2 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a description as
of the date hereof of all subsidiaries and joint ventures of PEPCO, including
the name of each such entity, the state or jurisdiction of its incorporation, a
brief description of the principal line or lines of business conducted by each
such entity and PEPCO's interest therein.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.2 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule,
none of the entities listed in such Section 4.2 is a "public utility company", a
"holding company", a "subsidiary company" or an "affiliate" of any public
utility company within the meaning of Section 2(a)(5), 2(a)(7), 2(a)(8) or
2(a)(11) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (the
"1935 ACT"), respectively.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 4.2 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, all
of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of
PEPCO are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive
rights and are owned directly or indirectly by PEPCO free and clear of any
liens, claims, encumbrances, security interests, equities, charges and options
of any nature whatsoever, and there are no outstanding subscriptions, options,
calls, contracts, voting trusts, proxies or other commitments, understandings,
restrictions, arrangements, rights or warrants, including
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any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security, instrument
or other agreement, obligating any such subsidiary to issue, deliver or sell, or
cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of its capital stock or
obligating it to grant, extend or enter into any such agreement or commitment.
(d) As used in this Agreement, the term "JOINT VENTURE" with respect to any
person shall mean any corporation or other entity (including partnerships and
other business associations and joint ventures) in which such person or one or
more of its subsidiaries owns an equity interest that is less than a majority of
any class of the outstanding voting securities or equity, other than equity
interests held for passive investment purposes that are less than 5% of any
class of the outstanding voting securities or equity.
Section 4.3 CAPITALIZATION.
(a) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of PEPCO
consists of 200,000,000 shares of PEPCO Common Stock, 11,242,227 shares of
PEPCO Preferred Stock and 8,800,000 shares of PEPCO Preference Stock.
(b) As of the close of business on August 31, 1995, (i) 118,491,960
shares of PEPCO Common Stock, (ii) 5,376,652 shares of PEPCO Preferred
Stock, and (iii) no shares of PEPCO Preference Stock were issued and
outstanding.
(c) All of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of
PEPCO are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive
rights.
(d) Except for the PEPCO Option and as set forth in Section 4.3(a) of
the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding subscriptions,
options, calls, contracts, voting trusts, proxies or other commitments,
understandings, restrictions, arrangements, rights or warrants, including
any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security,
instrument or other agreement, obligating PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries
to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued, delivered or sold,
additional shares of the capital stock of PEPCO or obligating PEPCO or any
of its subsidiaries to grant, extend or enter into any such agreement or
commitment.
Section 4.4 AUTHORITY; NON-CONTRAVENTION; STATUTORY APPROVALS; COMPLIANCE.
(a) AUTHORITY.
(i) PEPCO has all requisite power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and the PEPCO Option and, subject in the case of this Agreement to
the PEPCO Shareholders' Approvals (as defined in SECTION 4.13) and the PEPCO
Required Statutory Approvals (as defined in SECTION 4.4(c)), to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the PEPCO Option
and, subject in the case of this Agreement to obtaining the PEPCO
Shareholders' Approvals, the consummation by PEPCO of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of PEPCO.
(iii) This Agreement and the PEPCO Option have been duly and validly
executed and delivered by PEPCO and, assuming the due authorization,
execution and delivery hereof and thereof by BGE and, in the case of this
Agreement, the Company, constitute the valid and binding obligations of
PEPCO, enforceable against PEPCO in accordance with their respective terms,
except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and except that the availability
of equitable remedies, including specific performance, may be subject to the
discretion of any court before which any proceedings may be brought.
(b) NON-CONTRAVENTION. Except as set forth in Section 4.4(b) of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the PEPCO
Option by PEPCO do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby will not, violate, conflict with or result in a breach of any
provision of, or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time
or
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both) under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance
required by, or result in a right of termination, cancelation or acceleration of
any obligation or the loss of a material benefit under, or result in the
creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon any of the
properties or assets (any such violation, conflict, breach, default, right of
termination, cancelation or acceleration, loss or creation, a "VIOLATION") of,
PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of PEPCO, any of its joint
ventures, under any provisions of
(i) the articles of incorporation, bylaws or similar governing documents
of PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures,
(ii) subject in the case of this Agreement to obtaining the PEPCO
Required Statutory Approvals and the receipt of the PEPCO Shareholders'
Approvals, any statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree,
order, injunction, writ, permit or license of any court, governmental or
regulatory body (including a stock exchange or other self-regulatory body)
or authority, domestic or foreign (each, a "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY")
applicable to PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures or any of
their respective properties or assets or
(iii) subject in the case of this Agreement to obtaining the third-party
consents or other approvals set forth in Section 4.4(b) of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule (the "PEPCO REQUIRED CONSENTS"), any note, bond,
mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, franchise, permit, concession,
contract, lease or other instrument, obligation or agreement of any kind to
which PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures is now a party or
by which it or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected,
excluding from the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii) such Violations as would
not, in the aggregate, reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(c) STATUTORY APPROVALS. Except as set forth in Section 4.4(c) of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, no declaration, filing or registration with, or
notice to or authorization, consent or approval of any Governmental Authority is
necessary for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the PEPCO Option
by PEPCO or the consummation by PEPCO of the transactions contemplated hereby or
thereby, the failure to obtain, make or give which would reasonably likely have
a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect (the "PEPCO REQUIRED STATUTORY APPROVALS"), it
being understood that references in this Agreement to "obtaining" such PEPCO
Required Statutory Approvals shall mean making such declarations, filings or
registrations; giving such notice; obtaining such consents or approvals; and
having such waiting periods expire as are necessary to avoid a violation of law.
(d) COMPLIANCE.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 4.4(d) or 4.11 of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule, or as disclosed in the PEPCO SEC Reports (as defined in
SECTION 4.5), neither PEPCO nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the
knowledge of PEPCO, any of its joint ventures is in violation of or under
investigation with respect to, or has been given notice or been charged with
any violation of, any law, statute, order, rule, regulation, ordinance or
judgment (including, without limitation, any applicable environmental law,
ordinance or regulation) of any Governmental Authority, except for
violations that do not have, and, would not reasonably likely have, a PEPCO
Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) Except as set forth in Section 4.4(d) or 4.11 of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule, PEPCO, its subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of PEPCO,
its joint ventures have all permits, licenses, franchises and other
governmental authorizations, consents and approvals necessary to conduct
their respective businesses as currently conducted, except those the failure
to obtain which would not reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 4.5 REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) Since January 1, 1991, the filings required to be made by PEPCO and its
subsidiaries under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SECURITIES
ACT"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
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amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT"), applicable District of Columbia, Virginia,
Maryland and Pennsylvania laws and regulations, the Federal Power Act (the
"POWER ACT") or the 1935 Act have been filed with the SEC, the District of
Columbia Public Service Commission (the "D.C. COMMISSION"), the Maryland Public
Service Commission (the "MARYLAND COMMISSION") the Virginia State Corporation
Commission (the "VIRGINIA COMMISSION"), the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission (the "PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION"), or the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (the "FERC"), as required by each such law or regulation, including
all forms, statements, reports, agreements and all documents, exhibits,
amendments and supplements appertaining thereto, and complied in all material
respects with all applicable requirements of the appropriate act and the rules
and regulations thereunder.
(b) PEPCO has made available to BGE a true and complete copy of each report,
schedule, registration statement and definitive proxy statement filed by PEPCO
with the SEC since January 1, 1992 (as such documents have since the time of
their filing been amended, the "PEPCO SEC REPORTS").
(c) The PEPCO SEC Reports, including without limitation any financial
statements or schedules included therein, at the time filed, and any forms,
reports or other documents filed by PEPCO with the SEC after the date hereof,
did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.
(d) The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim
financial statements of PEPCO included in the PEPCO SEC Reports (collectively,
the "PEPCO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS") have been prepared, and will be prepared, in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis (except as may be indicated
therein or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements
as permitted by Form 10-Q) and fairly present in all material respects the
financial position of PEPCO as of the respective dates thereof or the results of
operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended, as the case may
be, subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements, to
normal, recurring audit adjustments.
(e) True, accurate and complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws of PEPCO, as in effect on the date hereof, have been delivered to BGE.
Section 4.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS; ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED
LIABILITIES.
(a) Except as set forth in the PEPCO SEC Reports or Section 4.6 of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule, from December 31, 1994 through the date hereof each of
PEPCO and each of its subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and there has not
been, and no fact or condition exists that would reasonably likely have, a PEPCO
Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither PEPCO nor any of its subsidiaries has any liabilities or
obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a nature
required by GAAP to be reflected in a consolidated corporate balance sheet,
except liabilities, obligations or contingencies that are accrued or reserved
against in the consolidated financial statements of PEPCO or reflected in the
notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 1994 or that were incurred after
December 31, 1994 in the ordinary course of business and would not reasonably
likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.7 LITIGATION. Except as set forth in the PEPCO SEC Reports or as
set forth in Section 4.7 or 4.11 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, there are no
(i) claims, suits, actions or proceedings, pending or, to the knowledge
of PEPCO, threatened, nor are there, to the knowledge of PEPCO, any
investigations or reviews pending or threatened against, relating to or
affecting PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures, or
(ii) judgments, decrees, injunctions, rules or orders of any court,
governmental department, commission, agency, instrumentality or authority or
any arbitrator applicable to PEPCO or any of
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its subsidiaries or joint ventures, including any allegations of
non-compliance with that certain consent decree in effect pursuant to IN RE
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION, Civ. # 86-0603 (D.D.C.
Mar. 1993) (R.C.L.)
that would reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT.
(a) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by or on behalf of
PEPCO for inclusion or incorporation by reference in
(i) the registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the SEC by
the Company in connection with the issuance of shares of Company Common
Stock, Company Preferred Stock and Company Preference Stock in the Merger
(the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") will, at the time the Registration Statement
becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and
(ii) the joint proxy statement in definitive form relating to the
meetings of the shareholders of BGE and PEPCO to be held in connection with
the Merger and the prospectus relating to the Company Common Stock, Company
Preferred Stock and Company Preference Stock to be issued in the Merger (the
"JOINT PROXY STATEMENT") will, at the date mailed to such shareholders and,
as the same may be amended or supplemented, at the times of such meetings,
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of
the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.
(b) Each of the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement, as of
such respective dates, will comply as to form in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations thereunder.
Section 4.9 TAX MATTERS.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9(a) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule,
PEPCO and each of its subsidiaries has
(i) filed all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it within the
time and in the manner prescribed by law,
(ii) paid all Taxes that are shown on such Tax Returns as due and
payable within the time and in the manner prescribed by law, and
(iii) paid all Taxes otherwise required to be paid.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.9(b) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule,
as of the date hereof,
(i) there are no claims, assessments, audits or administrative or court
proceedings pending against PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries for any alleged
deficiency in Tax, and
(ii) none of PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries has executed any
outstanding waivers or comparable consents regarding the application of the
statute of limitations with respect to any Taxes or Tax Returns.
(c) PEPCO has established adequate accruals for Taxes and for any liability
for deferred Taxes in the PEPCO Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP.
(d) "TAXES", as used in this Agreement, means any federal, state, county,
local or foreign taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments, including,
without limitation, all net income, gross income, sales and use, ad valorem,
transfer, gains, profits, excise, franchise, real and personal property, gross
receipt, capital stock, production, business and occupation, disability,
employment, payroll, license,
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estimated, stamp, custom duties, severance or withholding taxes or charges
imposed by any governmental entity, and includes any interest and penalties
(civil or criminal) on or additions to any such taxes, charges, fees, levies or
other assessments, and any expenses incurred in connection with the
determination, settlement or litigation of any liability for any of the
foregoing.
(e) "TAX RETURN", as used in this Agreement, means any report, return or
other information required to be supplied to a governmental entity with respect
to Taxes, including, where permitted or required, combined or consolidated
returns for any group of entities that includes PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries
on the one hand, or BGE or any of its subsidiaries on the other hand.
Section 4.10 EMPLOYEE MATTERS; ERISA.
(a) BENEFIT PLANS. (i) Section 4.10(a) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule
contains a true and complete list, as of the date hereof, of:
(A) each benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement providing for
pension, profit sharing, supplemental death and dismemberment, life and
health insurance and benefits (including medical, dental and
hospitalization), savings, bonus, deferred compensation, incentive
compensation (including stock options, restricted stock, stock
appreciation rights, performance units, dividend equivalents and each
other plan, program, policy, or arrangement under which shares of PEPCO
Common Stock are required to be transferred or could be transferred),
holiday, vacation, severance pay, sick pay, sick leave, short and
long-term disability, tuition assistance and relocation benefits plan
which has been adopted, approved or implemented by PEPCO or any of its
subsidiaries in writing covering a group or classification of current or
former employees or directors of PEPCO (or any of its subsidiaries) or
any group or classification of their dependents or beneficiaries, or
providing benefits to such persons in respect of services provided to any
such entity, including, but not limited to, any "employee benefit plan"
within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") (whether or not terminated, if
PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries could have statutory or contractual
liability with respect thereto on or after the date hereof) but not
including any individual contract, award or agreement;
(B) each employment or severance contract (including any payment,
right or benefit resulting from any transaction contemplated by this
Agreement) and all stock options, restricted stock, performance units,
stock appreciation rights or dividend equivalents, bonus or other
contract for personal services and each other contract under which shares
of PEPCO Common Stock are required to be transferred or could be
transferred and the amount of such shares (in the aggregate) with or
covering current or former officers or directors; and
(1) there are no other employment or severance contracts covering
current or former employees of PEPCO below the level of officer which
have not been disclosed and made available to BGE with respect to
which PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries are reasonably likely to have
a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect; and
(2) with respect to any officer of PEPCO there have been no
awards of stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock
appreciation rights or dividend equivalents in respect of shares of
PEPCO Common Stock subsequent to the most recent PEPCO proxy
statement made outside of the ordinary course or inconsistent with
past practice, and with respect to all employees of PEPCO below the
level of officer there have been no awards of stock options,
restricted stock, performance units, stock appreciation rights or
dividend equivalents, with respect to shares of PEPCO Common Stock,
which, in the aggregate, have been made outside of the ordinary
course or inconsistent with past practice; and
(C) each "employee pension benefit plan" (within the meaning of ERISA
Section 3(2)) subject to Title IV of ERISA or the minimum funding
requirements of ERISA Section 302 (whether or not included in (A) above)
maintained or contributed to by PEPCO or any entity
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required to be aggregated therewith pursuant to Code Section 414(b) or
(c) (a "PEPCO ERISA AFFILIATE") at any time during the six calendar year
period immediately preceding the date hereof (collectively, the "PEPCO
PENSION BENEFIT PLANS");
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, "PEPCO BENEFIT PLAN" shall mean
each benefit plan, program, policy, contract and arrangement described in
subsections (i)(A) and (B) above (whether or not terminated) if PEPCO or any
of its subsidiaries could have statutory or contractual liability with
respect thereto on or after the date hereof.
(iii) With respect to each PEPCO Benefit Plan and PEPCO Pension Benefit
Plan, the source or sources of benefit payments under the plan (including,
where applicable, the identity of any trust (whether or not a grantor
trust), insurance contract, custodial account, agency agreement, or other
arrangement that holds the assets of, or serves as a funding vehicle or
source of benefits for such PEPCO Benefit Plan or PEPCO Pension Benefit
Plan).
(b) CONTRIBUTIONS. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(b) of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule, all material contributions and other material payments
required to have been made by PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or any PEPCO
ERISA Affiliate pursuant to any PEPCO Benefit Plan or PEPCO Pension Benefit Plan
(or to any person pursuant to the terms thereof) have been timely made or the
amount of such payment or contribution obligation has been reflected in the
PEPCO Financial Statements.
(c) QUALIFICATION; COMPLIANCE. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(c) of
the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule:
(i) Each PEPCO Benefit Plan and PEPCO Pension Benefit Plan that is
intended to be "qualified" within the meaning of Code Section 401(a) has
been determined by the IRS to be so qualified, or application for such a
determination has been made prior to the expiration of the applicable
remedial amendment period and PEPCO agrees to make such plan amendments as
the IRS may require in order to issue a favorable determination letter.
(ii) PEPCO and each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with, and each
PEPCO Benefit Plan is and has been operated in compliance with, all
applicable laws, rules and regulations governing such plan, including,
without limitation, ERISA and the Code, except for violations that would not
reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(iii) To the knowledge of PEPCO, no individual or entity has engaged in
any transaction with respect to any PEPCO Benefit Plan as a result of which
PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries could reasonably expect to be subject to
liability pursuant to ERISA Section 409 or Section 502, or subject to an
excise tax pursuant to Code Section 4975 which would reasonably likely have
a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(iv) To the knowledge of PEPCO,
(A) no PEPCO Benefit Plan is subject to any ongoing audit,
investigation, or other administrative proceeding of the Internal Revenue
Service, the Department of Labor, or any other federal, state, or local
governmental entity, and
(B) no PEPCO Benefit Plan is the subject of any pending application
for administrative relief under any voluntary compliance program of any
governmental entity (including, without limitation, the Internal Revenue
Service's Voluntary Compliance Resolution Program or Walk-in Closing
Agreement Program, or the Department of Labor's Delinquent Filer
Voluntary Compliance Program).
(d) LIABILITIES. With respect to the PEPCO Pension Benefit Plans,
individually and in the aggregate, no termination or partial termination of any
PEPCO Pension Benefit Plan or other event has occurred, and, to the knowledge of
PEPCO, there exists no condition or set of circumstances, that could subject
PEPCO, any of its subsidiaries or any PEPCO ERISA Affiliate to any liability
arising
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under the Code, ERISA or any other applicable law (including, without
limitation, any liability to or under any such plan or to the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC")), or under any indemnity agreement to which
PEPCO, any of its subsidiaries or any PEPCO ERISA Affiliate is a party,
excluding liability for benefit claims and funding obligations payable in the
ordinary course and liability for PBGC insurance premiums payable in the
ordinary course, which liability would reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect.
(e) WELFARE PLANS. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(e) of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule, no PEPCO Benefit Plan that is a "welfare plan" (within the
meaning of ERISA Section 3(1)) provides benefits for any retired or former
employees (other than as required pursuant to ERISA Section 601).
(f) DOCUMENTS MADE AVAILABLE. PEPCO has made available to BGE a true and
correct copy of each collective bargaining agreement to which PEPCO is a party
or under which PEPCO has obligations and, with respect to each PEPCO Benefit
Plan and each PEPCO Pension Benefit Plan (as of May 31, 1995), as applicable:
(i) the current plan document (including all amendments adopted since
the most recent restatement) and its most recently prepared summary plan
description and all summaries of material modifications prepared since the
most recent summary plan description,
(ii) annual reports (IRS Form 5500 Series) including financial
statements for the last three years,
(iii) each related trust agreement, insurance contract, service provider
or investment management agreement (including all amendments to each such
document),
(iv) the most recent IRS determination letter with respect to the
qualified status under Code Section 401(a) of such plan, and
(v) actuarial reports or valuations for the last three years.
To the extent that documents referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of this
SECTION 4.10(f) have not been made available to BGE with respect to the period
following May 31, 1995, no information that is disclosed in such documents (and
that has not been disclosed previously in documents that have been made
available to BGE) is reasonably likely to have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(g) PAYMENTS RESULTING FROM MERGER. Other than as set forth in Section
4.10(g) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, the consummation or announcement of
any transaction contemplated by this Agreement will not (either alone or upon
the occurrence of any additional or further acts or events) result in any
(i) payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due from
the Company or PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries to any current or former
officer or director thereof or to the trustee under any "rabbi trust" or
other funding arrangement,
(ii) benefit under any PEPCO Benefit Plan being established or becoming
accelerated, vested or payable, except for a payment or benefit that would
have been payable under the same terms and conditions without regard to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or
(iii) payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due from
the Company or PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries to any current or former
employee of PEPCO below the level of officer which such payments aggregated
for such employees and former employees as a group would reasonably likely
have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(h) FUNDED STATUS OF PLANS. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(h) of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, each PEPCO Pension Benefit Plan has assets that, as
of the date hereof, have a fair market value equal to or exceeding the present
value of the accrued benefit obligations thereunder on a termination basis, as
of the date hereof based on the actuarial methods, tables and assumptions
theretofore utilized by such plan's actuary in preparing such plan's most
recently prepared actuarial
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valuation report, except to the extent that applicable law would require the use
of different actuarial assumptions if such plan was to be terminated as of the
date hereof. No PEPCO Pension Benefit Plan has incurred any "accumulated funding
deficiency" (within the meaning of ERISA Section 302).
(i) MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 4.10(i) of the PEPCO Disclosure
Schedule, no PEPCO Benefit Plan is or was a "multiemployer plan" (within the
meaning of ERISA Section 4001(a)(3)), a multiple employer plan described in
Code Section 413(c), or a "multiple employer welfare arrangement" (within
the meaning of ERISA Section 3(40)); and none of PEPCO, any subsidiary
thereof or any PEPCO ERISA Affiliate has been obligated to contribute to, or
otherwise has or has had any liability with respect to, any multiemployer
plan, multiple employer plan, or multiple employer welfare arrangement.
(ii) With respect to any PEPCO Benefit Plan that is listed in Section
4.10(i) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule as a multiemployer plan, none of
PEPCO, any subsidiary thereof or any PEPCO ERISA Affiliate has made or
incurred a "complete withdrawal" or a "partial withdrawal," as such terms
are defined in ERISA Sections 4203 and 4205, therefrom at any time during
the six calendar year period immediately preceding the date of this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Agreement will not, in
and of themselves, give rise to such a "complete withdrawal" or "partial
withdrawal."
(j) MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF PLANS. Except as set forth in Section
4.10(j) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or as permitted under SECTION 6.9:
(i) neither PEPCO nor any subsidiary of PEPCO is subject to any legal,
contractual, equitable or other obligation to establish as of any date any
employee benefit plan of any nature, including (without limitation) any
pension, profit sharing, welfare, post-retirement welfare, stock option,
stock or cash award, non-qualified deferred compensation or executive
compensation plan, policy or practice; and
(ii) the Company, PEPCO or one or more of its subsidiaries or any PEPCO
ERISA Affiliate have the right to, in any manner, and without the consent of
any employee, beneficiary or dependent, employees' organization or other
person, terminate, modify or amend any PEPCO Benefit Plan or PEPCO Pension
Benefit Plan (or its participation in any such PEPCO Benefit Plan or PEPCO
Pension Benefit Plan) at any time sponsored, maintained or contributed to by
PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or any PEPCO ERISA Affiliate, effective as
of any date before, on or after the Effective Time except to the extent that
any retroactive amendment would be prohibited by ERISA Section 204(g) or
would adversely affect a vested accrued benefit or a previously granted
award under any such Plan not subject to ERISA Section 204(g).
(k) REPORTABLE EVENTS; CLAIMS. Except as set forth in Section 4.10(k) of
the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule:
(i) no event constituting a "reportable event" (within the meaning of
ERISA Section 4043(c)), for which the 30-day notice requirement or penalty
has not been waived by the PBGC, has occurred with respect to any PEPCO
Pension Benefit Plan, and
(ii) no liability, claim, action or litigation has been made, commenced
or, to the knowledge of PEPCO, threatened, by or against PEPCO or any of its
subsidiaries or any PEPCO ERISA Affiliate with respect to any PEPCO Benefit
Plan or any PEPCO Pension Benefit Plan (other than for benefits or PBGC
premiums payable in the ordinary course)
that would reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(l) LABOR AGREEMENTS. Except as set forth in the PEPCO SEC Reports or as
set forth in Section 4.10(l) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule:
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(i) neither PEPCO nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any
collective bargaining agreement or other current labor agreement with any
labor union or organization. There is no current union representation
question involving employees of PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries, nor does
PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries know of any activity or proceeding of any
labor organization (or representative thereof) or employee group (or
representative thereof) to organize any such employees;
(ii) there is no unfair labor practice charge or grievance arising out
of a collective bargaining agreement or other grievance procedure against
PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries pending, or to the knowledge of PEPCO or
any of its subsidiaries, threatened, that has, or would reasonably likely
have, a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect;
(iii) there is no complaint, lawsuit or proceeding in any forum by or on
behalf of any present or former employee, any applicant for employment or
classes of the foregoing alleging breach of any express or implied contract
of employment, any law or regulation governing employment or the termination
thereof or other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in connection
with the employment relationship against PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries
pending, or to the knowledge of PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries,
threatened, that has, or would reasonably likely have, a PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect;
(iv) there is no strike, dispute, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout
pending, or to the knowledge of PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries,
threatened, against or involving PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries that has,
or would reasonably likely have, a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect;
(v) PEPCO and each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with all
applicable laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and
conditions of employment, wages, hours of work and occupational safety and
health, except for non-compliance that does not have, and would not
reasonably likely have, a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect; and
(vi) there is no proceeding, claim, suit, action or governmental
investigation pending or, to the knowledge of PEPCO or any of its
subsidiaries, threatened, in respect to which any current or former
director, officer, employee or agent of PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries is
or may be entitled to claim indemnification from PEPCO or any of its
subsidiaries pursuant to their respective articles of incorporation or
by-laws or as provided in the indemnification agreements listed on Section
4.10(l) of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule that has, or would reasonably
likely have, a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.11 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
(a) COMPLIANCE.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 4.11(a) of the PEPCO Disclosure
Schedule, each of PEPCO and each of its subsidiaries is in compliance with
all applicable Environmental Laws (as hereinafter defined), except where the
failure to be so in compliance would not reasonably likely have a PEPCO
Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) Except as set forth in Section 4.11(a) of the PEPCO Disclosure
Schedule, neither PEPCO nor any of its subsidiaries has received any written
communication from any person or Governmental Authority that alleges that
PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries is not in compliance with applicable
Environmental Laws, except where the failure to be so in compliance would
not reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(b) ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS. Except as set forth in Section 4.11(b) of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, PEPCO and each of its subsidiaries has obtained or
applied for all environmental, health and safety permits and authorizations
(collectively, "ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS") necessary for the construction of their
facilities and the conduct of their operations, and all such permits are in good
standing or, where applicable, a renewal application has been timely filed and
is pending agency approval, and PEPCO and its subsidiaries are in compliance
with all terms and conditions of all such
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Environmental Permits and are not required to make any expenditure in order to
obtain or renew any Environmental Permits, except where the failure to obtain or
be in such compliance and the requirement to make such expenditures would not
reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(c) ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS. Except as set forth in Section 4.11(c) of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, there is no Environmental Claim (as hereinafter
defined) pending, or to the knowledge of PEPCO and its subsidiaries, threatened
(i) against PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures,
(ii) against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental
Claim PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures has or may have
retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law, or
(iii) against any real or personal property or operations that PEPCO or
any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures owns, leases or manages, in whole
or in part,
that, if adversely determined, would reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect.
(d) RELEASES. Except as set forth in Section 4.11(c) or 4.11(d) of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, PEPCO has no knowledge of any Release (as hereinafter
defined) of any Hazardous Material (as hereinafter defined) that would be
reasonably likely to form the basis of any Environmental Claim against PEPCO or
any subsidiaries or joint ventures of PEPCO, or against any person or entity
whose liability for any Environmental Claim PEPCO or any subsidiaries or joint
ventures of PEPCO has or may have retained or assumed either contractually or by
operation of law, except for Releases of Hazardous Materials the liability for
which would not reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(e) PREDECESSORS. Except as set forth in Section 4.11(e) of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule, PEPCO has no knowledge, with respect to any predecessor of
PEPCO or any subsidiary or joint venture of PEPCO, of any Environmental Claims
pending or threatened, or of any Release of Hazardous Materials that would be
reasonably likely to form the basis of any Environmental Claims that would have,
or that would reasonably likely have, a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(f) DISCLOSURE. To PEPCO's knowledge, PEPCO has disclosed to BGE all
material facts that PEPCO reasonably believes form the basis of a PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect arising from
(i) the cost of pollution control equipment currently required or known
to be required in the future,
(ii) current remediation costs or remediation costs known to be required
in the future, or
(iii) any other environmental matter affecting PEPCO or its subsidiaries
that would have, or that would reasonably likely have, a PEPCO Material
Adverse Effect.
As used in this Agreement:
(iv) "ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIM" means
(A) any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions,
suits, demands, demand letters, directives, claims, liens,
investigations, proceedings or notices of noncompliance or violation in
writing by any person or entity (including any Governmental Authority) or
(B) any oral information provided to PEPCO (or to BGE, for purposes
of SECTION 5.11) by a Governmental Authority that written action of the
type described in clause (A) above is in process,
alleging potential liability (including, without limitation, potential liability
for enforcement, investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response
costs, removal costs, remedial costs, natural resources damages, property
damages, personal injuries, or penalties) arising out of, based on or resulting
from (a) the presence, or Release or threatened Release into the environment, of
any
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Hazardous Materials at any location, whether or not owned, operated, leased or
managed by PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures (for purposes of
this SECTION 4.11), or by BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures (for
purposes of SECTION 5.11), (b) circumstances forming the basis of any violation,
or alleged violation, of any Environmental Law or (c) any and all claims by any
third party seeking damages, contribution, indemnification, cost recovery,
compensation or injunctive relief resulting from the presence or Release of any
Hazardous Materials.
(v) "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means all federal, state and local laws, rules
and regulations relating to pollution or protection of human health or the
environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water,
groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including, without
limitation, laws and regulations relating to Releases or threatened Releases
of Hazardous Materials or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of
Hazardous Materials.
(vi) "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" means (a) any petroleum or petroleum products,
radioactive materials, asbestos in any form that is or could become friable,
urea formaldehyde foam insulation, and transformers or other equipment that
contain dielectric fluid containing polychlorinated biphenyls, (b) any
chemicals, materials or substances which are now defined as or included in
the definition of "hazardous substances", "hazardous wastes", "hazardous
materials", "extremely hazardous wastes", "restricted hazardous wastes",
"toxic substances", "toxic pollutants", or words, of similar import, under
any Environmental Law and (c) any other chemical, material, substance or
waste, exposure to which is now prohibited, limited or regulated under
Environmental Law in a jurisdiction in which PEPCO or any of its
subsidiaries or joint ventures operates (for purposes of this SECTION 4.11)
or in which BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures operates (for
purposes of SECTION 5.11).
(vii) "RELEASE" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, injection,
deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into the
atmosphere, soil, surface water, groundwater or property.
Section 4.12 REGULATION AS A UTILITY.
(a) PEPCO is regulated as a public utility in the State of Maryland and in
the District of Columbia and, to a limited extent, in the Commonwealths of
Pennsylvania and Virginia and in no other state.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.12 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule, no
subsidiary company or affiliate of PEPCO is subject to regulation as a public
utility or public service company (or similar designation) by any other state in
the United States or by any foreign country.
(c) As used in this SECTION 4.12 and in SECTION 5.12, the terms "subsidiary
company" and "affiliate" shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them in
the 1935 Act.
Section 4.13 VOTE REQUIRED. The approval of the Merger by (a) more than
two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast by all holders of PEPCO Common Stock
and (b) a majority of all votes entitled to be cast by all holders of PEPCO
Preferred Stock, each voting separately as a class (the "PEPCO SHAREHOLDERS'
APPROVALS") are the only votes of the holders of any class or series of the
capital stock of PEPCO required to approve this Agreement, the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 4.14 ACCOUNTING MATTERS. PEPCO has not, through the date hereof,
taken or agreed to take any action that would prevent the Company from
accounting for the business combination to be effected by the Merger as a
pooling-of-interests in accordance with GAAP and applicable SEC regulations.
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Section 4.15 APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN VIRGINIA LAW. Assuming the accuracy
of the representation by BGE set forth in SECTION 5.18, neither the control
share acquisition provisions of Section 13.1-728.1 ET SEQ. of the VSCA, the
affiliated transactions provisions of Section 13.1-725 ET SEQ. of the VSCA or
any similar provisions of the VSCA, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of
PEPCO are applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.16 OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. PEPCO has received the opinion
of Barr Devlin & Co. Incorporated, dated the date hereof, to the effect that, as
of the date hereof, the PEPCO Ratio is fair from a financial point of view to
the holders of PEPCO Common Stock.
Section 4.17 INSURANCE.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 4.17 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule,
each of PEPCO and each of its subsidiaries is, and has been continuously since
January 1, 1990, insured in such amounts and against such risks and losses as
are customary for companies conducting the respective businesses conducted by
PEPCO and its subsidiaries during such time period.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 4.17 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule,
neither PEPCO nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of
cancellation or termination with respect to any material insurance policy
thereof.
(c) All material insurance policies of PEPCO and its subsidiaries are valid
and enforceable policies.
Section 4.18 OWNERSHIP OF BGE COMMON STOCK. PEPCO does not "beneficially
own" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) any shares
of BGE Common Stock.
ARTICLE V.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BGE
BGE represents and warrants to PEPCO as follows:
Section 5.1 ORGANIZATION AND QUALIFICATION. Except as set forth in Section
5.1 or 5.2 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule (as defined in SECTION 7.6(a)(ii)),
(i) BGE is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of its jurisdictions of incorporation and (ii) each of BGE's
subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdictions of incorporation and each of BGE
and its subsidiaries has requisite corporate power and authority, and is duly
authorized by all necessary regulatory approvals and orders, to own, lease and
operate its assets and properties and to carry on its business as it is now
being conducted, and is duly qualified and in good standing to do business in
each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or
leasing of its assets and properties makes such qualification necessary, other
than, in the case of clause (ii) such failures, which, when taken together with
all other such failures, will not have a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise),
prospects or results of operations of BGE and its subsidiaries taken as a whole
or on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (any
such material adverse effect being hereinafter referred to as a "BGE MATERIAL
ADVERSE EFFECT").
Section 5.2 SUBSIDIARIES.
(a) Section 5.2 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule sets forth a description as
of the date hereof of all subsidiaries and joint ventures of BGE, including the
name of each such entity, the state or jurisdiction of its incorporation, a
brief description of the principal line or lines of business conducted by each
such entity and BGE's interest therein.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 5.2 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule, none
of the entities listed in Section 5.2 is a "public utility company", a "holding
company", a "subsidiary company" or an "affiliate" of any public utility company
within the meaning of Section 2(a)(5), 2(a)(7), 2(a)(8) or 2(a)(11) of the 1935
Act, respectively.
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(c) Except as set forth in Section 5.2 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule, all
of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of BGE
are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights and
are owned directly or indirectly by BGE free and clear of any liens, claims,
encumbrances, security interests, equities, charges and options of any nature
whatsoever, and there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, calls,
contracts, voting trusts, proxies or other commitments, understandings,
restrictions, arrangements, rights or warrants, including any right of
conversion or exchange under any outstanding security, instrument or other
agreement, obligating any such subsidiary to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to
be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of its capital stock or
obligating it to grant, extend or enter into any such agreement or commitment.
Section 5.3 CAPITALIZATION.
(a) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of BGE consists of
175,000,000 shares of BGE Common Stock, 1,000,000 shares of BGE Preferred Stock
and 6,500,000 shares of BGE Preference Stock.
(b) As of the close of business on August 31, 1995, (i) 147,527,114 shares
of BGE Common Stock, (ii) 591,849 shares of BGE Preferred Stock and (iii)
4,910,000 shares of BGE Preference Shares were issued and outstanding.
(c) All of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of BGE are
validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive rights.
(d) Except for the BGE Option and as set forth in Section 5.3(a) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, calls,
contracts, voting trusts, proxies or other commitments, understandings,
restrictions, arrangements, rights or warrants, including any right of
conversion or exchange under any outstanding security, instrument or other
agreement, obligating BGE or any of its subsidiaries to issue, deliver or sell,
or cause to be issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of the capital stock
of BGE or obligating BGE or any of its subsidiaries to grant, extend or enter
into any such agreement or commitment.
Section 5.4 AUTHORITY; NON-CONTRAVENTION; STATUTORY APPROVALS; COMPLIANCE.
(a) AUTHORITY.
(i) BGE has all requisite power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and the BGE Option and, subject in the case of this Agreement to
the BGE Shareholders' Approvals (as defined in SECTION 5.13(c)) and the BGE
Required Statutory Approvals (as defined in SECTION 5.4(c), to consummate
the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
(ii) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the BGE Option
and, subject in the case of this Agreement to obtaining the BGE
Shareholders' Approvals, the consummation by BGE of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of BGE.
(iii) This Agreement and the BGE Option have been duly and validly
executed and delivered by BGE and, assuming the due authorization, execution
and delivery hereof and thereof by PEPCO and, in the case of this Agreement,
the Company, constitute the valid and binding obligations of BGE,
enforceable against BGE in accordance with their respective terms, except as
would be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and except that the availability of equitable
remedies, including specific performance, may be subject to the discretion
of any court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought.
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(b) NON-CONTRAVENTION. Except as set forth in Section 5.4(b) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the BGE
Option by BGE do not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby will not result in any Violation by BGE or any of its
subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of BGE, any of its joint ventures, under any
provisions of
(i) the articles of incorporation, bylaws or similar governing documents
of BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures,
(ii) subject in the case of this Agreement to obtaining the BGE Required
Statutory Approvals and the receipt of the BGE Shareholders' Approvals, any
statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, order,
injunction, writ, permit or license of any Governmental Authority applicable
to BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures or any of their
respective properties or assets, or
(iii) subject in the case of this Agreement to obtaining the third-party
consents or other approvals set forth in Section 5.4(b) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule (the "BGE REQUIRED CONSENTS"), any note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, deed of trust, license, franchise, permit, concession, contract,
lease or other instrument, obligation or agreement of any kind to which BGE
or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures is now a party or by which it
or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected,
excluding from the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii) such Violations as would
not, in the aggregate, reasonably likely have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(c) STATUTORY APPROVALS. Except as set forth in Section 5.4(c) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, no declaration, filing or registration with, or notice to
or authorization, consent or approval of any Governmental Authority is necessary
for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the BGE Option by BGE or the
consummation by BGE of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, the
failure to obtain, make or give which would reasonably likely have a BGE
Material Adverse Effect (the "BGE REQUIRED STATUTORY APPROVALS"), it being
understood that references in this Agreement to "obtaining" such BGE Required
Statutory Approvals shall mean making such declarations, filings or
registrations; giving such notice; obtaining such consents or approvals; and
having such waiting periods expire as are necessary to avoid a violation of law.
(d) COMPLIANCE.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 5.4(d) or 5.11 of the BGE Disclosure
Schedule or as disclosed in the BGE SEC Reports (as defined in SECTION 5.5),
neither BGE nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of BGE, any of
its joint ventures, is in violation of or under investigation with respect
to, or has been given notice or been charged with any violation of, any law,
statute, order, rule, regulation, ordinance or judgment (including, without
limitation, any applicable environmental law, ordinance or regulation) of
any Governmental Authority, except for violations that do not have, and,
would not reasonably likely have, a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) Except as set forth in Section 5.4(d) or 5.11 of the BGE Disclosure
Schedule, BGE, its subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of BGE, its joint
ventures have all permits, licenses, franchises and other governmental
authorizations, consents and approvals necessary to conduct their respective
businesses as currently conducted, except those the failure to obtain which
would not reasonably likely have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.5 REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(a) Since January 1, 1991, the filings required to be made by BGE and its
subsidiaries under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, applicable Maryland and
Pennsylvania laws and regulations, the Power Act or the 1935 Act have been filed
with the SEC, the Maryland Commission, the Pennsylvania Commission, the FERC or
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the "NRC"), as required by each
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such law or regulation, including all forms, statements, reports, agreements and
all documents, exhibits, amendments and supplements appertaining thereto, and
complied in all material respects with all applicable requirements of the
appropriate act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(b) BGE has made available to PEPCO a true and complete copy of each report,
schedule, registration statement and definitive proxy statement filed by BGE
with the SEC since January 1, 1992 (as such documents have since the time of
their filing been amended, the "BGE SEC REPORTS").
(c) The BGE SEC Reports, including without limitation any financial
statements or schedules included therein, at the time filed, and any forms,
reports or other documents filed by BGE with the SEC after the date hereof, did
not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made,
not misleading.
(d) The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim
financial statements of BGE included in the BGE SEC Reports (collectively, the
"BGE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS") have been prepared, and will be prepared in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis (except as may be indicated
therein or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements
as permitted by Form 10-Q) and fairly present in all material respects the
financial position of BGE as of the respective dates thereof or the results of
operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended, as the case may
be, subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial statements, to
normal, recurring audit adjustments.
(e) True, accurate and complete copies of the Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws of BGE, as in effect on the date hereof, have been delivered to PEPCO.
Section 5.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS; ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED
LIABILITIES.
(a) Except as set forth in the BGE SEC Reports or Section 5.6 of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, from December 31, 1994 through the date hereof each of BGE
and each of its subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice and there has not been, and no
fact or condition exists that would reasonably likely have, a BGE Material
Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither BGE nor any of its subsidiaries has any liabilities or
obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise) of a nature
required by GAAP to be reflected in a consolidated corporate balance sheet,
except liabilities, obligations or contingencies that are accrued or reserved
against in the consolidated financial statements of BGE or reflected in the
notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 1994, or that were incurred after
December 31, 1994, in the ordinary course of business and would not reasonably
likely have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.7 LITIGATION. Except as set forth in the BGE SEC Reports or as
set forth in Section 5.7 or 5.11 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule, there are no
(i) claims, suits, actions or proceedings, pending or, to the knowledge
of BGE, threatened, nor are there, to the knowledge of BGE, any
investigations or reviews pending or threatened against, relating to or
affecting BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures,
(ii) judgments, decrees, injunctions, rules or orders of any court,
governmental department, commission, agency, instrumentality or authority or
any arbitrator applicable to BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint
ventures,
that would have, or would reasonably likely have, a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT.
(a) None of the information supplied or to be supplied by or on behalf of
BGE for inclusion or incorporation by reference in
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(i) the Registration Statement will, at the time the Registration
Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act, contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, and
(ii) the Joint Proxy Statement will, at the date mailed to the
shareholders of BGE and PEPCO and, as the same may be amended or
supplemented, at the times of the meetings of such shareholders to be held
in connection with the Merger, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made,
not misleading.
(b) Each of the Registration Statement and the Joint Proxy Statement, as of
such respective dates, will comply as to form in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations thereunder.
Section 5.9 TAX MATTERS.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.9(a) of the BGE Disclosure Schedule,
BGE and each of its subsidiaries has
(i) filed all material Tax Returns required to be filed by it within the
time and in the manner prescribed by law,
(ii) paid all Taxes that are shown on such Tax Returns as due and
payable within the time and in the manner prescribed by law, and
(iii) paid all Taxes otherwise required to be paid.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.9(b) of the BGE Disclosure Schedule,
as of the date hereof,
(i) there are no claims, assessments, audits or administrative or court
proceedings pending against BGE or any of its subsidiaries for any alleged
deficiency in Tax, and
(ii) none of BGE or any of its subsidiaries has executed any outstanding
waivers or comparable consents regarding the application of the statute of
limitations with respect to any Taxes or Tax Returns.
(c) BGE has established adequate accruals for Taxes and for any liability
for deferred Taxes in the BGE Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP.
Section 5.10 EMPLOYEE MATTERS; ERISA.
(a) BENEFIT PLANS. (i) Section 5.10(a) of the BGE Disclosure Schedule
contains a true and complete list, as of the date hereof, of:
(A) each benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement providing for
pension, profit sharing, supplemental death and dismemberment, life and
health insurance and benefits (including medical, dental and
hospitalization), savings, bonus, deferred compensation, incentive
compensation (including stock options, restricted stock, stock
appreciation rights, performance units, dividend equivalents and each
other plan, program, policy or arrangement under which shares of BGE
Common Stock are required to be transferred or could be transferred),
holiday, vacation, severance pay, sick pay, sick leave, short and
long-term disability, tuition assistance and, relocation benefits plan
which has been adopted, approved or implemented by BGE or any of its
subsidiaries in writing covering a group or classification of current or
former employees or directors of BGE (or any of its subsidiaries) or any
group or classification of their dependents or beneficiaries, or
providing benefits to such persons in respect of services provided to any
such entity, including, but not limited to, any "employee benefit plan"
within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(3) (whether or not terminated, if
BGE or any of its subsidiaries could have statutory or contractual
liability with respect thereto on or after the date hereof) but not
including any individual contract, award or agreement;
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(B) each employment or severance contract (including any payment,
right or benefit resulting from any transaction contemplated by this
Agreement) and all stock options, restricted stock, performance units,
stock appreciation rights or dividend equivalents, bonus or other
contract for personal services and each other contract under which shares
of BGE Common Stock are required to be transferred or could be
transferred and the amount of such shares (in the aggregate) with or
covering current or former officers or directors; and
(1) there are no other employment or severance contracts covering
current or former employees of BGE below the level of officer which
have not been disclosed and made available to PEPCO with respect to
which BGE or any of its subsidiaries are reasonably likely to have a
BGE Material Adverse Effect; and
(2) with respect to any officer of BGE there have been no awards
of stock options, restricted stock, performance units, stock
appreciation rights or dividend equivalents in respect of shares of
BGE Common Stock subsequent to the most recent BGE proxy statement
made outside of the ordinary course or inconsistent with past
practice, and with respect to all employees of BGE below the level of
officer there have been no awards of stock options, restricted stock,
performance units, stock appreciation rights or dividend equivalents,
with respect to shares of BGE Common Stock, which, in the aggregate,
have been made outside of the ordinary course or inconsistent with
past practice; and
(C) each "employee pension benefit plan" (within the meaning of ERISA
Section 3(2)) subject to Title IV of ERISA or the minimum funding
requirements of ERISA Section 302 (whether or not included in (A) above)
maintained or contributed to by BGE or any entity required to be
aggregated therewith pursuant to Code Section 414(b) or (c) (a "BGE ERISA
AFFILIATE") at any time during the six calendar year period immediately
preceding the date hereof (collectively, the "BGE PENSION BENEFIT
PLANS");
(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, "BGE BENEFIT PLAN" shall mean each
benefit plan, program, policy, contract and arrangement described in
subsections (i)(A) and (B) above (whether or not terminated), if BGE or any
of its subsidiaries could have statutory or contractual liability with
respect thereto on or after the date hereof.
(iii) With respect to each BGE Benefit Plan and BGE Pension Benefit Plan,
the source or sources of benefit payments under the plan (including, where
applicable, the identity of any trust (whether or not a grantor trust),
insurance contract, custodial account, agency agreement, or other
arrangement that holds the assets of, or serves as a funding vehicle or
source of benefits for such BGE Benefit Plan or BGE Pension Benefit Plan).
(b) CONTRIBUTIONS. Except as set forth in Section 5.10(b) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, all material contributions and other material payments
required to have been made by BGE or any of its subsidiaries or any BGE ERISA
Affiliate pursuant to any BGE Benefit Plan or BGE Pension Benefit Plan (or to
any person pursuant to the terms thereof) have been timely made or the amount of
such payment or contribution obligation has been reflected in the BGE Financial
Statements.
(c) QUALIFICATION; COMPLIANCE. Except as set forth in Section 5.10(c) of
the BGE Disclosure Schedule:
(i) Each BGE Benefit Plan and BGE Pension Benefit Plan that is intended
to be "qualified" within the meaning of Code Section 401(a) has been
determined by the IRS to be so qualified, or application for such a
determination has been made prior to the expiration of the applicable
remedial amendment period and BGE agrees to make such plan amendments as the
IRS may require in order to issue a favorable determination letter.
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(ii) BGE and each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with, and each
BGE Benefit Plan is and has been operated in compliance with all applicable
laws, rules and regulations governing such plan, including, without
limitation, ERISA and the Code, except for violations that would not
reasonably likely have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(iii) To the knowledge of BGE, no individual or entity has engaged in any
transaction with respect to any BGE Benefit Plan as a result of which BGE or
any of its subsidiaries could reasonably expect to be subject to liability
pursuant to ERISA Section 409 or Section 502, or subject to an excise tax
pursuant to Code Section 4975 which would reasonably likely have a BGE
Material Adverse Effect.
(iv) To the knowledge of BGE,
(A) no BGE Benefit Plan is subject to any ongoing audit,
investigation, or other administrative proceeding of the Internal Revenue
Service, the Department of Labor, or any other federal, state, or local
governmental entity, and
(B) no BGE Benefit Plan is the subject of any pending application for
administrative relief under any voluntary compliance program of any
governmental entity (including, without limitation, the Internal Revenue
Service's Voluntary Compliance Resolution Program or Walk-in Closing
Agreement Program, or the Department of Labor's Delinquent Filer
Voluntary Compliance Program).
(d) LIABILITIES. With respect to the BGE Pension Benefit Plans,
individually and in the aggregate, no termination or partial termination of any
BGE Pension Benefit Plan or other event has occurred, and, to the knowledge of
BGE, there exists no condition or set of circumstances, that could subject BGE,
any of its subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate to any liability arising under
the Code, ERISA or any other applicable law (including, without limitation, any
liability to or under any such plan or to the PBGC), or under any indemnity
agreement to which BGE, any of its subsidiaries or any BGE ERISA Affiliate is a
party, excluding liability for benefit claims and funding obligations payable in
the ordinary course and liability for PBGC insurance premiums payable in the
ordinary course, which liability would reasonably likely have a BGE Material
Adverse Effect.
(e) WELFARE PLANS. Except as set forth in Section 5.10(e) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, no BGE Benefit Plan that is a "welfare plan" (within the
meaning of ERISA Section 3(1)) provides benefits for any retired or former
employees (other than as required pursuant to ERISA Section 601).
(f) DOCUMENTS MADE AVAILABLE. BGE has made available to PEPCO a true and
correct copy of each collective bargaining agreement to which BGE is a party or
under which BGE has obligations and, with respect to each BGE Benefit Plan and
each BGE Pension Benefit Plan (as of May 31, 1995), as applicable:
(i) the current plan document (including all amendments adopted since
the most recent restatement) and its most recently prepared summary plan
description and all summaries of material modifications prepared since the
most recent summary plan description,
(ii) annual reports (IRS Form 5500 Series) including financial
statements for the last three years,
(iii) each related trust agreement, insurance contract, service provider
or investment management agreement (including all amendments to each such
document),
(iv) the most recent IRS determination letter with respect to the
qualified status under Code Section 401(a) of such plan, and
(v) actuarial reports or valuations for the last three years.
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To the extent that documents referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of this
Section 5.10(f) have not been made available to PEPCO with respect to the period
following May 31, 1995, no information that is disclosed in such documents (and
that has not been disclosed previously in documents that have been made
available to PEPCO) is reasonably likely to have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(g) PAYMENTS RESULTING FROM MERGER. Other than as set forth in Section
5.10(g) of the BGE Disclosure Schedule, the consummation or announcement of any
transaction contemplated by this Agreement will not (either alone or upon the
occurrence of any additional or further acts or events) result in any
(i) payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due from
the Company or BGE or any of its subsidiaries to any current or former
officer or director thereof or to the trustee under any "rabbi trust" or
other funding arrangement,
(ii) benefit under any BGE Benefit Plan being established or becoming
accelerated, vested or payable, except for a payment or benefit that would
have been payable under the same terms and conditions without regard to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or
(iii) payment (whether of severance pay or otherwise) becoming due from
the Company or BGE or any of its subsidiaries to any current or former
employee of BGE below the level of officer which such payments aggregated
for such employees and former employees as a group would reasonably likely
have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(h) FUNDED STATUS OF PLANS. Except as set forth in Section 5.10(h) of the
BGE Disclosure Schedule, each BGE Pension Benefit Plan has assets that, as of
the date hereof, have a fair market value equal to or exceeding the present
value of the accrued benefit obligations thereunder on a termination basis, as
of the date hereof based on the actuarial methods, tables and assumptions
theretofore utilized by such plan's actuary in preparing such plan's most
recently prepared actuarial valuation report, except to the extent that
applicable law would require the use of different actuarial assumptions if such
plan was to be terminated as of the date hereof. No BGE Pension Benefit Plan has
incurred any "accumulated funding deficiency" (within the meaning of ERISA
Section 302).
(i) MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 5.10(i) of the BGE Disclosure
Schedule, no BGE Benefit Plan is or was a "multiemployer plan" (within the
meaning of ERISA Section 4001(a)(3)), a multiple employer plan described in
Code Section 413(c), or a "multiple employer welfare arrangement" (within
the meaning of ERISA Section 3(40)); and none of BGE, any subsidiary thereof
or any BGE ERISA Affiliate has been obligated to contribute to, or otherwise
has or has had any liability with respect to, any multiemployer plan,
multiple employer plan, or multiple employer welfare arrangement.
(ii) With respect to any BGE Benefit Plan that is listed in Section
5.10(i) of the BGE Disclosure Schedule as a multiemployer plan, none of BGE,
any subsidiary thereof or any PEPCO ERISA Affiliate has made or incurred a
"complete withdrawal" or a "partial withdrawal," as such terms are defined
in ERISA Sections 4203 and 4205, therefrom at any time during the six
calendar year period immediately preceding the date of this Agreement and
the transactions contemplated by the Agreement will not, in and of
themselves, give rise to such a "complete withdrawal" or "partial
withdrawal."
(j) MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF PLANS. Except as set forth in Section
5.10(j) of the BGE Disclosure Schedule or as permitted under SECTION 6.9:
(i) neither BGE nor any subsidiary of BGE is subject to any legal,
contractual, equitable or other obligation to establish as of any date any
employee benefit plan of any nature, including (without limitation) any
pension, profit sharing, welfare, post-retirement welfare, stock option,
stock or cash award, non-qualified deferred compensation or executive
compensation plan, policy or practice; and
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(ii) the Company, BGE or one or more of its subsidiaries or any BGE
ERISA Affiliate have the right to, in any manner, and without the consent of
any employee, beneficiary or dependent, employees' organization or other
person, terminate, modify or amend any BGE Benefit Plan or BGE Pension
Benefit Plan (or its participation in any such BGE Benefit Plan or BGE
Pension Benefit Plan) at any time sponsored, maintained or contributed to by
BGE or any of its subsidiaries or any BGE ERISA Affiliate, effective as of
any date before, on or after the Effective Time except to the extent that
any retroactive amendment would be prohibited by ERISA Section 204(g) or
would adversely affect a vested accrued benefit or a previously granted
award under any such Plan not subject to ERISA Section 204(g).
(k) REPORTABLE EVENTS; CLAIMS. Except as set forth in Section 5.10(k) of
the BGE Disclosure Schedule:
(i) no event constituting a "reportable event" (within the meaning of
ERISA Section 4043(c)), for which the 30-day notice requirement or penalty
has not been waived by the PBGC has occurred with respect to any BGE Pension
Benefit Plan, and
(ii) no liability, claim, action or litigation has been made, commenced
or, to the knowledge of BGE, threatened, by or against BGE or any of its
subsidiaries or any BGE ERISA Affiliate with respect to any BGE Benefit Plan
or any BGE Pension Benefit Plan (other than for benefits or PBGC premiums
payable in the ordinary course)
that would reasonably likely have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(l) LABOR AGREEMENTS. Except as set forth in the BGE SEC Reports or as set
forth in Section 5.10(l) of the BGE Disclosure Schedule:
(i) neither BGE nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to any collective
bargaining agreement or other current labor agreement with any labor union
or organization. There is no current union representation question involving
employees of BGE or any of its subsidiaries, nor does BGE or any of its
subsidiaries know of any activity or proceeding of any labor organization
(or representative thereof) or employee group (or representative thereof) to
organize any such employees;
(ii) there is no unfair labor practice charge or grievance arising out
of a collective bargaining agreement or other grievance procedure against
BGE or any of its subsidiaries pending, or to the knowledge of BGE or any of
its subsidiaries, threatened, that has, or would reasonably likely have, a
BGE Material Adverse Effect;
(iii) there is no complaint, lawsuit or proceeding in any forum by or on
behalf of any present or former employee, any applicant for employment or
classes of the foregoing alleging breach of any express or implied contract
of employment, any law or regulation governing employment or the termination
thereof or other discriminatory, wrongful or tortious conduct in connection
with the employment relationship against BGE or any of its subsidiaries
pending, or to the knowledge of BGE or any of its subsidiaries, threatened,
that has, or would reasonably likely have, a BGE Material Adverse Effect;
(iv) there is no strike, dispute, slowdown, work stoppage or lockout
pending, or to the knowledge of BGE or any of its subsidiaries, threatened,
against or involving BGE or any of its subsidiaries that has or, would
reasonably likely have, a BGE Material Adverse Effect;
(v) BGE and each of its subsidiaries are in compliance with all
applicable laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and
conditions of employment, wages, hours of work and occupational safety and
health, except for non-compliance that does not have, and would not
reasonably likely have, a BGE Material Adverse Effect; and
(vi) there is no proceeding, claim, suit, action or governmental
investigation pending or, to the knowledge of BGE or any of its
subsidiaries, threatened, in respect to which any current or former
director, officer, employee or agent of BGE or any of its subsidiaries is or
may be entitled to
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claim indemnification from BGE or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to their
respective articles of incorporation or by-laws or as provided in the
indemnification agreements listed on Section 5.10(l) of the BGE Disclosure
Schedule that has, or would reasonably likely have, a BGE Material Adverse
Effect.
Section 5.11 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
(a) COMPLIANCE.
(i) Except as set forth in Section 5.11(a) of the BGE Disclosure
Schedule, each of BGE and each of its subsidiaries is in compliance with all
applicable Environmental Laws, except where the failure to be so in
compliance would not reasonably likely have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(ii) Except as set forth in Section 5.11(a) of the BGE Disclosure
Schedule, neither BGE nor any of its subsidiaries has received any written
communication from any person or Governmental Authority that alleges that
BGE or any of its subsidiaries is not in compliance with applicable
Environmental Laws, except where the failure to be so in compliance would
not reasonably likely have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(b) ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITS. Except as set forth in Section 5.11(b) of the
BGE Disclosure Schedule, BGE and each of its subsidiaries has obtained or has
applied for all Environmental Permits necessary for the construction of their
facilities and the conduct of their operations, and all such permits are in good
standing or, where applicable, a renewal application has been timely filed and
is pending agency approval, and BGE and its subsidiaries are in compliance with
all terms and conditions of all such Environmental Permits and are not required
to make any expenditure in order to obtain or renew any Environmental Permits,
except where the failure to obtain or be in such compliance and the requirement
to make such expenditures would not reasonably likely have a BGE Material
Adverse Effect.
(c) ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS. Except as set forth in Section 5.11(c) of the
BGE Disclosure Schedule, there is no Environmental Claim pending, or to the
knowledge of BGE and its subsidiaries, threatened
(i) against BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures,
(ii) against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental
Claim BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures has or may have
retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law, or
(iii) against any real or personal property or operations that BGE or any
of its subsidiaries or joint ventures owns, leases or manages, in whole or
in part,
that, if adversely determined, would reasonably likely have a BGE Material
Adverse Effect.
(d) RELEASES. Except as set forth in Section 5.11(c) or 5.11(d) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, BGE has no knowledge of any Release of any Hazardous
Material that would be reasonably likely to form the basis of any Environmental
Claim against BGE or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures of BGE, or
against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim BGE or
any subsidiaries or joint ventures of BGE has or may have retained or assumed
either contractually or by operation of law, except for Releases of Hazardous
Materials the liability for which would not reasonably likely have a BGE
Material Adverse Effect.
(e) PREDECESSORS. Except as set forth in Section 5.11(e) of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, BGE has no knowledge, with respect to any predecessor of
BGE or any subsidiary or joint venture of BGE, of any Environmental Claims
pending or threatened, or of any Release of Hazardous Materials that would be
reasonably likely to form the basis of any Environmental Claims that would have,
or that BGE reasonably believes would reasonably likely have a BGE Material
Adverse Effect.
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(f) DISCLOSURE. To BGE's knowledge, BGE has disclosed to PEPCO all
material facts that BGE reasonably believes form the basis of a BGE Material
Adverse Effect arising from
(i) the cost of pollution control equipment currently required or known
to be required in the future,
(ii) current remediation costs or remediation costs known to be required
in the future, or
(iii) any other environmental matter affecting BGE or its subsidiaries
that would have, or that BGE reasonably believes would reasonably likely
have a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.12 REGULATION AS A UTILITY.
(a) BGE is a public utility holding company as defined in the 1935 Act
exempt from all provisions of the 1935 Act except section 9(a)(2), by order of
the SEC pursuant to section 3(a)(2) of the 1935 Act. BGE is regulated as a
public utility in the State of Maryland and, to a limited extent, in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in no other state.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 5.12 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule, no
subsidiary company or affiliate of BGE is subject to regulation as a public
utility or public service company (or similar designation) by any other state in
the United States or by any foreign country.
Section 5.13 VOTE REQUIRED. The approval of the Merger by (i) two-thirds
of all votes entitled to be cast by all holders of BGE Common Stock, voting
separately as a class, (ii) two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast by all
holders of BGE Preferred Stock, voting separately as a class, (iii) two-thirds
of all votes entitled to be cast by all holders of BGE Preference Stock, voting
separately as a class, and (iv) two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast by
all holders of BGE Common Stock, BGE Preferred Stock, and BGE Preference Stock,
voting together as a class (collectively, the "BGE SHAREHOLDERS' APPROVALS") are
the only votes of the holders of any class or series of the capital stock of BGE
required to approve this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions
contemplated hereby.
Section 5.14 ACCOUNTING MATTERS. BGE has not, through the date hereof,
taken or agreed to take any action that would prevent the Company from
accounting for the business combination to be effected by the Merger as a
pooling-of-interests in accordance with GAAP and applicable SEC regulations.
Section 5.15 APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN MARYLAND LAW. Assuming the accuracy
of the representation by PEPCO set forth in SECTION 4.18, neither the control
share acquisition provisions of Section 3-701 ET SEQ. of the MGCA nor the
business combination provisions of Section 3-602 ET SEQ. of the MGCA or any
similar provisions of the MGCA, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of BGE
are applicable to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.16 OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. BGE has received the opinion of
Goldman, Sachs & Co., as of the date hereof, to the effect that, as of the date
hereof, the BGE Ratio is fair to the holders of BGE Common Stock.
Section 5.17 INSURANCE.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 5.17 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule, each
of BGE and each of its subsidiaries is, and has been continuously since January
1, 1990, insured in such amounts and against such risks and losses as are
customary for companies conducting the respective businesses conducted by BGE
and its subsidiaries during such time period.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 5.17 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule,
neither BGE nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of cancellation
or termination with respect to any material insurance policy thereof.
(c) All material insurance policies of BGE and its subsidiaries are valid
and enforceable policies.
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Section 5.18 OWNERSHIP OF PEPCO COMMON STOCK. BGE does not "beneficially
own" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) any shares
of PEPCO Common Stock.
Section 5.19 NRC ACTIONS. Except as set forth in Section 5.19 of the BGE
Disclosure Schedule, BGE is not in violation of, is not under investigation with
respect to, has not been given notice of or been charged with actual or
potential violation of, and is not the subject of any ongoing proceeding,
inquiry, special inspection, diagnostic evaluation or other NRC action
(including rulemakings of general application that may affect the conduct of
BGE's business regarding the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant) of which BGE
has actual knowledge, under the Atomic Energy Act, any applicable regulations
thereunder or the terms and conditions of any license granted to BGE regarding
the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant (collectively, "NRC ACTIONS"), which NRC
Actions would have, or BGE reasonably believes would reasonably likely have a
BGE Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE VI.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
Prior to the date hereof, each of PEPCO and BGE had delivered to the other a
business plan (respectively, the "PEPCO Financial Plan" and the "BGE Financial
Plan"). After the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time or earlier
termination of this Agreement, each of BGE and PEPCO agrees, as to itself and
its subsidiaries, to comply with the provisions of this Article VI.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, SECTION 6.1 through SECTION 6.8 (inclusive except
for SECTION 6.2(A)) shall not apply in the case of actions by PEPCO or BGE that
are (i) in the case of PEPCO, contemplated by the PEPCO Financial Plan or
consented to in writing by BGE, or (ii) in the case of BGE, contemplated by the
BGE Financial Plan or consented to in writing by PEPCO.
Section 6.1 ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS. Each of PEPCO and BGE shall, and
shall cause its subsidiaries to, conduct their respective businesses in the
usual, regular and ordinary course in substantially the same manner as
heretofore conducted and use all commercially reasonable efforts to preserve
their respective business organizations and goodwill, preserve the goodwill and
relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors and others having business
dealings with them and, subject to prudent management of workforce needs and
ongoing programs currently in force, keep available the services of their
present officers and employees.
Section 6.2 DIVIDENDS. Neither PEPCO nor BGE shall, nor shall either
permit any of its subsidiaries to:
(a) declare or pay any dividends or make other distributions in respect of
any of their capital stock other than to such party or its subsidiaries and
other than
(i) stated dividends on their respective series of PEPCO Preferred
Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock and
(ii) regular quarterly dividends on PEPCO Common Stock with usual record
and payment dates not, during any calendar year, in excess of dividends
consistent with prior practice subject to increases that do not result in a
dividend rate in excess of the indicated annual dividend rate agreed to by
PEPCO and BGE for the Company following the Effective Time.
(b) split, combine or reclassify any of their capital stock or issue or
authorize or propose the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu
of, or in substitution for, shares of its capital stock; or
(c) redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of their capital
stock, other than
(i) redemptions, purchases or acquisitions required by the respective
terms of any series of PEPCO Preferred Stock, BGE Preferred Stock or BGE
Preference Stock,
(ii) in connection with refunding of PEPCO Preferred Stock, BGE
Preferred Stock or BGE Preference Stock with preferred or preference stock
or debt at a lower cost of funds,
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(iii) intercompany acquisitions of capital stock, or
(iv) in connection with the administration of employee benefit and
dividend reinvestment plans as in effect on the date hereof in the ordinary
course of the operation of such plans.
Section 6.3 ISSUANCE OF SECURITIES. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.3 of
the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or the BGE Disclosure Schedule, neither PEPCO nor
BGE shall, nor shall either permit any of its subsidiaries to, issue, agree to
issue, deliver or sell, or authorize or propose the issuance, delivery or sale
of, any shares of their capital stock or any class or any securities convertible
into or exchangeable for, or any rights, warrants or options to acquire, any
such shares or convertible or exchangeable securities except for:
(a) the issuance of capital stock upon the conversion of convertible
securities outstanding on the date hereof or permitted to be issued under the
terms hereof,
(b) the issuance of common stock or other securities by BGE pursuant to the
BGE Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan and the BGE Continuous
Offering Program for Common Stock or by PEPCO pursuant to the plans listed on
Schedule 6.3, in each case in the ordinary course of the operation of such
programs or plans in accordance with their present terms, or
(c) issuances by a wholly owned subsidiary of its capital stock to a direct
or indirect parent.
Section 6.4 CHARTER DOCUMENTS. Except as set forth in Section 6.4 of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or the BGE Disclosure Schedule or as required by law,
neither PEPCO nor BGE shall amend or propose to amend its respective articles of
incorporation or bylaws in any way adverse to the other party, except as
contemplated herein and except to the extent that any document setting forth the
terms of a series of preferred stock or preference stock permitted to be issued
in accordance with this Article VI constitutes an amendment to the articles of
incorporation.
Section 6.5 NO ACQUISITIONS. Except as set forth in Section 6.5 of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or the BGE Disclosure Schedule, neither PEPCO nor BGE
shall, nor shall either permit any of its subsidiaries to, acquire, or publicly
propose to acquire, or agree to acquire, by merger or consolidation, by purchase
or otherwise, a substantial equity interest in or a substantial portion of the
assets of any business or any corporation, partnership, association or other
business organization or division thereof or otherwise acquire or agree to
acquire any assets, in each case that are material, in the aggregate, to such
party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except for acquisitions by PEPCO
and its subsidiaries on the one hand, and BGE and its subsidiaries on the other,
within existing lines of business, of less than $30 million in the aggregate
that are not set forth in Section 6.5 of the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or
Section 6.5 of the BGE Disclosure Schedule, respectively.
Section 6.6 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Except as set forth in Section 6.6 of
the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or the BGE Disclosure Schedule or as required by
law, neither PEPCO nor BGE shall, nor shall either permit any of its
subsidiaries to, make any capital expenditures, except for:
(a) capital expenditures to repair or replace facilities destroyed or
damaged due to casualty or accident (whether or not covered by insurance), or
(b) additional capital expenditures that in the aggregate do not exceed $75
million.
Section 6.7 NO DISPOSITIONS. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.7 of the
PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or the BGE Disclosure Schedule, neither PEPCO nor BGE
shall, nor shall either permit any of its subsidiaries to, sell, lease, license,
encumber or otherwise dispose of, assets that are material, in the aggregate, to
such party and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, except for:
(a) dispositions not exceeding $10 million in the aggregate, in the case of
PEPCO and its subsidiaries on the one hand, and BGE and its subsidiaries on the
other hand, which dispositions do not have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect or a
BGE Material Adverse Effect, as the case may be,
(b) as may be required by law to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby, or
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(c) in the ordinary course of business consistent with prior practice.
Section 6.8 INDEBTEDNESS. Except as set forth in Section 6.8 of the PEPCO
Disclosure Schedule or the BGE Disclosure Schedule, no party shall, nor shall
any party permit any of its subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee any indebtedness
(including any debt borrowed or guaranteed or otherwise assumed, including,
without limitation, the issuance of debt securities), except for:
(a) short-term indebtedness in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice,
(b) long-term indebtedness in connection with the refinancing of existing
indebtedness either at its stated maturity or at a lower cost of funds,
(c) additional long-term indebtedness aggregating not more than $75 million
in the case of PEPCO and its subsidiaries, on one hand, and in the case of BGE
and its subsidiaries, on the other hand, or
(d) in connection with the refunding of PEPCO Preferred Stock, BGE Preferred
Stock or BGE Preference Stock as permitted in SECTION 6.3.
Section 6.9 COMPENSATION, BENEFITS. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.9 of
the PEPCO Disclosure Schedule or the BGE Disclosure Schedule, as may be required
by applicable law or as contemplated by this Agreement, no party shall, nor
shall any party permit any of its subsidiaries to, enter into, adopt or amend or
increase the amount of or accelerate the payment or vesting of any benefit or
amount payable under any employee benefit plan or any other contract, agreement,
commitment, arrangement, plan or policy maintained by, contributed to or entered
into by such party or any of its subsidiaries, or increase, or enter into any
contract, agreement, commitment or arrangement to increase in any manner, the
compensation or fringe benefits, or otherwise to extend, expand or enhance the
engagement, employment or any related rights, of any director, officer or other
employee of such party or any of its subsidiaries, except for normal increases
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice that, in the
aggregate, do not result in a material increase in benefits or compensation
expense to such party or any of its subsidiaries, or enter into or amend any
employment, severance, or special pay arrangement with respect to the
termination of employment or other similar contract, agreement or arrangement
with any director or officer or other employee other than in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice.
Section 6.10 1935 ACT. Except as required or contemplated by this
Agreement:
(a) PEPCO shall not, nor shall PEPCO permit any of its subsidiaries to
engage in any activities that cause it to become a "holding company" under the
1935 Act;
(b) BGE shall not, nor shall BGE permit any of its subsidiaries to engage in
any activities that cause it to lose its exemption from registration as a
"holding company" under the 1935 Act; and
(c) no party shall, nor shall any party permit any of its subsidiaries to,
engage in any activities that would require the approval of the SEC under
Section 9(a)(2) of the 1935 Act for any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
Section 6.11 ACCOUNTING. No party shall, nor shall any party permit any of
its subsidiaries to, make any changes in its or their accounting methods, except
as required by law, rule, regulation or GAAP.
Section 6.12 POOLING. No party shall, nor shall any party permit any of
its subsidiaries to, take any actions that would, or would be reasonably likely
to, prevent the Company from accounting for the business combination to be
effected by the Merger as a pooling-of-interests in accordance with GAAP and
applicable SEC regulations. If any impediments to accounting for the business
combination as a pooling-of-interests are discovered at any time, the parties
shall eliminate such impediments.
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Section 6.13 TAX-FREE STATUS. No party shall, nor shall any party permit
any of its subsidiaries to, take any actions that would, or would be reasonably
likely to, adversely affect the status of the Merger as a tax-free
reorganization under Code Section 368(a) (except as to shareholders of BGE or
PEPCO who exercise dissenters' rights or who receive cash in lieu of fractional
shares).
Section 6.14 INSURANCE. Each of PEPCO and BGE shall, and shall cause its
respective subsidiaries to, maintain with financially responsible insurance
companies (or through self-insurance not inconsistent with such party's past
practice) insurance in such amounts and against such risks and losses as are
customary for companies engaged in the electric and gas utility industry and
such other businesses as conducted by such party and its subsidiaries and
employing methods of generating electric power and fuel sources similar to those
methods employed and fuels used by the respective party or such party's
subsidiaries.
Section 6.15 COOPERATION, NOTIFICATION. Each of PEPCO and BGE shall and
shall cause its subsidiaries (directly or acting through its parent company
representative) to:
(a) confer on a regular and frequent basis with one or more representatives
of the other party to discuss material operational matters and the general
status of its ongoing operations,
(b) promptly notify the other party of any significant changes in its
business, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects or
results of operations,
(c) advise the other party of any change or event that has had or, to the
knowledge of such party, would reasonably likely have a PEPCO Material Adverse
Effect or a BGE Material Adverse Effect, and
(d) consult with each other prior to making any filings with any state or
federal court, administrative agency, commission or other Governmental Authority
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and
promptly after each such filing provide the other with a copy thereof.
Section 6.16 RATE MATTERS. No party shall make any filing to change its or
any of its utility subsidiaries' rates on file with any Governmental Authority
that could have a material adverse effect on the benefits associated with the
business combination provided herein.
Section 6.17 THIRD-PARTY CONSENTS. Each of PEPCO and BGE shall, and shall
cause its subsidiaries to, use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all
PEPCO Required Consents or BGE Required Consents, as the case may be. Each party
shall promptly notify the other party of any failure or prospective failure to
obtain any such consents and, if requested by the other party, shall provide to
the other party copies of all PEPCO Required Consents or BGE Required Consents,
as the case may be, obtained by such party.
Section 6.18 TAX-EXEMPT STATUS. No party shall, nor shall any party permit
any subsidiary to, take any action that would likely jeopardize the exclusion
from gross income, for purposes of federal income taxation, of the interest on
the outstanding revenue bonds issued for the benefit of PEPCO or BGE, as the
case may be, which qualify on the date hereof under Code Section 142(a) as
"exempt facility bonds" or as tax-exempt industrial development bonds under
Section 103(b)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended prior to the
Tax Reform Act of 1986.
Section 6.19 PERMITS. Each of PEPCO and BGE shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to maintain in effect all existing material permits pursuant
to which such party operates.
Section 6.20 CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATING TO CUSTOMERS. Without limiting
the application of the Confidentiality Agreement, dated February 15, 1995,
between PEPCO and BGE (the "CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT") no party shall, nor
shall any party permit any of its subsidiaries to, use any Information (as
defined in the Confidentiality Agreement) in connection with any solicitation,
inquiry, proposal, arrangement, understanding or agreement with any person
relating to the provision of
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electric or gas utility service by PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries, on the one
hand, or BGE or any of its subsidiaries, on the other hand, to commercial and
industrial customers in the service territory of the other party.
ARTICLE VII.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Section 7.1 ACCESS TO INFORMATION.
(a) Upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours, each of PEPCO
and BGE shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries to, afford to the officers,
directors, employees, accountants, counsel, investment banker, financial advisor
and other representatives of the other (collectively, "REPRESENTATIVES")
reasonable access, during normal business hours throughout the period prior to
the Effective Time, to all of its properties, books, contracts, commitments and
records (including, but not limited to, Tax Returns) and, during such period,
each shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries to, furnish promptly to the other:
(i) a copy of each report, schedule and other document filed by it or
any of its subsidiaries with the SEC and any other document pertaining to
the transactions contemplated hereby filed with any Governmental Authority
that is not filed as an exhibit to an SEC filing or described in an SEC
filing, and
(ii) all information concerning themselves, their subsidiaries,
directors, officers and shareholders and such matters as may be reasonably
requested by the other party in connection with any filings, applications or
approvals required or contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Without limiting the application of the Confidentiality Agreement, all
documents and information furnished pursuant to SECTION 7.1(A) shall be subject
to the Confidentiality Agreement.
Section 7.2 JOINT PROXY STATEMENT AND REGISTRATION STATEMENT.
(a) PREPARATION AND FILING.
(i) As promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, the
parties shall prepare and file with the SEC the Registration Statement and
the Joint Proxy Statement (together the "JOINT PROXY/REGISTRATION
STATEMENT").
(ii) The parties shall take such actions as may be reasonably required
to cause the Registration Statement to be declared effective under the
Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing.
(iii) The parties shall also take such action as may be reasonably
required to cause the shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred
Stock and Company Preference Stock issuable in connection with the Merger to
be registered or to obtain an exemption from registration under applicable
state "blue sky" or securities laws; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that none of the
Company, PEPCO or BGE shall be required to register or qualify as a foreign
corporation or to take any other action that would subject it to general
service of process in any jurisdiction in which it will not, following the
Merger, be so subject.
(iv) Each of the parties shall furnish all information concerning itself
that is required or customary for inclusion in the Joint Proxy/Registration
Statement.
(v) No representation, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement
is made by any party hereto with respect to information supplied by any
other party hereto for inclusion in the Joint Proxy/Registration Statement.
(vi) The Joint Proxy/Registration Statement shall comply as to form in
all material respects with the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder.
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(vii) The parties shall take such action as may be reasonably required to
cause the shares of Company Common Stock to be approved for listing on the
NYSE; and, unless PEPCO and BGE shall otherwise agree, to cause shares of
the respective series of Company Preferred Stock and Company Preference
Stock issued in the Merger to be approved for listing on the national and
international securities exchanges, if any, on which the respective series
of PEPCO Preferred Stock, BGE Preferred Stock and BGE Preference Stock
convertible into such series in the Merger are presently listed, and, in
each case, to cause such shares to be approved for listing on such other
national and international securities exchanges as the parties may select
upon official notice of issuance.
(b) LETTER OF BGE'S ACCOUNTANTS. Following receipt by Coopers & Lybrand,
L.L.P., BGE's independent auditors, of an appropriate request from PEPCO
pursuant to SAS No. 72, BGE shall use best efforts to cause to be delivered to
the Company and PEPCO a letter of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., dated a date within
two business days before the effective date of the Registration Statement, and
addressed to the Company and PEPCO, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Company and PEPCO and customary in scope and substance for
"cold comfort" letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection
with registration statements and proxy statements similar to the Joint
Proxy/Registration Statement.
(c) LETTER OF PEPCO'S ACCOUNTANTS. Following receipt by Price Waterhouse,
L.L.P., PEPCO's independent auditors, of an appropriate request from BGE
pursuant to SAS No. 72, PEPCO shall use best efforts to cause to be delivered to
the Company and BGE a letter of Price Waterhouse, L.L.P., dated a date within
two business days before the effective date of the Registration Statement, and
addressed to the Company and BGE, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Company and BGE and customary in scope and substance for "cold comfort"
letters delivered by independent public accountants in connection with
registration statements and proxy statements similar to the Joint
Proxy/Registration Statement.
(d) FAIRNESS OPINIONS. It shall be a condition to the mailing of the Joint
Proxy Statement to the shareholders of PEPCO and BGE that
(i) BGE shall have received an opinion from Goldman, Sachs & Co., dated
as of the date of the Joint Proxy Statement, to the effect that, as of the
date thereof the BGE Ratio is fair to the holders of BGE Common Stock, and
(ii) PEPCO shall have received an opinion from Barr Devlin & Co.
Incorporated, dated the date of the Joint Proxy Statement, to the effect
that, as of the date thereof, the PEPCO Ratio is fair from a financial point
of view to the holders of PEPCO Common Stock.
Section 7.3 REGULATORY MATTERS.
(a) HSR FILINGS. Each party hereto shall file or cause to be filed with
the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice any notifications
required to be filed by their respective "ultimate parent" companies under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR
ACT"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the
transactions contemplated hereby, and shall respond promptly to any requests for
additional information made by either of such agencies.
(b) OTHER REGULATORY APPROVALS.
(i) Each party hereto shall cooperate and use its best efforts to
promptly prepare and file all necessary documentation, to effect all
necessary applications, notices, petitions, filings and other documents, and
to use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary permits,
consents, approvals and authorizations of all Governmental Authorities and
all other persons necessary or advisable to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the BGE
Required Statutory Approvals and the PEPCO Required Statutory Approvals.
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(ii) PEPCO shall have the right to review and approve in advance all
characterizations of the information relating to PEPCO, on the one hand, and
BGE shall have the right to review and approve in advance all
characterizations of the information relating to BGE, on the other hand, in
either case, which appear in any filing made in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Merger.
(iii) BGE and PEPCO shall each consult with the other with respect to the
obtaining of all such necessary or advisable permits, consents, approvals
and authorizations of Governmental Authorities.
Section 7.4 SHAREHOLDER APPROVALS.
(a) APPROVAL OF PEPCO SHAREHOLDERS. PEPCO shall, as promptly as reasonably
practicable after the date hereof
(i) take all steps reasonably necessary to duly call, give notice of,
convene and hold special meetings of its shareholders (the "PEPCO SPECIAL
MEETINGS") for the purpose of securing the PEPCO Shareholders' Approvals,
(ii) distribute to its shareholders the Joint Proxy Statement in
accordance with applicable federal and state law and its Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws,
(iii) recommend to its shareholders the approval of the Merger, this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and
(iv) cooperate and consult with BGE with respect to each of the foregoing
matters, PROVIDED, that nothing contained in this SECTION 7.4(A) shall
require the Board of Directors of PEPCO to take any action or refrain from
taking any action that such Board determines in good faith with written
advice of counsel could reasonably be expected to result in a breach of its
fiduciary duties under applicable law.
(b) APPROVAL OF BGE SHAREHOLDERS. BGE shall, as promptly as reasonably
practicable after the date hereof
(i) take all steps reasonably necessary to duly call, give notice of,
convene and hold special meetings of its shareholders (the "BGE SPECIAL
MEETINGS") for the purpose of securing the BGE Shareholders' Approvals,
(ii) distribute to its shareholders the Joint Proxy Statement in
accordance with applicable federal and state law and its Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws,
(iii) recommend to its shareholders the approval of the Merger, this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and
(iv) cooperate and consult with PEPCO with respect to each of the
foregoing matters, PROVIDED that nothing contained in this SECTION 7.4(B)
shall require the Board of Directors of BGE to take any action or refrain
from taking any action that such Board determines in good faith with written
advice of counsel could reasonably be expected to result in a breach of its
fiduciary duties under applicable law.
(c) MEETING DATE. The BGE Special Meetings and the PEPCO Special Meetings
shall be held on the same day unless otherwise agreed by BGE and PEPCO.
(d) FAIRNESS OPINIONS NOT WITHDRAWN. It shall be a condition to the
obligation of PEPCO to hold the PEPCO Special Meetings that the opinion of Barr
Devlin & Co. Incorporated referred to in SECTION 7.2(d)(i) shall not have been
withdrawn, and it shall be a condition to the obligation of BGE to hold the BGE
Special Meetings that the opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co. referred to in SECTION
7.2(d)(ii) shall not have been withdrawn.
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Section 7.5 DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) INDEMNIFICATION.
(i) To the extent, if any, not provided by an existing right of
indemnification or other agreement or policy, from and after the Effective
Time, the Company shall, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable
law, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the present and former directors,
officers and employees of the parties hereto and their respective
subsidiaries (each an "INDEMNIFIED PARTY" and, collectively, the
"INDEMNIFIED PARTIES") against
(A) all losses, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses), claims, damages, costs, liabilities, judgments or amounts that
are paid in settlement of or in connection with any claim, action, suit,
proceeding or investigation (collectively, "INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES") (x)
based in whole or in part on or arising in whole or in part out of the
fact that such person is or was a director, officer or employee of such
party or any subsidiary thereof, and (y) pertaining to any matter
existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted
or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, and
(B) all Indemnified Liabilities based in whole or in part on, or
arising in whole or in part out of, or pertaining to this Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company
shall not be liable for any settlement effected without its written
consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).
(ii) In the event of any such loss, expense, claim, damage, cost,
liability, judgment or settlement (whether or not arising before the
Effective Time),
(A) the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel
selected by the Indemnified Parties, which counsel shall be reasonably
satisfactory to the Company, promptly after statements therefor are
received, and otherwise advance to the Indemnified Parties upon request
reimbursement of documented expenses reasonably incurred, in either case
to the extent not prohibited by applicable law,
(B) the Company shall cooperate in the defense of any such matter,
and
(C) any determination required to be made with respect to whether an
Indemnified Party's conduct complies with the standards under applicable
law or as set forth in the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
shall be made by independent counsel mutually acceptable to the Company
and the Indemnified Party, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not
be liable for any settlement effected without its written consent (which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).
(iii) The Indemnified Parties as a group may retain only one law firm
(other than local counsel) with respect to each related matter except to the
extent there is, in the sole opinion of counsel to an Indemnified Party,
under applicable standards of professional conduct, a conflict on any
significant issue between positions of any two or more Indemnified Parties,
in which case each Indemnified Party with a conflicting position on a
significant issue shall be entitled to separate counsel.
(b) INSURANCE. For a period of six (6) years after the Effective Time, the
Company shall cause to be maintained in effect the policies of directors' and
officers' liability insurance maintained by BGE and PEPCO; PROVIDED that the
Company may substitute therefor policies of at least the same coverage
containing terms that are no less advantageous with respect to matters occurring
prior to the Effective Time to the extent such liability insurance can be
maintained annually at a cost to the Company not greater than 200 percent of the
current aggregate annual premiums for the policies currently maintained by BGE
and PEPCO for their directors' and officers' liability insurance; PROVIDED,
FURTHER, that if such insurance cannot be so maintained or obtained at such
cost, the Company shall maintain or obtain as much of such insurance for each of
BGE and PEPCO as can be so maintained or obtained at a cost equal to 200 percent
of the respective current annual premiums of each of BGE and PEPCO for their
directors' and officers' liability insurance.
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(c) SUCCESSORS. In the event the Company or any of its successors or
assigns
(i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and shall not be
the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or
merger, or
(ii) transfers all or substantially all of its properties and assets to
any person, then and in either such case, proper provision shall be made so
that the successors and assigns of the Company shall assume the obligations
set forth in this SECTION 7.5.
(d) SURVIVAL OF INDEMNIFICATION. To the fullest extent not prohibited by
law, from and after the Effective Time, all rights to indemnification now
existing in favor of the employees, agents, directors or officers of BGE, PEPCO
and their respective subsidiaries with respect to their activities as such prior
to the Effective Time, as provided in their respective Articles of Incorporation
or Bylaws in effect on the date of such activities or otherwise in effect on the
date hereof, shall survive the Merger and shall continue in full force and
effect for a period of six years from the Effective Time.
(e) The provisions of this SECTION 7.5 are intended to be for the benefit
of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party, his or her heirs and
his or her representatives.
Section 7.6 DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES.
(a) On or before the date of this Agreement,
(i) PEPCO shall deliver to BGE a schedule (the "PEPCO DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE"), which shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by the chief
financial officer of PEPCO stating the Disclosure Schedule is being
delivered pursuant to this SECTION 7.6(a)(i) and
(ii) BGE shall deliver to PEPCO a schedule (the "BGE DISCLOSURE
SCHEDULE"), which shall be accompanied by a certificate signed by the chief
financial officer of BGE stating the BGE Disclosure Schedule is being
delivered pursuant to this SECTION 7.6(a)(ii).
(b) The Disclosure Schedules shall constitute an integral part of this
Agreement and shall modify or otherwise affect the respective representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties hereto contained herein to
the extent that such representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
expressly refer to the Disclosure Schedules.
(c) Any and all statements, representations warranties or disclosures set
forth in the Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed to have been made on and as of
the date of this Agreement.
(d) The PEPCO Disclosure Schedule and the BGE Disclosure Schedule are
collectively referred to herein as the "DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES".
(e) Without limiting the application of the Confidentiality Agreement, the
parties shall use their best efforts to keep the Disclosure Schedules
confidential.
Section 7.7 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. BGE and PEPCO shall cooperate with each
other in the development and distribution of all news releases and other public
information disclosures with respect to this Agreement or any of the
transactions contemplated hereby and shall not issue any public announcement or
statement prior to consultation with the other party, however, each party
recognizes the other party's obligations imposed by law or any applicable
national securities exchange, and will endeavor to accommodate such obligations.
Section 7.8 RULE 145 AFFILIATES. PEPCO shall identify in a letter to BGE,
and BGE shall identify in a letter to PEPCO, all persons who are, at the Closing
Date, "affiliates" of PEPCO and BGE, respectively, as such term is used in Rule
145 under the Securities Act. PEPCO and BGE shall use their respective best
efforts to cause their respective affiliates to deliver to the Company on or
prior to the Closing Date a written agreement as described in SECTION 8.2(f) and
SECTION 8.3(f), respectively.
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Section 7.9 ASSUMPTION OF PEPCO AND BGE AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS.
(a) The Company shall assume at the Effective Time each of the individual
employment agreements and arrangements of PEPCO and BGE in effect on the Closing
Date (or as amended in accordance with or as permitted by this Agreement),
subject to the right of the Company to thereafter amend, modify, suspend, revoke
or terminate such agreements and arrangements consistent with the terms thereof
and applicable law.
(b) PEPCO and BGE shall consult with each other prior to entering into, or
amending, any individual employment or severance agreements after the date
hereof as contemplated or permitted in accordance with SECTION 6.9. Each of
PEPCO and BGE shall promptly furnish to the other, upon reasonable request by
the other, detailed information, together with underlying documentation, with
respect to all such existing or proposed individual employment or severance
agreements or amendments thereto.
Section 7.10 INCENTIVE, STOCK AND OTHER PLANS.
With respect to each of the plans and programs of PEPCO and BGE identified
in Section 6.3 of the PEPCO and BGE Disclosure Schedules that the parties later
determine shall survive the Closing and each other employee benefit plan,
program or arrangement of the Company under which the delivery of PEPCO Common
Stock, BGE Common Stock or Company Common Stock, as the case may be, is required
to be used for purposes of the payment of benefits, grant of awards or exercise
of options (each a "STOCK PLAN"),
(i) BGE and PEPCO shall take such action as may be necessary so that,
after the Effective Time, such Stock Plan shall provide for the issuance
only of Company Common Stock, and
(ii) the Company shall
(A) take all corporate action necessary or appropriate to obtain
shareholder approval with respect to such Stock Plan to the extent such
approval is required for purposes of the Code or other applicable law,
or, to the extent the Company deems it desirable, to enable such Stock
Plan to comply with Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act,
(B) reserve for issuance under such Stock Plan or otherwise provide a
sufficient number of shares of Company Common Stock for delivery upon
payment of benefits, grants of awards or exercise of options under such
Stock Plan and
(C) as soon as practicable after the Effective Time, file one or more
registration statements under the Securities Act with respect to the
shares of Company Common Stock subject to such Stock Plan to the extent
such filing is required under applicable law and use its best efforts to
maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement(s) (and the
current status of the prospectuses contained therein or related thereto)
so long as such benefits, grants or awards remain payable or such options
remain outstanding, as the case may be.
Section 7.11 NO SOLICITATIONS.
(a) No party hereto shall, and each such party shall cause its subsidiaries
not to, shall not permit any of its Representatives to, and shall use its best
efforts to cause such persons not to, directly or indirectly, initiate, solicit
or encourage, or take any action to facilitate the making of any offer or
proposal that constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to any Takeover
Proposal (as defined below), or, in the event of any unsolicited Takeover
Proposal, engage in negotiations or provide any confidential information or data
to any person relating to any Takeover Proposal.
(b) PEPCO and BGE shall notify the other orally and in writing of any such
inquiries, offers or proposals (including, without limitation, the terms and
conditions of any such proposal and the identity of the person making it) within
24 hours of the receipt thereof and shall give the other ten days' advance
notice of any agreement to be entered into with or any information to be
supplied to any person making such inquiry, offer or proposal.
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(c) Each party hereto shall immediately cease and cause to be terminated all
existing discussions and negotiations, if any, with any other persons conducted
heretofore with respect to any Takeover Proposal.
(d) Notwithstanding anything in this SECTION 7.11 to the contrary, unless
the BGE Shareholders' Approvals and the PEPCO Shareholders' Approvals have all
been obtained, PEPCO or BGE may, to the extent that the Board of Directors of
such party determines in good faith with the written advice of outside counsel
that a failure to do so could reasonably be expected to result in a breach of
its fiduciary duties under applicable law, participate in discussions or
negotiations with, furnish information to, and afford access to the properties,
books and records of such party and its subsidiaries to any person in connection
with a possible Takeover Proposal with respect to such party by such person.
(e) As used in this SECTION 7.11, "TAKEOVER PROPOSAL" shall mean any tender
or exchange offer, proposal for a merger, consolidation or other business
combination involving PEPCO, BGE or any of their respective material
subsidiaries, or any proposal or offer to acquire in any manner a substantial
equity interest in, or a substantial portion of the assets of, PEPCO, BGE or any
of their respective material subsidiaries, other than pursuant to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 7.12 COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(a) BGE's and PEPCO's Boards of Directors shall take such action as may be
necessary to cause the number of directors comprising the full Board of
Directors of the Company (the "COMPANY BOARD") at the Effective Time to be 16
persons, consisting of Mr. Edward F. Mitchell, Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr., Mr.
Christian H. Poindexter, Mr. Edward A. Crooke, seven persons designated by BGE
prior to the Effective Time and five persons designated by PEPCO prior to the
Effective Time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if, prior to the Effective Time, any of
such designees shall decline or be unable to serve, the party that designated
such person shall designate another person to serve in such person's stead.
(b) The initial designation of directors among the three classes of the
Company Board shall be allocated among PEPCO and BGE designees as set forth on
EXHIBIT 7.12.
(c) The initial Company Board committees and committee memberships shall be
determined by the Company Board; PROVIDED that (i) there shall be six
committees;
(ii) three committees shall be chaired by a designee of the PEPCO Board;
(iii) three committees shall be chaired by a designee of the BGE Board; (iv)
there shall be a Committee on Management (responsible for nominating,
compensation and major organizational changes) which shall be chaired by a
designee of the BGE Board; and (v) there shall be an Executive Committee
(responsible for certain financing matters) which shall be chaired by Mr.
Edward F. Mitchell.
(d) From the Effective Time until two years after the Closing Date, a vote
of sixty six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the members of the Company
Board shall be required to approve a change in the Company's name or the
location of its headquarters or principal executive offices, to amend the
employment contracts identified in SECTION 7.14 or otherwise change any of the
titles or functions of the particular individuals referred to in SECTION 7.13 as
set forth in such employment contracts as in effect at the Effective Time, to
change any of the committee matters provided in SECTION 7.12(c) or to amend any
bylaw provisions corresponding to the provisions of this SECTION 7.12(D) adopted
pursuant to SECTION 1.4.
Section 7.13 COMPANY OFFICERS.
(a) From the Effective Time until one year after the Closing Date, Mr.
Edward F. Mitchell shall serve as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Christian H.
Poindexter shall serve as Chairman beginning at the earlier of one year from the
Closing Date or when Mr. Edward F. Mitchell is not available to serve as
Chairman. In addition, Mr. Christian H. Poindexter will be Chief Executive
Officer from the Effective
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Time. If Mr. Christian H. Poindexter is not available at the Effective Time to
serve as Chief Executive Officer, the then Chief Executive Officer of BGE shall
serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, subject to confirmation by a
majority of the members of the Company Board.
(b) From the Effective Time Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr. shall serve as
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, and Mr. Edward A. Crooke
will serve as Vice Chairman. If Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr. is not available at the
Effective Time to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company,
the then President of PEPCO shall serve as President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Company, subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the
Company Board.
(c) The provisions of this SECTION 7.13 are subject to the fiduciary duties
of the Company Board and to the specific terms of the employment contracts
referred to in SECTION 7.14, and the duties and responsibilities attributable to
the positions referred to in this SECTION 7.13 shall be as set forth in such
contracts.
Section 7.14 EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS.
The Company shall, as of or prior to the Effective Time, enter into
employment contracts in the forms set forth in EXHIBIT 7.14.1, EXHIBIT 7.14.2,
EXHIBIT 7.14.3 and EXHIBIT 7.14.4.
Section 7.15 CORPORATE OFFICES AND NAME.
(a) As soon as reasonably possible after the Effective Time, the corporate
headquarters and principal executive offices of the Company shall be located in
the Annapolis, Maryland area, and the Company shall maintain significant
operations in the District of Columbia and Baltimore, Maryland.
(b) At the Effective Time, the Company's name shall be as agreed upon by the
BGE Board of Directors and the PEPCO Board of Directors prior to the Effective
Time.
Section 7.16 TRANSITION MANAGEMENT.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof, BGE and PEPCO shall
create a special transition management task force (the "TASK FORCE") that shall
be comprised of representatives from each of the primary business functions of
each company and headed by Mr. Edward A. Crooke (or an individual designated by
him) and Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr. (or an individual designated by him).
(b) The functions of the Task Force shall include (i) to serve as a conduit
for the flow of information and documents between the companies and their
subsidiaries as contemplated by SECTION 6.15, (ii) to review and evaluate
proposed exceptions to the restrictions on the conduct of business pending the
Merger set forth in ARTICLE VI, (iii) development of regulatory plans and
proposals, corporate organizational and management plans, workforce combination
proposals, and such other matters as they deem appropriate, and (iv) to evaluate
and recommend the manner in which best to organize and manage the business of
the Company after the Effective Time. A consent by either PEPCO or BGE to an
exception to the restrictions set forth in ARTICLE VI shall be effective only if
set forth in a writing that describes in reasonable detail the actions proposed
to be taken and that is signed by Mr. Edward A. Crooke (or his designee) or Mr.
John M. Derrick, Jr. (or his designee), as the case may be.
(c) From time to time, the Task Force shall report its findings to Mr.
Christian H. Poindexter and Mr. Edward F. Mitchell, each of whom shall report on
such matters as they deem appropriate to their respective board of directors.
After the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time, Mr. Edward F. Mitchell
shall frequently attend meetings of BGE's Board of Directors and Mr. Christian
H. Poindexter shall frequently attend meetings of PEPCO's Board of Directors as
appropriate in consultation with each other.
(d) In connection with their responsibilities as co-heads of the Task Force,
Messrs. John M. Derrick, Jr., and Edward A. Crooke shall together recommend to
Messrs. Christian H. Poindexter and Edward F. Mitchell organizational matters
and candidates to serve as the officers of the Company who
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are not otherwise designated by this Agreement. All such organizational matters
and appointment of officers shall be subject to final approval by a majority of
the members of the Board of Directors of the Company, upon the recommendation of
Mr. Christian H. Poindexter.
Section 7.17 EXPENSES. Subject to SECTION 9.3, all costs and expenses
incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses, except that those
expenses incurred in connection with printing the Joint Proxy/ Registration
Statement, as well as the filing fee relating thereto, shall be shared equally
by BGE, on the one hand, and PEPCO, on the other.
Section 7.18 COVENANT TO SATISFY CONDITIONS.
(a) Each of PEPCO and BGE shall take all reasonable actions necessary to
comply promptly with all legal requirements that may be imposed on it with
respect to this Agreement.
(b) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, and taking into account the
circumstances and giving due weight to the materiality of the matter involved or
the action required, PEPCO and BGE shall each use its 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 laws and regulations to
consummate and make effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated
hereby (subject to the votes of its shareholders described in SECTIONS 4.13 and
5.13, respectively), including fully cooperating with the other in obtaining the
PEPCO Required Statutory Approvals, the BGE Required Statutory Approvals and all
other approvals and authorizations of any Governmental Authorities necessary or
advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
(c) In connection therewith, PEPCO and BGE agree that teams consisting of
members from both PEPCO and BGE will be designated to prepare the regulatory
filings listed below with the leaders of each team as noted:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FERC PEPCO
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
<S> <C>
NRC................................................................................ BGE
1933 Act, 1934 Act, and Blue Sky filing............................................ BGE
1935 Act, if any................................................................... PEPCO
the Maryland Commission and the Pennsylvania Commission............................ BGE
the D.C. Commission and the Virginia Commission.................................... PEPCO
</TABLE>
ARTICLE VIII.
CONDITIONS
Section 8.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE
MERGER. The respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be
subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions, except, to the extent permitted by applicable law, that such
conditions may be waived in writing pursuant to SECTION 9.5:
(a) SHAREHOLDER APPROVALS. The PEPCO Shareholders' Approvals and the BGE
Shareholders' Approvals shall have been obtained.
(b) NO INJUNCTION. No temporary restraining order or preliminary or
permanent injunction or other order by any federal or state court preventing
consummation of the Merger shall have been issued and continuing in effect, and
the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby shall not have been
prohibited under any applicable federal or state law or regulation.
(c) REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The Registration Statement shall have become
effective in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act, and no stop
order suspending such effectiveness shall have been issued and remain in effect.
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(d) LISTING OF SHARES. The shares of Company Common Stock issuable in the
Merger pursuant to ARTICLE II shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE
upon official notice of issuance.
(e) POOLING. Each of BGE and PEPCO shall have received a letter of its
independent public accountants, dated the Closing Date, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to PEPCO and BGE, respectively, stating that the Merger
will qualify as a pooling-of-interests transaction under GAAP and applicable SEC
regulations.
(f) STATUTORY APPROVALS. The BGE Required Statutory Approvals and the PEPCO
Required Statutory Approvals shall have been obtained at or prior to the
Effective Time, such approvals shall have become Final Orders (as hereinafter
defined), and no Final Order shall impose terms or conditions that would have,
or would be reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise),
prospects or results of operations of the Company (a "COMPANY MATERIAL ADVERSE
EFFECT"). A "FINAL ORDER" means action by the relevant regulatory authority that
has not been reversed, stayed, enjoined, set aside, annulled or suspended, with
respect to which any waiting period prescribed by law before the transactions
contemplated hereby may be consummated has expired, and as to which all
conditions to the consummation of such transactions prescribed by law,
regulation or order have been satisfied, and as to which all opportunities for
rehearing are exhausted (whether or not any appeal thereof is pending).
(g) VIRGINIA INCORPORATION. The Company shall have become validly existing
as a domestic corporation of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Section 8.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF PEPCO TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The
obligation of PEPCO to effect the Merger shall be further subject to the
satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions,
except as may be waived by PEPCO in writing pursuant to SECTION 9.5:
(a) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF BGE. BGE shall have performed in all
material respects its agreements and covenants contained in or contemplated by
this Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the Effective Time.
(b) CLOSING CERTIFICATES. PEPCO shall have received a certificate signed by
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of BGE, dated the
Closing Date, to the effect that, to each such officer's knowledge, the
conditions set forth in SECTION 8.2(a) have been satisfied.
(c) BGE MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. No BGE Material Adverse Effect shall have
occurred and there shall exist no fact or circumstance that would have, or would
be reasonably likely to have, a BGE Material Adverse Effect.
(d) TAX OPINION. PEPCO shall have received an opinion of counsel, in form
and substance satisfactory to PEPCO, dated the Closing Date, which opinion may
be based on appropriate representations of BGE, PEPCO and the Company, in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to such counsel, to the effect that the
Merger will be a tax-free reorganization under Code SECTION 368(a) and that
PEPCO, the Company and the shareholders of PEPCO who exchange their shares
solely for stock of the Company will recognize no gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of the consummation of the Merger.
(e) BGE REQUIRED CONSENTS. The BGE Required Consents shall have been
obtained, except those that in the aggregate would not result in and would not
reasonably likely result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(f) AFFILIATE CERTIFICATES. The Company shall have received written
agreement dated the Closing Date from each person who is an affiliate of BGE to
the effect that:
(i) such person has no present plan or intention to transfer, sell or
otherwise dispose of any Company Common Stock such person may receive as a
result of the Merger;
(ii) until such time as financial results covering at least thirty (30)
days of post-closing combined operations of PEPCO, BGE and the Company have
been published, such person shall
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not sell such Company Common Stock in any transaction, private or public, or
in any other way reduce such person's risk relative to any Company Common
Stock that such person receives as a result of the Merger, except to the
extent permitted pursuant to SAB No. 76;
(iii) any future disposition by such person of any Company Common Stock
such person receives as the result of the Merger will be accomplished in
accordance with Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act; and
(iv) such person agrees that appropriate legends shall be placed upon the
certificates evidencing ownership of the Company Common Stock that such
person receives as a result of the Merger.
Section 8.3 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF BGE TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The
obligation of BGE to effect the Merger shall be further subject to the
satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions,
except as may be waived by BGE in writing pursuant to SECTION 9.5:
(a) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF PEPCO. PEPCO shall have performed in all
material respects its agreements and covenants contained in or contemplated by
this Agreement required to be performed by it at or prior to the Effective Time.
(b) CLOSING CERTIFICATES. BGE shall have received a certificate signed by
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of PEPCO, dated the
Closing Date, to the effect that, to each such officer's knowledge, the
conditions set forth in SECTION 8.3(A) have been satisfied.
(c) PEPCO MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT. No PEPCO Material Adverse Effect shall
have occurred and there shall exist no fact or circumstance that would have, or
would be reasonably likely to have, a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect.
(d) TAX OPINION. BGE shall have received an opinion of counsel, in form and
substance satisfactory to BGE, dated the Closing Date, which opinion may be
based on appropriate representations of BGE, PEPCO and the Company, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to such counsel, to the effect that the Merger
will be a tax-free reorganization under Code SECTION 368(A) and that BGE, the
Company and the shareholders of BGE who exchange their shares solely for stock
of the Company will recognize no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as
a result of the consummation of the Merger.
(e) PEPCO REQUIRED CONSENTS. The PEPCO Required Consents shall have been
obtained except those that in the aggregate would not result in and would not
reasonably likely result in a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(f) AFFILIATE CERTIFICATES. The Company shall have received a written
agreement dated the Closing Date from each person who is an affiliate of PEPCO
to the effect that:
(i) such person has no present plan or intention to transfer, sell or
otherwise dispose of any Company Common Stock such person may receive as a
result of the Merger;
(ii) until such time as financial results covering at least thirty (30)
days of post-closing combined operations of PEPCO, BGE and the Company have
been published, such person shall not sell such Company Common Stock in any
transaction, private or public, or in any other way reduce such person's
risk relative to any Company Common Stock that such person receives as a
result of the Merger, except to the extent permitted pursuant to SAB No. 76;
(iii) any future disposition by such person of any Company Common Stock
such person receives as the result of the Merger will be accomplished in
accordance with Rule 145(d) under the Securities Act; and
(iv) such person agrees that appropriate legends shall be placed upon the
certificates evidencing ownership of the Company Common Stock that such
person receives as a result of the Merger.
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ARTICLE IX.
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger
abandoned at any time prior to the Closing Date, whether before or after
approval by the shareholders of the respective parties hereto contemplated by
this Agreement:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Boards of Directors of BGE and
PEPCO;
(b) by PEPCO or BGE, by written notice to the other, if the Effective
Time shall not have occurred on or before March 31, 1997; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that such date shall automatically be changed to March 31, 1998 if, on March
31, 1997:
(i) the condition set forth in SECTION 8.1(F) has not been satisfied
or waived;
(ii) the other conditions to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby are then capable of being satisfied; and
(iii) any approvals required by SECTION 8.1(f) that have not yet been
obtained are being pursued with diligence; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that the
right to terminate this Agreement under this SECTION 9.1(B) shall not be
available to any party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this
Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the
Effective Time to occur on or before the termination date;
(c) by PEPCO or BGE, by written notice to the other party if the BGE
Shareholders' Approvals shall not have been obtained at a duly held BGE
Special Meetings, including any adjournments thereof, or the PEPCO
Shareholders' Approvals shall not have been obtained at duly held PEPCO
Special Meetings, including any adjournments thereof;
(d) by PEPCO or BGE, if any state or federal law, order, rule or
regulation is adopted or issued, that has the effect, as supported by the
written opinion of outside counsel for such party, of prohibiting the
Merger, or by PEPCO or BGE, if any court of competent jurisdiction in the
United States or any State shall have issued an order, judgment or decree
permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger, and
such order, judgment or decree shall have become final and nonappealable;
(e) by PEPCO, upon two days' prior notice to BGE, if, as a result of a
tender offer or any written offer or proposal with respect to a merger, sale
of a material portion of its assets or other business combination (each, a
"BUSINESS COMBINATION"), in each case by a party other than BGE or any of
its affiliates, the Board of Directors of PEPCO determines in good faith
that the fiduciary obligations of such directors under applicable law
require that such tender offer or other written offer or proposal be
accepted; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
(i) the Board of Directors of PEPCO shall have been advised in
writing by outside counsel that, notwithstanding a binding commitment to
consummate an agreement of the nature of this Agreement entered into in
the proper exercise of their applicable fiduciary duties, such fiduciary
duties would also require the directors to reconsider such commitment as
a result of such tender offer or such written offer or proposal, and
(ii) prior to any such termination, PEPCO shall, and shall cause its
respective financial and legal advisors to, negotiate with BGE to make
such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement as would
enable PEPCO to proceed with the transactions contemplated herein;
(f) by BGE, upon two days' prior notice to PEPCO, if, as a result of a
tender offer or any written offer or proposal with respect to a Business
Combination, in each case by a party other
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<PAGE>
than PEPCO or any of its affiliates, the Board of Directors of BGE
determines in good faith that the fiduciary obligations of such directors
under applicable law require that such tender offer or other written offer
or proposal be accepted; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
(i) the Board of Directors of BGE shall have been advised in writing
by outside counsel that, notwithstanding a binding commitment to
consummate an agreement of the nature of this Agreement entered into in
the proper exercise of their applicable fiduciary duties, such fiduciary
duties would also require the directors to reconsider such commitment as
a result of such tender offer or such written offer or proposal, and
(ii) prior to any such termination, BGE shall, and shall cause its
respective financial and legal advisors to, negotiate with PEPCO to make
such adjustments in the terms and conditions of this Agreement as would
enable BGE to proceed with the transactions contemplated herein;
(g) by PEPCO, by written notice to BGE, if
(i) there shall have been any material breach of any material
representation or warranty, or any material breach of any covenant or
agreement, of BGE hereunder, and such breach shall not have been remedied
within twenty days after receipt by BGE of notice in writing from PEPCO,
specifying the nature of such breach and requesting that it be remedied,
or
(ii) the Board of Directors of BGE shall withdraw or modify in any
manner materially adverse to PEPCO its approval or recommendation of this
Agreement or the Merger or resolve to take such action; or
(h) by BGE, by written notice to PEPCO, if
(i) there shall have been any material breach of any material
representation or warranty, or any material breach of any covenant or
agreement, of PEPCO hereunder, and such breach shall not have been
remedied within twenty days after receipt by PEPCO of notice in writing
from BGE, specifying the nature of such breach and requesting that it be
remedied, or
(ii) the Board of Directors of PEPCO shall withdraw or modify in any
manner materially adverse to BGE its approval or recommendation of this
Agreement or the Merger or resolve to take such action.
Section 9.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of termination of this
Agreement by either BGE or PEPCO pursuant to SECTION 9.1, there shall be no
liability on the part of either BGE or PEPCO or their respective officers or
directors hereunder, except that
(i) SECTION 6.20, SECTION 7.1(B), SECTION 7.6(E), SECTION 7.18,
SECTION 9.3 and SECTION 10.2 shall survive and
(ii) no such termination shall relieve any party from liability by
reason of any willful breach of any representation, warranty or covenant
contained in this Agreement.
Section 9.3 TERMINATION DAMAGES.
(a) DAMAGES PAYABLE UPON TERMINATION FOR BREACH. If this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to SECTION 9.1(g)(i) or SECTION 9.1(h)(i) (breach of
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement), then the breaching party shall
promptly (but not later than five business days after receipt of notice that the
amount is due from the other party) pay to the other party, as liquidated
damages, $10 million in cash in respect of out-of-pocket expenses and fees
incurred by the other party, including, without limitation, fees and expenses
payable to all legal, accounting, financial, public relations and other
professional advisors arising out of, in connection with or related to the
Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively,
"OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES").
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<PAGE>
(b) DAMAGES PAYABLE IN CERTAIN OTHER EVENTS. If this Agreement
(i) is terminated
(A) pursuant to SECTION 9.1(e) or SECTION 9.1(f) (fiduciary out),
(B) pursuant to SECTION 9.1(c) (failure to obtain shareholder
approval), following a failure of the shareholders of PEPCO or BGE to
grant the necessary approvals described in SECTION 4.13 or SECTION
5.13, as the case may be (a "SHAREHOLDER DISAPPROVAL"),
(C) as a result of a material breach of SECTION 7.4 (approval of
shareholders), or
(D) pursuant to SECTION 9.1(g)(ii) or SECTION 9.1(h)(ii) (board
withdrawal or modification of approval or recommendation),
and
(ii) with respect to any termination referred to in clause (i)(A),
(B) or (C) above, at the time of such termination (or, in the case of any
termination following a Shareholder Disapproval, prior to the shareholder
meeting at which such Shareholder Disapproval occurred), there shall have
been a third-party tender offer for shares of, or a third-party offer or
proposal with respect to a Business Combination involving, PEPCO or BGE
(as the case may be, the "TARGET PARTY") or the affiliates thereof which,
at the time of such termination (or of the meeting of the Target Party's
shareholders, as the case may be) shall not have been (x) rejected by the
Target Party and its Board of Directors and (y) withdrawn by the third-
party,
then the Target Party shall pay the other party a termination fee equal to $75
million in cash and $10 million in cash in respect of Out-of-Pocket Expenses.
(c) EXPENSES.
(i) The parties agree that the agreements contained in this SECTION
9.3 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and constitute liquidated damages and not a penalty.
(ii) If one party fails to promptly pay to the other any amounts due
under this SECTION 9.3, such defaulting party shall pay the costs and
expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) in connection
with any action, including the filing of any lawsuit or other legal
action, taken to collect payment, together with interest on the amount of
any unpaid fee at the publicly announced prime rate of Citibank, N.A. in
effect from time to time from the date such fee was required to be paid.
(d) LIMITATION OF FEES. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
the aggregate amount payable by BGE and its affiliates pursuant to SECTION
9.3(a), SECTION 9.3(b) and the terms of the BGE Stock Option Agreement shall not
exceed $125 million and the aggregate amount payable by PEPCO and its affiliates
pursuant to SECTION 9.3(a), SECTION 9.3(b) and the terms of the PEPCO Stock
Option Agreement shall not exceed $125 million. For purposes of this Section
9.3(d), the amount payable pursuant to the terms of the PEPCO Option or the BGE
Option, as the case may be, shall be the amount paid pursuant to Sections
7(a)(i) and 7(a)(ii) thereof.
Section 9.4 AMENDMENT.
(a) This Agreement may be amended by parties hereto pursuant to action of
their respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or after approval
hereof by the shareholders of BGE and PEPCO and prior to the Effective Time, but
after such approvals, no such amendment shall
(i) alter or change the amount or kind of shares, to be received or
exchanged for or on conversion of any class or series of capital stock of
either corporation as provided under Article II,
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<PAGE>
(ii) alter or change any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement
if any of the alterations or changes, alone or in the aggregate, would
materially and adversely affect the rights of holders of BGE Common Stock,
BGE Preferred Stock, BGE Preference Stock, PEPCO Common Stock or PEPCO
Preferred Stock, or
(iii) alter or change any term of the Articles of Incorporation of the
Company, except for alterations or changes that could otherwise be adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Company, without the further approval of
such shareholders, as applicable.
(b) This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing
signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
Section 9.5 WAIVER.
(a) At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties hereto may
(i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other parties hereto,
(ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties
contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto and
(iii) waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions
contained herein.
(b) Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or
waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by a
duly authorized officer of such party.
ARTICLE X.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 10.1 NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, COVENANTS AND
AGREEMENTS. All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this
Agreement shall not survive the Merger, except the covenants and agreements
contained in this SECTION 10.1 and in ARTICLE II, SECTION 7.1(B) (Access to
Information), SECTION 7.5 (Directors' and Officers Indemnification), SECTION
7.6(E) (Disclosure Schedules), SECTION 7.10 (Incentive, Stock and Other Plans),
SECTION 7.12 (Company Board of Directors), SECTION 7.13 (Company Officers),
SECTION 7.14 (Employment Contracts), SECTION 7.15 (Corporate Offices and Name),
SECTION 9.3 (Termination Damages) and SECTION 10.7 (Parties In Interest), each
of which shall survive in accordance with its terms.
Section 10.2 BROKERS.
(a) BGE represents and warrants that, except for Goldman, Sachs & Co., its
investment banking firm, no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to
any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the Merger
or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made
by or on behalf of BGE.
(b) PEPCO represents and warrants that, except for Barr Devlin & Co.
Incorporated, its investment banking firm, no broker, finder or investment
banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in
connection with the Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of PEPCO.
Section 10.3 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) if delivered personally, or (b) if
sent by overnight courier service (receipt confirmed in writing), or (c) if
delivered by facsimile transmission (with receipt confirmed), or (d) five days
after being mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to
the parties, in each case to the following addresses (or at such other address
for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
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<PAGE>
(i) If to BGE, two copies, one each to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By Mail: P.O. Box 1475
Baltimore, MD 21203
By Hand: Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, MD 21201
Attention: Charles W. Shivery
Vice President and CFO
Fax: (410) 234-5690
David A. Brune, Esq.
General Counsel
Fax: (410) 234-5513
with a copy Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
to: One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004-1490
Attention: Stephen R. Rusmisel, Esq.
Fax: (212) 858-1500
</TABLE>
(ii) If to PEPCO, to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
By Mail and 1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Hand: Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: Dennis R. Wraase
Senior Vice President -- Finance and
Accounting
Fax: (202) 331-6314
William T. Torgerson
Senior Vice President -- Law &
Governmental Relations,
General Counsel and Secretary
Fax: (202) 331-6314
with a copy LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
to: 125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Douglas W. Hawes, Esq.
Fax: (212) 424-8500
and a copy to: Covington & Burling
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20044
Attention: George B. Reid, Jr., Esq.
Fax: (202) 662-6291
</TABLE>
Section 10.4 MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) This Agreement (including the documents and instruments referred to
herein):
(i) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties, or
any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof other than the
Confidentiality Agreement;
(ii) shall not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise; and
(iii) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Maryland applicable to contracts executed in and to be fully
performed in such State, without giving effect to its conflicts of laws
statutes, rules or principles.
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<PAGE>
(b)(i) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
(ii) The parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to replace any
provision of this Agreement so held invalid or unenforceable with a valid
provision that is as similar as possible in substance to the invalid or
unenforceable provision.
Section 10.5 INTERPRETATION.
(a) When reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections or
Exhibits, such reference shall be to an Article, Section or Exhibit of this
Agreement, as the case may be, unless otherwise indicated.
(b) The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation
of this Agreement.
(c) Whenever the words "include", "includes", or "including" are used in
this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation."
(d) Whenever "or" is used in this Agreement it shall be construed in the
nonexclusive sense.
Section 10.6 COUNTERPARTS; EFFECT. This Agreement may be executed in one
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all
of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Section 10.7 PARTIES IN INTEREST.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each
party hereto, and, except for rights of Indemnified Parties and their heirs and
representatives as set forth in SECTION 7.5, nothing in this Agreement, express
or implied, is intended to confer upon any person any rights or remedies of any
nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
Section 10.8 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.
(a) The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur in the
event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached.
(b) It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce
specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States
or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to
which they are entitled at law or in equity.
Section 10.9 FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party hereto shall execute such
further documents and instruments and take such further actions as may
reasonably be requested by any other party hereto in order to consummate the
Merger in accordance with the terms hereof.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, BGE, PEPCO and the Company have caused this Agreement to
be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date
first written above.
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
By: /s/ CHRISTIAN H. POINDEXTER
--------------------------------------
Name: Christian H. Poindexter
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief
Executive Officer
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
By: /s/ EDWARD F. MITCHELL
--------------------------------------
Name: Edward F. Mitchell
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
RH ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ STEPHEN R. RUSMISEL
--------------------------------------
Name: Stephen R. Rusmisel
Title: Director
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.3
As of the Effective Time, the Articles of Incorporation of the Company shall
provide:
(a) that the corporate name shall be as determined in accordance with
Section 7.15(b);
(b) that the Company Class A Preferred Stock and the Company Class B
Preferred Stock are pari passu in respect of dividends and other
distribution and in liquidation;
(c) that the Company Class A Preferred Stock and the Company Class B
Preferred Stock are senior to the Company Preference Stock, and the
Company Preference Stock is senior to the Company Common Stock, in each
case, in respect of dividends and other distributions and in liquidation;
(d) that Company Class A Preferred Stock and the Company Class B Preferred
Stock have the rights and privileges set forth in Section 2.1(e) and
2.1(g), respectively, of the Agreement;
(e) that the Board of Directors of the Company is classified in accordance
with provisions of Section 7.12 of the Agreement;
(f) such other provisions as are required by law and such provisions as may
be agreed upon by PEPCO and BGE; and
(g) for indemnification of directors and officers.
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 1.4
As of the Effective Time, the Bylaws of the Company shall include such
provisions as are required by law, the supermajority provisions set forth in
Section 7.12(d) of the Agreement, the provisions on committee matters provided
for in Section 7.12(c) of the Agreement, and such other provisions as shall be
agreed upon by PEPCO and BGE.
A-53
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 7.12
CLASSES OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS 3 CLASS 2 CLASS 1
(THREE YEAR TERM) (TWO YEAR TERM) (ONE YEAR TERM)
- --------------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Mr. Christian H. Poindexter Mr. Edward F. Mitchell 3 BGE Directors
Mr. Edward A. Crooke 3 BGE Directors
Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr.
One BGE Director 1 PEPCO Director 2 PEPCO Directors
Two PEPCO Directors
</TABLE>
A-54
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B1
BGE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
This STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of September 22, 1995, (the
"AGREEMENT") by and between Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, a corporation
formed under the laws of the State of Maryland ("BGE ") and Potomac Electric
Power Company, a corporation formed under the laws of the District of Columbia
and the Commonwealth of Virginia ("PEPCO"),
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
BGE, PEPCO and RH Acquisition Corp., a corporation formed under the laws of the
State of Maryland (the "COMPANY"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated as of September 22, 1995, (the "MERGER AGREEMENT"), which
provides, INTER ALIA, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, for
the merger of BGE and PEPCO with and into the Company (the "MERGER");
WHEREAS, in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, BGE and
PEPCO are entering into a certain stock option agreement dated as of the date
hereof whereby PEPCO grants to BGE an option with respect to certain shares of
PEPCO's common stock on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
therein (the "PEPCO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to PEPCO's willingness to enter into the Merger
Agreement, PEPCO has requested that BGE agree, and BGE has so agreed, to grant
to PEPCO an option with respect to certain shares of BGE's common stock, on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, to induce PEPCO to enter into the Merger Agreement and the
PEPCO Stock Option Agreement, and in consideration of the representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, in the Merger Agreement
and in the PEPCO Stock Option Agreement, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
1. GRANT OF OPTION.
(a) Subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals and orders
required by applicable law, BGE hereby grants PEPCO an irrevocable option
(the "BGE OPTION") to purchase up to 29,357,896 shares, subject to
adjustment as provided in Section 11 (the "BGE SHARES"), of common stock,
without par value, of BGE (the "BGE COMMON STOCK") (being 19.9% of the
number of shares of BGE Common Stock outstanding as of August 31, 1995) in
the manner set forth below, at a price (the "EXERCISE PRICE") per BGE Share
of $25.925 (which is equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a
BGE Share as of the date hereof).
(b) The Exercise Price shall be payable, at PEPCO's option, as follows:
(i) in cash, or
(ii) subject to BGE's having obtained the approvals of any
Governmental Authority required for BGE to acquire the PEPCO Shares (as
defined below) from PEPCO, in shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, of
PEPCO ("PEPCO SHARES"),
in either case in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of BGE
Shares for which the BGE Option is exercisable exceed 19.9% of the number of
issued and outstanding shares of BGE Common Stock.
(d) As used herein, the "FAIR MARKET VALUE" of any share shall be the
average of the daily closing sales price for such share on the New York
Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") during the ten NYSE trading days prior to the
fifth NYSE trading day preceding the date such Fair Market Value is to be
determined.
B1-1
<PAGE>
(e) Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the
meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.
2. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) The BGE Option may be exercised by PEPCO, in whole or in part, at
any time or from time to time after the Merger Agreement becomes terminable
by PEPCO under circumstances which could entitle PEPCO to a payment under
Section 9.3(b) of the Merger Agreement, regardless of whether the Merger
Agreement is actually terminated or whether there occurs a closing of any
Business Combination involving a Target Party or a closing by which a Target
Party becomes a subsidiary (any such event by which the Merger Agreement
becomes so terminable by PEPCO being referred to herein as a "TRIGGER
EVENT").
(b)(i) BGE shall notify PEPCO promptly in writing of the occurrence of any
Trigger Event, it being understood that the giving of such notice by BGE
shall not be a condition to the right of PEPCO to exercise the BGE Option.
(ii) In the event PEPCO wishes to exercise the BGE Option, PEPCO
shall deliver to BGE written notice (an "EXERCISE NOTICE") specifying the
total number of BGE Shares it wishes to purchase.
(iii) Upon the giving by PEPCO to BGE of the Exercise Notice and the
tender of the applicable aggregate Exercise Price, PEPCO, to the extent
permitted by law and BGE's organizational documents, and provided that
the conditions to BGE's obligation to issue the BGE Shares to River
hereunder set forth in Section 3 have been satisfied or waived, shall be
deemed to be the holder of record of the BGE Shares issuable upon such
exercise, notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of BGE shall then
be closed or that certificates representing such BGE Shares shall not
then be actually delivered to PEPCO.
(iv) Each closing of a purchase of BGE Shares (a "CLOSING") shall
occur at a place, on a date, and at a time designated by PEPCO in an
Exercise Notice delivered at least two business days prior to the date of
the Closing.
(c) The BGE Option shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of:
(i) the Effective Time of the Merger;
(ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1
thereof other than under circumstances which could entitle PEPCO to a
payment under Section 9.3(b) of the Merger Agreement; and
(iii) 180 days following any termination of the Merger Agreement upon
or during the continuance of a Trigger Event (or if, at the expiration of
such 180 day period, the BGE Option cannot be exercised by reason of any
applicable judgment, decree, order, law or regulation, ten business days
after such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall have
become final and not subject to appeal, but in no event under this clause
(iii) later than March 31, 1998).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the BGE Option may not be exercised
if PEPCO is in material breach of any of its representations or warranties,
or in material breach of any of its covenants or agreements, contained in
this Agreement or in the Merger Agreement.
3. CONDITIONS TO CLOSING. The obligation of BGE to issue the BGE Shares to
PEPCO hereunder is subject to the conditions that
(a) all waiting periods, if any, under the HSR Act applicable to the
issuance of the BGE Shares hereunder shall have expired or have been
terminated;
(b) the BGE Shares, and any PEPCO Shares which are issued in payment of
the Exercise Price, shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE upon
official notice of issuance;
B1-2
<PAGE>
(c) all consents, approvals, orders or authorizations of, or
registrations, declarations or filings with, any federal, state or local
administrative agency or commission or other federal, state or local
Governmental Authority, if any, required in connection with the issuance of
the BGE Shares hereunder shall have been obtained or made, including,
without limitation, the approval of the SEC under Section 10 of the 1935
Act, the approval of the Maryland Commission of the issuance of the BGE
Shares by BGE and, if applicable, the acquisition of BGE Shares by PEPCO,
and the approval of the Maryland Commission of the acquisition of the BGE
Shares by PEPCO and, if applicable, the acquisition by BGE of the PEPCO
Shares constituting the Exercise Price hereunder; and
(d) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order by any court
of competent jurisdiction prohibiting or otherwise restraining such issuance
shall be in effect.
The condition set forth in paragraph (b) above may be waived by BGE, in the case
of PEPCO Shares, and by PEPCO, in the case of BGE Shares, in the sole discretion
of the waiving party.
4. CLOSING. At any Closing,
(a) BGE shall deliver to PEPCO or its designee a single certificate in
definitive form representing the number of BGE Shares designated by PEPCO in
its Exercise Notice, such certificate to be registered in the name of PEPCO
and to bear the legend set forth in Section 12; and
(b) PEPCO shall deliver to BGE the aggregate price for the BGE Shares so
designated and being purchased by
(i) wire transfer of immediately available funds or certified check
or bank check, or
(ii) subject to the condition in Section 1(b)(ii), a certificate or
certificates representing the number of PEPCO Shares being issued by
PEPCO in consideration thereof, determined in accordance with Section
4(c).
(c) In the event that PEPCO issues PEPCO Shares to BGE in consideration
of BGE Shares pursuant to Section 4(b)(ii), the number of BGE Shares to be
so issued shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing:
(i) the product of (x) the number of BGE Shares with respect to which
the BGE Option is being exercised and (y) the Exercise Price, by
(ii) the Fair Market Value of the PEPCO Shares as of the date
immediately preceding the date the Exercise Notice is delivered to BGE.
(d) BGE shall pay all expenses, and any and all United States Federal,
state and local taxes, and other charges that may be payable in connection
with the preparation, issue and delivery of stock certificates under this
Section 4.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BGE. BGE represents and warrants to
PEPCO that
(a) Subject to any required regulatory approvals, BGE has the
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry
out its obligations hereunder, subject in the case of the repurchase of
the BGE Shares pursuant to Section 7(a) to applicable law and the
provisions, BGE's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the
"BGE ARTICLES");
(b) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by BGE, and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery
hereof by PEPCO, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of BGE,
enforceable against BGE in accordance with its terms, except as may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally, and except that the availability of
equitable remedies, including specific performance, may be subject to the
discretion of any court before which any proceeding therefor may be
brought;
B1-3
<PAGE>
(c) BGE has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and
reserve for issuance and to permit it to issue, upon exercise of the BGE
Option, and at all times from the date hereof through the expiration of
the BGE Option will have reserved, 29,357,896 authorized and unissued BGE
Shares, such amount being subject to adjustment as provided in Section
11, all of which, upon their issuance and delivery in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable;
(d) upon delivery of the BGE Shares to PEPCO upon the exercise of the
BGE Option, PEPCO will acquire the BGE Shares free and clear of all
claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and security interests of any nature
whatsoever;
(e) except as described in Section 5.4(b) of the Merger Agreement,
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by BGE does not, and,
subject to compliance with applicable law and the BGE Articles with
respect to the repurchase of the BGE Shares pursuant to Section 7(a), the
consummation by BGE of the transactions contemplated hereby will not,
violate, conflict with, or result in a breach of any provision of, or
constitute a default (with or without notice or a lapse of time, or both)
under, or result in the termination of, or accelerate the performance
required by, or result in a right of termination, cancellation, or
acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a material benefit under,
or the creation of a lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance
on assets (any such conflict, violation, default, right of termination,
cancellation or acceleration, loss or creation, hereinafter a
"VIOLATION") of BGE or any of its subsidiaries, pursuant to
(i) any provision of the BGE Articles or the Bylaws of BGE,
(ii) any provisions of any material loan or credit agreement,
note, mortgage, indenture, lease, BGE benefit plan or other
agreement, obligation, instrument, permit, concession, franchise,
license (any of the foregoing in effect on the date hereof being
referred to as a "MATERIAL CONTRACT"), or
(iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule
or regulation applicable to BGE or its properties or assets,
which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), could reasonably
be expected to have a BGE Material Adverse Effect (except that no representation
or warranty is given concerning any Violation of a Material Contract with
respect to the repurchase of BGE Shares pursuant to Section 7(a));
(f) except as described in Section 5.4(c) of the Merger Agreement or
Section 3 hereof, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by BGE
does not, and the performance of this Agreement by BGE will not, require
any consent, approval, authorization or permit or filing with or
notification to, any Governmental Authority;
(g) none of BGE, any of its affiliates or anyone acting on its or
their behalf, has issued, sold or offered any security of BGE to any
person under circumstances that would cause the issuance and sale of BGE
Shares, as contemplated by this Agreement, to be subject to the
registration requirements of the Securities Act as in effect on the date
hereof, and, assuming the representations and warranties of PEPCO
contained in Section 6(g) are true and correct, the issuance, sale and
delivery of the BGE Shares hereunder would be exempt from the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act,
as in effect on the date hereof (and BGE shall not take any action which
would cause the issuance, sale, and delivery of BGE Shares hereunder not
to be exempt from such requirements); and
(h) any PEPCO Shares acquired pursuant to this Agreement will be
acquired for BGE's own account, for investment purposes only, and will
not be acquired by BGE with a view to the public distribution thereof in
violation of any applicable provision of the Securities Act.
B1-4
<PAGE>
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PEPCO. PEPCO represents and warrants
to BGE that
(a) PEPCO has the corporate power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder;
(b) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
PEPCO and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof,
constitutes a valid and binding obligation of PEPCO, enforceable against
PEPCO in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, or other
similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and
except that the availability of equitable remedies, including specific
performance, may be subject to the discretion of any court before which any
proceeding may be brought;
(c) prior to any delivery of PEPCO Shares in consideration of the
purchase of BGE Shares pursuant hereto, PEPCO will have taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize for issuance and to permit it to issue such
PEPCO Shares, all of which, upon their issuance and delivery in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable;
(d) upon any delivery of such PEPCO Shares to BGE in consideration of
the purchase of BGE Shares pursuant hereto, BGE will acquire the PEPCO
Shares free and clear of all claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and
security interests of any nature whatsoever;
(e) except as described in Section 4.4(b) of the Merger Agreement, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by PEPCO does not, and the
consummation by PEPCO of the transactions contemplated hereby will not,
violate, conflict with, or result in the breach of any provision of, or
constitute a default (with or without notice or a lapse of time, or both)
under, or result in any Violation by PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries,
pursuant to
(i) any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of
PEPCO,
(ii) any provisions of any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage,
indenture, lease, PEPCO benefit plan or other agreement, obligation,
instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, or
(iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to PEPCO or its properties or assets,
which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (ii) or (iii), would have a
PEPCO Material Adverse Effect;
(f) except as described in Section 4.4(c) of the Merger Agreement or
Section 3 hereof, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by PEPCO does
not, and the consummation by PEPCO of the transactions contemplated hereby
will not, require any consent, approvals authorization or permit of, or
filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority; and
(g) any BGE Shares acquired upon exercise of the BGE Option will be
acquired for PEPCO's own account, for investment purposes only and will not
be, and the BGE Option is not being, acquired by PEPCO with a view to the
public distribution thereof, in violation of any applicable provision of the
Securities Act.
7. CERTAIN REPURCHASES.
(a) PEPCO "PUT". At the request of PEPCO by written notice (x) at any time
during which the BGE Option is exercisable pursuant to Section 2 (the
"REPURCHASE PERIOD"), BGE (or any successor entity thereof) shall, if permitted
by applicable law, the BGE Articles and BGE's Material Contracts (but
notwithstanding any insufficiency in the number of BGE Shares authorized for
issuance upon the exercise of the BGE Option), repurchase from PEPCO all or any
portion of the BGE Option, at the price set forth in subparagraph (i) below, or
(y) at any time prior to March 31, 1997 (provided that such date shall be
extended to March 31, 1998 under the circumstances where the date after which
either
B1-5
<PAGE>
party may terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) of the
Merger Agreement has been extended to March 31, 1998), BGE (or any successor
entity thereof) shall, if permitted by applicable law, the BGE Articles and
BGE's Material Contracts, repurchase from PEPCO all or any portion of the BGE
Shares purchased by PEPCO pursuant to the BGE Option, at the price set forth in
subparagraph (ii) below:
(i) the difference between the "Market/Offer Price" (as defined below)
for shares of BGE Common Stock as of the date PEPCO gives notice of its
intent to exercise its rights under this Section 7 and the Exercise Price,
multiplied by the number of BGE Shares purchasable pursuant to the BGE
Option (or portion thereof with respect to which PEPCO is exercising its
rights under this Section 7), but only if the Market/Offer Price is greater
than the Exercise Price. For purposes of this subparagraph (i),
"MARKET/OFFER PRICE" shall mean, as of any date, the higher of (x) the price
per share offered as of such date pursuant to any tender or exchange offer
or other offer with respect to a Business Combination involving BGE as the
Target Party, which was made prior to such date and not terminated or
withdrawn as of such date and (y) the Fair Market Value of BGE Common Stock
as of such date.
(ii) the product of (x) the sum of (A) the Exercise Price paid by PEPCO
per BGE Share acquired pursuant to the BGE Option, and (B) the difference
between the "OFFER PRICE" (as defined below) and the Exercise Price, but
only if the Offer Price is greater than the Exercise Price, and (y) the
number of BGE Shares so to be repurchased pursuant to this Section 7. For
purposes of this clause (ii), the "OFFER PRICE" shall be the highest price
per share offered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer or other Business
Combination offer involving BGE as the Target Party during the Repurchase
Period prior to the delivery by PEPCO of a notice of repurchase.
(b) REDELIVERY OF PEPCO SHARES. If PEPCO shall have previously elected to
purchase BGE Shares pursuant to the exercise of the BGE Option by the issuance
and delivery of PEPCO Shares, then BGE shall, if so requested by PEPCO, in
fulfillment of its obligation pursuant to Section 7(a)(y) (that is, with respect
to the Exercise Price only and without limitation to its obligation to pay
additional consideration under clause (B) of Section 7(a)(ii)(x)), redeliver the
certificates for such PEPCO Shares to PEPCO, free and clear of all liens,
claims, charges and encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if at any time less than all of the BGE Shares so purchased by
PEPCO pursuant to the BGE Option are to be repurchased by BGE pursuant to
Section 7(a)(y), then (i) BGE shall be obligated to redeliver to PEPCO the same
proportion of such PEPCO Shares as the number of BGE shares that BGE is then
obligated to repurchase bears to the number of BGE Shares acquired by PEPCO upon
exercise of the BGE Option and (ii) PEPCO shall issue to BGE new certificates
representing those PEPCO Shares which are not due to be redelivered to PEPCO
pursuant to this Section 7(b) to the extent that excess PEPCO Shares are
included in the certificates redelivered to PEPCO by BGE.
(c) PAYMENT AND REDELIVERY OF BGE OPTIONS OR SHARES. In the event PEPCO
exercises its rights under this Section 7, BGE shall, within ten business days
thereafter, pay the required amount to PEPCO in immediately available funds and
PEPCO shall surrender to BGE the BGE Option or the certificate or certificates
evidencing the BGE Shares purchased by PEPCO pursuant hereto, and PEPCO shall
warrant that it owns the BGE Option or such shares and that the BGE Option or
such shares are then free and clear of all liens, claims, damages, charges and
encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever.
(d) PEPCO "CALL". If PEPCO has elected to purchase BGE Shares pursuant to
the exercise of the BGE Option by the issuance and delivery of PEPCO Shares,
notwithstanding that PEPCO may no longer hold any such BGE Shares or that PEPCO
elects not to exercise its other rights under this Section 7, PEPCO may require,
at any time or from time to time prior to March 31, 1997 (provided that such
date shall be extended to March 31, 1998 under the circumstances where the date
after which either party may terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section
9.1(b) of the Merger Agreement has been extended to March 31, 1998), BGE to sell
to PEPCO any such PEPCO Shares at
B1-6
<PAGE>
the price attributed to such PEPCO Shares pursuant to Section 4 plus interest at
the rate of 8.75% per annum on such amount from the Closing Date relating to the
exchange of such PEPCO Shares pursuant to Section 4 to the Closing Date under
this Section 7(d) less any dividends on such PEPCO Shares paid during such
period or declared and payable to stockholders of record on a date during such
period.
(e) REPURCHASE PRICE REDUCED AT PEPCO'S OPTION. In the event the
repurchase price specified in Section 7(a) would subject the purchase of the BGE
Option or the BGE Shares purchased by PEPCO pursuant to the BGE Option to a vote
of the shareholders of BGE pursuant to applicable law or the BGE Articles, then
PEPCO may, at its election, reduce the repurchase price to an amount which would
permit such repurchase without the necessity for such a shareholder vote.
8. VOTING OF SHARES. Following the date hereof and prior to the fifth
anniversary of the date hereof (the "EXPIRATION DATE"), each party shall vote
any shares of capital stock of the other party acquired by such party pursuant
to this Agreement ("RESTRICTED SHARES"), including any PEPCO Shares issued
pursuant to Section 1(b), or otherwise beneficially owned (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "EXCHANGE ACT")), by such party on each matter submitted to a vote of
shareholders of such other party for and against such matter in the same
proportion as the vote of all other shareholders of such other party are voted
(whether by proxy or otherwise) for and against such matter.
9. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER.
(a) RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER. Prior to the Expiration Date, neither party
shall, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise, sell, assign,
pledge, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any Restricted Shares beneficially
owned by such party, other than (i) pursuant to Section 7, or (ii) in accordance
with Section 9(b) or Section 10.
(b) PERMITTED SALES. Following the termination of the Merger Agreement, a
party shall be permitted to sell any Restricted Shares beneficially owned by it
if such sale is made pursuant to a tender or exchange offer that has been
approved or recommended, or otherwise determined to be fair to and in the best
interests of the shareholders of the other party, by a majority of the members
of the Board of Directors of such other party, which majority shall include a
majority of directors who were directors prior to the announcement of such
tender or exchange offer.
10. REGISTRATION RIGHTS.
(a) Following the termination of the Merger Agreement, either party hereto
that owns Restricted Shares (a "DESIGNATED HOLDER") may by written notice (the
"REGISTRATION NOTICE") to the other party (the "REGISTRANT") request the
Registrant to register under the Securities Act all or any part of the
Restricted Shares beneficially owned by such Designated Holder (the "REGISTRABLE
SECURITIES") pursuant to a bona fide firm commitment underwritten public
offering, in which the Designated Holder and the underwriters shall effect as
wide a distribution of such Registrable Securities as is reasonably practicable
and shall use their best efforts to prevent any person (including any Group (as
used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act)) and its affiliates from purchasing
through such offering Restricted Shares representing more than 1% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Registrant on a fully diluted basis (a
"PERMITTED OFFERING").
(b) The Registration Notice shall include a certificate executed by the
Designated Holder and its proposed managing underwriter, which underwriter shall
be an investment banking firm of nationally recognized standing (the "MANAGER"),
stating that
(i) they have a good faith intention to commence promptly a Permitted
Offering, and
(ii) the Manager in good faith believes that, based on the
then-prevailing market conditions, it will be able to sell the Registrable
Securities at a per share price equal to at least 80% of the then Fair
Market Value of such shares.
B1-7
<PAGE>
(c) The Registrant (and/or any person designated by the Registrant) shall
thereupon have the option exercisable by written notice delivered to the
Designated Holder within ten business days after the receipt of the Registration
Notice, irrevocably to agree to purchase all or any part of the Registrable
Securities proposed to be so sold for cash at a price (the "OPTION PRICE") equal
to the product of (i) the number of Registrable Securities to be so purchased by
the Registrant and (ii) the then Fair Market Value of such shares.
(d) Any purchase of Registrable Securities by the Registrant (or its
designee) under Section 10(c) shall take place at a closing to be held at the
principal executive offices of the Registrant or at the offices of its counsel
at any reasonable date and time designated by the Registrant and/or such
designee in such notice within twenty business days after delivery of such
notice, and any payment for the shares to be so purchased shall be made by
delivery at the time of such closing in immediately available funds.
(e) If the Registrant does not elect to exercise its option pursuant to this
Section 10 with respect to all Registrable Securities, it shall use its best
efforts to effect, as promptly as practicable, the registration under the
Securities Act of the unpurchased Registrable Securities proposed to be so sold;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
(i) neither party shall be entitled to more than an aggregate of two
effective registration statements hereunder, and
(ii) the Registrant will not be required to file any such
registration statement during any period of time (not to exceed 40 days
after such request in the case of clause (A) below or 90 days in the case
of clauses (B) and (C) below) when
(A) the Registrant is in possession of material non-public information
which it reasonably believes would be detrimental to be disclosed at such
time and, in the opinion of counsel to the Registrant, such information
would have to be disclosed if a registration statement were filed at that
time;
(B) the Registrant is required under the Securities Act to include
audited financial statements for any period in such registration statement
and such financial statements are not yet available for inclusion in such
registration statement; or
(C) the Registrant determines, in its reasonable judgment, that such
registration would interfere with any financing, acquisition or other
material transaction involving the Registrant or any of its affiliates.
(f) The Registrant shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any
Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 10 to be qualified
for sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the
Designated Holder may reasonably request and shall continue such registration or
qualification in effect in such jurisdiction; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
Registrant shall not be required to qualify to do business in, or consent to
general service of process in, any jurisdiction by reason of this provision.
(g) The registration rights set forth in this Section 10 are subject to the
condition that the Designated Holder shall provide the Registrant with such
information with respect to such holder's Registrable Securities, the plans for
the distribution thereof, and such other information with respect to such holder
as, in the reasonable judgment of counsel for the Registrant, is necessary to
enable the Registrant to include in such registration statement all material
facts required to be disclosed with respect to a registration thereunder.
(h) A registration effected under this Section 10 shall be effected at the
Registrant's expense, except for underwriting discounts and commissions and the
fees and the expenses of counsel to the Designated Holder, and the Registrant
shall provide to the underwriters such documentation (including certificates,
opinions of counsel and "comfort" letters from auditors) as is customary in
connection with underwritten public offerings as such underwriters may
reasonably require.
B1-8
<PAGE>
(i) In connection with any registration effected under this Section 10, the
parties agree
(i) to indemnify each other and the underwriters in the customary
manner,
(ii) to enter into an underwriting agreement in form and substance
customary for transactions of such type with the Manager and the other
underwriters participating in such offering, and
(iii) to take all further actions which shall be reasonably necessary to
effect such registration and sale (including if the Manager deems it
necessary, participating in road-show presentations).
(j) The Registrant shall be entitled to include (at its expense) additional
shares of its common stock in a registration effected pursuant to this Section
10 only if and to the extent the Manager determines that such inclusion will not
adversely affect the prospects for success of such offering.
11. ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. Without limitation to any
restriction on BGE contained in this Agreement or in the Merger Agreement, in
the event of any change in BGE Common Stock by reason of stock dividends,
splitups, mergers (other than the Merger), recapitalizations, combinations,
exchange of shares or the like, the type and number of shares or securities
subject to the BGE Option, and the purchase price per share provided in Section
1, shall be adjusted appropriately to restore to PEPCO its rights hereunder,
including the right to purchase from BGE (or its successors) shares of BGE
Common Stock representing 19.9% of the outstanding BGE Common Stock for the
aggregate Exercise Price calculated as of the date of this Agreement as provided
in Section 1.
12. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS. Each certificate representing shares of BGE
Common Stock issued to PEPCO hereunder, and PEPCO Shares, if any, delivered to
BGE at a Closing, shall include a legend in substantially the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS, AND MAY BE REOFFERED OR SOLD
ONLY IF SO REGISTERED OR IF AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS
AVAILABLE. SUCH SECURITIES ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AS SET FORTH IN THE BGE STOCK OPTION
AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 1995, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE ISSUER UPON REQUEST.
It is understood and agreed that:
(i) the reference to the resale restrictions of the Securities Act
and state securities or Blue Sky laws in the above legend shall be
removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such reference
if PEPCO or BGE, as the case may be, shall have delivered to the other
party a copy of a letter from the staff of the SEC, or an opinion of
counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the other party, to the
effect that such legend is not required for purposes of the Securities
Act or such laws;
(ii) the reference to the provisions to this Agreement in the above
legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without
such reference if the shares have been sold or transferred in compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement and under circumstances that do not
require the retention of such reference; and
(iii) the legend shall be removed in its entirety if the conditions in
the preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are both satisfied.
In addition, such certificates shall bear any other legend as may be required by
law. Certificates representing shares sold in a registered public offering
pursuant to Section 10 shall not be required to bear the legend set forth in
this Section 12.
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<PAGE>
13. BINDING EFFECT; NO ASSIGNMENT; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. (a) This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
(b) Except as expressly provided for in this Agreement, neither this
Agreement nor the rights or obligations of either party hereto are assignable,
except by operation of law, or with the written consent of the other party.
(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to
confer upon any person other than the parties hereto and their respective
permitted assigns any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever by reason of
this Agreement.
(d) Any Restricted Shares sold by a party in compliance with the provisions
of Section 10 shall, upon consummation of such sale, be free of the restrictions
imposed with respect to such shares by this Agreement, unless and until such
party shall repurchase or otherwise become the beneficial owner of such shares,
and any transferee of such shares shall not be entitled to the registration
rights of such party.
14. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto agree that irreparable harm
would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with their specified terms or were otherwise breached.
It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce
specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States
or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to
which they are entitled at law or equity.
15. VALIDITY. (a) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
(b) In the event any court or other competent authority holds any provisions
of this Agreement to be null, void or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall
negotiate in good faith the execution and delivery of an amendment to this
Agreement in order, as nearly as possible, to effectuate, to the extent
permitted by law, the intent of the parties hereto with respect to such
provision and the economic effects thereof.
(c) If for any reason any such court or regulatory agency determines that
PEPCO is not permitted to acquire, or BGE is not permitted to repurchase
pursuant to Section 7, the full number of shares of BGE Common Stock provided in
Section 1 hereof (as the same may be adjusted), it is the express intention of
BGE to allow PEPCO to acquire or to require BGE to repurchase such lesser number
of shares as may be permissible without any amendment or modification hereof.
(d) Each party agrees that, should any court or other competent authority
hold any provision of this Agreement or part hereof to be null, void or
unenforceable, or order any party to take any action inconsistent herewith, or
not take any action required herein, the other party shall not be entitled to
specific performance of such provision or part hereof or to any other remedy,
including but not limited to money damages, for breach hereof or of any other
provision of this Agreement or part hereof as the result of such holding or
order.
16. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if (a) delivered personally, or (b) if sent by
overnight courier service (receipt confirmed
B1-10
<PAGE>
in writing), or (c) if delivered by facsimile transmission with receipt
confirmed), or (d) five days after being mailed by registered or certified mail
(return receipt requested) to the parties in each case to the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like
notice):
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
A. If to PEPCO, to:
By Mail
and Hand: 1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: Dennis R. Wraase
Senior Vice President --
Finance and Accounting
Fax: (202) 331-6314
William T. Torgerson
Senior Vice President --
Law & Governmental Relations,
General Counsel and Secretary
Fax: (202) 331-6314
with a copy to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene, & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Douglas W. Hawes, Esq.
Fax: (212) 424-5800
and a copy to:
Covington & Burling
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20044
Attention: George B. Reid, Jr.
Fax: (202) 662-6291
B. If to BGE, to:
By Mail: P.O. Box 1475
Baltimore, MD 21203
By Hand: Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, MD 21201
Attention: Charles W. Shivery
Vice President and CFO
Fax: (410) 234-5690
David A. Brune, Esq.
General Counsel
Fax: (410) 234-5513
with a copy to:
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004-1490
Attention: Stephen R. Rusmisel, Esq.
Fax: (212) 858-1500
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
17. GOVERNING LAW; CHOICE OF FORUM. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland applicable to
agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State and without
regard to its choice of law principles.
18. INTERPRETATION.
(a) When reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections or
Exhibits, such reference shall be to an Article, Section or Exhibit of this
Agreement, as the case may be, unless otherwise indicated.
(b) The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation
of the Agreement.
(c) Whenever the words "include," "includes," or "including" are used in
this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation."
(d) Whenever "or" is used in this Agreement it shall be construed in the
nonexclusive sense.
19. COUNTERPARTS; EFFECT. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
20. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived only by an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto, or, in the case of a
waiver, by an instrument signed on behalf of the party waiving compliance.
21. EXTENSION OF TIME PERIODS. The time periods for exercise of certain
rights under Sections 2, 6 and 7 shall be extended:
(a) to the extent necessary to obtain all regulatory approvals for the
exercise of such rights, and for the expiration of all statutory waiting
periods; and
(b) to the extent necessary to avoid any liability under Section 16(b) of
the Exchange Act by reason of such exercise.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above
written.
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
By: /s/ EDWARD F. MITCHELL
--------------------------------------
Name: Edward F. Mitchell
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
By: /s/ CHRISTIAN H. POINDEXTER
--------------------------------------
Name: Christian H. Poindexter
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
B1-13
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B2
PEPCO STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
This STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT, dated as of September 22, 1995, (the
"AGREEMENT") by and between Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, a corporation
formed under the laws of the State of Maryland ("BGE") and Potomac Electric
Power Company, a corporation formed under the laws of the District of Columbia
and the Commonwealth of Virginia ("PEPCO"),
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement,
PEPCO, BGE and RH Acquisition Corp., a corporation formed under the laws of the
State of Maryland ("COMPANY"), are entering into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger, dated as of September 22, 1995, (the "MERGER AGREEMENT"), which
provides, INTER ALIA, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, for
the merger of PEPCO and BGE with and into Company (the "MERGER");
WHEREAS, in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, PEPCO and
BGE are entering into a certain stock option agreement dated as of the date
hereof whereby BGE grants to PEPCO an option with respect to certain shares of
BGE's common stock on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein
(the "BGE STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT"); and
WHEREAS, as a condition to BGE's willingness to enter into the Merger
Agreement, BGE has requested that PEPCO agree, and PEPCO has so agreed, to grant
to BGE an option with respect to certain shares of PEPCO's common stock, on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, to induce BGE to enter into the Merger Agreement and the BGE
Stock Option Agreement, and in consideration of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained herein, in the Merger Agreement and in the
BGE Stock Option Agreement, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound,
hereby agree as follows:
1. GRANT OF OPTION.
(a) Subject to the receipt of all regulatory approvals and orders required
by applicable law, PEPCO hereby grants BGE an irrevocable option (the "PEPCO
OPTION") to purchase up to 23,579,900 shares, subject to adjustment as provided
in Section 11 (the "PEPCO SHARES"), of common stock, par value $1.00 per share,
of PEPCO (the "PEPCO COMMON STOCK") (being 19.9% of the number of shares of
PEPCO Common Stock outstanding as of August 31, 1995) in the manner set forth
below, at a price (the "EXERCISE PRICE") per PEPCO Share of $21.225 (which is
equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of a PEPCO Share as of the
date hereof).
(b) The Exercise Price shall be payable, at BGE's option, as follows:
(i) in cash, or
(ii) subject to PEPCO's having obtained the approvals of any
Governmental Authority required for PEPCO to acquire the BGE Shares (as
defined below) from BGE, in shares of common stock, without par value, of
BGE ("BGE SHARES"),
in either case in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of PEPCO
Shares for which the PEPCO Option is exercisable exceed 19.9% of the number of
issued and outstanding shares of PEPCO Common Stock.
(d) As used herein, the "FAIR MARKET VALUE" of any share shall be the
average of the daily closing sales price for such share on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "NYSE") during the ten NYSE trading days prior to the fifth NYSE
trading day preceding the date such Fair Market Value is to be determined.
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(e) Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the
meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement.
2. EXERCISE OF OPTION.
(a) The PEPCO Option may be exercised by BGE, in whole or in part, at any
time or from time to time after the Merger Agreement becomes terminable by BGE
under circumstances which could entitle BGE to a payment under Section 9.3(b) of
the Merger Agreement, regardless of whether the Merger Agreement is actually
terminated or whether there occurs a closing of any Business Combination
involving a Target Party or a closing by which a Target Party becomes a
subsidiary (any such event by which the Merger Agreement becomes so terminable
by BGE being referred to herein as a "TRIGGER EVENT").
(b)(i) PEPCO shall notify BGE promptly in writing of the occurrence of any
Trigger Event, it being understood that the giving of such notice by PEPCO shall
not be a condition to the right of BGE to exercise the PEPCO Option.
(ii) In the event BGE wishes to exercise the PEPCO Option, BGE shall
deliver to PEPCO written notice (an "EXERCISE NOTICE") specifying the total
number of PEPCO Shares it wishes to purchase.
(iii) Upon the giving by BGE to PEPCO of the Exercise Notice and the
tender of the applicable aggregate Exercise Price, BGE, to the extent
permitted by law and PEPCO's organizational documents, and provided that the
conditions to PEPCO's obligation to issue the PEPCO Shares to BGE hereunder
set forth in Section 3 have been satisfied or waived, shall be deemed to be
the holder of record of the PEPCO Shares issuable upon such exercise,
notwithstanding that the stock transfer books of PEPCO shall then be closed
or that certificates representing such PEPCO Shares shall not then be
actually delivered to BGE.
(iv) Each closing of a purchase of PEPCO Shares (a "CLOSING") shall occur
at a place, on a date, and at a time designated by BGE in an Exercise Notice
delivered at least two business days prior to the date of the Closing.
(c) The PEPCO Option shall terminate upon the earliest to occur of:
(i) the Effective Time of the Merger;
(ii) the termination of the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1
thereof other than under circumstances which could entitle BGE to a payment
under Section 9.3(b) of the Merger Agreement; and
(iii) 180 days following any termination of the Merger Agreement upon or
during the continuance of a Trigger Event (or if, at the expiration of such
180 day period, the PEPCO Option cannot be exercised by reason of any
applicable judgment, decree, order, law or regulation, ten business days
after such impediment to exercise shall have been removed or shall have
become final and not subject to appeal, but in no event under this clause
(iii) later than March 31, 1998).
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the PEPCO Option may not be exercised if
BGE is in material breach of any of its representations or warranties, or in
material breach of any of its covenants or agreements, contained in this
Agreement or in the Merger Agreement.
3. CONDITIONS TO CLOSING. The obligation of PEPCO to issue the PEPCO Shares to
BGE hereunder is subject to the conditions that
(a) all waiting periods, if any, under the HSR Act applicable to the
issuance of the PEPCO Shares hereunder shall have expired or have been
terminated;
(b) the PEPCO Shares, and any BGE Shares which are issued in payment of the
Exercise Price, shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE upon official
notice of issuance;
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<PAGE>
(c) all consents, approvals, orders or authorizations of, or registrations,
declarations or filings with, any federal, state or local administrative agency
or commission or other federal, state or local Governmental Authority, if any,
required in connection with the issuance of the PEPCO Shares hereunder shall
have been obtained or made, including, without limitation, the approval of the
SEC under Section 10 of the 1935 Act, the approval of the D.C. Commission of the
issuance of the PEPCO Shares by PEPCO and, if applicable, the acquisition of
PEPCO Shares by BGE, and the approval of the Maryland Commission of the
acquisition of the PEPCO Shares by BGE and, if applicable, the acquisition by
PEPCO of the BGE Shares constituting the Exercise Price hereunder; and
(d) no preliminary or permanent injunction or other order by any court of
competent jurisdiction prohibiting or otherwise restraining such issuance shall
be in effect.
The condition set forth in paragraph (b) above may be waived by PEPCO, in the
case of BGE Shares, and by BGE, in the case of PEPCO Shares, in the sole
discretion of the waiving party.
4. CLOSING. At any Closing,
(a) PEPCO shall deliver to BGE or its designee a single certificate in
definitive form representing the number of PEPCO Shares designated by BGE in its
Exercise Notice, such certificate to be registered in the name of BGE and to
bear the legend set forth in Section 12; and
(b) BGE shall deliver to PEPCO the aggregate price for the PEPCO Shares so
designated and being purchased by
(i) wire transfer of immediately available funds or certified check or
bank check, or
(ii) subject to the condition in Section 1(b)(ii), a certificate or
certificates representing the number of BGE Shares being issued by BGE in
consideration thereof, determined in accordance with Section 4(c).
(c) In the event that BGE issues BGE Shares to PEPCO in consideration of
PEPCO Shares pursuant to Section 4(b)(ii), the number of BGE Shares to be so
issued shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing:
(i) the product of (x) the number of PEPCO Shares with respect to which
the PEPCO Option is being exercised and (y) the Exercise Price, by
(ii) the Fair Market Value of the BGE Shares as of the date immediately
preceding the date the Exercise Notice is delivered to PEPCO.
(d) PEPCO shall pay all expenses, and any and all United States Federal,
state and local taxes, and other charges that may be payable in connection with
the preparation, issue and delivery of stock certificates under this Section 4.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PEPCO. PEPCO REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS TO
BGE THAT
(a) Subject to any required regulatory approvals, PEPCO has the corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its
obligations hereunder, subject in the case of the repurchase of the PEPCO Shares
pursuant to Section 7(a) to applicable law and the provisions of PEPCO's
Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the "PEPCO Articles");
(b) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by
PEPCO, and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by
BGE, constitutes a valid and binding obligation of PEPCO, enforceable against
PEPCO in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization or other similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and except that
the availability of equitable remedies, including specific performance, may be
subject to the discretion of any court before which any proceeding therefor may
be brought;
(c) PEPCO has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and reserve
for issuance and to permit it to issue, upon exercise of the PEPCO Option, and
at all times from the date hereof through
B2-3
<PAGE>
the expiration of the PEPCO Option will have reserved, 23,579,900 authorized and
unissued PEPCO Shares, such amount being subject to adjustment as provided in
Section 11, all of which, upon their issuance and delivery in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable;
(d) upon delivery of the PEPCO Shares to BGE upon the exercise of the PEPCO
Option, BGE will acquire the PEPCO Shares free and clear of all claims, liens,
charges, encumbrances and security interests of any nature whatsoever;
(e) except as described in Section 4.4(b) of the Merger Agreement, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by PEPCO does not, and, subject to
compliance with applicable law and the PEPCO Articles with respect to the
repurchase of the PEPCO Shares pursuant to Section 7(a), the consummation by
PEPCO of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, violate, conflict with,
or result in a breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (with or
without notice or a lapse of time, or both) under, or result in the termination
of, or accelerate the performance required by, or result in a right of
termination, cancellation, or acceleration of any obligation or the loss of a
material benefit under, or the creation of a lien, pledge, security interest or
other encumbrance on assets (any such conflict, violation, default, right of
termination, cancellation or acceleration, loss or creation, hereinafter a
"VIOLATION") of PEPCO or any of its subsidiaries, pursuant to
(i) any provision of the PEPCO Articles or the Bylaws of PEPCO,
(ii) any provisions of any material loan or credit agreement, note,
mortgage, indenture, lease, PEPCO benefit plan or other agreement,
obligation, instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license (any of the
foregoing in effect on the date hereof being referred to as a "MATERIAL
CONTRACT"), or
(iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to PEPCO or its properties or assets,
which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), could reasonably
be expected to have a PEPCO Material Adverse Effect (except that no
representation or warranty is given concerning any Violation of a Material
Contract with respect to the repurchase of PEPCO Shares pursuant to Section
7(a));
(f) except as described in Section 4.4(c) of the Merger Agreement or Section
3 hereof, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by PEPCO does not, and
the performance of this Agreement by PEPCO will not, require any consent,
approval, authorization or permit or filing with or notification to, any
Governmental Authority;
(g) none of PEPCO, any of its affiliates or anyone acting on its or their
behalf, has issued, sold or offered any security of PEPCO to any person under
circumstances that would cause the issuance and sale of PEPCO Shares, as
contemplated by this Agreement, to be subject to the registration requirements
of the Securities Act as in effect on the date hereof, and, assuming the
representations and warranties of BGE contained in Section 6(g) are true and
correct, the issuance, sale and delivery of the PEPCO Shares hereunder would be
exempt from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act, as in effect on the date hereof (and PEPCO shall not take any
action which would cause the issuance, sale, and delivery of PEPCO Shares
hereunder not to be exempt from such requirements); and
(h) any BGE Shares acquired pursuant to this Agreement will be acquired for
PEPCO's own account, for investment purposes only, and will not be acquired by
PEPCO with a view to the public distribution thereof in violation of any
applicable provision of the Securities Act.
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BGE. BGE represents and warrants to
PEPCO that
(a) BGE has the corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and to carry out its obligations hereunder;
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<PAGE>
(b) this Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by BGE
and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof, constitutes
a valid and binding obligation of BGE, enforceable against BGE in accordance
with their respective terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally, and except that the availability of equitable
remedies, including specific performance, may be subject to the discretion of
any court before which any proceeding may be brought;
(c) prior to any delivery of BGE Shares in consideration of the purchase of
PEPCO Shares pursuant hereto, BGE will have taken all necessary corporate action
to authorize for issuance and to permit it to issue such BGE Shares, all of
which, upon their issuance and delivery in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;
(d) upon any delivery of such BGE Shares to PEPCO in consideration of the
purchase of PEPCO Shares pursuant hereto, PEPCO will acquire the BGE Shares free
and clear of all claims, liens, charges, encumbrances and security interests of
any nature whatsoever;
(e) except as described in Section 5.4(b) of the Merger Agreement, the
execution and delivery of this Agreement by BGE does not, and the consummation
by BGE of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, violate, conflict with,
or result in the breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (with or
without notice or a lapse of time, or both) under, or result in any Violation by
BGE or any of its subsidiaries, pursuant to
(i) any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of BGE,
(ii) any provisions of any loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage,
indenture, lease, BGE benefit plan or other agreement, obligation,
instrument, permit, concession, franchise, license, or
(iii) any judgment, order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
regulation applicable to BGE or its properties or assets,
which Violation, in the case of each of clauses (ii) or (iii), would have a BGE
Material Adverse Effect;
(f) except as described in Section 5.4(c) of the Merger Agreement or Section
3 hereof, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by BGE does not, and the
consummation by BGE of the transactions contemplated hereby will not, require
any consent, approvals authorization or permit of, or filing with or
notification to, any Governmental Authority; and
(g) any PEPCO Shares acquired upon exercise of the PEPCO Option will be
acquired for BGE's own account, for investment purposes only and will not be,
and the PEPCO Option is not being, acquired by BGE with a view to the public
distribution thereof, in violation of any applicable provision of the Securities
Act.
7. CERTAIN REPURCHASES.
(a) BGE "PUT". At the request of BGE by written notice (x) at any time
during which the PEPCO Option is exercisable pursuant to Section 2 (the
"REPURCHASE PERIOD"), PEPCO (or any successor entity thereof) shall, if
permitted by applicable law, the PEPCO Articles and PEPCO's Material Contracts
(but notwithstanding any insufficiency in the number of PEPCO Shares authorized
for issuance upon the exercise of the PEPCO Option), repurchase from BGE all or
any portion of the PEPCO Option, at the price set forth in subparagraph (i)
below, or, (y) at any time prior to March 31, 1997 (provided that such date
shall be extended to March 31, 1998 under the circumstances where the date after
which either party may terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b)
of the Merger Agreement has been extended to March 31, 1998), PEPCO (or any
successor entity thereof) shall, if permitted by applicable law, the PEPCO
Articles and PEPCO's Material Contracts, repurchase from BGE all or any portion
of the PEPCO Shares purchased by BGE pursuant to the PEPCO Option, at the price
set forth in subparagraph (ii) below:
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<PAGE>
(i) the difference between the "Market/Offer Price" (as defined
below) for shares of PEPCO Common Stock as of the date BGE gives notice
of its intent to exercise its rights under this Section 7 and the
Exercise Price, multiplied by the number of PEPCO Shares purchasable
pursuant to the PEPCO Option (or portion thereof with respect to which
BGE is exercising its rights under this Section 7), but only if the
Market/Offer Price is greater than the Exercise Price. For purposes of
this subparagraph (i), "MARKET/OFFER PRICE" shall mean, as of any date,
the higher of (x) the price per share offered as of such date pursuant to
any tender or exchange offer or other offer with respect to a Business
Combination involving PEPCO as the Target Party which was made prior to
such date and not terminated or withdrawn as of such date and (y) the
Fair Market Value of PEPCO Common Stock as of such date.
(ii) the product of (x) the sum of (A) the Exercise Price paid by BGE
per PEPCO Share acquired pursuant to the PEPCO Option, and (B) the
difference between the "Offer Price" (as defined below) and the Exercise
Price, but only if the Offer Price is greater than the Exercise Price,
and (y) the number of PEPCO Shares so to be repurchased pursuant to this
Section 7. For purposes of this clause (ii), the "OFFER PRICE" shall be
the highest price per share offered pursuant to a tender or exchange
offer or other Business Combination offer involving PEPCO as the Target
Party during the Repurchase Period prior to the delivery by BGE of a
notice of repurchase.
(b) REDELIVERY OF BGE SHARES. If BGE shall have previously elected to
purchase PEPCO Shares pursuant to the exercise of the PEPCO Option by the
issuance and delivery of BGE Shares, then PEPCO shall, if so requested by BGE,
in fulfillment of its obligation pursuant to Section 7(a)(y) (that is, with
respect to the Exercise Price only and without limitation to its obligation to
pay additional consideration under clause (B) of Section 7(a)(ii)(x)), redeliver
the certificates for such BGE Shares to BGE, free and clear of all liens,
claims, charges and encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if at any time less than all of the PEPCO Shares so purchased by
BGE pursuant to the PEPCO Option are to be repurchased by PEPCO pursuant to
Section 7(a)(y), then (i) PEPCO shall be obligated to redeliver to BGE the same
proportion of such BGE Shares as the number of PEPCO Shares that PEPCO is then
obligated to repurchase bears to the number of PEPCO Shares acquired by BGE upon
exercise of the PEPCO Option and (ii) BGE shall issue to PEPCO new certificates
representing those BGE Shares which are not due to be redelivered to BGE
pursuant to this Section 7(b) to the extent that excess BGE Shares are included
in the certificates redelivered to BGE by PEPCO.
(c) PAYMENT AND REDELIVERY OF PEPCO OPTIONS OR SHARES. In the event BGE
exercises its rights under this Section 7, PEPCO shall, within ten business days
thereafter, pay the required amount to BGE in immediately available funds and
BGE shall surrender to PEPCO the PEPCO Option or the certificate or certificates
evidencing the PEPCO Shares purchased by BGE pursuant hereto, and BGE shall
warrant that it owns the PEPCO Option or such shares and that the PEPCO Option
or such shares are then free and clear of all liens, claims, damages, charges
and encumbrances of any kind or nature whatsoever.
(d) BGE "CALL". If BGE has elected to purchase PEPCO Shares pursuant to
the exercise of the PEPCO Option by the issuance and delivery of BGE Shares,
notwithstanding that BGE may no longer hold any such PEPCO Shares or that BGE
elects not to exercise its other rights under this Section 7, BGE may require,
at any time or from time to time prior to March 31, 1997 (provided that such
date shall be extended to March 31, 1998 under the circumstances where the date
after which either party may terminate the Merger Agreement pursuant to Section
9.1(b) of the Merger Agreement has been extended to March 31, 1998), PEPCO to
sell to BGE any such BGE Shares at the price attributed to such BGE Shares
pursuant to Section 4 plus interest at the rate of 8.75% per annum on such
amount from the Closing Date relating to the exchange of such BGE Shares
pursuant to Section 4 to the Closing Date under this Section 7(d) less any
dividends on such BGE Shares paid during such period or declared and payable to
stockholders of record on a date during such period.
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(e) REPURCHASE PRICE REDUCED AT BGE'S OPTION. In the event the repurchase
price specified in Section 7(a) would subject the purchase of the PEPCO Option
or the PEPCO Shares purchased by BGE pursuant to the PEPCO Option to a vote of
the shareholders of PEPCO pursuant to applicable law or the PEPCO Articles, then
BGE may, at its election, reduce the repurchase price to an amount which would
permit such repurchase without the necessity for such a shareholder vote.
8. VOTING OF SHARES. Following the date hereof and prior to the fifth
anniversary of the date hereof (the "EXPIRATION DATE"), each party shall vote
any shares of capital stock of the other party acquired by such party pursuant
to this Agreement ("RESTRICTED SHARES"), including any BGE Shares issued
pursuant to Section 1(b), or otherwise beneficially owned (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "EXCHANGE ACT")), by such party on each matter submitted to a vote of
shareholders of such other party for and against such matter in the same
proportion as the vote of all other shareholders of such other party are voted
(whether by proxy or otherwise) for and against such matter.
9. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER.
(a) RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER. Prior to the Expiration Date, neither party
shall, directly or indirectly, by operation of law or otherwise, sell, assign,
pledge, or otherwise dispose of or transfer any Restricted Shares beneficially
owned by such party, other than (i) pursuant to Section 7, or (ii) in accordance
with Section 9(b) or Section 10.
(b) PERMITTED SALES. Following the termination of the Merger Agreement, a
party shall be permitted to sell any Restricted Shares beneficially owned by it
if such sale is made pursuant to a tender or exchange offer that has been
approved or recommended, or otherwise determined to be fair to and in the best
interests of the shareholders of the other party, by a majority of the members
of the Board of Directors of such other party, which majority shall include a
majority of directors who were directors prior to the announcement of such
tender or exchange offer.
10. REGISTRATION RIGHTS.
(a) Following the termination of the Merger Agreement, either party hereto
that owns Restricted Shares (a "DESIGNATED HOLDER") may by written notice (the
"REGISTRATION NOTICE") to the other party (the "REGISTRANT") request the
Registrant to register under the Securities Act all or any part of the
Restricted Shares beneficially owned by such Designated Holder (the "REGISTRABLE
SECURITIES") pursuant to a bona fide firm commitment underwritten public
offering, in which the Designated Holder and the underwriters shall effect as
wide a distribution of such Registrable Securities as is reasonably practicable
and shall use their best efforts to prevent any person (including any Group (as
used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act)) and its affiliates from purchasing
through such offering Restricted Shares representing more than 1% of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Registrant on a fully diluted basis (a
"PERMITTED OFFERING").
(b) The Registration Notice shall include a certificate executed by the
Designated Holder and its proposed managing underwriter, which underwriter shall
be an investment banking firm of nationally recognized standing (the "MANAGER"),
stating that
(i) they have a good faith intention to commence promptly a Permitted
Offering, and
(ii) the Manager in good faith believes that, based on the
then-prevailing market conditions, it will be able to sell the Registrable
Securities at a per share price equal to at least 80% of the then Fair
Market Value of such shares.
(c) The Registrant (and/or any person designated by the Registrant) shall
thereupon have the option exercisable by written notice delivered to the
Designated Holder within ten business days after the receipt of the Registration
Notice, irrevocably to agree to purchase all or any part of the Registrable
Securities proposed to be so sold for cash at a price (the "OPTION PRICE") equal
to the product of (i) the number of Registrable Securities to be so purchased by
the Registrant and (ii) the then Fair Market Value of such shares.
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(d) Any purchase of Registrable Securities by the Registrant (or its
designee) under Section 10(c) shall take place at a closing to be held at the
principal executive offices of the Registrant or at the offices of its counsel
at any reasonable date and time designated by the Registrant and/or such
designee in such notice within twenty business days after delivery of such
notice, and any payment for the shares to be so purchased shall be made by
delivery at the time of such closing in immediately available funds.
(e) If the Registrant does not elect to exercise its option pursuant to this
Section 10 with respect to all Registrable Securities, it shall use its best
efforts to effect, as promptly as practicable, the registration under the
Securities Act of the unpurchased Registrable Securities proposed to be so sold;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
(i) neither party shall be entitled to more than an aggregate of two
effective registration statements hereunder, and
(ii) the Registrant will not be required to file any such registration
statement during any period of time (not to exceed 40 days after such
request in the case of clause (A) below or 90 days in the case of clauses
(B) and (C) below) when
(A) the Registrant is in possession of material non-public
information which it reasonably believes would be detrimental to be
disclosed at such time and, in the opinion of counsel to the Registrant,
such information would have to be disclosed if a registration statement
were filed at that time;
(B) the Registrant is required under the Securities Act to include
audited financial statements for any period in such registration
statement and such financial statements are not yet available for
inclusion in such registration statement; or
(C) the Registrant determines, in its reasonable judgment, that such
registration would interfere with any financing, acquisition or other
material transaction involving the Registrant or any of its affiliates.
(f) The Registrant shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause any
Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Section 10 to be qualified
for sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the
Designated Holder may reasonably request and shall continue such registration or
qualification in effect in such jurisdiction; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
Registrant shall not be required to qualify to do business in, or consent to
general service of process in, any jurisdiction by reason of this provision.
(g) The registration rights set forth in this Section 10 are subject to the
condition that the Designated Holder shall provide the Registrant with such
information with respect to such holder's Registrable Securities, the plans for
the distribution thereof, and such other information with respect to such holder
as, in the reasonable judgment of counsel for the Registrant, is necessary to
enable the Registrant to include in such registration statement all material
facts required to be disclosed with respect to a registration thereunder.
(h) A registration effected under this Section 10 shall be effected at the
Registrant's expense, except for underwriting discounts and commissions and the
fees and the expenses of counsel to the Designated Holder, and the Registrant
shall provide to the underwriters such documentation (including certificates,
opinions of counsel and "comfort" letters from auditors) as is customary in
connection with underwritten public offerings as such underwriters may
reasonably require.
(i) In connection with any registration effected under this Section 10, the
parties agree
(i) to indemnify each other and the underwriters in the customary
manner,
(ii) to enter into an underwriting agreement in form and substance
customary for transactions of such type with the Manager and the other
underwriters participating in such offering, and
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(iii) to take all further actions which shall be reasonably necessary to
effect such registration and sale (including if the Manager deems it
necessary, participating in road-show presentations).
(j) The Registrant shall be entitled to include (at its expense) additional
shares of its common stock in a registration effected pursuant to this Section
10 only if and to the extent the Manager determines that such inclusion will not
adversely affect the prospects for success of such offering.
11. ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION. Without limitation to any
restriction on PEPCO contained in this Agreement or in the Merger Agreement, in
the event of any change in PEPCO Common Stock by reason of stock dividends,
splitups, mergers (other than the Merger), recapitalizations, combinations,
exchange of shares or the like, the type and number of shares or securities
subject to the PEPCO Option, and the purchase price per share provided in
Section 1, shall be adjusted appropriately to restore to BGE its rights
hereunder, including the right to purchase from PEPCO (or its successors) shares
of PEPCO Common Stock representing 19.9% of the outstanding PEPCO Common Stock
for the aggregate Exercise Price calculated as of the date of this Agreement as
provided in Section 1.
12. RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS. Each certificate representing shares of PEPCO
Common Stock issued to BGE hereunder, and BGE Shares, if any, delivered to PEPCO
at a Closing, shall include a legend in substantially the following form:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS, AND MAY BE REOFFERED OR SOLD
ONLY IF SO REGISTERED OR IF AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS
AVAILABLE. SUCH SECURITIES ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL
RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AS SET FORTH IN THE PEPCO STOCK OPTION
AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 1995, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM THE ISSUER UPON REQUEST.
It is understood and agreed that:
(i) the reference to the resale restrictions of the Securities Act and
state securities or Blue Sky laws in the above legend shall be removed by
delivery of substitute certificate(s) without such reference if BGE or
PEPCO, as the case may be, shall have delivered to the other party a copy of
a letter from the staff of the SEC, or an opinion of counsel, in form and
substance satisfactory to the other party, to the effect that such legend is
not required for purposes of the Securities Act or such laws;
(ii) the reference to the provisions to this Agreement in the above
legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificate(s) without
such reference if the shares have been sold or transferred in compliance
with the provisions of this Agreement and under circumstances that do not
require the retention of such reference; and
(iii) the legend shall be removed in its entirety if the conditions in
the preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are both satisfied.
In addition, such certificates shall bear any other legend as may be required by
law. Certificates representing shares sold in a registered public offering
pursuant to Section 10 shall not be required to bear the legend set forth in
this Section 12.
13. BINDING EFFECT; NO ASSIGNMENT; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. (a) This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto
and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
(b) Except as expressly provided for in this Agreement, neither this
Agreement nor the rights or obligations of either party hereto are assignable,
except by operation of law, or with the written consent of the other party.
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<PAGE>
(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to
confer upon any person other than the parties hereto and their respective
permitted assigns any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever by reason of
this Agreement.
(d) Any Restricted Shares sold by a party in compliance with the provisions
of Section 10 shall, upon consummation of such sale, be free of the restrictions
imposed with respect to such shares by this Agreement, unless and until such
party shall repurchase or otherwise become the beneficial owner of such shares,
and any transferee of such shares shall not be entitled to the registration
rights of such party.
14. SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto agree that irreparable harm
would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with their specified terms or were otherwise breached.
It is accordingly agreed that the parties hereto shall be entitled to an
injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce
specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States
or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to
which they are entitled at law or equity.
15. VALIDITY. (a) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
(b) In the event any court or other competent authority holds any provisions
of this Agreement to be null, void or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall
negotiate in good faith the execution and delivery of an amendment to this
Agreement in order, as nearly as possible, to effectuate, to the extent
permitted by law, the intent of the parties hereto with respect to such
provision and the economic effects thereof.
(c) If for any reason any such court or regulatory agency determines that
BGE is not permitted to acquire, or PEPCO is not permitted to repurchase
pursuant to Section 7, the full number of shares of PEPCO Common Stock provided
in Section 1 hereof (as the same may be adjusted), it is the express intention
of PEPCO to allow BGE to acquire or to require PEPCO to repurchase such lesser
number of shares as may be permissible without any amendment or modification
hereof.
(d) Each party agrees that, should any court or other competent authority
hold any provision of this Agreement or part hereof to be null, void or
unenforceable, or order any party to take any action inconsistent herewith, or
not take any action required herein, the other party shall not be entitled to
specific performance of such provision or part hereof or to any other remedy,
including but not limited to money damages, for breach hereof or of any other
provision of this Agreement or part hereof as the result of such holding or
order.
16. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if (a) delivered personally, or (b) if sent by
overnight courier service (receipt confirmed
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<PAGE>
in writing), or (c) if delivered by facsimile transmission with receipt
confirmed), or (d) five days after being mailed by registered or certified mail
(return receipt requested) to the parties in each case to the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like
notice):
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
A. If to BGE, to:
By Mail: P.O. Box 1475
Baltimore, MD 21203
By Hand: Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, MD 21201
Attention: Charles W. Shivery
Vice President and CFO
Fax: (410) 234-5690
David A. Brune, Esq.
General Counsel
Fax: (410) 234-5513
with a copy to:
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004-1490
Attention: Stephen R. Rusmisel, Esq.
Fax: (212) 858-1500
B. If to PEPCO, to:
By Mail
and Hand: 1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: Dennis R. Wraase
Senior Vice President-
Finance and Accounting
Fax: (202) 331-6314
William T. Torgerson
Senior Vice President-
Law & Governmental
Relations, General Counsel
and Secretary
Fax: (202) 331-6314
with a copy to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Douglas W. Hawes, Esq.
Fax: (212) 424-8500
and a copy to:
Covington & Burling
1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20044
Attention: George B. Reid, Jr., Esq.
Fax: (202) 662-6291
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
17. GOVERNING LAW; CHOICE OF FORUM. This Agreement shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland applicable to
agreements made and to be performed entirely within such State and without
regard to its choice of law principles.
18. INTERPRETATION.
(a) When reference is made in this Agreement to Articles, Sections or
Exhibits, such reference shall be to an Article, Section or Exhibit of this
Agreement, as the case may be, unless otherwise indicated.
(b) The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation
of the Agreement.
(c) Whenever the words "include," "includes," or "including" are used in
this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation."
(d) Whenever "or" is used in this Agreement it shall be construed in the
nonexclusive sense.
19. COUNTERPARTS; EFFECT. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
20. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER. This Agreement may be amended by the parties
hereto and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived only by an instrument
in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto, or, in the case of a
waiver, by an instrument signed on behalf of the party waiving compliance.
21. EXTENSION OF TIME PERIODS. The time periods for exercise of certain
rights under Sections 2, 6 and 7 shall be extended:
(a) to the extent necessary to obtain all regulatory approvals for the
exercise of such rights, and for the expiration of all statutory waiting
periods; and
(b) to the extent necessary to avoid any liability under Section 16(b) of
the Exchange Act by reason of such exercise.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the date first above
written.
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
By: /s/ EDWARD F. MITCHELL
--------------------------------------
Name: Edward F. Mitchell
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
By: /s/ CHRISTIAN H. POINDEXTER
--------------------------------------
Name: Christian H. Poindexter
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT by and between RH ACQUISITION CORP., a Maryland corporation
(the "Company"), and Mr. Edward F. Mitchell (the "Executive"), dated as of the
22nd day of September, 1995.
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, the Company, POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY ("PEPCO") and BALTIMORE
GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY ("BGE") have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of September 22, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), whereby the
PEPCO and BGE organizations will merge into the Company, with the Company as the
surviving entity; and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE wish to provide for the orderly
succession of management of the Company following the Effective Time (as defined
in the Merger Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE further wish to provide for the
employment by the Company of the Executive, and the Executive wishes to serve
the Company, in the capacities and on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. The Company shall employ the Executive, and the
Executive shall serve the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, for the period beginning at the Effective Time (as defined in the
Merger Agreement), and ending on the last day of the twelfth (12th) full month
following the Effective Time (the "Employment Period").
2. POSITION AND DUTIES. (a) During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board")
and (i) preside over all meetings of the shareholders and Board of Directors,
(ii) provide advice and counsel to the Chief Executive Officer in relation to
strategic corporate decisions, personnel and other decisions relating to the
combination of the merging companies' workforces, (iii) be an ex officio member
of all Board committees (except the Audit, Committee on Management and other
committees which permit only outside directors pursuant to applicable securities
or stock exchange rules or regulations, whose meetings he shall attend in a
consultatory capacity except when such committees meet in executive session),
(iv) perform such other duties as the Board or Chief Executive Officer
reasonably request, and (v) see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are
carried into effect. The Executive shall be a member of the Board on the first
day of the Employment Period and may, at his option, be a member of the Board of
Directors of any of the Company's subsidiaries during the Employment Period.
(b) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and
sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive shall devote the
whole of his attention and time during normal business hours (and outside those
hours when reasonably necessary to his duties hereunder) to the business and
affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the
responsibilities assigned to the Executive under this Agreement, use the
Executive's reasonable best efforts to carry out such responsibilities
faithfully and efficiently. It shall not be considered a violation of the
foregoing for the Executive to serve on corporate, industry, civic or charitable
boards or committees, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere
with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the
Company in accordance with this Agreement.
3. COMPENSATION. (a) BASE SALARY. The Executive's compensation during the
Employment Period shall be determined by the Board upon the recommendation of
the Committee on Management of the Board, subject to the next sentence and
Section 3(b). During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an
annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary") of not less than his annual base
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salary from PEPCO as in effect immediately before the Effective Time. The Annual
Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company's regular payroll
practice for its senior executives, as in effect from time to time.
(b) INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall participate in such short-term incentive compensation plans and long-term
incentive compensation plans as shall be decided upon in the discretion of the
Committee on Management of the Board (the "Incentive Compensation").
(c) OTHER BENEFITS. (i) In the event of the termination of employment of
the Executive for any reason, benefits identical to the retirement, death and
continuing health and other benefits provided in and on the same terms as set
forth in clauses 4 through and including 10 of the Employment Agreement executed
between PEPCO and the Executive and dated April 26, 1995 shall be provided to
the Executive, his surviving spouse or other beneficiary, as applicable. For
purposes of determining "final average annual pay" thereunder, target annual
award shall be the last applicable to Executive's position under PEPCO's
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan guidelines as in effect on the day prior
to the Effective Time. At the existing time, the Executive participates in the
following benefit programs: (1) the PEPCO Executive Performance Supplemental
Retirement Plan; (2) the PEPCO Supplemental Benefit Plan; (3) the PEPCO General
Retirement Plan; (4) the PEPCO Revised and Restated Executive and Director
Deferred Compensation Plan; (5) the PEPCO Executive Split Dollar Insurance Plan;
and (6) the PEPCO Director and Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
(collectively the "Plans"). The Executive shall be entitled to receive benefits
from the Plans (or any successor arrangements), upon his termination of
employment from the Company, in an amount that is no less than the level of
benefits accrued by the Executive through the Effective Time, increased to
reflect the additional service and compensation earned by the Executive during
his period of employment with the Company. Should any of the Plans be
discontinued during the Employment Period, a separate arrangement shall be
established on behalf of the Executive to continue the accrual of benefits
attributable to such Plans to the extent such benefits would not otherwise be
provided under any replacement arrangement adopted by the Company.
(ii) In addition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
during the Employment Period and thereafter: (A) the Executive shall be entitled
to participate in all applicable incentive, savings and retirement plans,
practices, policies and programs of the Company to the same extent as other
senior executives (or, where applicable, retired senior executives) of the
Company, provided, however, that the Executive shall participate in the more
favorable group of benefit plans in paragraph (c)(i) or (c)(ii) of this Section
3, but not both groups of benefit plans; and (B) the Executive and/ or the
Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in,
and shall receive all benefits under, all applicable welfare benefit plans,
practices, policies and programs provided by the Company, including, without
limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life insurance,
group life insurance, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and
programs, to the same extent as other senior executives (or, where applicable,
retired senior executives) of the Company.
(d) PERQUISITES. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
entitled to receive such perquisites as the Company may establish from time to
time which are commensurate with his position and which are at least comparable
to those received by other senior executives at the Company.
4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH OR DISABILITY. The Executive's
employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the
Employment Period. The Company shall be entitled to terminate the Executive's
employment because of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period.
"Disability" means that the Executive has been unable, for a period of one
hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days, to perform the Executive's duties
under this Agreement, as a result of physical or mental illness or injury. A
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Disability shall be
communicated to the Executive by written notice, and shall be
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<PAGE>
effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such notice by the
Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), unless the Executive returns to
full-time performance of the Executive's duties before the Disability Effective
Date.
(b) BY THE COMPANY. (i) The Company may terminate the Executive's
employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause. "Cause"
means:
A. the willful and continued failure of the Executive substantially to
perform the Executive's duties under this Agreement (other than as a result
of physical or mental illness or injury), after the Board of the Company
delivers to the Executive a written demand for substantial performance that
specifically identified the manner in which the Board believes that the
Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's duties; or
B. illegal conduct or gross misconduct by the Executive, in either case
that is willful and results in material and demonstrable damage to the
business or reputation of the Company.
No act or failure on the part of the Executive shall be considered "willful"
unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or
without reasonable belief that the Executive's action or omission was in the
best interests of the Company. Any act or failure to act that is based upon
authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or the
advice of counsel for the Company, shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or
omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of
the Company.
(ii) A termination of the Executive's employment for Cause shall be
effected in accordance with the following procedures. The Company shall give
the Executive written notice ("Notice of Termination for Cause") of its
intention to terminate the Executive's employment for Cause, setting forth
in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the Executive that it considers
to constitute Cause and the specific provision(s) of this Agreement on which
it relies, and stating the date, time and place of the Board Meeting for
Cause. The "Board Meeting for Cause" means a meeting of the Board at which
the Executive's termination for Cause will be considered, that takes place
not less than ten (10) and not more than twenty (20) business days after the
Executive receives the Notice of Termination for Cause. The Executive shall
be given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard at the Board
Meeting for Cause. The Executive's termination for Cause shall be effective
when and if a resolution is duly adopted at the Board Meeting for Cause by a
two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the Board, excluding employee
directors, stating that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the
Executive is guilty of the conduct described in the Notice of Termination
for Cause, and that conduct constitutes Cause under this Agreement.
(iii) The Board may terminate the Executive's employment without Cause at
any time to the extent permitted by the By-laws of the Company.
(c) GOOD REASON. (i) The Executive may terminate employment for Good
Reason or without Good Reason. "Good Reason" means:
A. the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any
respect with paragraph (a) of Section 2 of this Agreement, or any other
action by the Company that results in a diminution in the Executive's
position, authority, duties or responsibilities, other than an isolated,
insubstantial and inadvertent action that is not taken in bad faith and is
remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the
Executive;
B. any failure by the Company to comply with any provision of Section 3
of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent
failure that is not taken in bad faith and is remedied by the Company
promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive;
C. any purported termination of the Executive's employment by the
Company for a reason or in a manner not expressly permitted by this
Agreement;
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D. any failure by the Company to comply with paragraph (c) of Section
11 of this Agreement; or
E. any other substantial breach of this Agreement by the Company that
either is not taken in good faith or is not remedied by the Company promptly
after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive.
(ii) A termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason shall be
effectuated by giving the Company written notice ("Notice of Termination for
Good Reason") of the termination within six (6) months of the event constituting
Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the
Company that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provision(s) of this
Agreement on which the Executive relies. A termination of employment by the
Executive for Good Reason shall be effective on the fifth (5th) business day
following the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given,
unless the notice sets forth a later date (which date shall in no event be later
than thirty (30) days after the notice is given).
(iii) A termination of the Executive's employment by the Executive without
Good Reason shall be effected by giving the Company written notice of the
termination.
(d) DATE OF TERMINATION. The "Date of Termination" means the date of the
Executive's death, the Disability Effective Date, the date on which the
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Cause or without
Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason is effective, or the date on which the
Executive gives the Company notice of a termination of employment without Good
Reason, as the case may be.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION. (a) BY THE COMPANY OTHER
THAN FOR CAUSE, DEATH OR DISABILITY; BY THE EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON. If,
during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment,
other than for Cause, Death or Disability, or the Executive terminates
employment for Good Reason, the Company shall continue to provide the Executive
with the compensation and benefits set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of
Section 3 as if he had remained employed by the Company pursuant to this
Agreement through the end of the Employment Period and then retired (at which
time he will be treated as eligible for all retiree welfare benefits and other
benefits provided to retired senior executives, as set forth in clause B of
Section 3(c)(ii)); PROVIDED, that the Incentive Compensation for such period
shall be equal to the maximum Incentive Compensation that the Executive would
have been eligible to earn for such period; PROVIDED, further, that to the
extent any benefits described in paragraph (c) of Section 3 cannot be provided
pursuant to a plan or program maintained by the Company for its executives, the
Company shall provide such benefits outside such plan or program at no
additional cost (including without limitation tax cost) to the Executive and his
family; and PROVIDED, finally, that during any period when the Executive is
eligible to receive benefits of the type described in clause (B) of paragraph
(c)(ii) of Section 3 under another employer-provided plan, the benefits provided
by the Company under this paragraph (a) of Section 5 may be made secondary to
those provided under such other plan. In addition to the foregoing, any benefit
referred to in paragraph (c)(i) of Section 3 shall be fully vested, any
restricted stock outstanding on the Date of Termination shall be fully vested as
of the Date of Termination and all options outstanding on the Date of
Termination shall be fully vested and exercisable and shall remain in effect and
exercisable through the end of their respective terms, without regard to the
termination of the Executive's employment. The payments and benefits provided
pursuant to this paragraph (a) of Section 5 are intended as liquidated damages
for a termination of the Executive's employment by the Company other than for
Cause or Disability or for the actions of the Company leading to a termination
of the Executive's employment by the Executive for Good Reason, and shall be the
sole and exclusive remedy therefor.
(b) DEATH OR DISABILITY. If the Executive's employment is terminated by
reason of the Executive's death or Disability during the Employment Period, the
Company shall pay to the Executive or, in the case of the Executive's death, to
the Executive's designated beneficiaries (or, if there is no such beneficiary,
to the Executive's estate or legal representative), in a lump sum in cash within
thirty
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(30) days after the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts (the
"Accrued Obligations"): (1) any portion of the Executive's Annual Base Salary
through the Date of Termination that has been earned but not yet been paid; (2)
an amount representing the Incentive Compensation for the period that includes
the Date of Termination, computed by assuming that the amount of all such
Incentive Compensation would be equal to the maximum amount of such Incentive
Compensation that the Executive would have been eligible to earn for such
period, and multiplying that amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the
number of days in such period through the Date of Termination, and the
denominator of which is the total number of days in the relevant period; and (3)
any accrued but unpaid Incentive Compensation and vacation pay. Any compensation
previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or
earnings thereon) that has not yet been paid will be paid in accordance with the
terms and conditions under which such amounts were initially deferred.
(c) BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE; BY THE EXECUTIVE OTHER THAN FOR GOOD
REASON. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause
during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Executive the Annual
Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent earned but not yet
paid. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment
Period, other than for Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive the
Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent earned but not
yet paid. The amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive
(together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) will be paid under the
terms and conditions under which such amounts were initially deferred.
6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or
limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program,
policy or practice provided by the Company for which the Executive may qualify,
nor, subject to paragraph (f) of Section 12, shall anything in this Agreement
limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under contract
or agreement with the Company. Vested benefits and other amounts that the
Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under the Incentive Compensation, the
deferred compensation and other benefit programs listed in paragraph (c) of
Section 3, the Life Insurance Coverage, or any other plan, policy, practice or
program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company on or after the Date
of Termination shall be payable in accordance with the terms of each such plan,
policy, practice, program, contract or agreement, as the case may be, except as
explicitly modified by this Agreement.
7. FULL SETTLEMENT. The Company's obligation to make the payments provided
for in, and otherwise to perform its obligations under, this Agreement shall not
be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim,
right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no
event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any
other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under
any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as specifically provided in
paragraph (a) of Section 5 with respect to benefits described in clause (B) of
paragraph (c)(ii) of Section 3, such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of
whether the Executive obtains other employment.
8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information,
knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies and
their respective businesses that the Executive obtains during the Executive's
employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and that is not
public knowledge (other than as a result of the Executive's violation of this
Section 8) ("Confidential Information"). The Executive shall not communicate,
divulge or disseminate Confidential Information at any time during or after the
Executive's employment with the Company, except with the prior written consent
of the Company or as otherwise required by law or legal process. In no event
shall any asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 8 constitute a
basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the
Executive under this Agreement, unless the Executive is terminated for Cause
pursuant to paragraph (b)(i) of Section 4 hereof.
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9. CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY. (a) Anything in this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined
that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the
Executive (other than a payment or distribution made in respect of any program
in which the Executive participated while employed by PEPCO, unless paid or
payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
and determined without regard to any additional payments required under this
Section 9) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section
4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or any
interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise
tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are
hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Executive
shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an
amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes (including any
interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including, without
limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with
respect thereto) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, the Executive
retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon
the Payments.
(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this Section 9, all
determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and
the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made
by one of the Big Six certified public accounting firms designated by the
Executive and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld) (the "Accounting Firm"), which shall provide detailed supporting
calculations both to the Company and the Executive within fifteen (15) business
days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that there has been a Payment,
or such earlier time as is required by the Company. In the event that the
Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity
or group effecting the change of control, the Executive shall designate another
Big Six accounting firm (subject to the approval of the Company, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld) to make the determinations required
hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting
Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne
solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this
Section 9, shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within five (5) days of
the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. Any determination by the
Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result
of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of
the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that
Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been
made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made
hereunder. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to
paragraph (c) of this Section 9 and the Executive thereafter is required to make
a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of
the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly
paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.
(c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the
Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the
Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as
practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after the Executive is
informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of
such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The
Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the thirty (30)
day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company (or
such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to
such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to
the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the
Executive shall:
(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company
relating to such claim,
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(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the
Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such
claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,
(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to
contest such claim, and
(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to
such claim;
PROVIDED, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and
expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection
with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and
penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and
payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of
this paragraph (c) of Section 9, the Company shall control all proceedings taken
in connection with such contest and, at its sole option, may pursue or forego
any and all administrative appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with
the taxing authority in respect of such claim and may, at its sole option,
either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or
contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to
prosecute such contest to a determination before any administrative tribunal, in
a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the
Company shall determine; PROVIDED, however, that if the Company directs the
Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the
amount of such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall
indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any
Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto)
imposed with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with
respect to such advance; and PROVIDED, further, that any extension of the
statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of the
Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be due is
limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company's control of
the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment
would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be entitled to settle or
contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the Internal Revenue
Service or any other taxing authority.
(d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the
Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, the Executive becomes
entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall
promptly take all necessary action to obtain such refund and (subject to the
Company's complying with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this Section 9)
upon receipt of such refund shall promptly pay to the Company the amount of such
refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes
applicable thereto). If after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced
by the Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, a determination is
made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such
claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to
contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days after
such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be
required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent
thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.
10. ATTORNEYS' FEES. The Company agrees to pay, as incurred, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses that the Executive
may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (provided that the Executive is
the prevailing party with respect to such contest) by the Company, the Executive
or others of the validity or enforceability of or liability under, or otherwise
involving, any provision of this Agreement, together with interest on any
delayed payment at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section
7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.
11. SUCCESSORS. (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and,
without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the
Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the Executive's legal representatives.
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(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Company and its successors and assigns.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the
business and/or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform
this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used
in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean both the Company as defined above and
any such successor that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by
operation of law or otherwise.
12. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without reference to
principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of
the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not
be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
(b) All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by facsimile,
addressed as follows:
If to the Executive, to:
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: Mr. Edward F. Mitchell
Fax: (202) 331-6314
If to the Company, to:
c/o Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attention: David A. Brune, Esq.
General Counsel
Fax: (410) 234-5690
and to:
c/o Potomac Electric Power Company
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: William T. Torgerson, Esq.
Senior Vice President -- Law &
Government Relations,
General Counsel and Secretary
Fax: (202) 331-6314
with a copy, to:
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004-1490
Attention: Stephen R. Rusmisel, Esq.
Fax: (212) 858-1500
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and to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Douglas W. Hawes, Esq.
Fax: (212) 424-8500
or to such other address as either party furnishes to the other in writing in
accordance with this paragraph (b) of Section 12. Notices and communications
shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or
unenforceable in part, the remaining portion of such provision, together with
all other provisions of this Agreement, shall remain valid and enforceable and
continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent consistent with law.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may
withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and
foreign taxes that are required to be withheld by applicable laws or
regulations.
(e) The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict
compliance with any provision of, or to assert any right under, this Agreement
(including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate
employment for Good Reason pursuant to paragraph (c) of Section 4 of this
Agreement) shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of
any other provision of or right under this Agreement.
(f) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the Executive
and the Company acknowledge that this Agreement supersedes any other agreement
between them or between him and PEPCO, concerning the subject matter hereof.
(g) The rights and benefits of the Executive under this Agreement may not be
anticipated, assigned, alienated or subject to attachment, garnishment, levy,
execution or other legal or equitable process except as required by law. Any
attempt by the Executive to anticipate, alienate, assign, sell, transfer,
pledge, encumber or charge the same shall be void. Payments thereunder shall not
be considered assets of the Executive in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy.
(h) This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, and said counterparts shall constitute but one and
the same instrument.
(i) The provisions of this Agreement shall take effect without any further
action required by the parties at the Effective Time, and if the Closing (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) of the proposed merger shall not occur, this
entire Agreement shall be of no legal effect.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand and,
pursuant to the authorization of its Board of Directors, the Company has caused
this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and
year first above written.
/s/ EDWARD F. MITCHELL
--------------------------------------
Mr. Edward F. Mitchell
RH ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ DOUGLAS W. HAWES
--------------------------------------
Mr. Douglas W. Hawes
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EXHIBIT C2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT by and between RH ACQUISITION CORP., a Maryland corporation
(the "Company"), and Mr. Christian H. Poindexter (the "Executive"), dated as of
the 22nd day of September, 1995.
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, the Company, POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY ("PEPCO") and BALTIMORE
GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY ("BGE") have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of September 22, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), whereby the
PEPCO and BGE organizations will merge into the Company, with the Company as the
surviving entity; and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE wish to provide for the orderly
succession of management of the Company following the Effective Time (as defined
in the Merger Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE further wish to provide for the
employment by the Company of the Executive, and the Executive wishes to serve
the Company, in the capacities and on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement:
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. The Company shall employ the Executive, and the
Executive shall serve the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, for an initial period (the "Initial Period") and a further period
(the "Secondary Period") (the Initial Period and the Secondary Period are
hereinafter referred to in the aggregate as the "Employment Period"). The
Initial Period shall begin at the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger
Agreement), and end on the earlier of: (i) such date as Mr. Edward F. Mitchell
ceases to be Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") for
any reason; or (ii) the last day of the twelfth (12th) full month following the
Effective Time. The Secondary Period shall begin at the end of the Initial
Period and end on that date which is the last day of the sixtieth (60th) full
month following the Effective Time and the Agreement shall automatically renew
for additional terms of one year, unless not later than the fourth anniversary
of the Agreement and each anniversary of the Agreement thereafter, the Company
shall have given notice in writing to the Executive that it does not intend to
renew the Agreement.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES. (a) During the Initial Period, the Executive shall
serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Vice Chairman,
President, Chief Financial Officer, chief legal officer, chief human resources
officer, and chief internal auditor shall all report to him; during the
Secondary Period, the Executive shall serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company; in each case with such other duties and
responsibilities as are customarily assigned to such positions, and such other
duties and responsibilities not inconsistent therewith as may from time to time
be assigned to him by the Board. The Executive shall be a member of the Board on
the first day of the Employment Period, and the Board shall propose the
Executive for re-election to the Board throughout the Employment Period.
(b) During the Employment Period the Executive shall report to the Board.
(c) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and
sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive shall devote the
whole of his attention and time during normal business hours (and outside those
hours when reasonably necessary to his duties hereunder) to the business and
affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the
responsibilities assigned to the Executive under this Agreement, use the
Executive's reasonable best efforts to carry out such responsibilities
faithfully and efficiently. It shall not be considered a violation of the
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foregoing for the Executive to serve on corporate, industry, civic or charitable
boards or committees, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere
with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the
Company in accordance with this Agreement.
3. COMPENSATION. (a) BASE SALARY. The Executive's compensation during the
Employment Period shall be determined by the Board upon the recommendation of
the Committee on Management of the Board, subject to the next sentence and
Section 3(b). During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an
annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary") of not less than his annual base
salary from BGE as in effect immediately before the Effective Time. The Annual
Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company's regular payroll
practice for its senior executives, as in effect from time to time. During the
Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed for possible
increase at least annually. Any increase in the Annual Base Salary shall not
limit or reduce any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement. The
Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase, and the term
"Annual Base Salary" shall thereafter refer to the Annual Base Salary as so
increased.
(b) INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall participate in such short-term incentive compensation plans and long-term
incentive compensation plans as shall be decided upon in the discretion of the
Committee on Management of the Board (the "Incentive Compensation").
(c) OTHER BENEFITS. In addition, and without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, during the Employment Period and thereafter: (A) the Executive shall
be entitled to participate in all applicable incentive, savings and retirement
plans, practices, policies and programs of the Company to the same extent as
other senior executives (or, where applicable, retired senior executives) of the
Company, and (B) the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case may
be, shall be eligible for participation in, and shall receive all benefits
under, all applicable welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs
provided by the Company, including, without limitation, medical, prescription,
dental, disability, sickness benefits, employee life insurance, accidental death
and travel insurance plans and programs, to the same extent as other senior
executives (or, where applicable, retired senior executives) of the Company.
(d) PERQUISITES. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
entitled to receive such perquisites as the Company may establish from time to
time which are commensurate with his position and at least comparable to those
received by other senior executives at the Company.
4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH OR DISABILITY. The Executive's
employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the
Employment Period. The Company shall be entitled to terminate the Executive's
employment because of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period.
"Disability" means that the Executive has been unable, for a period of one
hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days, to perform the Executive's duties
under this Agreement, as a result of physical or mental illness or injury. A
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Disability shall be
communicated to the Executive by written notice and shall be effective on the
thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the
"Disability Effective Date"), unless the Executive returns to full-time
performance of the Executive's duties before the Disability Effective Date.
(b) BY THE COMPANY. (i) The Company may terminate the Executive's
employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause. "Cause"
means:
A. the willful and continued failure of Executive substantially to
perform the Executive's duties under this Agreement (other than as a result
of physical or mental illness or injury), after the Board of the Company
delivers to the Executive a written demand for substantial performance that
specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the
Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's duties; or
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B. illegal conduct or gross misconduct by the Executive, in either case
that is willful and results in material and demonstrable damage to the
business or reputation of the Company.
No act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered
"willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad
faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive's action or omission was
in the best interests of the Company. Any act or failure to act that is based
upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or the
advice of counsel for the Company, shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or
omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of
the Company.
(ii) A termination of the Executive's employment for Cause shall be
effected in accordance with the following procedures. The Company shall give
the Executive written notice ("Notice of Termination for Cause") of its
intention to terminate the Executive's employment for Cause, setting forth
in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the Executive that it considers
to constitute Cause and the specific provision(s) of this Agreement on which
it relies, and stating the date, time and place of the Board Meeting for
Cause. The "Board Meeting for Cause" means a meeting of the Board at which
the Executive's termination for Cause will be considered, that takes place
not less than ten (10) and not more than twenty (20) business days after the
Executive receives the Notice of Termination for Cause. The Executive shall
be given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard at the Board
Meeting for Cause. The Executive's termination for Cause shall be effective
when and if a resolution is duly adopted at the Board Meeting for Cause by a
two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the Board, excluding employee
directors, stating that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the
Executive is guilty of the conduct described in the Notice of Termination
for Cause, and that conduct constitutes Cause under this Agreement.
(iii) The Board may terminate the Executive's employment without Cause at
any time to the extent permitted by the By-laws of the Company.
(c) GOOD REASON. (i) The Executive may terminate employment for Good Reason
or without Good Reason. "Good Reason" means:
A. the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any
respect with paragraph (a) of Section 2 of this Agreement, or any other
action by the Company that results in a diminution in the Executive's
position, authority, duties or responsibilities, other than an isolated,
insubstantial and inadvertent action that is not taken in bad faith and
is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof from
the Executive;
B. any failure by the Company to comply with any provision of
Section 3 of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and
inadvertent failure that is not taken in bad faith and is remedied by the
Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive;
C. any purported termination of the Executive's employment by the
Company for a reason or in a manner not expressly permitted by this
Agreement;
D. any failure by the Company to comply with paragraph (c) of
Section 11 of this Agreement; or
E. any other substantial breach of this Agreement by the Company
that either is not taken in good faith or is not remedied by the Company
promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive.
(ii) A termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason shall
be effectuated by giving the Company written notice ("Notice of Termination
for Good Reason") of the termination within six (6) months of the event
constituting Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific
conduct of the Company that constitutes Good Reason and the specific
provision(s) of this Agreement on which the Executive relies. A termination
of employment by the Executive for
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Good Reason shall be effective on the fifth (5th) business day following the
date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, unless the
notice sets forth a later date (which date shall in no event be later than
(thirty) 30 days after the notice is given).
(iii) A termination of the Executive's employment by the Executive
without Good Reason shall be effected by giving the Company written notice
of the termination.
(d) DATE OF TERMINATION. The "Date of Termination" means the date of the
Executive's death, the Disability Effective Date, the date on which the
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Cause or without
Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason is effective, or the date on which the
Executive gives the Company notice of a termination of employment without Good
Reason, as the case may be.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION. (a) BY THE COMPANY OTHER
THAN FOR CAUSE, DEATH OR DISABILITY; BY THE EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON. If,
during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment,
other than for Cause, Death or Disability, or the Executive terminates
employment for Good Reason, the Company shall continue to provide the Executive
with the compensation and benefits set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of
Section 3 as if he had remained employed by the Company pursuant to this
Agreement through the end of the Employment Period and then retired (at which
time he will be treated as eligible for all retiree welfare benefits and other
benefits provided to retired senior executives, as set forth in clause (B) of
Section 3(c); PROVIDED, that the Incentive Compensation for such period shall be
equal to the maximum Incentive Compensation that the Executive would have been
eligible to earn for such period; PROVIDED, further, that to the extent any
benefits described in paragraph (c) of Section 3 cannot be provided pursuant to
a plan or program maintained by the Company for its executives, the Company
shall provide such benefits outside such plan or program at no additional cost
(including without limitation tax cost) to the Executive and his family; and
PROVIDED, finally, that during any period when the Executive is eligible to
receive benefits of the type described in clause (B) of paragraph (c) of Section
3 under another employer-provided plan, the benefits provided by the Company
under this paragraph (a) of Section 5 may be made secondary to those provided
under such other plan. In addition to the foregoing, any restricted stock
outstanding on the Date of Termination shall be fully vested as of the Date of
Termination and all options outstanding on the Date of Termination shall be
fully vested and exercisable and shall remain in effect and exercisable through
the end of their respective terms, without regard to the termination of the
Executive's employment. The payments and benefits provided pursuant to this
paragraph (a) of Section 5 are intended as liquidated damages for a termination
of the Executive's employment by the Company other than for Cause or Disability
or for the actions of the Company leading to a termination of the Executive's
employment by the Executive for Good Reason, and shall be the sole and exclusive
remedy therefor.
(b) DEATH AND DISABILITY. If the Executive's employment is terminated by
reason of the Executive's death or Disability during the Employment Period, the
Company shall pay to the Executive or, in the case of the Executive's death, to
the Executive's designated beneficiaries (or, if there is no such beneficiary,
to the Executive's estate or legal representative), in a lump sum in cash within
thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts
(the "Accrued Obligations"): (1) any portion of the Executive's Annual Base
Salary through the Date of Termination that has been earned but not yet been
paid; (2) an amount representing the Incentive Compensation for the period that
includes the Date of Termination, computed by assuming that the amount of all
such Incentive Compensation would be equal to the maximum amount of such
Incentive Compensation that the Executive would have been eligible to earn for
such period, and multiplying that amount by a fraction, the numerator of which
is the number of days in such period through the Date of Termination, and the
denominator of which is the total number of days in the relevant period; and (3)
any accrued but unpaid Incentive Compensation and vacation pay. Any compensation
previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or
earnings thereon) that has not yet been paid, will be paid in accordance with
the terms and conditions under which such amounts were initially deferred.
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(c) BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE; BY THE EXECUTIVE OTHER THAN FOR GOOD
REASON. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause
during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Executive the Annual
Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent earned but not yet
paid. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment
Period, other than for Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive the
Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent earned but not
yet paid. The amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive
(together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon), will be paid under the
terms and conditions under which such amounts were initially deferred.
6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or
limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program,
policy or practice provided by the Company for which the Executive may qualify,
nor, subject to paragraph (1) of Section 12, shall anything in this Agreement
limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any
contract or agreement with the Company. Vested benefits and other amounts that
the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under the Incentive Compensation,
the deferred compensation and other benefit programs listed in paragraph (c) of
Section 3, the Life Insurance Coverage, or any other plan, policy, practice or
program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company on or after the Date
of Termination shall be payable in accordance with the terms of each such plan,
policy, practice, program, contract or agreement, as the case may be, except as
explicitly modified by this Agreement.
7. FULL SETTLEMENT. The Company's obligation to make the payments provided
for in, and otherwise to perform its obligations under, this Agreement shall not
be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim,
right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no
event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any
other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under
any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as specifically provided in
paragraph (a) of Section 5 with respect to benefits described in clause (B) of
paragraph (c) of Section 3, such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of
whether the Executive obtains other employment.
8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information,
knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies and
their respective businesses that the Executive obtains during the Executive's
employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and that is not
public knowledge (other than as a result of the Executive's violation of this
Section 8) ("Confidential Information"). The Executive shall not communicate,
divulge or disseminate Confidential Information at any time during or after the
Executive's employment with the Company, except with the prior written consent
of the Company or as otherwise required by law or legal process. In no event
shall any asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 8 constitute a
basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the
Executive under this Agreement, unless the Executive is terminated for cause
pursuant to paragraph (b)(i) of Section 4 hereof.
9. CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY. (a) Anything in this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined
that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the
Executive (other than a payment or distribution made in respect of any program
in which the Executive participated while employed by BGE, regardless whether
paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise, and determined without regard to any additional payments
required under this Section 9) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect
to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and
penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then
the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up
Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes
(including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes),
including, without limitation, any
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income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereon) and
Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of
the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.
(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this Section 9, all
determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and
the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made
by one of the Big Six certified public accounting firms designated by the
Executive and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld) (the "Accounting Firm"), which shall provide detailed supporting
calculations both to the Company and the Executive within fifteen (15) business
days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that there has been a Payment,
or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. In the event that the
Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity
or group affecting the change of control, the Executive shall designate another
Big Six accounting firm (subject to the approval of the Company, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld) to make the determinations required
hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting
Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne
solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this
Section 9, shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within five (5) days of
the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. Any determination by the
Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result
of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of
the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that
Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been
made ("Underpayment") consistent with the calculations required to be made
hereunder. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to
paragraph (c) of this Section 9 and the Executive thereafter is required to make
a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of
the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly
paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.
(c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the
Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the
Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as
practicable but not later than ten (10) days after the Executive is informed in
writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim
and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The Executive shall
not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the thirty (30) day period
following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter
period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim
is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to the
expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the Executive
shall:
(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company
relating to such claim,
(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the
Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such
claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,
(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to
contest such claim, and
(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to
such claim;
PROVIDED, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and
expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection
with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and
penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and
payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of
this paragraph (c) of Section 9, the Company shall control all proceedings taken
in connection with such contest and, at its sole
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option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings,
hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and
may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and
sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the
Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any
administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more
appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; PROVIDED, however, that if the
Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the
Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an
interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or
penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with
respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and PROVIDED,
further, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of
taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested
amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount.
Furthermore, the Company's control of the contest shall be limited to issues
with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the
Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other
issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
(d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the
Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, the Executive becomes
entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall
promptly take all necessary actions to obtain such refund and (subject to the
Company's complying with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this Section 9)
upon receipt of such refund shall promptly pay to the Company the amount of such
refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes
applicable thereto). If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount
advanced by the Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, a
determination is made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund
with respect to such claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in
writing of its intent to contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration
of thirty (30) days after such determination, then such advance shall be
forgiven and shall not be required to be repaid and the amount of such advance
shall offset, to the extent thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to
be paid.
10. ATTORNEYS' FEES. The Company agrees to pay, as incurred, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses that the Executive
may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (provided that the Executive is
the prevailing party with respect to such contest) by the Company, the Executive
or others of the validity or enforceability of or liability under, or otherwise
involving, any provision of this Agreement, together with interest on any
delayed payment at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section
7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.
11. SUCCESSORS. (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and,
without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the
Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the Executive's legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Company and its successors and assigns.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the
business and/or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform
this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used
in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean both the Company as defined above and
any such successor that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by
operation of law or otherwise.
12. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without reference to
principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of
the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not
be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
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(b) All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by facsimile,
addressed as follows:
If to the Executive, to:
Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attention: Mr. Christian H. Poindexter
Fax: (410) 234-7800
If to the Company, to:
c/o Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attention: David A. Brune, Esq.
General Counsel
Fax: (410) 234-5690
and, to:
c/o Potomac Electric Power Company
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: William T. Torgerson, Esq.
Senior Vice President -- Law &
Government Relations,
General Counsel and Secretary
Fax: (202) 331-6314
with a copy to:
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004-1490
Attention: Stephen R. Rusmisel, Esq.
Fax: (212) 858-1500
and to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Douglas W. Hawes, Esq.
Fax: (212) 424-8500
or to such other address as either party furnishes to the other in writing in
accordance with this paragraph (b) of Section 12. Notices and communications
shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or
unenforceable in part, the remaining portion of such provision, together with
all other provisions of this Agreement, shall remain valid and enforceable and
continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent consistent with law.
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(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may
withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and
foreign taxes that are required to be withheld by applicable laws or
regulations.
(e) The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict
compliance with any provisions of, or to assert any right under, this Agreement
(including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate
employment for Good Reason pursuant to paragraph (c) of Section 4 of this
Agreement) shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of
any other provision of or right under this Agreement.
(f) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the Executive
and the Company acknowledge that this Agreement supersedes any other agreement
between them or between him and BGE, concerning the subject matter hereof.
(g) The rights and benefits of the Executive under this Agreement may not be
anticipated, alienated or subject to attachment, garnishment, levy, execution or
other legal or equitable process except as required by law. Any attempt by the
Executive to anticipate, alienate, assign, sell, transfer, pledge, encumber or
charge the same shall be void. Payments hereunder shall not be considered assets
of the Executive in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy.
(h) This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, and said counterparts shall constitute but one and
the same instrument.
(i) The provisions of this Agreement shall take effect without any further
action required by the parties at the Effective Time, and if the Closing (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) of the proposed merger shall not occur, this
entire Agreement shall be of no legal effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand and,
pursuant to the authorization of this Board of Directors, the Company has caused
this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and
year first above written.
/s/ CHRISTIAN H. POINDEXTER
--------------------------------------
Mr. Christian H. Poindexter
RH ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ STEPHEN R. RUSMISEL
--------------------------------------
Mr. Stephen R. Rusmisel
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EXHIBIT C3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT by and between RH ACQUISITION CORP., a Maryland corporation
(the "Company"), and Mr. Edward A. Crooke (the "Executive"), dated as of the
22nd day of September, 1995.
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, the Company, POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY ("PEPCO") and BALTIMORE
GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY ("BGE") have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of September 22, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), whereby the
PEPCO and BGE organizations will merge into the Company, with the Company as the
surviving entity; and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE wish to provide for the orderly
succession of management of the Company following the Effective Time (as defined
in the Merger Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE further wish to provide for the
employment by the Company of the Executive, and the Executive wishes to serve
the Company, in the capacities and on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement:
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. The Company shall employ the Executive, and the
Executive shall serve the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, for the period beginning at the Effective Time (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) and ending on that date which is the last day of the sixtieth
(60th) full month following the Effective Time (the "Employment Period") and the
Agreement shall automatically renew for additional terms of one year, unless not
later than the fourth anniversary of the Agreement and each anniversary of the
Agreement thereafter, the Company shall have given notice in writing to the
Executive that it does not intend to renew the Agreement.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES. (a) During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall serve as Vice Chairman of the Company with such other duties and
responsibilities as are customarily assigned to such position, and such other
duties and responsibilities not inconsistent therewith as may from time to time
be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer or by the Board of Directors
of the Company (the "Board"). The Executive shall be a member of the Board on
the first day of the Employment Period, and the Board shall propose the
Executive for re-election to the Board throughout the Employment Period. He
shall also be named Chairman of the Board of all of the Company's Diversified
Activities (as defined below) and the Chief Executive Officer of each subsidiary
pursuing Diversified Activities shall report to him.
(b) During the Employment Period the Executive shall report to the Chief
Executive Officer. During the Employment Period the following areas of the
Company will report to the Executive:
(i) all Diversified Activities; and
(ii) all activities related to business development and strategic
planning.
For purposes of this Section 2(b) the term "Diversified Activities" means all
subsidiaries and divisions of the Company engaged in non-core services and the
unregulated energy services businesses.
(c) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and
sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive shall devote the
whole of his attention and time during normal business hours (and outside those
hours when reasonably necessary to his duties hereunder) to the business and
affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the
responsibilities assigned to the Executive under this Agreement, use the
Executive's reasonable best efforts to carry out such responsibilities
faithfully and efficiently. It shall not be considered a violation of the
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foregoing for the Executive to serve on corporate, industry, civic or charitable
boards or committees, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere
with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the
Company in accordance with this Agreement.
3. COMPENSATION. (a) BASE SALARY. The Executive's compensation during the
Employment Period shall be determined by the Board upon the recommendation of
the Committee on Management of the Board, subject to the next sentence and
Section 3(b). During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an
annual base salary ("Annual Base Salary") of not less than his annual base
salary from BGE as in effect immediately before the Effective Time. The Annual
Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company's regular payroll
practice for its senior executives, as in effect from time to time. During the
Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed for possible
increase at least annually. Any increase in the Annual Base Salary shall not
limit or reduce any other obligation of the Company under this Agreement. The
Annual Base Salary shall not be reduced after any such increase, and the term
"Annual Base Salary" shall thereafter refer to the Annual Base Salary as so
increased.
(b) INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall participate in such short-term incentive compensation plans and long-term
incentive compensation plans as shall be decided upon in the discretion of the
Committee on Management of the Board (the "Incentive Compensation").
(c) OTHER BENEFITS. In addition, and without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, during the Employment Period and thereafter: (A) the Executive
shall be entitled to participate in all applicable incentive, savings and
retirement plans, practices, policies and programs of the Company to the same
extent as other senior executives (or, where applicable, retired senior
executives) of the Company, and (B) the Executive and/or the Executive's family,
as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in, and shall receive
all benefits under, all applicable welfare benefit plans, practices, policies
and programs provided by the Company, including, without limitation, medical,
prescription, dental, disability, sick benefits, employee life insurance,
accidental death and travel insurance plans and programs, to the same extent as
other senior executives (or, where applicable, retired senior executives) of the
Company.
(d) PERQUISITES. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
entitled to receive such perquisites as the Company may establish from time to
time which are commensurate with his position and at least comparable to those
received by other senior executives at the Company.
4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH OR DISABILITY. The Executive's
employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the
Employment Period. The Company shall be entitled to terminate the Executive's
employment because of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period.
"Disability" means that the Executive has been unable, for a period of one
hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days, to perform the Executive's duties
under this Agreement, as a result of physical or mental illness or injury. A
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Disability shall be
communicated to the Executive by written notice and shall be effective on the
thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the
"Disability Effective Date"), unless the Executive returns to full-time
performance of the Executive's duties before the Disability Effective Date.
(b) BY THE COMPANY. (i) The Company may terminate the Executive's
employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause. "Cause"
means:
A. the willful and continued failure of Executive substantially to
perform the Executive's duties under this Agreement (other than as a
result of physical or mental illness or injury), after the Board of the
Company delivers to the Executive a written demand for substantial
performance that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the
Executive's duties; or
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B. illegal conduct or gross misconduct by the Executive, in either
case that is willful and results in material and demonstrable damage to
the business or reputation of the Company.
No act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered
"willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad
faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive's action or omission was
in the best interests of the Company. Any act or failure to act that is based
upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or the
advice of counsel for the Company, shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or
omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of
the Company.
(ii) A termination of the Executive's employment for Cause shall be effected
in accordance with the following procedures. The Company shall give the
Executive written notice ("Notice of Termination for Cause") of its intention to
terminate the Executive's employment for Cause, setting forth in reasonable
detail the specific conduct of the Executive that it considers to constitute
Cause and the specific provision(s) of this Agreement on which it relies, and
stating the date, time and place of the Board Meeting for Cause. The "Board
Meeting for Cause" means a meeting of the Board at which the Executive's
termination for Cause will be considered, that takes place not less than ten
(10) and not more than twenty (20) business days after the Executive receives
the Notice of Termination for Cause. The Executive shall be given an
opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard at the Board Meeting for Cause.
The Executive's termination for Cause shall be effective when and if a
resolution is duly adopted at the Board Meeting for Cause by a two-thirds vote
of the entire membership of the Board, excluding employee directors, stating
that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the
conduct described in the Notice of Termination for Cause, and that conduct
constitutes Cause under this Agreement.
(iii) The Chief Executive Officer may terminate the Executive's employment
without Cause at any time to the extent permitted by the By-laws of the Company.
(c) GOOD REASON. (i) The Executive may terminate employment for Good
Reason or without Good Reason. "Good Reason" means:
A. the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any
respect with paragraph (a) of Section 2 of this Agreement, or any other
action by the Company that results in a diminution in the Executive's
position, authority, duties or responsibilities, other than an isolated,
insubstantial and inadvertent action that is not taken in bad faith and
is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof from
the Executive;
B. any failure by the Company to comply with any provision of
Section 3 of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and
inadvertent failure that is not taken in bad faith and is remedied by the
Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive;
C. any purported termination of the Executive's employment by the
Company for a reason or in a manner not expressly permitted by this
Agreement;
D. any failure by the Company to comply with paragraph (c) of
Section 11 of this Agreement; or
E. any other substantial breach of this Agreement by the Company
that either is not taken in good faith or is not remedied by the Company
promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive.
(ii) A termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason shall be
effectuated by giving the Company written notice ("Notice of Termination for
Good Reason") of the termination within six (6) months of the event constituting
Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the
Company that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provision(s) of this
Agreement on which the Executive relies. A termination of employment by the
Executive for Good
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Reason shall be effective on the fifth (5th) business day following the date
when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given, unless the notice sets
forth a later date (which date shall in no event be later than (thirty) 30 days
after the notice is given).
(iii) A termination of the Executive's employment by the Executive without
Good Reason shall be effected by giving the Company written notice of the
termination.
(d) DATE OF TERMINATION. The "Date of Termination" means the date of the
Executive's death, the Disability Effective Date, the date on which the
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Cause or without
Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason is effective, or the date on which the
Executive gives the Company notice of a termination of employment without Good
Reason, as the case may be.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION. (a) BY THE COMPANY OTHER
THAN FOR CAUSE, DEATH OR DISABILITY; BY THE EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON. If,
during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment,
other than for Cause, Death or Disability, or the Executive terminates
employment for Good Reason, the Company shall continue to provide the Executive
with the compensation and benefits set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of
Section 3 as if he had remained employed by the Company pursuant to this
Agreement through the end of the Employment Period and then retired (at which
time he will be treated as eligible for all retiree welfare benefits and other
benefits provided to retired senior executives, as set forth in clause (B) of
Section 3(c); PROVIDED, that the Incentive Compensation for such period shall be
equal to the maximum Incentive Compensation that the Executive would have been
eligible to earn for such period; PROVIDED, further, that to the extent any
benefits described in paragraph (c) of Section 3 cannot be provided pursuant to
a plan or program maintained by the Company for its executives, the Company
shall provide such benefits outside such plan or program at no additional cost
(including without limitation tax cost) to the Executive and his family; and
PROVIDED, finally, that during any period when the Executive is eligible to
receive benefits of the type described in clause (B) of paragraph (c) of Section
3 under another employer-provided plan, the benefits provided by the Company
under this paragraph (a) of Section 5 may be made secondary to those provided
under such other plan. In addition to the foregoing, any restricted stock
outstanding on the Date of Termination shall be fully vested as of the Date of
Termination and all options outstanding on the Date of Termination shall be
fully vested and exercisable and shall remain in effect and exercisable through
the end of their respective terms, without regard to the termination of the
Executive's employment. The payments and benefits provided pursuant to this
paragraph (a) of Section 5 are intended as liquidated damages for a termination
of the Executive's employment by the Company other than for Cause or Disability
or for the actions of the Company leading to a termination of the Executive's
employment by the Executive for Good Reason, and shall be the sole and exclusive
remedy therefor.
(b) DEATH AND DISABILITY. If the Executive's employment is terminated by
reason of the Executive's death or Disability during the Employment Period, the
Company shall pay to the Executive or, in the case of the Executive's death, to
the Executive's designated beneficiaries (or, if there is no such beneficiary,
to the Executive's estate or legal representative), in a lump sum in cash within
thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts
(the "Accrued Obligations"): (1) any portion of the Executive's Annual Base
Salary through the Date of Termination that has been earned but not yet been
paid; (2) an amount representing the Incentive Compensation for the period that
includes the Date of Termination, computed by assuming that the amount of all
such Incentive Compensation would be equal to the maximum amount of such
Incentive Compensation that the Executive would have been eligible to earn for
such period, and multiplying that amount by a fraction, the numerator of which
is the number of days in such period through the Date of Termination, and the
denominator of which is the total number of days in the relevant period; and (3)
any accrued but unpaid Incentive Compensation and vacation pay. Any compensation
previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or
earnings thereon) that has not yet been paid, will be paid in accordance with
the terms and conditions under which such amounts were initially deferred.
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(c) BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE; BY THE EXECUTIVE OTHER THAN FOR GOOD
REASON. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause
during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Executive the Annual
Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent earned but not yet
paid. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment
Period, other than for Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive the
Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent earned but not
yet paid. The amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive
(together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon), will be paid under the
terms and conditions under which such amounts were initially deferred.
6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or
limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program,
policy or practice provided by the Company for which the Executive may qualify,
nor, subject to paragraph (1) of Section 12, shall anything in this Agreement
limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any
contract or agreement with the Company. Vested benefits and other amounts that
the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under the Incentive Compensation,
the deferred compensation and other benefit programs listed in paragraph (c) of
Section 3, the Life Insurance Coverage, or any other plan, policy, practice or
program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company on or after the Date
of Termination shall be payable in accordance with the terms of each such plan,
policy, practice, program, contract or agreement, as the case may be, except as
explicitly modified by this Agreement.
7. FULL SETTLEMENT. The Company's obligation to make the payments provided
for in, and otherwise to perform its obligations under, this Agreement shall not
be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim,
right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no
event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any
other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under
any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as specifically provided in
paragraph (a) of Section 5 with respect to benefits described in clause (B) of
paragraph (c) of Section 3, such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of
whether the Executive obtains other employment.
8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information,
knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies and
their respective businesses that the Executive obtains during the Executive's
employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and that is not
public knowledge (other than as a result of the Executive's violation of this
Section 8) ("Confidential Information"). The Executive shall not communicate,
divulge or disseminate Confidential Information at any time during or after the
Executive's employment with the Company, except with the prior written consent
of the Company or as otherwise required by law or legal process. In no event
shall any asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 8 constitute a
basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the
Executive under this Agreement, unless the Executive is terminated for cause
pursuant to paragraph (b)(i) of Section 4 hereof.
9. CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY. (a) Anything in this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined
that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the
Executive (other than a payment or distribution made in respect of any program
in which the Executive participated while employed by BGE, regardless whether
paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise, and determined without regard to any additional payments
required under this Section 9) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect
to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and
penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then
the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up
Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes
(including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes),
including, without limitation, any
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income taxes (and any interest and penalties imposed with respect thereon) and
Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-up Payment, the Executive retains an amount of
the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.
(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this Section 9, all
determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and
the assumptions to be utilized in arriving at such determination, shall be made
by one of the Big Six certified public accounting firms designated by the
Executive and approved by the Company (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld) (the "Accounting Firm"), which shall provide detailed supporting
calculations both to the Company and the Executive within fifteen (15) business
days of the receipt of notice from the Executive that there has been a Payment,
or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. In the event that the
Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity
or group affecting the change of control, the Executive shall designate another
Big Six accounting firm (subject to the approval of the Company, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld) to make the determinations required
hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be referred to as the Accounting
Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm shall be borne
solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as determined pursuant to this
Section 9, shall be paid by the Company to the Executive within five (5) days of
the receipt of the Accounting Firm's determination. Any determination by the
Accounting Firm shall be binding upon the Company and the Executive. As a result
of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of
the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that
Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been
made ("Underpayment") consistent with the calculations required to be made
hereunder. In the event that the Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to
paragraph (c) of this Section 9 and the Executive thereafter is required to make
a payment of any Excise Tax, the Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of
the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly
paid by the Company to or for the benefit of the Executive.
(c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the
Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the
Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as
practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after the Executive is
informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of
such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The
Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the thirty (30)
day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company (or
such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to
such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to
the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the
Executive shall:
(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company
relating to such claim,
(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the
Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such
claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,
(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to
contest such claim, and
(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to
such claim;
PROVIDED, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and
expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection
with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and
penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and
payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the foregoing provisions of
this paragraph (c) of Section 9, the Company shall control all proceedings taken
in connection with such contest and, at its sole
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option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals, proceedings,
hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect of such claim and
may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to pay the tax claimed and
sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible manner, and the
Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before any
administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one or more
appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; PROVIDED, however, that if the
Company directs the Executive to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the
Company shall advance the amount of such payment to the Executive, on an
interest-free basis and shall indemnify and hold the Executive harmless, on an
after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or
penalties with respect thereto) imposed with respect to such advance or with
respect to any imputed income with respect to such advance; and PROVIDED,
further, that any extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of
taxes for the taxable year of the Executive with respect to which such contested
amount is claimed to be due is limited solely to such contested amount.
Furthermore, the Company's control of the contest shall be limited to issues
with respect to which a Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the
Executive shall be entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other
issue raised by the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
(d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the
Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, the Executive becomes
entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall
promptly take all necessary action to obtain such refund and (subject to the
Company's complying with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this Section 9)
upon receipt of such refund shall promptly pay to the Company the amount of such
refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes
applicable thereto). If after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced
by the Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, a determination is
made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such
claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to
contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days after
such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be
required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent
thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.
10. ATTORNEYS' FEES. The Company agrees to pay, as incurred, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses that the Executive
may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (provided that the Executive is
the prevailing party with respect to such contest) by the Company, the Executive
or others of the validity or enforceability of or liability under, or otherwise
involving, any provision of this Agreement, together with interest on any
delayed payment at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section
7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.
11. SUCCESSORS. (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and,
without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the
Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the Executive's legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Company and its successors and assigns.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the
business and/or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform
this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used
in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean both the Company as defined above and
any such successor that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by
operation of law or otherwise.
12. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without reference to
principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of
the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not
be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
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(b) All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by facsimile,
addressed as follows:
If to the Executive, to:
Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attention: Mr. Edward A. Crooke
Fax: (410) 234-7800
If to the Company, to:
c/o Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attention: David A. Brune, Esq.
General Counsel
Fax: (410) 234-5690
and to:
c/o Potomac Electric Power Company
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: William T. Torgerson, Esq.
Senior Vice President -- Law
& Government Relations,
General Counsel and Secretary
Fax: (202) 331-6314
with a copy to:
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004-1490
Attention: Stephen R. Rusmisel, Esq.
Fax: (212) 858-1500
and to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Douglas W. Hawes, Esq.
Fax: (212) 424-8500
or to such other address as either party furnishes to the other in writing in
accordance with this paragraph (b) of Section 12. Notices and communications
shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or
unenforceable in part, the remaining portion of such provision, together with
all other provisions of this Agreement, shall remain valid and enforceable and
continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent consistent with law.
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(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may
withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and
foreign taxes that are required to be withheld by applicable laws or
regulations.
(e) The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict
compliance with any provisions of, or to assert any right under, this Agreement
(including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate
employment for Good Reason pursuant to paragraph (c) of Section 4 of this
Agreement) shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of
any other provision of or right under this Agreement.
(f) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the Executive
and the Company acknowledge that this Agreement supersedes any other agreement
between them or between him and BGE, concerning the subject matter hereof.
(g) The rights and benefits of the Executive under this Agreement may not be
anticipated, alienated or subject to attachment, garnishment, levy, execution or
other legal or equitable process except as required by law. Any attempt by the
Executive to anticipate, alienate, assign, sell, transfer, pledge, encumber or
charge the same shall be void. Payments hereunder shall not be considered assets
of the Executive in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy.
(h) This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, and said counterparts shall constitute but one and
the same instrument.
(i) The provisions of this Agreement shall take effect without any further
action required by the parties at the Effective Time, and if the Closing (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) of the proposed merger shall not occur, this
entire Agreement shall be of no legal effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand and,
pursuant to the authorization of this Board of Directors, the Company has caused
this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and
year first above written.
/s/ EDWARD A. CROOKE
--------------------------------------
Mr. Edward A. Crooke
RH ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ STEPHEN R. RUSMISEL
--------------------------------------
Mr. Stephen R. Rusmisel
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EXHIBIT C4
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT by and between RH ACQUISITION CORP., a Maryland corporation
(the "Company"), and Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr. (the "Executive"), dated as of the
22nd day of September, 1995.
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS, the Company, POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY ("PEPCO") and BALTIMORE
GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY ("BGE") have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger dated as of September 22, 1995 (the "Merger Agreement"), whereby the
PEPCO and BGE organizations will merge into the Company, with the Company as the
surviving entity; and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE wish to provide for the orderly
succession of management of the Company following the Effective Time (as defined
in the Merger Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Company, PEPCO and BGE further wish to provide for the
employment by the Company of the Executive, and the Executive wishes to serve
the Company, in the capacities and on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement:
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. The Company shall employ the Executive, and the
Executive shall serve the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, for a period beginning at the Effective Time (as defined in the
Merger Agreement) and ending on that date which is the last day of the sixtieth
(60th) full month following the Effective Time (the "Employment Period") and the
Agreement shall automatically renew for additional terms of one year unless, not
later than the fourth anniversary of the Agreement, and each anniversary of the
Agreement thereafter, the Company shall have given notice in writing to the
Executive that it does not intend to renew the Agreement.
2. POSITION AND DUTIES. (a) During the Employment Period the Executive
shall serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company with such
other duties and responsibilities as are customarily assigned to such positions,
and such other duties and responsibilities not inconsistent therewith as may
from time to time be assigned to him by the Board. The Executive shall be a
member of the Board on the first day of the Employment Period, and the Board
shall propose the Executive for re-election to the Board throughout the
Employment Period.
(b) During the Employment Period the President and Chief Operating Officer
shall report to the Chief Executive Officer with specific responsibility for
planning for, day to day operation of, and regulatory affairs related to, the
gas and electric utility businesses, including but not limited to generation
(including capacity planning), transmission, distribution, general services,
industrial relations (in conjunction with human resources), and relationships
with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative.
(c) During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and
sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive shall devote the
whole of his attention and time during normal business hours (and outside those
hours when reasonably necessary to his duties hereunder) to the business and
affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the
responsibilities assigned to the Executive under this Agreement, use the
Executive's reasonable best efforts to carry out such responsibilities
faithfully and efficiently. It shall not be considered a violation of the
foregoing for the Executive to serve on corporate, industry, civic or charitable
boards or committees, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere
with the performance of the Executive's responsibilities as an employee of the
Company in accordance with this Agreement.
3. COMPENSATION. (a) BASE SALARY. The Executive's compensation during the
Employment Period shall be determined by the Board upon the recommendation of
the Committee on Management
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of the Board, subject to the next sentence and Section 3(b). During the
Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary ("Annual
Base Salary") of not less than his annual base salary from PEPCO as in effect
immediately before the Effective Time. The Annual Base Salary shall be payable
in accordance with the Company's regular payroll practice for its senior
executives, as in effect from time to time. During the Employment Period, the
Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed for possible increase at least annually.
Any increase in the Annual Base Salary shall not limit or reduce any other
obligation of the Company under this Agreement. The Annual Base Salary shall not
be reduced after any such increase, and the term "Annual Base Salary" shall
thereafter refer to the Annual Base Salary as so increased.
(b) INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall participate in such short-term incentive compensation plans and long-term
incentive compensation plans as shall be decided upon in the discretion of the
Committee on Management of the Board (the "Incentive Compensation").
(c) OTHER BENEFITS. In addition, and without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, during the Employment Period and thereafter: (A) the Executive
shall be entitled to participate in all applicable incentive, savings and
retirement plans, practices, policies and programs of the Company to the same
extent as other senior executives (or, where applicable, retired senior
executives) of the Company, and (B) the Executive and/or the Executive's family,
as the case may be, shall be eligible for participation in, and shall receive
all benefits under, all applicable welfare benefit plans, practices, policies
and programs provided by the Company, including, without limitation, medical,
prescription, dental, disability, sickness benefits, employee life insurance,
accidental death and travel insurance plans and programs, to the same extent as
other senior executives (or, where applicable, retired senior executives) of the
Company.
(d) PERQUISITES. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be
entitled to receive such perquisites as the Company may establish from time to
time which are commensurate with his position and at least comparable to those
received by other senior executives at the Company.
4. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. (a) DEATH OR DISABILITY. The Executive's
employment shall terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the
Employment Period. The Company shall be entitled to terminate the Executive's
employment because of the Executive's Disability during the Employment Period.
"Disability" means that the Executive has been unable, for a period of one
hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days, to perform the Executive's duties
under this Agreement, as a result of physical or mental illness or injury. A
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Disability shall be
communicated to the Executive by written notice and shall be effective on the
thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (the
"Disability Effective Date"), unless the Executive returns to full-time
performance of the Executive's duties before the Disability Effective Date.
(b) BY THE COMPANY. (i) The Company may terminate the Executive's
employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause. "Cause"
means:
A. the willful and continued failure of Executive substantially to
perform the Executive's duties under this Agreement (other than as a result
of physical or mental illness or injury), after the Board of the Company
delivers to the Executive a written demand for substantial performance that
specifically identifies the manner in which the Board believes that the
Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's duties; or
B. illegal conduct or gross misconduct by the Executive, in either case
that is willful and results in material and demonstrable damage to the
business or reputation of the Company.
No act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered
"willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad
faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive's action or omission was
in the best interests of the Company. Any act or failure to act that is based
upon
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authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board, or the
advice of counsel for the Company, shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or
omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of
the Company.
(ii) A termination of the Executive's employment for Cause shall be effected
in accordance with the following procedures. The Company shall give the
Executive written notice ("Notice of Termination for Cause") of its intention to
terminate the Executive's employment for Cause, setting forth in reasonable
detail the specific conduct of the Executive that it considers to constitute
Cause and the specific provision(s) of this Agreement on which it relies, and
stating the date, time and place of the Board Meeting for Cause. The "Board
Meeting for Cause" means a meeting of the Board at which the Executive's
termination for Cause will be considered, that takes place not less than ten
(10) and not more than twenty (20) business days after the Executive receives
the Notice of Termination for Cause. The Executive shall be given an
opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard at the Board Meeting for Cause.
The Executive's termination for Cause shall be effective when and if a
resolution is duly adopted at the Board Meeting for Cause by a two-thirds vote
of the entire membership of the Board, excluding employee directors, stating
that in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the
conduct described in the Notice of Termination for Cause, and that conduct
constitutes Cause under this Agreement.
(iii) The Chief Executive Officer may terminate the Executive's employment
without Cause at any time to the extent permitted by the By-laws of the Company.
(c) GOOD REASON. (i) The Executive may terminate employment for Good
Reason or without Good Reason. "Good Reason" means:
A. the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any
respect with paragraph (a) of Section 2 of this Agreement, or any other
action by the Company that results in a diminution in the Executive's
position, authority, duties or responsibilities, other than an isolated,
insubstantial and inadvertent action that is not taken in bad faith and is
remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the
Executive;
B. any failure by the Company to comply with any provision of Section 3
of this Agreement, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent
failure that is not taken in bad faith and is remedied by the Company
promptly after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive;
C. any purported termination of the Executive's employment by the
Company for a reason or in a manner not expressly permitted by this
Agreement;
D. any failure by the Company to comply with paragraph (c) of Section
11 of this Agreement; or
E. any other substantial breach of this Agreement by the Company that
either is not taken in good faith or is not remedied by the Company promptly
after receipt of notice thereof from the Executive.
(ii) A termination of employment by the Executive for Good Reason shall be
effectuated by giving the Company written notice ("Notice of Termination for
Good Reason") of the termination within six (6) months of the event constituting
Good Reason, setting forth in reasonable detail the specific conduct of the
Company that constitutes Good Reason and the specific provision(s) of this
Agreement on which the Executive relies. A termination of employment by the
Executive for Good Reason shall be effective on the fifth (5th) business day
following the date when the Notice of Termination for Good Reason is given,
unless the notice sets forth a later date (which date shall in no event be later
than (thirty) 30 days after the notice is given).
(iii) A termination of the Executive's employment by the Executive without
Good Reason shall be effected by giving the Company written notice of the
termination.
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(d) DATE OF TERMINATION. The "Date of Termination" means the date of the
Executive's death, the Disability Effective Date, the date on which the
termination of the Executive's employment by the Company for Cause or without
Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason is effective, or the date on which the
Executive gives the Company notice of a termination of employment without Good
Reason, as the case may be.
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION. (a) BY THE COMPANY OTHER
THAN FOR CAUSE, DEATH OR DISABILITY; BY THE EXECUTIVE FOR GOOD REASON. If,
during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive's employment,
other than for Cause, Death or Disability, or the Executive terminates
employment for Good Reason, the Company shall continue to provide the Executive
with the compensation and benefits set forth in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of
Section 3 as if he had remained employed by the Company pursuant to this
Agreement through the end of the Employment Period and then retired (at which
time he will be treated as eligible for all retiree welfare benefits and other
benefits provided to retired senior executives, as set forth in clause (B) of
Section 3(c)); PROVIDED, that the Incentive Compensation for such period shall
be equal to the maximum Incentive Compensation that the Executive would have
been eligible to earn for such period; PROVIDED, further, that to the extent any
benefits described in paragraph (c) of Section 3 cannot be provided pursuant to
a plan or program maintained by the Company for its executives, the Company
shall provide such benefits outside such plan or program at no additional cost
(including without limitation tax cost) to the Executive and his family; and
PROVIDED, finally, that during any period when the Executive is eligible to
receive benefits of the type described in clause (B) of paragraph (c) of Section
3 under another employer-provided plan, the benefits provided by the Company
under this paragraph (a) of Section 5 may be made secondary to those provided
under such other plan. In addition to the foregoing, any restricted stock
outstanding on the Date of Termination shall be fully vested as of the Date of
Termination and all options outstanding on the Date of Termination shall be
fully vested and exercisable and shall remain in effect and exercisable through
the end of their respective terms, without regard to the termination of the
Executive's employment. The payments and benefits provided pursuant to this
paragraph (a) of Section 5 are intended as liquidated damages for a termination
of the Executive's employment by the Company other than for Cause or Disability
or for the actions of the Company leading to a termination of the Executive's
employment by the Executive for Good Reason, and shall be the sole and exclusive
remedy therefor.
(b) DEATH AND DISABILITY. If the Executive's employment is terminated by
reason of the Executive's death or Disability during the Employment Period, the
Company shall pay to the Executive or, in the case of the Executive's death, to
the Executive's designated beneficiaries (or, if there is no such beneficiary,
to the Executive's estate or legal representative), in a lump sum in cash within
thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination, the sum of the following amounts
(the "Accrued Obligations"): (1) any portion of the Executive's Annual Base
Salary through the Date of Termination that has been earned but not yet been
paid; (2) an amount representing the Incentive Compensation for the period that
includes the Date of Termination, computed by assuming that the amount of all
such Incentive Compensation would be equal to the maximum amount of such
Incentive Compensation that the Executive would have been eligible to earn for
such period, and multiplying that amount by a fraction, the numerator of which
is the number of days in such period through the Date of Termination, and the
denominator of which is the total number of days in the relevant period; and (3)
any accrued but unpaid Incentive Compensation and vacation pay. Any compensation
previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or
earnings thereon) that has not yet been paid, will be paid in accordance with
the terms and conditions under which such amounts were initially deferred.
(c) BY THE COMPANY FOR CAUSE; BY THE EXECUTIVE OTHER THAN FOR GOOD
REASON. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause
during the Employment Period, the Company shall pay the Executive the Annual
Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent earned but not yet
paid. If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment
Period, other than for Good Reason, the Company shall pay the Executive the
Annual Base Salary through the
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Date of Termination to the extent earned but not yet paid. The amount of any
compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued
interest or earnings thereon), will be paid under the terms and conditions under
which such amounts were initially deferred.
6. NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or
limit the Executive's continuing or future participation in any plan, program,
policy or practice provided by the Company for which the Executive may qualify,
nor, subject to paragraph (1) of Section 12, shall anything in this Agreement
limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any
contract or agreement with the Company. Vested benefits and other amounts that
the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under the Incentive Compensation,
the deferred compensation and other benefit programs listed in paragraph (c) of
Section 3, the Life Insurance Coverage, or any other plan, policy, practice or
program of, or any contract or agreement with, the Company on or after the Date
of Termination shall be payable in accordance with the terms of each such plan,
policy, practice, program, contract or agreement, as the case may be, except as
explicitly modified by this Agreement.
7. FULL SETTLEMENT. The Company's obligation to make the payments provided
for in, and otherwise to perform its obligations under, this Agreement shall not
be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim,
right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no
event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any
other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under
any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as specifically provided in
paragraph (a) of Section 5 with respect to benefits described in clause (B) of
paragraph (c) of Section 3, such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of
whether the Executive obtains other employment.
8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Executive shall hold in a fiduciary
capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information,
knowledge or data relating to the Company or any of its affiliated companies and
their respective businesses that the Executive obtains during the Executive's
employment by the Company or any of its affiliated companies and that is not
public knowledge (other than as a result of the Executive's violation of this
Section 8) ("Confidential Information"). The Executive shall not communicate,
divulge or disseminate Confidential Information at any time during or after the
Executive's employment with the Company, except with the prior written consent
of the Company or as otherwise required by law or legal process. In no event
shall any asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 8 constitute a
basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the
Executive under this Agreement, unless the Executive is terminated for cause
pursuant to paragraph (b)(i) of Section 4 hereof.
9. CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY. (a) Anything in this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event it shall be determined
that any payment or distribution by the Company to or for the benefit of the
Executive (other than a payment or distribution made in respect of any program
in which the Executive participated while employed by PEPCO, regardless whether
paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or otherwise, and determined without regard to any additional payments
required under this Section 9) (a "Payment") would be subject to the excise tax
imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code") or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect
to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and
penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then
the Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up
Payment") in an amount such that after payment by the Executive of all taxes
(including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes),
including, without limitation, any income taxes (and any interest and penalties
imposed with respect thereon) and Excise Tax imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment,
the Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax
imposed upon the Payments.
(b) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) of this Section 9, all
determinations required to be made under this Section 9, including whether and
when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the
C4-5
<PAGE>
amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the assumptions to be utilized in arriving
at such determination, shall be made by one of the Big Six certified public
accounting firms designated by the Executive and approved by the Company (which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) (the "Accounting Firm"), which
shall provide detailed supporting calculations both to the Company and the
Executive within fifteen (15) business days of the receipt of notice from the
Executive that there has been a Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by
the Company. In the event that the Accounting Firm is serving as accountant or
auditor for the individual, entity or group affecting the change of control, the
Executive shall designate another Big Six accounting firm (subject to the
approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) to
make the determinations required hereunder (which accounting firm shall then be
referred to as the Accounting Firm hereunder). All fees and expenses of the
Accounting Firm shall be borne solely by the Company. Any Gross-Up Payment, as
determined pursuant to this Section 9, shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive within five (5) days of the receipt of the Accounting Firm's
determination. Any determination by the Accounting Firm shall be binding upon
the Company and the Executive. As a result of the uncertainty in the application
of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the
Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not
have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment") consistent
with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the
Company exhausts its remedies pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9 and
the Executive thereafter is required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the
Accounting Firm shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred
and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the
benefit of the Executive.
(c) The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the
Internal Revenue Service that, if successful, would require the payment by the
Company of the Gross-Up Payment. Such notification shall be given as soon as
practicable but no later than ten (10) business days after the Executive is
informed in writing of such claim and shall apprise the Company of the nature of
such claim and the date on which such claim is requested to be paid. The
Executive shall not pay such claim prior to the expiration of the thirty (30)
day period following the date on which he gives such notice to the Company (or
such shorter period ending on the date that any payment of taxes with respect to
such claim is due). If the Company notifies the Executive in writing prior to
the expiration of such period that it desires to contest such claim, the
Executive shall:
(i) give the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company
relating to such claim,
(ii) take such action in connection with contesting such claim as the
Company shall reasonably request in writing from time to time, including,
without limitation, accepting legal representation with respect to such
claim by an attorney reasonably selected by the Company,
(iii) cooperate with the Company in good faith in order effectively to
contest such claim, and
(iv) permit the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to
such claim;
PROVIDED, however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs
and expenses (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in
connection with such contest and shall indemnify and hold the Executive
harmless, on an after-tax basis, for any Excise Tax or income tax (including
interest and penalties with respect thereto) imposed as a result of such
representation and payment of costs and expenses. Without limitation on the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph (c) of Section 9, the Company shall
control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest and, at its
sole option, may pursue or forego any and all administrative appeals,
proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in respect
of such claim and may, at its sole option, either direct the Executive to
pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any
permissible manner, and the Executive agrees to prosecute such contest to a
determination before any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial
jurisdiction and in one or more appellate courts, as the Company shall
determine; PROVIDED, however, that if the Company directs the Executive to
pay such claim and sue for a refund, the Company shall advance the amount of
C4-6
<PAGE>
such payment to the Executive, on an interest-free basis and shall indemnify
and hold the Executive harmless, on an after-tax basis, from any Excise Tax
or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect thereto) imposed
with respect to such advance or with respect to any imputed income with
respect to such advance; and PROVIDED, further, that any extension of the
statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the taxable year of
the Executive with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to be
due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company's
control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a
Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder and the Executive shall be
entitled to settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by
the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority.
(d) If, after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced by the
Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, the Executive becomes
entitled to receive any refund with respect to such claim, the Executive shall
promptly take all necessary action to obtain such refund and (subject to the
Company's complying with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this Section 9)
upon receipt of such refund shall promptly pay to the Company the amount of such
refund (together with any interest paid or credited thereon after taxes
applicable thereto). If after the receipt by the Executive of an amount advanced
by the Company pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 9, a determination is
made that the Executive shall not be entitled to any refund with respect to such
claim and the Company does not notify the Executive in writing of its intent to
contest such denial of refund prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days after
such determination, then such advance shall be forgiven and shall not be
required to be repaid and the amount of such advance shall offset, to the extent
thereof, the amount of Gross-Up Payment required to be paid.
10. ATTORNEYS' FEES. The Company agrees to pay, as incurred, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses that the Executive
may reasonably incur as a result of any contest (provided that the Executive is
the prevailing party with respect to such contest) by the Company, the Executive
or others of the validity or enforceability of or liability under, or otherwise
involving, any provision of this Agreement, together with interest on any
delayed payment at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section
7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code.
11. SUCCESSORS. (a) This Agreement is personal to the Executive and,
without the prior written consent of the Company, shall not be assignable by the
Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
the Executive's legal representatives.
(b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Company and its successors and assigns.
(c) The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the
business and/or assets of the Company expressly to assume and agree to perform
this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would
have been required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used
in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean both the Company as defined above and
any such successor that assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by
operation of law or otherwise.
12. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Maryland, without reference to
principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of
the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not
be amended or modified except by a written agreement executed by the parties
hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
C4-7
<PAGE>
(b) All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by facsimile,
addressed as follows:
If to the Executive, to:
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr.
Fax: (202) 331-6314
If to the Company, to:
c/o Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
Liberty and Lexington Streets
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Attention: David A. Brune, Esq.
General Counsel
Fax: (410) 234-5690
and to:
c/o Potomac Electric Power Company
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20063
Attention: William T. Torgerson, Esq.
Senior Vice President --
Law & Government Relations,
General Counsel and Secretary
Fax: (202) 331-6314
with a copy, to:
Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004-1490
Attention: Stephen R. Rusmisel, Esq.
Fax: (212) 858-1500
and to:
LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P.
125 West 55th Street
New York, New York 10019
Attention: Douglas W. Hawes, Esq.
Fax: (212) 424-8500
or to such other address as either party furnishes to the other in writing in
accordance with this paragraph (b) of Section 12. Notices and communications
shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
(c) The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this
Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or
unenforceable in part, the remaining portion of such provision, together with
all other provisions of this Agreement, shall remain valid and enforceable and
continue in full force and effect to the fullest extent consistent with law.
C4-8
<PAGE>
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company may
withhold from amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, local and
foreign taxes that are required to be withheld by applicable laws or
regulations.
(e) The Executive's or the Company's failure to insist upon strict
compliance with any provisions of, or to assert any right under, this Agreement
(including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate
employment for Good Reason pursuant to paragraph (c) of Section 4 of this
Agreement) shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or of
any other provision of or right under this Agreement.
(f) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, the Executive
and the Company acknowledge that this Agreement supersedes any other agreement
between them or between him and PEPCO, concerning the subject matter hereof.
(g) The rights and benefits of the Executive under this Agreement may not be
anticipated, alienated or subject to attachment, garnishment, levy, execution or
other legal or equitable process except as required by law. Any attempt by the
Executive to anticipate, alienate, assign, sell, transfer, pledge, encumber or
charge the same shall be void. Payments hereunder shall not be considered assets
of the Executive in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy.
(h) This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, and said counterparts shall constitute but one and
the same instrument.
(i) The provisions of this Agreement shall take effect without any further
action required by the parties at the Effective Time, and if the Closing (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) of the proposed merger shall not occur, this
entire Agreement shall be of no legal effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive's hand and,
pursuant to the authorization of this Board of Directors, the Company has caused
this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and
year first above written.
By: /s/ JOHN M. DERRICK, JR.
--------------------------------------
Mr. John M. Derrick, Jr.
RH ACQUISITION CORP.
By: /s/ DOUGLAS W. HAWES
--------------------------------------
Mr. Douglas W. Hawes
C4-9
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D1
, 1996
Board of Directors
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company
P.O. Box 1475
Baltimore, MD 21203-1475
Gentlemen and Mesdames:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness to the holders of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock, no par value (the "BGE Common Stock") of
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company ("BGE") of the exchange ratio with respect to
the BGE Common Stock contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"Merger Agreement") dated as of September 22, 1995, by and among BGE, Potomac
Electric Power Company ("PEPCO"), and Constellation Energy Corporation ("the
Company"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of BGE and PEPCO shall be
merged with and into the Company (the "Merger") and each outstanding share of
BGE Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive one share (the "BGE
Conversion Ratio") of Common Stock, no par value of the Company (the "Company
Common Stock") and each outstanding share of Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share (the "PEPCO Common Stock") of PEPCO will be converted into the right to
receive 0.997 of a share of Company Common Stock (the "PEPCO Conversion Ratio").
As a result of the Merger, BGE and PEPCO will cease to exist.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), as part of its investment banking
business, is continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated
underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and
unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and
other purposes. We are familiar with BGE, having provided certain investment
banking services to BGE from time to time, including acting as managing
underwriter of certain securities offerings of BGE, as one of the agents under
BGE's medium-term note program and remarketing agents under one of BGE's
tax-exempt commercial paper programs, and having acted as its financial advisor
in connection with, and having participated in certain of the negotiations
leading to, the Merger Agreement. We also have provided certain investment
banking services to PEPCO from time to time, including acting as managing
underwriter of certain securities offerings of PEPCO, as one of the agents under
PEPCO's medium-term note program and as a dealer in its commercial paper
program. Goldman Sachs may provide investment banking services to the Company in
the future.
In the ordinary course of the trading activities of Goldman Sachs, the Firm
actively trades the debt and equity securities of BGE and PEPCO for its own
account and for the accounts of customers of Goldman Sachs and may, therefore,
at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the
Merger Agreement; the Registration Statement on Form S-4, including the Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating to the Special Meetings of Shareholders of
BGE and PEPCO to be held in connection with the Merger Agreement; Annual Reports
to Shareholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of BGE and PEPCO for the five
years ended December 31, 1994; certain interim reports to shareholders and
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of BGE and PEPCO; FERC Forms 1 of BGE and PEPCO;
certain other communications from BGE and PEPCO to their respective
shareholders; certain aircraft appraisals conducted by Avitas, Inc. dated May
16, 1995 and by Air Cargo Management Group dated May 12, 1995 (the "Aircraft
Appraisals"); and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for BGE and
D1-1
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Baltimore Gas & Electric Company
, 1996
Page 2
PEPCO prepared by their respective managements, including analyses and forecasts
of certain operating efficiencies and financial synergies (the "Synergies")
expected to be achieved as a result of the Merger, which were prepared jointly
by the managements of BGE and PEPCO, with the assistance of a third party
consultant. We also have held discussions with members of the senior management
of BGE and PEPCO regarding the past and current business operations, financial
condition and future prospects of their respective companies and their analyses
of the strategic benefits of the Merger, including, without limitation, the
amount and timing of realization of the Synergies. In addition, we have reviewed
the reported price and trading activity for the BGE Common Stock and the PEPCO
Common Stock, compared certain financial and stock market information for BGE
and PEPCO with similar information for certain other companies the securities of
which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain recent
business combinations in the electric utility industry and performed such other
studies and analyses as we considered appropriate.
We have relied without independent verification upon the accuracy and
completeness of all of the financial and other information reviewed by us for
purposes of this opinion. In that regard, we have assumed, with your consent,
that the analyses and forecasts of the Synergies have been reasonably determined
on a basis reflecting the best currently available judgments and estimates of
BGE and PEPCO and that such Synergies will be realized in the amounts and at the
times contemplated thereby. In addition, we have not made an independent
evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities of BGE or PEPCO or any of
their subsidiaries and we have not been furnished with any such evaluation or
appraisal, other than the Aircraft Appraisals. We have assumed, with your
consent, that the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement will be accounted for as a pooling of interests under generally
accepted accounting principles. In addition, we have further assumed that
obtaining any necessary regulatory or third party approvals for the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement and any possible divestitures which may be
required in connection therewith will not have an adverse effect on the Company,
BGE or PEPCO. We are not expressing any opinion herein as to the prices at which
the Company Common Stock may trade when the transaction is consummated.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other matters as
we consider relevant, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, in light of
the PEPCO Conversion Ratio, the BGE Conversion Ratio is fair to the holders of
BGE Common Stock.
Very truly yours,
D1-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D2
BARR DEVLIN & CO. INCORPORATED
, 1996
The Board of Directors
Potomac Electric Power Company
1900 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20068
Dear Members of the Board:
We understand that Potomac Electric Power Company, a District of Columbia
and Virginia corporation ("PEPCO"), and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, a
Maryland corporation ("BGE"), have determined to enter into a strategic business
combination. The terms and conditions of the business combination are set forth
in the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of September 22, 1995 (the
"Merger Agreement"), among PEPCO, BGE and Constellation Energy Corporation, a
Maryland and Virginia corporation, 50% of whose outstanding capital stock is
owned by BGE and 50% of whose outstanding capital stock is owned by PEPCO (the
"Company"). The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, the merger of
PEPCO and BGE with and into the Company (the "Merger"). Pursuant to the Merger,
(i) each outstanding share of Common Stock, no par value, of BGE (the "BGE
Common Stock") (other than shares cancelled pursuant to Section 2.1(b) of the
Merger Agreement) shall be converted into the right to receive one share (the
"BGE Ratio") of Company common stock, no par value, (the "Company Common Stock")
and (ii) each outstanding share of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, of PEPCO (the
"PEPCO Common Stock") (other than PEPCO Dissenting Common Shares and shares
cancelled pursuant to Section 2.1(b) of the Merger Agreement) shall be converted
into the right to receive 0.997 shares (the "PEPCO Ratio") of Company Common
Stock (collectively, the "Merger"). The terms and conditions of the Merger are
set forth in more detail in the Merger Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein
without definition have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the
Merger Agreement.
We have been requested by PEPCO to render our opinion with respect to the
fairness, from a financial point of view, to holders of PEPCO Common Stock of
the PEPCO Ratio to be offered in the Merger.
In arriving at our opinion, we have, among other things:
(1) Reviewed the Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and the related financial
information for the three-year period ended December 31, 1994 and the Forms
10-Q and the related unaudited financial information for the quarterly
periods ended March 31, 1995, June 30, 1995 and September 30, 1995, for
PEPCO;
(2) Review the Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and the related financial
information for the three-year period ended December 31, 1994 and the Forms
10-Q and the related unaudited financial information for the quarterly
periods ended March 31, 1995, June 30, 1995 and September 30, 1995, for BGE;
(3) Reviewed certain other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and other regulatory authorities made by PEPCO and BGE during the
last three years including proxy statements, FERC Forms 1, Forms 8-K and
registration statements;
(4) Reviewed certain internal information, including financial
forecasts, relating to the business, earnings, capital expenditures, cash
flow, assets and prospects of PEPCO and BGE furnished to us by PEPCO and
BGE, respectively;
D2-1
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The Board of Directors, Potomac Electric Power Company , 1996
Page 2
(5) Conducted discussions with members of senior management of PEPCO and
BGE concerning their respective businesses, regulatory environments,
prospects, strategic objectives and possible operating, administrative and
capital synergies which might be realized for the benefit of the Company
following the Merger;
(6) Reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for
shares of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock and compared them with
those of certain publicly traded companies which we deemed to be relevant;
(7) Compared the results of operations of PEPCO and BGE with those of
certain companies which we deemed to be relevant;
(8) Compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger with the
financial terms of certain utility industry business combinations which we
deemed to be relevant;
(9) Analyzed the respective contributions of earnings, cash flow, assets
and shareholders' equity of PEPCO and BGE to the Company;
(10) Analyzed the valuation of shares of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE
Common Stock using various valuation methodologies which we deemed to be
appropriate;
(11) Considered the pro forma capitalization, earnings and cash flow of
the Company;
(12) Compared the pro forma capitalization ratios, earnings per share,
dividends per share, book value per share, cash flow per share, return on
equity and payout ratio of the Company with each of the corresponding
current and projected values for PEPCO and BGE on a stand-alone basis;
(13) Reviewed the Merger Agreement;
(14) Reviewed the Joint Registration Statement of the Company, including
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of PEPCO and BGE dated the date hereof;
and
(15) Reviewed such other studies, conducted such other analyses,
considered such other financial, economic and market criteria, performed
such other investigations and considered such other matters as we deemed
necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion.
In rendering our opinion, we have assumed and relied, without independent
verification, upon the accuracy and completeness of all financial and other
information publicly available or otherwise furnished or made available to us by
PEPCO and BGE, including the representations and warranties contained in the
Merger Agreement, and have further assumed that the conditions to consummation
of the Merger Agreement will be satisfied in all material respects. We have
further relied upon the assurances of management of PEPCO and BGE that they are
not aware of any facts that would make such information inaccurate or
misleading. With respect to the financial projections of PEPCO and BGE
(including, without limitation, projected cost savings and operating synergies),
we have relied upon the assurances of management of PEPCO and BGE that such
projections have been reasonably prepared and reflect the best currently
available estimates and judgments of the management of PEPCO and BGE as to the
future financial performance of PEPCO and BGE, as the may be, and as to the
projected outcomes of legal, regulatory and other contingencies. In arriving at
our opinion, we have not made or been provided with an independent evaluation or
appraisal of the assets or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) of PEPCO or
BGE, nor have we made any physical inspection of the properties or assets of
PEPCO or BGE. We have assumed that the Merger will be a reorganization as
described in Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and the regulations thereunder, and that PEPCO, BGE and shareholders of PEPCO
and BGE who exchange their shares solely for Company Common Stock will recognize
no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
D2-2
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors, Potomac Electric Power Company , 1996
Page 3
result of the consummation of the Merger. We have also assumed that the Merger
will qualify as a pooling of interests for financial accounting purposes. You
have not authorized us to solicit, and we have not solicitated, any indications
of interest from any third party with respect to the purchase of all or a part
of PEPCO. Our opinion herein is necessarily based upon financial, stock market
and other conditions and circumstances existing and disclosed to us as of the
date hereof.
We have acted as financial advisor to PEPCO in connection with the Merger
and will receive certain fees for our services. In addition, we have in the past
rendered certain investment banking and financial advisory services to PEPCO for
which we received customary compensation.
Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided solely
for the use of PEPCO's Board of Directors in evaluating the Merger. Except for
its publication in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus which will be
distributed to holders of PEPCO Common Stock and BGE Common Stock in connection
with approval of the Merger, our opinion may not be published or otherwise used
or referred to without our prior written consent. This opinion is not intended
to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such
stockholder should act with respect to the Merger.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, our experiences as investment
bankers and other factors we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that, as of
the date hereof, the PEPCO Ratio to be offered in connection with the Merger is
fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of PEPCO Common Stock.
Very truly yours,
D2-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
-OF-
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
------------------------
The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Constellation Energy
Corporation are as follows:
FIRST: CORPORATE NAME AND PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The name of the corporation (the
"CORPORATION") is Constellation Energy Corporation. The Corporation's principal
office is located at [INSERT].
SECOND: REGISTERED AGENTS. The address of the Corporation's registered
office in the State of Maryland is [INSERT]. The name of its registered agent at
such address is [INSERT], who is a citizen and a resident of Maryland or a
Maryland Corporation. The address of the Corporation's registered office in the
Commonwealth of Virginia is [INSERT]. The name of its registered agent at such
address is [INSERT], who is a resident of Virginia and a member of the Virginia
State Bar.
THIRD: PURPOSES. The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or
promoted are:
(a) To conduct or promote the energy business, including, but not
limited to, the gas and electric energy business; and
(b) To do any and all other things and exercise any and all other powers
which now or hereafter may be permitted by law,
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the Commonwealth of Virginia the Corporation shall
restrict its business and purposes to those of a public service company engaged
in the electric energy business.
FOURTH: DURATION. The duration of the Corporation is perpetual.
FIFTH: INCORPORATOR. The name and mailing address of the incorporator is
Billie J. Swoboda, c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 32 South Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The incorporator is at least 18 years old and
originally formed this Corporation under the general laws of the State of
Maryland.
SIXTH: BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(a) MANAGEMENT OF CORPORATION. The business and affairs of the Corporation
shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.
(b) NUMBER. The Board of Directors shall consist of sixteen (16) members
unless otherwise provided in the By-Laws.
(c) CLASSIFIED BOARD.
(i) The directors of the Corporation shall be divided into three
classes: Class I, Class II and Class III.
(ii) Each class shall consist, as nearly as may be possible, of
one-third of the number of directors constituting the entire Board.
(iii) The initial Class I directors shall be elected to hold office for a
term to expire at the 199 [INSERT YEAR OF FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OCCURING AT
LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE] annual meeting of the stockholders; the
initial Class II directors shall be elected to hold office for a term to
expire at the 199 [INSERT YEAR OF FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OCCURING AT LEAST TWO
YEARS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE] annual meeting of the stockholders; and the
initial Class III directors shall be elected to
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hold office for a term to expire at the 199 [INSERT YEAR OF FIRST ANNUAL
MEETING OCCURRING AT LEAST THREE YEARS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE] annual meeting
of the stockholders; and, in the case of each Class, until their respective
successors are duly elected and qualified, subject, however, to death,
resignation, retirement, such age and service limitations as may be set
forth in the By-Laws, disqualification and removal from office.
(iv) At each annual meeting of the stockholders, the directors elected to
succeed those whose terms expire shall be identified as being of the same
Class as the directors they succeed and shall be elected to hold office for
a term to expire at the third annual meeting of the stockholders after their
election, and until their respective successors are duly elected and
qualified, subject, however, to death, resignation, retirement, such age and
service limitations as may be set forth in the By-Laws, disqualification and
removal from office.
(v) If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decrease in
directors shall be apportioned among the Classes so as to maintain all
Classes as equal in number as possible, and any additional director elected
to any Class shall hold office for a term which shall coincide with the
terms of the other directors in such Class (subject to the provisions of
applicable law).
(d) VACANCY.
(i) Any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from other than a
removal or an increase in the number of directors may be filled by a
majority of the Board of Directors then in office even if less than a
quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
(ii) Any vacancy on the Board of Directors that results from an increase
in the number of directors may be filled by a majority of the entire Board
of Directors.
(e) REMOVAL. Directors of the Corporation may be removed only for cause
and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors (considered for this purpose as one
class) cast at a meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article SIXTH,whenever the
holders of any class or series of stock issued by the Corporation shall have the
right, voting separately by class or series, to elect directors at an annual or
special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of
vacancies and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the
terms of the Articles of Incorporation applicable thereto, and such directors so
elected shall not be divided into classes pursuant to Section (c) of this
Article SIXTH unless expressly provided by such terms.
(g) BY-LAWS. The Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, alter,
amend or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation.
(h) ISSUANCE OF STOCK. Subject to and upon compliance with all of the
provisions of these Articles of Incorporation, the capital stock of the
Corporation, Preferred, Preference and Common, may be issued and disposed of as
and when such issuance may, pursuant to the laws of Maryland and Virginia, be
authorized by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is hereby empowered
by resolution to authorize the issuance from time to time of shares of Common
Stock without par value and securities convertible into shares of Common Stock
without par value and rights to purchase the same for such consideration as said
Board of Directors may deem advisable. The Board of Directors is hereby
empowered by resolution to authorize the issuance of any number of shares of
Preferred or Preference Stock of one or more classes or series and/or any amount
of convertible securities and/or rights to purchase the same from time to time
for such considerations as said Board of Directors may deem advisable. The
holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall have no preferential
or preemptive right, as stockholders, to subscribe for, purchase or receive any
proportionate or other part of any issue of additional capital stock of any
class, now or hereafter authorized, which may be issued by the Corporation,
except such right, if any, as may be conferred by the Board of Directors in
authorizing such issuance. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers
already vested in the
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Corporation or the Board of Directors, the Corporation, through the Board of
Directors, may authorize from time to time the issuance and disposition,
pursuant to the laws of Maryland and Virginia, of shares of Common Stock to any
or all of its employees, including officers, or to trustees on behalf of such
employees for such considerations as said Board of Directors may deem advisable.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained in these Articles of
Incorporation, the Board of Directors of the Corporation may authorize the
issuance of some or all of the shares of Common Stock, Preference Stock or
Preferred Stock of any or all classes or series authorized under these Articles
of Incorporation without certificates. This authorization shall not affect
shares already represented by certificates outstanding until they are
surrendered to the Corporation.
SEVENTH: INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
(a) (i) The Corporation shall indemnify
(A) its directors, officers and employees, whether serving the
Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the fullest extent
required or permitted by applicable law, including the General Laws of
the State of Maryland and the Code of Virginia, now or hereafter in
force, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
advance of expenses, and
(B) other individuals and entities, including agents, to such extent
as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors or the Corporation's
By-Laws and as shall be permitted by applicable law now or hereafter in
force.
(ii) The foregoing rights of indemnification shall not be exclusive of
any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled.
(iii) The Board of Directors may take such action as is necessary to
carry out these indemnification provisions and is expressly empowered to
adopt, approve and amend from time to time such by-laws, resolutions or
contracts implementing such provisions or such further indemnification
arrangements as may be permitted by law.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable statutory or decisional
law, as amended or interpreted, no director or officer of this Corporation shall
be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.
(c) No amendment of the Articles of Incorporation or repeal of any of its
provisions shall limit or eliminate either the limitation on liability provided
to directors and officers or the right to indemnification provided hereunder
with respect to any acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or
repeal.
EIGHTH: CAPITAL STOCK. The total number of shares of all classes of capital
stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 393,026,222 shares
of capital stock. Such capital stock shall be divided into four classes,
consisting of:
(a) 374,400,000 shares of Common Stock without par value,
(b) 1,000,000 shares of Class A Preferred Stock, with a par value of
$100 per share, having an aggregate par value of $100,000,000, including the
series specified in Article ELEVENTH below,
(c) 11,126,222 shares of Class B Preferred Stock, with a par value of
$50 per share, having an aggregate par value of $556,311,100, including the
series specified in Article ELEVENTH below, and
(d) 6,500,000 shares of Preference Stock, with a par value of $100 per
share, having an aggregate par value of $650,000,000, including the series
specified in Article ELEVENTH below.
The aggregate par value of all such shares of capital stock having par value
is $1,306,311,100.
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NINTH: VOTING RIGHTS.
(a) COMMON STOCK. Each holder of Common Stock shall have one vote in
respect of each share of Common Stock held by such holder on all matters
submitted generally to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
(b) CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK. Except as provided in Section (b)(i)(F) of
Article ELEVENTH, the Class A Preferred Stock shall have no voting power, except
that:
(i) the Class A Preferred Stock shall have twenty-four votes for each
share of Class A Preferred Stock with respect to any proposed amendment of
the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (other than any such
amendment as is specified in section (b)(i)(A) of Article ELEVENTH hereof),
any proposed consolidation with any other corporation or corporations, any
proposed sale, lease or exchange of all its property and assets as an
entirety, including its goodwill and franchises, to or with any other
corporation or any proposed dissolution of the Corporation, and no such
amendment of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, consolidation,
sale, lease, exchange or dissolution shall be authorized, ratified, adopted
or effected without the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the shares of
Class A Preferred Stock outstanding in favor of such amendment,
consolidation, sale, lease, exchange or dissolution, as the case may be; and
(ii) whenever the Corporation shall fail to pay full dividends on the
Class A Preferred Stock and such failure shall continue for one year, the
Class A Preferred Stock shall then have twenty-four votes for each share of
Class A Preferred Stock with respect to all matters, until and unless all
such dividends shall have been paid in full;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that immediately upon the retirement of the Class A Preferred
Stock issuable in exchange for the shares of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
Preferred Stock outstanding as of November 27, 1961, consisting as of the date
of these Articles of Incorporation of 222,921 shares of Series B 4 1/2% and
68,928 shares of Series C 4% Preferred Stock and without further action by the
officers, Board of Directors, or stockholders of the Corporation, the foregoing
provisions of subsections (i) and (ii) above shall be deleted and of no further
effect and the following subsections (i) and (ii) in lieu thereof shall be fully
operative (and all Class A Preferred Stock issuable in exchange for shares of
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Preferred Stock issued after November 27,
1961, or issued after the date of adoption of these Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation, but prior to the retirement of the outstanding shares
of Class A Preferred Stock specified above shall be subject to such deletion and
amendment):
(i) The Class A Preferred Stock shall have four votes for each share of
Class A Preferred Stock with respect to any proposed amendment of the
Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation (other than any such amendment
as is specified in section (b)(i)(A) of Article ELEVENTH hereof), any
proposed consolidation with any other corporation or corporations, any
proposed sale, lease, or exchange of all its property and assets as an
entirety, including its goodwill and franchises, to or with any other
corporation or any proposed dissolution of the Corporation, and no such
amendment of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, consolidation,
sale, lease, exchange, or dissolution shall be authorized, ratified,
adopted, or effected without the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the
shares of Class A Preferred Stock outstanding in favor of such amendment,
consolidation, sale, lease, exchange or dissolution, as the case may be; and
(ii) whenever the Corporation shall fail to pay full dividends on the
Class A Preferred Stock and such failure shall continue for one year, the
Class A Preferred Stock shall then have four votes for each share of Class A
Preferred Stock with respect to all matters, until and unless all such
dividends shall have been paid in full.
(c) CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK.
(i) DEFINITIONS. The following terms, as used in these Articles of
Incorporation, shall have the following meanings:
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(A) (I) The term "senior stock" shall mean any class of stock ranking
in its claim to dividends or other distributions or in liquidation prior
to the 11,126,222 shares of Class B Preferred Stock created hereby;
(II) The term "parity stock" shall mean any class of stock ranking
in its claim to dividends or other distributions or in liquidation on
a parity with the Class B Preferred Stock, but shall not include any
of the 11,126,222 shares of Class B Preferred Stock created hereby,
nor shall it include any increase in the authorized amount of the
Class B Preferred Stock; and
(III) The term "junior stock" shall mean the Preference Stock, the
Common Stock and any other class of stock ranking in its claim to
dividends or other distributions or in liquidation junior to the
Class B Preferred Stock.
(ii) The Class B Preferred Stock has no voting power, except that:
(A) (I) Whenever dividends payable thereon are in default in an
amount equal to four full quarter-yearly dividends, and until such
default shall have been remedied as hereinafter provided, the holders of
Class B Preferred Stock, voting separately, shall become entitled to
elect twenty-five percent of the Board of Directors, or the smallest
number of directors that exceeds twenty-five percent of the Board, but in
no event less than two directors, and the other stockholders then
entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting separately by
classes if so required by the provisions applicable to such classes,
shall be entitled to elect the remaining directors of the Corporation.
(II) Upon the accrual of such special right to the holders of
Class B Preferred Stock, a meeting of the stockholders then entitled
to vote for the election of directors shall be held upon notice
promptly given, as provided in the By-Laws for a special meeting, by
the President or the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.
(III) If within fifteen days after the accrual of such special
right to the holders of Class B Preferred Stock, the President and
the Chairman of the Board of the Corporation shall fail to call such
meeting, then such meeting shall be held upon notice, as provided in
the By-Laws for a special meeting, given by the holders of not less
than five hundred shares of Class B Preferred Stock after filing with
the Corporation notice of their intention to do so.
(IV) The terms of office of all persons who may be directors of
the Corporation at the time shall terminate upon the election of
directors by the holders of Class B Preferred Stock, whether or not
at the time of such termination the remaining directors of the
Corporation shall have been elected; and thereafter and during the
continuance of such special right of the holders of the Class B
Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors shall be divided into two or
more classes, one class consisting of the directors to be elected by
the holders of Class B Preferred Stock, and the other class or
classes consisting of directors to be elected by the other
stockholders entitled to vote for the election of directors, and the
directors of each such class elected at such meeting, or at any
adjournment thereof, and the directors of each such class elected at
any subsequent annual meeting for the election of directors, held
during the continuance of such special right, shall hold office until
the next succeeding annual election and until their respective
successors by classes are elected and qualified.
(B) (I) However, if and when all dividends then in default on the
Class B Preferred Stock shall be paid (and such dividends shall be
declared and paid as soon as reasonably practicable out of surplus or net
profits, but without diminishing the amount of capital of the
Corporation), the holders of Class B Preferred Stock shall be divested of
such special right referred to
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in Section (c)(ii)(A), but subject always to the same provisions for the
revesting of such special right in the holders of Class B Preferred Stock
in the case of any similar future default or defaults.
(II) Whenever the holders of Class B Preferred Stock shall be so
divested of such special right, the method of election of the Board
of Directors by the right of the other stockholders entitled to vote
for the election of directors exclusively shall be restored, and the
election of directors shall take place at the next succeeding annual
meeting for the election of directors, or at any adjournment thereof.
(C) (I) Except as hereinafter provided, during the continuance of the
special right of the holders of the Class B Preferred Stock to elect
directors as provided in Section (c)(ii)(A) of this Article NINTH, at all
meetings for the election of directors the presence in person or by proxy
of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of the
Class B Preferred Stock shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the
election of directors whom the holders of such class are entitled to
elect, and the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of
a majority of the outstanding shares of each other class of stock then
entitled to vote for the election of directors shall be necessary to
constitute a quorum for the election of the directors whom the holders of
such class of stock are entitled to elect.
(II) In the absence of such a quorum of the holders of stock of
any particular class then entitled to vote for the election of
directors, the holders of a majority of the shares of the stock of
such class so present in person or represented by proxy may adjourn
from time to time the meeting for the election of directors to be
elected by such stock, without notice other than announcement at the
meeting, until the requisite quorum for the holders of such stock
shall be obtained. However, at the first meeting for the election of
directors after any accrual of the special right of the holders of
Class B Preferred Stock, and at any subsequent annual meeting for the
election of directors held during the continuance of such special
right, if there shall not be such a quorum of the holders of Class B
Preferred Stock the meeting shall be adjourned from time to time as
above provided until such quorum shall have been obtained; PROVIDED
that, if such quorum shall not have been obtained within 90 days from
the date of such meeting as originally called (or, in the case of any
annual meeting held during the continuance of such special right,
from the date fixed for such annual meeting), the presence in person
or by proxy of the holders of record of one third of the outstanding
shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall then be sufficient to
constitute a quorum for the election of the directors whom the
holders of Class B Preferred Stock are then entitled to elect.
(III) The absence of a quorum of the holders of any class of stock
then entitled to vote for the election of directors shall not, except
as hereinafter provided, prevent or invalidate the election by the
other class or classes of stockholders of the directors which they
are entitled to elect, if the necessary quorum of stockholders of
such other class or classes is present in person or represented by
proxy at any such meeting or any adjournment thereof. However, at the
first meeting for the election of directors after the accrual of the
special right of the holders of Class B Preferred Stock to elect
directors as provided in Section (c)(ii)(A) of this Article NINTH,
the absence of a quorum of the holders of Class B Preferred Stock
shall prevent the election of directors by the holders of Common
Stock until the election of directors by the holders of Class B
Preferred Stock after a quorum of the holders of Class B Preferred
Stock shall have been obtained.
(iii) So long as any shares of Class B Preferred Stock are
outstanding, no amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation which would
(A) create, change any junior stock into, or increase the rights
and preferences of, any senior or parity stock,
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(B) increase the authorized amount of the Class B Preferred Stock
in excess of the 11,126,222 shares created hereby or the authorized
amount of any senior or parity stock, or
(C) change the express terms of the outstanding shares of Class B
Preferred Stock in any manner substantially prejudicial to the
holders thereof,
shall be made without the affirmative consent of the holders (given
in writing without a meeting or by a vote at a meeting duly called
for the purpose) of more than two-thirds of the aggregate number of
shares of the Class B Preferred Stock then outstanding; but any such
amendment may be made with such affirmative consent, together with
such additional vote or consent of stockholders as from time to time
may be required by law; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if any such amendment
would change the express terms of the outstanding shares of Class B
Preferred Stock of any particular series in a manner substantially
prejudicial to the holders thereof without correspondingly affecting
the holders of the outstanding shares of Class B Preferred Stock of
all series, then, in lieu of such consent of the holders of Class B
Preferred Stock (or, if such consent of the holders of the
outstanding shares of Class B Preferred Stock is required by law, in
addition thereto), a like affirmative consent of the holders of more
than two-thirds of the Class B Preferred Stock of the affected series
at the time outstanding shall be necessary for making such amendment.
(iv) So long as any shares of the Class B Preferred Stock are
outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the affirmative consent
of the holders (given in writing without a meeting or by a vote at a
meeting duly called for the purpose) of at least a majority of the
aggregate number of shares of Class B Preferred Stock then outstanding:
(A) issue any shares of the Class B Preferred Stock, in excess of
300,000 shares thereof at any one time outstanding, or issue any
shares of senior or parity stock (either directly or by
reclassification), unless for a period of twelve consecutive calendar
months within the fifteen calendar months next preceding the date on
which such shares are to be issued net earnings (after depreciation
and taxes but before deducting interest) have been at least one and
one-half times the annual interest charges and dividend requirements
on all indebtedness of the Corporation and on all shares of Class B
Preferred Stock and senior and parity stock which shall then be
outstanding; for the purpose of such computation, the shares and any
indebtedness proposed to be issued in connection with such issue
shall be included, but any indebtedness or shares proposed to be
retired in connection with such issue shall be excluded, and in
determining such net earnings, the Board of Directors of the
Corporation shall make such adjustments, by way of increase or
decrease in such net earnings, as shall in their opinion be necessary
to give effect, for the entire twelve months for which such net
earnings are determined, to any acquisition or disposition of
property the earnings of which can be separately ascertained, and to
any issue, sale, assumption or retirement of securities, which shall
have occurred after the commencement of such twelve months' period
and prior to or in connection with the issue of the shares of the
Class B Preferred Stock or senior and parity stock; or
(B) issue any shares of the Class B Preferred Stock, in excess of
300,000 shares thereof at any one time outstanding, or issue any
shares of senior or parity stock (either directly or by
reclassification), unless immediately after such proposed issue the
aggregate of
(I) the capital of the Corporation applicable to its stock
ranking junior as to assets and dividends, and
(II) the surplus of the Corporation
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shall be not less than the aggregate amount payable upon involuntary
liquidation to the holders of the Class B Preferred Stock and of
senior and parity stock then to be outstanding, excluding from such
computation all stock to be retired through such proposed issue; or
(C) merge or consolidate with or into any other Corporation or
Corporations or sell or lease all or substantially all of its assets,
unless such merger, consolidation, sale or lease, or the issue and
assumption of all securities to be issued or assumed in connection
with any such merger, consolidation, sale or lease shall have been
ordered, approved or permitted by the regulatory authority or
authorities having jurisdiction in the premises; PROVIDED that the
provisions of this paragraph (C) shall not apply to a purchase, lease
or other acquisition by the Corporation of the franchises or assets
of another Corporation, or otherwise apply in any manner which does
not involve a merger or consolidation or sale or lease by the
Corporation of all or substantially all of its assets.
(d) PREFERENCE STOCK. The Preference Stock shall have no voting power,
except that:
(i) The Preference Stock shall have one vote for each share of
Preference Stock with respect to any proposed amendment of the Articles of
Incorporation of the Corporation which would create or authorize any shares
of stock ranking prior to or on a parity with the Preference Stock as to
dividends or as to distribution of assets, or which would substantially
adversely affect the contract rights, as expressly set forth in the Articles
of Incorporation, of the Preference Stock, and no such amendment of the
Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation may be authorized, ratified,
accepted or effected without the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the
shares of Preference Stock outstanding in favor of such amendment; and
(ii) Whenever the Corporation shall fail to pay full dividends on the
Preference Stock and such failure shall continue for one year, the
Preference Stock shall then have one vote for each share of Preference Stock
with respect to all matters, until and unless such dividends shall have been
paid in full.
TENTH: COMMON STOCK. Subject to any limitations prescribed in Article
ELEVENTH and any prior rights conferred upon the holders of any class or series
of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock created herein or that may be conferred
upon the holders of any series of Preferred Stock or Preference Stock
established by the Board pursuant to authority herein provided, and except as
provided by law, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to
receive
(a) when and as declared by the Board, out of the assets of the
Corporation which are by law available therefor, PRO RATA dividends payable
in cash, in property or in securities of the Corporation, and
(b) on a PRO RATA basis, all of the remaining assets of the Corporation
available for distribution to its stockholders in the event of any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
ELEVENTH: PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK.
(a) PREFERRED STOCK GENERALLY.
(i) RANK. All shares of Preferred Stock shall rank on a parity with
each other in respect of dividends or other distributions and in
liquidation regardless of class or series within a class. All shares of
Preferred Stock of any one series of any class shall be identical to each
other in all respects.
(ii) PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS. Except as otherwise provided in section
(c)(i)(A)(V) of this Article ELEVENTH, unless dividends on all
outstanding shares of every series of every class of Preferred Stock, at
the annual dividend rate or rates fixed therefor, shall have been paid or
declared and set aside for payment for all past dividend periods to which
they are entitled,
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and the full dividend thereon at said rate or rates for the dividend
period current at the time shall have been paid or declared and set apart
for payment, but without interest on accumulated dividends, and unless
all sinking fund payments, if any, required to have been made thereon
shall have been made or provided for, no dividend shall be declared and
no other distribution shall be made on any shares of any series of any
class of Preferred Stock or on any parity stock or junior stock. Except
as otherwise provided in Section (c)(i)(A)(V) of this Article ELEVENTH,
no dividend or other distribution shall be declared or made on the shares
of any series of any class of Preferred Stock unless there shall be
declared or made at the same time a like distribution on all outstanding
shares of every series of every class of Preferred Stock.
(iii) REDEMPTION. If and so long as the Corporation shall be in
default in the payment of any dividend on shares of any series of any
class of Preferred Stock, or shall be in default in the payment of funds
into or the setting aside of funds for any sinking fund created for any
series of any class of Preferred Stock, the Corporation may not (other
than by the use of unapplied funds, if any, paid into or set aside for a
sinking fund or funds prior to such default)
(A) redeem any shares of any series of any class of Preferred
Stock unless all shares of all classes of Preferred Stock are
redeemed,
(B) purchase or otherwise acquire for a consideration any shares
of Preferred Stock except pursuant to offers of sale made by holders
of Preferred Stock in response to an invitation for tenders given
simultaneously by the Corporation by mail to the holders of record of
all shares of Preferred Stock then outstanding, or
(C) redeem, retire, repurchase or otherwise acquire for value any
parity stock or any junior stock.
(iv) LIMITATION OF DECLARATION OF DIVIDENDS ON JUNIOR STOCK. No
dividend shall be declared on any junior stock payable more than 120 days
after the date of declaration.
(v) LIQUIDATION. If upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the assets available for
distribution to holders of shares of Preferred Stock of all classes and
series shall be insufficient to pay such holders the full preferential
amount (including unpaid cumulative dividends, if any) to which they are
entitled, then such assets shall be distributed ratably among the shares
of all series of all classes of Preferred Stock and parity stock in
accordance with the respective preferential amounts payable with respect
thereto.
(b) CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK.
(i) GENERALLY.
(A) The right is hereby reserved to make from time to time any
amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation which
change the terms of the Class A Preferred Stock by classification or
subclassification of all or any of the authorized but unissued Class
A Preferred Stock into one or more series of the Class A Preferred
Stock, which series may differ from each other and other series
already outstanding in any or all of the following respects:
(I) the rate and/or payment periods of the fixed preferential
dividends payable thereon, which rate shall, however, in no case
exceed eight per cent per annum,
(II) whether or not, and if so to what extent and on what
terms and conditions, such series shall participate in dividends
in excess of the fixed preferential dividends thereon, or in
distribution of assets, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, in excess of the fixed preferential distribution thereof to
the holders of the Class A Preferred Stock,
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(III) whether or not, and if so on what terms and conditions,
such series shall be convertible at the option of the holders
into other stock (Class A Preferred, Preference, or Common),
bonds or securities of the Corporation, and
(IV) the prices and times, if any, of redemption thereof.
All of the Class A Preferred Stock having identical characteristics
shall be given the same serial designation.
(B) All Class A Preferred Stock redeemed shall forthwith be
cancelled and retired but shall have the status of authorized but
unissued Class A Preferred Stock of the Corporation.
(C) In the event of any liquidation or dissolution or winding up,
whether voluntary or involuntary, of the Corporation, the holders of
the Class A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to be paid in full both
the par amount of their shares and an amount equal to the unpaid
dividends accrued thereon (whether earned or declared or not)
adjusted to date of such payment, before any amount shall be paid to
either the holders of the Preference Stock or the holders of Common
Stock.
(D) All payments to the holders of the Class A Preferred Stock,
whether payments of dividends or payments in the event of redemption,
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall be made without
deduction for any tax or taxes (other than income taxes in excess of
two per cent of any such dividend payment with respect to shares of
Class A Preferred Stock issued in exchange for shares of Baltimore
Gas and Electric Company Preferred Stock issued on or prior to
November 27, 1961 and then outstanding, and other than any income
taxes on any redemption payments with respect to shares of Class A
Preferred Stock issued in exchange for shares of Preferred Stock
issued after November 27, 1961) which the Corporation may be required
or permitted to pay thereon or to retain therefrom under any present
or future law of the United States of America or of any state, county
or municipality therein.
(E) Up to the fixed preferential dividends payable on each series
of Class A Preferred Stock, all series of Class A Preferred Stock
shall participate (not before the respective dividend dates of each
series of Class A Preferred Stock) at the same rate per cent per
annum in any payments for, or including any period (whether a
dividend period or part of such a period) aggregating less than the
full preferential dividends on all series of Class A Preferred Stock
for such period; if for any period (whether a dividend period or part
of such a period) full preferential dividends shall not have been
paid on any series of Class A Preferred Stock when payable, the
deficiency shall be payable before any dividends for any subsequent
dividend period, or part of such a period, shall be paid upon or set
apart for any series of the Class A Preferred Stock.
(F) (I) At no time shall Preferred Stock be issued if, after
giving effect to such issuance, the aggregate amount of Preferred
Stock in number of shares, exceeds one twenty-fourth of the total
amount, in number of shares, of Common Stock at the time being issued
and outstanding and not held or owned by the Corporation, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if Preferred Stock is issued for the purpose of
retiring outstanding Preferred Stock then the Preferred Stock to be
retired shall not be counted as outstanding for purposes of the
foregoing limitation; nor shall the total amount, in number of
shares, of Common Stock issued and outstanding and not held or owned
by the Corporation be at any time reduced, either by purchase of
Common Stock by the Corporation or by amendment of the Articles of
Incorporation of the Corporation, below twenty-four times the total
amount, in number of shares, of Preferred Stock at the time being
issued and outstanding; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that immediately upon the
retirement of the Class A Preferred Stock issuable in exchange for
the shares of Baltimore Gas and Electric
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<PAGE>
Company Preferred Stock outstanding as of November 27, 1961,
consisting as of the date of these Articles of Incorporation of
222,921 shares of Series B 4 1/2% and 68,928 shares of Series C 4%
Preferred Stock and without further action by the officers, Board of
Directors, or stockholders of the Corporation, the foregoing
provisions of the clause (I) shall be deleted and of no further
effect and the following clause (II) in lieu thereof shall be fully
operative (and all Class A Preferred Stock issuable in exchange for
shares of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Preferred Stock issued
after November 27, 1961, or issued after the date of adoption of
these Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, but prior to
the retirement of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock specified
above shall be subject to such deletion and amendment).
(II) After the deletion and amendment of clause (I) above pursuant
to the terms thereof, while any shares of Preferred Stock are
outstanding, there shall not be issued without the prior affirmative
vote or written consent of the holders of two-thirds of the total
number of shares of Class A Preferred Stock then outstanding, any
additional Preferred Stock if, at the time of issuance of such
additional Preferred Stock and after giving effect to such issuance,
the aggregate par value of the Preferred Stock to be outstanding
after such issuance, would exceed an amount equal to the aggregate
amount in dollars in the Common Stock account of the Corporation plus
any capital surplus represented by consideration received for the
issuance of Common Stock, all as shown on the books of account of the
Corporation, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if Preferred Stock is issued for
the purpose of retiring outstanding Preferred Stock then the
Preferred Stock to be retired shall not be counted as outstanding for
purposes of the foregoing limitation; nor, without like affirmative
vote or written consent, shall the outstanding Common Stock not held
or owned by the Corporation be reduced by purchase or retirement by
the Corporation or such capital surplus be reduced by distribution,
if and to the extent that, after such reduction, the aggregate par
value of the outstanding Preferred Stock would exceed the sum of the
dollars in the Common Stock account of the Corporation plus any
capital surplus represented by consideration received for the
issuance of Common Stock, all as shown on the books of account of the
Corporation. For the purpose of determining compliance with the
limitations contained in this clause (II), if the Corporation
purchases Common Stock, the said Common Stock and capital surplus
accounts shall be deemed to be thereby reduced by that portion of the
total dollars in said accounts which is equivalent to the ratio of
the number of shares of Common Stock purchased to the number
outstanding and not held or owned by the Corporation immediately
before such purchase, but in such a case if the Common Stock so
purchased is subsequently sold or retired the said Common Stock and
capital surplus accounts shall be deemed to be reduced thereafter
only by the actual charges to said accounts.
(G) At no time shall any Preferred Stock be issued unless at the
time of such issuance the net earnings of the Corporation, over and
above operating expenses (including allowance for depreciation and
other reserves), fixed charges and any other deductions from or
charges against income ranking prior to dividends on the Preferred
Stock, for a period of twelve successive calendar months ending
within the sixty days immediately preceding such issuance of
Preferred Stock, shall have been at least twice a sum equal to full
preferential dividends for one year on
(I) all Preferred Stock already outstanding at the time of
such issuance, and
(II) the Preferred Stock so to be issued,
PROVIDED that in the case of Preferred Stock being issued for the purpose of
retiring outstanding Preferred Stock, the Preferred Stock to be retired shall
not be counted as outstanding for purposes of this limitation.
(ii) CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES B.
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(A) The Class A Preferred Stock, Series B, shall entitle the holders
thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the surplus or net profits of
the Corporation yearly dividends at the rate of four and one-half per cent
per annum and no more payable quarterly on the first days of January, April,
July and October in each year. The dividends on the Class A Preferred Stock,
Series B, shall be cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on
either the Preference Stock or on the Common Stock shall be paid or set
apart; so that if in any year or years dividends amounting to four and
one-half per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the deficiency shall be
payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart for either the
Preference Stock or the Common Stock.
(B) The Class A Preferred Stock, Series B, or any portion thereof may,
whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be redeemed by the
payment to the holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified as the
redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each share thereof,
together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall be one
hundred and fifteen dollars ($115) at any time prior to July 1, 1944, one
hundred and fourteen dollars ($114) after June 30, 1944, one hundred and
thirteen dollars ($113) after June 30, 1947, one hundred and twelve dollars
($112) after June 30, 1950, one hundred and eleven dollars ($111) after June
30, 1953, and one hundred and ten dollars ($110) after June 30, 1956. In
case less than all of the Preferred Stock, Series B, at the time being
outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly as
is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a
proportionate part of the holdings of each holder of Class A Preferred
Stock, Series B, or shall be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least
sixty days' written notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the
Class A Preferred Stock, Series B, or any part thereof, and (in case less
than all is to be redeemed) of the shares thereof so to be redeemed, shall
be given to each holder of Class A Preferred Stock, Series B, so to be
redeemed by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed to him at his
address as it appears upon the books of the Corporation. When such notice
shall have been so given and the funds for payment thereof shall have been
provided and set apart, the dividends on the Preferred Stock so called for
redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof, except the right to
receive the redemption price, shall cease.
(iii) CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES C.
(A) The Class A Preferred Stock, Series C, shall entitle the holders
thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the surplus or net profits of
the Corporation yearly dividends at the rate of four per cent per annum and
no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July and
October in each year. The dividends on the Class A Preferred Stock, Series
C, shall be cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on either
the Preference Stock or the Common Stock shall be paid or set apart; so
that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to four per cent shall not
have been paid thereon, the deficiency shall be payable before any dividends
shall be paid upon or set apart for either the Preference Stock or the
Common Stock.
(B) The Class A Preferred Stock, Series C, or any portion thereof may,
whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be redeemed by the
payment to the holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified as the
redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each share thereof,
together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall be one
hundred and seven dollars ($107) per share at any time prior to July 1,
1945, one hundred and six dollars ($106) per share after June 30, 1945, and
one hundred and five dollars ($105) per share after June 30, 1950. In case
less than all of the Class A Preferred Stock, Series C, at the time being
outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly as
is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a
proportionate part of the holdings of each holder of Preferred Stock, Series
C, or shall be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least sixty days'
written notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the Class A
Preferred Stock, Series C, or any part thereof, and (in case less than all
is to be redeemed) of the shares thereof so to be redeemed, shall be given
to each holder of Class A Preferred Stock, Series C, so to be redeemed by
mailing the same,
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<PAGE>
postage prepaid and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the
books of the Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and the
funds for payment thereof shall have been provided and set apart, the
dividends on the Preferred Stock so called for redemption and all other
rights of the holders thereof, except the right to receive the redemption
price, shall cease.
(iv) CLASS A PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES D.
(A) The Class A Preferred Stock, Series D, shall entitle the holders
thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the surplus or net profits of
the Corporation yearly dividends at the rate of five and forty hundredths
per cent per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of
January, April, July, and October in each year. The dividends on the Class A
Preferred Stock, Series D, shall be cumulative and shall be payable before
any dividend on either the Preference Stock or the Common Stock shall be
paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to
five and forty hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the
deficiency shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set
apart for either the Preference Stock or the Common Stock. Dividends on
Class A Preferred Stock, Series D, will accrue from May 4, 1967 with respect
to shares issued prior to July 1, 1967, and from the first day of the
quarterly dividend period in which they are issued with respect to shares
issued on or after July 1, 1967.
(B) The Class A Preferred Stock, Series D, or any portion thereof, may,
whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be redeemed by the
payment to the holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified as the
redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each share thereof,
together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall be one
hundred and five dollars and fifty cents ($105.50) per share at any time
prior to April 1, 1972, then one hundred and four dollars ($104) per share
prior to April 1, 1977, then one hundred and two dollars and fifty cents
($102.50) per share prior to April 1, 1982, and one hundred and one dollars
($101) per share thereafter; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Corporation will
not, prior to April 1, 1972, redeem any shares of the Class A Preferred
Stock, Series D, if such redemption is a part of or in anticipation of any
refunding operation involving the application, directly or indirectly, of
borrowed funds or the proceeds of an issue of any stock ranking prior to or
on a parity with the Class A Preferred Stock, Series D, if such borrowed
funds have an interest rate or cost to the Corporation (calculated in
accordance with generally accepted financial practice), or such stock has a
dividend rate or cost to the Corporation (so calculated), less than the
dividend rate per annum of the Class A Preferred Stock, Series D. In case
less than all of the Class A Preferred Stock, Series D, at the time being
outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly as
is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a
proportionate part of the holdings of each holder of Class A Preferred
Stock, Series D, or shall be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least
sixty days' written notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the
Class A Preferred Stock, Series D, or any part thereof, and (in case less
than all is to be redeemed) of the shares thereof so to be redeemed, shall
be given to each holder of Class A Preferred Stock, Series D, so to be
redeemed by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed to him at his
address as it appears upon the books of the Corporation. When such notice
shall have been so given and the funds for payment of the redemption price
plus accrued dividends shall have been provided and set apart, the dividends
on the Preferred Stock so called for redemption and all other rights of the
holders thereof, except the right to receive the redemption price plus
accrued dividends, shall cease.
(c) CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK.
(i) GENERALLY.
(A) (I) The holders of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive,
but only when and as declared by the Board of Directors, cumulative cash
dividends in the case of each series at the annual rate for such series
theretofore fixed as herein provided, payable quarter-yearly on the first
days of January, April, July and October in each year to stockholders of
record on the respective dates fixed for the purpose by the Board of
Directors as dividends are declared.
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<PAGE>
(II) No dividend shall be declared on any shares of the Class B
Preferred Stock unless there shall likewise be declared on all shares of
the Class B Preferred Stock at the time outstanding like dividends,
ratably in proportion to the respective annual dividend rates fixed
therefor.
(III) The dividends on shares of the Class B Preferred Stock shall be
cumulative from the quarterly-yearly dividend payment date next preceding
the date of issue of such shares, unless such shares shall have been
issued after the record date and before the payment date for a particular
dividend, in which case the dividends shall be cumulative from the
quarter-yearly dividend payment date next ensuing after the date of issue
of such shares.
(IV) The holders of the Class B Preferred Stock shall not be entitled
to receive any dividends thereon other than the dividends referred to in
this paragraph (A).
(V) Notwithstanding the dividend payment dates specified in
sub-paragraph (I) above, dividends shall, subject to the terms and
conditions hereof, be payable on each series of Class B Preferred Stock
that was converted from a corresponding series of preferred stock of
Potomac Electric Power Company upon the merger (the "Merger") of such
company and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company with and into the
Corporation on the effective date of such Merger (the "Effective Date")
as follows:
(a) if the first dividend payment date for such shares of
preferred stock of Potomac Electric Power Company that would have
occurred after the Effective Date but for the Merger (the "PEPCO
Payment Date") precedes the first dividend payment date for the Class
B Preferred Stock (the "First Dividend Payment Date"), determined in
accordance with subparagraph (I) above, so to occur, then:
(1) a dividend shall be paid on each such share of Class B
Preferred Stock on the PEPCO Payment Date in the regular
quarterly amount, and
(2) a dividend shall be paid on each such share of Class B
Preferred Stock on the First Dividend Payment Date, but only in
an amount equal to one-third of the regular quarterly amount of
such dividend; and
(b) if the First Dividend Payment Date occurs before the PEPCO
Payment Date, a dividend shall be paid on each such share of Class B
Preferred Stock on the First Dividend Payment Date, but only in an
amount equal to one-third of the regular quarterly amount of such
dividend.
(B) (I) The Corporation, at the option of the Board of Directors or by
the operation of the sinking fund, if any, provided for the Class B
Preferred Stock of any series, may, from time to time, subject to such terms
and conditions, if any, fixed herein or as may be fixed by the Board of
Directors with respect to any series as herein provided, redeem the whole or
any part of such series at any time outstanding, by paying in cash the
applicable redemption price therefor fixed herein or fixed by the Board of
Directors as hereinbefore provided.
(II) Notice of every such redemption shall be given by publication at
least once in each of two calendar weeks in each of two daily newspapers
printed in the English language, one published and of general circulation
in the City of Washington, District of Columbia, and the other in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, the first publication to be
at least thirty days and not more than sixty days prior to the date fixed
for such redemption. At least thirty days' and not more than sixty days'
previous notice of every such redemption shall also be mailed to the
holders of record of the shares so to be redeemed, at their respective
addresses as the same shall appear on the books of the Corporation; but
failure to mail such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing
thereof shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the
redemption of any shares so to be redeemed.
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<PAGE>
(III) In case of the redemption of a part only of any series of the
Class B Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, the Corporation or its
duly authorized agent shall select by lot the shares so to be redeemed.
The Board of Directors shall have full power and authority, subject to
the limitations and provisions herein contained, to prescribe the manner
in which the drawings by lot shall be conducted and the terms and
conditions upon which the Class B Preferred Stock shall be redeemed from
time to time.
(IV) If such notice of redemption shall have been duly given by
publication, and if on or before the redemption date specified therein
the funds necessary for such redemption shall have been set aside by the
Corporation, separate and apart from its other funds, in trust for the
account of the holders of the shares so called for redemption, so as to
be and continue to
be available therefor, then, notwithstanding that any certificate for
shares so called for redemption shall not have been surrendered for
cancellation, the shares represented thereby shall no longer be deemed to
be outstanding on and after such redemption date, and all rights with
respect to such shares shall forthwith on such redemption date cease and
terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive the
amount payable upon redemption thereof, without interest; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, in the alternative, that, after giving notice by publication of
any such redemption as hereinbefore provided or after giving to the bank
or trust company referred to below irrevocable authorization to give or
complete such notice by publication, and prior to the redemption date
specified in such notice, the Corporation may deposit in trust, for the
account of the holders of the shares of Class B Preferred Stock so to be
redeemed, the funds necessary for such redemption with a bank or trust
company in good standing, organized and doing business under the laws of
the United States or of any state or territory or of the District of
Columbia and having its principal office in the City of Washington,
District of Columbia, or in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New
York, having capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least
Ten Million Dollars, designated in such notice of redemption, and
thereupon all shares of the Class B Preferred Stock with respect to which
such deposit shall have been made shall no longer be deemed to be
outstanding, and all rights with respect to such shares of Class B
Preferred Stock shall forthwith upon such deposit in trust cease and
terminate, except only the right of the holders thereof to receive from
such bank or trust company at any time after the time of such deposit the
funds so deposited, without interest and the right to exercise, on or
before such redemption date privileges of conversion or exchange, if any,
not theretofore expiring.
(V) Shares of Class B Preferred Stock purchased or redeemed pursuant
to any obligation of the Corporation to purchase or redeem shares for a
sinking fund, shares redeemed pursuant to the provisions hereof or
purchased and for which credit shall have been taken against any sinking
fund obligation, and shares surrendered pursuant to any conversion right,
shall not be reissued or otherwise disposed of and shall be canceled. Any
other shares of Class B Preferred Stock redeemed or otherwise acquired by
the Corporation shall continue to be part of the authorized capital stock
of the Corporation and may thereafter, in the discretion of the Board of
Directors and to the extent permitted by law, be sold or reissued from
time to time, as part of the same or another series, subject to the terms
and conditions herein set forth.
(C) (I) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, then, before any distribution or payment
shall be made to the holders of any junior stock, the holder of each share
of the Class B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to be paid in full in cash
the amount fixed as herein provided, together with an amount computed at the
annual dividend rate therefor from the date upon which dividends thereon
became cumulative to the date fixed for the payment thereof, less the
aggregate of the dividends theretofore paid thereon.
(II) In the event of any involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, then, before any distribution or payment
shall be made to the holders of any junior stock, the holder of each
share of the Class B Stock shall be entitled to be paid in full the par
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<PAGE>
value thereof in cash, together with an amount computed at the annual
dividend rate therefor from the date upon which dividends thereon became
cumulative to the date fixed for the payment thereof, less the aggregate
of the dividends theretofore paid thereon.
(III) With respect to the payments to be made in the event of
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, all series of the Class B Preferred Stock shall rank ratably
according to their respective interests without preference of any series
thereof over any other series.
(D) Subject to the limitations herein specified, whenever the full
dividends on the Class B Preferred Stock at the time outstanding for all
past dividend periods shall have been paid and the full dividend thereon for
the dividend period then current shall have been paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set apart, then such dividends (payable
in cash, stock or otherwise) as may be determined by the Board of Directors
may be declared on the Common Stock and any other junior stock, and the
Class B Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to participate in any such
dividends.
(E) (I) So long as any shares of the Class B Preferred Stock are
outstanding, the Corporation shall not pay any dividends on its Common Stock
(other than dividends payable in Common Stock) or make any distribution on,
or purchase or otherwise acquire for value, any of its Common Stock (each
such payment, distribution, purchase and/or acquisition being herein
referred to as a "Common Stock dividend"), except to the extent permitted by
the following provisions:
(1) No Common Stock dividend shall be declared or paid in an amount
which, together with all other Common Stock dividends declared in the
year ending on (and including) the date of the declaration of such Common
Stock dividend, would in the aggregate exceed 50% of the net earnings of
the Corporation for the period consisting of the twelve consecutive
calendar months ending on the last day of the calendar month next
preceding the declaration of such Common Stock dividend, after deducting
from such net earnings dividends accruing on any stock other than Common
Stock of the Corporation during such period, if at the end of such
period, the ratio (herein referred to as the "capitalization ratio") of
the sum of
(a) the capital represented by the Common Stock (including
premiums on Common Stock) and
(b) the surplus accounts of the Corporation,
to the sum of
(x) the total capital and
(y) the surplus accounts of the Corporation (after adjustment in
each case of the surplus accounts to reflect payment of such Common
Stock dividend)
would be less than 20%.
(2) If such capitalization ratio, determined as aforesaid, shall be
20% or more, but less than 25%, no Common Stock dividend shall be
declared or paid in an amount which, together with all other Common Stock
dividends declared in the year ending on (and including) the date of the
declaration of such Common Stock dividend, would in the aggregate exceed
75% of the net earnings of the Corporation for the period consisting of
the twelve consecutive calendar months ending on the last day of the
calendar month next preceding the declaration of such Common Stock
dividend after deducting from such net earnings dividends accruing on any
stock other than the Common Stock of the Corporation during such period;
and
(3) If such capitalization ratio, determined as aforesaid, shall be
in excess of 25%, no Common Stock dividend shall be declared or paid
which would reduce such capitalization ratio to less than 25% except to
the extent permitted by the next preceding clauses (1) and (2).
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<PAGE>
(II) For the purposes of this paragraph (E) the total capital of the
Corporation shall be deemed to consist of the aggregate of
(1) the principal amount of all outstanding indebtedness of the
Corporation represented by bonds, notes or other evidences of
indebtedness maturing by their terms one year or more after the date of
the issue thereof; and
(2) the par or stated value of all outstanding capital stock
(including premiums on capital stock) of all classes of the Corporation.
All indebtedness and shares of the Corporation acquired by the
Corporation and held in its treasury shall be excluded in determining total
capital.
(III) Purchases or other acquisitions of Common Stock shall be deemed,
for the purposes of the foregoing provisions of this subdivision (E), to
have been declared as dividends as of the date on which such purchases or
acquisitions are consummated.
(F) No holder of Class B Preferred Stock shall be entitled as such as a
matter of right to subscribe for or purchase any part of any new or
additional issue of stock, or securities convertible into, or carrying or
evidencing any right to purchase, stock, of any class whatever, whether now
or hereafter authorized, and whether issued for cash, property, services or
otherwise.
(G) ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL SERIES OF CLASS B PREFERRED STOCK. Subject
to the provisions hereof, authorized but unissued Class B Preferred Stock
may be divided into and issued, from time to time, in one or more series as
the Board of Directors may determine, and the Board of Directors is hereby
expressly authorized to adopt from time to time resolutions, in respect of
any unissued shares of Class B Preferred Stock, to fix and determine:
(I) The division of such shares into series and the designation and
authorized number of the shares of the particular series;
(II) The rate of dividend for the particular series;
(III) The price or prices at and the terms and conditions on which
shares of the particular series may be redeemed;
(IV) The amount payable upon shares of the particular series in the
event of voluntary liquidation;
(V) Sinking fund provisions (if any) for the redemption or purchase
of shares of the particular series; and
(VI) The terms and conditions (if any) on which the shares of the
particular series may be converted into other classes of stock of the
Corporation.
All shares of Class B Preferred Stock shall be of equal rank with
each other, regardless of series, and all shares thereof shall be identical
except as to the above listed relative rights and preferences, in respect of any
and all of which there may be variations between different series as fixed and
determined by the Board of Directors in said resolutions. All shares of the
Class B Preferred Stock of any one series shall be identical with each other in
all respects.
(H) The following series of Class B Preferred Stock are created hereby:
(I) $2.44 SERIES OF 1957.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1957 Series shall be
$2.44 per annum per share.
(2) The shares of the 1957 Series shall be redeemable, in whole
or in part at $52.50 per share on or before March 1, 1962, $52.00 per
share thereafter and on or before March 1, 1967, $51.50 per share
thereafter and on or before March 1, 1972 and $51.00
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<PAGE>
per share thereafter, in each case plus an amount in the case of each
share, computed at the rate of $2.44 per annum, from the date on
which dividends on such share became cumulative to the date fixed for
such redemption less the aggregate of the dividends paid thereon
prior to such redemption date.
(3) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the
1957 Series shall be $52.50 per share if paid on or before March 1,
1962, $52.00 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1967, $51.50 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1972, and $51.00 per share if paid thereafter, in each case in
addition to the amount fixed herein in respect of accrued and unpaid
dividends.
(II) $2.46 SERIES OF 1958.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1958 Series shall be
$2.46 per annum per share.
(2) The shares of the 1958 Series shall be redeemable, in whole
or in part, at $53.75 per share on or before March 1, 1963, $52.50
per share thereafter and on or before March 1, 1968, $51.50 per share
thereafter and on or before March 1, 1973 and $51.00 per share
thereafter, in each case plus an amount in the case of each share,
computed at the rate of $2.46 per annum, from the date on which
dividends on such share became cumulative to the date fixed for such
redemption less the aggregate of the dividends paid thereon prior to
such redemption date.
(3) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the
1958 Series shall be $53.75 per share if paid on or before March 1,
1963, $52.50 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1968, $51.50 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1973, and $51.00 per share if paid thereafter, in each case in
addition to the amount fixed herein in respect of accrued and unpaid
dividends.
(III) $2.28 SERIES OF 1965.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1965 Series shall be
$2.28 per annum per share.
(2) The shares of the 1965 Series shall be redeemable, in whole
or in part, at $53.00 per share on or before March 1, 1970, $52.50
per share thereafter and on or before March 1, 1975, $52.00 per share
thereafter and on or before March 1, 1980 and $51.00 per share
thereafter, in each case plus an amount in the case of each share,
computed at the rate of $2.28 per annum, from the date on which
dividends on such share became cumulative to the date fixed for such
redemption less the aggregate of the dividends paid thereon prior to
such redemption date.
(3) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the
1965 Series shall be $53.00 per share if paid on or before March 1,
1970, $52.50 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1975, $52.00 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1980, and $51.00 per share if paid thereafter, in each case in
addition to the amount fixed herein in respect of accrued and unpaid
dividends.
(IV) $3.82 SERIES OF 1969.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1969 Series shall be
$3.82 per annum per share.
(2) The shares of the 1969 Series shall be redeemable, in whole
or in part, at $54.00 per share on or before March 1, 1974, $53.00
per share thereafter and on or before
E-18
<PAGE>
March 1, 1979, $52.00 per share thereafter and on or before March 1,
1984 and $51.00 per share thereafter, in each case plus an amount, in
the case of each share, computed at the rate of $3.82 per annum, from
the date on which dividends on such share becomes cumulative to the
date fixed for such redemption less the aggregate of the dividends
paid thereon prior to such redemption date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
the shares of the 1969 Series shall not be redeemable prior to March
1, 1974, directly or indirectly from or in anticipation of moneys
borrowed, or the proceeds of shares of Class B Preferred Stock (or of
any other stock ranking prior to or on a parity with the Class B
Preferred Stock) sold, by or for the account of the Corporation at an
interest or dividend cost to it (calculated in accordance with
generally accepted financial practice) of less than 7.64% per annum.
(3) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the
1969 Series shall be $54.00 per share if paid on or before March 1,
1974, $53.00 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1979, $52.00 per share if paid thereafter and on or before March 1,
1984, and $51.00 per share if paid thereafter, in each case in
addition to the amount fixed herein in respect of accrued and unpaid
dividends.
(V) $3.37 SERIES OF 1987.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1987 Series shall be
$3.37 per annum per share.
(2) The shares of the 1987 Series shall be redeemable (other than
through operation of the sinking fund), in whole or in part at $53.37
per share prior to June 1, 1992, $52.25 per share thereafter and
prior to June 1, 1997, $51.13 per share thereafter and prior to June
1, 2002, and $50.00 per share thereafter, in each case plus an
amount, in the case of each share, computed at the rate of $3.37 per
annum, from the date on which dividends on such share became
cumulative to the date fixed for such redemption less the aggregate
of the dividends paid thereon prior to such redemption date;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the shares of the 1987 Series shall not be
redeemable prior to June 1, 1992, directly or indirectly from or in
anticipation of moneys borrowed, or the proceeds of shares of Class B
Preferred Stock (or of any other stock ranking prior to or on a
parity with the Class B Preferred Stock) sold, by or for the account
of the Corporation, at an interest or dividend cost to it (calculated
in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less
than 6.74% per annum.
(3) As a sinking fund, the Corporation will redeem on June 1 of
each year, beginning with 1993, not less than 30,000 shares or more
than 60,000 shares of the 1987 Series, at a redemption price equal to
$50 per share plus an amount, in the case of each share, computed at
the rate of $3.37 per annum, from the date on which dividends on such
share became cumulative to the date fixed for such redemption less
the aggregate of the dividends paid thereon prior to such redemption
date; the option to redeem in excess of 30,000 shares of the 1987
Series on any June 1 will not be cumulative; shares of the 1987
Series acquired or redeemed by the Corporation otherwise than through
operation of the sinking fund may, at the option of the Corporation,
be credited against subsequent sinking fund requirements; if the
Corporation shall be prevented, because of restriction or for any
other reason, from acquiring or redeeming during any twelve-month
period the number of shares of the 1987 Series which in the absence
of such restriction it would be required to acquire or redeem during
such period, the deficit shall be made good in the first succeeding
twelve-month period in which the Corporation shall not be prevented
by such restriction from acquiring or redeeming shares of the 1987
Series.
(4) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the
1987 Series shall be $53.37 per share if paid prior to June 1, 1992,
$52.25 per share if paid thereafter and prior to June 1,
E-19
<PAGE>
1997, $51.13 per share if paid thereafter and prior to June 1, 2002,
and $50.00 per share if paid thereafter, in each case in addition to
the amount fixed herein in respect of accrued and unpaid dividends.
(VI) $3.89 SERIES OF 1991.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1991 Series shall be
$3.89 per annum per share.
(2) The shares of the 1991 Series shall be redeemable (other than
through operation of the sinking fund), in whole or in part, at
$53.89 per share prior to June 1, 2001, $51.95 per share thereafter
and prior to June 1, 2003, and $50.98 per share thereafter, in each
case plus an amount, in the case of each share, computed at the rate
of $3.89 per annum, from the date on which dividends on such share
became cumulative to the date fixed for such redemption less the
aggregate of the dividends paid thereon prior to such redemption
date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the shares of the 1991 Series shall not
be redeemable prior to June 1, 1996, directly or indirectly from or
in anticipation of moneys borrowed, or the proceeds of shares of
Class B Preferred Stock (or of any other stock ranking prior to or on
a parity with the Class B Preferred Stock) sold, by or for the
account of the Corporation, at an interest or dividend cost to it
(calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice)
of less than 7.89% per annum.
(3) As a sinking fund, the Corporation will redeem on June 1 of
each year, beginning with 2001, not less than 165,000 shares or more
than 330,000 shares, and on June 1, 2006, 175,000 shares of the 1991
Series, at a redemption price equal to $50 per share plus an amount,
in the case of each share, computed at the rate of $3.89 per annum,
from the date on which dividends on such share became cumulative to
the date fixed for such redemption less the aggregate of the
dividends paid thereon prior to such redemption date; the option to
redeem in excess of 165,000 shares of the 1991 Series on any June 1
will not be cumulative; shares of the 1991 Series acquired or
redeemed by the Corporation otherwise than through operation of the
sinking fund may, at the option of the Corporation, be credited
against subsequent sinking fund requirements; if the Corporation
shall be prevented, because of restriction or for any other reason,
from acquiring or redeeming during any twelve-month period the number
of shares of the 1991 Series which in the absence of such restriction
it would be required to acquire or redeem during such period, the
deficit shall be made good in the first succeeding twelve-month
period in which the Corporation shall not be prevented by such
restriction from acquiring or redeeming shares of the 1991 Series.
(4) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the
1991 Series shall be $53.89 per share if paid prior to June 1, 2001,
$51.95 per share if paid thereafter and prior to June 1, 2003, and
$50.98 per share if paid thereafter, in each case in addition to the
amount fixed herein in respect of accrued and unpaid dividends.
(VII) $3.40 SERIES OF 1992.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1992 Series shall be
$3.40 per annum per share.
(2) The shares of the 1992 Series are not redeemable prior to
September 1, 2002; thereafter, the shares of the 1992 Series shall be
redeemable (other than through operation of the sinking fund), in
whole or in part, at $50 per share plus an amount, in the case of
each share, computed at the rate of $3.40 per annum, from the date on
which dividends on such share became cumulative to the date fixed for
such redemption less the aggregate of the dividends paid thereon
prior to such redemption date.
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<PAGE>
(3) As a sinking fund, the Corporation shall redeem on September
1 of each year, beginning with 2002, 50,000 shares, and on September
1, 2007, 750,000 shares of the 1992 Series, at a redemption price
equal to $50 per share plus an amount, in the case of each share,
computed at the rate of $3.40 per annum, from the date on which
dividends on such share became cumulative to the date fixed for such
redemption less the aggregate of the dividends paid thereon prior to
such redemption date; shares of the 1992 Series acquired or redeemed
by the Corporation otherwise than through operation of the sinking
fund may, at the option of the Corporation, be credited against
subsequent sinking fund requirements; if the Corporation shall be
prevented, because of restriction or for any other reason, from
acquiring or redeeming during any twelve-month period the number of
shares of the 1992 Series which in the absence of such restriction it
would be required to acquire or redeem during such period, the
deficit shall be made good in the first succeeding twelve-month
period in which the Corporation shall not be prevented by such
restriction from acquiring or redeeming shares of the 1992 Series.
(4) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the
1992 Series shall be $50 per share plus an amount equal to the amount
fixed herein in respect of accrued and unpaid dividends.
[Indentation Modified Below]
(VIII) AUCTION SERIES A.
(1) AUTHORIZED SHARES; UNITS. The Auction Series A Stock shall consist
initially of 1,000,000 shares, which shall be purchased, sold, transferred and
redeemed only units of 2,000 shares per unit (a "Unit"), except as provided in
subsection (d) of Section 5.
(2) DIVIDENDS.
(a) The Holders shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation, out of funds legally available therefor,
cumulative cash dividends at the dividend rate per annum, determined as, and
payable on the respective dates, set forth below.
(b) The dividend rate on shares of Auction Series A Stock shall be 6.60% per
annum during the period (the "Initial Dividend Period") from June 1, 1990 (the
"Date of Original Issue") and ending on August 31, 1990 and shall be payable on
September 1, 1990 (the "Initial Dividend Payment Date"). Subsequent dividends
shall be equal to the rate per annum that results from implementation of the
Auction Procedures, except in the case of a Payment Failure. Dividends on shares
of Auction Series A Stock shall accrue from June 1, 1990.
(c) As of the end of the Initial Dividend Period and any subsequent Dividend
Period (as hereinafter defined), the Board of Directors of the Corporation may
designate either
(i) a Dividend Period of three months which shall commence on the day
immediately following the last day of the preceding Dividend Period and
shall end on the last day of the third month of such Dividend Period (a
"Quarterly Period") or
(ii) a Dividend Period of either 49 days or 13 weeks (in either case,
subject to adjustment for a change in the Minimum Holding Period and for
non-Business Days, as provided in clause (2)(g)) (a "Short-Term Period").
(The Initial Dividend Period, each subsequent Quarterly Period and any
Short-Term Period, individually, is referred to herein as a "Dividend Period".)
If and when the Board of Directors designates a Short-Term Period, each
subsequent Dividend Period shall be a Short-Term Period. In the event of a
change in law altering the minimum holding period (currently found in Section
246(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) (the "Code")) (the
"Minimum Holding Period") required for taxpayers to be entitled to the
Dividends-Received Deduction, the length of each Short-
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<PAGE>
Term Period commencing after the effective date of such change in law shall be
adjusted so that the number of days in such Short-Term Periods shall exceed the
then-current Minimum Holding Period; PROVIDED that,
(x) the Short-Term Period that originally was a 49-day Short-Term Period
shall not exceed by more than nine days the length of the then-current Minimum
Holding Period,
(y) the number of days in any Short-Term Period shall be evenly divisible by
seven, and
(z) the maximum number of days in any Short Term Period shall in no event
exceed 98 days.
Upon any such change in the number of days in a Short-Term Period, the
Corporation shall give notice of such change to the Trust Corporation, the
Securities Depository and each Existing Holder. Notwithstanding the provisions
of this clause (2)(c), designation of a Short-Term Period shall be permitted
only after such amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation
as are necessary to accommodate the payment of dividends for a Short-Term Period
have been duly adopted.
(d) The initial Short-Term Period shall end on a Wednesday designated by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation which will be no earlier than the 46th day
and no later than the 98th day after the last day of the preceding Quarterly
Period (in any case, subject to adjustment for a change in the Minimum Holding
Period and for non-Business Days, as provided in clause (2)(g)). Each subsequent
Short-Term Period will commence on the day immediately following the last day of
the preceding Short-Term Period and will end
(i) on the seventh Wednesday thereafter, in the case of a 49-day
Short-Term Period or
(ii) on the thirteenth Wednesday thereafter, in the case of a 13-week
Short-Term Period
(in each case, subject to adjustment for a change in the Minimum Holding Period
and for non-Business Days as provided in clause (2)(g)). In the absence of a
designation by the Board of Directors of the Corporation to the contrary, each
49-day Short-Term Period will be followed by a 49-day Short-Term Period and each
13-week Short-Term Period will be followed by a 13-week Short-Term Period.
(e) Following any amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation to permit dividend payments other than quarterly, and without regard
to the designation by the Board of Directors of the Corporation of the duration
of the next succeeding Dividend Period,
(i) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not result from an Auction, then the
Dividend Period to which such Auction relates will be a 49-day Short-Term
Period or
(ii) if a Payment Failure has occurred, then the Dividend Period during
which such Payment Failure has occurred, and each subsequent Dividend Period
until such Payment Failure has been cured, will be a 49-day Short-Term
Period
(in each case, subject to adjustment for a change in the Minimum Holding Period
and for non-Business Days, as described in clause (2)(g)).
(f) dividends with respect to any Quarterly Period will be payable in
arrears, when and as declared, on the first day of January, April, July and
October (each a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date"). Dividends with respect to
any Short-Term Period shall be payable in arrears, when and as declared, on the
Thursday next following the last day of the Short-Term Period (a "Short-Term
Dividend Payment Date"), except as provided in clause (2)(g). (Each Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date and Short-Term Dividend Payment Date, individually, is
referred to herein as a "Dividend Payment Date".)
(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (c), (d), (e) and (f), with
respect to the Short-Term Dividend Payment Date:
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<PAGE>
(i) If the Thursday is not a Business Day, then the Short-Term Dividend
Payment Date shall be the preceding Tuesday if both such Tuesday and the
Wednesday following such Tuesday are Business Days; or
(ii) If the Friday following such Thursday is not a Business Day, then
the Short-Term Dividend Payment Date will be the Wednesday preceding such
Thursday if both such Wednesday and such Thursday are Business Days; or
(iii) If such Thursday is not a Business Day and either
(A) the preceding Tuesday or Wednesday is not a Business Day or
(B) the Friday following such Thursday and such preceding Wednesday
are not Business Days,
then the Short-Term Dividend Payment Date shall be the first Business Day
preceding such Thursday that is next succeeded by a Business Day. Even though
any particular Short-Term Dividend Payment Date may not occur on the originally
scheduled Short-Term Dividend Payment Date because of the adjustments provided
for in this clause (2)(g), the next succeeding Short-Term Dividend Payment Date
shall occur, subject to such adjustments, on the seventh or the thirteenth
Thursday, as applicable, following the originally scheduled Short-Term Dividend
Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Short-Term Dividend Payment
Date set pursuant to this clause (2)(g) would occur in a number of days after
the immediately preceding Short-Term Dividend Payment Date that is less than the
number of days in the then-current Minimum Holding Period, the Short-Term
Dividend Payment Date shall instead be the next Business Day that
(X) is at least a number of days after the preceding Dividend Payment
Date as to include the then-current Minimum Holding Period and
(Y) is next succeeded by a Business Day.
(h) Any designation by the Board of Directors of a Short-Term Period
following a Quarterly Period shall be effective upon written notice thereof
given by the Corporation to the Trust Corporation and to the Securities
Depository prior to 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the fifth Business Day
prior to the Auction Date. Any designation by the Board of Directors of a change
in the duration of the Short-Term Period shall be effective upon written notice
thereof given by the Corporation to the Trust Corporation and to the Securities
Depository prior to 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on the third Business Day
prior to the Auction Date.
(i) Not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Initial Dividend
Payment Date and on each subsequent Dividend Payment Date (or on the next
preceding Business Day if the Initial Dividend Payment Date or such subsequent
Dividend Payment Date is not a Business Day), the Corporation shall pay to the
Paying Agent on each such date an aggregate amount of funds available on the
same Business Day in The City of New York equal to the dividends to be paid to
all Holders of shares of the Auction Series A Stock on such date. All such
moneys shall be held in trust for the payment of such dividends by the Paying
Agent for the benefit of the Holders specified in clause (2)(j).
(j) Dividends shall be payable to the Holders as their names appear on the
stock books of the Corporation or of the registrar of the Auction Series A Stock
on the Business Day next preceding the Dividend Payment Date; provided that, if
the Applicable Rate is 200% of the Applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper
Rate, as a result of a Payment Failure, then such dividend shall be paid to the
Holders as their names appear on the stock books on such date, not exceeding 15
days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of
Directors.
(k) Dividend rates for the shares of Auction Series A Stock for each
Dividend Period (other than the Initial Dividend Period) shall be equal to the
rate per annum that results from the Auction with respect to such Dividend
Period; PROVIDED that,
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<PAGE>
(i) if a Payment Failure shall have occurred the dividend rate for all
Dividend Periods commencing on or after such Dividend Payment Date shall be
a rate per annum equal to 200% of the Applicable AA Composite Commercial
Paper Rate (notwithstanding the results of any Auction for any such Dividend
Period); and
(ii) if a Payment Failure is remedied by reason of the Corporation
having paid all dividends accrued and unpaid, and all unpaid redemption
payments, on all shares of the Auction Series A Stock, the dividend rate for
each Dividend Period commencing after the date on which the Payment Failure
is remedied shall again be determined by an Auction.
(The rate per annum at which dividends are payable on shares of Auction Series A
Stock for any Dividend Period (other than the Initial Dividend Period) is
hereinafter referred to as the "Applicable Rate.")
(l) The dividend per share to accrue and be payable on each share of Auction
Series A Stock for the Initial Dividend Period shall be computed by dividing by
four the product of 6.60 % (the dividend rate for the Initial Dividend Period)
and $50. The dividend per share to accrue and be payable on each share of
Auction Series A Stock for each Quarterly Period shall be computed by dividing
by four the product of the Applicable Rate for such Dividend Period and $50. The
dividend per share to accrue and be payable on each share of Auction Series A
Stock for any Short-Term Period shall be computed by multiplying the Applicable
Rate for such Short-Term Period by a fraction (the numerator of which shall be
the number of days in such Short-Term Period, including the first and last days
of such Dividend Period, and the denominator of which shall be 360) and
multiplying by $50 the rate so obtained.
(3) DEFINITIONS. As used with respect to the shares of Auction Series A
Stock, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context
otherwise requires:
"AFFILIATE" shall mean any Person known to the Trust Corporation to be
controlled by, in control of or under common control with the Corporation.
"AGENT MEMBER" shall mean a member of the Securities Depository that will
act on behalf of a Bidder and is identified as such in such Bidder's Master
Purchaser's Letter.
"APPLICABLE AA COMPOSITE COMMERCIAL PAPER RATE," on any date, shall mean (i)
with respect to a 49-day Short-Term Period, (A) the Interest Equivalent of the
60-day rate on commercial paper placed on behalf of insurers whose corporate
bonds are rated "AA" by S&P, or the equivalent of such rating by S&P or another
rating agency, as such 60-day rate is made available on a discount basis or
otherwise by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the Business Day
immediately preceding such date, or (B) in the event that the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York does not make available such a rate, then the arithmetic
average of the Interest Equivalent of the 60-day rate on commercial paper placed
on behalf of such issuers, and as quoted on a discount basis or otherwise to the
Trust Corporation for the close of business on the Business Day immediately
preceding such date by the Commercial Paper Dealers or (ii) with respect to a
Quarterly Period or a 13-week Short-Term Period, the Interest Equivalent of the
90-day rate on such commercial paper as so determined. In the event that either
of the Commercial Paper Dealers does not quote a rate required to determine the
Applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate, the Applicable AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate shall be determined on the basis of the quotations
furnished by the remaining Commercial Paper Dealer and the Substitute Commercial
Paper Dealer selected by the Corporation to provide such rate or, if the
Corporation does not select any such Substitute Commercial Paper Dealer, the
remaining Commercial Paper Dealer. If an adjustment is made as provided in the
fourth sentence of clause (2)(c), then (i) if the resulting number of days in
each subsequent Short-Term Period, before any adjustment as shall be 70 or more
days but fewer than 85 days, such rate shall be the arithmetic average of the
Interest Equivalent of the 60-day and 90-day rates on such commercial paper, or
(ii) if such resulting number of days shall be 85 or more days but 98 or fewer
days, such rate shall be the Interest Equivalent of the 90-day rate on such
commercial paper.
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<PAGE>
"APPLICABLE RATE" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(k).
"AUCTION" shall mean periodic implementation of the Auction Procedures set
forth herein.
"AUCTION DATE" shall mean the Business Day immediately preceding a Dividend
Payment Date.
"AUCTION PROCEDURES" shall mean the procedures for conducting Auctions set
forth in clause (4).
"AVAILABLE UNITS" shall have the meaning specified in clause (4)(c)(i)(A).
"BID" AND "BIDS" shall have the respective meanings specified in clause
(4)(a)(iii).
"BIDDER" AND "BIDDERS" shall have the respective meanings specified in
clause (4)(a)(iii).
"BOARD OF DIRECTORS" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Corporation or
any committee authorized by the Board of directors to perform any or all of the
duties of the Board with respect to the Auction Series A Stock.
"BROKER-DEALER" shall mean any broker-dealer or other entity permitted by
law to perform the functions required of a Broker-Dealer in clauses (4) and (5),
that is a member of, or a participant in, the Securities Depository and that has
been selected by the Corporation and has entered into a Broker-Dealer Agreement
with the Trust Corporation that remains effective.
"BROKER-DEALER AGREEMENT" shall mean an agreement between the Trust
Corporation and a Broker-Dealer pursuant to which such Broker-Dealer agrees to
follow the procedures specified in clauses (4) and (5).
"BUSINESS DAY" shall mean a day on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
is open for trading and which is not a day on which banks in New York City are
authorized by law to close.
"CODE" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"COMMERCIAL PAPER DEALERS" shall mean Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or, in lieu thereof, their respective
affiliates or successors that are engaged in the business of buying and selling
commercial paper.
"DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUE" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(b).
"DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(f).
"DIVIDEND PERIOD" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(c).
"DIVIDENDS-RECEIVED DEDUCTION" shall mean the dividends-received deduction
on Preferred Stock held by nonaffiliated Corporations (currently found in
section 243(a) of the Code).
"EXISTING HOLDER" shall mean a Person who has executed a Master Purchaser's
Letter and who is listed as the beneficial owner of shares of Auction Series A
Stock in the records of the Trust Corporation.
"HOLD ORDER" AND "HOLD ORDERS" shall have the respective meanings specified
in clause (4)(a)(iii).
"HOLDERS" shall mean the holders of shares of the Auction Series A Stock as
the same appear on the stock books of the Corporation or the registrar of the
Auction Series A Stock.
"INITIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE" shall have the meaning specified in clause
(2)(b).
"INITIAL DIVIDEND PERIOD" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(b).
"INTEREST EQUIVALENT" shall mean the equivalent yield on a 360-day basis of
a discount basis security to an interest-bearing security.
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<PAGE>
"MASTER PURCHASER'S LETTER" shall mean a letter addressed to the
Corporation, the Trust Corporation , a Broker-Dealer and an Agent Member in
which the executing Person agrees, among other things, to offer to purchase, to
purchase, to offer to sell and to sell shares of Auction Series A Stock as set
forth in clause (4).
"MAXIMUM RATE" shall mean the product of the Applicable AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate and the Rate Multiple.
"MINIMUM HOLDING PERIOD" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(c).
"ORDER" AND "ORDERS" shall have the respective meanings specified in clause
(4)(a)(iii).
"OUTSTANDING SHARES" shall mean, as of any date, shares of Auction Series A
Stock theretofore issued by the Corporation except, without duplication, (i) any
shares theretofore cancelled or delivered to the Trust Corporation for
cancellation or redeemed or deemed to have been redeemed by the Corporation,
(ii) any shares as to which the Corporation or any Affiliate thereof shall be an
Existing Holder, and (iii) any shares represented by any certificate in lieu of
which a new certificate has been executed and delivered by the Corporation.
"OUTSTANDING UNITS" shall mean Units comprised of Outstanding Shares.
"PAYING AGENT" shall mean a bank or trust company duly appointed by the
Board of Directors as such for the shares of the Auction Series A Stock.
"PAYMENT FAILURE" shall mean a failure by the Corporation to pay to the
Trust Corporation on or within three Business Days (i) after any Dividend
Payment Date, the full amount of any dividends to be paid on such Dividend
Payment Date on any share of the Auction Series A Stock or (ii) after any
redemption date, the redemption price to be paid on that redemption date on any
share of the Auction Series A Stock with respect to which a notice of redemption
has been given.
"PERSON" shall mean an individual, a partnership, a Corporation, a trust, an
unincorporated association, a joint venture, or other entity or a government or
any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"POTENTIAL HOLDER" shall mean any Person, including any Existing Holder, (i)
who shall have executed a Master Purchaser's Letter and (ii) who may be a
prospective purchaser of Units (or, in the case of an Existing Holder,
additional Units).
"QUARTERLY DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE" shall have the meaning specified in clause
(2)(f).
"QUARTERLY PERIOD" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(c).
"RATE MULTIPLE" on any date, shall mean the percentage determined as set
forth below based on the Prevailing Rating (as defined below) of the Auction
Series A Stock in effect at the close of business on the Business Day
immediately preceding such Auction Date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREVAILING RATING PERCENTAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------
<S> <C>
AA/aa or above.............................................................................. 110%
A/a......................................................................................... 125%
BBB/baa..................................................................................... 150%
Below BBB/baa............................................................................... 200%
</TABLE>
For purposes of this definition, the "PREVAILING RATING" of the Auction
Series A Stock shall be
(a) AA/aa or above, if the Auction Series A stock has a rating of AA- or
better by Standard & Poor's Corporation or its successor ("S&P") and a rating of
aa3 or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or its successor ("Moody's"),
or the equivalent of both of such ratings by a substitute rating agency or
substitute ratings agencies selected as provided below,
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<PAGE>
(b) if not AA/aa or above, then A/a if the Auction Series A Stock has a
rating of A- or better by S&P and a rating of a3 or better by Moody's, or the
equivalent of both of such ratings by a substitute rating agency or substitute
rating agencies selected as provided below,
(c) if not AA/aa or above or A/a, then BBB/baa if the Auction Series A Stock
has a rating of BBB- or better by S&P and a rating of baa3 or better by Moody's,
or the equivalent of both of such ratings by a substitute rating agency or
substitute rating agencies selected as provided below, and
(d) if not AA/aa or above A/a or BBB/baa, then below BBB/baa.
If both S&P and Moody's fail to make such a rating available, Goldman, Sachs
& Co. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, or their
successors and assigns, will select one or two nationally recognized securities
rating agencies to act as a substitute rating agency or agencies. The
Corporation will take all reasonable action necessary to enable S&P and Moody's,
or such substitute rating agency or agencies, to provide a rating for the
Auction Series A Stock.
"REMAINING UNITS" shall have the meaning specified in clause (4)(d)(i)(D).
"SECURITIES DEPOSITORY" shall mean The Depository Trust Company and its
successors and assigns or any other securities depository selected by the
Corporation which agrees to follow the procedures required to be followed by
such securities depository in connection with shares of the Auction Series A
Stock.
"SELL ORDER" AND "SELL ORDERS" shall have the respective meanings specified
in clause (4)(a)(iii).
"SHORT-TERM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE" shall have the meaning specified in
clause (2)(f).
"SHORT-TERM PERIOD" shall have the meaning specified in clause (2)(c).
"SUBMISSION DEADLINE" shall mean 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on any
Auction Date or such other time on any Auction Date by which Broker-Dealers are
required to submit Orders to the Trust Corporation as specified by the Trust
Corporation from time to time.
"SUBMITTED BID" and "SUBMITTED BIDS" shall have the respective meanings
specified in clause (4)(c)(i).
"SUBMITTED HOLD ORDER" and "SUBMITTED HOLD ORDERS" shall have the respective
meanings specified in clause (4)(c)(i).
"SUBMITTED ORDER" shall have the meaning specified in clause (4)(c)(i).
"SUBMITTED SELL ORDER" and "SUBMITTED SELL ORDERS" shall have the respective
meanings specified in clause (4)(c)(i).
"SUBSTITUTE COMMERCIAL PAPER DEALER" shall mean any commercial paper dealer
that is a leading dealer in the commercial paper market.
"SUFFICIENT CLEARING BIDS" shall have the meaning specified in clause
(4)(c)(i)(B).
"TRUST CORPORATION" shall mean a bank or trust company duly appointed as
such with respect to the shares of the Auction Series A Stock.
"UNIT" shall have the meaning specified in clause (1).
"WINNING BID RATE" shall have the meaning specified in clause (4)(c)(i)(C).
(4) Auction Procedures.
(a) ORDERS BY EXISTING HOLDERS AND POTENTIAL HOLDERS. Prior to the
Submission Deadline on each Auction Date:
(i) Each Existing Holder may submit to a Broker-Dealer by telephone
information as to:
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(A) the number of Outstanding Units, if any, held by such Existing
Holder that such Existing Holder desires to continue to hold for the next
succeeding Dividend Period without regard to the rate determined by the
Auction Procedures;
(B) the number of Outstanding Units, if any, that such Existing
Holder desires to continue to hold for the next succeeding Dividend
Period if the rate determined by the Auction Procedures shall be not less
than the rate per annum specified by such Existing Holder; and/or
(C) the number of Outstanding Units, if any, held by such Existing
Holder that such Existing Holder offers to sell without regard to the
rate determined by the Auction Procedures for the next succeeding
Dividend Period; and
(ii) Each Broker-Dealer, using lists of Potential Holders, in good faith
for the purpose of conducting a competitive Auction in a commercially
reasonable manner, shall contact Potential Holders, including Persons that
are not Existing Holders, on such lists to determine the number of
Outstanding Units, if any, that each such Potential Holder offers to
purchase; provided that, the rate determined by the Auction Procedures for
the next succeeding Dividend Period shall not be less than the rate per
annum specified by such Potential Holder.
(iii) For the purposes hereof, the communication to a Broker-Dealer of
information referred to in clause (4)(a)(i) or clause (4)(a)(ii) is referred
to hereinafter as an "Order" and collectively as "Orders," and each Existing
Holder and each Potential Holder placing an Order is referred to hereinafter
as a "Bidder" and collectively as "Bidders"; an Order containing the
information referred to in clause (4)(a)(i)(A) is referred to hereinafter as
a "Hold Order" and collectively as "Hold Orders"; an Order containing the
information referred to in clause (4)(a)(i)(B) or clause (4)(a)(ii) is
referred to hereinafter as a "Bid" and collectively as "Bids"; and an Order
containing the information referred to in clause (4)(a)(i)(C) is referred to
hereinafter as a "Sell Order" and collectively as "Sell Orders".
(iv) A Bid submitted by an Existing Holder shall constitute an
irrevocable offer to sell:
(A) the number of Outstanding Units specified in such Bid if the rate
determined by the Auction Procedures on such Auction Date shall be less
than the rate specified in such Bid; or
(B) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding Units to be
determined as set forth in clause (4)(d)(i)(D) if the rate determined by
the Auction Procedures on such Auction Date shall be equal to the rate
specified in such Bid; or
(C) a lesser number of Outstanding Units than was specified in such
Bid to be determined as set forth in clause (4)(d)(ii)(C) if the rate
specified therein shall be higher than the Maximum Rate and Sufficient
Clearing Bids do not exist.
(v) A Sell Order by an Existing Holder shall constitute an irrevocable
offer to sell:
(A) the number of Outstanding Units specified in such Sell Order; or
(B) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding Units as set forth
in clause (4)(d)(ii)(C) if Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist.
(vi) A Bid by a Potential Holder shall constitute an irrevocable offer to
purchase:
(A) the number of Outstanding Units specified in such Bid if the rate
determined by the Auction Procedures on such Auction Date shall be higher
than the rate specified in such Bid; or
(B) such number or a lesser number of Outstanding Units as set forth
in clause (4)(d)(i)(E) if the rate determined by the Auction Procedures
on such Auction Date shall be equal to the rate specified in such Bid.
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<PAGE>
(vii) The Trust Corporation shall determine the Applicable AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate and the Maximum Rate and shall notify the Corporation
and each Broker-Dealer of each such rate not later than 9:30 A.M. on such
Auction Date or such other time on such Auction Date as specified by the
Trust Corporation with the consent of the Corporation (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld).
(b) SUBMISSION OF ORDERS BY BROKER-DEALERS TO TRUST CORPORATION.
(i) Each Broker-Dealer shall submit in writing to the Trust Corporation
prior to the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date all Orders obtained by
such Broker-Dealer and specifying with respect to each Order:
(A) The name of the Bidder placing such Order;
(B) The aggregate number of Units that are the subject of such Order;
(C) To the extent that such Bidder is an Existing Holder:
(I) the number of Units, if any, subject to any Hold Order placed
by such Existing Holder;
(II) the number of Units, if any, subject to any Bid placed by
such Existing Holder and the rate specified in such Bid; and
(III) the number of Units, if any, subject to any Sell Order
placed by such Existing Holder; and
(D) To the extent such Bidder is a Potential Holder, the number of
Units and the rate specified in such Potential Holder's Bid.
(ii) If any rate specified in any Bid contains more than three figures
to the right of the decimal point, the Trust Corporation shall round such
rate up to the next highest one thousandth (.001) of 1%.
(iii) If, for any reason, an Order or Orders covering all of the
Outstanding Units held by any Existing Holder is not submitted to the Trust
Corporation prior to the Submission Deadline, the Trust Corporation shall
deem a Hold Order to have been submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder
covering the number of Outstanding Units held by such Existing Holder and
not subject to Orders submitted to the Trust Corporation.
(iv) If one or more Orders by an Existing Holder covering in the
aggregate more than the number of Outstanding Units held by such Existing
Holder are submitted to the Trust Corporation by one or more Broker-Dealers
on behalf of such Existing Holder, such Orders shall be considered valid as
follows and in the following order of priority:
(A) Any Hold Orders submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder shall
be considered valid up to and including, in the aggregate, the number of
Outstanding Units held by such Existing Holder; provided that, if more
than one Hold Order is submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder and
the number of Units subject to such Hold Orders exceeds the number of
Outstanding Units held by such Existing Holder, the number of Units
subject to such Hold Orders shall be reduced pro rata so that such Hold
Orders shall cover only the number of Outstanding Units held by such
Existing Holder;
(B) (I) Any Bid submitted on behalf of an Existing Holder shall be
considered valid up to and including the excess of the number of
Outstanding Units held by such Existing Holder over the number of Units
subject to valid Hold Orders of such Existing Holder referred to in
clause (iv)(A),
(II) subject to clause (iv)(B)(I), if more than one Bid with the
same rate is submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder and the
aggregate number of Outstanding Units
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<PAGE>
subject to such Bids is greater than the excess referred to in clause
(iv) (A), such Bids shall be considered valid up to the amount of
such excess and the number of Units subject to such Bids shall be
reduced pro rata so that such Bids shall cover only the number of
Units equal to such excess,
(III) subject to clause (iv)(B)(I), if more than one Bid with
different rates is submitted on behalf of such Existing Holder, such
Bids shall be considered valid in their entirety up to clause
(iv)(B)(I) in the ascending order of their respective rates, and
(IV) in any such event specified in this clause (iv)(B), the
number, if any, of such Units subject to Bids not valid under this
clause (iv)(B) shall be treated as the subject of a Bid by a
Potential Holder; and
(C) Any Sell Order shall be considered valid but only up to and
including, in the aggregate, the excess of the number of Outstanding
Units held by such Existing Holder over the sum of the Units subject to
valid Hold Orders of such Existing Holder referred to in clause (iv)(A)
and valid Bids by such Existing Holder referred to in clause (iv)(B).
(v) If more than one Bid is submitted on behalf of any Potential Holder,
each Bid submitted shall be a separate Bid with the rate and number of Units
therein specified.
(vi) Orders by Existing Holders and Potential Holders must specify a
whole number of Units. An Order that does not specify a whole number of
Units will not be considered a Submitted Order for purposes of the Auction.
(c) DETERMINATION OF SUFFICIENT CLEARING BIDS, WINNING BID RATE AND
APPLICABLE RATE.
(i) Not earlier than the Submission Deadline on each Auction Date, the
Trust Corporation shall assemble all Orders submitted or deemed submitted to
it by Broker-Dealers (each such Order as submitted or deemed submitted by a
Broker-Dealer being referred to hereinafter individually as a "Submitted
Hold Order," a "Submitted Bid" or a "Submitted Sell Order," as the case may
be, or as a "Submitted Order") and shall determine:
(A) The excess of the total number of Outstanding Units over the
number of Outstanding Units that are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders
(such excess being hereinafter referred to as the "Available Units");
(B) From the Submitted Orders, whether the number of Outstanding
Units that are the subject of Submitted Bids by Existing Holders and
Potential Holders specifying one or more rates equal to or lower than the
Maximum Rate exceeds or is equal to the sum of:
(I) the number of Outstanding Units that are the subject of
Submitted Bids by Existing Holders specifying one or more rates
higher than the Maximum Rate, and
(II) the number of Outstanding Units that are subject to Submitted
Sell Orders
(in the event of such excess or of such equality, other than because the number
of Units specified in each of clauses (I) and (II) of this clause (B) is zero
because all of the Outstanding Units are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders,
such Submitted Bids in this clause (B) are hereinafter referred to collectively
as "Sufficient Clearing Bids"); and
(C) If Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, the lowest rate specified in
the Submitted Bids (the "Winning Bid Rate") which if:
(I) (1) Each Submitted Bid from Existing Holders specifying such
Winning Bid Rate and
(2) all other Submitted Bids from Existing Holders specifying
lower rates were accepted, thus entitling such Existing Holders to
continue to hold the Outstanding Units that are the subject of such
Submitted Bids, and
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<PAGE>
(II) (1) Each Submitted Bid from Potential Holders specifying such
Winning Bid Rate and
(2) all other Submitted Bids from Potential Holders specifying
lower rates were accepted, thus requiring the Potential Holders to
purchase the Outstanding Units that are the subject to such Submitted
Bids,
would result in such Existing Holders described in clause (c)(I) continuing to
hold an aggregate number of Outstanding Units that, when added to the number of
Outstanding Units to be purchased by such Potential Holders described in clause
(c)(II), would equal not less than the Available Units.
(ii) In connection with any Auction and promptly after the Trust
Corporation has made the determinations pursuant to clause (c)(i), the Trust
Corporation shall advise the Corporation of the Applicable AA Composite
Commercial Paper Rate and the Maximum Rate and, based on such
determinations, of the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend
Period and such other information as follows:
(A) If Sufficient Clearing Bids exist, that the Applicable Rate for
the next succeeding Dividend Period shall be equal to the Winning Bid
Rate so determined;
(B) If Sufficient Clearing Bids do not exist (other than because all
of the Outstanding Units are the subject of Submitted Hold Orders), that
the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period shall be the
Maximum Rate; or
(C) If all of the Outstanding Units are the subject of Submitted Hold
Orders, that the Applicable Rate for the next succeeding Dividend Period
shall be equal to 58% of the Applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper
Rate in effect on the date of such Auction.
(d) ACCEPTANCE AND REJECTION OF SUBMITTED BIDS AND SUBMITTED SHORT ORDERS
AND ALLOCATION OF UNITS. Based on the determinations made pursuant to clause
(4)(c)(i), the Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders shall be accepted or
rejected and the Trust Corporation shall take such other action as set forth
below:
(i) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have been made, subject to the
provisions clauses (d)(iv) and (d)(v), Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell
Orders shall be accepted or rejected in the following order of priority and
all other Submitted Bids shall be rejected:
(A) The Submitted Sell Orders of each Existing Holder shall be
accepted and the Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any
rate that is higher than the Winning Bid Rate shall be rejected, thus
requiring each such Existing Holder to sell the Outstanding Units that
are the subject of such Sell Orders or Submitted Bids;
(B) The Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any rate
that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate shall be accepted, thus entitling
each such Existing Holder to continue to hold the Outstanding Units that
are the subject of such Submitted Bids;
(C) The Submitted Bids of each Potential Holder specifying any rate
that is lower than the Winning Bid Rate shall be accepted, thus requiring
such Potential Holder to purchase the number of Outstanding Units that
are the subject of such Submitted Bids;
(D) The Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying a rate that
is equal to the Winning Bide Rate shall be accepted, thus entitling such
Existing Holder to continue to hold the Outstanding Units that are the
subject of such Submitted Bid, unless the number of Outstanding Units
subject to all such Submitted Bids of Existing Holders shall be greater
than the number of Outstanding Units ("Remaining Units") equal to the
excess of the Available Units over the number of Outstanding Units
subject to Submitted Bids described in clauses (i)(B) and (i)(C), in
which event the Submitted Bids of each such Existing Holder shall be
rejected, and each such Existing Holder shall be required to sell Units,
but only in an amount equal to the difference between (x) the number of
Outstanding Units then held by
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<PAGE>
such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and (y) the number of
Outstanding Units obtained by multiplying the number of Remaining Units
by a fraction (the numerator of which shall be the number of Outstanding
Units held by such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid and the
denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of Outstanding Units
subject to such Submitted Bids made by all such Existing Holders that
specified a rate equal to the Winning Bid Rate); and
(E) The Submitted Bid of each Potential Holder specifying a rate that
is equal to the Winning Bid Rate shall be accepted, but only in an amount
equal to the number of Outstanding Units obtained by multiplying the
difference between the Available Units and the number of Outstanding
Units subject to Submitted Bids described in subclauses (B), (C), and (D)
of this clause (i) by a fraction (the numerator of which shall be the
number of Outstanding Units subject to such Submitted Bid of such
Potential Holder and the denominator of which shall be the sum of the
number of Outstanding Units subject to Submitted Bids that specified
rates equal to the Winning Bid Rate submitted by all such Potential
Holders).
(ii) If Sufficient Clearing Bids have not been made (other than because
all of the Outstanding Units are subject to Submitted Hold Orders), subject
to the provisions of clause (d)(iv), Submitted Orders shall be accepted or
rejected in the following order of priority and all other Submitted Bids
shall be rejected:
(A) The Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any rate
that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate shall be accepted, thus
entitling such Existing Holder to continue to hold the Outstanding Units
that are the subject of such Submitted Bids;
(B) The Submitted Bids of each Potential Holder specifying any rate
that is equal to or lower than the Maximum Rate shall be accepted, thus
requiring such Potential Holder to purchase the Outstanding Units that
are the subject of such Submitted Bids; and
(C) The Submitted Bids of each Existing Holder specifying any rate
that is higher than the Maximum Rate shall be rejected, and each
Submitted Sell Order of each Existing Holder shall be accepted, thus
requiring such Existing Holder to sell the Outstanding Units that are the
subject or each such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order, in both cases
only in an amount equal to the difference between (x) the number of
Outstanding Units then held by such Existing Holder subject to such
Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell Order and (y) the number of outstanding
Units obtained by multiplying the difference between the Available Units
and the aggregate number of Outstanding Units subject to Submitted Bids
described in subclauses (A) and (B) of this clause (ii) by a fraction
(the numerator of which shall be the number of Outstanding Units held by
such Existing Holder subject to such Submitted Bid or Submitted Sell
Order and the denominator of which shall be the number of Outstanding
Units subject to all such Submitted Bids and Submitted Sell Orders of
Existing Holders).
(iii) If all of the Outstanding Units are the subject of Submitted Hold
Orders, all Submitted Bids shall be rejected.
(iv) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (d)(i) or
(d)(ii), any Existing Holder would be entitled to hold or required to sell,
or any Potential Holder would be required to purchase, a fraction of a Unit
on any Auction Date, the Trust Corporation shall, in such manner as, in its
sole discretion, it shall determine, round up or down the number of Units to
be held or sold by any Existing Holder or purchased by any Potential Holder
on such Auction Date so that the number of Units held or sold by each
Existing Holder or purchased by any Potential Holder on such Auction Date
shall be a whole number of Units.
(v) If, as a result of the procedures described in clause (d)(i), any
Potential Holder would be entitled or required to purchase less than a whole
Unit on any Auction Date, the Trust Corporation shall, in such manner as, in
its sole discretion, it shall determine, allocate Units for purchase
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<PAGE>
among Potential Holders so that only whole Units are purchased on such
Auction Date by any Potential Holder, even if such allocation results in one
or more of such Potential Holders not purchasing Units on such Auction Date.
(vi) Based on the results of each Auction, the Trust Corporation shall
determine the aggregate number of Outstanding Units to be purchased and the
aggregate number of Outstanding Units to be sold by Potential Holders and
Existing Holders on whose behalf each Broker-Dealer submitted Bids or Sell
Orders and, with respect to each Broker-Dealer, to the extent that such
aggregate number of Units to be sold differ, determine to which other
Broker-Dealer or Broker-Dealers acting for one or more purchasers such
Broker-Dealer shall deliver, or from which other Broker-Dealer or
Broker-Dealers acting for one or more sellers such Broker-Dealer shall
receive, as the case may be, Units.
(5) MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) So long as the Applicable Rate is based on the results of an Auction, an
Existing Holder
(i) may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of shares of Auction Series
A Stock only in Units and only pursuant to a Bid or Sell Order in accordance
with the Auction Procedures, or to or through a Broker-Dealer or to a Person
that has delivered a signed copy of a Master Purchaser's Letter to the Trust
Corporation; provided that, in the case of all transfers other than pursuant
to Auctions, such Existing Holder or its Broker-Dealer or its Agent Member
advises the Trust Corporation of such transfer, and
(ii) shall have the ownership of the shares of Auction Series A Stock
held by it maintained in book entry form by the Securities Depository in the
account of its Agent Member, which in turn will maintain account records of
such Existing Holder's beneficial ownership.
(b) Neither the Corporation nor any Affiliate thereof may submit an Order in
any Auction.
(c) All references to time of day refer to New York City time.
(d) From and during the continuance of a Payment Failure and during any
period in which there shall not be a Securities Depository, shares of Auction
Series A Stock may be registered for transfer or exchange and new certificates
issued upon surrender of the old certificates properly endorsed for transfer,
with
(i) all necessary endorser's signature guaranteed, in such manner and
form as the Trust Corporation (or such other transfer agent or registrar)
may require, by a guarantor reasonably believed by the Trust Corporation (or
such other transfer agent or registrar) to be responsible,
(ii) accompanied by such assurances as the Trust Corporation (or such
other transfer agent or registrar) shall deem necessary or appropriate to
evidence the genuineness and effectiveness of each necessary endorsement and
(iii) satisfactory evidence of compliance with all applicable laws
relating to the collection of taxes or funds necessary for the payment of
such taxes.
(e) Commencing on the first day of the first Dividend Period for which the
Applicable Rate is equal to 200% of the Applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper
Rate as a result of a Payment Failure, the Corporation of an Affiliate thereof,
at the option of the Corporation, may perform any of the functions to be
performed by the Trust Corporation or the Securities Depository set forth
herein.
(f) The Board of Directors of the Corporation may interpret the provisions
of the Auction Procedures as set forth herein to resolve any inconsistency or
ambiguity which may arise or be revealed in connection therewith and, if such
inconsistency or ambiguity reflects an inaccurate provision hereof, the Board of
Directors of the Corporation may, in appropriate circumstances, authorize the
filing of a corrected Statement of Resolution.
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<PAGE>
(g) Shares of Auction Series A Stock which have been redeemed or otherwise
acquired by the Corporation or any Affiliate are not subject to reissuance as
Auction Series A Stock.
(6) REDEMPTION. The shares of Auction Series A Stock shall be subject to
redemption, on any Dividend Payment Date, as a whole or in part, at a redemption
price of $50 per share plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends to
the date fixed for redemption; provided however, that, unless the shares of
Auction Series A Stock shall have been registered for transfer and exchange as
provided in clause (5)(d), redemptions shall be made only in whole Units.
Otherwise, the shares of Auction Series A Stock shall be redeemed in accordance
with the provisions of Article ELEVENTH, Section (c)(i)(B).
(7) VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION. The amount fixed for payment to the Holders of
the shares of the Auction Series A Stock upon the voluntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Corporation shall be $50 per share plus an
amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of payment thereof.
(IX) $2.44 CONVERTIBLE SERIES OF 1966.
(1) The rate of dividend payable on the 1966 Series shall be $2.44 per annum
per share.
(2) The shares of the 1966 Series shall be redeemable, in whole or in part,
at $52.50 per share at any time after May 31, 1967 and on or before June 1,
1968, $52.00 per share thereafter and on or before June 1, 1969, $51.50 per
share thereafter and on or before June 1, 1970, $51.00 per share thereafter and
on or before June 1, 1971, and $50.00 per share thereafter, in each case plus an
amount, in the case of each share, computed at the rate of $2.44 per annum from
the date on which dividends on such share became cumulative to the date fixed
for such redemption less the aggregate of the dividends paid thereon prior to
such redemption date.
(3) In the event of any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Corporation, the amount payable upon shares of the 1966 Series shall be
$52.50 per share if paid on or before June 1, 1968, $52.00 per share if paid
thereafter and on or before June 1, 1969, $51.50 per share if paid thereafter
and on or before June 1, 1970, $51.00 per share if paid thereafter and on or
before June 1, 1971, and $50.00 per share if paid thereafter, in each case in
addition to the amount fixed by the Articles of Incorporation in respect of
accrued and unpaid dividends.
(4) The holders of shares of the 1966 Series shall have the right, at their
option, to convert such shares into shares of Common Stock of the Corporation at
any time, on and subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) The shares of the 1966 Series shall be convertible at the office of
any Transfer Agent, and at such other office or offices, if any, as the
Board of Directors may designate, into full paid and non-assessable shares
(calculated as to each conversion to the nearest 1/100th of a share) of
Common Stock of the Corporation, at the conversion price, determined as
hereinafter provided, in effect at the time of conversion, each share of the
1966 Series being taken at $50.00 for the purpose of such conversion. The
price at which shares of Common Stock shall be delivered upon conversion
(herein called the "conversion price") shall be initially $8.51 per share of
Common Stock. The conversion price shall be reduced in certain instances as
provided in clauses (c), (i) and (j) below, and shall be increased in
certain instances as provided in paragraph (j) below. No payment or
adjustment shall be made upon any conversion on account of any dividends
accrued on the shares of the 1966 Series surrendered for conversion or on
account of any dividends on the Common Stock issued upon such conversion.
(b) In order to convert shares of the 1966 Series into Common Stock the
holder thereof shall surrender at any office hereinabove mentioned the
certificate or certificates therefor, duly endorsed to the Corporation or in
blank, and give written notice to the Corporation at said office that he
elects to convert such shares. Shares of the 1966 Series shall be deemed to
have been converted immediately prior to the close of business on the day of
the surrender of such shares for
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<PAGE>
conversion as provided above, and the person or persons entitled to receive
the Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all
purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Stock at such time.
As promptly as practicable on or after the conversion date, the Corporation
shall issue and shall deliver at said office a certificate or certificates
for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion,
together with a scrip certificate for, or cash in lieu of, any fraction of a
share, as hereinafter provided, to the person or persons entitled to receive
the same. In case shares of the 1966 Series are called for redemption, the
right to convert such shares shall cease and terminate at the close of
business on the fifth day preceding the date fixed for redemption, unless
default shall be made in payment of the redemption price.
(c) In case the conversion price in effect immediately prior to the
close of business on any day shall exceed by twelve and one-half cents or
more the amount determined at the close of business on such day by dividing:
(i) a sum equal to
(A) multiplied by $8.51 (being the initial conversion
price), plus
(B) the aggregate of the amounts of all consideration received by
the Corporation upon the issuance of Additional Shares of Common
Stock (as hereinafter defined), minus
(C) the aggregate of the amount of all dividends and other
distributions which have been paid or made after on
Common Stock of the Corporation, other than in cash out of its earned
surplus or in Common Stock of the Corporation, by
(ii) the sum of
(A) and
(B) the number of Additional Shares of Common Stock which shall
have been issued,
the conversion price shall be reduced, effective immediately prior to the
opening of business on the next succeeding day, by an amount equal to the
amount by which such conversion price shall exceed the amount so determined.
The foregoing amount of twelve and one-half cents (or such amount as
theretofore adjusted) shall be subject to adjustment as provided in clauses
(i) and (j) below, and such amount (or such amount as therefore adjusted) is
referred to in such paragraphs as the "Differential Amount."
(d) The term "Additional Shares of Common Stock" as used herein shall
mean all shares of Common Stock issued by the Corporation after
(including shares deemed to be "Additional Shares of Common Stock" pursuant
to clause (j) below), whether or not subsequently reacquired or retired by
the Corporation, other than:
(i) shares issued upon conversion of shares of the 1966 Series;
(ii) shares issued pursuant to options or rights granted to officers
or employees of the Corporation under stock option plans, stock purchase
plans or any similar benefit plans approved by the stockholders; and
(iii) shares issued by way of dividend or other distribution on shares
of Common Stock excluded from the definition of Additional Shares of
Common Stock by the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) or this clause (iii) or
on shares of Common Stock resulting from any subdivision or combination
of shares of Common Stock so excluded.
The sale or other disposition of any shares of Common Stock or other
securities held in the treasury of the Corporation shall not be deemed an
issuance thereof.
(e) In the case of the issuance of Additional Shares of Common Stock for
a consideration part or all of which shall be cash, the amount of the cash
consideration therefor shall be deemed to
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be the amount of cash received by the Corporation for such shares (or, if
such Additional Shares of Common Stock are offered by the Corporation for
subscription, the subscription price, or, if such Additional Shares of
Common Stock are sold to underwriters or dealers for public offering without
a subscription offering, the initial public offering price), without
deducting therefrom any compensation or discount in the sale, underwriting
or purchase thereof by underwriters or dealers or others performing similar
services or for any expenses incurred in connection therewith.
(f) In case of the issuance (otherwise than as a dividend or other
distribution on any stock of the Corporation or upon conversion or exchange
of other securities of the Corporation) of Additional Shares of Common Stock
for a consideration part or all of which shall be other than cash, the
amount of the consideration therefor other than cash shall be deemed to be
the value of such consideration as determined by the Board of Directors,
irrespective of the accounting treatment thereof. The reclassification of
securities other than Common Stock into securities including Common Stock
shall be deemed to involve the issuance for a consideration other than cash
of such Common Stock immediately prior to the close of business on the date
fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such Common
Stock.
(g) Additional Shares of Common Stock issuable by way of dividend or
other distribution on any class of capital stock of the Corporation shall be
deemed to have been issued without consideration, and shall be deemed to
have been issued immediately prior to the close of business on the date
fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
dividend or other distribution, except that if the total number of shares
constituting such dividend or other distribution exceeds five per cent of
the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of
business on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to
receive such dividend or other distribution such Additional Shares of Common
Stock shall be deemed to have been issued immediately after the opening of
business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or other distribution.
A dividend or other distribution in cash or in property (including any
dividend or other distribution in securities other than Common Stock) shall
be deemed to have been paid or made immediately prior to the close of
business on the date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to
receive such dividend or other distribution and the amount of such dividend
or other distribution in property shall be deemed to be the value of such
property as of the date of the adoption of the resolution declaring such
dividend or other distribution, as determined by the Board of Directors at
or as of that date. In the case of any such dividend or other distribution
on Common Stock which consists of securities which are convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, such securities shall be deemed to
have been issued for a consideration equal to the value thereof as so
determined.
If, upon the payment of any dividend or other distribution in cash or in
property (excluding Common Stock but including all other securities),
outstanding shares of Common Stock are cancelled or required to be
surrendered for cancellation on a PRO RATA basis, the excess of the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior thereto over the
number to be outstanding immediately thereafter (less that portion of such
excess attributable to the cancellation of shares excluded from the
definition of Additional Shares of Common Stock by clauses (i), (ii) or
(iii) of clause (d) above), shall be deducted from the sum computed pursuant
to clause (ii) of clause (c) above for the purposes of all determinations
under such clause (c) made immediately prior to the close of business on the
date fixed for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such
dividend or other distribution and at any time thereafter.
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<PAGE>
The reclassification (including any reclassification upon a
consolidation or merger in which the Corporation is the continuing
corporation) of Common Stock into securities including other than Common
Stock shall be deemed to involve
(i) a distribution on Common Stock of such securities other than Common
Stock made immediately prior to the close of business on the effective date
of the reclassification, and
(ii) a combination or subdivision as the case may be, of the number
of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such
reclassification into the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately thereafter.
The issuance by the Corporation of rights or warrants to subscribe for
or purchase securities of the Corporation shall not be deemed to be a
dividend or distribution of any kind.
(h) In case of the issuances of Additional Shares of Common Stock upon
conversion or exchange of other securities of the Corporation, the amount of
the consideration received by the Corporation for such Additional Shares of
Common Stock shall be deemed to be the total of
(i) the amount of the consideration, if any, received by the
Corporation upon the issuance of such other securities, plus
(ii) the amount of the consideration, if any, other than such other
securities, received by the Corporation (except in adjustment of interest
or dividends)
upon such conversion or exchange. In determining the amount of the
consideration received by the Corporation upon the issuance of such other
securities
(X) the amount of the consideration in cash and other than cash shall
be determined pursuant to clauses (e), (f) and (g) above, and
(Y) if securities of the same class or series of a class as such
other securities were issued for different amounts of consideration, or
if some were issued for no consideration, then the amount of the
consideration received by the Corporation upon the issuance of each of
the securities of such class or series, as the case may be, shall be
deemed to be the average amount of the consideration received by the
Corporation upon the issuance of all the securities of such class or
series, as the case may be.
(i) In case Additional Shares of Common Stock are issued as a dividend
or other distribution on any class of capital stock of the Corporation, and
the total number of shares constituting such dividend or other distribution
exceeds five per cent of the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding at the close of business on the date fixed for the determination
of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or other distribution, the
conversion price and the Differential Amount in effect at the opening of
business on the day following the date fixed for such determination shall be
reduced by multiplying each of them by a fraction of which the numerator
shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at the close of
business on the date fixed for such determination and the denominator shall
be the sum of such number of shares and the total number of shares
constituting such dividend or other distribution, such reductions to become
effective immediately after the opening of business on the day following the
date fixed for such determination. For the purposes of this clause (i), the
number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include
shares held in the treasury of the Corporation but shall include shares
issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of
shares of Common Stock (other than shares of Common Stock which, upon
issuance, would not constitute Additional Shares of Common Stock). The
Corporation will not pay any dividend or make any distribution on shares of
Common Stock held in the treasury of the Corporation.
(j) In case outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be subdivided into
a greater number of shares of Common Stock, the conversion price and the
Differential Amount in effect at the opening of business on the day
following the day upon which such subdivision becomes effective
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<PAGE>
shall each be proportionately reduced, and, conversely, in case outstanding
shares of Common Stock shall each be combined into a smaller number of
shares of Common Stock, the conversion price and the Differential Amount in
effect at the opening of business on the day following the day upon which
such combination becomes effective shall each be proportionately increased,
such reductions or increases as the case may be, to become effective
immediately after the opening of business on the day following the day upon
which such subdivision or combination becomes effective. In the event of any
such subdivision, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
immediately thereafter, to the extent of the excess thereof over the number
outstanding immediately prior thereto (less that portion of such excess
attributable to the subdivision of shares excluded from the definition of
Additional Shares of Common Stock by subclauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of clause
(d) above), shall be deemed to be "Additional Shares of Common Stock" and to
have been issued immediately after the opening of business on the day
following the day upon which such subdivision shall have become effective
and without consideration. In the event of any such combination, the excess
of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior
thereto over the number outstanding immediately thereafter (less that
portion of such excess attributable to the combination of shares excluded
from the definition of Additional Shares of Common Stock by subclauses (i),
(ii) or (iii) of clause (d) above), shall be deducted from the amount
computed pursuant to clause (c)(ii) above for the purposes of all
determinations under such clause (c) made on any day after the day upon
which such combination becomes effective. Shares of Common Stock held in the
treasury of the Corporation and shares issuable in respect of scrip
certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock (other
than shares of Common Stock which, upon issuance, would not constitute
Additional Shares of Common Stock) shall be considered outstanding for the
purposes of this clause (j).
(k) Whenever the conversion price is adjusted as herein provided:
(i) the Corporation shall compute the adjusted conversion price in
accordance with this subparagraph (IX) and shall prepare a certificate
signed by the Treasurer of the Corporation setting forth the adjusted
conversion price and showing in reasonable detail the facts upon which
such adjustment is based, including a statement of the consideration
received or to be received by the Corporation for, and the amount of, any
Additional Shares of Common Stock issued since the last such adjustment,
and such certificate shall forthwith be filed with the Transfer Agent or
Agents for the 1966 Series; and
(ii) a notice stating that the conversion price has been adjusted and
setting forth the adjusted conversion price shall forthwith be required,
and as soon as practicable after it is required, such notice shall be
published at least once in a daily newspaper in the City of Washington,
D.C., and in The City of New York, N.Y. and shall be mailed to the
holders of record of the outstanding shares of the 1966 Series; provided,
however, that if within ten days after the completion of mailing of such
a notice, an additional notice is required, such additional notice shall
be deemed to be required pursuant to this clause (ii) as of the opening
of business on the tenth day after such completion of mailing and shall
set forth the conversion price as adjusted as such opening of business,
and upon the publication and mailing of such additional notice, no other
notice need be given of any adjustment in the conversion price occurring
at or prior to such opening of business and after the time that the next
preceding notice given by publication and mail became required.
(l) In case:
(i) the Corporation shall declare a dividend (or any other
distribution) on its Common Stock payable otherwise than in cash out of
its earned surplus; or
(ii) the Corporation shall authorize the granting to the holders of
its Common Stock of rights to subscribe for or purchase any shares of
capital stock of any class or of any other rights; or
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<PAGE>
(iii) of any reclassification of the capital stock of the Corporation
(other than a subdivision or combination of its outstanding shares of
Common Stock), or of any consolidation or merger to which the Corporation
is a party and for which approval of any stockholders of the Corporation
is required, or of the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Corporation; or
(iv) of the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
winding up of the Corporation;
then the Corporation shall cause to be mailed to the Transfer Agent or Agents
for the 1966 Series and to the holders of record of the outstanding shares of
the 1966 Series, at least twenty days (or ten days in any case specified in
clause (i) or (ii) above) prior to the applicable record date hereinafter
specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for
the purpose of such dividend, distribution or rights, or, if a record is not to
be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record to be
entitled to such dividend, distribution or rights are to be determined, or (y)
the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer,
dissolution, liquidation or winding up is expected to become effective, and the
date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall be
entitled to exchange their shares of Common Stock for securities or other
property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale,
transfer, dissolution, liquidation or winding up.
(m) The Corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available, free
from preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock, for
the purpose of effecting the conversion of the shares of the 1966 Series,
the full number of shares of Common Stock then deliverable upon the
conversion of all shares of the 1966 Series then outstanding.
(n) No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued upon
conversion, but, instead of any fraction of a share which would otherwise be
issuable, the Corporation shall, at its option, either
(i) issue non-dividend bearing and non-voting scrip certificates for
such fraction, such certificates to be in such form and to contain such
terms and conditions as the Board of Directors shall at any time or from
time to time in its discretion fix and determine, provided that the
certificates shall be exchangeable, within such period (which shall end
not less than two years following the date of issue thereof) as the Board
of Directors shall determine, together with other scrip certificates
issued upon conversion of shares of the 1966 Series, for stock
certificates representing a full share or shares, and upon the expiration
of such period shall be exchangeable for cash, as provided in the scrip
certificates, within such further period (which shall end not less than
six years following the date of issue of such certificates) as the Board
of Directors shall determine; or
(ii) pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fraction in an amount
equal to the same fraction of the market price per share of Common Stock
(as determined by the Board of Directors) at the close of business on the
day of conversion.
(o) The Corporation will pay any and all taxes that may be payable in
respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Common Stock on conversion of
shares of the 1966 Series pursuant hereto. The Corporation shall not,
however, be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any
transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock in a
name other than that in which the shares of the 1966 Series so converted
were registered, and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and
until the person requesting such issue has paid to the Corporation the
amount of any such tax, or has established, to the satisfaction of the
Corporation, that such tax has been paid.
(p) For the purpose of this paragraph (IV), the term "Common Stock"
shall include any stock of any class of the Corporation which has no
preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the event of any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
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<PAGE>
up of the Corporation, and which is not subject to redemption by the
Corporation. However, shares issuable on conversion of shares of the 1966
Series shall include only shares of the class designated as Common Stock of
the Corporation as of , or shares of any class or classes
resulting from any reclassification or reclassifications thereof and which
have no preference in respect of dividends or of amounts payable in the
event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Corporation and which are not subject to redemption by the
Corporation; provided that if at any time there shall be more than one such
resulting class, the shares of each such class then so issuable shall be
substantially in the proportion which the total number of shares of such
class resulting from all such reclassifications bears to the total number of
shares of all such classes resulting from all such reclassifications.
(d) PREFERENCE STOCK.
(i) GENERALLY.
(A) The Preference Stock shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when
and as declared, from the surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining
after the preferential dividend requirements for the outstanding Class A
Preferred Stock and Class B Preferred Stock have been provided for, yearly
dividends, payable at such times and at such rates as hereinafter provided. The
dividends on the Preference Stock shall be cumulative and shall be payable
before any dividend on the Common Stock shall be paid or set apart.
(B) In the event of any liquidation or dissolution or winding up, whether
voluntary or involuntary, of the Corporation, the holders of the Preference
Stock shall be entitled to be paid in full, from any assets and funds of the
Corporation remaining after payment to the holders of the Preferred Stock as
provided in Article ELEVENTH, Section (b)(i)(C) hereof, both the par amount of
their shares and an amount equal to the unpaid dividends accrued thereon
(whether earned or declared or not) adjusted to the date of such payment before
any amount shall be paid to the holders of the Common Stock; and after the
payment to the holders of the Preference Stock of its par value and an amount
equal to the unpaid dividends accrued thereon, the remaining assets and funds
shall be divided and paid to the holders of the Common Stock according to their
respective shares.
(C) The Preference Stock redeemed shall forthwith be canceled and retired
but shall have the status of authorized but unissued Preference Stock of the
Corporation.
(D) The Board of Directors is hereby empowered from time to time to classify
or reclassify all or any of the authorized but unissued Preference Stock into
one or more series of the Preference Stock, which series may differ from each
other and other series already outstanding in any or all of the following
respects:
(I) the rate or rates of the preferential dividends payable thereon,
and, if applicable, the manner in which such dividends are determined,
(II) whether or not, and if so on what terms and conditions, such series
shall be convertible at the option of the holders into other stock, bonds or
securities of the Corporation,
(III) the prices and times, if any, of redemption thereof,
(IV) the sinking fund provisions, if any, applicable thereto, and
(V) the date(s), or the method of determining the date(s), on which such
dividends are payable thereon.
Up to the fixed preferential dividends payable on each series, all series of
Preference Stock shall participate at the same rate per cent per annum in any
payments for, or including, any period (whether a dividend period or part of
such a period) aggregating less than the full preferential dividends on all
series of Preference Stock for such period; if for any period (whether a
dividend period or part of such a period) full preferential dividends shall not
have been paid on any series of Preference
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<PAGE>
Stock when payable, the deficiency shall be payable before any dividends for any
subsequent dividend period or part of such a period, shall be paid upon or set
apart for the Preference Stock. All of the Preference Stock having identical
characteristics shall be given the same serial designation.
(E) The right is hereby reserved to make from time to time amendments of the
Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation to provide that one or more series
of the authorized but unissued Preference Stock shall, and to what extent and on
what terms and conditions, participate in dividends in excess of the fixed
preferential dividends thereon, or in distribution of assets, upon liquidation,
dissolution, or winding up, in excess of the fixed preferential distribution
thereof to the holders of Preference Stock. Except in the event of a failure to
pay full dividends on the Preference Stock, and the continuance of such failure
for one year, and as provided in Article NINTH hereof, the Preference Stock
shall have no voting power and the Common Stock and, to the extent provided in
Article NINTH hereof, the Class B Preferred Stock shall have voting power with
respect to any such proposed amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation.
(F) At no time shall any Preference Stock be issued unless at the time of
such issuance the net earnings of the Corporation, over and above operating
expenses (including allowance for depreciation and other reserves), fixed
charges and any other deductions from or charges against income (including
dividend requirements on stock ranking prior to Preference Stock) which rank
prior to dividends on the Preference Stock, for a period of twelve successive
calendar months ending within the three calendar months immediately preceding
the month in which such Preference Stock is issued, shall have been at least
twice a sum equal to full preferential dividends for one year on
(I) all Preference Stock already outstanding at the time of such
issuance, and
(II) the Preference Stock so to be issued.
(ii) 7.78% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1973 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 7.78% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1973 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of seven and seventy-eight hundredths per cent
per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April,
July, and October in each year commencing January 1, 1974. The dividends on the
7.78% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1973 Series ($100 par value), shall be
cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on the Common Stock shall be
paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to seven
and seventy-eight hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the
deficiency shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart
for the Common Stock. Dividends on 7.78% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1973
Series ($100 par value), will accrue from November 28, 1973.
(B) The 7.78% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1973 Series ($100 par value), or
any portion thereof, may, whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be
redeemed by the payment to the holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified
as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each share
thereof, together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall be one
hundred eight dollars ($108) per share at any time prior to December 1, 1978,
then one hundred five dollars and fifty cents ($105.50) per share prior to
December 1, 1983, then one hundred three dollars ($103) per share prior to
December 1, 1988, and one hundred one dollars ($101) per share thereafter;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Corporation will not, prior to December 1, 1978,
redeem any shares of the 7.78% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1973 Series ($100
par value), if such redemption is a part of or in anticipation of any refunding
operation involving the application, directly or indirectly, of borrowed funds
or the proceeds of an issue of any stock ranking prior to or on a parity with
7.78% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1973 Series ($100 par value), if such
borrowed funds have an interest rate or cost to the Corporation (calculated in
accordance with generally accepted financial practice), or such stock has a
dividend rate or cost to the Corporation (so calculated), less than the dividend
rate per annum of the 7.78% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1973 Series ($100 par
value). In case less than all of the
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Preference Stock of this series at the time being outstanding is so redeemed,
the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly as is reasonably practicable
without creating fractional shares, a proportionate part of the holdings of each
holder of Preference Stock of this series, or shall be selected, in whole or in
part, by lot. At least thirty days' written notice of the election of the
Corporation to redeem the Preference Stock of this series, or any part thereof,
and (in case less than all is to be redeemed) of the shares thereof so to be
redeemed, shall be given to each holder of Preference Stock of this series so to
be redeemed by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed to him at his
address as it appears upon the books of the Corporation. When such notice shall
have been so given and the funds for payment of the redemption price plus
accrued dividends shall have been provided and set apart, the dividends on the
shares of Preference Stock of this series so called for redemption and all other
rights of the holders thereof, except the right to receive the redemption price
plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(iii) 7.50% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1986 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of 7.50 per cent per annum and no more,
payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July, and October in each
year commencing January 1, 1987. The dividends on the 7.50% Cumulative
Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value), shall be cumulative and shall be
payable before any dividend on the Common Stock shall be paid or set apart; so
that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to 7.50 per cent shall not
have been paid thereon, the deficiency shall be payable before any dividends
shall be paid upon or set apart for the Common Stock. Dividends on 7.50%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value) will accrue from and
including the date of issuance.
(B) The 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value), or
any portion thereof, may, whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be
redeemed by the payment to the holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified
as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each share
thereof, together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall be
$107.50 per share at any time prior to October 1, 1991, then $105 per share
prior to October 1, 1996, then $102.50 per share prior to October 1, 2001, and
$100 per share thereafter; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that prior to October 1, 1991, the
Corporation will not redeem any shares of the 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock,
1986 Series ($100 par value), if such redemption is a part of or in anticipation
of any refunding operation involving the application, directly or indirectly, of
borrowed funds or the proceeds of an issue of any stock ranking prior to or on a
parity with 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value), if
such borrowed funds have an interest rate or cost to the Corporation (calculated
in accordance with generally accepted financial practice), or such stock has a
dividend rate or cost to the Corporation (so calculated), less than the dividend
rate per annum of the 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par
value). In case less than all of the Preference Stock of this series at the time
being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly
as is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a proportionate
part of the holdings of each holder of Preference Stock of this series, or shall
be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least thirty (30) days' written
notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the Preference Stock of this
series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice shall specify the
particular shares to be redeemed) shall be given to each holder of the
Preference Stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same, postage
prepaid, and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books of the
Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and the funds for payment
of the redemption price plus accrued dividends shall have been provided and set
apart, the dividends on the shares of Preference Stock of this series so called
for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof, except the right to
receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(C) (I) On or before October 1 of each year commencing October 1, 1992 and
continuing through October 1, 2025, there shall be provided and set apart by the
Corporation a sum sufficient for the
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sinking fund redemption of 15,000 shares of 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock,
1986 Series ($100 par value). On October 1 of each year commencing October 1,
1992 and continuing through October 1, 2025, the Corporation shall make sinking
fund redemptions of 15,000 shares of the 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986
Series ($100 par value) by the payment to the holders thereof, in cash, of the
sum of One Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($100.00) for each share thereof,
together with all accrued dividends. Shares shall be selected for sinking fund
redemption by lot. At least thirty (30) days' written notice of the shares of
the 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value) so to be
redeemed shall be given to the respective holders thereof by mailing the same,
postage prepaid, and addressed to such holder at the address as it appears upon
the books of the Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and
funds for the payment of the sinking fund redemption price, plus accrued
dividends, shall have been provided and set apart by the Corporation, the
dividends on the shares of the 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series
($100 par value) so called for sinking fund redemption and all other rights of
the holders thereof, except the right to receive the sinking fund redemption
price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(II) The Corporation may, at its option, in connection with any sinking fund
redemption, increase by not more than 15,000 shares the number of shares of
7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
for the sinking fund, at such sinking fund redemption price, on any such sinking
fund redemption date, together, in every case, with all accrued dividends;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right to make such optional increases shall not be
cumulative.
(III) The Corporation may, at its option, satisfy its obligation to make
sinking fund redemptions provided for in paragraph (iii)(C)(I) above by
crediting shares of 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par
value) acquired by purchase in the open market, by redemption (otherwise than by
reason of the required sinking fund redemption provided for by such paragraph
(iii)(C)(I) or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
paragraph (iii)(C), the obligation to redeem shares of 7.50% Cumulative
Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value) by reason of the sinking fund
redemption (provided for in such paragraph (iii)(C)(i)) annually commencing on
October 1, 1992 shall be cumulative, and unless full cumulative redemptions of
shares of 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series ($100 par value) for
the sinking fund required hereby have been made, no dividends shall be declared
nor any distribution made on the Common Stock, except dividends paid in stock of
the Corporation ranking junior to the 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986
Series ($100 par value), nor shall any purchase or other acquisition for value
of such Common Stock be made. The provisions of this paragraph (iii)(C) shall
apply so long as any shares of 7.50% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1986 Series
($100 par value) are outstanding.
(iv) 6.75% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1987 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of six and seventy five hundredths per cent
per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April,
July, and October of each year commencing April 1, 1987. The dividends on the
6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value), shall be
cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on the Common Stock shall be
paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to six
and seventy five hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the
deficiency shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart
for the Common Stock. Dividends on 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock 1987 Series
($100 par value), will accrue from and include January 22, 1987.
(B) The 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value), or
any portion thereof, may, whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be
redeemed by the payment to the holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified
as the redemption price at the time of redemption, in cash, for each share
thereof, together with all accrued dividends. The redemption price shall be
$106.75 per share at any time prior to April 1, 1992, then $104.50 per share
prior to April 1, 1997, then
E-43
<PAGE>
$102.25 per share prior to April 1, 2002, and $100 per share thereafter;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that prior to April 1, 1992, the Corporation will not redeem
any shares of the 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par
value), if such redemption is a part of or in anticipation of any refunding
operation involving the application, directly or indirectly, of borrowed funds
or the proceeds of an issue of any stock ranking prior to or on a parity with
6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value), if such
borrowed funds have an interest rate or cost to the Corporation (calculated in
accordance with generally accepted financial practice), or such stock has a
dividend rate or cost to the Corporation (so calculated), less than the dividend
rate per annum of the 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par
value). In case less than all of the Preference Stock of this series at the time
being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly
as is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a proportionate
part of the holdings of each holder of Preference Stock of this series, or shall
be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least thirty (30) days' written
notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the Preference Stock of this
series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice shall specify the
particular shares to be redeemed) shall be given to each holder of the
Preference Stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same, postage
prepaid, and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books of the
Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and the funds for payment
of the redemption price plus accrued dividends shall have been provided and set
apart, the dividends on the shares of Preference Stock of this series so called
for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof, except the right to
receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(C) (I) On or before April 1 of each year commencing April 1, 1993 and
continuing through April 1, 2026, there shall be provided and set apart by the
Corporation a sum sufficient for the sinking fund redemption of 15,000 shares of
6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value). Thereafter, on
April 1 of each year commencing April 1, 1993 and continuing through April 1,
2026, the Corporation shall make sinking fund redemptions of 15,000 shares of
the 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value) by the
payment to the holders thereof, in cash, of the sum of One Hundred Dollars and
No Cents ($100.00) for each share thereof, together with all accrued dividends.
Shares shall be selected for sinking fund redemption by lot. At least thirty
(30) days' written notice of the shares of the 6.75% Cumulative Preference
Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value) so to be redeemed shall be given to the
respective holders thereof by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed
to such holder at the address as it appears upon the books of the Corporation.
When such notice shall have been so given and funds for the payment of the
sinking fund redemption price, plus accrued dividends, shall have been provided
and set apart by the Corporation, the dividends on the shares of the 6.75%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value) so called for sinking
fund redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof, except the right to
receive the sinking fund redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(II) The Corporation may, at its option, in connection with any sinking fund
redemption, increase by not more than 15,000 shares the number of shares of
6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
for the sinking fund, at such sinking fund redemption priced on any such sinking
fund redemption date, together, in every case, with all accrued dividends;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right to make such optional increases shall not be
cumulative.
(III) The Corporation may, at its option, satisfy its obligation to make
sinking fund redemptions provided for in subsection (iv)(C)(I) above by
crediting shares of 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par
value) acquired by purchase in the open market, by redemption (otherwise than by
reason of the required sinking fund redemption provided for by such subsection
(iv)(C)(I)) or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
subsection (iv)(C), the obligation to redeem shares of 6.75% Cumulative
Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value) by reason of the sinking fund
redemption provided for in such subsection (iv)(C)(I), annually commencing on
April 1, 1993 shall be cumulative, and unless full cumulative redemptions of
shares of 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value) for
the sinking fund required hereby have been made, no dividends shall be declared
nor any distribution made on the Common Stock, except dividends paid
E-44
<PAGE>
in stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the 6.75% Cumulative Preference
Stock, 1987 Series ($100 par value), nor shall any purchase or other acquisition
for value of such Common Stock be made. The provisions of this subsection
(iv)(C) shall apply so long as any shares of 6.75% Cumulative Preference Stock,
1987 Series ($100 par value) are outstanding.
(v) 7.80% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1989 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 7.80% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of seven and eighty hundredths per cent per
annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July,
and October in each year commencing October 1, 1989. The dividends on the 7.80%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value), shall be cumulative
and shall be payable before any dividend on the Common Stock shall be paid or
set apart so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to seven and
eighty hundredths per cent, shall not have been paid thereon, the deficiency
shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart for the
Common Stock. Dividends on 7.80% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100
par value) will accrue from and include June 22, 1989.
(B) The 7.80% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value)
shall be redeemed in whole on July 1, 1997 by the payment to the holders
thereof, in cash, of the sum of One Hundred Dollars and No Cents ($100.00) for
each share thereof, together with all accrued dividends. At least thirty (30)
days' written notice shall be given to each holder of the Preference Stock of
this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and
addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books of the Corporation.
When such notice shall have been so given and the funds for payment of the
redemption price plus accrued dividends shall have been provided and set apart,
the dividends on the shares of preference stock of this series so called for
redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof, except the right to
receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(vi) 8.25% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1989 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of eight and twenty-five hundredths per cent
per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April,
July, and October in each year commencing January 1, 1990. The dividends on the
8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value), shall be
cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on the Common Stock shall be
paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to eight
and twenty-five hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the
deficiency shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart
for the Common Stock. Dividends on the 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989
Series ($100 par value) will accrue from and include November 21, 1989.
(B) (I) On or before October 1 of each year commencing October 1, 1995 and
continuing through October 1, 1999 (or such earlier October 1 on which there
remain any shares of 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par
value) outstanding), there shall be provided and set apart by the Corporation a
sum sufficient for the sinking fund redemption of 100,000 shares of 8.25%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value). Thereafter, on
October 1 of each year commencing October 1, 1995 and continuing through October
1, 1999 (or such earlier October 1 on which there remain any shares of 8.25%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) outstanding), the
Corporation shall make sinking fund redemptions of 100,000 shares of the 8.25%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) by the payment to the
holders thereof, in cash, of the sum of One Hundred Dollars and No Cents
($100.00) for each share thereof, together with all accrued dividends. Shares
shall be selected for sinking fund redemption by lot. At least thirty (30) days
written
E-45
<PAGE>
notice of the shares of the 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100
par value) so to be redeemed shall be given to the respective holders thereof by
mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed to such holder at the address
as it appears upon the books of the Corporation. When such notice shall have
been so given and funds for the payment of the sinking fund redemption price,
plus accrued dividends, shall have been provided and set apart by the
Corporation, the dividends on the shares of the 8.25% Cumulative Preference
Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) so called for sinking fund redemption and
all other rights of the holders thereof, except the right to receive the sinking
fund redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(II) The Corporation may, at its option, in connection with any sinking fund
redemption, increase by not more than 100,000 shares the number of shares of
8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
for the sinking fund, at the sinking fund redemption price of One Hundred
Dollars and No Cents ($100.00) for each share thereof, on any such sinking fund
redemption date, together, in every case, with all accrued dividends; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the right to make such optional increases shall not be cumulative.
(III) The Corporation may, at its option, satisfy its obligation to make
sinking fund redemptions provided for in subsection (vi)(B)(I) above by
crediting shares of 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par
value) acquired by purchase in the open market or otherwise. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this subsection (vi)(B), the obligation to redeem shares
of 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) by reason of
the sinking fund redemption (provided for in such subsection (vi)(B)(I)),
annually commencing on October 1, 1995 shall be cumulative, and unless full
cumulative redemptions of shares of 8.25% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989
Series ($100 par value) for the sinking fund required hereby have been made, no
dividends shall be declared nor any distribution made on the Common Stock,
except dividends paid in stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the 8.25%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value), nor shall any
purchase or other acquisition for value of such Common Stock be made. The
provisions of this subsection (vi)(B) shall apply so long as any shares of 8.25%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1989 Series ($100 par value) are outstanding.
(vii) 8.625% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1990 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value)
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of eight and six hundred and twenty-five
thousandths per cent per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days
of January, April, July, and October in each year commencing July 1, 1990. The
dividends on the 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par
value) shall be cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on the
Common Stock shall be paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years
dividends amounting to eight and six hundred and twenty-five thousandths per
cent shall not have been paid thereon, the deficiency shall be payable before
any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart for the Common Stock. Dividends on
the 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) will accrue
from and include June 7, 1990.
(B) (I) On or before July 1 of each year commencing on July 1, 1996 and
continuing through July 1, 2000, there shall be provided and set apart by the
Corporation a sum sufficient for the sinking fund redemption of 130,000 shares
of 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value). Thereafter,
on July 1 of each year commencing July 1, 1996 and continuing through July 1,
2000, the Corporation shall make sinking fund redemptions of 130,000 shares of
the 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) by the
payment to the holders thereof, in cash, of the sum of One Hundred Dollars and
No Cents ($100.00) for each share thereof, together with all accrued dividends.
Shares shall be selected for sinking fund redemption by lot. At least thirty
(30) days' written notice of the shares of the 8.625% Cumulative Preference
Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) so to be redeemed shall be given to the
respective holders thereof by mailing the same, postage
E-46
<PAGE>
prepaid, and addressed to such holder at the address as it appears upon the
books of the Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and funds
for payment of the sinking fund redemption price, plus accrued dividends, shall
have been provided and set apart by the Corporation, the dividends on the shares
of the 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) so
called for sinking fund redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof,
except the right to receive the sinking fund redemption price plus accrued
dividends, shall cease.
(II) The Corporation may, at its option, in connection with any sinking fund
redemption, increase by not more than 130,000 shares the number of shares of
8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
for the sinking fund, at the sinking fund redemption price of One Hundred
Dollars and No Cents ($100.00) for each share thereof, on any such sinking fund
redemption date, together, in every case, with all accrued dividends; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the right to make such optional increases shall not be cumulative.
(III) The Corporation may, at its option, satisfy its obligation to make
sinking fund redemptions provided for in subsection (vii)(B)(I) above by
crediting shares of 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par
value) acquired by purchase in the open market or otherwise. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this subsection (vii)(B), the obligation to redeem
shares of 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) by
reason of the sinking fund redemption provided for in such subsection
(vii)(B)(I), annually commencing on July 1, 1996 shall be cumulative, and unless
full cumulative redemptions of shares of 8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock,
1990 Series ($100 par value) for the sinking fund required hereby have been
made, no dividends shall be declared nor any distribution made on the Common
Stock, except dividends paid in stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the
8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value), nor shall any
purchase or other acquisition for value of such Common Stock be made. The
provisions of this subsection (vii)(B) shall apply so long as any shares of
8.625% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1990 Series ($100 par value) are
outstanding.
(viii) 7.85% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1991 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value)
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of seven and eighty-five hundredths per cent
per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April,
July, and October in each year commencing July 1, 1991. The dividends on the
7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) shall be
cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on the Common Stock shall be
paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to seven
and eighty-five hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the
deficiency shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart
for the Common Stock. Dividends on the 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991
Series ($100 par value) will accrue from and include May 1, 1991.
(B) (I) On or before July 1 of each year commencing on July 1, 1997 and
continuing through July 1, 2001, there shall be provided and set apart by the
Corporation a sum sufficient for the sinking fund redemption of 70,000 shares of
7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value). Thereafter, on
July 1 of each year commencing July 1, 1997 and continuing through July 1, 2001,
the Corporation shall make sinking fund redemptions of 70,000 shares of the
7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) by the payment
to the holders thereof, in cash, of the sum of One Hundred Dollars and No Cents
($100.00) for each share thereof, together with all accrued dividends. Shares
shall be selected for sinking fund redemption by lot. At least thirty (30) days'
written notice of the shares of the 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991
Series ($100 par value) so to be redeemed shall be given to the respective
holders thereof by mailing the same, postage prepaid, and addressed to such
holder at the address as it appears upon the books of the Corporation. When such
notice shall have been so given and funds for payment of the sinking fund
redemption price, plus accrued dividends, shall have been provided and set apart
by the Corporation, the dividends on the
E-47
<PAGE>
shares of the 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) so
called for sinking fund redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof,
except the right to receive the sinking fund redemption price plus accrued
dividends, shall cease.
(II) The Corporation may, at its option, in connection with any sinking fund
redemption, increase by not more than 70,000 shares the number of shares of
7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) to be redeemed
for the sinking fund, at the sinking fund redemption price of One Hundred
Dollars and No Cents ($100.00) for each share thereof, on any such sinking fund
redemption date, together, in every case, with all accrued dividends; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the right to make such optional increases shall not be cumulative.
(III) The Corporation may, at its option, satisfy its obligation to make
sinking fund redemptions provided for in subsection (viii)(B)(I) above by
crediting shares of 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par
value) acquired by purchase in the open market or otherwise. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this subsection (viii)(B), the obligation to redeem
shares of 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) by
reason of the sinking fund redemption provided for in subsection (viii)(B)(I)
annually commencing on July 1, 1997 shall be cumulative, and unless full
cumulative redemptions of shares of 7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991
Series ($100 par value) for the sinking fund required hereby have been made, no
dividends shall be declared nor any distribution made on the Common Stock,
except dividends paid in stock of the Corporation ranking junior to the 7.85%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value), nor shall any
purchase or other acquisition for value of such Common Stock be made. The
provisions of this subsection (viii)(B) shall apply so long as any shares of
7.85% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1991 Series ($100 par value) are outstanding.
(ix) 7.125% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1993 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 7.125% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of seven and one hundred twenty-five
thousandths per cent per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days
of January, April, July, and October in each year commencing October 1, 1993.
The dividends on the 7.125% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par
value), shall be cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on the
common stock shall be paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years
dividends amounting to seven and one hundred twenty-five thousandths per cent
shall not have been paid thereon, the deficiency shall be payable before any
dividends shall be paid upon or set apart for the common stock. Dividends on the
7.125% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), will accrue
from and include June 24, 1993.
(B) The 7.125% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), or
any portion thereof, may, whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be
redeemed by the payment to the
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<PAGE>
holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified as the redemption price at the
time of redemption, in cash, for each share thereof, together with all accrued
dividends. The applicable redemption prices shall be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION PRICE TWELVE MONTH PERIOD
PER SHARE BEGINNING JULY 1,
- ---------------- -----------------------
<S> <C>
$ 103.56 2003
103.21 2004
102.85 2005
102.49 2006
102.14 2007
101.78 2008
101.42 2009
101.07 2010
100.71 2011
100.36 2012
100.00 2013 and thereafter
</TABLE>
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that prior to July 1, 2003, the Corporation will not redeem
any shares of the 7.125% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par
value). In case less than all of the preference stock of this series at the time
being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as nearly
as is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a proportionate
part of the holdings of each holder of preference stock of this series, or shall
be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least thirty (30) days written
notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the preference stock of this
series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice shall specify the
particular shares to be redeemed) shall be given to each holder of the
preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same, postage
prepaid, and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the books of the
Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and the funds for payment
of the redemption price plus accrued dividends shall have been provided and set
apart, the dividends on the shares of preference stock of this series so called
for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof, except the right to
receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall cease.
(x) 6.97% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1993 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 6.97% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of six and ninety-seven hundredths per cent
per annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April,
July, and October in each year commencing October 1, 1993. The dividends on the
6.97% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), shall be
cumulative and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall be
paid or set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to six
and ninety-seven hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the
deficiency shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart
for the common stock. Dividends on the 6.97% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993
Series ($100 par value), will accrue from and include August 5, 1993.
(B) The 6.97% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), or
any portion thereof, may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be
redeemed by the payment to the
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<PAGE>
holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified as the redemption price at the
time of redemption, in cash, for each share thereof, together with all accrued
dividends. The applicable redemption prices shall be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION PRICE TWELVE MONTH PERIOD
PER SHARE BEGINNING OCTOBER 1,
- ---------------- -----------------------
<S> <C>
$ 103.49 2003
103.14 2004
102.79 2005
102.44 2006
102.09 2007
101.74 2008
101.39 2009
101.05 2010
100.70 2011
100.35 2012
100.00 2013 and thereafter
</TABLE>
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that prior to October 1, 2003, the Corporation will not
redeem any shares of the 6.97% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100
par value). In case less than all of the preference stock of this series at the
time being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as
nearly as is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a
proportionate part of the holdings of each holder of preference stock of this
series, or shall be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least thirty (30)
days' written notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the preference
stock of this series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice shall
specify the particular shares to be redeemed) shall be given to each holder of
the preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same,
postage prepaid, and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the
books of the Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and the
funds for payment of the redemption price plus accrued dividends shall have been
provided and set apart, the dividends on the shares of preference stock of this
series so called for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof,
except the right to receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall
cease.
(xi) 6.70% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1993 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 6.70% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of six and seventy hundredths per cent per
annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July,
and October in each year commencing January 1, 1994. The dividends on the 6.70%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), shall be cumulative
and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall be paid or
set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to six and
seventy hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the deficiency
shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart for the
common stock. Dividends on the 6.70% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series
($100 par value), will accrue from and include October 14, 1993.
(B) The 6.70% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100 par value), or
any portion thereof, may whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be
redeemed by the payment to the
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<PAGE>
holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified as the redemption price at the
time of redemption, in cash, for each share thereof, together with all accrued
dividends. The applicable redemption prices shall be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWELVE MONTH PERIOD REDEMPTION PRICE
BEGINNING JANUARY 1, PER SHARE
- ----------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
2004 $ 103.35
2005 103.02
2006 102.68
2007 102.35
2008 102.01
2009 101.68
2010 101.34
2011 101.01
2012 100.67
2013 100.34
2014 and thereafter 100.00
</TABLE>
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that prior to January 1, 2004, the Corporation will not
redeem any shares of the 6.70% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1993 Series ($100
par value). In case less than all of the preference stock of this series at the
time being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as
nearly as is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a
proportionate part of the holdings of each holder of preference stock of this
series, or shall be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least thirty (30)
days' written notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the preference
stock of this series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice shall
specify the particular shares to be redeemed) shall be given to each holder of
the preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same,
postage prepaid, and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the
books of the Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and the
funds for payment of the redemption price plus accrued dividends shall have been
provided and set apart, the dividends on the shares of Preference Stock of this
series so called for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof,
except the right to receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall
cease.
(xii) 6.99% CUMULATIVE PREFERENCE STOCK, 1995 SERIES ($100 PAR VALUE).
(A) The 6.99% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1995 Series ($100 par value),
shall entitle the holders thereof to receive, when and as declared, from the
surplus or net profits of the Corporation remaining after the preferential
dividend requirements for the outstanding Preferred Stock have been provided
for, yearly dividends at the rate of six and ninety-nine hundredths per cent per
annum and no more, payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July,
and October in each year commencing October 1, 1995. The dividends on the 6.99%
Cumulative Preference Stock, 1995 Series ($100 par value), shall be cumulative
and shall be payable before any dividend on the common stock shall be paid or
set apart; so that, if in any year or years dividends amounting to six and
ninety-nine hundredths per cent shall not have been paid thereon, the deficiency
shall be payable before any dividends shall be paid upon or set apart for the
common stock. Dividends on the 6.99% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1995 Series
($100 par value), will accrue from and include September 7, 1995.
(B) The 6.99% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1995 Series ($100 par value), or
any portion thereof, may, whenever the Board of Directors shall so determine, be
redeemed by the payment to the
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<PAGE>
holders thereof of the sum hereinafter specified as the redemption price at the
time of redemption, in cash, for each share thereof, together with all accrued
dividends. The applicable redemption prices shall be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWELVE MONTH PERIOD REDEMPTION PRICE
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, PER SHARE
- ----------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
2005 $ 103.50
2006 103.15
2007 102.80
2008 102.45
2009 102.10
2010 101.75
2011 101.40
2012 101.05
2013 100.70
2014 100.35
2015 and thereafter 100.00
</TABLE>
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that prior to October 1, 2005, the Corporation will not
redeem any shares of the 6.99% Cumulative Preference Stock, 1995 Series ($100
par value). In case less than all of the preference stock of this series at the
time being outstanding is so redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be, as
nearly as is reasonably practicable without creating fractional shares, a
proportionate part of the holdings of each holder of preference stock of this
series, or shall be selected, in whole or in part, by lot. At least thirty (30)
days' written notice of the election of the Corporation to redeem the preference
stock of this series (or any part thereof, in which case the notice shall
specify the particular shares to be redeemed) shall be given to each holder of
the preference stock of this series so to be redeemed by mailing the same,
postage prepaid, and addressed to him at his address as it appears upon the
books of the Corporation. When such notice shall have been so given and the
funds for payment of the redemption price plus accrued dividends shall have been
provided and set apart, the dividends on the shares of preference stock of this
series so called for redemption and all other rights of the holders thereof,
except the right to receive the redemption price plus accrued dividends, shall
cease.
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT F
BY-LAWS
OF
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
------------------------
ARTICLE I.
OFFICES AND HEADQUARTERS
Section A. NAME. The name of the corporation is Constellation Energy
Corporation (the "CORPORATION").
Section B. OFFICES. The registered office of the Corporation in State of
Maryland is [ ]. The registered office of the Corporation in the
Commonwealth of Virginia is [ ]. The names of its registered agents in
the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia, respectively, at these
addresses are [ ]. The Corporation may also have other offices at such
other places, either within or without the State of Maryland and the
Commonwealth of Virginia, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the
"BOARD") may determine or as the activities of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II.
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. PLACE OF MEETINGS. Meetings of stockholders of the Corporation
shall be held at such places, either within or without the State of Maryland or
the Commonwealth of Virginia, as may be fixed from time to time by the Board and
stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice
thereof.
Section 2. ANNUAL MEETINGS. The annual meeting of the stockholders for the
election of directors and for the transaction of general business shall be held
on any date during the period April 6 through May 6, as determined year to year
by the Board. The time and location of the meeting shall be determined by the
Board. Failure to hold an annual meeting does not invalidate the Corporation's
existence or affect any otherwise valid corporate acts.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall prepare, or cause to be
prepared, an annual report containing a full and correct statement of the
affairs of the Corporation, including a balance sheet and a financial statement
of operations for the preceding fiscal year, which shall be submitted to the
stockholders at the annual meeting.
Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of stockholders may be
called only by (a) a majority of the Board, (b) the Chairman, (c) the Chief
Executive Officer, or (d) by the Secretary upon the written request of the
holders of shares entitled to not less than twenty-five percent of all votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such request of the stockholders shall
state the purpose or purposes of the meeting and the matters proposed to be
acted on thereat and shall be delivered to the Secretary, who shall inform such
stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing such
notice of the meeting, and upon payment to the Corporation of such costs the
Secretary shall give notice stating the purpose or purposes of the meeting to
all stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting. No special meeting need be
called upon the request of the holders of shares entitled to cast less than a
majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such meeting, to consider any
matter which is substantially the same as a matter voted upon at any special
meeting of the stockholders held during the preceding twelve months.
Section 4. NOTICE AND WAIVER; ORGANIZATION OF MEETING. Whenever
stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting whether
special or annual, written notice of the meeting
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shall be given to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting and each
other stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting. The notice shall state the
place, date and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the
purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. The written notice of any
meeting shall be given, personally or by mail, not less than 10 or more than 60
days before the date of the meeting or as otherwise required by law to each
stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be
deemed given when deposited with the United States Postal Service, postage
prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the
records of the Corporation or its registrar. The business at all special
meetings shall be confined to that specifically named in the notice thereof.
When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be
given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at
the meeting at which the adjournment is taken unless the adjournment is for more
than 120 days, or, if after the adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the
adjourned meeting, in which circumstances a notice of the adjourned meeting
shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. At
the adjourned meeting the Corporation may transact any business which might have
been transacted at the original meeting.
Notice of any meeting of stockholders may be waived in writing by any
stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting. Attendance at a meeting by any
stockholder, in person or by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such
meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of
objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business
because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
All meetings of the stockholders shall be called to order by the Chairman of
the Board, or in his absence by the Chief Executive Officer, or in his absence
by the Vice-Chairman, or in his absence by the President, or in his absence by a
Vice-President; or in the case of the absence of such officers, then by any
stockholder, whereupon the meeting shall organize by electing a chairman. The
Secretary of the Corporation, if present, shall act as Secretary of the meeting,
unless some other person shall be elected at the meeting to act as Secretary. An
accurate record of the meeting shall be kept by the Secretary thereof, and
placed in the record books of the Corporation.
Section 5. ORDER OF BUSINESS. (a) At any Annual Meeting, only such
business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the Annual Meeting
(i) by or at the direction of the Board, or (ii) by any stockholder who complies
with the procedures set forth in this Section 5.
(b) For nominations or other business to be brought properly before an
Annual Meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice
thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be
timely, a stockholder's notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at
the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 30 days or more
than 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that in the event
that less than 40 days' notice of the date of the Annual Meeting is given or
made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received
not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which
such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed. To be in proper
written form, a stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set forth in writing
as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the Annual Meeting:
(i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for
election or re-election as a director, all information relating to such
person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for
election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), including such person's written consent to being named in
the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected;
and as to the stockholder giving the notice, the name and address, as they
appear on the Corporation's books, of the stockholder proposing such
nomination and the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation
which are beneficially owned by the stockholder.
(ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring
before the meeting:
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(A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before
the Annual Meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the
Annual Meeting;
(B) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation's books,
of the stockholder proposing such business;
(C) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation which
are beneficially owned by the stockholder; and
(D) any material interest of the stockholder in such business.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in these By-laws to the contrary, no business
shall be conducted at an Annual Meeting except in accordance with the procedures
set forth in this Section 5 of Article II. The presiding officer of an Annual
Meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the Annual Meeting
that business was not properly brought before the Annual Meeting in accordance
with the provisions of this Section 5 of Article II and, if he should so
determine, he shall so declare at the Annual Meeting and any such business not
properly brought before the Annual Meeting shall not be transacted.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, a stockholder
shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this
Section. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to affect any rights of
stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation's proxy
statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
Section 6. QUORUM. At any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person
or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes thereat
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.
When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting, it is not broken by the
subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders.
The stockholders present, although less than a quorum, may adjourn the
meeting to another time or place; provided that notice of such adjourned meeting
is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of this Article I.
Section 7. VOTING; PROXIES. Each holder of voting stock shall be entitled
to vote in person or by proxy at each meeting and shall have one vote for each
share of voting stock registered in his name, and when the Preferred or
Preference Stock is entitled to vote, holders of such shares shall have the
number of votes as provided in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation
for each share of the Preferred and Preference Stock. However, no proxy shall be
voted 11 months after the date thereof, unless the proxy provides for a longer
period.
Section 8. METHOD OF VOTING. The vote upon any question before the meeting
need not be by ballot. All elections and all other questions shall be decided by
a majority of the votes cast, at a meeting at which a quorum is present, except
as expressly provided otherwise by the Stock Corporation Act of the Commonwealth
of Virginia, the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland or the
Articles of Incorporation and except that directors shall be elected by a
plurality of the votes cast.
Section 9. OWNERSHIP OF ITS OWN STOCK. Shares of capital stock of the
Corporation belonging either (i) to the Corporation or (ii) to another
corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of
directors of such other corporation is held, directly or indirectly, by the
Corporation (a "CONTROLLED CORPORATION"), shall neither be entitled to vote nor
be counted for quorum purposes. Nothing in this Section 9 shall be construed as
limiting the right of the Corporation or any Controlled Corporation to vote
stock of the Corporation held by it in a fiduciary capacity.
Section 10. FIXING DATE FOR DETERMINATION OF STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD. In
order to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any
meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive
payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or
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<PAGE>
entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange
of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a
record date, which record date shall not be more than 70 or less than ten days
before the date of such meeting, or more than 60 days prior to any other action.
If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date shall be determined in
accordance with the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Maryland and the Stock Corporation Act of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
ARTICLE III.
DIRECTORS
Section 1. NUMBER. The number of directors who will constitute the entire
Board shall be sixteen (16). Each director shall own at least 300 shares of the
Corporation's Common Stock.
Section 2. MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESS. The business of the Corporation shall
be managed by the Board.
Except as otherwise provided herein, the Board shall appoint the officers
for the conduct of business of the Corporation, determine the duties and
responsibilities and fix their compensation.
Section 3. CLASSIFIED BOARD. The directors shall be divided into three
classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class shall consist,
as nearly as may be possible, of one-third of the total number of directors
constituting the entire Board. The initial Class I directors shall hold office
for a term to expire at the 199 [INSERT YEAR OF THE FIRST ANNUAL MEETING
OCCURRING AT LEAST ONE YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE] annual meeting of
shareholders. The initial Class II directors shall hold office for a term to
expire at the 199 [INSERT YEAR OF FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OCCURRING AT LEAST TWO
YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE] annual meeting of shareholders. The initial
Class III directors shall hold office for a term to expire at the 199 [INSERT
YEAR OF FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OCCURRING AT LEAST THREE YEARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE
DATE] annual meeting of shareholders. At each succeeding annual meeting of
shareholders beginning in 199 [INSERT YEAR OF FIRST ANNUAL MEETING AFTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE], successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that
annual meeting shall be elected for a three-year term. If the number of
directors is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned among the
classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal
as possible. Any additional director of any class elected by shareholders to
fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class shall hold office for a
term that shall coincide with the remaining term of that class, but in no case
will a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent
director. A director shall hold office until the annual meeting for the year in
which his term expires and until his successor shall be elected and shall
qualify, subject, however, to prior death, resignation, disqualification or
removal from office.
Section 4. ELECTION AND TERM. The directors shall be elected as provided
herein and in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, and each
director shall be elected to hold office until his successor shall be elected
and qualified, or until his earlier resignation or removal.
Section 5. RESIGNATIONS. Any director of the Corporation may resign at any
time by giving written notice to the Corporation. Such resignation shall take
effect at the time specified therein, if any, or if no time is specified
therein, then upon receipt of such notice by the Corporation; and, unless
otherwise provided therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.
Section 6. VACANCIES. Any vacancies occurring in the Board from any cause
other than by reason of a removal or an increase in the number of directors, may
be filled by a majority of the remaining directors although such majority is
less than a quorum or by a sole remaining director. Any vacancies occurring by
reason of an increase in the number of directors may be filled by action of a
majority of the directors. A director elected by other directors to fill a
vacancy shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and
until his successor is elected and qualified.
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<PAGE>
Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any class of stock
issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately by class or
series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of shareholders, the
election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such
directorships shall be governed by the terms of the Articles of Incorporation
applicable thereto, and such directors so elected shall not be divided into
classes unless expressly provided by such terms.
Section 7. ANNUAL MEETING. The Board shall meet immediately following the
adjournment of the annual meeting of stockholders each year at the same place,
within or without the State of Maryland or the Commonwealth of Virginia, and no
notice of such meeting shall be necessary.
Section 8. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board may be held at
such time and place, within or without the State of Maryland or the Commonwealth
of Virginia, as shall from time to time be fixed by the Board and no notice
thereof shall be necessary.
Section 9. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board may be called
at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the
President or by resolution of the Board. Special meetings shall be held at such
place, within or without the State of Maryland or the Commonwealth of Virginia,
as shall be fixed by the person or persons calling the meeting and stated in the
notice or waiver of notice of the meeting.
Unless waived, notice of each special meeting of the directors, stating the
time and place of the meeting, shall be given to each director by delivered
letter, by telegram or by personal communication either over the telephone or
otherwise, in each such case not later than the second day prior to the meeting,
or by mailed letter deposited in the United States mail with postage thereon
prepaid not later than the seventh day prior to the meeting. Notices of special
meetings of the Board and waivers thereof need not state the purpose or purposes
of the meeting. Attendance at a special meeting by any director shall constitute
a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the director attends the meeting
for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the
transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened.
Section 10. ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to
be taken at any meeting of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may be taken
without a meeting, if all members of the Board, or any such committee, as the
case may be, consent thereto in writing and the writing or writings are filed
with the minutes of proceedings of the Board, or any such committee, as the case
may be.
Section 11. TELEPHONE MEETINGS PERMITTED. At the Chairman's discretion,
members of the Board, or any committee, may participate in a meeting thereof by
means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment in which all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation
shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 12. QUORUM. At all meetings of the Board a majority of the whole
Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except in cases
in which the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws otherwise provide, the
act of a majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is
present shall be the act of the Board. A meeting may be adjourned by less than a
quorum if a quorum is not present at the meeting.
Section 13. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The directors shall annually at their
first meeting succeeding the stockholders' meeting at which they are elected,
elect from among their number an Executive Committee of five or more (but no
more than nine), as the Board may determine. The Executive Committee may
exercise, in the intervals between meetings of the Board, all of the powers of
the Board regarding financing matters which are permitted by law.
Section 14. AUDIT COMMITTEE. The directors shall annually, at their first
meeting succeeding the stockholders' meeting at which they are elected, elect
from among their number an Audit Committee which shall consist of at least three
directors. Each member of the Audit Committee shall be independent of Management
and free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would
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<PAGE>
interfere with the exercise of independent judgment as a Committee member, and
provided further that no director who formerly was an officer of the Corporation
shall be a member of said Audit Committee. One such member of the Committee
shall be designated by the Board to be Chairman of the Audit Committee. The
tenure of office of the members of the Audit Committee shall be one year or
until their successors shall have been duly appointed or elected. Any vacancy
shall be filled by the Board. A majority of the members of the Audit Committee
shall constitute a quorum.
In order to provide for direct communication between representatives of the
Board and the Independent Auditors for the Corporation, the Audit Committee, in
furtherance of this charge, shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:
(1) To recommend to the Board the public accounting firm to be engaged
to conduct the annual financial audit of the Corporation.
(2) To discuss with such Auditors the scope of their examination which
shall be in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards with
appropriate reports thereon to be submitted to the Board.
(3) To review with the Auditors and appropriate financial officers and
Management of the Corporation the annual financial statements and the
Auditors' report thereon.
(4) To invite comments and recommendations from the Auditors regarding
the need for and/ or results of their reviews of those financial statements
and other documents and data reviewed or certified by the public accounting
firm thus engaged.
(5) To invite comments and recommendations from the Auditors regarding
the system of internal controls, accounting policies and practices, and any
other related matters employed by the Corporation.
(6) To meet with the Corporation's Internal Auditor in order to ensure,
as a part of the system of internal controls, that an adequate program of
internal auditing is being continuously carried out, to determine that the
Corporation's Internal Audit Staff is adequate and to review the findings of
such Staff's investigations.
(7) To report periodically regarding its activities to the Board of the
Corporation and to make such recommendations and findings concerning any
audit or audit-related matter as the Audit Committee deems appropriate.
Section 15. COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT. The directors shall annually, at
their first meeting succeeding the stockholders meeting at which they are
elected, elect from among their number a Committee on Management consisting of
at least three members. One such member shall be designated by the Board to be
the Chairman of the Committee on Management. The tenure of office of the members
of the Committee on Management shall be one year or until their successors shall
have been duly appointed or elected. Any vacancy shall be filled by the Board. A
majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
The Committee on Management shall recommend to the Board nominees for
election as directors and shall consider the performance of incumbent directors
in determining whether to nominate them to stand for reelection; the Committee
shall, among other things, consider any major changes in the organization of the
Corporation; it shall recommend to the Board the remuneration arrangements for
officers and directors of the Corporation. The Committee shall recommend to the
Board nominees for officers of the Corporation. The Committee on Management
shall have such additional powers to perform such duties as shall be prescribed
by resolution of the Board.
Section 16. OTHER COMMITTEES. The Board is authorized to appoint from
among its members such other committees as it may, from time to time, deem
advisable and to delegate to such committee or committees any of the powers of
the Board which it may lawfully delegate. Each such committee shall consist of
at least two directors.
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Section 17. COMPENSATION. The directors may be reimbursed for any expenses
incurred by them in respect of their attendance at any meeting of the Board or
of any of its committees. To the extent provided by resolution adopted by a
majority of the entire Board, a director may be paid a stated fee as director
and/or a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting or committee meeting at which
he is present. No payments or reimbursements described herein shall preclude any
director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving
compensation therefor.
ARTICLE IV.
OFFICERS
Section 1. ELECTION. The Board shall elect a Chairman of the Board, a
Chief Executive Officer, a Vice-Chairman, a President and Chief Operating
Officer, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and such other officers, if any, as the
Board may from time to time determine. With the exception of the offices of
President and Vice-President, any number of offices may be held by the same
person; however, a person who holds more than one office may not act in more
than one capacity to sign, acknowledge or verify an instrument required by law
to be signed, acknowledged or verified by more than one officer.
Section 2. TERMS OF OFFICE; VACANCIES. Each such officer shall hold office
until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier removal or
resignation. Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the
Corporation. A vacancy occurring in any office may be filled by the Board.
Section 3. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Chairman of the Board shall preside
at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board, and assist the Chief
Executive Officer in seeing that all orders and resolutions of the Board are
carried into effect. The Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties
and exercise such other powers as may be assigned to him by the Board or as are
set forth in such officer's employment agreement with the Corporation, if any.
Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Chief Executive Officer shall have
active responsibility for the executive management of the operations of the
Corporation and responsibility for carrying out all orders and directions of the
Board. The Chief Executive Officer shall also perform such other duties and
exercise such other powers as may be assigned to him by the Board or as are set
forth in such officer's employment agreement with the Corporation, if any.
Section 5. VICE-CHAIRMAN. The Vice-Chairman shall serve as the Chairman of
the Board of the Corporation's diversified subsidiaries, shall be responsible
for business development and strategic planning, and shall have such powers and
perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer or
the Board or as are set forth in such officer's employment agreement with the
Corporation, if any.
Section 6. PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The President and Chief
Operating Officer shall be responsible for utility operations, and shall have
such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to him by the Chief
Executive Officer or the Board or as are set forth in such officer's employment
agreement with the Corporation, if any.
Section 7. SECRETARY. The Secretary shall keep true and complete records
of the proceedings of the meetings of the stockholders, the Board and any
committees of directors and shall file any written consents of the stockholders,
the Board and any committees of directors with the records of the Corporation.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to be custodian of such records and of the
seal of the Corporation. The Secretary shall also attend to the giving of all
notices and shall perform such other duties as the Chief Executive Officer or
the Board may assign.
Section 8. TREASURER. The Treasurer shall act as legal custodian of all
moneys, notes, securities, and other valuables that may from time to time come
into the possession of the Corporation, and shall promptly deposit all funds of
the Corporation coming into his hands in the bank or other
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depository designated by the Board and shall keep this bank account in the name
of the Corporation. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties and exercise
such other powers as may be assigned to him by the Chief Financial Officer, the
Chief Executive Officer or the Board.
Section 9. OTHER OFFICERS. Such other officers as are appointed by the
Board shall exercise such duties and have such powers as by custom and
applicable law generally pertain to their respective offices as well as such
duties and powers as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may assign.
Section 10. REMOVAL AND VACANCIES. Any officer may be removed by the Board
whenever, in its judgement, the best interests of the Corporation will be served
thereby. Removal shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights, if any,
of the person so removed, but election of an officer shall not of itself create
contractual rights.
Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by
the Board and the officer so elected shall hold office for the unexpired term in
respect of which the vacancy occurred or until his successor shall be duly
elected and qualified.
In any event of absence or temporary disability of any officer of the
Corporation, the Board may authorize some other person to perform the duties of
that office.
Section 11. VOTING SECURITIES OWNED BY THE CORPORATION. Powers of
attorney, proxies, waivers of notice of meeting, consents and other instruments
relating to securities owned by the Corporation may be executed in the name of
and on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer,
the Vice-Chairman, the President or any Vice-President and any such officer may,
in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, take all such action as any
such officer may deem advisable to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of
security holders of any corporation in which the Corporation may own securities
and at any such meeting shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and
powers incident to the ownership of such securities and which, as the owner
thereof, the Corporation might have exercised and possessed if present. The
Board may, by resolution, from time to time confer like powers upon any other
person or persons.
ARTICLE V.
SPECIFIC CORPORATE ACTIONS
Section 1. CONTRACTS, CHECKS, NOTICES, ETC. All contracts and agreements
and all bonds and notes shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board or unless
otherwise required by law, be signed by any one of the Chairman, the Chief
Executive Officer, the Vice-Chairman, the President or a Vice-President of the
Corporation. The Treasurer, and any other officer or employee who the Board may
by resolution designate, may in the name of the Corporation execute checks,
drafts and orders for the payment of money on its behalf.
ARTICLE VI.
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. PROCEDURE. The Corporation shall indemnify all directors,
officers and employees to the fullest extent permitted by law and shall provide
indemnification expenses in advance to the extent permitted thereby. The
Corporation will follow the procedures required by applicable law in determining
persons eligible for indemnification and in making indemnification payments and
advances.
Section 2. EXCLUSIVITY, ETC. The indemnification and advance of expenses
provided by the Articles of Incorporation and these By-Laws shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification or
advance of expenses may be entitled under any law (common or statutory), or any
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or other provision
that is consistent with law, both as to action in his official capacity and as
to action in another capacity while
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holding office or while employed by or acting as agent for the Corporation,
shall continue in respect of all events occurring while a person was a director
or officer after such person has ceased to be a director or officer, and shall
inure to the benefit of the estate, heirs, executors and administrators of such
person. All rights to indemnification and advance of expenses under the Articles
of Incorporation of the Corporation and hereunder shall be deemed to be a
contract between the Corporation and each director or officer of the Corporation
who serves or served in such capacity at any time while this By-Law is in
effect. Nothing herein shall prevent the amendment of this By-Law, PROVIDED that
no such amendment shall diminish the rights of any person hereunder with respect
to events occurring or claims made before its adoption or as to claims made
after its adoption in respect of events occurring before its adoption. Any
repeal or modification of this By-Law shall not in any way diminish any rights
to indemnification or advance of expenses of such director or officer or the
obligations of the Corporation arising hereunder with respect to events
occurring, or claims made, while this By-Law or any provision hereof is in
force.
Section 3. SEVERABILITY; DEFINITIONS. The invalidity or unenforceability
of any provision of this Article VI shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision hereof. The phrase "this By-Law" in this
Article VI means this Article VI in its entirety.
ARTICLE VII.
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. SEAL. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name
of the Corporation, the year of its incorporation and the words "Corporate Seal
Constellation Energy Corporation."
Section 2. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be
determined by resolution of the Board.
Section 3. AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS. These By-Laws may be altered, amended or
repealed by the Board.
Section 4. SECTION HEADINGS AND STATUTORY REFERENCES. The headings of the
Articles and Sections of these By-Laws, have been inserted for convenience of
reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of these By-Laws.
Section 5. SUPERMAJORITY. Notwithstanding Section 3 of this Article VII or
any other provision of these By-Laws, until [INSERT 2 YEARS FROM CLOSING DATE],
a vote of 66 2/3% of the entire Board shall be required to (a) change the number
of directors as set forth in Article III, Section 1 hereof; (b) approve a change
in the Corporation's name; (c) relocate the Corporation's headquarters or its
principal executive offices to an area other than the Annapolis, Maryland area;
(d) amend the employment agreements, dated as of September 22, 1995, between the
Corporation and each of Edward F. Mitchell, Christian H. Poindexter, Edward A.
Crooke, or John M. Derrick, Jr. or to otherwise change the titles or functions
of such individuals from those set forth in the respective employment
agreements; (e) change Committees of the Board as established by the Board
pursuant to SECTION 7.12(C) of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
September 22, 1995, by and among Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Potomac
Electric Power Company and the Corporation; or (f) amend this Article VII,
Section 5 of the By-Laws. On [INSERT TWO YEARS FROM THE CLOSING DATE] this
Article VII, Section 5 shall become null and void.
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EXHIBIT G1
Sections 3-202 to 3-213 of the Maryland General Corporation Law
SECTION 3-202. RIGHT TO FAIR VALUE OF STOCK
(a) GENERAL RULE. -- Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a
stockholder of a Maryland corporation has the right to demand and receive
payment of the fair value of the stockholder's stock from the successor if:
(1) The corporation consolidates or merges with another corporation;
(2) The stockholder's stock is to be acquired in a share exchange;
(3) The corporation transfers its assets in a manner requiring corporate
action under Section 3-105 of this title;
(4) The corporation amends its charter in a way which alters the
contract rights, as expressly set forth in the charter, of any outstanding
stock and substantially adversely affects the stockholder's rights, unless
the right to do so is reserved by the charter of the corporation; or
(5) The transaction is governed by Section 3-602 of this title or
exempted by Section 3-603 (b) of this title.
(b) BASIS OF FAIR VALUE. --
(1) Fair value is determined as of the close of business:
(i) With respect to a merger under Section 3-106 of this title of a
90 percent or more owned subsidiary into its parent, on the day notice is
given or waived under Section 3-106; or
(ii) With respect to any other transaction, on the day the
stockholders voted on the transaction objected to.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, fair value
may not include any appreciation or depreciation which directly or
indirectly results from the transaction objected to or from its proposal.
(3) In any transaction governed by Section 3-602 of this title or
exempted by Section 3-603 (b) of this title, fair value shall be value
determined in accordance with the requirements of Section 3-603 (b) of this
title.
(c) WHEN RIGHT TO FAIR VALUE DOES NOT APPLY. -- Unless the transaction is
governed by Section 3-602 of this title or is exempted by Section 3-603 (b) of
this title, a stockholder may not demand the fair value of his stock and is
bound by the terms of the transaction if:
(1) The stock is listed on a national securities exchange or is
designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation
system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.:
(i) With respect to a merger under Section 3-106 of this title of a
90 percent or more owned subsidiary into its parent, on the date notice
is given or waived under Section 3-106; or
(ii) With respect to any other transaction, on the record date for
determining stockholders entitled to vote on the transaction objected to;
(2) The stock is that of the successor in a merger, unless:
(i) The merger alters the contract rights of the stock as expressly
set forth in the charter, and the charter does not reserve the right to
do so; or
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(ii) The stock is to be changed or converted in whole or in part in
the merger into something other than either stock in the successor or
cash, scrip, or other rights or interests arising out of provisions for
the treatment of fractional shares of stock in the successor; or
(3) The stock is that of an open-end investment company registered with
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and the value placed on the stock in the transaction is its net asset
value.
SECTION 3-203. PROCEDURE BY STOCKHOLDER
(a) SPECIFIC DUTIES. -- A stockholder of a corporation who desires to
receive payment of the fair value of his stock under this subtitle:
(1) Shall file with the corporation a written objection to the proposed
transaction:
(i) With respect to a merger under Section 3-106 of this title of a
90 percent or more owned subsidiary into its parent, within 30 days after
notice is given or waived under Section 3-106; or
(ii) With respect to any other transaction, at or before the
stockholders' meeting at which the transaction will be considered;
(2) May not vote in favor of the transaction; and
(3) Within 20 days after the Department accepts the articles for record,
shall make a written demand on the successor for payment for his stock,
stating the number and class of shares for which he demands payment.
(b) FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SECTION. -- A stockholder who fails to comply
with this section is bound by the terms of the consolidation, merger, share
exchange, transfer of assets, or charter amendment.
SECTION 3-204. EFFECT OF DEMAND ON DIVIDEND AND OTHER RIGHTS
A stockholder who demands payment for his stock under this subtitle:
(1) Has no right to receive any dividends or distributions payable to
holders of record of that stock on a record date after the close of business
on the day as at which fair value is to be determined under Section 3-202 of
this subtitle; and
(2) Ceases to have any rights of a stockholder with respect to that
stock, except the right to receive payment of its fair value.
SECTION 3-205. WITHDRAWAL OF DEMAND
A demand for payment may be withdrawn only with the consent of the
successor.
SECTION 3-206. RESTORATION OF DIVIDEND AND OTHER RIGHTS
(a) WHEN RIGHTS RESTORED. -- The rights of a stockholder who demands payment
are restored in full, if:
(1) The demand for payment is withdrawn;
(2) A petition for an appraisal is not filed within the time required by
this subtitle;
(3) A court determines that the stockholder is not entitled to relief;
or
(4) The transaction objected to is abandoned or rescinded.
(b) EFFECT OF RESTORATION. -- The restoration of a stockholder's rights
entitles him to receive the dividends, distributions, and other rights he would
have received if he had not demanded payment for his stock. However, the
restoration does not prejudice any corporate proceedings taken before the
restoration.
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SECTION 3-207. NOTICE AND OFFER TO STOCKHOLDERS
(a) DUTY OF SUCCESSOR. --
(1) The successor promptly shall notify each objecting stockholder in
writing of the date the articles are accepted for record by the Department.
(2) The successor also may send a written offer to pay the objecting
stockholder what it considers to be the fair value of his stock. Each offer
shall be accompanied by the following information relating to the
corporation which issued the stock:
(i) A balance sheet as of a date not more than six months before the
date of the offer;
(ii) A profit and loss statement for the 12 months ending on the date
of the balance sheet; and
(iii) Any other information the successor considers pertinent.
(b) MANNER OF SENDING NOTICE. -- The successor shall deliver the notice and
offer to each objecting stockholder personally or mail them to him by certified
mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal
Service, at the address he gives the successor in writing, or, if none, at his
address as it appears on the records of the corporation which issued the stock.
SECTION 3-208. PETITION FOR APPRAISAL; CONSOLIDATION OF PROCEEDINGS; JOINDER OF
OBJECTORS.
(a) PETITION FOR APPRAISAL. -- Within 50 days after the Department accepts
the articles for record, the successor or an objecting stockholder who has not
received payment for his stock may petition a court of equity in the county
where the principal office of the successor is located or, if it does not have a
principal office in this State, where the resident agent of the successor is
located, for an appraisal to determine the fair value of the stock.
(B) CONSOLIDATION OF SUITS; JOINDER OF OBJECTORS. -- (1) If more than one
appraisal proceeding is instituted, the court shall direct the consolidation of
all the proceedings on terms and conditions it considers proper.
(2) Two or more objecting stockholders may join or be joined in an appraisal
proceeding. (An. Code 1957, art. 23, Section 73; 1975, ch. 311, Section 2.)
SECTION 3-209. NOTATION ON STOCK CERTIFICATE.
(A) SUBMISSION OF CERTIFICATE. -- At any time after a petition for appraisal
is filed, the court may require the objecting stockholders parties to the
proceeding to submit their stock certificates to the clerk of the court for
notation on them that the appraisal proceeding is pending. If a stockholder
fails to comply with the order, the court may dismiss the proceeding as to him
or grant other appropriate relief.
(B) TRANSFER OF STOCK BEARING NOTATION. -- If any stock represented by a
certificate which bears a notation is subsequently transferred, the new
certificate issued for the stock shall bear a similar notation and the name of
the original objecting stockholder. The transferee of this stock does not
acquire rights of any character with respect to the stock other than the rights
of the original objecting stockholder. (An. Code 1957, art. 23, Section 73;
1975, ch. 311, Section 2.),
SECTION 3-210. APPRAISAL OF FAIR VALUE.
(a) COURT TO APPOINT APPRAISERS. -- If the court finds that the objecting
stockholder is entitled to an appraisal of his stock, it shall appoint three
disinterested appraisers to determine the fair value of the stock on terms and
conditions the court considers proper. Each appraiser shall take an oath to
discharge his duties honestly and faithfully.
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(b) REPORT OF APPRAISERS -- FILING. -- Within 60 days after their
appointment, unless the court sets a longer time, the appraisers shall determine
the fair value of the stock as of the appropriate date and file a report stating
the conclusion of the majority as to the fair value of the stock.
(C) SAME -- CONTENTS. -- The report shall state the reasons for the
conclusion and shall include a transcript of all testimony and exhibits offered.
(D) SAME -- SERVICE; OBJECTION. -- (1) On the same day that the report is
filed, the appraisers shall mail a copy of it to each party to the proceedings.
(2) Within 15 days after the report is filed, any party may object to it
and request a hearing. (An. Code 1957, art. 23, Section 73; 1975, ch. 311,
Section 2.)
SECTION 3-211. ACTION BY COURT ON APPRAISERS' REPORT.
(a) ORDER OF COURT. -- The court shall consider the report and, on motion of
any party to the proceeding, enter an order which:
(1) Confirms, modifies, or rejects it; and
(2) If appropriate, sets the time for payment to the stockholder.
(B) PROCEDURE AFTER ORDER. -- (1) If the appraisers' report is confirmed or
modified by the order, judgment shall be entered against the successor and in
favor of each objecting stockholder party to the proceeding for the appraised
fair value of his stock.
(2) If the appraisers' report is rejected, the court may:
(i) Determine the fair value of the stock and enter judgment for the
stockholder; or
(ii) Remit the proceedings to the same or other appraisers on terms
and conditions it considers proper.
(C) JUDGMENT INCLUDES INTEREST. -- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2)
of this subsection, a judgment for the stockholder shall award the value of the
stock and interest from the date as at which fair value is to be determined
under Section 3-202 of this subtitle.
(2) The court may not allow interest if it finds that the failure of the
stockholder to accept an offer for the stock made under Section 3-207 of
this subtitle was arbitrary and vexatious or not in good faith. In making
this finding, the court shall consider:
(i) The price which the successor offered for the stock;
(ii) The financial statements and other information furnished to the
stockholder; and
(iii) Any other circumstances it considers relevant.
(D) COSTS OF PROCEEDINGS. -- (1) The costs of the proceedings, including
reasonable compensation and expenses of the appraisers, shall be set by the
court and assessed against the successor. However, the court may direct the
costs to be apportioned and assessed against any objecting stockholder if the
court finds that the failure of the stockholder to accept an offer for the stock
made under Section 3-207 of this subtitle was arbitrary and vexatious or not in
good faith. In making this finding, the court shall consider:
(i) The price which the successor offered for the stock;
(ii) The financial statements and other information furnished to the
stockholder; and
(iii) Any other circumstances it considers relevant.
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(2) Costs may not include attorney's fees or expenses. The reasonable fees
and expenses of experts may be included only if:
(i) The successor did not make an offer for the stock under Section
3-207 of this subtitle; or
(ii) The value of the stock determined in the proceeding materially
exceeds the amount offered by the successor.
(e) EFFECT OF JUDGMENT. -- The judgment is final and conclusive on all
parties and has the same force and effect as other decrees in equity. The
judgment constitutes a lien on the assets of the successor with priority over
any mortgage or other lien attaching on or after the effective date of the
consolidation, merger, transfer, or charter amendment. (An. Code 1957, art. 23,
Section 73; 1975, ch. 311, Section 2; 1976, ch. 567, Section 2.)
SECTION 3-212. SURRENDER OF STOCK.
The successor is not required to pay for the stock of an objecting
stockholder or to pay a judgment rendered against it in a proceeding for an
appraisal unless, simultaneously with payment:
(1) The certificates representing the stock are surrendered to it,
indorsed in blank, and in proper form for transfer; or
(2) Satisfactory evidence of the loss or destruction of the certificates
and sufficient indemnity bond are furnished. (An. Code 1957, art. 23,
Section 73; 1975, ch. 311, Section 2.)
SECTION 3-213. RIGHTS OF SUCCESSOR WITH RESPECT TO STOCK.
(A) GENERAL RULE. -- A successor which acquires the stock of an objecting
stockholder is entitled to any dividends or distributions payable to holders of
record of that stock on a record date after the close of business on the day as
at which fair value is to be determined under Section 3-202 of this subtitle.
(B) SUCCESSOR IN TRANSFER OF ASSETS. -- After acquiring the stock of an
objecting stockholder, a successor in a transfer of assets may exercise all the
rights of an owner of the stock.
(C) SUCCESSOR IN CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, OR SHARE EXCHANGE. Unless the
articles provide otherwise, stock in the successor of a consolidation, merger,
or share exchange otherwise deliverable in exchange for the stock of an
objecting stockholder has the status of authorized but unissued stock of the
successor. However, a proceeding for reduction of the capital of the successor
is not necessary to retire the stock or to reduce the capital of the successor
represented by the stock. (An. Code 1957, art. 23, Section 73; 1975, ch. 311,
Section 2; 1976, ch. 567, Section 2.)
SUBTITLE 3. PARTIAL LIQUIDATION AND REORGANIZATION.
SECTION 3-301. REORGANIZATION BY ORDER OF COURT.
(A) RATIFICATION BY STOCKHOLDERS OR DIRECTORS NOT REQUIRED. -- If the final
order of a court makes a plan of reorganization binding on the stockholders of a
corporation, the board of directors, trustee, or receiver, as the case may be,
may take any action necessary to carry out the plan without any other corporate
approval.
(B) CONTENTS OF CHARTER DOCUMENT. -- If a charter document is required to be
filed with the Department to carry out a transaction under subsection (a) of
this section, it shall state:
(1) That the transaction was carried out under a plan of reorganization
pursuant to a final order of a court having jurisdiction;
(2) The name of the court and the caption and docket number of the
proceedings; and
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(3) That the transaction was approved by the board of directors,
trustee, or receiver, as the case may be.
(C) EXECUTION OF DOCUMENT. -- If the action is taken by a trustee or
receiver, he may sign and acknowledge the charter document for the corporation,
and no other execution, acknowledgment, or affidavit on behalf of the
corporation is required. (An. Code 1957, art. 23, Section 75; 1975, ch. 311,
Section 2; 1988, ch. 280, Section 2; ch. 281, Section 2.)
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EXHIBIT G2
Sections 13.1-729 to 13.1-741 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act
ARTICLE 15
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
13.1-729 DEFINITIONS. -- In this article:
"Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter before the
corporate action, except that (i) with respect to a merger, "corporation" means
the surviving domestic or foreign corporation or limited liability company by
merger of that issuer, and (ii) with respect to a share exchange, "corporation"
means the acquiring corporation by share exchange, rather than the issuer, if
the plan of share exchange places the responsibility for dissenters' rights on
the acquiring corporation.
"Dissenter" means a shareholder who is entitled to dissent from corporate
action under Section 13.1-730 and who exercises that right when and in the
manner required by Sections 13.1-732 through 13.1-739.
"Fair value" with respect to a dissenter's shares, means the value of the
shares immediately before the effectuation of the corporate action to which the
dissenter objects, excluding any appreciation or depreciation in anticipation of
the corporate action unless exclusion would be inequitable.
"Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate action
until the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the corporation
on its principal bank loans or, if none, at a rate that is fair and equitable
under all the circumstances.
"Record shareholder" means the person in whose name shares are registered in
the records of a corporation or the beneficial owner of shares to the extent of
the rights granted by a nominee certificate on file with a corporation.
"Beneficial shareholder" means the person who is a beneficial owner of
shares held by a nominee as the record shareholder.
"Shareholder" means the record shareholder or the beneficial shareholder.
13.1-730 RIGHT TO DISSENT. -- A. A shareholder is entitled to dissent from,
and obtain payment of the fair value of his shares in the event of, any of the
following corporate actions:
1. Consummation of a plan of merger to which the corporation is a party
(i) if shareholder approval is required for the merger by Section 13.1-718
or the articles of incorporation and the shareholder is entitled to vote on
the merger or (ii) if the corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with
its parent under Section 13.1-719;
2. Consummation of a plan of share exchange to which the corporation is
a party as the corporation whose shares will be acquired, if the shareholder
is entitled to vote on the plan;
3. Consummation of a sale or exchange of all, or substantially all, of
the property of the corporation if the shareholder was entitled to vote on
the sale or exchange or if the sale or exchange was in furtherance of a
dissolution on which the shareholder was entitled to vote, provided that
such dissenter's rights shall not apply in the case of (i) a sale or
exchange pursuant to court order, or (ii) a sale for cash pursuant to a plan
by which all or substantially all of the net proceeds of the sale will be
distributed to the shareholders within one year after the date of sale;
4. Any corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote to the
extent the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or a resolution of the board
of directors provides that voting or nonvoting shareholders are entitled to
dissent and obtain payment for their shares.
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B. A shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his shares
under this article may not challenge the corporate action creating his
entitlement unless the action is unlawful or fraudulent with respect to the
shareholder or the corporation.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, with respect to a
plan of merger or share exchange or a sale or exchange of property there shall
be no right of dissent in favor of holders of shares of any class or series
which, at the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to
receive notice of and to vote at the meeting at which the plan of merger or
share exchange or the sale or exchange of property is to be acted on, were (i)
listed on a national securities exchange or (ii) held by at least 2,000 record
shareholders, unless in either case:
1. The articles of incorporation of the corporation issuing such shares
provide otherwise;
2. In the case of a plan of merger or share exchange, the holders of
the class or series are required under the plan of merger or share exchange
to accept for such shares anything except:
a. Cash;
b. Shares or membership interests, or shares or membership interests
and cash in lieu of fractional shares (i) of the surviving or acquiring
corporation or limited liability company or (ii) of any other corporation
or limited liability company which, at the record date fixed to determine
the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting
at which the plan of merger or share exchange is to be acted on, were
either listed subject to notice of issuance on a national securities
exchange or held of record by at least 2,000 record shareholders or
members; or
c. A combination of cash and shares or membership interests as set
forth in subdivisions 2a and 2b of this subsection; or
3. The transaction to be voted on is an "affiliated transaction" and is
not approved by a majority of "disinterested directors" as such terms are
defined in Section 13.1-725.
D. The right of a dissenting shareholder to obtain payment of the fair
value of his shares shall terminate upon the occurrence of any one of the
following events:
1. The proposed corporate action is abandoned or rescinded;
2. A court having jurisdiction permanently enjoins or sets aside the
corporate action; or
3. His demand for payment is withdrawn with the written consent of the
corporation.
13.1-731 DISSENT BY NOMINEES AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS. -- A. A record
shareholder may assert dissenters rights as to fewer than all the shares
registered in his name only if he dissents with respect to all shares
beneficially owned by any one person and notifies the corporation in writing of
the name and address of each person on whose behalf he asserts dissenters'
rights. The rights of a partial dissenter under this subsection are determined
as if the shares as to which he dissents and his other shares were registered in
the names of different shareholders.
B. A beneficial shareholder may assert dissenters' rights as to shares held
on his behalf only if:
1. He submits to the corporation the record shareholder's written
consent to the dissent not later than the time the beneficial shareholder
asserts dissenters' rights; and
2. He does so with respect to all shares of which he is the beneficial
shareholder or over which he has power to direct the vote.
13.1-732 NOTICE OF DISSENTERS' RIGHTS -- A. If proposed corporate action
creating dissenters' rights under Section 13.1-730 is submitted to a vote at a
shareholders' meeting, the meeting notice shall state that shareholders are or
may be entitled to assert dissenters' rights under this article and be
accompanied by a copy of this article.
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B. If corporate action creating dissenters' rights under Section 13.1-730
is taken without a vote of shareholders, the corporation, during the ten-day
period after the effectuation of such corporate action, shall notify in writing
all record shareholders entitled to assert dissenters' rights that the action
was taken and send them the dissenters notice described in Section 13.1-734.
13.1-733 NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND PAYMENT. -- A. If proposed corporate
action creating dissenters' rights under Section 13.1-730 is submitted to a vote
at a shareholders' meeting, a shareholder who wishes to assert dissenters'
rights (i) shall deliver to the corporation before the vote is taken written
notice of his intent to demand payment for his shares if the proposed action is
effectuated and (ii) shall not vote such shares in favor of the proposed action.
B. A shareholder who does not satisfy the requirements of subsection A of
this section is not entitled to payment for his shares under this article.
13.1-734 DISSENTERS' NOTICE. -- A. If proposed corporate action creating
dissenters' rights under Section 13.1-730 is authorized at a shareholders'
meeting, the corporation, during the ten-day period after the effectuation of
such corporate action, shall deliver a dissenters' notice in writing to all
shareholders who satisfied the requirements of Section 13.1-733.
B. The dissenters' notice shall:
1. State where the payment demand shall be sent and where and when
certificates for certificated shares shall be deposited;
2. Inform holders of uncertificated shares to what extent transfer of
the shares will be restricted after the payment demand is received;
3. Supply a form for demanding payment that includes the date of the
first announcement to news media or to shareholders of the terms of the
proposed corporate action and requires that the person asserting dissenters'
rights certify whether or not he acquired beneficial ownership of the shares
before or after that date;
4. Set a date by which the corporation must receive the payment demand,
which date may not be fewer than thirty nor more than sixty days after the
date of delivery of the dissenters' notice; and
5. Be accompanied by a copy of this article.
13.1-735 DUTY TO DEMAND PAYMENT. -- A. A shareholder sent a dissenters'
notice described in Section 13.1-734 shall demand payment, certify that he
acquired beneficial ownership of the shares before or after the date required to
be set forth in the dissenters' notice pursuant to subdivision 3 of subsection B
of Section 13.1-734, and, in the case of certificated shares, deposit his
certificates in accordance with the terms of the notice.
B. The shareholder who deposits his shares pursuant to subsection A of this
section retains all other rights of a shareholder except to the extent that
these rights are canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate
action.
C. A shareholder who does not demand payment and deposits his share
certificates where required, each by the date set in the dissenters' notice, is
not entitled to payment for his shares under this article.
13.1-736 SHARE RESTRICTIONS. -- A. The corporation may restrict the
transfer of uncertificated shares from the date the demand for their payment is
received.
B. The person for whom dissenters' rights are asserted as to uncertificated
shares retains all other rights of a shareholder except to the extent that these
rights are canceled or modified by the taking of the proposed corporate action.
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13.1-737 PAYMENT. -- A. Except as provided in Section 13.1-738, within
thirty days after receipt of a payment demand made pursuant to Section 13.1-735,
the corporation shall pay the dissenter the amount the corporation estimates to
be the fair value of his shares, plus accrued interest. The obligation of the
corporation under this paragraph may be enforced (i) by the circuit court in the
city or county where the corporation's principal office is located, or, if none
in this Commonwealth, where its registered office is located or (ii) at the
election of any dissenter residing or having its principal office in the
Commonwealth, by the circuit court in the city or county where the dissenter
resides or has its principal office. The court shall dispose of the complaint on
an expedited basis.
B. The payment shall be accompanied by:
1. The corporation's balance sheet as of the end of a fiscal year
ending not more than sixteen months before the effective date of the
corporate action creating dissenters' rights, an income statement for that
year, a statement of changes in shareholders' equity for that year, and the
latest available interim financial statements, if any;
2. An explanation of how the corporation estimated the fair value of
the shares and of how the interest was calculated;
3. A statement of the dissenters' right to demand payment under Section
13.1-739; and
4. A copy of this article.
13.1-738 AFTER-ACQUIRED SHARES. -- A. A corporation may elect to withhold
payment required by Section 13.1-737 from a dissenter unless he was the
beneficial owner of the shares on the date of the first publication by news
media or the first announcement to shareholders generally, whichever is earlier,
of the terms of the proposed corporate action, as set forth in the dissenters'
notice.
B. To the extent the corporation elects to withhold payment under
subsection A of this section, after taking the proposed corporate action, it
shall estimate the fair value of the shares, plus accrued interest, and shall
offer to pay this amount to each dissenter who agrees to accept it in full
satisfaction of his demand. The corporation shall send with its offer an
explanation of how it estimated the fair value of the shares and of how the
interest was calculated, and a statement of the dissenter's right to demand
payment under Section 13.1-739.
13.1-739 PROCEDURE IF SHAREHOLDER DISSATISFIED WITH "PAYMENT" OR OFFER. --
A. A dissenter may notify the corporation in writing of his own estimate of the
fair value of his shares and amount of interest due, and demand payment of his
estimate (less any payment under Section 13.1-737), or reject the corporation's
offer under Section 13.1-738 and demand payment of the fair value of his shares
and interest due, if the dissenter believes that the amount paid under Section
13.1-737 or offered under Section 13.1-738 is less than the fair value of his
shares or that the interest due is incorrectly calculated.
B. A dissenter waives his right to demand payment under this section unless
he notifies the corporation of his demand in writing under subsection A of this
section within thirty days after the corporation made or offered payment for his
shares.
13.1-740 COURT ACTION. -- A. If a demand for payment under Section 13.1-739
remains unsettled, the corporation shall commence a proceeding within sixty days
after receiving the payment demand and petition the circuit court in the city or
county described in subsection B of this section to determine the fair value of
the shares and accrued interest. If the corporation does not commence the
proceeding within the sixty-day period, it shall pay each dissenter whose demand
remains unsettled the amount demanded.
B. The corporation shall commence the proceeding in the city or county
where its principal office is located, or, if none in this Commonwealth, where
its registered office is located. If the
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corporation is a foreign corporation without a registered office in this
Commonwealth, it shall commence the proceeding in the city or county in this
Commonwealth where the registered office of the domestic corporation merged with
or whose shares were acquired by the foreign corporation was located.
C. The corporation shall make all dissenters, whether or not residents of
this Commonwealth, whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as
in an action against their shares and all parties shall be served with a copy of
the petition. Nonresidents may be served by registered or certified mail or by
publication as provided by law.
D. The corporation may join as a party to the proceeding any shareholder
who claims to be a dissenter but who has not, in the opinion of the corporation,
complied with the provisions of this article. If the court determines that such
shareholder has not complied with the provisions of this article, he shall be
dismissed as a party.
E. The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced under
subsection B of this section is plenary and exclusive. The court may appoint one
or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend a decision on
the question of fair value. The appraisers have the powers described in the
order appointing them, or in any amendment to it. The dissenters are entitled to
the same discovery rights as parties in other civil proceedings.
F. Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment
(i) for the amount, if any, by which the court finds the fair value of his
shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the corporation or (ii) for
the fair value, plus accrued interest, of his after-acquired shares for which
the corporation elected to withhold payment under Section 13.1-738.
13.1-741 COURT COSTS AND COUNSEL FEES. -- A. The court in an appraisal
proceeding commenced under Section 13.1-740 shall determine all costs of the
proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of appraisers
appointed by the court. The court shall assess the costs against the
corporation, except that the court may assess costs against all or some of the
dissenters, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds
the dissenters did not act in good faith in demanding payment under Section
13.1-739.
B. The court may also assess the reasonable fees and expenses of experts,
excluding those of counsel, for the respective parties, in amounts the court
finds equitable:
1. Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if the
court finds the corporation did not substantially comply with the
requirements of Sections 13.1-732 through 13.1-739; or
2. Against either the corporation or a dissenter, in favor of any other
party, if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and expenses
are assessed did not act in good faith with respect to the rights provided
by this article.
C. If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were
of substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated, the court may
award to these counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded the
dissenters who were benefitted.
D. In a proceeding commenced under subsection A of Section 13.1-737 the
court shall assess the costs against the corporation, except that the court may
assess costs against all or some of the dissenters who are parties to the
proceeding, in amounts the court finds equitable, to the extent the court finds
that such parties did not act in good faith in instituting the proceeding.
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EXHIBIT G3
Section 29-373 of the District of Columbia Business Corporation Act
29-373 SAME RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS. -- (a) If a shareholder of a
corporation which is a party to a merger or consolidation shall file with the
corporation, prior to or at the meeting of shareholders at which the plan of
merger or consolidation is submitted to a vote, a written objection to the plan
of merger or consolidation, and shall not vote in favor of the plan, and the
shareholder, within 20 days after the merger or consolidation is effected, shall
make written demand on the surviving or new corporation for payment of the fair
value of his or her shares as of the day prior to the date on which the vote was
taken approving the merger or consolidation, the surviving or new corporation
shall pay to the shareholder the fair value of the shares forthwith, in the case
of holders of uncertificated shares, or upon the surrender of the certificate or
certificates representing the shares, in the case of holders of shares
represented by certificates. Such a demand shall state the number and class of
the shares owned by the dissenting shareholder. Any shareholder failing to make
demand within the 20-day period shall be bound by the terms of the merger or
consolidation.
(b) If within 30 days after the date on which the merger or consolidation
was effected the value of the shares is agreed upon between the dissenting
shareholder and the surviving or new corporation payment therefor shall be made
within 90 days after the date on which the merger or consolidation was effected,
in the case of holders of uncertificated shares, or upon surrender of the
certificate or certificates representing the shares, in the case of holders of
shares represented by certificates. Upon payment of the agreed value, the
dissenting shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares or the
corporation.
(c) If within the period of 30 days the shareholder and the surviving or new
corporation do not agree, the dissenting shareholder may, within 60 days after
the expiration of the 30-day period, file a petition in any court of competent
jurisdiction within the District of Columbia asking for a finding and
determination of the fair value of the shares, and shall be entitled to judgment
against the surviving or new corporation for the amount of the fair value as of
the day prior to the date on which the vote was taken approving the merger or
consolidation, together with interest at the rate of 5% per annum to the date of
judgment. The judgment shall be payable forthwith, in the case of holders of
uncertificated shares, or upon surrender of the certificate or certificates
representing the shares to the surviving or new corporation, in the case of
holders of shares represented by certificates. Upon payment of the judgment, the
dissenting shareholder shall cease to have any interest in the shares or in the
surviving or new corporation. The shares may be held and disposed of by the
surviving or new corporation as it may see fit. Unless the dissenting
shareholder shall file the petition within time herein limited, the shareholder
and all persons claiming under him or her shall be bound by the terms of the
merger or consolidation.
(d) The right of a dissenting shareholder to be paid and the fair value of
his or her shares as herein provided shall cease if and when the corporation
shall abandon the merger consolidation.
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EXHIBIT H
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this Plan is to increase shareholder value
by providing a long-term incentive to reward officers and key employees of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, who are mainly responsible for the continued
growth, development, and financial success of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
for the profitable performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries. The Plan is
also designed to permit the Company and its Subsidiaries to retain talented and
motivated officers and key employees and to increase their ownership of Company
common stock.
2. DEFINITIONS. All singular terms defined in this Plan will include the
plural and VICE VERSA. As used herein, the following terms will have the meaning
specified below:
"Award" means, individually or collectively, Restricted Stock, Options,
Performance Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, or Dividend Equivalents
granted under this Plan.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
"Book Value" means the book value of a share of Stock determined in
accordance with the Company's regular accounting practices as of the last
business day of the month immediately preceding the month in which a Stock
Appreciation Right is exercised as provided in Section 10.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference in the
Plan to any section of the Code will be deemed to include any amendments or
successor provisions to such section and any regulations promulgated
thereunder.
"Committee" means the Committee on Management of the Board, provided,
however, that if such Committee fails to satisfy the disinterested
administration provisions of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, "Committee"
shall mean a committee of directors of the Company who satisfy the
disinterested person requirements of such Rule.
"Company" means Constellation Energy Corporation, a Maryland and a Virginia
corporation, or its successor, including any "New Company" as provided in
Section 14I.
"Date of Grant" means the date on which the granting of an Award is
authorized by the Committee or such later date as may be specified by the
Committee in such authorization.
"Date of Retirement" means the date of Retirement or Early Retirement
applicable to a Participant.
"Disability" means the determination that a Participant is "disabled" under
the Company disability plan in effect at that time.
"Dividend Equivalent" means an award granted under Section 11.
"Early Retirement" means retirement prior to the Normal Retirement Date.
"Earned Performance Award" means an actual award of a specified number of
Performance Units (or shares of Restricted Stock, as the context requires)
which the Committee has determined have been earned and are payable (or, in
the case of Restricted Stock, earned and with respect to which restrictions
will lapse) for a particular Performance Period.
"Effective Time" means the Effective Time as defined in the Merger
Agreement.
"Eligible Employee" means any person employed by the Company or a Subsidiary
on a regularly scheduled basis who satisfies all of the requirements of
Section 5.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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"Exercise Period" means the period or periods during which a Stock
Appreciation Right is exercisable as described in Section 10.
"Fair Market Value" means the average of the highest and lowest price at
which the Stock was sold the regular way on the New York Stock
Exchange-Composite Transactions on a specified date.
"Incentive Stock Option" means an incentive stock option within the meaning
of Section 422 of the Code.
"Merger Agreement" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Potomac Electric Power Company, dated
as of September 22, 1995.
"Normal Retirement Date" is the earliest date as described in the Pension
Plan when a Participant is entitled to an unreduced retirement benefit under
such plan.
"Option" or "Stock Option" means either a nonqualified stock option or an
incentive stock option granted under Section 8.
"Option Period" or "Option Periods" means the period or periods during which
an Option is exercisable as described in Section 8.
"Participant" means an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary who has been
granted an Award under this Plan.
"Pension Plan" means the applicable qualified or nonqualified retirement or
pension plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries as may be amended from time
to time which covers the Participant.
"Performance-Based" means that in determining the amount of a Restricted
Stock Award payout, the Committee will take into account the performance of
the Participant, the Company, one or more Subsidiaries, or any combination
thereof.
"Performance Period" means a period of time, established by the Committee at
the time an Award is granted, during which corporate and/or individual
performance is measured.
"Performance Unit" means a unit of measurement equivalent to such amount or
measure as defined by the Committee which may include, but is not limited
to, dollars, market value shares, or book value shares.
"Plan" means the Constellation Energy Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan
as set forth herein.
"Plan Administrator" means, as set forth in Section 4, the Committee.
"Reporting Person" means a Participant who is subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
"Restricted Stock" means an Award granted under Section 7.
"Retirement" means retirement on or after the "Normal Retirement Date" (as
such term is defined in the Pension Plan or a Subsidiary's retirement or
pension plan).
"Service-Based" means that in determining the amount of a Restricted Stock
Award payout, the Committee will take into account only the period of time
that the Participant performed services for the Company or its Subsidiaries
since the Date of Grant.
"Stock" means the common stock, without par value, of the Company.
"Stock Appreciation Right" means an Award granted under Section 10.
"Subsidiary(ies)" means any corporation of which 20% or more of its
outstanding voting stock or voting power is beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by the Company.
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"Target Performance Award" means a targeted award of a specified number of
Performance Units (or shares of Restricted Stock, as the context requires)
which may be earned and payable (or, in the case of Restricted Stock, earned
and with respect to which restrictions will lapse) based upon the
performance objectives for a particular Performance Period, all as
determined by the Committee. The Target Performance Award will be a factor
in the Committee's ultimate determination of the Earned Performance Award.
"Termination" means resignation or discharge from employment with the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries except in the event of death, Disability,
Retirement or Early Retirement.
3. EFFECTIVE DATE, DURATION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL.
A. EFFECTIVE DATE AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. Subject to the approval of the
Plan by a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Baltimore Gas
and Electric Company voted in person or by proxy at a meeting of its
stockholders and a majority vote of the common stock of Potomac Electric Power
Company voted in person or by proxy at a meeting of its stockholders and
conditioned on the merger of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Potomac
Electric Power Company as agreed to in the Merger Agreement, the Plan will be
effective as of the Effective Time.
B. PERIOD FOR GRANTS OF AWARDS. Awards may be made as provided herein for
a period of 10 years after the Effective Time.
C. TERMINATION. The Plan will continue in effect until all matters
relating to the payment of outstanding Awards and administration of the Plan
have been settled.
4. PLAN ADMINISTRATION. The Committee is the Plan Administrator and has
sole authority (except as specified otherwise herein) to determine all questions
of interpretation and application of the Plan, or of the terms and conditions
pursuant to which Awards are granted, exercised or forfeited under the Plan
provisions, and, in general, to make all determinations advisable for the
administration of the Plan to achieve its stated objective. Such determinations
shall be final and not subject to further appeal.
5. ELIGIBILITY. Each officer or key employee of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (including officers or employees who are members of the Board, but
excluding directors who are not officers or employees) may be designated by the
Committee as a Participant, from time to time, with respect to one or more
Awards. No officer or employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall have any
right to be granted an Award under this Plan.
6. GRANT OF AWARDS AND LIMITATION OF NUMBER OF SHARES AWARDED. The
Committee may, from time to time, grant Awards to one or more Eligible
Employees, provided that (i) subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 14H,
the aggregate number of shares of Stock subject to Awards under this Plan may
not exceed five million five hundred thousand (5,500,000) shares; (ii) to the
extent that an Award lapses or the rights of the Participant to whom it was
granted terminate, any shares of Stock subject to such Award shall again be
available for the grant of an Award under the Plan; and (iii) shares delivered
by the Company under the Plan may be authorized and unissued Stock, Stock held
in the treasury of the Company, or Stock purchased on the open market (including
private purchases) in accordance with applicable securities laws.
7. RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS.
A. GRANTS OF RESTRICTED SHARES. One or more shares of Restricted Stock may
be granted to any Eligible Employee. The Restricted Stock will be issued to the
Participant on the Date of Grant without the payment of consideration by the
Participant. The Restricted Stock will be issued in the name of the Participant
and will bear a restrictive legend prohibiting sale, transfer, pledge or
hypothecation of the Restricted Stock until the expiration of the restriction
period.
The Committee may also impose such other restrictions and conditions on the
Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate, and will designate the grant as either
a Service-Based or Performance-Based Award.
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Upon issuance to the Participant of the Restricted Stock, the Participant
will have the right to vote the Restricted Stock, and subject to the Committee's
discretion, to receive the cash dividends distributable with respect to such
shares, with such dividends treated as compensation to the Participant. The
Committee, in its sole discretion, may direct the accumulation and payment of
distributable dividends to the Participant at such times, and in such form and
manner, as determined by the Committee.
B. SERVICE-BASED AWARD.
i. RESTRICTION PERIOD. At the time a Service-Based Restricted Stock
Award is granted, the Committee will establish a restriction period
applicable to such Award which will be not less than one year and not more
than ten years. Each Restricted Stock Award may have a different restriction
period, at the discretion of the Committee.
ii. FORFEITURE OR PAYOUT OF AWARD. In the event a Participant ceases
employment during a restriction period, a Restricted Stock Award is subject
to forfeiture or payout (i.e., removal of restrictions) as follows: (a)
Termination - the Restricted Stock Award is completely forfeited; (b)
Retirement, Disability or death - payout of the Restricted Stock Award is
prorated for service during the period; or (c) Early Retirement - if at the
Participant's request, the payout or forfeiture of the Restricted Stock
Award is determined at the discretion of the Committee, or if at the
Company's request, payout of the Restricted Stock Award is prorated for
service during the period; provided, however, that the Committee may modify
the above if it determines at its sole discretion that special circumstances
warrant such modification.
Any shares of Restricted Stock which are forfeited will be transferred to
the Company.
Upon completion of the restriction period, all Award restrictions will
expire and new certificates representing the Award will be issued (the payout)
without the restrictive legend described in Section 7A.
C. PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARD.
i. RESTRICTION PERIOD. At the time a Performance-Based Restricted
Stock Award is granted, the Committee will establish a restriction period
applicable to such Award which will be not less than one year and not more
than ten years. Each Restricted Stock Award may have a different restriction
period, at the discretion of the Committee. The Committee will also
establish a Performance Period.
ii. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES. The Committee will determine, no later
than 90 days after the beginning of each Performance Period, the performance
objectives for each Participant's Target Performance Award and the number of
shares of Restricted Stock for each Target Performance Award that will be
issued on the Date of Grant. Performance objectives may vary from
Participant to Participant and will be based upon such performance criteria
or combination of factors as the Committee deems appropriate, which may
include, but not be limited to, the performance of the Participant, the
Company, one or more Subsidiaries, or any combination thereof. Performance
Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with
respect to Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards for which different
Performance Periods are prescribed.
If, during the course of a Performance Period significant events occur
as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, which the Committee
expects to have a substantial effect on a performance objective during such
period, the Committee may revise such objective.
iii. FORFEITURE OR PAYOUT OF AWARD. As soon as practicable after the
end of each Performance Period, the Committee will determine whether the
performance objectives and other material terms of the Award were satisfied.
The Committee's determination of all such matters will be final and
conclusive.
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As soon as practicable after the later of (i) the date the Committee makes
the above determination, or (ii) the completion of the restriction period, the
Committee will determine the Earned Performance Award for each Participant. Such
determination may result in forfeiture of all or some shares of Restricted Stock
(if Target Performance Award performance objectives were not attained), or the
issuance of additional shares of Stock (if Target Performance Award performance
objectives were exceeded), and will be based upon such factors as the Committee
determines at its sole discretion, but including the Target Performance Award
performance objectives.
In the event a Participant ceases employment during a restriction period,
the Restricted Stock Award is subject to forfeiture or payout (i.e., removal of
restrictions) as follows: (a) Termination -- the Restricted Stock Award is
completely forfeited; (b) Retirement, Disability or death -- payout of the
Restricted Stock Award is prorated taking into account factors including, but
not limited to, service during the period; and the performance of the
Participant during the portion of the Performance Period before employment
ceased; or (c) Early Retirement -- if at the Participant's request, the payout
or forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Award is determined at the discretion of
the Committee, or if at the Company's request, payout of the Restricted Stock
Award is prorated taking into account factors including, but not limited to,
service during the period and the performance of the Participant during the
portion of the Performance Period before employment ceased; provided, however,
that the Committee may modify the above if it determines at its sole discretion
that special circumstances warrant such modification.
Any shares of Restricted Stock which are forfeited will be transferred to
the Company.
With respect to shares of Restricted Stock for which restrictions lapse, new
certificates will be issued (the payout) without the restrictive legend
described in Section 7A. New certificates will also be issued for additional
Stock, if any, awarded to the Participant because Target Performance Award
performance objectives were exceeded.
D. WAIVER OF SECTION 83(B) ELECTION. Unless otherwise directed by the
Committee, as a condition of receiving an Award of Restricted Stock, a
Participant must waive in writing the right to make an election under Section
83(b) of the Code to report the value of the Restricted Stock as income on the
Date of Grant.
8. STOCK OPTIONS.
A. GRANTS OF OPTIONS. One or more Options may be granted to any Eligible
Employee on the Date of Grant without the payment of consideration by the
Participant.
B. STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option granted under the Plan will be
evidenced by a "Stock Option Agreement" between the Company and the Participant
containing provisions determined by the Committee, including, without
limitation, provisions to qualify Incentive Stock Options as such under Section
422 of the Code if directed by the Committee at the Date of Grant; provided,
however, that each Incentive Stock Option Agreement must include the following
terms and conditions: (i) that the Options are exercisable, either in total or
in part, with a partial exercise not affecting the exerciseability of the
balance of the Option; (ii) every share of Stock purchased through the exercise
of an Option will be paid for in full at the time of the exercise; (iii) each
Option will cease to be exercisable, as to any share of Stock, at the earliest
of (a) the Participant's purchase of the Stock to which the Option relates, (b)
the Participant's exercise of a related Stock Appreciation Right, or (c) the
lapse of the Option; (iv) Options will not be transferable by the Participant
except by Will or the laws of descent and distribution and will be exercisable
during the Participant's lifetime only by the Participant or by the
Participant's guardian or legal representative; and (v) notwithstanding any
other provision, in the event of a public tender for all or any portion of the
Stock or in the event that any proposal to merge or consolidate the Company with
another company is submitted to the stockholders of the Company for a vote, the
Committee, in its sole discretion, may declare any previously granted Option to
be immediately exercisable.
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C. OPTION PRICE. The Option price per share of Stock will be set by the
grant, but will be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value at the Date of
Grant.
D. FORM OF PAYMENT. At the time of the exercise of the Option, the Option
price will be payable in cash or in other shares of Stock or in a combination of
cash and other shares of Stock, in a form and manner as required by the
Committee in its sole discretion. When Stock is used in full or partial payment
of the Option price, it will be valued at the Fair Market Value on the date the
Option is exercised.
E. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS. The Option will become exercisable in such
manner and within such Option Period or Periods, not to exceed 10 years from its
Date of Grant, as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement upon payment in full.
Except as otherwise provided in this Plan or in the Stock Option Agreement, any
Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time.
F. LAPSE OF OPTION. An Option will lapse upon the earlier of: (i) 10 years
from the Date of Grant, or (ii) at the expiration of the Option Period set by
the grant. If the Participant ceases employment within the Option Period and
prior to the lapse of the Option, the Option will lapse as follows: (a)
Termination -- the Option will lapse on the effective date of the Termination;
or (b) Retirement, Early Retirement, or Disability -- the Option will lapse at
the expiration of the Option Period set by the grant; provided, however, that
the Committee may modify the above if it determines in its sole discretion that
special circumstances warrant such modification. If the Participant dies within
the Option Period and prior to the lapse of the Option, the Option will lapse at
the expiration of the Option Period set by the grant unless it is exercised
before such time by the Participant's legal representative(s) or by the
person(s) entitled to do so under the Participant's Will or, if the Participant
fails to make testamentary disposition of the Option or dies intestate, by the
person(s) entitled to receive the Option under the applicable laws of descent
and distribution.
G. INDIVIDUAL LIMITATION. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the
aggregate Fair Market Value of the Stock for which Incentive Stock Options
(whether under this Plan or another arrangement) in any calendar year are first
exercisable will not exceed $100,000 with respect to such calendar year (or such
other individual limit as may be in effect under the Code on the Date of Grant)
plus any unused portion of such limit as the Code may permit to be carried over.
9. PERFORMANCE UNITS.
A. PERFORMANCE UNITS. One or more Performance Units may be earned by an
Eligible Employee based on the achievement of preestablished performance
objectives during a Performance Period.
B. PERFORMANCE PERIOD AND PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES. The Committee will
determine a Performance Period and will determine, no later than 90 days after
the beginning of each Performance Period, the performance objectives for each
Participant's Target Performance Award and the number of Performance Units
subject to each Target Performance Award. Performance objectives may vary from
Participant to Participant and will be based upon such performance criteria or
combination of factors as the Committee deems appropriate, which may include,
but not be limited to, the performance of the Participant, the Company, one or
more Subsidiaries, or any combination thereof. Performance Periods may overlap
and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Performance
Units for which different Performance Periods are prescribed.
If during the course of a Performance Period significant events occur as
determined in the sole discretion of the Committee which the Committee expects
to have a substantial effect on a performance objective during such period, the
Committee may revise such objective.
C. FORFEITURE OR PAYOUT OF AWARD. As soon as practicable after the end of
each Performance Period, the Committee will determine whether the performance
objectives and other material terms of the Award were satisfied. The Committee's
determination of all such matters will be final and conclusive.
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As soon as practicable after the date the Committee makes the above
determination, the Committee will determine the Earned Performance Award for
each Participant. Such determination may result in an increase or decrease in
the number of Performance Units payable based upon such Participant's Target
Performance Award, and will be based upon such factors as the Committee
determines in its sole discretion, but including the Target Performance Award
performance objectives.
In the event a Participant ceases employment during a Performance Period,
the Performance Unit Award is subject to forfeiture or payout as follows: (a)
Termination -- the Performance Unit Award is completely forfeited; (b)
Retirement, Disability or death -- payout of the Performance Unit Award is
prorated taking into account factors including, but not limited to, service and
the performance of the Participant during the portion of the Performance Period
before employment ceased; or (c) Early Retirement -- if at the Participant's
request, the payout or forfeiture of the Performance Unit Award is determined at
the discretion of the Committee, or if at the Company's request, payout of the
Performance Unit Award is prorated taking into account factors including, but
not limited to, service and the performance of the Participant during the
portion of the Performance Period before employment ceased; provided, however,
that the Committee may modify the above if it determines in its sole discretion
that special circumstances warrant such modification.
D. FORM AND TIMING OF PAYMENT. Each Performance Unit is payable in cash or
shares of Stock or in a combination of cash and Stock, as determined by the
Committee in its sole discretion. Such payment will be made as soon as
practicable after the Earned Performance Award is determined.
10. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.
A. GRANTS OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. Stock Appreciation Rights may be
granted under the Plan in conjunction with an Option either at the Date of Grant
or by amendment or may be separately granted. Stock Appreciation Rights will be
subject to such terms and conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as the
Committee may impose.
B. RIGHT TO EXERCISE; EXERCISE PERIOD. A Stock Appreciation Right issued
pursuant to an Option will be exercisable to the extent the Option is
exercisable; both such Stock Appreciation Right and the Option to which it
relates will not be exercisable during the six months following their respective
Dates of Grant except in the event of the Participant's Disability or death. A
Stock Appreciation Right issued independent of an Option will be exercisable
pursuant to such terms and conditions established in the grant. Notwithstanding
such terms and conditions, in the event of a public tender for all or any
portion of the Stock or in the event that any proposal to merge or consolidate
the Company with another company is submitted to the stockholders of the Company
for a vote, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may declare any previously
granted Stock Appreciation Right immediately exercisable.
C. FAILURE TO EXERCISE. If on the last day of the Option Period, in the
case of a Stock Appreciation Right granted pursuant to an Option, or the
specified Exercise Period, in the case of a Stock Appreciation Right issued
independent of an Option, the Participant has not exercised a Stock Appreciation
Right, then such Stock Appreciation Right will be deemed to have been exercised
by the Participant on the last day of the Option Period or Exercise Period.
D. PAYMENT. An exercisable Stock Appreciation Right granted pursuant to an
Option will entitle the Participant to surrender unexercised the Option or any
portion thereof to which the Stock Appreciation Right is attached, and to
receive in exchange for the Stock Appreciation Right payment (in cash or Stock
or a combination thereof as described below) equal to either of the following
amounts, determined in the sole discretion of the Committee at the Date of
Grant: (1) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock at the date
of exercise over the Option price, times the number of shares called for by the
Stock Appreciation Right (or portion thereof) which is so surrendered, or (2)
the excess of the Book Value of one share of Stock at the date of exercise over
the Book Value of one share of Stock at the Date of Grant of the related Option,
times the number of shares called for by the Stock Appreciation Right. Upon
exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right not granted pursuant to an Option, the
Participant will receive for each Stock Appreciation Right payment (in cash or
Stock or a
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<PAGE>
combination thereof as described below) equal to either of the following
amounts, determined in the sole discretion of the Committee at the Date of
Grant: (1) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock at the date
of exercise over the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock at the Date of
Grant of the Stock Appreciation Right, times the number of shares called for by
the Stock Appreciation Right, or (2) the excess of the Book Value of one share
of Stock at the date of exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right over the Book
Value of one share of Stock at the Date of Grant of the Stock Appreciation
Right, times the number of shares called for by the Stock Appreciation Right.
The Committee may direct the payment in settlement of the Stock Appreciation
Right to be in cash or Stock or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the
Committee may permit the Participant to elect to receive cash in full or partial
settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right, provided that (i) the Committee must
consent to or disapprove such election and (ii) unless the Committee directs
otherwise, the election and the exercise must be made during the period
beginning on the 3rd business day following the date of public release of
quarterly or year-end earnings and ending on the 12th business day following the
date of public release of quarterly or year-end earnings. The value of the Stock
to be received upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right shall be the Fair
Market Value of the Stock on the trading day preceding the date on which the
Stock Appreciation Right is exercised. To the extent that a Stock Appreciation
Right issued pursuant to an Option is exercised, such Option shall be deemed to
have been exercised, and shall not be deemed to have lapsed.
E. NONTRANSFERABLE. A Stock Appreciation Right will not be transferable by
the Participant except by Will or the laws of descent and distribution and will
be exercisable during the Participant's lifetime only by the Participant or by
the Participant's guardian or legal representative.
F. LAPSE OF A STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT. A Stock Appreciation Right will
lapse upon the earlier of: (i) 10 years from the Date of Grant; or (ii) at the
expiration of the Exercise Period as set by the grant. If the Participant ceases
employment within the Exercise Period and prior to the lapse of the Stock
Appreciation Right, the Stock Appreciation Right will lapse as follows: (a)
Termination -- the Stock Appreciation Right will lapse on the effective date of
the Termination; or (b) Retirement, Early Retirement, or Disability -- the Stock
Appreciation Right will lapse at the expiration of the Exercise Period set by
the grant; provided, however, that the Committee may modify the above if it
determines in its sole discretion that special circumstances warrant such
modification. If the Participant dies within the Exercise Period and prior to
the lapse of the Stock Appreciation Right, the Stock Appreciation Right will
lapse at the expiration of the Exercise Period set by the grant unless it is
exercised before such time by the Participant's legal representative(s) or by
the person(s) entitled to do so under the Participant's Will or, if the
Participant fails to make testamentary disposition of the Stock Appreciation
Right or dies intestate, by the person(s) entitled to receive the Stock
Appreciation Right under the applicable laws of descent and distribution.
11. DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS.
A. GRANTS OF DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS. Dividend Equivalents may be granted
under the Plan in conjunction with an Option or a separately awarded Stock
Appreciation Right, at the Date of Grant or by amendment, without consideration
by the Participant. Dividend Equivalents may also be granted under the Plan in
conjunction with Performance Units, at any time during the Performance Period,
without consideration by the Participant. Dividend Equivalents will be granted
under a Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award in conjunction with additional
shares of Stock issued if Target Performance Award performance objectives are
exceeded.
B. PAYMENT. Each Dividend Equivalent will entitle the Participant to
receive an amount equal to the dividend actually paid with respect to a share of
Stock on each dividend payment date from the Date of Grant to the date the
Dividend Equivalent lapses as set forth in Section 11D. The Committee, in its
sole discretion, may direct the payment of such amount at such times and in such
form and manner as determined by the Committee.
C. NONTRANSFERABLE. A Dividend Equivalent will not be transferable by the
Participant.
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<PAGE>
D. LAPSE OF A DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT. Each Dividend Equivalent will lapse on
the earlier of (i) the date of the lapse of the related Option or Stock
Appreciation Right; (ii) the date of the exercise of the related Option or Stock
Appreciation Right; (iii) the end of the Performance Period (or if earlier, the
date the Participant ceases employment) of the related Performance Units or
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Award; or (iv) the lapse date established by
the Committee on the Date of Grant of the Dividend Equivalent.
12. ACCELERATED AWARD PAYOUT/EXERCISE.
A. CHANGE IN CONTROL. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan document to
the contrary, a Participant is entitled to an accelerated payout or accelerated
Option or Exercise Period (as set forth in Section 12B) with respect to any
previously granted Award, upon the happening of a change in control.
A change in control for purposes of this Section 12 means (i) the purchase
or acquisition by any person, entity or group of persons (within the meaning of
section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act, or any comparable successor
provisions), of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3
promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20 percent or more of either the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding shares of voting securities entitled to a vote
generally, or (ii) the approval by the stockholders of the Company of a
reorganization, merger, or consolidation, in each case, with respect to which
persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such
reorganization, merger or consolidation do not, immediately thereafter, own more
than 50 percent of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors of the reorganized, merged or consolidated entity's then
outstanding securities, or (iii) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company or
the sale of substantially all of its assets, or (iv) a change of more than
one-half of the members of the Board within a 90-day period for reasons other
than the death, disability, or retirement of such members.
B. AMOUNT OF AWARD SUBJECT TO ACCELERATED PAYOUT/OPTION PERIOD/ EXERCISE
PERIOD. The amount of a Participant's previously granted Award that will be
paid or exercisable upon the happening of a change in control will be determined
as follows:
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS. The Participant will be entitled to an accelerated
Award payout, and the amount of the payout will be based on the number of
shares of Restricted Stock that were issued on the Date of Grant, prorated
based on the number of months of the restriction period that have elapsed as
of the payout date. Also, with respect to Performance-Based Restricted Stock
Awards, in determining the amount of the payout, maximum performance
achievement will be assumed.
STOCK OPTION AWARDS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. Any previously granted
Stock Option Awards or Stock Appreciation Rights will be immediately
exercisable.
PERFORMANCE UNITS. The Participant will be entitled to an accelerated Award
payout, and the amount of the payout will be based on the number of
Performance Units subject to the Target Performance Award as established on
the Date of Grant, prorated based on the number of months of the Performance
Period that have elapsed as of the payout date, and assuming that maximum
performance was achieved.
C. TIMING OF ACCELERATED PAYOUT/OPTION PERIOD/EXERCISE PERIOD. The
accelerated payout set forth in Section 12B will be made within 30 days after
the date of the change in control. The accelerated Option Period/Exercise Period
set forth in Section 12B will begin on the date of the change in control. If the
original Award provided for a payout in Stock, any accelerated payout set forth
in Section 12B will be made in Stock.
13. AMENDMENT OF PLAN. The Committee may at any time and from time to time
alter, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan in whole or in part, except (i) no
such action may be taken without stockholder approval which materially increases
the benefits accruing to Participants pursuant to the Plan, materially increases
the number of securities which may be issued pursuant to the Plan (except
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as provided in Section 14H), extends the period for granting Options under the
Plan or materially modifies the requirements as to eligibility for participation
in the Plan; and (ii) no such action may be taken without the consent of the
Participant to whom any Award was previously granted, which adversely affects
the rights of such Participant concerning such Award, except as such termination
or amendment of the Plan is required by statute, or rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may amend
the Plan as desirable at the discretion of the Committee to address any issues
concerning (i) Section 162(m) of the Code, or (ii) maintaining an exemption
under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.
14. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
A. NONTRANSFERABILITY. No benefit provided under this Plan shall be
subject to alienation or assignment by a Participant (or by any person entitled
to such benefit pursuant to the terms of this Plan), nor shall it be subject to
attachment or other legal process except (i) to the extent specifically mandated
and directed by applicable state or federal statute, and (ii) as requested by
the Participant (or by any person entitled to such benefit pursuant to the terms
of this Plan), and approved by the Committee, to satisfy income tax withholding.
B. NO EMPLOYMENT RIGHT. Participation in this Plan shall not constitute a
contract of employment between the Company or any Subsidiary and any person and
shall not be deemed to be consideration for, or a condition of, continued
employment of any person.
C. TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company or a Subsidiary may withhold any
applicable federal, state or local taxes at such time and upon such terms and
conditions as required by law or determined by the Company or a Subsidiary.
Subject to compliance with any requirements of applicable law, the Committee may
permit or require a Participant to have any portion of any withholding or other
taxes payable in respect to a distribution of Stock satisfied through the
payment of cash by the Participant to the Company or a Subsidiary, the retention
by the Company or a Subsidiary of shares of Stock, or delivery of previously
owned shares of the Participant's Stock, having a Fair Market Value equal to the
withholding amount. A Reporting Person may elect to have a sufficient number of
shares of Stock withheld to fulfill such withholding obligation (the
"Withholding Election") only if the election complies with the following
requirements: the Withholding Election is made (A) during the period beginning
on the third business day following the date of release for publication of the
quarterly or annual summary statements of the earnings of the Company or a
Subsidiary and ending on the twelfth business day following such date, (B) six
months before the Award becomes taxable or (C) during any other period in which
a Withholding Election may be made under the provisions of Rule 16b-3
promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act. Any fractional share of Common Stock
required to satisfy such withholding obligations shall be disregarded and the
amount due shall be paid in cash by the Participant.
D. FRACTIONAL SHARES. Any fractional shares concerning Awards shall be
eliminated at the time of payment or payout by rounding down for fractions of
less than one-half and rounding up for fractions of equal to or more than
one-half. No cash settlements shall be made with respect to fractional shares
eliminated by rounding.
E. GOVERNMENT AND OTHER REGULATIONS. The obligation of the Company to make
payment of Awards in Stock or otherwise shall be subject to all applicable laws,
rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any government agencies as may
be required. The Company shall be under no obligation to register under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Act"), any of the shares of Stock issued,
delivered or paid in settlement under the Plan. If Stock awarded under the Plan
may in certain circumstances be exempt from registration under the Act, the
Company may restrict its transfer in such manner as it deems advisable to ensure
such exempt status.
F. INDEMNIFICATION. Each person who is or at any time serves as a member
of the Committee (and each person or Committee to whom the Committee or any
member thereof has delegated any of its authority or power under this Plan)
shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company
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against and from (i) any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed
upon or reasonably incurred by such person in connection with or resulting from
any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which such person may be a party or in
which such person may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act
under the Plan; and (ii) any and all amounts paid by such person in satisfaction
of judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding relating to the Plan. Each
person covered by this indemnification shall give the Company an opportunity, at
its own expense, to handle and defend the same before such person undertakes to
handle and defend it on such person's own behalf. The foregoing right of
indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to
which such persons may be entitled under the Charter or By-Laws of the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that
the Company may have to indemnify such person or hold such person harmless.
G. RELIANCE ON REPORTS. Each member of the Committee (and each person or
Committee to whom the Committee or any member thereof has delegated any of its
authority or power under this Plan) shall be fully justified in relying or
acting in good faith upon any report made by the independent public accountants
of the Company and its Subsidiaries and upon any other information furnished in
connection with the Plan. In no event shall any person who is or shall have been
a member of the Committee be liable for any determination made or other action
taken or any omission to act in reliance upon any such report or information or
for any action taken, including the furnishing of information, or failure to
act, if in good faith.
H. CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE. In the event of any change in the
outstanding shares of Stock by reason of any stock dividend or split,
recapitalization, combination or exchange of shares or other similar changes in
the Stock, then appropriate adjustments shall be made in the shares of Stock
theretofore awarded to the Participants and in the aggregate number of shares of
Stock which may be awarded pursuant to the Plan. Such adjustments shall be
conclusive and binding for all purposes. Additional shares of Stock issued to a
Participant as the result of any such change shall bear the same restrictions as
the shares of Stock to which they relate.
I. COMPANY SUCCESSORS. In the event the Company becomes a party to a
merger, consolidation, sale of substantially all of its assets or any other
corporate reorganization in which the Company will not be the surviving
corporation or in which the holders of the Stock will receive securities of
another corporation (in any such case, the "New Company"), then the New Company
shall assume the rights and obligations of the Company under this Plan.
J. GOVERNING LAW. All matters relating to the Plan or to Awards granted
hereunder shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard
to the principles of conflict of laws.
K. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER BENEFITS. Any Awards under this Plan are not
considered compensation for purposes of determining benefits under any pension,
profit sharing, or other retirement or welfare plan, or for any other general
employee benefit program.
L. EXPENSES. The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the
Company and its Subsidiaries.
M. TITLES AND HEADINGS. The titles and headings of the sections in the
Plan are for convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict,
the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Article Seventh of the Company Articles and Article VI of the Company
By-laws will provide that to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
statutory or decisional law, as amended or interpreted, no director or officer
of the Company will be personally liable to the Company or its shareholders for
monetary damages.
Under Section 2-418 of the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may indemnify any
director who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative ("Proceeding") by reason of the fact
that he is a present or former director of the corporation and any person who,
while a director of the corporation, is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, other enterprise, or
employee benefit plan ("Director"). Under Section 2-418(b)(1)(i) - (iii), a
corporation may indemnify any director made a party to any proceeding by reason
of service in that capacity, unless it is established that: (i) the act or
omission of the director was material to the matter giving rise to the
proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith; or (2) was the result of active
and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) the director actually received an improper
personal benefit in money, property, or services; or (iii) in the case of any
criminal proceeding, the director had reasonable cause to believe that the act
or omission was unlawful.
A Maryland corporation may not indemnify any Director in connection with a
Proceeding by or in the right of the corporation if the Director has been
adjudged to be liable to the corporation. A Director or officer who has been
successful in the defense of any Proceeding described above shall be indemnified
against reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the Proceeding. The
corporation may not indemnify a Director in respect of any Proceeding charging
improper personal benefits to the Director in which the Director was adjudged to
be liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received.
Notwithstanding the above provisions, a court of appropriate jurisdiction, upon
application of the Director or officer, may order indemnification if it
determines that in view of all the relevant circumstances, the Director or
officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification; however,
indemnification with respect to any Proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation or in which liability was adjudged on the basis that personal
benefit was improperly received shall be limited to expenses. A corporation may
advance reasonable expenses to a Director under certain circumstances, including
a written undertaking by or on behalf of such Director to repay the amount if it
shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct necessary for
indemnification by the corporation has not been met. A corporation may indemnify
and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation to the same extent that it
may indemnify Directors under the statute. The indemnification and advancement
of expenses provided or authorized by this statute may not be deemed exclusive
of any other rights, by indemnification or otherwise, to which a Director or
officer may be entitled under the charter, by-laws, a resolution of shareholders
or directors, an agreement or otherwise.
Under Section 13.1-697 of the VSCA, a Virginia corporation may indemnify a
Director who was, is, or is threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding if
the Director acted in good faith and (i) he believed, in the case of conduct in
his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in the best
interests of the corporation or, in the case of other conduct, that his conduct
was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, or (ii) in
the case of a criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a Director in connection
with (i) a Proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the
Director was found liable to the corporation or (ii) any other proceeding
charging improper personal benefit to him, whether or not involving action in
his official capacity, in which he was adjudged liable on the basis
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that personal benefit was improperly received. Indemnification permitted under
this section of the VSCA in connection with a Proceeding by or in the right of
the corporation is limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
the Proceeding.
Under Section 13.1-698, unless limited by its Articles of Incorporation, a
corporation must indemnify against reasonable expenses a Director who entirely
prevails in the defense of any Proceeding to which he was a party because he is
or was a Director of the corporation.
Under Section 13.1-700.1, a court of appropriate jurisdiction, upon the
application of a Director, may order a corporation to advance or reimburse
expenses or provide indemnification if the court determines that the Director is
so entitled. With respect to a Proceeding by or in the right of the corporation,
a court may order indemnification of the Director to the extent of his
reasonable expenses even though he was adjudged liable to the corporation.
Under Section 13.1-699, a corporation may advance reasonable expenses to a
Director made a party to a Proceeding under certain circumstances, including the
furnishing by the Director of (i) a written statement of his good faith belief
that he has met the standard of conduct necessary to obtain indemnification and
(ii) a written undertaking to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined
that he did not meet that standard. Under Section 13.1-702, a corporation may
indemnify an officer, employee or agent of a corporation to the same extent as a
Director. Under Section 13.1-704, a corporation may provide indemnification in
addition to that provided by statute if authorized by its Articles of
Incorporation, a bylaw made by the shareholders, or any resolution adopted by
the shareholders, except indemnification against willful misconduct or a knowing
violation of the criminal law.
Pursuant to Section 7.5 of the Merger Agreement, the parties thereto have
agreed that the Company will, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable
law, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the present and former directors,
officers and employees of each of the parties thereto and their respective
subsidiaries against (i) all losses, expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses), claims, damages, costs, liabilities, judgments or amounts
that are paid in settlement of or in connection with any claim, action, suit,
proceeding or investigation (a) based in whole or in part on or arising in whole
or in part out of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or
employee of such party or any subsidiary thereof, and (b) pertaining to any
matter existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted
or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, and (ii) all Indemnified
Liabilities based in whole or in part on, or arising in whole or in part out of,
or pertaining to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby.
Further, the parties to the Merger Agreement have also agreed that for a
period of six years after the Effective Time, the Company will cause to be
maintained in effect the policies of directors' and officers' liability
insurance maintained by BGE and PEPCO; PROVIDED that the Company may substitute
therefor policies of at least the same coverage containing terms that are no
less advantageous with respect to matters occurring prior to the Effective Time
to the extent such liability insurance can be maintained annually at a cost to
the Company not greater than 200% of the current aggregate annual premiums for
the policies currently maintained by BGE and PEPCO for their directors' and
officers' liability insurance; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that if such insurance cannot
be so maintained or obtained at such cost, the Company will maintain or obtain
as much of such insurance for each of BGE and PEPCO as can be so maintained or
obtained at a cost equal to 200% of the respective current annual premiums of
each of BGE and PEPCO for their directors' and officers' liability insurance.
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ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
- ---------
<S> <C>
(2)-1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Baltimore Gas and Electric Company ("BGE"), Potomac Electric
Power Company ("PEPCO") and Constellation Energy Corporation, formerly named RH Acquisition Corp. (the
"Company"), dated as of September 22, 1995 (Exhibit A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained
in this Registration Statement (the "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus")).*
(2)-2 BGE Stock Option Agreement by and between BGE and PEPCO, dated as of September 22, 1995 (Exhibit B1 to
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(2)-3 PEPCO Stock Option Agreement by and between BGE and PEPCO, dated as of September 22, 1995 (Exhibit B2 to
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(3)-1 Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (Exhibit E to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus).*
(3)-2 Form of By-laws of the Company (Exhibit F to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(4) Reference is made to Articles NINTH, TENTH and ELEVENTH of the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Company (Exhibit E to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(5)-1 Opinion of David A. Brune, General Counsel of BGE, as to the legality of the shares of Company Common
Stock, Company Preferred Stock and Company Preference Stock being registered.
(5)-2 Opinion of Piper & Marbury as to the legality of the shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred
Stock and Company Preference Stock being registered.
(8)-1 Opinion of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts as to tax matters.+
(8)-2 Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. as to tax matters.+
(10)-1 Employment Agreement of Edward F. Mitchell (Exhibit C1 to the Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-2 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995).*
(10)-2 Employment Agreement of Christian H. Poindexter (Exhibit C2 to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-1 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995).*
(10)-3 Employment Agreement of Edward A. Crooke (Exhibit C3 to the Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-4 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995).*
(10)-4 Employment Agreement of John M. Derrick, Jr. (Exhibit C4 to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-3 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995).*
(10)-5 Company Long-Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit H to the Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus).*
(12)-1 BGE Statement of computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to fixed
charges and preferred and preference stock dividends combined.+
(12)-2 PEPCO Statement of computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends combined.+
(12)-3 Company Statement of computation of pro forma ratios of earnings to fixed charges and pro forma ratios
of earnings to fixed charges and preferred and preference stock dividends combined.+
(15) Letter re unaudited interim financial information.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(23)-1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent accountants for BGE (included in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement).*
(23)-2 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants for PEPCO.*
(23)-3 Consent of David A. Brune, Esq. (contained in his opinion filed as Exhibit (5)-1).
(23)-4 Consent of Piper & Marbury (contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit (5)-2).
(23)-5 Consent of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit (8)-1).+
(23)-6 Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. (contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit (8)-2).+
(99)-1 Form of proxy materials to be used in connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders of BGE.
(99)-2 Form of proxy materials to be used in connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders of PEPCO.*
(99)-3 Consent of Edward F. Mitchell (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-4 to the Registration Statement filed
December 7, 1995).*
(99)-4 Consent of Christian H. Poindexter (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-3 to the Registration Statement
filed December 7, 1995).*
(99)-5 Consent of Edward A. Crooke (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-6 to the Registration Statement filed
December 7, 1995).*
(99)-6 Consent of John M. Derrick, Jr. (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-5 to the Registration Statement filed
December 7, 1995).*
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement filed December
7, 1995
+ Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement filed January 26, 1996
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement.
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the
information required to be included in a post-effective
II-4
<PAGE>
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA
FIDE offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a)
or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable,
each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference
in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(5) That prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered
hereunder through use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration
statement, by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the
meaning of Rule 145(c), the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus
will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form with
respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to
the information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
(6) That every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant to paragraph (5)
immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet the requirements of Section
10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with an offering of securities
subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration
statement and will not be used until such amendment is effective, and that, for
purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 20 of this
registration statement, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling
person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(8) To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference
into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within
one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated
documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes
information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the
registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
(9) To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information
concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that
was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became
effective.
II-5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New
York on February 6, 1996.
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
By: ______/s/ CHARLES W. SHIVERY______
Charles W. Shivery,
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
------------------------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.*
SIGNATURE AND TITLE
________/s/ CHARLES W. SHIVERY________
Charles W. Shivery,
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
(DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
OFFICER)
_________/s/ DENNIS R. WRAASE_________
Dennis R. Wraase,
PRESIDENT AND TREASURER
(DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL
AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
__________/s/ DAVID A. BRUNE__________
David A. Brune,
DIRECTOR
- ------------------------
*Each of the above signatures is affixed as of February 6, 1996.
II-6
<PAGE>
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
EXHIBIT INDEX
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4
The following exhibits are filed with this Registration Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
- ---------
<S> <C>
(2)-1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Baltimore Gas and Electric Company ("BGE"), Potomac Electric
Power Company ("PEPCO") and Constellation Energy Corporation, formerly named RH Acquisition Corp. (the
"Company"), dated as of September 22, 1995 (Exhibit A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus contained
in this Registration Statement (the "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus")).*
(2)-2 BGE Stock Option Agreement by and between BGE and PEPCO, dated as of September 22, 1995 (Exhibit B1 to
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(2)-3 PEPCO Stock Option Agreement by and between BGE and PEPCO, dated as of September 22, 1995 (Exhibit B2 to
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(3)-1 Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (Exhibit E to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus).*
(3)-2 Form of Bylaws of the Company (Exhibit F to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(4) Reference is made to Articles NINTH, TENTH and ELEVENTH of the Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of the Company (Exhibit E to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus).*
(5)-1 Opinion of David A. Brune, General Counsel of BGE, as to the legality of the shares of Company Common
Stock, Company Preferred Stock and Company Preference Stock being registered.
(5)-2 Opinion of Piper & Marbury as to the legality of the shares of Company Common Stock, Company Preferred
Stock and Company Preference Stock being registered.
(8)-1 Opinion of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts as to tax matters.+
(8)-2 Opinion of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. as to tax matters.+
(10)-1 Employment Agreement of Edward F. Mitchell (Exhibit C1 to the Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-2 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995).*
(10)-2 Employment Agreement of Christian H. Poindexter (Exhibit C2 to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-1 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995.*
(10)-3 Employment Agreement of Edward A. Crooke (Exhibit C3 to the Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-4 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995).*
(10)-4 Employment Agreement of John M. Derrick, Jr. (Exhibit C4 to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus,
previously filed as Exhibit (10)-3 to the Registration Statement filed December 7, 1995).*
(10)-5 Company Long-Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit H to the Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus).*
(12)-1 BGE Statement of computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to fixed
charges and preferred and preference stock dividends combined.+
(12)-2 PEPCO Statement of computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends combined.+
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(12)-3 Company Statement of computation of pro forma ratios of earnings to fixed charges and pro forma ratios
of earnings to fixed charges and preferred and preference stock dividends combined.+
(15) Letter re unaudited interim financial information.
(23)-1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., independent accountants for BGE (included in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement).*
(23)-2 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants for PEPCO.*
(23)-3 Consent of David A. Brune, Esq. (contained in his opinion filed as Exhibit (5)-1).
(23)-4 Consent of Piper & Marbury (contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit (5)-2).
(23)-5 Consent of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts (contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit (8)-1).+
(23)-6 Consent of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P. (contained in their opinion filed as Exhibit (8)-2).+
(99)-1 Form of proxy materials to be used in connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders of BGE.
(99)-2 Form of proxy materials to be used in connection with the Special Meeting of Shareholders of PEPCO.*
(99)-3 Consent of Edward F. Mitchell (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-4 to the Registration Statement filed
December 7, 1995).*
(99)-4 Consent of Christian H. Poindexter (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-3 to the Registration Statement
filed December 7, 1995).*
(99)-5 Consent of Edward A. Crooke (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-6 to the Registration Statement filed
December 7, 1995).*
(99)-6 Consent of John M. Derrick, Jr. (previously filed as Exhibit (99)-5 to the Registration Statement filed
December 7, 1995).*
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement filed December
7, 1995
+ Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement filed January 26, 1996
<PAGE>
[BGE LETTERHEAD]
EXHIBIT (5)-1
January 29, 1996
[LOGO]
Constellation Energy Corporation
c/o Winthrop Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, NY
Gentlemen:
This opinion is provided in connection with Registration No. 33-64799 on
Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") filed by Constellation Energy
Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, regarding the proposed issuance of up to
284,127,415 shares of Constellation Energy Common Stock, no par value (the
"Common Shares"), 591,849 shares of Constellation Energy Corporation Class A
Preferred Stock, $100 par value (the "Class A Preferred Shares"), 5,376,465
shares of Constellation Energy Corporation Class B Preferred Shares, $50 par
value (the "Class B Preferred Shares"), 5,520,000 shares of Constellation Energy
Corporation Preference Stock, $100 par value (the "Preference Shares"). The
Common Shares, the Class A Preferred Shares, the Class B Preferred Shares, and
the Preference Shares together are referred to as the "Stock" in this opinion.
The Stock will be issued in connection with the proposed merger of Baltimore Gas
and Electric Company ("BGE") and Potomac Electric Power Company ("PEPCO") into
Constellation Energy Corporation (the "Proposed Merger") as described in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 22, 1995 among BGE, PEPCO,
and Constellation Energy (the "Merger Agreement"). The Merger Agreement is filed
as Exhibit (2)-1 to the Registration Statement.
I am the General Counsel of BGE, a Maryland corporation, and head of its
Legal Department. BGE is a shareholder of Constellation Energy Corporation, and
Constellation Energy Corporation has requested that I provide this opinion. I am
licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland. I have relied upon the
opinion of Piper & Marbury as to matters of Virginia law. In connection with
this opinion. I, together with attorneys I supervise, have considered, among
other things (1) the proposed Charter of Constellation Energy Corporation filed
as Exhibit (3)-(1) to the Registration Statement (the "Proposed Charter"); (2)
the proposed By-Laws of Constellation Energy Corporation filed as Exhibit
(3)-(2) to the Registration Statement (the "Proposed By-laws"); (3) the
corporate proceedings for approval of the issuance and sale of the Stock; (4)
the Registration Statement; (5) the Merger Agreement; (6) the provisions of the
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (the "1935 Act"),
together with an order dated January 16, 1956, issued by the Commission (File
No. 31-631) exempting BGE from the provisions of the 1935 Act applicable to it
as a holding company; (7) the opinion of Piper & Marbury dated January 24, 1996
concerning the applicability and effect of Virginia law to the matters covered
in this opinion; and (8) such other documents, transactions, and matters of law
as we deemed necessary in order to render this opinion.
This opinion is subject to (1) appropriate resolutions being adopted by
Constellation Energy Corporation Board of Directors prior to the issuance of the
Stock; (2) the Registration Statement becoming effective under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended; (3) proper adoption, filing, and recording of the
Proposed Charter and the proper adoption of the Proposed By-Laws so that both
are in effect at the time of issuance of the Stock; (4) the authorization of the
Public Service Commission of Maryland for the issuance of the Stock, and, if
required, authorizations from the public services commissions of the District of
Columbia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania; and (5) the Proposed Merger being
consummated as contemplated in the Merger Agreement.
<PAGE>
Constellation Energy Corporation
January 29, 1996
Page 2
Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that the Stock, when issued and
delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Merger Agreement, will
constitute legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Constellation
Energy Corporation Common Stock, Class A Preferred Stock, Class B Preferred
Stock, or Preference Stock, as the case may be.
The opinion expressed herein concerns only the effect of the law (excluding
the principles of conflicts of law) of the State of Maryland and the United
States of America as currently in effect and, to the extent covered in the Piper
& Marbury opinion, the law of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
This opinion is provided solely for your benefit and may not be relied upon
by, or quoted to, any other person or entity, in whole or in part, without my
prior written consent.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the references to me in the Registration Statement
(and any amendments thereto) or the prospectus and proxy statement constituting
a part of the Registration Statement (and any amendments or supplements
thereto).
Very truly yours,
__________/s/_DAVID A. BRUNE__________
David A. Brune
<PAGE>
[PIPER & MARBURY LETTERHEAD]
EXHIBIT (5)-2
January 24, 1996
Constellation Energy Corporation
c/o Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts
One Battery Park Place
New York, New York
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-4
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as counsel to Constellation Energy Corporation, (the
"Company"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Act") of 284,127,415 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, no par value (the "Common Shares"), 591,849 shares of the Company's Class
A Preferred Stock, $100 par value (the "Class A Preferred Shares"), 5,376,465
shares of the Company's Class B Preferred Shares, $50 par value (the "Class B
Preferred Shares"), and 5,520,000 shares of the Company's Preference Stock, $100
par value (the "Preference Shares"). The Common Shares, the Class A Preferred
Shares, the Class B Preferred Shares and the Preference Shares together are
referred to as the "Stock" in this opinion. The Stock will be issued in
connection with the proposed merger of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
("BGE") and Potomac Electric Power Company ("PEPCO") into the Company (the
"Proposed Merger") as described in the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
September 22, 1995 among BGE, PEPCO, and the Company (the "Merger Agreement").
The Stock is being registered on Registration Statement No. 33-64799 on Form S-4
(the "Registration Statement") filed by the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Merger Agreement is filed as an
Exhibit to the Registration Statement.
We have reviewed the Company's charter as it is proposed to be amended and
restated (the "Proposed Charter"), and its proposed by-laws (the "Proposed
By-Laws"), both of which are filed as Exhibits to the Registration Statement. We
have reviewed the Registration Statement and the Merger Agreement and have
examined and relied upon such corporate records of the Company and other
documents and certificates as to factual matters as we have deemed necessary or
appropriate for the purpose of rendering the opinion expressed herein. We have
assumed, without independent verification, the genuineness of the signatures on
and the authenticity of all documents furnished to us by the Company.
This opinion is subject to (1) appropriate resolutions being adopted by
Constellation Energy Corporation Board of Directors prior to the issuance of the
Stock; (2) the Registration Statement becoming effective under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended; (3) proper adoption of the Proposed Charter and the
proper adoption of the Proposed By-Laws so that both are in effect at the time
of issuance of the Stock; (4) the authorization of the Public Service Commission
of Maryland for the issuance of the Stock, and, if required, authorizations from
the public services commissions of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and
Pennsylvania; and (5) the Proposed Merger being consummated as contemplated in
the Merger Agreement.
<PAGE>
Constellation Energy Corporation
January 24, 1996
Page 2
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion and advise you that the
Stock has been duly authorized and, when issued and paid for pursuant to the
Merger Agreement in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement, will
have been validly and legally issued and will be fully paid and non-assessable.
The opinion expressed herein concerns only the effect of the law (excluding
the principles of conflicts of law) of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the
United States of America.
This opinion is provided solely for your benefit and may not be relied upon
by, or quoted to, any other person or entity, in whole or in part, without our
prior written consent except that David A. Brune may rely upon this opinion in
rendering his opinion to you dated today regarding the Stock.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use
of our name under the caption "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus and proxy
statement included therein.
Very truly yours,
/s/_PIPER & MARBURY
Piper & Marbury
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (12)-1
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY (BGE)
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND
PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12 MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Income............................................... $ 338,007 $ 323,617 $ 309,866 $ 264,347 $ 233,681
Taxes on Income.......................................... 172,388 156,702 140,833 105,994 88,041
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Adjusted Net Income...................................... $ 510,395 $ 480,319 $ 450,699 $ 370,341 $ 321,722
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Fixed Charges:
Interest and Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense
and Premium on all Indebtedness....................... $ 206,666 $ 204,206 $ 199,415 $ 200,848 $ 213,616
Capitalized Interest................................... 15,050 12,427 16,167 13,800 20,953
Interest Factor in Rentals............................. 2,099 2,010 2,144 2,033 1,801
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Fixed Charges.................................... $ 223,815 $ 218,643 $ 217,726 $ 216,681 $ 236,370
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Preferred and Preference
Dividend Requirements:
Preferred and Preference Dividends..................... $ 40,578 $ 39,922 $ 41,839 $ 42,247 $ 42,746
Income Tax Required.................................... 20,434 19,074 18,763 16,729 15,916
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Preferred and Preference Dividend Requirements... $ 61,012 $ 58,996 $ 60,602 $ 58,976 $ 58,662
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Fixed Charges and Preferred and Preference Dividend
Requirements............................................ $ 284,827 $ 277,639 $ 278,328 $ 275,657 $ 295,032
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings (1)............................................. $ 719,160 $ 686,535 $ 652,258 $ 373,222 $ 537,139
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges................................................. 3.21 3.14 3.00 2.65 2.27
Ratio of Earnings to Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred
and Preference Dividend
Requirements............................................ 2.52 2.47 2.34 2.08 1.82
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Earnings consist of adjusted net income and total fixed charges excluding
capitalized interest.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (12)-2
POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY (PEPCO)
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND
PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12 MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Income............................................... $ 94,391 $ 227,162 $ 241,579 $ 200,760 $ 210,164
Taxes on Income.......................................... 43,731 93,953 62,145 79,481 80,737
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Adjusted Net Income...................................... $ 138,122 $ 321,115 $ 303,724 $ 280,241 $ 290,901
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Fixed Charges:
Interest and Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense
and Premium on all Indebtedness....................... $ 238,195 $ 223,993 $ 219,253 $ 224,253 $ 218,781
Capitalized Interest................................... 529 521 2,059 2,200 6,542
Interest Factor in Rentals............................. 26,685 9,938 9,257 6,599 6,080
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Fixed Charges.................................... $ 265,409 $ 234,452 $ 230,569 $ 233,052 $ 231,403
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Preferred and Preference
Dividend Requirements:
Preferred and Preference Dividends..................... $ 16,851 $ 16,437 $ 16,255 $ 14,392 $ 12,298
Income Tax Required.................................... 7,751 6,739 4,226 5,757 4,673
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Preferred and Preference Dividend Requirements... $ 24,602 $ 23,176 $ 20,481 $ 20,149 $ 16,971
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Fixed Charges and Preferred and Preference Dividend
Requirements............................................ $ 290,011 $ 257,628 $ 251,050 $ 253,201 $ 248,374
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Earnings (1)............................................. $ 403,002 $ 555,046 $ 532,234 $ 511,093 $ 515,762
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges................................................. 1.52 2.37 2.31 2.19 2.23
Ratio of Earnings to Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred
and Preference Dividend
Requirements............................................ 1.39 2.15 2.12 2.02 2.08
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Earnings consist of adjusted net income and total fixed charges excluding
capitalized interest.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (12)-3
CONSTELLATION ENERGY CORPORATION
COMPUTATION OF PRO FORMA RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED
CHARGES AND PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12 MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Income........................................ $ 432,398 $ 550,779 $ 551,445 $ 465,107 $ 443,845
Taxes on Income................................... 216,119 250,655 202,978 185,475 168,778
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Adjusted Net Income............................... $ 648,517 $ 801,434 $ 754,423 $ 650,582 $ 612,623
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Fixed Charges:
Interest and Amortization of Debt Discount and
Expense and Premium on all Indebtedness........ $ 444,861 $ 428,199 $ 418,668 $ 425,101 $ 432,397
Capitalized Interest............................ 15,579 12,948 18,226 16,000 27,495
Interest Factor in Rentals...................... 28,784 11,948 11,401 8,632 7,881
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Fixed Charges............................. $ 489,224 $ 453,095 $ 448,295 $ 449,733 $ 467,773
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Preferred and Preference
Dividend Requirements:
Preferred and Preference Dividends.............. $ 57,429 $ 56,359 $ 58,094 $ 56,639 $ 55,044
Income Tax Required............................. 28,185 25,813 22,989 22,486 20,589
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Preferred and Preference Dividend
Requirements................................... $ 85,614 $ 82,172 $ 81,083 $ 79,125 $ 75,633
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Fixed Charges and Preferred and Preference
Dividend Requirements............................ $ 574,838 $ 535,267 $ 529,378 $ 528,858 $ 543,406
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Earnings (1)...................................... $ 1,122,162 $ 1,241,581 $ 1,184,492 $ 1,084,315 $ 1,052,901
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges.......................................... 2.29 2.74 2.64 2.41 2.25
Ratio of Earnings to Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred
and Preference Dividend
Requirements..................................... 1.95 2.32 2.24 2.05 1.94
</TABLE>
- --------------------------
(1) Earnings consist of adjusted net income and total fixed charges excluding
capitalized interest.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 15
February 6, 1996
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are aware that Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Potomac Electric Power
Company have incorporated by reference our reports on the unaudited financial
statements of Potomac Electric Power Company dated May 1, 1995, July 28, 1995
and October 30, 1995 (issued pursuant to the provisions of Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 71) in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus constituting part of
this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed on or
about February 6, 1996. We are also aware of our responsibilities under the
Securities Act of 1933.
Very truly yours,
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Washington, D.C.
<PAGE>
Exhibit (23)-2
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
------------------------
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus constituting part of this Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Constellation Energy Corporation of our
report dated January 26, 1995, which appears on page 31 of Potomac Electric
Power Company's 1994 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by
reference in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1994. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report on the
Financial Statement Schedule, which appears on page 48 of such Annual Report on
Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated
January 19, 1996, which appears on page 30 of Exhibit 99 of the Current Report
on Form 8-K of the Potomac Electric Power Company dated February 6, 1996. We
also consent to the reference to us under the heading 'Experts' in such Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Washington, D.C.
February 6, 1996
<PAGE>
TEAR HERE ALONG THE PERFORATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO] BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
P.O. BOX 1642, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21203-1642
PREFERENCE STOCK PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS -
MARCH 29, 1996
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PLEASE VOTE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
The undersigned appoints Jerome W. Geckle, George V. McGowan and Christian M.
Poindexter (or a majority of them or their substitutes, or one acting alone in
the absence of the others), as proxies, with power to each to appoint a
substitute and to revoke the appointment of such substitute, to vote all
shares of preferred stock of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the special meeting to he held on March 29,
1996, and at any adjournments thereof, in the manner specified on the reverse
side of this card with respect to the proposed merger with Potomac Electric
Power Company (as set forth in the Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy
Statement).
SHARES REPRESENTED BY ALL PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED AT THE
SPECIAL MEETING IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, VOTES
WILL BE CAST "FOR" THE PROPOSED MERGER WITH POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY.
(OVER)
<PAGE>
THIS IS YOUR PROXY
TEAR HERE, VOTE, SIGN
& RETURN IN THE POSTAGE
PAID ENVELOPE
TEAR HERE ALONG THE PERFORATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSED MERGER WITH POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY IS
RECOMMENDED:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED / / / / / /
MERGER WITH POTOMAC
ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING.
Please sign below, exactly as name
appears above. Joint owners should EACH
sign. Attorney, executors,
administrators, trustees and corporate
officials should give title or capacity
in which they are signing.
Signature ________________
Date ________
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY Signature ________________ Date ________
<PAGE>
TEAR HERE ALONG THE PERFORATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO] BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
P.O. BOX 1642, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21203-1642
COMMON STOCK PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS - MARCH
29, 1995
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PLEASE VOTE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
The undersigned appoints Jerome W. Gackle, George V. McGowan and Christian H.
Poindexter (or a majority of them or their substitutes, or one acting alone in
the absence of the others), as proxies, with power to each to appoint a
substitute and to revoke the appointment of of such substitute, to vote all
shares of common stock of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the special meeting to he held on March 29,
1996, and at any adjournments thereof, in the manner specified on the reverse
side of this card with respect to each item identified thereon (as set forth
in the Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement), and in their discretion
on any other business as may properly come before the special meeting.
SHARES REPRESENTED BY ALL PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED AT THE
SPECIAL MEETING IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, VOTES
WILL BE CAST "FOR" ITEMS 1 AND 2 ON REVERSE OF THIS CARD.
(OVER)
<PAGE>
THIS IS YOUR PROXY
TEAR HERE, VOTE, SIGN
& RETURN IN THE POSTAGE
PAID ENVELOPE
TEAR HERE ALONG THE PERFORATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A VOTE "FOR" ITEMS 1 AND 2 IS RECOMMENDED:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED / / / / / /
MERGER WITH POTOMAC
ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
2. APPROVAL OF NEW COMPANY / / / / / /
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING.
Please sign below, exactly as name
appears above. Joint owners should EACH
sign. Attorney, executors,
administrators, trustees and corporate
officials should give title or capacity
in which they are signing.
Signature ________________
Date ________
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY Signature ________________ Date ________
<PAGE>
TEAR HERE ALONG THE PERFORATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO] BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY
P.O. BOX 1642, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21203-1642
PREFERRED STOCK PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS -
MARCH 29, 1996
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PLEASE VOTE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
The undersigned appoints Jerome W. Geckle, George V. McGowan and Christian M.
Poindexter (or a majority of them or their substitutes, or one acting alone in
the absence of the others), as proxies, with power to each to appoint a
substitute and to revoke the appointment of such substitute, to vote all
shares of preferred stock of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the special meeting to he held on March 29,
1996, and at any adjournments thereof, in the manner specified on the reverse
side of this card with respect to the proposed merger with Potomac Electric
Power Company (as set forth in the Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy
Statement).
SHARES REPRESENTED BY ALL PROPERLY EXECUTED PROXIES WILL BE VOTED AT THE
SPECIAL MEETING IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, VOTES
WILL BE CAST "FOR" THE PROPOSED MERGER WITH POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY.
(OVER)
<PAGE>
THIS IS YOUR PROXY
TEAR HERE, VOTE, SIGN
& RETURN IN THE POSTAGE
PAID ENVELOPE
TEAR HERE ALONG THE PERFORATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSED MERGER WITH POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY IS
RECOMMENDED:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED / / / / / /
MERGER WITH POTOMAC
ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / PLEASE CHECK THIS BOX IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING.
Please sign below, exactly as name
appears above. Joint owners should EACH
sign. Attorney, executors,
administrators, trustees and corporate
officials should give title or capacity
in which they are signing.
Signature ________________
Date ________
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY Signature ________________ Date ________
<PAGE>
CONFIDENTIAL VOTING INSTRUCTIONS TO TRUSTEE
PLEASE VOTE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
THESE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE REQUESTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A PROXY SOLICITATION
BY THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY.
TO: T. ROWE PRICE TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE BALTIMORE GAS AND
ELECTRIC COMPANY EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN
I hereby instruct T. Rowe Price Trust Company, as Trustee under the Baltimore
Gas and Electric Company Employee Savings Plan (Plan), to vote by proxy, all
shares of common stock of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (Company) allocated
to me under the Plan at the special meeting of the shareholders of the Company
to be held on March 29, 1996, and at any adjournments thereof, in the manner
specified on the reverse side of this form with respect to each item identified
thereon (as set forth in the Notice of Special Meeting and Proxy Statement), and
Jerome W. Geckle, George V. McGowan and Christian H. Poindexter, in their
discretion, shall vote in person any shareholder proposal omitted from this
proxy and such other business as may properly come before the special meeting.
The Trustee will vote the shares represented by this voting instructions card if
properly signed and received by March 22, 1996. If no instructions are specified
on a signed card, the shares represented thereby will be voted in accordance
with the recommendations of the Board of Directors of the Company: "FOR" Items 1
and 2. The Trustee is not permitted under the Plan to vote shares of common
stock unless voting instructions have been received.
(over)
<PAGE>
PLEASE MARK YOUR CHOICE LIKE THIS /X/ IN DARK INK.
A VOTE "FOR" ITEMS 1 AND 2 IS RECOMMENDED:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED MERGER / / / / / /
WITH POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER
COMPANY
<CAPTION>
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2. APPROVAL OF THE NEW COMPANY / / / / / /
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
</TABLE>
Please sign below, exactly
as your name appears on the
reverse side of this form.
______________ _________
BALTIMORE GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY SIGNATURE
DATE
